Again? What's with the Ear Infections?

OK,

So now four of the five girls living in our house are on antibiotics.

I had Strep last week.

Veronica woke up Sunday with pus draining out of her ear (EW!). She's still only marginally better and I can only tell that, not because she isn't smiling, but because she doesn't want to go to sleep.

Does this look like a child with RAGING ear infections in both ears?

Zoë had a well-child checkup on Monday (only the 40% for height! I guess she takes after her mom in that department) and got her Hepatitis A vaccination (she didn't even cry! although she was NOT happy to have a shot).

During dinner last night, Miranda said her ear hurt. I took a look, scooped out some hard wax, and then thought, "Uh, oh, that doesn't look good". But she stopped complaining after I cleaned her ear out, so I let it go. Did I mention that Travis stayed home with Veronica and Miranda on Sunday because Miranda had a fever on Saturday afternoon?

Last night, at 12:15 am, as I was trying to buy airline tickets and reserve a rental car for Travis to head to Houston for a funeral (more on this later), Zoë came downstairs, crying and holding her ear. I took a peek and she had a BRIGHT RED ear drum. I gave her some motrin and sent her back to bed after letting the medicine take effect.

I checked both Zoë's and Miranda's ears this morning. Zoë's ear was a little red, there was more fluid behind it, but it didn't look nearly as bad as it had at midnight. Miranda's appeared to have even more pus behind the ear drum, but didn't look terribly red. *sigh*

I called and got an appointment for Zoë, debating if I shouldn't just get Miranda an appointment, too. We headed to the doctor's office. When we got there, I asked if the doctor would please check Miranda's ear, too. Our sweet doctor! He said Zoë's ear didn't look too scary, but with her throat being red too, he was willing to treat her with antibiotics. He then said that Miranda had a raging ear infection. I said I'd be happy to pay the co-pay since I'd snuck Miranda in under the radar, but he just waved me off! I was VERY grateful.

We stopped at the dollar store and I let the girls each pick out something. Miranda went over to the sunglasses and tried on a pair.
I guess she looked very entertaining with her white tutu, a Princess balloon in hand, and adult sunglasses on her face. A gentleman saw her and started laughing- one of those belly laughs.


We made it through (Megan picked out some foam, Zoë got a recorder flute, Miranda a princess balloon) and at the checkout, this same gentleman brought Zoë and Megan princess balloons, too! Then he took the girls over and picked out some sunglasses for them. I was so humbled and so grateful! My heart was in my throat as I said thank you. I was grateful for this man, who probably had no idea what a crazy couple of days/weeks I'd been having, but his kidness to give my girls some silly toys and brighten their smiles made my day better (in the face of no sleep, three girls with ear infections, husband going out of town for three days). I am so thankful for the Lord's servants, and that people would do good things for others.

With smiles on all of our faces, we headed out to the van. As we navigated getting three huge Mylar balloons into the van, and juggling buckles, and bags, this same sweet gentleman came trotting after us and brought three bears (dark brown, light brown and pink) for the girls. So sweet!

So, we will enjoy our balloons and sunglasses the next few days. I will smile every time I think about that kind man, and about my girls' smiles. I will (someday!) laugh about how so many of us were sick at the same time.

And, I will continue to thank my Father in Heaven for all His help that lets me get through weeks like these last few, and for sending me wonderful friends, doctors, and even strangers to help bring a smile or lighten my load.