12 Days Of Sickmas

I know it was inevitable, but I tried so hard to keep my precious baby safe from all the germs that seem to intensify in cooler weather. It wasn't too long ago I was sick. Then my hubby fell sick with a cold and cough and now our beautiful baby girl has a cold. :0(

I noticed that she wasn't 100% earlier this week. I wouldn't know how to explain it other than saying it was my intuition. It may seem cliche, but I was right. She has fluid in her ears, no infection, which is great, but it's still something that shouldn't be left uncared for.

Her pediatrician gave me a regiment of saline nasal spray and infant motrin an hour before eating and before bed time. Luckily, I had have the vaporizer on at night in her bedroom and the humidifier running if we were to turn on the heater.

I know it could be worse, and am truly grateful that she is in perfect health, otherwise. But I can't help but feel bad or even at fault. All I can do now is make her as comfortable as possible, pray and let this nasty cold run its course.

THINGS MY MOTHER DID, THAT I NOW DO, THAT I SWORE I'D NEVER DO,

1: Keep her bundled from head to toe every time I step outdoors with her. I remember always having to wear a scarf, hat and triple layers of jackets as a kid. I was prone to illness and my mother would never let me leave the house without my "snow gear". My husband teases that I'm suffocating her, but I have no time to joke as I run into safety with my twenty-one pound blanket draped child.

2: Socks. She always wears socks. The child can't even crawl, but my mother engraved it in my head that 'illnesses enter the body through the feet' so, she of course wears body protectants, I mean socks everyday. In the summer time I can tolerate bare feet... somewhat.

3: Never let cool air or even a cool breeze hit her. She told me that it shocks your lungs causing irritation in your throat and lungs that will then develop into a cough. My mama isn't a doctor, a nurse, but not a doctor. I have to admit that it makes some sense.

Whether or not science backs up my mama she always made me feel better. Even now, when I get sick, I call her up to ask for remedies when secretly I'm wishing she were near to care and fuss over me. I just hope that I could make my little one feel as safe and loved when she's under the weather.

**One last thing. If you're sick stay home. Also, wash your hands often. Not for just 2 seconds but for at least 20. Use soap and make sure you get your wrists as well. 

Using a hankerchief is actually a bad idea. Instead PLEASE use tissue to wipe your runny nose and cough into your elbow pit/ forearm. These are better ways to keep your germs to yourself.

Also, crack a window open at home to let the bugs out. Fresh air will help clear out the yuckies.