Well, we are all on the mend. My third trip to the doctor turned out to be the charm after another more powerful 'miracle' shot, new antibiotic and cough/decongestant/antihistamine syrum and my voice is slowly returning-just not quite yet! Olivia seems to be pretty much cleared up but is still on her anti-biotic for her terrible ears and Ty is still pretty bumpy. He complains a lot of his mouth and gums hurting and his hands and feet don't look too great. He should be clear in another day or so if he goes like his sister.
We woke up to snow Thanksgiving Day and it has snowed each night since. We had a rather lonely Thanksgiving- about the only one I can ever remember not really celebrating. We started to but then returned home for various reasons. We have been in the house the majority of the holiday weekend with the exception of a lunch outing yesterday and trip through the Starbucks drive-through, oh and I ran in Wal-mart for milk and such, big fun there! I put up our tree yesterday along with some other house decorations but have yet to actually decorate the tree! We stayed in again today watching the tube and made some beans and rice along with hot sausage from the Roberts. I can't wait to taste it!
Although the holidays did not go quite as planned, it has been nice to just be together as our own little individual family being lazy and not feeling guilty for doing so! I started out pretty sad about not having Thanksgiving dinner, its my favorite time of the year. I was quite upset about everyone turning from fall one day and jumping right into Christmas the next. Then I watched some holiday HGTV and slowly decided to give in myself. I have really enjoyed just holding my baby girl while she sleeps for naps and just sitting with Ty running my hands through his crazy curly hair. Trent and I have taken full advantage of this snuggle weather too so I am thankful for these things! Eventually I will be thankful for my health again too. God has truly blessed us with so much. I was also not really happy to be in this house for another Christmas, thinking it surely would have sold by now. I prayed for contentment and He gave it to me. Now I just look around feeling so grateful-amazing, how He can change your heart when you ask. I think the materialistic side of Christmas always kinda gets me down-but I choose not to focus on that and hopefully will raise my children not to do so as well. I am grateful to my parents for not putting emphasis on presents. As a parent I am all the more thankful for their outlook on many things.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
FYI
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters. HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, malaise ("feeling sick"), and frequently a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. The skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters. The rash does not itch, and it is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the buttocks. A person with HFMD may have only the rash or the mouth ulcers.
Is HFMD the same as foot-and-mouth disease?
No. HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, sheep, and swine. Although the names are similar, the two diseases are not related at all and are caused by different viruses. For information on foot-and-mouth disease, please visit the web site of the US Department of Agriculture.
What causes HFMD?
Viruses from the group called enteroviruses cause HFMD. The most common cause is coxsackievirus A16; sometimes, HFMD is caused by enterovirus 71 or other enteroviruses. The enterovirus group includes polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses and other enteroviruses.
Is HFMD serious?
Usually not. HFMD caused by coxsackievirus A16 infection is a mild disease and nearly all patients recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, the patient with coxsackievirus A16 infection may also develop "aseptic" or viral meningitis, in which the person has fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain, and may need to be hospitalized for a few days. Another cause of HFMD, EV71 may also cause viral meningitis and, rarely, more serious diseases, such as encephalitis, or a poliomyelitis-like paralysis. EV71 encephalitis may be fatal. Cases of fatal encephalitis occurred during outbreaks of HFMD in Malaysia in 1997 and in Taiwan in 1998.
Is HFMD contagious?
Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. Infection is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.
How soon will someone become ill after getting infected? The usual period from infection to onset of symptoms ("incubation period") is 3 to 7 days. Fever is often the first symptom of HFMD.
Who is at risk for HFMD?
HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years old, but may also occur in adults too. Everyone is at risk of infection, but not everyone who is infected becomes ill. Infants, children, and adolescents are more likely to be susceptible to infection and illness from these viruses, because they are less likely than adults to have antibodies and be immune from previous exposures to them. Infection results in immunity to the specific virus, but a second episode may occur following infection with a different member of the enterovirus group.
What are the risks to pregnant women exposed to children with HFMD?Because enteroviruses, including those causing HFMD, are very common, pregnant women are frequently exposed to them, especially during summer and fall months. As for any other adults, the risk of infection is higher for pregnant women who do not have antibodies from earlier exposures to these viruses, and who are exposed to young children - the primary spreaders of enteroviruses.Most enterovirus infections during pregnancy cause mild or no illness in the mother. Although the available information is limited, currently there is no clear evidence that maternal enteroviral infection causes adverse outcomes of pregnancy such as abortion, stillbirth, or congenital defects. However, mothers infected shortly before delivery may pass the virus to the newborn. Babies born to mothers who have symptoms of enteroviral illness around the time of delivery are more likely to be infected. Most newborns infected with an enterovirus have mild illness, but, in rare cases, they may develop an overwhelming infection of many organs, including liver and heart, and die from the infection. The risk of this severe illness in newborns is higher during the first two weeks of life.Strict adherence to generally recommended good hygienic practices by the pregnant woman (see "Can HFMD be prevented?" below) may help to decrease the risk of infection during pregnancy and around the time of delivery.
