Another CaringBridge post... I swear I have one I want to write specifically for this blog, when I can find the time and energy.

Ella and Grandma this afternoon after a bath.  Ella is wearing a dress that my mom made for my sister (and I later wore) 44 years ago.

It was bound to happen, I just didn't think it would happen this soon... especially under the umbrella of isolation we live in.  Ella spiked a fever.  It was Saturday, December 1.  She was fine that morning.  We all went for a drive so I could run some errands, Grandma & Ella stay in the car.  On our way home Ella started screaming bloody murder.  When we got home I took her out of her car seat and she was burning up.  Long story short, our pediatrician (love her) sent us to the Pediatric ER.  We spent 5 1/2 hours there and had a horrible blood draw experience, but we confirmed that Ella did not have a line infection.

We spent the week giving Ella Tylenol & Advil to combat her fever that went up and down.  By Friday her temp was in the 99 range (highest during her illness was 103.7).  But it is still up and down, not nearly as bad as the beginning.  She's also not been as interested in her bottles while being sick.  When we weighed her on Friday she had lost 4 oz!  I'm happy to report that since then she has put 2.5oz back on, so going back in the right direction.  Because of this we have kept Ella at her 77ml/3hrs and not advanced her in a week, we will advance her again when she is consistently taking her full bottles.

Saturday night, I noticed my throat had that dry feeling... I woke up Sunday with a sore throat and through the day ended up with a fever.  Grandma Carol worked the entire night shift with Ella so I could sleep (I went to bed at 6pm), thankfully Ella had a pretty good night.  LOVE my mom! I was planning on taking over at midnight but she texted me that Ella was sleeping well and I should just stay in bed.  I'm feeling 'better' today, it's turned into a head cold but the fever is basically gone.  I just hope Grandma doesn't come down with it next...

Last week, Grandma & Grandpa were able to fly home to Florida for 2 nights to go to my sister's nursing school graduation ceremony (Way to go Ginger!).  Grandma had a really hard time leaving, especially since Ella was sick and not eating well.  I assured her that I had help lined up, we would be fine and she needed to go.  We survived, but the second night was rough... not much sleep.  I was glad she was able to go and glad to see her back.

Our Au Pair arrived in the US today!  She traveled 30+ hours since Sunday and landed in NJ this afternoon for orientation.  She comes to Charlotte Thursday evening, we are looking forward to bringing her home, having her get settled and watching her and Ella get to know each other.  If I were her I would be exhausted... but then I remember how things were in my early 20's and know she will be just fine.

First time in her exersaucer without a meltdown