Saturday, June 20, 2009

"Fragile" Baby

Thursday night, I went solo to the baptism class offered by our Catholic church. We aren't sure when we'll get Lexie baptized, because church was one of two places doctors told us never to bring her, because of the multitude of germs swarming about. (Grocery stores are the other off-limits category.) We were hoping to get the baptism done this summer, if it fits in the church's schedule. But we weren't sure -- we are still thinking of waiting until next summer, by which time her immune system should be caught up with those of her peers.

During the class, the instructor mentioned something about "a private baptism," which would be for sick babies or baptisms that expect a very large crowd. After the class, I approached the instructor and mentioned Lexie's prematurity and weak immune system, asking if this was an appropriate reason to schedule a private baptism.

"Oh," she replied. "You have a fragile baby?"

For a split second, my mouth hung open. I was at a loss for a response. What the heck does that mean, a "fragile baby"? I sure didn't want to answer in the affirmative.

So I burst out laughing, tears collecting in the corners of my eyes.

And the awkwardness descended upon us like a cloud.

Then I explained that I didn't like to think of my daughter as fragile, although she does need a little extra help and protection. I think the woman was a little chagrined at the exchange. She did say that we could probably arrange a private ceremony, although scheduling could be a challenge.

But I keep thinking about the term fragile. She was definitely fragile when we brought her home. I was terrified that she'd just stop breathing, or that I'd drop her and mortally wound her tiny body.


But now she seems pretty hardy.


Fragile? I don't know. What do you think? Is there a better term out there?

10 comments:

In Due Time said...

I vote for hardy, too! ;-)

She's beautiful.

kgiff said...

I think we're all fragile in some ways...

She's adorable! I'm so glad she's doing well!

Mary said...

She has come a long way:)

Thanks for the info on getting a cerclage. I think we've decided that we are just going to demand one. I'm just not willing to risk anything with this pregnancy.

dcpeg said...

Little Lexie has spunk, so I cannot imagine fragile applying to her. Perthaps "immunologically challenged" is more accurate. . .

Ken said...

I generally prefer clear language to political correctness, but that phrase just seems silly. Aren't all babies fragile, especially at the age they're typically baptized? Does the priest feel free to drop non-fragile babies on the floor, or cough on them? And why is any catchphrase necessary? Do they baptize so many children they can't think about them as individuals? She's Lexie. Why isn't that enough?

Echloe said...

That is such a weird response. I wouldn't think fragile when told a baby was born premature. In fact I would think they were anything but fragile. Strong is what I think. For a tiny baby to survive outside of its mom 10 weeks too early takes a ton of fight. So that lady was wrong in her thinking.

ICLW

Bluebird said...

Nah, not fragile. Just precious :)

areyoukiddingme said...

I like to think I'm delicate (ha!)...as in I'm too delicate to weed the garden. I'm too delicate to be out in the sun. I'm hardy as a horse, but when it comes to something I don't wanna do...I'm delicate.

Lexie doesn't look fragile...

caramama said...

I also think we're all fragile in some way, but I can't believe that that was the woman's reply. I like dcpeg's "immunologically challenged" because that seems much more accurate, if she must be labeled anything.

She really is gorgeous and so strong to get through what she's been through so far! You've got a tough cookie.

ThePreemie Experiment said...

What a cutie!

As I was reading "fragile", all I could think of was the dad in "A Christmas Story" reading the word on the crate that was just delivered. lol

We used to be Catholic (now we are atheist-how's that for a flip) and we had a private baptism for Paige (former 25 weeker). It was wonderful and I would highly suggest it especially with the swine flu running about.