Doctors, sickness, yuck

This has been a tough winter.  Clara has been sick off and on, mostly on, pretty much since starting daycare in November. The past few weeks were especially bad.  A cold she had for several days turned into a fever, which finally went away for all of a week before she got hit with another fever.  We were worried enough to bring her in to the doctor on Thursday, who could find nothing obviously wrong.  (The fever went down on Friday, and was gone today, thank goodness.)

The next day, Friday, was a scheduled VCUG and ultrasound for Grady to check on his kidneys, which was an all-morning affair and pretty brutal at times.  Unofficial reports are no change - meaning still very high degree of reflux.  We meet with the urologist in the beginning of March.  

And then today was another trip back to the emergency room because Grady couldn't or wouldn't pee for close to 24 hours after his VCUG.  (The VCUG involves a catheter, which we think was causing some residual irritation.)  In any event, 45 minutes or so after arriving at the ER, Grady successfully peed on his own, making it a very expensive trip to the bathroom.  

We came home to find Fuzzy in some discomfort - we think a bad tooth.  We are hoping she stays well enough to make it to the vet on Monday during regular hours.  Poor Fuzzy. 

And poor Bessy for that matter. 

It's been quite a week, to say the least. 

Despite the sickness, hospitals, and worries, we have managed to have some bright spots. Mostly we have been in awe of Clara's amazing ability to create an absolute mess. 

Exhibit A: Feeding herself with a spoon

It doesn't even matter at this point

What have I done.

Exhibit B: Painting

Much more sophisticated technique than Clara's belly painting

And paint eating

Clara is also now able to walk with the help of a walker.  She loves it - and is so pleased with herself for walking! 

Another first for Clara was her first ride in the shopping cart!  So proud! 

And a clip of her saying her first word - Done.

Grady has been a really good sport with all the extra attention Clara has been getting because of her sickness.  Sometimes he gets jealous, which usually manifests itself in subtle ways - vigorously running a monster truck over Clara's hands, asking politely if Clara can stay downstairs while he and I go upstairs, screaming at her when she gets within a 10 yard radius that he needs space.  Matt and I are making an extra effort to give him some special one-on-one time now that Clara is on the mend.  Today he and I went for frozen yogurt and to the playground, just the two of us.  Next week he and Matt will see Monster Trucks together.  

I was so proud of Grady these past two days at the hospital too.  He was so articulate and sweet to the doctors and nurses.  And despite being a really scary and slightly painful couple of days, he dealt with it so well.  He is getting to be a really big boy.  I'm already getting nostalgic for my little boy.  

And for the most part he is such a good big brother.  He was pretty excited to have Clara experience his sandbox for the first time today.  Clara, in turn, was pretty excited to eat the sand.  Shoveling a handful in her mouth.  Pausing thoughtfully.  Shoveling in another handful. 

He also invents some pretty cool peek-a-boo games for Clara.

And is willing to share Daddy from time to time.

Yeah, those two are going to be thick as thieves soon enough. 

Fingers crossed for a healthy and happy post the next time.