Croup 2: The Revenge

We figured that since I wrote the first croup story way back around Christmas it was my right and duty to pen the sequal.  This is a sequal that lived up to, and unfortunately surpassed expectations....but sorry....it's long.

It begins like any other good horror movie:

Average American middle class family spends a wonderful weekend hiking in the mountains of Tennesee.  Little did they know that they wouldn't come back home alone.  The first hint of trouble comes as the family is passing through Lexington, Kentucky on the drive back home...one single throaty cough from the back of the car.  The parents look at each other, shrug, and carry on like nothing ever happened.  No other hints of trouble for the rest of the trip, so just a passing chance cough right?  WRONG!!!!!!  The only part of this beginning that is not like a horror movie is that the little passing cough happened during the 10th listening of the cast of Sesame Street singing the Rubber Duck song.  Hey...it kept him quiet.

We finish the trip home, unpack, rest, and let the little crazy man run around like a maniac (please note this is normal behavior).  We are about to get back in the car to do some grocery shopping when I make the note "Hey, I think he feels a little warm.  I'll go and you can stay here with him just in case."  When I get back, sure enough he has a small 101.5 fever.  Still, no big deal for a kid who gets more small fevers than full diapers (exageration).  A little tylenol, some dinner, a sippy cup and off to bed.

While sitting around for the evening we hear some throaty coughs coming through the monitor, but nothing that wakes him up.  His breathing begins to sound worse and sure enough we get him up around midnight and his fever is coming back strong...103.5.  Breathing continues to get worse so we try to see if he will sleep in between us on the bed so we can keep a close eye on his breathing.  In typical fashion Grayson decides the most comfortable spot in the bed is in the middle of my pillow.  My miniscule wife has to make do with 3/4 of a king size bed while I try get comfortable sharing the final 6" of the bed with my son who now thinks he might be more comfortable if his butt is placed squarely in front of my face.  It was ok (not really) because this didn't last long.  He continued to get worse and more restless.

To make the rest of the evening story short we spent a lot of time cradling a hot hot hot child that sounded like darth vader with lot's of drool and snot coming out everywhere.  He was stuggling to take breathes all evening, I mean really struggling. We made one call to the pediatrician in the middle of the night, and 3 or 4 false starts to the ER as we were always able to get his breathing under control after a few minutes of him being riled up.  Come 8 AM we have placed ourselves squarely in the parking lot of our pediatrician and demand that they see Grayson NOW or we are going straight to the ER and finding a new pediatrician tomorrow.  Actually our pediatricians are freaking awesome and I would never leave them but they didn't call my bluff and brought him in right away.

Again, nothing much to say here.  They gave him a nebulizer/breathing treatment ( I know Grayson is tiny, but the only comparision I can think of is like trying to knock out a full grown pissed off bull with a small napkin of ether...man can he fight back) and a quick shot of steroids.  He didn't respond to the meds the way they wanted and informed us that even though it was only 9 AM we should plan on spending the night, not just the afternoon, at the Children's Hospital.  By this time Grayson has thrown up down his front and proceeded to immediately latch on to me in a kung fu death grip, thus sandwhiching vomit between the fronts of our shirts.  Since he is not letting go Nicole makes a NOT SO quick trip home to pack some stuff for an overnight stay. 
Seriously, I have no idea what she did but it took forever.  How hard is it to grab some T-shirts, underwear and a toothbrush...pretty hard it turns out.

They book us a stay as guests of honor at the Childrens Hospital.  They took great care to lay out the red carpet for us as we proceeded into a decent size room where the main focal point is the "crib" which actually seems to resembel a raised cage for criminals sent to solitary confinement.  Needless to say Grayson was not a fan of the crib. 

It was a long day at the hospital where Grayson was poked and proded and in general really angry and upset.  Another nebulizer (aka bull fighting situation) and some more Tylenol, but mostly a lot of waiting with a cranky baby who continued to sound more Darth Vader like than even Darth Vader can.  He got a little better, but never enough to please the doctors into letting us go home.  He would continue to get riled up throughout the day which just kept causing him to get worse again. 

The one funny part was that they treated our room like something out of the movie "Outbreak".  No one entered without a full face mask and smock, which got us wondering why we didn't have any special clothes on.  Cleary our son was ground zero for a new disease, should we be worried?  I started to have my own laughs by letting him run around the room when the doctor's came in, so long as he was feeling up to it.  It was like watching magnets of opposite charge...they wouldn't touch him so they kept trying to scatter to the walls of the room when ever he came near.  This is very humorous when there are three or four people avoiding him in a smallish room with the "cage" right in the middle while he runs in circles with his arms out trying to touch everything within reach, including people, as only small children can.  Dont get me wrong...I understand they don't want to spread anything to the other kids, but still it was funny.

