After a picture of baby and daddy on the big farm tractor we made our way to the food tent. We reviewed the menu of pork sandwiches and fruit salad and cider and donuts. Then it happened. A bee.
It landed right on the baby's hand and I quickly went to shoo it away when he moved his hand into mine and he was stung. Clear as day there was the stinger right in his fourth finger on his right hand. Without thinking I plucked it right out and waited for the crying to commence. It didn't happen. He was displeased, but no crying no tears.
I looked at my husband who was concerned. He is allergic to bees. It is not a serious allergy, but this is our baby or tiny baby and we did not know what to expect. We hurried off to find first aid and still the baby was not upset. Surprisingly I kept calm as well.
A lovely older gentleman said they had analgesic to take away the sting, but because the baby was not upset or crying he advocated just putting some ice on it instead. He got us a bag and we put it on his little hand. It was slightly swollen and he liked the ice. I am unsure of it was the sound of the crinkling bag or the feeling on his hand but he was soothed either way.
As a mother the fears of the unknown never cease. Since my husband is allergic to bees we have always worried if that allergy was passed to our son. Today was a reminder that no matter how much I worry I cannot stop things from happening. I can only control my reaction to these events.
I believe my calmness helped the baby to stay calm as well. I have to say the cider and bits of donut I gave him probably helped his mood as well; however, it is a reminder. A reminder to react with an unruffled presence of mind as well as swiftly in those moments of uncertainty.
Our day continued and we went through the corn maze. We watched other families with older children pick their own pumpkins. I thought about next year and how much fun it will be for Brenton to participate in picking his very own pumpkin.
I had almost forgotten about the bee sting until we came to the candy apples and they were everywhere, so my husband took the baby away and I made the purchase. One final stop at the farm store rounded out the day. As I put Brenton into his carseat I glanced at his slightly swollen finger and thought about how lucky we were that he is such a brave boy and also that the allergy seemed to have passed him over.
We will never forget his first trip to Terhune. The same place I spent fall days growing up. I look forward to next year, but without a bee sting and maybe with more donuts.
