Sick Sick Sick

Cub was sick this weekend.

Puppy (who also goes by Chicken, Chicky Baby, PupPup and Poot - but rarely, Mac) and I seemed to have caught a cold.  I hate it when little baby noses are stuffed up.

Nap Time View

This was my view (well, from above anyway) of nap time today.  Cub was feeling under the weather (but is doing much better this afternoon) so Pup, Cub and I stayed home and napped on the couch together.

Pictures like this make me look forward to all the other pictures I'll get of the two of them sleeping closly  - I hope they become the very best of friends. 

Lack of Posting

My posts have been very scare this week, but I have good excuses.

Monday - we celebrated our friend Jonathan's birthday by eating at a yummy restaurant.

Tuesday - Cash was sick and he slept in bed with me and Buttin.  This means that I was in bed by 6:30 (only about an hour earlier than usual).  I took Cubbie to school on Tuesday morning (he had an "off" Monday afternoon - just tired and super snugly) and we were walking around the classroom and he took my hand, looked into my eyes and said tearfully, "mommy home".  I knew my little sugar man was not feeling right so I took him home where he pretty much snuggled with Miss Hannah all day long.  When I got home on Tuesday afternoon he just stayed in my lap - no outside time, no playing with trains, just snuggling. 

By Wednesday Cubbie was back to his playful self - must have been a little 24 hour bug or something.

Today, when I picked Cub up from school he was wearing an adorable hat (they share hats at school) and wanted to wear it home (his teacher said it was OK).

He looked so cute, I couldn't help but take a ton of pictures.

 

Here is Cub showing off his running form (future Olympian - hmm?)

 

Here he is with a "sleeping" butterfly that we HAD to take inside the house (after mama got all the ants off the butterfly).

 

Buttin asked me if I thought the school would mind if we didn't return the hat - I told him - don't worry as soon as Gigi reads this post she'll be online shopping for at least five hats for Cash. 

Tired

Last night Cubbie slept in bed with us, which meant no one got much sleep.

Cash man stayed home from school today and played with Miss Hannah - - at the pool!

Good Grief We're A Mess

I have dreams that one day I'll write non-illness/injury posts, but today is not that day.

Today, Cub came home from school around noon with a low fever. He was pretty playful all afternoon, but he has to stay home tomorrow.  Thankfully, we were able to find a babysitter.  I hate that I'm paying for DAYCARE and a BABYSITTER, but I guess I don't want him getting other children sick.  

Today, I went to see the chiropractor again.  This time, I saw her husband (who I guess is an ultra-mega chiropractor).  He is pretty convinced that my tingly feet is a RSI (repetitive sports injury), not something to do with my nervous system.   He made very painful things happen in my calf muscles and he said they were extremely tight.   He recommended buying a new pair of running shoes, getting about three very painful massages (they call it "therapy" so as not to confuse it with a pleasurable experience) and to lay off the running.  I'm not sure I'll follow that last recommendation although I like him.

Here is Cub resting on the couch after his nap.

Is It Really Only Tuesday?

To catch everyone up on my super exciting life.

1. Cub has strep (but is feeling better);
2. Buttin has strep (went to the doctor today);
3. I feel like I'm getting strep (maybe it's just suggestive illness, but my throat feels icky).

Honestly, it feels like it must be at least Thursday. It's just been such a crazy/bizarre/busy week already - I'm not sure what to expect tomorrow.   

Today, Ms. Julie came to stay with Cub for a few hours so that Buttin and I could work.  His fever is gone and he was super happy and playful today.  Here he is playing on the basketball court this morning.

Rest Day

Today was a rest day. We all needed it.

My 14 mile run yesterday morning felt good (11:33/mile pace).  After my run, I met up with the Baby Mamas for brunch.  It was nice to sit down and chat - now that the little boys are moving, climbing and eating everything, it's difficult to have a conversation that isn't constantly interrupted by stop or no when we're all together.

Buttin had friends in town this week and went out both Friday and Saturday night - he was exhausted this morning. 

Cubbie-cub is a little sick.  Buttin and I were (thankfully) saying today that it's been quite a while since he's been sick.   No fever, but he's got a cough and the sniffles and he threw up last night in his bed.  He was super tired today - he took two naps totally about 4.5 hours.  This meant that Buttin and I got to rest some too. 

He was still pretty playful today - just a little on the cranky side and not much of an appetite. Here he is smiling, but you can see he's sick by looking at his eyes.

Doctor Visits

Cub and I both went to the doctor this week.

