Thursday, February 22, 2007

The Elephant Baby


Well, after being on amoxycillin for a week for an ear infection, Emmett has broken out. He started out with red cheeks, which moved to red, chapped cheeks, which led to a rash all over his front, which led to a whole body rash, including his scalp under his cute blonde baby hair. The first picture was taken Wednesday, when I was very alarmed about this rash, which seemed to get a little worse through the day. So you can guess how I felt on Thursday morning, when we woke up to this second picture! You'll notice Emmy is smiling and happy - he hasn't been in any pain or discomfort apparently. It's not even itchy for him. So that's one plus. His pediatrician diagnosed it within seconds of walking in the exam room. Erythema Multiforme. It can have various causes, but Emmett's is probably due to either the ear infection itself, or the medication (allergic reaction). The Dr. says it will fade and leave no scars, but will last 7-10 days. The ear infection isn't gone so now Emmett is on a new antibiotic for his ears and some heavy duty antihistamines for the rash. Hopefully it will start fading soon. I know some babies have a face only a mother could love, and I love Emmett no matter what, but it will be nice to have his own sweet baby skin back!

Monday, February 19, 2007

Our Cowboys!

No, not the football team. We were glad to see the Colts win the Superbowl and enjoyed the game very much! And the commercials. But we now have 2 cowboys living in our home. Alden learned to gallop last month and has been showing off around the house. Then we picked up a rocking horse at a garage sale and both boys love it, although Emmett can't get on and off by himself, despite many attempts. And Alden just got his first pair of cowboy boots, along with a vest, which were actually mine when I was little and have been passed down through my 3 younger sisters, and Tami's older 3 kids so far. Both are good quality, real leather items from Pollock's Western store in Pima, AZ. My mom, Sandee, is from Pima and this store is owned by relatives of hers, an aunt I think. Anyway, that's what you get for buying quality - it lasts forever. We are on the look-out for a hat to complete the ensemble. And if all that isn't enough, on a trip to visit my grandparents in Pima last week, Alden had his first horse ride! The neighbors have 3 horses and Alden and I trudged through the muddy field to see them. Alden wasn't scared at all and wanted to climb the rails and jump in with them and he even fed them hay. And when they put a bridle on the gentlest horse, "Mud," Alden was only a little scared to ride him, I think because it was so high up. But he did 3 or 4 circuits around the field and we got some great pictures. Papa was very proud of him. Alden also loves Pima because they have bunny rabbits, dove, quail, cows, and tractors - all seen from Nanny's back porch! The boys and I had a great time and didn't miss much at home since Aaron was working all kinds of hours. But we're glad to be back together as a family and watch these two cowboys in our own home.