SICK

Last Thursday C was diagnosed with his 7th ear infection since July; his third since the first of the year. He was put on a strong-ish antibiotic with the hopes that it would kill the bacteria once and for all. We were warned that the antibiotic would upset his stomach - possibly resulting in diarrhea. They prescribed a daily bowl of yogurt.

Forty-eight hours into the antibiotic, we noticed a little diarrhea. Nothing to be concerned about.

On Saturday afternoon, he woke up from his nap and threw up all over D. We assumed it was the result of the antibiotics. At dinner he threw up again. This was the sign he was sick.

[Side story: when he threw up, K was sitting across the table from him. As soon as he barfed (all over me, by the way), she threw up all over the dining room table. Over her meal and D's. Her gag reflex is STRONG.]

C continued to throw up into Sunday and then the dry heaving and diarrhea began.

I called the pediatrician at 1:30 Sunday afternoon, and she said to go to the ER. We were seen relatively quickly at the hospital. We were placed in a room - shared with two other patients (stories about their situations to come!!) - and hooked up to an IV. Four bags of fluids later, we were given the go-ahead to go home. It was about 2am.

On Monday - a few hours after leaving the ER - the diarrhea started flowing. After five dirty diapers, we returned to the ER. The wait was even shorter than the day before (likely do to the Inauguration). He was admitted to the hospital.

The past three days have been a waiting game. One filled with messy, messy measurements. Every diaper is weighed; every ounce of liquid consumed recorded. So far our liquids out are far greater than our liquids in. The diarrhea has been unending. UN-END-ING. And he doesn't want to drink.

Seriously, what kid wouldn't want to drink juice all day? or eat Popsicles at every meal?

Thankfully the amount of diarrhea has decreased, but not enough to warrant a discharge.

And tonight, we had a setback. He threw up. EVERYTHING he had eaten for dinner.

D is with him tonight. After a wardrobe change, a change of sheets, and a new IV he is sleeping peacefully.

I'm home with K, who is also sleeping peacefully - for the moment. She has the stomach bug now. Poor thing has been throwing up, dry heaving, and having diarrhea ALL.DAY.LONG.

I was sick yesterday. I made it through a long day at the hospital completely on mommy-adrenalin. Thankfully I'm keeping food down today. A fine diet of crackers and toast; complemented by coke.

As for C's prognosis, we are waiting. Waiting for the diarrhea to end. Waiting for the barfing to end. Waiting for him to drink. Waiting to be discharged.