Annabel has had a bit of a cough and some sniffles for the last week or so. Nothing big – it really seemed more like allergies, especially since my allergies were also acting up this week. But on Friday, the sick hit the fan in the form a deep chesty cough, a fever, and puke. And not like, coughing that leads to puking, but one of those can’t-keep-anything-down situations annnnnnd she just so happened to also have a terrible cough. A two for one! It’s been an exhausting weekend.
Fevers always put me on edge, but respiratory issues push me over. Maddie never got fevers but obviously had lots of respiratory issues. When Annie gets a fever, her pulse quickens and her respiratory rate elevates. Mike and I are constantly having to remind ourselves that Annie is strong and healthy and congestion isn’t as dangerous to her as it was to her sister. Still, it’s hard, especially this week.
Also, WHY do kids ALWAYS get sick on the weekends when the pediatrician isn’t in the office?! GAH.
Annie was very out of sorts, and still is, although she seems to be slowly moving back towards her usual self. I knew something was up when she asked to lay down with me, and then only wanted to snuggle. Normally she’s the kind of kid that can play through anything, but not this time. When she started throwing up I selfishly panicked a little over the possibility that I might catch her bug (because I obviously need to throw up more like I need a hole in my head), but she needed both of us so I just had to get over it.
I hate when Annie is sick (and I will never brag about making it through cold and flu season unscathed again), but in a way, it was nice to slow down, stay in, and just focus on caring for her. She just wanted to be held and cuddled, and I spent a lot of time trying to bring her temperature down with cool wipes and compresses. Holding her against me reminded me so much of when she was a baby, especially since little miss “I do it myself!” really wants her mommy and daddy to do everything for her when she is sick.
Soon I’ll have another little baby that needs me to do everything, and while it’s exciting, it’s also a bit sad. My heart has already made room for more than one child, but it’s going to be a new experience having more than one at home. I want Annie to get better soon, but I want to hold onto her just a little bit longer.
Smiling even when she’s sick.
Annalisa says:
I hear you on the weekend thing, because we’ve had a couple of emergencies on weekends, and being told to go to ER/Urgent Care is kinda annoying (and expensive, even with good insurance!).
What’s more is that we picked out a pediatric group that had Saturday hours for the above reason, and a year in they reduced their office hours and natch, wouldn’t you know Saturday was first on their chopping block.
Obviously we like our pediatrician enough that we’re stuck, so to speak.
I trust Annie’s feeling better by now? And I’m crossing my fingers for you! My kid’s last cold worked its way on her in 3 days, one of which was her having fever so high no tylenol/ibuprofen was helping. On day 2, I got sick… and a week and a half later I still have some residual pain in my ears!
Lanie says:
Annie is adorable even when she is sick! i hope that she is feeling better and that you didn’t catch the stomach bug or the cough!
I always wonder if I was not a bereaved parent how I would handle coughs, colds, croup, etc. I know respitory issues are upsetting for all parents but already having had a child/children stop breathing altogether makes it so easy imagine the worst case scenario again. I am always talking myself off (or back up from) the edge when our twins get sick.
I am so glad that Annie let you hold her so much this weekend. xo
Anne says:
Poor baby…she is adorable:) hope she feels better soon!
Sue says:
Feel better real soon, Annie.
Jenn says:
Sweet baby girl!!! I hope she feels better today!!! You know Heather, when you talk about feeling a little sad to bring another baby home, it really reminds me of me. I remember being so upset as I watched my little 2 yr. old playing wondering what this new baby would do to him?! I knew I would love my new baby but I wondered if it would be as passionately as I did my first baby….the answer is a massive YES by the way!!! My son loved his siblings and was so thrilled to meet them, he hardly even looked at the gifts the baby bought him when they were born.
Seeing my kids now and basking in the closeness of their relationships made me realized that giving them their siblings was really one of the greatest gifts I could give them (although, they would STRONGLY Disagree when they are in a huge 3 way fight!!! ha ha). I can’t wait until baby boy is born so you can also witness the bond between your daughter and her brother….there really is So Much to look forward too!!! I’m so excited for you and Mike!!
Please give Annie a hug from me and please take care of yourself too. Thinking of you all and sending my friendship & love! xo
ColleenMN says:
I never got used to fevers; I hated it when my kids got them. I always gave them Tylenol rather that “wait” it out. My bad.The puking thing is really awful as well, I feel for you! Good luck, she’s a lucky girl to have you as a mom
gorillabuns says:
I freak out when a sniffle starts to form. No one sleeps in this house when this occurs.
nicole says:
Poor Annie! Fevers freak me out too, I was give baby Motrin to help bring it down. I’ve yet to have to deal with a stomach virus as a toddler-mom, but even THINKING about it gives me crazy anxiety. I think it’s because 1)I can’t expect my toddler to make it to the toilet, and 2)It’s so uncontrollable and unexpected. I image after she’s had a few stomach bugs she’ll learn to recognize what if feels like before she throws up and then I can teach her to run to the bathroom, but until then it freaks me out!!! Blech!
I hope Annie feels better asap, and I hope you don’t catch her germs.
Trisha says:
I hope Annie is on the mend soon. She is so bright eyed and cheery even when she feels horrible. Sweet girl!!
Kirsten says:
oh poor Annie
I feel exactly the same way…expecting a little one in a few months and my firstborn turns 5 today. I had a minor emotional breakdown about it on the way to work today – just kind of sad that my guy is growing up…I want to hold onto every second!
Glenda says:
Get well soon Annie!!!
Jeanie says:
Awww, I hope Annie’s feeling better very soon.
AlwaysARedhead says:
My children are much older now, 23, 20 & 18, but I remember every illness they had, hold them close when they are ill, they grow up fast.
Nicole says:
Heather, you are the most amazing mother.
Nicole says:
PS I hope Annie feels better soon!
Mary says:
I hope she feels better soon! It has to be tough for all of you!!! Stay well!
Auntie_M says:
Wow! She looks beautiful even when sick! Hope she is well soon and that you don’t get it at all!!
Lisaj says:
Annie and Saeryn are really so much alike…it is the only time our little energy ball slows down, too. I love the snuggles and hate the sick. This last time, she had pneumonia, which we caught and got diagnosed fairly quickly, because something just told me to take her to the ped instead of the minute clinic. Scary as heck, so I can only imagine how it was for you.