Lions, Tigers, and TICKS !! Oh my!!!

We have been playing outside a lot lately, and I found a bug/bite on "AJ's" leg that we were pretty sure was a tick.  The ER could not confirm that because of what it looked like, but they did inform me that the day we were there they have 6 people who were treated for ticks.  They are very real, and very prevalent in our community currently. 

Then I came to work and it was discussed that three of my co-workers children have had ticks on them, sometimes multiple ticks.   We have been told that because the weather has been so damp lately that the ticks are higher and more prevalent at the current time.

Check out the website below for information on ticks.  When in doubt call the doctor.   DO NOT USE GASOLINE, VASOLINE, DAWN, or  A BLOW TORCH, they do not work (all remedies I have heard lately).   Check your children and your self when you get a bath, the hospital informed us the sooner you get the tick off the better your chances of no disease.  

Sing the Brad Paisely song, "Ticks" as you do this task if you like. 
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/tick-bites-home-treatment

Sleep Apnea

Poor "AJ" is probably going to be your response when you look at these pictures.  She had a sleep study done at the Sleep Lab for Children's Hospital in Wexford.  She did such a good job, she was such a trooper with all the wires and cords.  It was definitely not her normal routine for going to bed either, since she is used to mommy rocking her.

From this I learned that night terrors are real for her, (they have definitely been real in our home for us, but now we have a medical professional telling us they are real).  That she has real problems breathing in her sleep, and we need more medical opinions to see our next step.  For now, it remains our job to go to her when she wakes up screaming and assure she isnt hurting herself.  My only sigh of relief here is that I keep learning of more friends with kids who have this issue and it didnt last long for them...just 4 years, and we are 2.5 in.

Sick Days and Mommy's Shoes

Recently "AJ" had a trip to the ER because she was congested, only for us to find out it was more than being congested she had RSV. Thanks to our pediatrician "Dr. K" I now understand most of us get RSV during the  peak season every year (which is November to April) and dont know it.  RSV is basically a cold virus that is in your lungs not your nose and upper airways. It affects young children and the elderly differently, and has the chance of causing pnemonia if not treated.

Needless to say "AJ" stayed home from school and we had a mommy/daughter bonding day. It was complete with a trip to the "hair dresser" "make-up artist" and wearing mommy's shoes. "AJ" found my red high heels from my college days, and my clear shoes from my wedding (I wear a ten in most shoes). She paraded with them on saying "I pretty mommy, look at my shoes".  Such a girlie-girl.  I love every minute of it sick or not.

Here is a link to KidsHealth.org with information on RSV

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/rsv.html

Safety Plans in your Home... Practice Them

Watching the news and seeing the caskets from the farmhouse fire in Central Pa and reading about the mother standing on her lawn screaming for her infant in Southern Fayette County whiel holding her other children, has reminded me how quickly tragic accidents can happen.

For an excellent blog about fire safety please see my friend Robin's blog for her thoughts on the topic.

http://schickfunideas.blogspot.com/2011/03/family-tragedy-in-pennsylvania.html

http://schickfunideas.blogspot.com/2010/10/fire-prevention-month-and-drills.html

Also remember there are other safety concerns in your home/neighborhood as well that we should be teaching our chidlren about.
       * Stranger Danger
       * Poisons and Medications (Poison Control Phone Number 1-800-222-1222)
       * Your Home - look at it from the point of view of a toddler.  Do you need outlet covers, door locks, are there accessible wires, furniture or knickknacks that can be pulled down.  Do you have phone lists for emergencies, lists of illnesses and medications for the hospital if needed. Copies of important documents.  Are the paths for your escape routes blocked and have you practiced your escape plans
        * Check your smoke alarms, locks, etc... and Remember to be aware of your surroundings.

Comments on this topic are welcomed... This has been on my mind and heart a lot lately.