After this past week I’m convinced that there are little to no things worse than when your baby is sick. Abbey has been sick since last Wednesday with coughing, cold-like symptoms and a fever. I can’t tell you which out of these symptoms are worse because they all suck in my book. I have also felt like garbage with a cough, needless to say it has been fun at The Herron Nest.
The weekend was up and down like Abbey’s fever. You could tell she wanted to play so bad but just got worn out quicker than normal. It is amazing to me how well babies handle being sick, she is a champ compared to me. However, we were at a point on Saturday night when I called my mom in tears, but that is what I do. Just like the Blake Shelton song suggests “call up momma when all else fails” and I really did need to hear my mom’s voice once Abbey threw up Tylenol for the second time after we discovered she had a 102 fever. This was also after I had called the doctor on-call for reassurance that we were doing the right thing and to just TRIPLE check that there was nothing else we could do for Abbey. I hate feeling helpless and really just wanted the doctor (or my mom) to tell me about this magical thing that I never knew about that was going to cure Abbey right away. As you know, that magical thing doesn’t exist. The closest solution was the Tylenol that ended up all over George and the living room floor.
Of course in Abbey-fashion she was still smiling and cute and let mommy do a mini photo session to capture my growing baby.
Happy 4 months old Abbey Road!
Luckily, late Sunday afternoon Abbey’s temperature started to drop on its own which was a huge relief for George and I. She is still coughing (so am I) which is still concerning but I’m hoping that we are at the tail-end of this nasty bug. To be safe we have her cool mist humidifier running all day and all night, the nose frida to keep her boogies to a minimum and these awesome Boogie Wipes, gentile saline wipes, to wipe her mouth and nose. Have you ever heard of these things? You can go to their website, join the Boogie Bunch and get $0.50 off.
Once we survive the first time Abbey has been sick I’ll be looking forward to her never being sick again. Obviously this is impossible but a mom can hope, right? Do you remember the first time your baby was sick? How did you cope? I’m pretty sure I won’t forget this past weekend, at least not for a long time.
The Herron Nest 
I remember doing exactly that. Calling the ask-a-nurse and pediatrician to make sure we didn’t need to do anything else. It doesn’t make any subsequent illnesses any easier. I hardly sleep when they’re sick. The worst so far was having to check my 3yo into the hospital for dehydration. Big parenting fail..worst day ever. The 9yo is much easier though, so it does get better, in the sense that once they’re older it’s not just panic all the days until they feel better..so that’s something.
Thanks Melissa, I love hearing “it gets better.” I just called to check on Abbey and according to my sitter a.k.a the best uncle ever, she is doing pretty good with minimal coughing. Can’t wait to get back home to lay my eyes on her.
You can get Tylenol (or acetaminophen.) in a suppository form for infants.They are helpful for when they can’t keep the medicine down but you still need a fever reducer. Most of the time they aren’t carried OTC but you can usually order them from the pharmacy. I have been lucky and haven’t had to use them but I know we used to carry them in the pharmacies that I worked at and we sold them quite a bit. I’m like you, I don’t handle it well when Aayla is sick. I don’t like feeling helpless. I also tend to hover and take her temperature like every 5 minutes. Feel better soon Abbey and Jesy!
You are the best Heather – had no idea that existed but will be sure to keep that in mind next time. Hopefully we won’t have “next time” very soon.
And we are very much alike, I literally was checking Abbey’s temperature every 5 minutes the other night. I’m anxious to find out if it gets easier with #2!
I knew it was going to be a rough weekend for you guys once I heard Abbey was sick. Always hardest the first time….gets some better but it is really never okay. Nick is 19 and if he is sick I sleep with one ear open and still wish it were me instead of him….lol….again Jes, welcome to motherhood!
I concur with everyone else. No matter how old your kids get, you are still a mom and worry. That’s what mothers do! That being said, it is harder when they can’t tell you what is hurting them…you just want to cry along with them. You have already showed what a great mom and dad are, and Abbey is very lucky to have both of you. Hopefully, she is over the worst by now? Love and prayers to all of you!