Banged Up December!

When I was preparing to become a mother, one of the things that people warned me about what how kids tend to catch everything. This was one of the things that didn't quite sink in. I was also unprepared for how sick I was going to be as a result! Man, those little guys are like little petri dishes! Once they start to get mobile and start using their mouths to examine things, the real fun begins.

I am not unique in my experience with the Pediatrician's office. In fact, on of my not-so-secret pet peeves is when mothers complain (especially on facebook) about how sick their children are as if they are the the only ones. Because I've probably done this myself, and I know the reason is probably because you do feel isolated when a germ attacks the family, I should probably cut them some slack.

I'm documenting the unfortunate events of this past December, not in a "woe is me" theme, but merely to document it, and to let all you parents know that you're not alone! Also, maybe it will make you feel better; you can always look at us and know "it could be worse!"

I'll try to make this short and sweet. A simple timeline will work. Let's journey back to November...

November 4th (Christmas Photos Scheduled for next day) - Daycare called. C has 102. Trip to the doctor. Ear Infection. Antibiotics prescribed.

November 18th - Daycare called. C has fever. Dr. called in antibiotics. Fever persisted for 3 days. C appeared better, but broke out in terrible rash that didn't really go away for 2 weeks. Roseola confirmed.

December 2nd - Daycare called. C has fever and the situation is his diaper was not good. Pick up C.

December 3rd. (Date night scheduled) - Daycare called. S tummy hurts, but don't have to pick her up. C was still home with fever and a bad diaper situation. Poor guy. Stomach Virus confirmed. Cancel date night. Can't send baby to grandparents with projectile vomit. Pick up sushi and cupcakes and bring date night in.

December 4th (Local Christmas Parade schedule and dinner with friends) - Mommy and Daddy got hit with the Stomach Virus and are bribing each other for separate couches over who is going to feed/change/comfort the children. Silently wish for "Calgon to take me away." No friends over. No Christmas parade.

December 5th - Mommy, Daddy, and S feeling much better. C, not so much. Takes the poor guy 6 days to kick the stomach virus

December 15th - Daycare called. C has fever, but no other symptoms. Pick up little C early and have to keep him home the next day. Call in antibiotics just in case.

December 16th - Get a call from Husband/Daddy. He has been in a serious car accident. Car is totalled, but luckily he is ok. Pick him up (with sick baby). He cannot walk and has sore ribs. Sort out insurance issues. Make arrangements for him to go to doctor. Doctor confirms hubs has chipped foot bone and torn ligaments. Is given a "non walking boot" (what the heck is that?) and crutches. No walking for 6 weeks!

December 27th - (at least we made it past Christmas!) - Decided to keep C home from daycare the day prior because of low grade fever and major congestion. Fever climbs throughout the day and breathing becomes more like panting. Since gimpy husband is limited in his ability to help, he decides he will monitor C's breathing all night as is it starting to sound scary.

December 28th - Take C to early bird walk in office. Doctor confirms RSV and prescribes immediate breathing treatments. We are also instructed to get our own breathing machine and administer treatments round the clock for the following 24 hours. C also gets antibiotics and steroids.

December 30th - Follow up appointment. C is on the upswing, but cannot go back to daycare until Jan 4th.

I did throw myself a pity party for a while, and let myself get down. However, who likes to feel like that?? I know I said at the beginning that you can look at us and thing "it could be worse!" but the truth is that I could do the same thing. How lucky am I that I am not a single mother? How blessed am I that my son had a treatable virus? How blessed am I that my husband came out of that car wreck alive and that my sweet kids weren't in the car? This whole thing has also made me realize how much my husband actually does. I know lot of women who feel like they do everything. I'll admit it' I've felt this way at times. But doing all the things my husband usually does has made me literally feel his weight! Who knew how much time and energy it takes to take out the trash, feed the dogs, prepare and extra plate, bathe the kids, get an extra kiddo ready in the morning (etc)?? I am one lucky girl and I CAN'T WAIT until he can get on both feet!

But I was ready to waive goodbye to 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms.

Speaking of the new year, I am documenting my resolution progress on a separate blog. Visit HERE to read about it!