When and where does HFMD occur?
Individual cases and outbreaks of HFMD occur worldwide, more frequently in summer and early autumn. In the recent past, major outbreaks of HFMD attributable to enterovirus 71 have been reported in some South East Asian countries (Malaysia, 1997; Taiwan, 1998).
How is HFMD diagnosed?
HFMD is one of many infections that result in mouth sores. Another common cause is oral herpesvirus infection, which produces an inflammation of the mouth and gums (sometimes called stomatitis). Usually, the physician can distinguish between HFMD and other causes of mouth sores based on the age of the patient, the pattern of symptoms reported by the patient or parent, and the appearance of the rash and sores on examination. A throat swab or stool specimen may be sent to a laboratory to determine which enterovirus caused the illness. Since the testing often takes 2 to 4 weeks to obtain a final answer, the physician usually does not order these tests.
How is HFMD treated?
No specific treatment is available for this or other enterovirus infections. Symptomatic treatment is given to provide relief from fever, aches, or pain from the mouth ulcers.
Can HFMD be prevented?
Specific prevention for HFMD or other non-polio enterovirus infections is not available, but the risk of infection can be lowered by good hygienic practices. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, especially after diaper changes (see "Handwashing" in: An Ounce of Prevention: Keeps the Germs Away), cleaning of contaminated surfaces and soiled items first with soap and water, and then disinfecting them by diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach (made by mixing approximately ¼ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. (See more about cleaning and disinfecting in general in CDC's Prevention Resources). Avoidance of close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, etc.) with children with HFMD may also help to reduce of the risk of infection to caregivers.HMFD in the childcare settingHFMD outbreaks in child care facilities occur most often in the summer and fall months, and usually coincide with an increased number of cases in the community.
CDC has no specific recommendations regarding the exclusion of children with HFMD from child care programs, schools, or other group settings. Children are often excluded from group settings during the first few days of the illness, which may reduce the spread of infection, but will not completely interrupt it. Exclusion of ill persons may not prevent additional cases since the virus may be excreted for weeks after the symptoms have disappeared. Also, some persons excreting the virus, including most adults, may have no symptoms. Some benefit may be gained, however, by excluding children who have blisters in their mouths and drool or who have weeping lesions on their hands.
If an outbreak occurs in the child care setting:
Make sure that all children and adults use good handwashing technique, especially after diaper changes.
Thoroughly wash and disinfect contaminated items and surfaces using diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach.
See the section “Can HFMD be prevented?” to learn more about hygienic practices which may be helpful in preventing HFMD transmission.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters. HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, malaise ("feeling sick"), and frequently a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. The skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters. The rash does not itch, and it is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the buttocks. A person with HFMD may have only the rash or the mouth ulcers.
Is HFMD the same as foot-and-mouth disease?
No. HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, sheep, and swine. Although the names are similar, the two diseases are not related at all and are caused by different viruses. For information on foot-and-mouth disease, please visit the web site of the US Department of Agriculture.
What causes HFMD?
Viruses from the group called enteroviruses cause HFMD. The most common cause is coxsackievirus A16; sometimes, HFMD is caused by enterovirus 71 or other enteroviruses. The enterovirus group includes polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses and other enteroviruses.
Is HFMD serious?
Usually not. HFMD caused by coxsackievirus A16 infection is a mild disease and nearly all patients recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, the patient with coxsackievirus A16 infection may also develop "aseptic" or viral meningitis, in which the person has fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain, and may need to be hospitalized for a few days. Another cause of HFMD, EV71 may also cause viral meningitis and, rarely, more serious diseases, such as encephalitis, or a poliomyelitis-like paralysis. EV71 encephalitis may be fatal. Cases of fatal encephalitis occurred during outbreaks of HFMD in Malaysia in 1997 and in Taiwan in 1998.
Is HFMD contagious?
Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. Infection is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.
How soon will someone become ill after getting infected? The usual period from infection to onset of symptoms ("incubation period") is 3 to 7 days. Fever is often the first symptom of HFMD.
