A Difficult Week

When I posted last I mentioned that Eli had been unusually grumpy, and we weren't sure why... Turns out last week he was coming down with a stomach bug. It started out so mildly that I didn't even think he was sick. I thought maybe he just ate something that hadn't agreed with him. But, by last Wednesday afternoon, I had to change his diaper every ten minutes for a few hours. Those diaper changes were amid tears, grabbing at his stomach, not wanting me to wipe him, complaining of a sore bottom, and being generally difficult to be around. But, of course he wanted me to hold him all the time too. It wore me down. Each afternoon, I looked forward to Scott coming home, but as is common when he feels bad, he only wanted me. So much for a break for Mommy. It was rough. Not only did I feel drained, but it rained for about five days straight. Therefore, even when he had a brief respite from his symptoms we couldn't go outside and play in the sandbox or mow over a few termite traps to blow off some steam and get a change of scenery. It was no fun. By the weekend he was gradually feeling better, but still only wanted me. I think the combination of being worried about him and taxed by him made me have an unusually high blood pressure reading when I went into see the Allergist on Monday morning. It was within the normal range by the time I left, but Monday night I did some much needed and missed Yoga to help me unwind. Thank God, he's back to his usual chipper self, and has been since Monday. It's amazing how much his temperament changes when he's feeling badly. On Monday, I was relieved to realize how wonderful he usually is to spend time with.

Before last Wednesday afternoon signaled the beginning of his illness, we went for a great walk to the Lake Park. Walking at normal, adult speed it takes about a half an hour to get there. Eli mowed for 40 minutes! I couldn't believe how long he lasted. We didn't quite make it to the Lake Park. He climbed into the stroller for the remainder of the journey. When we got there we had a nice picnic lunch sitting on a bench on the banks of the lake, played a little at the playground and spent the most time, and had the most fun, throwing rocks in the water from the fishing dock. We confused and disappointed many hungry ducks and fish.





While looking across the lake, I pointed out Jumping Bridge Park. Of course, Eli decided he wanted to go play there too. Like a crazy person, I agreed. Walking to Jumping Bridge park takes another half an hour, which was fine at the time. But, I was regretting my decision as Eli snoozed on our hour walk home. All I wanted to do was climb into his stroller and nap right along with him. As my third trimester has been progressing, I've been wasting no opportunity to nap when he naps. I feel much better on the days when I take an afternoon nap, too.