The Tube Fairy

We did a lot of swimming this summer. A LOT. And unfortunately, Cooper suffered from swimmers ear ALOT in spite of our best efforts to keep his ears dry. All those infections sent us back to the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor a few weeks ago. He determined that Cooper's tubes were actually out but sort of stuck to his ear drum. He sent us home with instructions to flush Cooper's ears with mineral oil for 10 days and then return to clinic.

Last week we returned to clinic - hopefully for the last time- to have the tubes removed. We were a bit nervous because we understood this might require some maneuvering. But we were willing to give it a try in the office before we opted for a more involved procedure. Cooper has always been great about going to the doctor and especially about getting his ears checked. He never fusses or puts up a fight. I was worried that today we would ruin all that. However, once again I worried needlessly. (Yes, I'm beginning to see the theme.)

It took about 3 minutes for the doctor to suction the tubes out of Cooper's ears. The mineral oil did the trick and Cooper never flinched. He was so brave - which in itself was almost enough to make me cry.

Before the doctor finished up he told Cooper that there was a "Tube Fairy". I wondered for a minute how in the world that was supposed to work. I mean, I have the whole fairy thing down but those tubes are pretty small. Soon the nurse handed me a cup containing the tubes. She said, take these home and wash them off. Then thread them onto a safety pin. The "Tube Fairy" can't miss them that way.

As you can see by the smile on this little boy's face - the "Tube Fairy" delivered in the way of 4 sparkling quarters found under his pillow.

And those ear tubes, we'll hopefully they're gone for good.