Who is at risk for HFMD?
HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years old, but may also occur in adults too. Everyone is at risk of infection, but not everyone who is infected becomes ill. Infants, children, and adolescents are more likely to be susceptible to infection and illness from these viruses, because they are less likely than adults to have antibodies and be immune from previous exposures to them. Infection results in immunity to the specific virus, but a second episode may occur following infection with a different member of the enterovirus group.
What are the risks to pregnant women exposed to children with HFMD?Because enteroviruses, including those causing HFMD, are very common, pregnant women are frequently exposed to them, especially during summer and fall months. As for any other adults, the risk of infection is higher for pregnant women who do not have antibodies from earlier exposures to these viruses, and who are exposed to young children - the primary spreaders of enteroviruses.Most enterovirus infections during pregnancy cause mild or no illness in the mother. Although the available information is limited, currently there is no clear evidence that maternal enteroviral infection causes adverse outcomes of pregnancy such as abortion, stillbirth, or congenital defects. However, mothers infected shortly before delivery may pass the virus to the newborn. Babies born to mothers who have symptoms of enteroviral illness around the time of delivery are more likely to be infected. Most newborns infected with an enterovirus have mild illness, but, in rare cases, they may develop an overwhelming infection of many organs, including liver and heart, and die from the infection. The risk of this severe illness in newborns is higher during the first two weeks of life.Strict adherence to generally recommended good hygienic practices by the pregnant woman (see "Can HFMD be prevented?" below) may help to decrease the risk of infection during pregnancy and around the time of delivery.
When and where does HFMD occur?
Individual cases and outbreaks of HFMD occur worldwide, more frequently in summer and early autumn. In the recent past, major outbreaks of HFMD attributable to enterovirus 71 have been reported in some South East Asian countries (Malaysia, 1997; Taiwan, 1998).
How is HFMD diagnosed?
HFMD is one of many infections that result in mouth sores. Another common cause is oral herpesvirus infection, which produces an inflammation of the mouth and gums (sometimes called stomatitis). Usually, the physician can distinguish between HFMD and other causes of mouth sores based on the age of the patient, the pattern of symptoms reported by the patient or parent, and the appearance of the rash and sores on examination. A throat swab or stool specimen may be sent to a laboratory to determine which enterovirus caused the illness. Since the testing often takes 2 to 4 weeks to obtain a final answer, the physician usually does not order these tests.
How is HFMD treated?
No specific treatment is available for this or other enterovirus infections. Symptomatic treatment is given to provide relief from fever, aches, or pain from the mouth ulcers.
Can HFMD be prevented?
Specific prevention for HFMD or other non-polio enterovirus infections is not available, but the risk of infection can be lowered by good hygienic practices. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, especially after diaper changes (see "Handwashing" in: An Ounce of Prevention: Keeps the Germs Away), cleaning of contaminated surfaces and soiled items first with soap and water, and then disinfecting them by diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach (made by mixing approximately ¼ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. (See more about cleaning and disinfecting in general in CDC's Prevention Resources). Avoidance of close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, etc.) with children with HFMD may also help to reduce of the risk of infection to caregivers.HMFD in the childcare settingHFMD outbreaks in child care facilities occur most often in the summer and fall months, and usually coincide with an increased number of cases in the community.
CDC has no specific recommendations regarding the exclusion of children with HFMD from child care programs, schools, or other group settings. Children are often excluded from group settings during the first few days of the illness, which may reduce the spread of infection, but will not completely interrupt it. Exclusion of ill persons may not prevent additional cases since the virus may be excreted for weeks after the symptoms have disappeared. Also, some persons excreting the virus, including most adults, may have no symptoms. Some benefit may be gained, however, by excluding children who have blisters in their mouths and drool or who have weeping lesions on their hands.
If an outbreak occurs in the child care setting:
Make sure that all children and adults use good handwashing technique, especially after diaper changes.
Thoroughly wash and disinfect contaminated items and surfaces using diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach.
See the section “Can HFMD be prevented?” to learn more about hygienic practices which may be helpful in preventing HFMD transmission.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
It continues...
Well today at noon we were sent home from school under suspicion of dots all over Olivia. They suggested I take Ty too since he had been exposed and just to play it safe. So we were able to get an afternoon appt. and found out that they both have 'Hand, Foot, and Mouth' disease. She looked at Olivia's ears and commented, "They are both beyond HORRIBLEY infected!" The girl has never been fussy, feverish, nothing! We all have had congestion but it ended up in her ears. She took a look at Ty's just to see and sure enough his right ear was infected as well but not real bad. I was not familiar with Hand Foot and Mouth disease. They are little blisters on the palms, bottom of feet and of course in the mouth and down the throat! She said its pretty painful and VERY contagious! So now we are all on antibiotics! Please say some prayers for these lil shorties!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Phillips Infermory! (sp?)
