Two weeks from hell

That's what it feels like, at least. Poor X's breathing got worse over last weekend and his fever just wouldn't quit, so he ended up hospitalized on Monday. In a way it was a relief as by that point I was exhausted beyond tears and knew that he was sicker than I could manage at home. The choking episodes, accompanied by subsequent apnea, were frightening in a way that I would not wish on my worst enemy, and the persistent low-grade fever just gnawed at my gut as all the "what if" possibilities played out in my head. But having recently lived the NICU experience, his hospitalization this week brought a lot of the sadness, anger, and fear flooding back.

X was feeling better by Tuesday - IV antibiotics, an O2 tent, and bronchodilators worked their magic. Seeing my little baby all hooked up to tubes again, though, is not my idea of a good start to 2006. Sweet Cara came to sit and knit with me on Tuesday in X's hospital room and by the end of the day I think we managed to depress her as well. Really, though, is there anything more depressing than a ward full of sick babies and children?

X came home on Wednesday and so far so good - no more choking episodes and his breathing is decidedly more relaxed. He had a recheck on his lungs today (official dx was bronchitis and bronchiolitis) and they are still clear. I seem to have picked up what he had and saw my own dr this morning. Dx is bronchitis as well, but I'm hoping that a weekend of rest, a husband to help out with our now-healthy baby, and a round of antibiotics will have me back to normal soon too. Because I'm seriously done with all the sickness in our house.

Onto knitting... I finished the LTK original soaker and loved the pattern. It was clearly written and super easy - the kind of mindless knitting my psyche needed. With this pattern came the realization that in the past I've always done short rows incorrectly (with no wraps). The short row light bulb having gone off in my head, though, I'm looking forward to more patterns with shaping. Here's a picture of the finished product, knit in malabrigo yarn, color carrot top (LOVE the color!) and contrasting malabrigo in blue (I forget which one exactly) for the tie:

I knit it on size 6s, achieving gauge per the pattern. It's a size small, so I thought X could enjoy wearing it over his diapers relatively soon. So I decided to try it on the little guy and as soon as it was within a foot of him I realized that this soaker is WAY too big. Here it is, just laid across X so you get a good view. He's getting a good laugh at his silly mom and her ginormous soaker:

So I'll close with a laughing baby. It's making me smile, which is a first in many many days. May tomorrow be even better.

Comments

[Anne]

So sorry to hear he was sick... Between Oscar and X, you've had some scary breathing moments over the past year. I'm glad they both seem to be under control.

And by the way, how cool is it that your kid's abbreviated name is X? I love it.

[Ann]

I'm glad he is feeling better. He looks like he's growing quickly. Can you believe that a year ago you were not even pregnant yet?

[Elinor]

Aww, sorry the last couple of weeks have been so rough. It must be really hard. I hope X returns to 100% healthy soon.

I love the soaker. Looks like it will be a good summer/fall soaker though! I have a question for you about the soaker question. As a new mother, do you feel like you have the time to deal with wool soakers? I've been thinking of making some for some very pregnant friends but I'm worried that the wool would require too much upkeep and they'll have a lot of other things to worry about. What do you think?

[Uli]

Hope he's all better now and that you get better soon, too. It is so tough to stay positive when you're not feeling well either. That last picture is awesome though.... a definite keeper!!!

[lulu]

poor little thing, so happy he is feeling much better..He is just so adorable...
Hope youre feeling better also...
love the soaker..
it does your soul good when you see a laughing baby, its the best..
have a nice Sunday..

[Carole]

So sorry to hear of X's sickness and hospital stay. I hope you all stay good and healthy for a good long time.

[Leslie]

I am so glad to her that your little sweetie is feeling better. Wishing you all good health. and I am loving the soakers, so cute.

[ashley]

i'm so glad that x is feeling better. and what a sweet picture. aren't those laughing babies just great! Hope you're feeling better soon, too.

[ann]

you poor things!! I felt so bad when I heard about little X and you in the hospital! I am glad to hear he is all better and hope that you feel better soon too ---- such a cute picture of him!

[Cara]

OMG - look at that little stinker - laughing away, not a care in the world! LOVE IT!

I'm glad I could hang with you guys - my depression has nothing to do with either of you - I'm perfectly capable of depressing myself on a daily basis! ;-)

I bet he's in that soaker in by March. Sweet baby's growing like a weed! L, AC

[Heather]

Glad to hear about X's good check-up with the doctor, but sorry to hear that you caught the bug. Figures that with all that stress your body would pick it up. Take care of yourself.

[Rebekah]

The laughing baby made me smile too. I'm so glad he's better, now take care of yourself.

[Vicki]

It's better too big -- he'll grow into it!! (Great photo!) Sorry you had such a crappy couple of weeks, but you seem well on the road to recovery. I hope so, and I hope you stay there for a long itme. Yay for good friends who come and knit with you. Hugs & kisses.

[kristine]

So sorry to hear he was so sick this week! Glad to hear he's doing better the same, and wishing the same for you:) Love the pics!

[Lauren]

I'm sorry little X was sick, but I'm glad he's smiling and enjoying mom's knits:)