A Day at the Park

Just 'cause we spent some time at the park today doesn't mean that today was a walk in the park for Richie.

The weather is finally starting to warm up around here, so we've been spending more time outside. And Richie LOVES it. He loves playing in the grass, walking and running on the sidewalk, and just exploring the world in general.

But, it seems like with the change in weather, Richie has come down with a little cold. Runny nose, coughing, fever, the whole bit. I thought that even though Richie wasn't feeling great, he might still enjoy getting outside and getting some sunshine. (After all, a little fresh air can really do some good.) I had originally intended for us to just go on a short walk, but when I got to the park, I thought how much Rich would enjoy getting out of the stroller and stretching his legs.

And while he wasn't his usual rambunctious self, Rich still managed to get around the park and explore a little bit.

But he also did a lot of sitting down and exploring. He was still curious, but he didn't quite have his normal energy.

(He just loves wood chips.)

But after we'd been there a while, I decided that it would probably be best to get Rich-boy home and try for a second nap. He didn't complain at all when I put him back in his stroller and headed home. I really think Rich was about done, energy-wise.

By the time we got home, Rich really was ready for some sleep. I put him in his crib and he talked/sang himself to sleep in just a few minutes.

So really, Rich did have a nice afternoon. Which was good because he had a tough evening. The poor boy refused to take any of his liquid tylenol for his rising fever. And it wasn't until I talked to my mother-in-law, who made the genius suggestion of trying chewable tylenol, that Rich got any meds in his system at all. (Seriously. I totally forgot that there was such a thing as chewable tylenol. And I really  was despairing, thinking Rich would just have to suffer--as would I with him--through the night. So thanks, Jill. I should have thought of that, but since I didn't, I'm glad and grateful that you did. Side note: Rich thought the medicine was candy, and wanted more. So, we'll have to make sure it's never within his reach. Otherwise he might follow in his mommy's own toddler footsteps and get at the "candy" when no one is looking.)

Here's to hoping the little boy feels better soon.

My Mom Came to Visit Us!

Last week, my mom drove out from The Lone Star State to visit us! And as it turns out, it sure was a good thing she was there.

Last Tuesday night, Rich had a really rough night--which is very unusual for him. He woke up several times during the night moaning and crying. When morning finally came, I took his temperature, and sure enough, my poor boy had a little fever.

So, off to the doctor we went. (Thanks, Mom, for giving us a ride there.)

This is Rich trying to smile for the camera as we waited for Dr. Armstrong to come check him out. Poor baby really didn't feel well at all.

This is much more reflective of how the Richie was feeling. As it turns out, Richie had strep proctitis. And he was miserable. And even though we got Richie on an anti-biotic right away, things got a little worse before they got better. Richie's fever spiked to 102.8. And, yes, that was scary for me.

So in true Grandma-style, my mom decided to do what ever she could to help Richie feel better.

Like throw a little birthday bash!

Even though he wasn't feeling his best, Rich still got into the spirit of things.

He sure loves his new toys. 

And what birthday bash would be complete without a little cake?

Mom wanted to do something a little fun for the Rich-boy's first birthday, so we hit up pinterest for some fun ideas. (Thank you, internet, for helping me make something so fun for my boy!)

I wish I could say Rich loved his cake, but the truth is, I don't know what he though of it.

He sure enjoyed smashing it up though.

But he really explored his cupcake. He thought it was fascinating.

And he did end up trying some of it eventually. 

And like I said, I think he liked it. But I'm really not sure.

He was getting pretty tired at this point. 

And his fever was coming back. (It spiked up to 102.8 not long after this picture was taken.)

But when Rich felt better, we tried to do lots of fun things with Grandma. 

Like play with Rich's new toys.

Or climb the stairs. (Rich likes to look around our corner and peek at me to make sure I'm watching him.)

And we went on lots of walks.

And we just generally tried to make the most of my mom's visit.

I'm sorry Rich wasn't feeling well during my mom's visit. I know she didn't get to have all the fun she wanted to with him, and he wasn't totally himself around her. 

But I am SO SO SO glad she was there. I really don't know what I would have done without her help. 

I mean, at one point, Rich felt so sick, he was trying to cry, but didn't even have the strength to make any noise. He was just mouthing "mama" over and over. I turned to my mom and said, "Mom, make him stop hurting." I felt so powerless to help Richie. And it was really hard! And so sad to see my baby be just a shadow of who he actually is. Even though my mom couldn't do any more than I could, it was just better that she was there to help me. And really, Rich handled everything like a champ. 

Which, by the way, he is a million times better now. 

Except, I'm sure, he misses his grandma. At least a little.

We love you, Mom! Thanks for coming to visit us!!