We resigned our selves to the staying the evening.  This is when I went to grab the clothes Nicole brought for me that she spent all that time packing.  Oh wait...she seems to have not brought anything for me...seriously...what did she do that whole time.  She has tons of things for herself and Grayson, but not so much as a toothpick for me.  This is when I realize that I still have on my shirt that Grayson had smeared vomit on earlier, I seamed to have forgotten during all of the fun of the day.  Boy did I smell good, I can't believe no one told me earlier.

Grayson did get some sleep during the night.  I practised chivalry and let Nicole sleep on the one small pull out chair-bed while I got cozy on the tile floor with a pillow and a sheet.  Nicole did offer to switch, but like I said....chivalry.  Grayson had some x-rays of his throat taken, another nebulizer (he was calm for this which was almost wose than the bull incidents) and a second steriod dose.  We had one incedent during the evening where Grayson got really out of hand.  I will not even try to describe it.  Even during the month of Halloween it is too frightening to think about, and I was within moments of calling for an exorcism.  Apparently steroids will do this to children, I hope no one else ever has to witness this.

We all got a resonable amount of sleep, Grayson continued to sound better and better, and come 10:30 AM we were allowed to leave and take our little trooper home.  He is currently sleeping quite peacefully upstairs.  We do not hope for this to become a trilogy.

There are parts of the experience that I wouldn't trade for anything, like having him cling to me for everything he is worth just to keep comforted.  Most of the experience I would gladly trade for just about anything else in the world, definately for a clean shirt.  It is exceedingly hard to watch your child go through that.  Breathing is not anything that anyone should take for granted becuase Grayson proved it is not always as easy as it seems.

Pumpkins, Goats and Hayrides - Oh My!

The weekend update. 

Grayson got to meet all my new co-workers Friday afternoon - obviously, he was loved by all:)

Afterwards we made a trip to the park but sadly missed our friend Truit. Btw, WHO would have known that Grayson has a little friend in our backyard 2 MONTHS older then him. In mommy world this means: BEST NEWS EVER. 

It's so nice to have someone so close for G to play with. Especially in the winter when the boys are sure to get stir-crazy, I'm glad that we can just walk over to each others' house to play. 

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We went to the Sauerkraut Festival this weekend. Dan loves the stuff...me, not so much. They have tons of craft booths lined along the street, so there's definitely stuff for me to look at. G did pretty well - we stayed for about an hour and half which is really 10hrs toddler time. At least our toddler's time. Sitting in a stroller is not exactly his idea of fun. 

He was pretty fed up at this point

*****
Sunday Dan had to work until about 2 (well, he had to work Sat too but was home by 11am) and we headed right on over to Shappacher Farms to go pumpkin picking, take a hay ride, and pet some animals. If you're from the area, definitely head on over - it's a really good time! 

The CA-UTEST baby goats! 

yes, my child would be the only one that attempted to climb the gate

Nom, Nom, Nom.

Grayson picking our pumpkin

Afterwards we headed to John and Lar's for some chicken pot pie and delicious pumpkin cake. 

We were cracking up at the boys playing in Scout's doghouse. So funny! It kept them busy for a good 10 mins. In and out, In and out. 

This was a little game they were playing. Zach would stand in front of Grayson and G would push him forward like a train. They both thought it was hilarious. I mean it obviously IS.

So that was it. Our weekend. We have our trip to Gatlinburg planned for next weekend and I.can't.wait. So so excited to get away for a couple days. Our first trip to G-burg was awesome and sooo relaxing. I excpect nothing less from this next trip. 

The Luckiest

Pretty sure I'm the luckiest girl in the world. 

October-ing

Where did this week go??!!
... I'll tell you: I was in training Mon, Tues, and Wed at work and then Thursday and Friday I came down with a really evil nice cold that knocked me out. Grayson had it too, but you know kids...it's barely a blip on their radar. He was still running around the house. 


Of course it happened to be BEAUTIFUL out on thursday. I was SO BUMMED we couldn't go outside. I hate wasting nice days. Not like we were actually "wasting" them. We were inside.."resting". 


*******


G decided to give himself {another} busted lip. I was actually surprised at my calm when the blood started gushing out of his mouth. Like a normal day. Ha. Since this has happened before, and we had Dan's mom come over to "asses the situation", we knew no stitches were needed. G just has to learn to slow down a little. You know, not jump off the couch when he hears the garage door opening because he knows Dad is about to walk through the door.....


