It is the Song Flu...

that NEVER ends.

Yes, it goes on and on my friends!

Everything that has gone on in our house for the past two weeks can be summed up in this one post...because everyday has been Groundhog Day.

It all started on Wednesday, February 16th when Macklan woke up from his nap around 2:45 PM. He stepped out of bed and fell to the floor crying, "Mommy, my legs hurt. I can't walk!" I didn't really understand his cry for help until I touched him. He was burning up. I raced to get the thermometer and was panicked when it spoke, "Your current body temperature is 104.1". Hoping that it misread his temp, I placed it on his forehead again...and again...104.1 was confirmed each time.

Knowing I only had a small window of time before the pediatrician's office would close for the day, I immediately called. Our regular pediatrician was not in on this particular afternoon, so I agreed to see one of the other pediatricians at the practice. Our appointment time was scheduled, and the boys and I were soon out the door. Scott met us at the doctor's office, and it was a good thing he did!

 A flu test was ordered by the doctor, and I immediately knew (from my own prior experience) it was not going to be a good situation. The nurse came in with the giant-sized Q-tip and swabbed Macklan's nasal cavity while I held onto his upper body and Scott held his legs. He did not like it one bit, and I can't blame him. He cried and required several hugs from Mommy and Daddy as we waited out the fifteen minutes to hear the doctor assure, "Flu test is negative. More than likely he has a viral infection with symptoms very similar to the flu." So we left out of there with instructions to pump fluids and rotate Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

Wednesday evening thru Saturday morning consisted of............

and HOURS and HOURS of......

By Saturday morning Macklan was not feeling any better; in fact, he was feeling worse so we headed to urgent care to get him checked out again. We were sent to the lab for another flu swab as well as one for strep. I dreaded this because he was scarred from the previous swab. He keeps telling me, "You're not supposed to stick sticks up your nose!" I told him only doctors do, and they do it to see if we're sick. He didn't really buy it! This flu swab was worse than the first one, because he knew what was coming! We also had to get an x-ray of his chest to check for pneumonia. After all the tests, we returned to the examining room to hear the results from the doctor.

My motherly instinct was correct...positive for flu! The strep test was negative and the chest x-ray was clear. It was suspected that he had flu since the onset of his symptoms on Wednesday, so again we left without a prescription. Push fluids and control fever by alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

So for five more days I watched this little expressionless face and lifeless body...

With no improvement in sight and the fear of a sinus infection setting in, I took Macklan back to his actual pediatrician since we had yet to see him. After summarizing the week long symptoms which included fever, cough, body ache, runny nose, raspy voice, and little to no appetite, and sharing the news that he had a positive flu test on Saturday...
Dr. Q began the examination which lead him to checking Macklan's oxygen. It was 95%, so he had to do a breathing treatment with a cute little fire engine machine. He did a great job sitting still and breathing in the medicine. The diagnosis we then received was flu with infection and on top of that bronchitis. This time we did not leave empty handed. Macklan had two prescriptions: an antibiotic for infection (given for 3 days)and an oral breathing treatment for the bronchitis (given for 10 days). What a blessing it is to trust and respect the doctor who cares for your children!

 

With all things prescribed by Mommy and Dr. Q, Macklan was soon on the road to recovery. The flu lasted for about 10 days and during that time my little boy was a different person. I'm sure glad to have my happy, fun, energetic, still picky eater back!

Under Attack

When the safety glasses are on...

and the NERF guns come out...

 

...you better be ready for the attack!!!



Hudson, You're One Month Old

Your one month old stats:

You weigh: 12 lbs. (95th percentile) You LOVE to eat and have been a pro at nursing right from the start!

Your length: 21. 5 inches (50th percentile)

Your head circumference: 15.5 inches (75th percentile)

You are:

wearing size 0-3 months clothes and size 1 diapers. It didn't take long to outgrow the newborn sizes! :(

waking 3 times during the night to nurse. We are up for about 30 minutes then right back to sleep.

pretty attached to Mommy (hate that, ha)!

sleeping in the bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room. You like to take naps with Mommy and Macklan.

beginning to smile and coo, especially in the mornings.

grasping Mommy's finger, shirt, and hair.

holding your head up when lying on someone's shoulder. You've had a strong neck since birth, but it's getting stronger and stronger!

not too interested in tummy time or your bouncy seat.

getting chunky rolls on your thighs!

partial to sleeping against someone's chest or on your tummy (only for nap time). You also sleep with your arms stretched out above your head just like Macklan.

very alert and can focus on the things around you. You're a fan of your crib mobile.

