I learned some interesting things about RSV during CLW's stay at Children's. 

RSV and the viruses like it don't just affect infants, anyone can get them. As a matter of fact, this virus is probably what our whole family has been sharing back and forth since before Christmas. The reason it is so hard on little ones, is that these viruses cause a very thick mucus. The smaller the child, the more dangerous it is because their airways are narrower and they can't work that yucky stuff up. It is especially dangerous for newborns, hence it being known as more of a newborn or infant virus. Most older children just have a cold.

It is very common to have these viruses w/ no fever. CLW only had a low-grade fever two nights before we took her in, and it was due to secondary bi-lateral ear infections (poor thing!) and not the virus.

These crazy things can last up to three months! I specifically asked how long she will be contagious, and the response was until she's symptom-free. Ugh. I told the doctor that I can't keep a toddler in the house for 3 months, yet I can't in good conscience expose all her little friends to it either. You'll never guess how she responded. I was flabbergasted! She said, as long as you're using good hygiene practices; washing hands regularly, cleaning surfaces regularly, etc. that there should be no problem taking her around other kids! I about died. I should have said, "So, it's ok to take her in the church nursery w/ newborns and other infants because we wash our hands regularly?" I wonder if she's ever had kids? Evidently not, or she'd know they slobber on everything they touch! Sheesh.

Any of you in charge of a nursery, make sure to enforce your sick child policy, because doctors are telling people it's ok to bring their sick kid!!! Be firm!

So anyway, Cat and I have decided that since I'm teaching, he'll just stay home with her. It's not like he's chomping at the bit to get to church every Sunday. :(

Yang's birthday party was a big success. We hung a HB banner, blew up red (of course) balloons, wore party hats, and sung happy birthday to him, well, everyone but Thing1 wore party hats. He had a snowman ice cream cake w/ a big #4 candle in it and he even got to open a present (I went and got a little something...guilt, I know.) He had fun. We all did, even Thing1. Then we (me, CLW & Yang) took a nap. I could have slept all the way through, but I really needed the fellowship at women's group. It was a nice evening, so I'm glad I went, even though a good half of it was taken up planning worship w/ Detergent and Minnie. Yuck, but it had to be done.

So, Bucks fans, what happened last night?! I went to bed early last night and didn't watch the game, and then I hear it was their worst game in a long time! What a bummer.

Have a great week, and keep my new little friend Jolena in your prayers!