A Mama's Heartache

This year our Thanksgiving was rather uneventful - until Ella woke up from her afternoon nap on Friday. I could tell right away that something wasn't right. She typically needs a snack when she wakes up but she wasn't interested in anything I offered. She was also much crankier than usual. She felt a little warm. I took her temperature and confirmed what I already suspected - she had a slight fever 99.5 degrees. I figured it wasn't too serious and gave her a little Tylenol and hoped she'd be OK. She was awfully fussy and cuddly the remainder of the afternoon.

I don't mind that Ella was cuddly - in fact, I've often wished she was more so. But because she was I knew something was wrong. I gave her a bath and she just shivered, which she never does. I put her in warm pj's, took her temperature again and decided to put her to bed. She woke up once during the night but nothing too serious.

Saturday she still wasn't well. I figured she must be teething - no stuffy or runny nose, no throw up, no pulling on the ears - all things I thought I should watch for. But her temperature was higher and she wanted to be held all the time. Her temp eventually came back down but her fussiness continued. What do you do for a little one who can't communicate with you what she's feeling?

That evening was rough. She was so tired but wouldn't go, or stay, asleep. All she wanted was for me to rock her and cuddle her. By this time Jeremy and I were both tired and feeling horrible for Ella. What to do? We eventually decided to do what we always said we didn't want to do - we brought her to bed with us. That seemed to calm her down and she finally fell asleep. Of course I didn't (who would have thought such a little person could take up so much bed!) But my little baby was finally sleeping, that's all that mattered.

Sunday was more of the same. Slight fever, fussy, cuddly, and no appetite. I felt so bad for her. Jeremy was gone most of the day but I stayed home from church to be with her. By the time I was cooking supper and trying to clean up the kitchen, she was so tired she was laying down on the kitchen floor. Again, it was early to bed for her.

This morning, she didn't seem to have a fever anymore but was still unhappy. I talked with my sister and she suggested I call the doctor. I did and he said if her fever spiked again I should take her in. She woke from her nap with a rash around her forehead and the back of her neck. Time to take her to the doctor. It seems she has Roseola. I've since discovered that it's pretty common and most have heard of it. I hadn't. Ella fits the symptoms perfectly: fever for a few days followed by a rash beginning on her head and working it's way down her body. The rash should only last a few days and then she should be better. At least now we know.

So tonight as I rocked my little munchkin to sleep (which took all of 2 seconds) I looked on her with love. My heart broke for her as I knew she was uncomfortable. But also knew that she should feel better soon and will be back to her adorable, happy self. Just give her a few days.

Views from a staircase

Saturday at home

It's a rare Saturday that both Jeremy, I and Ella are all home together the entire day with "nothing to do." Both of our works often take us away from the home on the weekends for at least part of the time - and if not work, then our volunteer commitments. Today was one of those days that we spend time at home - the entire day - from sunup to sundown. We did things that haven't gotten done during the week - like finish bringing stuff over from the old house to putting up pictures and curtains in the bedrooms. While there is still a lot to do until we will feel "settled" in our new home, days like today help.

The time spent as a family is invaluable, however, 'Jeremy and me' time is also invaluable (and even rarer than Saturdays at home). So I just put Ella to bed and while I finish writing this blog, Jeremy is finishing cooking us a fabulous supper of marinated steak, twice baked potatoes and green salad. I'm sipping a glass of wine called Relax and am ready to eat and then watch a movie with Jeremy. Life is good and as we begin the week of Thanksgiving there is indeed much to be thankful for.

Facebook

I realize I'm behind the times, but I finally created an account on Facebook. I've been told if I want to stay connected to the youth or get messages to them I need to forget email and either text them or use facebook. So I am now attempting to reach them where they are - on the internet. I don't have a really good idea of how to navigate it but I've already seen pictures of friends that I haven't talked to in a really long time. So if nothing else, I'll connect with them.

Our Ella