First Ear Infection

Last week was a rough one.  Emma started off with a cold that turned into an ear infection (her first one).  She had a very sore throat, so for most of the week she didn't eat much.  She was also very congested, so she couldn't drink much either.  Which means at her 12 month appointment, she had lost weight.  18lbs, 12 oz.  We were hoping she'd hit 20lbs by her first birthday, but the RSV and then the ear infection really set her back.  Dr. Fraser did say that she was well-proportioned though (except for her head, which is still large!).  She's 28 inches, so she's going to be short like me!  I looked at my baby book and I was also 28 inches at her age.  I weighed one pound more than her, but she would have been right there is not for the two illnesses.  She seems to be feeling MUCH better now, and is on her 5th day of Amoxicillin.  Unfortunately, she now has a rash all over her arms and legs from the medicine.  Nick and I think she's probably allergic, since we both are, but the doctor said it could just be a virus.  We're giving her Benadryl, which seems to help a little.  If she gets a rash next time she takes penicillin, she won't be able to take it anymore.  The amoxicillin also made her really fussy and it upset her stomach.  She didn't have any interest in eating, which is not like her.  She also had a really terrible diaper rash, so she's on meds for that too.  Her Allegra also wasn't working for her congestion, so we're now trying Zyrtec.  I hate that everything happened to her at once.  Fortunately, she's tolerating the medicine better now and everything seems to be clearing up.  The absolute worst part of the ear infection was how it affected her sleep.  She has always been such a great sleeper, but for the past week, she screams when we put her down.  I know her ear probably hurt last week, and now I guess she just has to be re-trained.  Tonight she did much better, so hopefully we're getting back to normal.  I did enjoy the extra time to rock and cuddle, and we even got to take a nap together with the dogs.  I read this on Kelly's Korner today.  It is the same Sound Machine we have, and I love it!  We also have a small fan in her room for white noise, but this sound machine is a lifesaver!  I don't have to worry about running the dishwasher or doing laundry while she's sleeping.  Nick can even mow outside her room. 

She's still not really crawling or walking by herself, but it's amazing how much more mobile she is.  Today she grabbed ahold of my shirt with both hands and pulled herself up.  We're finally going to have to babyproof the house.  She loves to hold our hands and walk.  She just giggles.  She is so much fun now (although she also throws some really good fits), at least when she feels well.  Hopefully this week will be better than last.