Cub's one year appointment by the numbers:

• Weight:  19lbs 14oz - 15th percentile.  Dr. Boston said he was slender, but healthy.
• Height: 29 inches - 50th percentile.  Perfectly average!
• Cub got THREE vaccines - one in each leg and one in the arm.  He hated them, I hated them, but he was OK after just a couple of minutes.

Dr. Boston (new pediatrician for us) was OK.  I give her a B-.  I'm not sure what I'm expecting from a doctor - she's much better with Cash than she is with us (the parents), which I guess is better than if it was the other way.

Regarding biting, she said that if Cub bites we should - say "NO" very sternly and then put him in a playpen or isolate him for one minute - no hugs, no kisses, no smiles, no talking for one minute. 

I'm sure medical professionals HATE parents like me - I want her to look in his ears (which had a little fluid - due to the cold he's had recently) and in his throat (which was a little red due to the cough he's also had recently) and give me medical advice.  I DO NOT WANT parenting/developmental absolutes like - when he bites, put him in a time out. If Cub has any difficulty with math one day, I'm not going to ask Dr. Boston for advice.  I appreciate suggestions, but I didn't like her "'only way" tone.  

Dr. Boston did call Cub perfect, so I guess she's a pretty qualified doctor.

My doctor visit:

I've had a pretty bad cold for the last week and a half.  On Thursday morning, my ear started hurting - lots of pressure.  On Friday morning the pressure had subsided, but I had a puddle of goo on my pillow and my hair was crusty.  

My doctor got me in first thing on Friday morning - gave me an antibiotic and some Flonase (for allergies).  I teased my doctor that MY having a baby was good for HIS business.  I've been to see him twice in the last couple of months and before that I hadn't seen him since we confirmed my pregnancy with Cub.  

I still have quite a bit of pressure in my ear and when I talk, it sounds like I'm in a cave.  I am feeling better though and I even managed a sweaty run this morning.

Here is a picture of Cub today:

Recovery

Sadly, I'm not talking about running.  I'm talking about my massive head cold.  Buttin had this a couple of weeks ago and he's a much better person than I because I don't remember him complaining nearly as much as I've been complaining. 

I'm on the path to recovery (I think).  I actually found myself googling "where does snot come from?" yesterday.  I was blowing my nose so much, I thought I was getting dehydrated (I still don't know if that's a risk).  

Yesterday was an extremely busy and fun day so we spent most of the day trying to relax even though little Cub really didn't want to nap.  

I'm planning to take massive amounts of NyQuil tonight in an attempt to knock myself (and this cold) out. 

New Doctor #2

Last week, I met with a new pediatrician.

Dr. Santa (New Doctor #1) was good, but I prefer someone closer and maybe a little more, I don't know, different - it's hard to explain.

I heard lots of good things about a practice with a satellite office close to our home (like less than 2 miles away). I called and asked if I could meet with a specific doctor - just a brief visit. I guess no one calls asking to meet with a doctor before their child gets sick (my request was met with a lukewarm, "hmm . . I don't know"), but the office staff and doctor were agreeable (had they not been, this wouldn't have been a good option for us).

The office manager gave me a tour, explained to me what they could/could not do in their on-site lab, gave me a packet of information and spent no less than 30 minutes answering my questions and discussing Cub. I felt like I was being courted. If you took all my doctor visits while pregnant, plus all of Cub's pediatrician visits and added all the time I've spent talking with a doctor's office manger I don't think it would equal 30 minutes. It was nice to know that they would spend this much time with someone who wasn't even making a co-pay.

Next I met the doctor. I read her online bio and my interest was most peaked by the fact that she ran in the Boston Marathon (she later clarified that it was an unofficial entry) - I now call her, Dr. Boston (oddly enough the actual name of Molly's vet). She's also run in other marathons (officially).

Dr. Boston and I spent about 40 minutes talking about various kiddo issues - from allergies to vaccines to Cub's lack of interest in non-pureed food. She has warmth, but isn't too fakey-sugary and I like that she considers herself part of a child-care team.

She also really likes Dairy Queen, so she must be good!

I made Cub's one year appointment with Dr. Boston.

Here's Cub's picture today - it's like he's saying - Really mom, another picture?

Misfit Monday

Not a lot for Misfit Monday today.

Not because there aren't misfit stories - I'm just tired.

We got some surprising, but delightfully happy news today - we received a pretty substantial refund from our rent for 2010. I guess they estimate expenses and the over-estimated - thus, a rebate. I think we're going to use the money for misfit tracking collars.

