This picture says so much about how our last two weeks have been. Note the 3 different prescription medications, the Baby Tylenol, the kleenex. We have been a sick bay, that is for sure.
Every week since Landon was born, I have thanked my lucky stars that he has remained healthy. When he was two weeks old, we had a swine flu scare when we found out his cousin Cullyn had the swine flu and had been over to visit the day before he was diagnosed. I cried every day, just waiting for Landon to develop a fever and for us to have to rush him to the hospital. After 7 days passed and we were out of the woods, I was so happy. I felt so lucky that we had dodged what I am sure would have been a horrible situation. And the weeks passed. And the months. And him being sick started to occupy a very distant part of the worry center in my brain.
And then, hello RSV. So, this RSV thing. Never heard of it. I think most adults who aren't new parents have never heard of it. But it is a bronchial infection that is actually pretty common in little kids. Most kids get it before they turn 2, but of course the earlier they get it, the worse it can be.
Greg started feeling sick two Fridays ago, and then Landon came down with it as well. At first it was just runny nose and a cough, and I thought to myself "I got this!" as I patted myself on the back with how well I was coping with my son's first illness.
And then came Monday.
The runny nose and a cough had developed into a fever pushing 102, listlessness, redness in the face, and general disorientation. We took him to the doctor where of course he didn't have a fever (much like a car not making that clunking noise the second you take it to the dealer), but they did a test and he had RSV. I had heard about RSV in the birth boards and knew it was a pain in the ass. There really isn't anything you can do for it, especially because Landon isn't even 6 months old yet. From there, he developed an ear infection and then his eardrum ruptured. Wow - when it rains, it pours, I guess!
I called my parents on Tuesday and casually mentioned Landon being sick. I didn't think they could sense the quiet desperation in my voice. But then 5 minutes after we hung up, I get a call from mom, volunteering to come and help for a couple of days.
I love my mom. We have never had the type of relationship where I cry help and she rescues me. I have always prided myself of being pretty self-reliant. But somehow she just knew, through my assurances of "We're getting through it" that I could sure use some support. My wonderful mother who is scared to death of driving by herself, packed up her things, cleared her schedule and set out by herself at 6:30am through the Colorado mountain highways in the middle of winter to help her daughter. Did I mention that my mom and dad were set to go on a 2 week vacation in 5 days and that she sure could have used the time that was now set aside for me to prep for her trip?
She was here for 2 1/2 days and it was so great to spend time with her. She was also here for 2 weeks in September, and we have talked more during these two visits than we have in a long time. She holds Landon while I work, and she is a great diaper changing assistant ("can I get a wipe, please?") I think she really enjoys the visits, and I have told her that she is welcome here anytime. I hope she takes me up on this, because not only is it great to have a helper with Landon, it is great to have couch time with my mom, just talking about parenting and life in general.
I miss you, mom! Come back soon!
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