Sickness

I was really hoping 2009 was going to be the year of health. 2008 seemed to hold so many colds for us. I had big plans for this year to be just the opposite. Unfortunately my life doesn't always go according to plans.

The past two weeks have been filled with sick kids. Emily has been the strong force throughout all of this, and she goes to school with 17 other kids...go figure!

Rylee came down with the stomach flu late Tuesday night early Wednesday morning and is still sick. She just lies pale on the couch or floor on her blanket. She doesn't say a word or show any emotion. Just lies there looking utterly miserable. I had to leave her with Mike this morning for what I thought was going to be a quick checkup with the doctor to see if Allyson's breathing treatments are working. I hated leaving Rylee. It was just on the cusp of me worrying about her getting dehydrated. It had been about 30 hours since she held any liquids down.

Ally has been our other sick kid. She started at the hospital with a little pneumonia in her right lung that was really giving her a run for her money. Got released Wednesday, got the ok from the doctor Friday that she was on the mend only to start a downward spiral Saturday. She was wheezing and wheezing and by Tuesday struggling again. We got a new anti-biotic (which took 7 different pharmacy trips before I found one that had it), cortizon twice daily (sp?)with albuteral breathing treatments. She started sounding so much better. But I've found breathing treatments can be deceiving. She is doing better however the doctor was still hearing a lot of fluid in her lungs. So up we went for a chest xray. It showed quite a bit of fluid in her right lung, you couldn't even see her heart. And the doctor thinks it's moved into her left lung, which it wasn't there in the beginning. He also said it isn't just bacterial anymore, which the antibiotics take care of, but also viral. So he said we have to wait until it runs his course and we get to continue breathing treatments for 3-4 more weeks with more checkups. Did I mention that they take about 25 mins. each? Every 2 mins. she asks, "is it done?"

I must say that even though this is all a little exhausting, especially while trying to plan out a special easter kids church, that I honestly can really feel God's presence. And it's so strong right now. He's granted me so much patience, so much needed energy at the critical moments, and just a ton of peace. Yes, it's a lot of work. Yes, it's stressful. Yes, I want it all to go away. But with all the juggeling I've had to do with hospital stays, doctors appts., many many pharmacy runs, household chores, kids church planning and more, I still am amazed at how much God is holding me up. I honestly don't know how people function without Him! And I also thank God for an awesome husband who is helping out a ton when the kids don't want to be put down so I can deal with the needs of the house!

Here's to staying positive and joyful,(thanks Mike and Leslie!).