Nov 11, 2010

Someone give me a merit badge.


Happier times, the other day. Forgive my inappropriately slow shutter speed.

This poor little boy was up ALL. NIGHT. LONG. Well. That's not entirely true. There were increments of sleep, but none longer than an hour. I slept on the couch, both because Mike was sick & coughing in our bed (germs, albeit most likely unavoidable germs) & because I knew there was no point getting comfortable. When he awoke in the middle of the night, & I felt his suddenly burning hot forehead, I couldn't hold back the tears of guilt. Fever, of course. Because I would be that idiot mother that wasn't prepared with any infant Tylenol (or whatever it is that they're supposed to take), & even though I'd gone to the pharmacy earlier that night to get my flu shot, I'd forgotten to pick some up just in case.

Shame.

So, I did what I had to do - one of those things that I'm learning about motherhood, this unavoidable just doing what you have to do business - & I walked to the pharmacy at 1:30am, grateful to live in a neighborhood where I wasn't entirely terrified of getting mugged (+ to have a CVS so close). That being said, when I was talking to friend Jill on the phone asking her what to do about my baby's fever (good friends take late night phone calls) I said I'm at 80th & 1st in case you hear a scream & need to call 911. 

He's feeling better now, I think. Currently sleeping. Letting his dad hold him again. Eating better. Not quite so sad anymore. But he has a giant bruise on his thigh, & his mama is going to be an exhausted wreck until at least tomorrow morning (pending a more reasonable night's sleep + a nap). I'm giving myself that, & yes, it's 1pm & I'm still in my sweats + tshirt.

But! I've survived yet another milestone of new motherhood, & I suppose that feels good. Someone give me a merit badge.

One down: First immunizations.

(Update: They exist!!) 

10 comments:

Jeanne said...

You do deserve a merit badge!! It's always hard when they can't tell you what's wrong. But sounds like you're figuring it all out just great.

Lindsey said...

Good job, Kathryn! Like you say... you do what you have to do. Fevers are sad and scary in little ones... I hope he feels better soon!

Jennifer said...

After many, many fevers with no Tylenol around, I now carry it in my purse and buy it in bulk at Costco. We have it everywhere.

Good job on the late night pharmacy walk. I hope you all start feeling better soon!

Jill said...

Oh dear. I hope he is feeling much better! Both Mike & Quinn that is. I have been out of medicine before when a fever struck too, its so horrible, you'll do anything. Did you end up doing the generic? There was Tylenol recall and the advice my ped. and Diane gave me was just stick to the generic. Also the suppositories work well if he won't take the medicine. In my book nothing is work that a sick baby!

mandy* said...

Yes, to the merit badge!! I'm impressed that you went to CVS at 1:30 in the morning!! That is true motherhood.

Allison Boothe said...

Just blog stocked you as I have heard so much about your blog! Amazing!! Reading your newest post made me realize how hard new motherhood has got to be... so many things to think about! He's adorable though. Sorry so sick :( Sleep, milk, and tylenol every 4-6.

Missy said...

yep, you do what you have to do. and somehow when it is YOUR little one that is suffering you WILL do anything you have to do right? even walk to get tylenol at 1:30 am. good work. hope he is happy Q again today.

Jill said...

that was a sad night. i hope everyone is feeling better.

ps. im glad i didn't have to call 911.

k. said...

JS, absolutely - generic. I at least knew that much (although what do you call generic tylenol? fever / pain medicine?). :)

k. said...

Wait! They have them!!

http://www.mamameritbadges.com/

(thanks, Tara!)