Since my last post

Hope has been sick with the flu.  I took her to the pediatrician last Tuesday with a fever and after they swabbed her for Strep, they decided to check for the Flu.  Influenza A = Positive!  Yikes...what happened to the flu shot we all got this year?  I don't like taking Hope to the doctor at all...too many bugs.  This time I knew something was wrong because a fever = infection of some sort.  No one else in the house managed to catch it, but Hope is the last one that I wanted to get it.  She has managed to lose 11 ounces, so we are back to 15 pounds.  It was heartbreaking when her home health nurse came this week.  I knew it was going to be bad, but really didn't think it would be that BAD.  It takes her so long to gain an ounce and to know that she lost 11 ounces, I cringe at the thought of how long it will take her to get back to 16 pounds.

So...we have been confined to the house again - well outside too.  I took Jerry out of school and we have avoided everyone.  I know the boys didn't catch it, but I am sure they would carry that virus with them and spread it all over.  I wish other parents would do the same, but I know it is something I will just have to worry about forever.  It did get me approved for home health care every week for the month.  I love our home health nurse...I will have to take her picture next time she is here.  She is wonderful and feels like part of the family.  I am hoping we can keep her until Hope turns 18...she makes me feel so much better when I don't know whether something is wrong or if Hope is doing fine.  She has taught me how to listen to her lungs to make sure she is not congested.  She is just amazing.

Now...onto my second job.  I am working with an adult CHDer to help put together the Congenital Heart Walk in Cleveland.  If you haven't already, please head over to Hope's Heart Warriors and sponsor us for the walk...or better yet, create a team and join us and many other heart families in the walk.