In Cub illness news, he seems to have returned to the coughing-like-crazy kiddo he was on Friday. No fever - just lots of coughing, lots of snotting and not a lot of smiling. Bi-polar baby has also returned.

Happy one minute.

Very unhappy the next.

Poor guy. I hope he starts feeling better soon - he has a little joint birthday party with some of his buddies this weekend - Gigi, Nana, MorMor and Dadoo will all be in town to celebrate!

A Weekend Without Buttin

The Graby and I are on our own this weekend.

Buttin and I decided that Graby probably shouldn't make the trip to the panhandle. We got some antibiotics (for a minor ear infection) and a steroid (for croup) from the doctor yesterday (cub's first prescriptions - yes, I kept them) and I think he's on the mend.

Since Graby isn't old enough to stay home by himself (maybe next month) and our pets are too irresponsible to be trusted with a baby - I stayed home too.

Buttin went to the airport this morning and doesn't get home till late tomorrow night. He is really missed.

Little Cub seems to be getting lots better. He ate some solids today - including new stuff, spinach and mac n cheese. Yum.

Today, his favorite thing to do was open all the cabinets in the kitchen:

And pull everything out.

Me <----- Waiving White Flag

Dear Baby Germ gods (because they cannot possibly be goddesses),

Kindly, GO AWAY. Please, leave my baby alone, immediately.

I have the following to offer in exchange for peace:

• 12 Cadbury Creme Eggs - they're from last February when Buttin bought me about 150 of them while I was preggo. They're still good - I ate one yesterday. Well, maybe there are only 11 now.
• Cookie dough - I do not have any right now (or else I would be eating it), but I'll buy some or make my friend Liz make me some so that I can give it to you (all).
• One small dog - he only does slightly disgusting things, like, poo in your bedroom at night (or during the day). Besides that, he's fantastic - I swear.
  
• One large cat - he sheds a lot and will fight you for food, but you're germs gods, what do you eat? Baby (and mommy) happiness, apparently.

If you agree to these offerings (sacrifices) I will leave the items outside our front door tonight.

Much thanks,
Cub's Mom

P.S. If you have any contact with the running gods and goddesses, please tell them I will return to running soon.

Here is Cub in the tub (hee, hee). I thought it might make him happy to play in the tub without the limitations of the smaller baby tub. It was fun, for about five minutes and then he remembered he was sick and tired.

You've Got To Be Kidding Me

Our kiddo is sick again. It seems to be another bad cold, and the only place he really wants to sleep is on Buttin's chest.


I also go a pretty cute picture of Cub in a shirt that couldn't be more true unless it had a "s" at the end of the last word.

Double Cold

Cub and I both have a cold.

In an attempt to keep away dehydration, we are feeding cub from a bottle.

He is still very happy and playful, I am considerably less happy and playful; however, I'm really looking forward to HP7P1 tonight.

Some Lessons - Cub's First ER Visit

On Sunday morning, we took Cash cub to the ER.

Lesson One: Trust your instincts (at home).

We knew something was wrong when Cash looked like this:

Sunday morning Cash woke up around 5 AM (which is too early for him). I knew he wasn't feeling great, so I tried to feed him in bed so we could both fall back to sleep. He wasn't interested in eating, but he was VERY tired. He'd fall asleep on his back (not typical for him) and then wake up 5 minutes later fussy-crying like he was uncomfortable. After about 2- 3 minutes of this fussy-crying (it was pretty pathetic as far as crying goes), he would pass out asleep. He fell asleep when I was wiping his nose, he fell asleep sitting up - I really just thought he was exhausted from his persistent cold. Buttin and I just tried to make him comfortable.

At about 7 AM, we decided to get him ready for the day. This is when we turned on the lights and noticed how pale and white he looked. I knew instantly something was very wrong.

First, I called my mother. She said we should call our pediatric on-call line. I called that number and was placed on hold. I handed that phone to Buttin (who was holding cub) while I called our insurance company nurse line. Our insurance company nurse said to go to the ER.

Lesson Two: Trust Your Instincts (in the hospital).

We arrived at the ER around 8 AM. There was no one else around. I guess if you're going to get sick, do it early on a Sunday morning.

We saw a nurse pretty quickly and all Cash's vitals were good (also, no fever). The nurse's first thought was that he was probably dehydrated. As soon as I heard this, I was pretty convinced that's all it was and that after some fluids our little boy would be back to his playful, pink-cheeked self.