*******


So after two solid days in the house, we ventured outdoors Saturday to Irons Fruit Farm to do the Corn maze- soo fun! But of course it was freezing Saturday- A mere, 50 degrees out. Sheesh! 
So worth the delicious Apple Pie afterwards, though! (maybe not so smart an idea considering I have a nice little cough to deal with now) 


Anyways, today was much nicer temp wise and we were able to get G out to the playground for a little bit. He is so brave, that kid. I love watching him go right up the stairs to go down the slide. It's the cutest. 


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Too cute favorite? 
Whenever Dan kisses me, Grayson gets jealous and immediately runs over to plant a kiss on his Momma. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!

He claims he"s "watching him" 

Climbing

(posted a week late. I started the post and then life got in the way:)

"Momma, deliver us a cookie" 

Umm..what?

 Yes, I was "summoned" to deliver a cookie to my hubs and child because it was too much effort for them to get up from football watching. 

Bad Habits. 

"Yes, that IS a delicious homemade cookie you are tasting..." 

Besides the fact that I have two lazy men in the house :)  I had a really awesome first week of  work. I got a TON done and still have so so many projects that can and hopefully will be done while I'm at home. 

The weather was kind of gloomy the whole week, so G and I were inside for both the days we had home together. Surprising how fun puzzles and just walking around the house can be! 

On top of getting more "home time" with G, I had the good fortune of really re-connecting with a good friend. My extra time home and MUCH closer commute allow me to really open up my days. I was actually able to go to a jewelry party after work one day! This would NEVER have happened before..literally because I just never would have gotten home in time for it to be worth it. I was actually able to go home, change, and play with G for a bit before even heading over to the party - still shocks me!

Want to know another thing that shocks me....my climber child. OMG. A month or so ago, while at Dan's parents house, we watched as G climbed onto a kitchen chair and then right up onto the kitchen table. Well...he does it ALL.THE.TIME. I mean really, how many times can a kid climb onto a kitchen table before it get's boring....let me just tell you it's A LOT. 

Here are the quick pics from LAST week/weekend

Enjoying some food at Applefest last Saturday

Yep, he goes down this slide all by himself!

Climbed the rock all by himself- Dan is there "just in case" 

Kitchen table climing

Piano climbing.

So that was last week. I will hopefully get updated with this weeks post, too!

Excitement

I think I told everyone that I had some exciting news....AND.....

I am BEYOND THRILLED to announce that I will be starting a new (PT) job tomorrow. The new job will give me the flexibility and TIME that I want/need with Grayson. I am so so excited. I was having major work/home struggles. I've never wanted to stay home full-time, but also didn't want to be working full-time + my hour long commute. This is the perfect place for me to be at this time in my life and am so lucky this opportunity came my way.


So wish me luck on my new adventure of working AND staying at home. 


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We have been VERY busy these past couple of weeks. Last Saturday we went to Cornfest with Pepere and purchased fresh Apple Butter, tasted some homemade ice cream, and got to visit with some animals.


During the week I ventured down into the basement and dug out all my fall clothes and switched wardrobes. I also pulled out all my "nice" work clothes (I didn't have to "dress" up at my old job) and surprisingly had a decent amount that were still in great shape and fit. 
Score on not having to buy a new work wardrobe! 


NOT score on literally spending all the money on buying a new wardrobe for Grayson! 
Just kidding..it's way more fun to spend money on kids clothing.


*******
I can't remember when I did an official "Grayson" update, so thought I would do one quickly here


As of 12 months he was:
Weight: 22lbs (40th)
Height: 30.5in (75th)


*He currently wears 9,12 month shirts (6-12month in gap if the clothes haven't shrunk yet)
*12-18, 18 and sometimes 18-24month pants 
Kids' got some long legs..even though I think his growth is starting to slow down a lot
*10 teeth including 2 molars
*Says Hi, Bye, Momma, Dadda, woof, uh-oh, what's that, no, mine
*Climbs on: everything
*Gives kisses that are sooo cute. Sometimes we hear him start saying "muwahhh" when you're walking around and we literally RUN to you to make sure we get that precious kiss on the mouth. It is the sweetest little kiss ever. 
*Is getting the hang of his puzzles more and more
*Looks like he is trying to jump?
*Loves pickles - random, I know
*Loves being outside climbing around a playground
*Usually goes to bed at 8 and sleeps until 7am. It's wonderful. 


That's all I can think of right now. 


*******
This weekend we finished off our fall clothes shopping for the little man  (I think), went to the playground at our development and then did dinner with Dan's parents. I was a little sore from cleaning out the entire basement Friday, which is kind of pathetic seeing as I work out at least 4 days a week. You'd think I could lift a couple boxes and not get sore:/ 


During the cleanout process, I went through ALL of Grayson's clothes/toys/ect. We ended up donating two garbage bags full of clothes. Don't worry - we still kept 2.5 bins of baby clothes if we end up having another boy. Even Dan said that the second one deserved some new stuff too. 


