On the Mend

 The week started out really well, with outdoor temperatures soaring and a true feeling of summer in the air. 

Mmmmm....I can *taste* summertime!

Then Friday around 4pm, Luke's temperature started soaring too.  Not good.

Turns out he has Roseola, a virus which causes high fever of 103-105 degrees, and is followed by a rose colored rash that lasts a few days.

We HELD and ROCKED him constantly on Saturday and a lot of Sunday.  We gave him TYLENOL and IBUPROFEN, which he hated since he hates anything forced into his mouth.
We tried a TEPID BATH, which made him cry really hard
I held him SKIN-TO-SKIN and nursed him.
We took a walk with Luke in the BABY CARRIER.
His temp went up to 103.7, and lowered to 101-102 with medicine.

He finally STARTED TO IMPROVE on Monday and his FEVER BROKE Monday eve.
Now he has the rash (photos below).

I didn't think to take pictures while he was really sick --  I was preoccupied with holding him or getting a few things done while Matthew held him!

Here are some pics of him on the mend with his rose colored rash.   He's still pretty fussy and wants to be near us all the time.  Noises set him off, as do sudden movements.  Still, he cracks smiles more and more....

Tuesday 1p.m.  Red rash - made worse by the high temperature.  
We got home from our trip to Central Market as fast as we could.  It was the first time we were there that it was really HOT.  I felt bad and will be more careful in the future!

Luke can appreciate the fine art of ceilings regardless how he feels. :)

At Meck's Produce stand.

My friend Maggie, who worked with me at Hambright was along for fun and to take some great pictures. It didn't work out so well because it was hotter than I expected and we needed to get home asap.  

Tuesday 3 p.m. ....woke from his nap and felt better.

See the traces of avocado on his mouth?
This was his first solid food in 4 days.
Most of it  stayed down. :- /

Roseola can't keep this little guy down....
Truth be told, he's a little harder to feed since he learned 'So Big'.  He does it constantly!! :)

So Big!

So Big!

Hoping to get the camera. 

It must seem like I constantly dangle it just out of his reach.

Talkin'

This morning he was *clingy* and *needy* again.  I laid the blue blanket on the floor and we hung out for a while. He tolerated me calling Kelly and Beth, so that was nice.

Keeping Mommy close

Not feeling so good.  (Double click and enlarge to see his rash.)

Got the camera cord.

Upset, but calming himself by playing with his hands. 

Giraffe for company :).

I'll be back on my feet soon!

We'll end with good news on the gaining-weight front.  We had his dr. appt. today and he gained 1lb. 6oz. from one month ago, so we don't have to do bloodwork!
Thanks again for your prayers!!