Our Bubble Has a Leak

We battled a yucky virus a couple weeks ago. All three kiddos had it. I kept seeing red bumps on Paisley that looked like ant bites. I turned her room upside down looking for ants, but I couldn't find anything. Then the 'bites' became blisters... I called our pest control service several times about this, and they were trying to work us in for a spray. 

Meanwhile, LS complained of a stomach ache that morning before school. She crawled in my bed, and I decided to take her temperature. Surely enough, it was 101.4. That was a winning ticket to stay home.

Later that morning, while Lilly Scott was sleeping in my room, I found fresh bumps on Paisley... on her hand! I was almost a wild woman looking for ants... Then I decided to call the doctor. Mother's intuition, perhaps..? 

Well, well, well, there's a thing called 'hand, foot and mouth,' and it got to my dumplings-- ALL THREE of them. I woke up LS and we headed to the doctor for confirmation of this virus. LS was tested for strep because her throat was so red. Fortunately she was strep free and was diagnosed with an older version of the virus. 

We stayed home for the next day. LS returned to school two days after the appointment because she was fever free for over 24 hours, whew. 

M and P didn't act bothered by their temperament, but they refused to eat and drink. That was scary, especially with our history of weight checks. One night Paisley had a throw up marathon, but she was able to rest most of the night in our room. 

She was on the mend by the end of the week..

 ... and Lilly was back to her camera friendly self

 We made cupcakes to celebrate good health! 

I've learned that what looks like a bite doesn't always have to be that... and this virus is rough and way too contagious. I've read that it can be contagious for a few weeks because it can show up in stool. Good thing we have sewage. Now, sadly, two of Lilly Scott's friends have this virus... She was contagious the day before the fever spiked. Like I said, our bubble has a leak. 

as always,

ashley