Life with Strep

February- Zoë got strep throat right after her baptism.
April 29- Miranda got Scarlet Fever (strep throat with a rash)
June 5- Megan got strep throat
July 4- Miranda got strep throat

So, aside from the fact that I really think there is a strep incubator in our house (I have also had strep twice in the last year, and I think I'm missing a time or two of one of the girls getting strep), it really stinks that Miranda got a fever the morning of Independence day.

Nana graciously said she'd stay home with Miranda while the rest of us went swimming as a family at a friends' pool, and while we watched fireworks with other friends later that evening. And, we cancelled our beach trip, berry picking, and postponed a few other things. I didn't take her to the doctor until Tuesday morning because I don't think fever=strep, so I waited a day. But, the petechiae on her oropharynx (ruptured capillaries in her throat) made me highly suspicious enough to request a nurse visit for a throat swab. It was positive, she started antibiotics, and woke up as herself on Wednesday morning: singing and conducting music, dancing, cheerful and sweet and kind and patient.

Not that she wasn't those things and a TOTAL sweetheart and so understanding that she couldn't play with friends, or go swimming. We did let her do some sparklers and watch a few fountain fireworks. But I still looked for her the entire time we were gone on Monday. I really missed her chatter and cheerfulness while we were playing at the pool and with friends. I missed her sunny and helpful kindness.

It's so nice to have my little girl back. And, once again, I pray with fervor in gratitude for modern medicine, antibiotics, and a mother's intuition to know when to take my child to the doctor.

Oh, and I am seriously going to beg my pediatrician to have us all swabbed to see if one of us harbors strep... my guess is it's 'Nica.