Mama Bear and Her Cubs

Thursday, October 25, 2012

My Love Affair with Lysol

It all started with a high fever. Friday night when Jonny and I checked on babies before bed we noticed James was on fire! Saturday morning it wasn't much better and nothing was bringing it down. He told me his ear hurt. That was all I needed to hear. We were off to the urgent care clinic. Diagnosis: red throat and ear infection. Got a prescription for Zithromax and we headed home to heal.

Sunday afternoon we notice James has the most severe diaper rash I've ever seen. Poor baby bottom! We put cornstarch in the bath. Keep him dry and clean in big boy undies. And lots and lots of cream and paste. We figure it's a side affect of the antibiotics.

Monday he has broken out on his arms. Great, he's allergic to zithromax. I call the pediatrician and we can see her partner at 11. I go in with my hypothesis of allergy or hand foot and mouth disease. I tell the Dr the whole series of events. I'm told to never go to hose urgent care clinics because they are full of "quacks" and he has no ear infection. Zithromax also isn't the proper antibiotic anyway. New diagnosis: impetigo.

Automatic new source of anxiety. Impetigo is awful blister-y rash caused by either strep or staph. I worry it is going to be a horrible case of antibiotic resistant staph. We get a prescription for amoxicillin and head home to heal again.

Tuesday morning Natalie has her 6 mos check up. 6 months already, I know! It goes by way too fast. Anyway, luckily (I guess) we have an appointment with our pediatrician so I take James along for a third opinion. Our pediatrician looks him over. Grabs her little light. Gets right up in there. Final diagnosis: hand foot and mouth disease. I was right! It's caused by a virus. Stop all antibiotics. Just try to keep him comfortable as enormous blisters erupt all over his body. Oh and try to keep Alyssa and Natalie from catching it.

Thus, started my love affair with Lysol. Alyssa did get it (we think). Very mild case. Sore throat and one blister. She's still eating, drinking, and talking as much as ever. So far we believe Natalie is safe except for inhaling the cloud of Lysol I've been spraying everywhere.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Fun Times

My little computer got sick. It was very tragic. How was I going to keep up with my world on facebook? How was I going to stalk pinterest for new ideas I'd probably never get around to trying? Most importantly, how was I going to blog?

Answer: my fabulous husband got me a Samsung Galaxy II tablet. I love it! I just have to figure out all the blogging tricks.

Here's where I'd insert cute pictures of my kiddos! If I could only figure out how...

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Happy Birthday James

Bubba is 2. Honestly, I was ready for this birthday. He acts like a 2 year old. He's so big and so funny. We love him!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Men Behind the Mom

I truly believe that every person we meet can impact our lives. For example, today a man helped wheel the giant double stroller out of the waiting room while I tried to help Alyssa move out of the way of the closing door. The simple act of kindness reminded me to pay it forward. The woman yelling at her daughter at Target reminded me to try to be a little more patient with my little people. There are so many people who influence me. Here are just a few of the boys.

My Dad.
I will admit, I am a total Daddy's Girl. He's a gentle giant. I always felt safe and protected with Dad around, yet his lap was my favorite place to sit and read a book. It definitely helps that we are bibliophiles. Our love of learning will mean we will never run out of things to talk about.

My Brothers.
Tony, Chris, and Drew are truly 3 of my greatest friends. They are the only ones who know exactly what it was like to grow up the same way I grew up. We have decades of shared memories. I can absolutely say they are my friends and not just my brothers.

My Husband.
Jonny is an insanely wonderful husband and father. Sometimes I think he is just insane, but the crazy ones are the fun ones. He has taught me that everyone has a story that should be heard. The "creepy" homeless guy may end up being a very missed friend (John Henry). He also taught me to trust myself. The "creepy" homeless guy may be a creep and to run away. We love to have adventures together. We love to laugh and enjoy life. We love our family. Our life has its ups and downs, but it's a great ride. It is perfect for us.

My Son.
James is my little man. He is fearless and funny. I love watching his little brain work when he figures something out. I love his inquisitive mind. I love how he tries to be so big. He is so different from my girls. He is stingy with his kisses, but gives the best hugs. I find myself missing him when he goes to sleep at night.