On The Mend

Last week is a big blur of doctor's appointments, co-pays, and prescriptions. I took Ethan to the pediatrician last Monday, and they diagnosed him with a moderate ear infection in both ears as well as sinusitis and a terrible cough. Dr. T put him on an antibiotic, Albuterol syrup, and Singulair. I had been feeling sick all weekend with swollen glands and a sore throat as well as a fever. I got myself a doctor's appointment on Tuesday morning and was diagnosed with strep throat. Back to the pharmacy to get a 10-day course of amoxicillin. On Thursday morning, I headed back to Dr. T with Ethan because he was not any better. Dr. T changed his antibiotic and also prescribed him a mild steroid to help with the inflammation in his ears. Back to the pharmacy again for the new medications. At week's end, I had spent $60 on office visit co-pays and $80 on medications. On Friday morning, Joe was getting ready for work and began vomiting. He had come down with a 24-hour stomach bug.

By Saturday morning, Joe was better and I also had my smiling, happy little boy back. Although Ethan is not 100% better, I know that he has turned the corner and that the new medications are working. My antibiotic is working and I am feeling just about normal again. Whew, what a week it was.

My diet, unfortunately, has not been going so well. I ate terribly all weekend long. I would list what I ate, but you all would be appalled! I am trying to get back on track again, even though I feel that my goal of losing 25 pounds by the beginning of May is now unreachable. I think that I should probably change that goal to a more realistic 10 or 15 pounds. I've just had too many slip-ups since Christmas. I need to find a way to exercise and I am finding that nearly impossible. I already get up at 5:30 a.m. I get Ethan up at 6:20 and I leave the house at 7 a.m. to drop him at daycare. I pick him up at 5:00 and arrive home at about 5:20. Feed him dinner and get him to bed at about 7:00. Then it's time for me to make dinner for Joe and I, feed the dogs, etc. I'm not quite sure where I can squeeze in some exercise. Joe suggested that I run up and down the stairs for 15 minutes holding Ethan for extra weight, but I'm so afraid that I would stumble and fall with him in my arms. I do have some walking tapes, and I am determined to try to use them 2-3 times a week to start.

Joe has made a New Year's resolution to keep his overtime hours to a minumum. The decrease in his paycheck will take some getting used to, but he really wants to be around more for both Ethan and I. He did a great job at getting home at a reasonable hour, and he seemed so much more relaxed. If he can keep this up, I know it will do wonders for our relationship.

Don't know if I mentioned this before, but I got a new car a few weeks ago! We traded in Joe's Saturn Ion for a 2006 Subaru Forester for me. We kept our other Saturn for Joe to drive when he needs a car; at the moment, he is driving a company vehicle. Our car payment has gone up, but I am totally in love with my new car!