Some things I've learned...

This spring has brought the Linley household...my son in particular...a wealth of different types of illnesses.  We began in February with "the start of pnemonia."  This fun event brought us a non-stop fever reaching 103 highs and the kind of fevers that sometimes spike right on back up within an hour of being due for another dose of medicine.

March brought us our first case of stomach flu and another round of fevers.

April and May spread into two of the longest months we've had with fevers and colds.  These months have brought us a wealth of things...including strep throat (along with that came 104.8 fever that scared the holy mess out of me), chest infection w/ a horrible cough, 3 rounds of antibiotics, diaper rash and Owen's worst case of diarrhea to date.  This led to the diaper rash...or the antibiotics led to the diaper rash...or both.  At this point...who freaking knows!

So anyway...I didn't intend to get on here to complain...but I have a few thoughts to share about the experience.

I'MOVERIT!!!!!

Okay in all seriousness...I realize that my son could be really sick with something far worse than fevers and strep and diaper rash...and there are parents out there who would trade anything for their kid to have just a fever and diaper rash.  But...it is just not fun. Every month since February means we have been sick every few weeks for nearly 4 months.  So it's not fun for any of us...most importantly him.  It's hard to keep Owen from running around too much when he fever does take a dip and he gets to feeling a bit better.  It's hard to explain why we can't go play outside.  Why he can't have his chocolate milk (the doctor said NO more dairy except a cup of yogurt a day until we're done with these antibiotics because it is making his runs worse). Why he has to take yet another dose of some kind of medicine.  Why Momma or Dadda is slathering goop on his rear-end and he has to scream every time we touch it.  I'm pretty much just ready to have my little, happy-go-lucky 2 year old ball of fire back to normal...and him stay that way...not just for a week or a couple weeks.  How about a couple of months??  That would just be awesome!!

So what has all this taught me??

Having your little boy sick repeatedly is stressful and wears you out.

Giving medicine in a syringe sucks...even though Owen is such a big boy when we give it to him...he still sees us coming with it and runs :(

If his fever goes up right as he is due for medicine, it is likely not a virus in his system and there are other symptoms heading our way.

If his fever goes up too high between doses, we can alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 4 hours to keep it down.

If he takes a nice luke warm bath, it helps keep the fever down also.

Throwing up and little ones doesn't mix well.

If he isn't drinking, or holds food in his mouth for LONG (30 minutes people!) periods of time without chewing and swallowing...he probably has strep or some form of sore throat.  And he will also say Ouch when he swallows...which is a great indicator.  The first one we've ever gotten from him!

Regardless of how sick he is, he almost always wants to talk to you, get hugs, kisses and or try to play with his toys and do things normally.  It honestly is what makes it all so hard.  He doesn't want to be down...and is hard-pressed to give into it.  It breaks my heart.

That I have an instinct as a mother...that when I shut out everything else...helps me feel sure of what to do.  I.E. call the doctor/don't call the doctor.  Buy scent free wipes vs. ones with alcohol.  You get the idea. Some of it is common sense...but when your baby is sick...common sense isn't always the first thing that strikes. Anyway, that being said I'm learning to hone in on what needs to be done...and with each illness I've gotten more sure and more strong in hearing that voice in my head and doing what it says.

Keeping Owen still is best done by putting in Polar Express.  Yes even though it's May/June and Christmas is months away. Thanks to Grandma PJ we figured this out...he doesn't hardly move a muscle.  Unless I come bearing a tube full of antibiotics.

Diaper Rashes = worst thing ever when they blister!  Just ask Owen.  He could hardly sit on his tush.

Tea baths...like those pictured here...don't really work at clearing up the rash, but he seemed to be soothed by it.  If you've got a blistered tush, I'd try it!!

I know there is more...but for now...that's a good list of lessons learned!!

We're ready for health in our house!!  And I think we're getting close!  Owen is back to normal and finishes his antibiotics this coming Saturday.  So we are on the mend. Prayers for our sanity and for our son would be appreciated :)  Thanks for reading!