Update

Well, we had to go back to the doctor with Blaise today. He finished his course of antibiotics last night, and this morning he woke up with a 101.7 fever. The poor little guy has been very clingy and just wants to be held all the time. In the clinic, we were able to see the same person that saw him on Monday, and she said not only does his ear look worse, but now his other ear is infected too. They are also concerned that Blaise may become dehydrated because he hasn't been drinking as much as usual and has very few wet diapers (he's not eating solid food at all). So, today he will be starting a 10-day course of a new antibiotic. We are trying our best to push fluids for him. We are praying this antibiotic will work! We hate having him on so many medications at such a young age.

In addition, I now have an eye infection that they're guessing is all related to whatever else has been going around the house. I was also prescribed an eye antibiotic. The worst part of that is that I have to wear my glasses instead of my contacts... :/ Oh well, I can't complain when I see what my poor boys are going through.

A Rough Month

All year we look forward to the summer, and this year was no exception. We had a great (although cool) June, filled with many trips to the zoo, park, and walks around our neighborhood. We had a good start to July as well and enjoyed celebrating Andy's 29th birthday on July 12th. The night of the 12th unfortunately took a turn for the worse, when Damien woke up sick (throwing up). Ever since that night, our family has been struggling through a series of illnesses. It started out with the stomach flu (all four of us got it), followed by what appeared to be a viral eye infection accompanied by fevers for the boys, followed by some type of cold (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc). During this time, both boys seems to be having intermittent fevers, but would appear normal in between. This all seemed to peak last Monday (7/25) when Damien got a fever up to 104.3, a rash, and wasn't eating. I immediately called the doctor and was told to keep treating with tylenol/ibuprofen, and if he had the fever for three consecutive days, we should bring him in. Well, on Wednesday morning when I brought him in, Damien was diagnosed with a double ear infection and tonsillitis. He immediately got started on a 10-day course of amoxicillin. On Friday, he didn't seem much better, so we went back to the doctor and his amoxicillin dose was increased. Saturday was the first day Damien woke up without a fever.

Meanwhile, we had hoped that Blaise had made it through without getting sick, as we were told Damien was probably only contagious for 24-48 hrs after his antibiotics were started. However, Saturday night, Blaise started getting lethargic, and he woke up with a fever on Sunday and refused to eat anything except his bottle (he had been eating table foods and drinking from a sippy cup). So, first thing Monday morning (yesterday), I called the doctor and got Blaise in for an appointment. Blaise was diagnosed with a right ear infection and started on a three day course of azithromycin. Blaise's fever also went up to 104 yesterday afternoon, and he was one sad baby. Today Blaise seems a little better--he woke up with a fever of 101, but his temperament seems a little better and he tried some yogurt and applesauce.

We are hoping and praying that once these antibiotics take effect, our family will be able to get out of the house and enjoy the rest of summer! Maybe Mommy and Daddy can even get a break! :)

Memorial Weekend Coming Up

We are heading up to Minoqua this weekend for our annual fishing weekend with my brother's family, my parents, and my uncle's family. We went last year. We've been doing this for a good 15 years now. We are all looking forward to it. I am sure the boys will like it even though looking after them will require another vacation for recuperation for me and Trisha.

And here's hoping we catch some fish or my dad might be a little bummed. Here is a video from a few years back after not catching any fish (it will be pretty boring if you don't have your volume up).

But really it is a great time and should have a post of some pics/video when we return.

Damien Meets the Easter Bunny

Damien met the Easter Bunny after Mass on Easter Sunday. I think he liked him!

Damien's 2nd Birthday

Damien had a lot of fun turning 2 on April 21st. We celebrated by having a birthday party on April 16th, where Damien received his "dream" gift...a play kitchen...and enjoyed playing with family and friends. He also got a special "carousel cake" made by Grammy to celebrate his special day.

Damien's actual birthday landed on Holy Thursday. Mommy was home during the day, so she took the boys to the zoo, so Damien could do something fun for his birthday. Mommy also made Damien his favorite meal for dinner: meatloaf and mashed potatoes. He had oatmeal raisin cookies for his birthday treat.


On April 26th, Damien had his 2-year-old doctor's appointment. Since there were no shots, I think he actually enjoyed the appointment. He felt pretty proud wearing a stethoscope and sitting well for the doctor. Damien continues to tip the scales: 35lbs (98th percentile) and 36.75" (95th percentile). No wonder our backs hurt so much! :)

Straight to the Heart

Last night, for no particular reason, a song from my past (not sure if it was high school or college) randomly popped into my head. I remembered very little from the song--just the chorus. So, out of curiosity and memory's sake, I went to my phone and YouTube'd the song (the fastest/easiest way I thought of in which I could listen...).

Well, it didn't take long for tears to be streaming down my face. I soon discovered that it probably wasn't a coincidence that this song popped into my head. The song has so much meaning being Holy Week, and even more meaning now that I am married and Andy and I are the parents of two young sons. I wanted to share this with whoever felt like listening. It definitely touched my heart, and I pray it may touch your hearts as well.

Watch the Lamb

Finally Spring!

We've had a very long winter here in Wisconsin, and I think it was particularly hard for the boys...well, at least for Damien! He absolutely loves being outside, and his outside time was limited during the cold winter months. The last couple days here have been relatively warm, and I was off work, so I took advantage of the time and "heat" and took a couple afternoon field trips with the boys. We were able to get out of the house and enjoy the best of Madison! (The temperature is supposed to drop at least 20 degrees tomorrow, so we had to get out when we could!)

Henry Vilas Zoo (4/12/11)















Checking out the otters (above) and watching some swimming seals (below).
















Olbrich Botanical Gardens (4/13/11)

Damien liked petting the elephant in the Thai area of the gardens, and we watched a muskrat play in the water for awhile from the bridge. The boys were definitely interested in the bright Thai Pavilion, and I thought that it was neat that there were "Lenten Roses" (I saw red, white, pink and yellow), given that we are celebrating the last week of Lent before Holy Week. (I just discovered that those flowers are nicknamed "Lenten Roses" due to the fact that they bloom in the spring, typically during the season of Lent!)