The Surprise Sick

So, we totally had a good run of about a whole entire month (seriously, that’s, like, eons for us) without a trip to the pediatrician or a kid requiring medicine stronger than over-the-counter.

I mean, January, it was our reprieve month. Holy hallelujah, it felt like seven years without ick (if you don’t count that croup scare of Little Man’s that he managed to get through without drugs).

And then, literally, the first day of February dons and the kiddos are all a bit congested and snotty and sneezy. And so were Daddy and I (but who can blame us when the weather is such a yo-yo??).

So we missed church on Sunday so we could stay home and pretty much do this all day:

And it was needed.

Along with some early bedtimes.

But come Monday, everybody was totally normal-ish, so imagine my surprise when we went to the doctor today for Chica’s five-year-old well-visit checkup (ahem, only six months late) and made it through the entire exam and chat with the pediatrician, and practically sail out of there with flying colors...until the doc casually checks Chica’s mouth and her tooth she just lost.

And then she says, “uh oh.”

And I whip my head up and say, “noooo.”

And five minutes later, we’re walking out with a positive strep throat culture and an antibiotic prescription.

End scene.

I mean, if that right there doesn’t sum up our household health this Fall/Winter, nothin’ does, ha.

Geez louiseeee. Can we start the countdown for the next kiddo to bite the dust?? I mean, I made the doc check and Chicklet and Little Man weren’t infected yet—but literally, right before we walked into the doctor’s office, they were all passing their slushees amongst one another in the back seat to try out all the flavors.

Blue raspberry! Green apple! Strawberry! And...antibiotics for one and all!

So. It goes without saying that Chica will be home tomorrow until she’s no longer contagious. And the strep watch will continue.

But.

Looking on the bright side—that will give us more time to play all together and stay in our pjs and do projects and maybe bake, and have a Valentine-themed day, perhaps. So we’re gonna soak it up.

And that includes more time in the morning to enjoy the tiny treats in the kiddos’ Valentine boxes.

It’s our tradition four years (I think) running now.

Every morning of February leading up to Valentine’s, they have a little goodie in their cute, felt Valentine boxes that live in the dining room.

It’s always something so simple and silly (along with one piece of candy, like a starburst), and this year’s goodies have come mostly from the dollar store. I hit a good motherload a few weeks ago and spent about $12 (slinkies, bouncy balls, headbands, etc.) to earn loads o’ smiles and excited kiddos to rush downstairs and find their treat.

I really do love this accidental tradition that makes for an endearing easy February. :)

So here’s to our accidental sick ick staying as contained as possible (Is that my throat hurting?? Please don’t be my throat hurting.) and we’ll report in on any fun home-bound activities mañana!

Over and out.

P.S. Chica’s still trending tall at 87th percentile on the charts!