We need some prayers here at our house for sickness over the past month. Ty stayed home twice last week with pink eye and was super congested and had a cough to go along with it. Sister woke up with it in her beautiful long lashes this morning :( Their momma has had a sinus infection for the past three weeks. First went to the doctor the day before Halloween to gear up for treat night. I got the 'miracle' shot and a z-pak. Did absolutely nothing. Called back three days later only to be prescribed a series of steirods and the particularly useless......Flonase. Here I am a week after that feeling again like I did the first day of it. I have only missed a half day of school for me and one to stay with Ty. I really can't be missing much. Please say some prayers for our little family that we get through all of this before the holidays! I would really like to be able to taste our turkey dinner next week!
On a brighter note, Trent and I were able to go on a much needed date last night!! Four of the girls on the golf team came over and stayed with our lil ones and we headed out for a kidless night! We first stopped by our friends' the Roberts' to celebrate their son Boston's first birthday! He is too precious of a little boy. They did a Boston Red Sox party and did it well! They even gave us some peanuts and crackerjacks to enjoy during our movie later! Then we went to a great mexican restraunt here, Ruby Tequila's. They have the best Tortilla Soup EVER!!!! Its super spicy but still did not enable me to breathe :( Then we went to see 'American Gangster'. Excellent movie!! We had a really nice time despite my kleenex and sniffing! We are having to miss another dear friends little party this morning due to Olivia's eyes. Hopefully they will be better for church tomorrow. The good news is we already have drops from Ty! Well I am off to enjoy some incredible graham cracker cinn. coffee that my sweet friend Denise brought me last week! Enjoy your weekend!
On a brighter note, Trent and I were able to go on a much needed date last night!! Four of the girls on the golf team came over and stayed with our lil ones and we headed out for a kidless night! We first stopped by our friends' the Roberts' to celebrate their son Boston's first birthday! He is too precious of a little boy. They did a Boston Red Sox party and did it well! They even gave us some peanuts and crackerjacks to enjoy during our movie later! Then we went to a great mexican restraunt here, Ruby Tequila's. They have the best Tortilla Soup EVER!!!! Its super spicy but still did not enable me to breathe :( Then we went to see 'American Gangster'. Excellent movie!! We had a really nice time despite my kleenex and sniffing! We are having to miss another dear friends little party this morning due to Olivia's eyes. Hopefully they will be better for church tomorrow. The good news is we already have drops from Ty! Well I am off to enjoy some incredible graham cracker cinn. coffee that my sweet friend Denise brought me last week! Enjoy your weekend!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Olivia Lane is TWO YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And no, I can't believe it. She talks very clearly and says everything now. She loves to give hugs and kisses. Still quite the sleeper. She LOVES babies, especially live ones but enjoys her pretend ones quite a bit. I am keeping her in the crib until she tries to get out or we move, which ever comes first. I am betting on her getting out, however she never wakes up on her own so she may be in it til she is three!!!! Just kiddding. I will give in eventually. All these stages are the last for me. I do not desire to be pregnant or have another baby- but I just wish I could hold on to the moments and keep them fresh in my mind from these two precious little people. They are fading way too fast! I love how they play so well together and truely do love each other, such great little friends they are. It is especially neat to watch this relationship to me because I do not have siblings. Just really special. She is possessive of Ty. She tells him she loves him frequently and gives him random hugs. She always runs to him first when in trouble or hurt! She has a special dog that she sleeps with everynight and refers to all blankets as 'night nights'! She loves to prentend cook. Also quite the little eater! She wakes up by first asking for Ty, next its I am hungry. Always requests a 'fuffin' and occassionally oatmeal!
Olivia's birthday was officially Sunday, was and always will be on Veterans Day! So nice for her someday, she will most likely always be off for her birthday! I remember that day so clearly and it just can't be two years ago. She recieved many nice things for her birthday. My parents were able to be here too which made it especially nice. She has a starter charm bracelet from Mommy and Daddy who are adding an appropriate charm for each year. This year she gets one with her full name and birthday on it. The actual bracelet is for the first year. I have one from growing up and am STILL adding to it! Its very special to me. I also have my grandmother's. It was a beautiful day and unseasonably warm which made for great fun outside! She shared cupcakes and treat sacks with her little class today.