Croup Sickies

Leah had been warning me that this year is an unusually tough croup virus. I half listened and then it hit our littles. Actually, Theo was the first hit with a cold/fever/runny nose/miserableness but I didn't recognize it as the croup. He and Kate are the two who seem to miss the distinctive barking sound associated with croup.

Theo missed half a weeks worth of school and then Augie came down with the croup. Augie came down with it so hard that I had to take him to the pediatrician (who prescribed steroids) and then to the ER in a 24 hours period. He is currently on a five day course of steroids which should help reduce inflammation and to quit barking like a seal. He is up most of the night and spends the day falling asleep on the couch or on us.

Our nights have been busy with humidifiers, Vicks rub downs, trips outside in the cold air, and steam showers. Having sick kiddos just stinks for everyone. I am run down and my face is a weird grayish color. Despite my obvious (to me) exhaustion, I have cabin fever and just want to GO SOMEWHERE!

This afternoon I took an hour trip to get gas and to the grocery store. I didn't want to come home and sit for one more minute in the house, so I bought lunch and parked in our driveway and ate it. Sounds kind of pathetic, but actually it was quite peaceful. I rolled my window down to listen to the sound of nothing and enjoyed the cool breeze. Jon stuck his head out the garage door and shouted, "We know you are here!" but I still didn't budge. I just calmly ate my fuji apple salad and drank an orange-cranberry smoothie. Ate every last bite, thank you very much.

Had I gone inside I would have heard at least one or two people crying, at least one or two whining, had at least one or two asking me for my lunch, another kicking their feet on the floor because I didn't want to share, and at least one needing some kind of medicine. Not to mention the begging dog, loud TV, and slight smell of a stuffed up home. It is a very good thing I sat in the car and ate. Heck, I might just have to make it a habit!