They put in an IV. I suppose this is usually quite an ordeal for some small babies (they sometimes have to restrain them), but Cash was so out of it he barely made a peep.

This is poor little Cub with his arm all stretch out (it had to be taped to a board to keep him from bending it):

It felt like FOREVER until we saw a doctor, but when we finally did he said it was probably dehydration, but that they wanted to run tests (cha-ching!). They took blood, urine in this ridiculous looking pee bag (I wonder how they do it for little girls), did a chest xray and a head CT. Everything came back good (again, I was pretty confident it was dehydration). The doctor came back in and said it was probably dehydration (it can happen very quickly for babies), but he wanted to rule out meningitis. My gut reaction was oh, hell, no. Buttin didn't immediately understand that "ruling out meningitis" meant a lumbar puncture. I called my mother and told her that I thought this was too extreme of a test at this point, (especially considering he had no fever) she agreed. We declined the test.

At this point, the doctor said we were going to be transferred to Dell Children's Hospital and that the transport team was coming to get him (this was about 1 PM).

Here is the picture that made Buttin and Dadoo (my dad) shed some tears:

Here is little cub inside the ambulance (they didn't run the siren).


Lesson Three: Be (even more) Grateful

Dell Children's Hospital was wonderful. We were immediately taken to a private room with a shower, desk area and uncomfortable pull-out couch.

We saw several nurses and a resident within about 10 minutes. Everyone was pretty sure that Cub was dehydrated. He had already started to pep up a little from the fluids he received in the ER.

We we saw the doctor (she also has a six month old), she was so sweet and thoughtful and spent quite a bit of time with us. She mentioned that there was no need for a lumbar puncture and if she had been in my position, she would have made the same choice (see lesson two). She was quite sure it was just dehydration.

Even though our son was "just dehydrated", all the nurses and doctors and staff treated us like we were very important. I'm sure they have quite a lot of experience with nervous parents.

On Sunday night, I went to find the vending machines (I needed a candy bar and Buttin needed a Dr. Pepper). While I was walking through the halls, I was hit with the sobering thought that all the rooms were filled with other sick children and other nervous parents. I KNEW our son was going to be OK, but for some of these parents, their child's recovery would take much longer. I was instantly even more grateful for our child's health, our own health, our friends & family.

By Monday morning (after a very, very sleepless night for Buttin and me), Cash was smiling and feeling better:

We saw a team of doctors and they were hopefully we'd get to go home that night or the next morning.

At noon, he was taken off of the IV fluids and was keeping down boob juice and Pedialyte (which he loves) and then at four o'clock we got the news that we could go home!

It's not a great picture, but here are Cash (IV free) and Buttin smiling while we waited for our discharge paperwork.From now on, I will try to complain less about my lack of sleep because our son has strong lungs and can cry out for me at night. Not every parent is this lucky and Buttin and I are truly fortunate.

Home Sweet Home

We're finally home from our 36 hour stay in the hospital.

Little cub is doing much better, he's still congested but no longer dehydrated.

I'll write more tomorrow, but here's a quick picture.

This is when he arrived at Dell Children's Hospital and they're taking all his vitals.

Snot Fair!

Graby's fever is down, but he seemed a little more sicky today (grumpy, snotty and not sleeping). So much snot.

Sick, Rainy Jog Waddles & Sales Tax Audit

All of these things suck.

My sniffles seem to wax and wane. I'm not sure if I'm waxing or waning right now (I'm not a moon scientist), which ever means "bigger" or "more".

This weather really does seem to be fighting my every attempt to jog waddle on a consistent basis. This morning, I was in a bunch of layers so I didn't really feel the rain - except for all of the cold water coming in through my shoes. My feet were freezing and I could only manage one little mile. However, the movement did help break up all the mucus in my nose, I think.

Of all these things, the Sales Tax Audit is the worst. We FINALLY (after only about 3 months) received the request for information the auditors need to complete their audit (keep in mind, this was supposed to have been done BEFORE Thanksgiving). In my opinion, they're asking for some pretty ridiculous stuff, but thankfully my aunt will be here to rescue me from psycho-Stephanie. So, I'm going to stay calm, try to breathe with my mouth and maybe jog waddle again this evening.

A Little Sick

Despite all my efforts (which consisted of eating Cadbury Eggs and Girl Scout Cookies), I still managed to catch whatever little cold bug is going around right now.

I felt pretty crummy this morning, but after a shower and some medicine - I feel considerably better. I'm going to get some work done in case I need to go home early today, so I'll blog more later.