I do admit, going through all the itty bitty baby clothes gave me a  little bit of baby fever! Don't get excited. I'm starting a new job and in NO way am getting pregnant immediately...so I'll live vicariously through all my momma blogger friends who are all getting pregnant! 


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New Gym time. ahhh!


For the past two years I've been going to the gym on my lunch break. Since I have to actually dress up to go to work now, I'm not sure I want to have to sweat (not that I really sweat that much anyway) on my break. SO, I will be making the transition to morning workouts. I've done it before and really really liked it -it completly energizes you for the rest of the day. It's just the first couple of weeks that kill you -ha! 


PICTURE TIME:

After Church today

Why grayson, you look so enthused about shopping! Oh and don't be fooled by the hat, he only keeps it on for like .o2 seconds.

G's happy place - the playground

Busy Long Weekends!

 So long Labor Day 2011!

This past weekend definitely FLEW by - but we are so glad to be home for a little while. Our 13 month old has taken three 11+ hour trips to CT in his short lifetime, along with a shorter 5 hour trip to Gatlinburg. He is certainly becoming quite the traveler!

Every trip is different, and this one was no exception. Grayson was awake much more during this trip then any other. He was quite fussy at times, but Dan and I alternate driving and sitting/playing in the back with him. It seemed that whenever we *thought* he would nap, he wouldn't...and when we didn't expect him to nap - he did! Just goes to show you can never really plan everything with a baby or toddler! Things change in an instant:) I have learned to become way more "go with the flow" - screaming baby? No problem! Apparently balancing an empty bottle on your head and letting it fall is downright hilarious. I would never have known this if I didn't have a screaming baby in my car :P 

One of our first stops in CT was to see my sister at work.(after quickly stopping by Aunt Dani and Uncle Scotts to get the babe out of the car for a bit) She is a teacher at a daycare, and her class of 3 year olds were just the cutest! Grayson got to spend time with his Aunt Heder and was included in "circle time" and "snack time" 

"Where's my cookie!"

"Nom Nom Nom"

That evening we did dinner at Maggie's with my sisters, Dad, Auntie Meesh, and Aunt Sari...the restaurant was so packed we were sharing chairs at one point! 

Grayson and I with Aunt Sari

Our main reason for visiting this weekend, was to attend the wedding of our friends Matt and Kate. I won't post the pathetic pictures I took with my camera or phone camera since they obviously won't do the bride and groom justice - but the wedding was definitely so beautiful and SO SO fun! 


I have to say, our Saturday was just delightful - we got to visit Auntie Sari, her "son" Mikey, Sarah's parents and brother and then afterwards met up with MY brother and sisters for a bit before heading to the wedding....while Dan and I were at the wedding, Auntie Heder, Uncle Gabe and Aunt Holly took Grayson to visit my Dad, Nonna, and Grandpa in Bridgeport...does anyone wonder why my child doesn't take a breather? We certainly are on the go all the time!


The following day (Sunday) we had lunch at Maggies with my sisters and BF (ok, we actually TRIED to have lunch somewhere else, but everything was closed) and then travelled up to Canton to visit the rest of Dan's family. It was really nice seeing the extended family, and we got to play with cousin FELIX for a bit!! My CHUBBY little nephew!


Monday morning Grayson played on the Ipad with Auntie Meesh...

"Auntie Meesh PLEASE let me touch it"

"yeaaaa...slap slap slap"

... took G to visit my mom for lunch and then headed over to Aunt Dani and Uncle Scott's to visit with cousin Felix for some "one on one" time. I think Grayson has a hard time understanding that Felix doesn't quite "play" yet. In the next couple of months I'm sure they'll be able to interact much more. I do have to say, Grayson was pretty good with Baby Felix - he gave him kisses and some soft "pats" on the head. I honestly think he was trying to be nice. 

And since my picture uploader thing wasn't working correctly, here are some pics out of order

Grayson playing with Mikey

We packed in these 3 bags and pack and play. I was very proud of this. OH, and we brought Fred

Grayson waiting for his food at Dunkin. 

Felix! So sad I didn't get any more pictures. I usually have my phone on me ALL the time snapping pics

I am so excited that Fall is officially here. We are going to our first fall festival this weekend - Corn Fest! I am THRILLED. I love everything about this time of the year. I am stalking Pinterest for any cool fall ideas/recipes/crafts/clothes. We are SO getting our fall on. I've already packed our September and October with "events" - you know CornFest, Applefest, Irons Fruit Farms Corn Maze, Sauerkraut Fest, Gatlinburg...ahhhh...I just listed SIX weekends! Like I said. THRILLLLED!

Gotta Go - A pumpkin Spice Latte is calling my name...