BABY BLISTER BLUES
🌷We have been extremely fortunate with Evie. She was born healthy and strong, and despite struggling to keep food down as a newborn, she continues to grow and surpass all our expectations. Furthermore, although she goes to daycare, she’s avoided any real illness, besides the never-ending colds. Until this week……
We were aware the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (what an awful, yet appropriate name,) was going around our center. We were notified weeks ago about its presence, but we were cocky. She hadn’t caught it, so we assumed she simply wouldn’t. Oh, were we wrong. I picked Evie up from daycare and noticed a massive, painful-looking blister on her right hand. We then noticed all the dots on her chunky little body. To the pediatrician we went. The doctor took one look at her and immediately diagnosed her with the dreaded illness. The worst part is there’s no cure. You just ride the storm, waiting for the rash to get worse, providing baby Tylenol, all the while hoping our little peach puff isn’t too uncomfortable.
I’m not sure what is worst – looking at all the blisters or watching my daughter continue to put her hands and feet in her mouth. I mean, the disease is called what it is for a reason….Evie will survive, and so will we, but man, it really makes you think about how nasty daycares can be.
On brighter news, Phil’s parents were supposed to visit us earlier this week. They’ve only met Evie once (and frankly, that’s broken my heart.) As luck would have it, my father-in-law had a major medical emergency, one making us all fearful for his future. They had to cancel their trip last minute. After multiple trips to the ER, tests and scans, the culprit was discovered, and thankfully, he will be okay. It’s scenarios like this that make you reflect on the fragility of life and the relationships we have.
Recently, I’ve been pretty upset at how little my in-laws have been able to see Evie, although I know they care. My grandparents were pivotal to my life, and I want that for Evie. I’ve found solace in knowing that, regardless of how often my in-laws can travel to Minnesota, Evie will always have my parents, and they adore that little girl more than anything. But, if I’m being honest, it’s really hurt me, thinking about Evie not knowing Phil’s parents. Oddly, I wish I didn’t care so much, but I actually love and like them. They are fascinating, smart, interesting people. My mother-in-law is very Southern and a total spitfire. My father-in-law is a brilliant, quirky man. They brings personalities and experiences that I want Evie to know. I want Evie to have their influences because they’re spectacular people.
I’ve been focusing a lot on them not seeing her, not knowing her, not engaging with her. My fathers-in-law’s health scare, however, shook me enough to realize, at least they are here. At least they care. Distance is a fickle thing. We are in Minnesota, and they are in Tennessee. Is my preference for them to have a long distance relationship with their granddaughter? No. But, I’d rather them have a long-distance relationship then no relationship at all. Maybe it’s on me to step up more. 🌷
