Hand, Foot & Mouth

Well, the last week was certainly not fun.  I honestly did not know if I would survive, without being exceptionally grumpy.  "L" celebrated his 18th month of life with a case of hand, foot and mouth.  Didn't know people could get this?  Yup, they can, and it is a different virus than what animals contract.

On January 18th, "L" was running a low grade fever and was quite tired.  He also had a light appetite.  He fell asleep at 7:00 p.m., in my lap.  I suspected that perhaps, he might be getting a tummy bug.  He woke on Sunday with a rash around his mouth, on his hands and on the bottoms of his feet.  He also had the rash inside his mouth.  This translates into a very cranky baby!

Much of the same continued throughout the week.  I took him to the Dr. on Tuesday, and they confirmed that it was this virus.  My suspicions were correct.  Ugh!  He was not wanting to eat and drink, because of the pain.  So, we were almost to the point of going in for IV fluids.  Thanks to the "miracle mouthwash" and "juice," we did not need to.  "L" had more juice last week than he has had for his entire life!

Thankfully, he has recovered, and Mr. Fixit and I are praying for well kids for a while now.  Hopefully, "K" will not get it next.  It takes about 10 days for the virus to run its course.  And, wouldn't you know, it is highly contagious = no child care attendance.

Here is hoping all of you are spared the affects of hand, foot and mouth.  It is popular in the 5 and under crowd!