Happy One Month Hudson Franklin!

Spreading a Little LOVE

It's always time to spread a little love...

but we make an extra special effort on Valentine's Day!

Even though Macklan isn't in school yet, he has enjoyed making a Valentine's box for the past two years. He is becoming very independent, so this year he picked out all the decorations for his box at Hobby Lobby. Since blue is his favorite color, there was no stopping him from painting his box a beautiful blue. He did an awesome job and the box looked great! This year he picked out Handy Manny valentines; he put all his special valentines in the box and delivered them to family and friends.

A blank canvas...

Never interrupt an artist at work! :-)

A beautiful blue Valentine's box

Finished project...love the "M"

Some gifts were exchanged like chocolates, stuffed animals, Gigi's cupcakes, and cards...as well as lots of hugs and kisses!

XOXO

A special Valentine treat from Nana and Pappy

My Two Little Love Bugs!

Whooo Loves You? God does!

We had a Sweetheart Banquet at our church for couples which consisted of a prime rib dinner, devotion, and the "Not-so-Newlywed" Game. Macklan stayed in the nursery with the youth girls, and Hudson stayed with us although he slept the entire time. Scott and I had a great time eating a delicious meal, talking with friends, and proving how well we know each other!

Me and my boys after the Sweetheart Banquet at church

Hudson is "Dino-Mite"

My little rocker (totally into drums lately)

Scott and I WON the Not-so-Newlywed Game!!!

All we need is LOVE. Spread some!!!

Watch Me Grow

 

Some Moments...

from Hudson's 1st month of life...

that I never want to forget!

Hudson's 1st time in the little tub getting a sponge bath.

 

For the 1st month, Hudson slept in the bassinet in Mommy & Daddy's bedroom.

 

Napping with Big Brother and Mommy



Relaxing in the Boppy bouncer



Swaddled and sleeping peacefully in his crib

Hudson and his "Watch Me Grow" bear

Big brown eyes taking it all in...

1st laughs and smiles

Well I'll Be...

a Monkey's Momma!

Love this little monkey!

Showered with Gifts

Since the month before Hudson's due date was so hectic with Christmas and all, my mom and sister decided to throw a shower to welcome him once he was here. We had kept everything from Macklan's baby days so there wasn't a lot of things we were desperate for...except clothes! In the words of Scott, "Great job planning the births to fall around the same time of year!" (using his most sarcastic voice). I have totes full of boy clothes stored in our basement. Sounds perfect, right? Wrong! Macklan was born in July and Hudson in January...complete opposite seasons! Some things like sleepers and gowns will cross over, but for the first year I'm going to need clothes for this boy. Thankfully, that's primarily what we received at this shower.

It was fun to have a baby shower and have the guest of honor present. The open-house shower was held at my parents' house with our family and closest friends. We enjoyed delicious finger foods, cake, and punch.

Hudson received the most adorable outfits. You know how I feel about monograms, Ralph Lauren Polo, and boutique clothing! I was one happy Mommy, and Hudson would be looking cute! My best friend Cheri had a beautiful quilt made for Hudson; I love it!

 

 

 

Aunt KeKe even made sure to make Macklan feel extra special!

 

What a nice shower! Hudson was showered not only with gifts, but also with love from so many people.

Good to Get Out

After nearly a month of staying inside our home due to snowy weather and as an attempt to avoid the viruses and flu, we ventured out to a very important place.

It was good to get out and fellowship with everyone at our church, Mt. Pisgah Baptist. I was getting cabin fever and this was one place I couldn't wait to get back to and show off our new little one.

Hudson's first church visit was special. He wore his monogrammed gown just as Macklan did on his first church visit. He was awake when we arrived at Sunday School, so everyone had an opportunity to "ooh" and "aah" over him and his big brown eyes. Midway through the lesson, I had to slip out to go nurse him. During the greeting time, Hudson was welcomed and adored by many. It was obvious that Scott and I were proud parents, and Macklan was telling everyone about his new brother. During the worship service, Hudson slept most of the hour and was held by Mommy, Daddy, Nana, and Aunt KeKe. He got some sweet kisses too!

We are blessed to be a part of such an amazing church family. Mt. Pisgah has always been my home church and has been Scott's for the past fifteen years. We are excited to raise our boys in this church and in a Christian home.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6