Then...
Maddy got sick Sunday night. The illness snuck up on us all. She was still her happy self, but she broke down with a really low grade fever. Took care of it with a little dose of acetaminophen. Erwil and I both went to work the following morning. Fever cleared up by our usual 5am wake up call. We thought we were in the clear. Didn't worry about it too much afterward.
And then...
Maddy got really sick while she was at my parents house that Monday. She wasn't eating. She wasn't drinking. She had a really bad case of the runs. Worst diarrhea I've ever seen come from a toddler. Soupy. My mom was changing her diaper, soiled clothes, and crib sheets constantly. The washer and dryer didn't take a break from washing and drying. I prayed as I called the pediatrician and hit up the internet searching for healing advice. For the most part, we were adviced by the doctor about B.R.A.T. foods since she had no fever or vomiting.
- B is for banana
- R is for rice
- A is for applesauce
- T is for toast
The symptoms persisted and Maddy wasn't taking in any food nor liquids. The sight of food and drinks made her cry and unhappily squeal. She was shoving away everything away that we offered. For Maddy's sake, it was best that I stay at my mom's house so that we can nurse her 24 hours, while Erwil shuttled back and forth between our house and mom's. Erwil and I decided it was best to split up our duties. He had to go to work and be the man of the house. I had to look after Maddy, while still teach a classroom full of kids. I could only take one illness day from work, so I had to figure out how to use that day off wisely--just in case Maddy needed more medical intervention--taking her to Urgent Care. Thank God for grandparents who can watch over Maddy while Erwil and I temporarily leave Maddy's side to go to work. They did their part, played their first base and shortstop position well.
7 watery diapers and 2 packs of Kirkland baby wipes later, and still no fever and vomiting? This case doesn't call for serious medical intervention. This is one of those parenting storms you weather out for 48, 96 hours, as long as it takes until the last symptom has finally run its course. But I tell you, it's difficult when your child young child can't communicate what she's really feeling. All you can do is give her lots of hugs and kisses. Even those loving gestures, still wasn't enough.
Does this call for a fight or flight moment? Well, there are times you might start to feel like a teary-eyed, useless mom sitting on the couch cuddling an irritable, crying child. (C'mon moms out there, am I the only one who feels that she isn't a Super Mom? I hate Super Moms who think they know it all, superior to you and lord over their wise health tips. I hate the Super Wife too, during these times. Don't even get me started on that!) For the most part, the Normal Mom in me knows that it's most likely not the right time to cry, and never the right time to give up on your child. You'll attempt to do whatever it takes to keep her from being a failure to thrive. You just don't want failure.
Finally...
10pm on Wednesday night, Maddy and I sat in my mom's living room watching her favorite Baby Signing Time DVD. Maddy appeared to be interested in eating again as I sat next to her. It may not be a huge deal for you to see a child nibble the corner of a dry piece of toast, but I took it as a good sign. Then she finished a whole cup of applesauce. There were bread crumbs and splats all over my mom's couch. Who cares about the icky mess? This was a very good sign. Afterwards, she washed it down with a cold bottle of Kirkland water although it dribbled down her throat and pajama collar. Maddy sipped about a fourth of my water bottle from the spout because after living through this experience, she probably thinks she's no longer a little toddler anymore. For those little lips to drink that much cold water? Her little 20 lb body must've been so parched.
Maddy's temperament returned back to happy, like a car transmission going from 2nd gear to 5th. She was her smiling, lovable, babbling self. I put her to bed and she slept so well. My parents were relieved of their nursing duties. The washer and dryer took a break too. I'm sure Mom and Dad's water bill will be a bit higher this month.
I called my lonely, house-sitting husband to tell him the great breaking news, 11pm. Maddy and I are going home to be reunited with Erwil the following day.
And now...
We're back in our tiny house living as a family again. Everything is back to normal.
