Balloons, Steroids, Chocolate

How can it be that one moment, I'm tapping away at the computer and the next, we're on our way to the ER again? Being a parent sure requires changing directions on a dime, I tell ya.

The day started well enough, with some balloon games, stories, and a family grocery trip to prepare for our SuperBowl party. I even got ahold of some shirts that will suit our costuming needs for the next dance gig.

Q had had a bit of a fever last night, but since he had no symptoms today, we thought it was probably teething. We put him to bed tonight, waved night-night, and he woke up two hours later with the dreading barking cough and trouble breathing.

This is our third round with croup, so we know the routine well now. Run hot water in the bathroom for steam. Take a walk in the cold air. Call the 24-hour advice nurse. Drive to the ER. Dexamethasone shot. Breathe nebulized epi through a tube. Increasingly cheerful child.

New this time: Demands to "go home," now that his vocabulary has improved. Pretending to use the breathing tube as a microphone while singing the ABC song. Worry, but less worry, since we know what to expect on our part. Emails to parents of small children to let them know that they shouldn't come to our party due to croup. Sniff.

To add insult to injury, the strawberries that I chocolate-dipped turned out exceptionally messy, so I'm going to have to get rid of the cosmetically displeasing ones somehow before our guests arrive, if any guests arrive. Hmm, maybe that's not such a bad thing.

Sleep well, little dude. Hope you're still feeling ok in the morning.