Tis the Season

It's that time of year, friends... cold and flu season. Blah! I pray to make it through this season with no hospitalizations. I *knock on wood* have actually not been sick, with the exception of a mild cold here and there, since I was 7 months pregnant with Landon. My poor husband, on the other hand, catches something that puts him down and out pretty much every year. I used to get really sick every year. I blame that on working in daycares and school districts where I was exposed to millions and millions of germs. Anyway- Jimmy caught something a little over a week ago. Laryngitis and a lot of terrible night time coughing was the result of the virus. On Friday Jimmy said that he hopes Landon doesn't get sick. Sure enough, it started on Saturday. The sneezing and boogies started and off it went... As the days go on, his symptoms change a bit. He's not sneezing so much now but has the nasty cough that kept Jimmy awake night after night. It's so strange to me because he's not all that symptomatic at this point. But, the poor kid is so sleepy, so clingy and so groggy much of the day. I was concerned enough about his behaviors that I accepted an appointment at his pediatrician's office at 7:45 last night. If you know me, you know that I avoid messing with bed time at all costs unless it's a fun, special occasion every once in a while. The pediatrician confirmed that he has no ear infection, sinus infection... which is great, so now it's just a matter of waiting it out. In the mean time, our boy is very much attached to me which I think is pretty common for sick kiddos. They want mama. He insists on laying on top of me which is a bit difficult with my protruding belly. Tonight I put him to bed and actually laid in bed with him. This never happens simply because Landon has been sleeping in his crib since 2 weeks old so is not used to sharing his space. It's a good thing but sometimes I love the idea of cuddling with him in bed. Anyway, he draped himself across my belly and fell asleep. I'm sure there is reasoning behind it which centers around comfort- as uncomfortable as it is for him is as comfortable as it seems to be for Landon. But, I'd like to think that he is comforted by being close to his baby brother. =0) One other thing I wanted to mention is another article that I wrote about Landon. I may have mentioned it a while ago but I was asked to write up a blurb for a handbook that the Cystinosis Research Network was creating. They came up with the idea to create a handbook that could be distributed to families whose children are newly diagnosed. I was thrilled to be considered! I think that this is so important and can be a way to not only educate, but to give hope to families who receive that devastating news. I remember how scared we were when Landon was in the hospital and first diagnosed. We had no idea what it meant and a lot of what we read was not so great. Luckily we were put in touch with families who were able to give us hope and answer questions, but having literature such as a handbook would have been wonderful. Anyway, the handbook was created and is available in electronic form. It should be available in print this summer. Very cool! It is so important to me to offer hope and optimism to other families in our community. Landon is still one of the newbies, particularly when you think about how few people are diagnosed, but he really is a testament to how a person can thrive with this disease. His nephrologist is kind enough to give lots of credit to Jimmy and I for taking care of him. But I give most of the credit to incredible doctors who know their stuff and a very resilient little boy. Jimmy and I do what we are told to do and we love our son... We're parents... Anyway, here is the link if you are interested... http://www.cystinosis.org/ Just go to that website and click on the link to the handbook. Enjoy!