Five Hard Days
It’s a good thing you won’t remember what you did on your five month birthday. Better forgotten, there was much unhappiness through all the poking, prodding and doctors visits of the last week. Your high temperature of 102 degrees, endless crying, and sleepless nights started the first set of pokings. White ulcers in throat. Fever. Diagnosed as Hand Foot Mouth Disease (no, not the animal disease, that’s called Foot & Mouth disease as in, Mad Cow) — HFMD is very common viral infection, usually with rash on hands, feet, face…. and there’s an outbreak now locally. Off we go for bloodwork to confirm it’s not bacterial. Technician can’t find the vein in your little arm. You’re screaming and hollering for what felt like 10 minutes but must have been only a couple, before I ask him to remove it, pick you up for a cuddle and some comfort. Then he goes into your left arm, voila, got the vein right away, and 60 cc later, you’re bandaged up and we get to go home. You’re not enjoying your fifth month birthday so far. Doctor Halaburka (“Dr. Hal”) wants to see you next day for follow up. Which was good, as it was a sleepless night and your fever is high still and you are Not A Happy Camper! I am watching the clock for when I can administer the next dose of Infant Tylenol. Finally it’s 2.30pm and time to head to see Dr. Hal. My heart is ripping as she is trying to get a view into your ears, you’re screaming loud as you can, given the sore throat, almost chocking on your own saliva. My poor little girl! Dr Hal is surprised that you now have an ear infection, with pus and water coming from the ear. The lab results show some white blood cell activity so there’s suspicion that the Culprit May Be Bacterial afterall. Dr Hal also wanted to do a urine test, so next came the catheter inserted and pressing on your groin to collect some urine. At this point I think you were ready to give in, you didn’t make a peep. The nurse remarked, “This is the first baby who hasn’t cried during this!”. That’s our trooper, Taite! Then came the antibiotic shot in the right thigh, that didn’t exactly make you happy, but the screaming was at least shortlived before you were contently ‘hooked up’ and calmed down. I was assured that next day, you would be a different baby, happy and no more pain. Another night, more sleep for mom but dad was up with you for a good portion of the night. I should also mention, mom, dad and grandma all have coughs, congestion, sore throats, sneezes and generally feeling pretty darn miserable too. Must have been something we picked up on the plane back from Toronto. Today, as promised, you were a different baby, although very sleepy in the morning, happy and calm and, (after another visit to Dr. Hal and another antibiotic shot, along with suspicion of possible urinary infection!!) by tonight almost back to your smiling, chatty little self. It was worth all the sleeplessness and angst just to see that first little smile and glimmer of brighter days ahead. This is the part of parenthood that nobody told me about. How you want to be able to Do Something and there’s just nothing you can do but what the doctor says, and how lucky we are to have good healthcare. I can’t imagine what it’s like not to be able to have access. My mom told me how when we were babies, on the farm, and they were poor, how it was to know you should take your baby in to the doctor but you just couldn’t afford it. Pre-healthcare days. So for tonight, you are in bed. Sweet dreams, my sweet brave girl.
Five Highlights of Our Trip to Boston, Maine and Toronto
- Wedding and the Maine house — uniquely Scott and Sarah, thoughtful ceremony, many nice toasts to the newlyweds, singing, dancing, a great day on a beautiful meadow overlooking an ocean inlet. The Maine house was wonderful, right on the ocean, gorgeous views.
- Meeting Great Grandma, Gruncle Bob and Grant Lori — You met your only Great Grandma, Anna MacLean/Colton/Whitehead. She loved you and wanted to take you home with her. Also met your Great-Uncle (I think!) Bob and Great-Aunt Lori. She knit you an adorable white sun dress with little tulips and sweet red flower buttons.
- Time with Oma, Opa at the cottage — a third visit with Oma, second with Opa. We finally arrived after almost missing our plane, even though we left 3 hours extra time, resulting from an accident on highway. Nice family time with the O’s.
- Meeting cousins Jackie and Jamie, and “Aunt Jeff”, Grandpa, and Myrna — Boy, you were a hit. Your cousins Jackie (7/soon
and Jamie (5/soon 6) were all over you, like little mammas. They were so good and sweet with you. How much fun you will have together when you’re a little older. Your grandpa adored you. Myrna brought you very cute Lambie Pie and Sophie the chewable Giraffe.
- Heidi’s cooking — OK. I didn’t exactly LOSE any weight this trip. If you’ve had Heidi’s phenomenal cooking, you already understand. If you haven’t you should do whatever it takes to get Heidi to cook for you. YUM. Thanks Heidi.
Another milestone
Finally, before calling it a night, I must post this photo for a smile. Your first spoon-fed meal… organic Rice Cereal. I was expecting that you might spit it out and reject it. Not you. You gobbled it up and looked like you wanted more. “Yep, Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree”.
Photos and videos coming soon… I had to get this down, it’s been way to long.
