not where we wanted to spend the week after Christmas
December 28th, 2010
Elliora has RSV. RSV basically manifests as a cold to older kids and adults, but it’s more dangerous for little babies who can’t fight it off as easily. So we’re in the hospital for a couple of days for observation and support while she gets better.
Elliora started sneezing and coughing on Christmas Eve, and just seemed to have a little cold till last night when she stopped nursing and got rather listless. We took her to the pediatrician this morning, and he sent us to the hospital for further tests. We got to the ER and about eight people converged on her bed all at once, doing their various tasks. It was a little scary, but everyone was competent and kind about explaining exactly what they were doing and what was going on. There was even a special nurse just to talk to any siblings about what was happening, which definitely put Annalie at ease.
When the test for RSV came back positive, a doctor explained what the virus was and why they would admit her for at least 48 hours. As soon as a bed was made available for us, we were all escorted upstairs. Annalie was able to pick out a couple of books and a toy from a treasure chest they happened to have going around pediatrics right then. She picked one book for herself, and another book and the toy caterpillar for her sister. Annalie also put her bracelet around the caterpillar’s neck “for good luck.”
Elliora is doing well and nursed voraciously earlier this evening after not wanting to eat for the previous 20 hours. I don’t think it would be too over-the-top to say that I spent the whole 45 minutes rejoicing. And I’ve said many prayers of thanks for modern medicine throughout the day. If you would like to add your own prayers, thoughts, and wishes to ours, we would truly appreciate it.
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praying…
Oh, how crazy and scary! I’m glad she nursed and we’ll be praying for continued improvement. I’m happy they’re taking care of all of you so well – hospitals can be so overwhelming! Love to the whole pride!
Oh dear, I know from experience that these things are no fun at all, and scary for little ones like Annalie! Glad to hear Elliora is on the mend. Will continue to pray.
Take care little Elliora – I’ll be sending you healing vibes across the ocean. I’m happy to hear that the hospital is taking such good care of you all.
I’m praying for little Elliora and your family! Hope she recovers quickly.
I’m so sorry, Bethany. I’m sending every thought of fast healing and strength your way. Little Elliora looks so precious there, may you all be home together again soon!
All good thoughts and prayers for you and your beautiful family. Get well quick, darling little one!!
And … completely off topic and unimportant, but I love your holiday banner!
Prayed last night and will continue to today. I hope she comes through it quickly! And yes, SO GLAD for modern medicine! And a nursing baby!
How incredibly frightening. I’m adding my thanks for modern medicine and best wishes to the crowd.
Prayers sent your way…praying for a FAST recovery and that ya’ll will be home together soon!
Oh no! I know how terrible it is to see your little baby in the hospital. Not the way anyone would want to spend your Christmas. I will be praying for you guys and hope that she continues to get better quickly.
Your weird Christmas just keeps getting weirder! I am praying for Elliora and you…thankful that you could get the baby to the hospital and she’s being treated. Definitely hoping she will be well and home soon! Love to you, always.
How scary! ((hugs)) and prayers to the Actually family.
Sending lots of love and prayers!
Loves of love and prayers for you all. Such a little sweetheart and we are sending her angel hugs!
Still thinking about you guys and hoping for a quick recovery.
Praying for you guys.
My heart dropped right out of my chest when I saw that picture. I’m glad to hear she is doing better and you guys are being taken care. I hope the ordeal is soon forgotten and everything is ok.
Oh, I feel your pain! My son (now 7yo) had RSV when he was an infant — not quite 6 weeks old, I took him to Mass; we sat in the back, at the end of the pew. Still, three days later, major cold hit. Two days later, wouldn’t nurse, super pale, would stop breathing, you could see his ribs when he tried to breathe. We high-tailed it to the ER, where it took an hour to IV him, thanks to his poor little dehydrated veins. We spent 3 nights in the hospital, in a special humidified tent (him, not me). We were released on Christmas Eve — so my husband, daughter, and father-in-law went to Mass while my Mother-in-law and I stayed home and stared at Jonah. Did your doctor tell you to expect her to get more colds and more severe ones for the next year? I remember being very exhausted, and had a hard time turning off the maternal worry button for some time after that. BUT the good news is, now it’s just a memory. I will pray for a swift recovery for your babe and an ease of worry for you!
I hope she’s better in no time and, until then, I’m sending a million positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Oh my gosh what a sad picture! Prayers for Elliora and you guys too.
As soon as I saw the picture, I knew you were going to say RSV. Poor little thing! And, poor Mom and Dad. Hope she heals fast and you are back home soon.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all – wishing little E a speedy recovery.
Yikes! I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this. I want to say one of mine had RSV (or flu?) but she was 18 months old. Sending get well wishes!
Ugh. My oldest is a December baby and he got RSV at 6 weeks. I have never been so scared. We rushed him to the ER late at night while he was struggling hard to breathe. So scary. I’m sorry that you are having to deal with this. It’s the WORST feeling to watch your tiny newborn be so sick. He is still prone to lung issues and we have to watch him for asthma as he gets older…but otherwise healthy as can be. I remember going stir crazy from having to stay home with him for so long afterward as he recovered : ) I’ll be praying that someone who lives close brings you a little care package with treats and magazines like a friend did for me : )
SOmething like that happened to my newborn baby girl and I remember it as one of the worst times in my life but babies are soooo strong and you’ll see how fast you’ll be home and enjoying such a cute baby again sleeping in her crib!
Take care of yourself while there as she’ll be needing you more than ever when you’ll get back home!
I missed all the happenings, but so sorry to hear this! Declan was a preemie and we lived in fear of RSV, had the big bad synagis shots and everything – I feel your pain. Sending you positive vibes and healing thoughts.