48 hours

As some readers are aware, we have spent the last 48 hours at Children's Hospital with Clara. On Wednesday afternoon, Clara came down with a fever and swelling so Julie got her right over to Dr. Harrington to be checked out, and Dr. H. told her to get to the ER to get tests and antibiotics. It was a scary afternoon seeing our little girl on that big hospital bed getting poked and prodded by a small army of nurses and doctors. Clara was admitted to the hospital so the doctors could observe her and wait the requisite 48 hours for various cultures to culture. Our fear subsided some as the doctors told us that regardless of what she had or where it was, the antibiotics would get rid of it.

So Clara spent he next 48 hours within three feet of her little iv stand, and Julie wasn't much further away the whole time. Ted alternated among various errands, taking care of Joe and sitting with Clara. We had many nice doctors and nurses (6th floor team rules!) who were kind and helpful.

By Friday morning, the swelling had vastly subsided and the doctors all agreed that she had turned the corner and could go home in the afternoon once the last antibiotic treatment was administered. Well, Clara had the good idea of yanking her iv out about an hour early so the doctors said she could just go home and start the oral antibiotics instead (we sense a good natured rebel on our hands).

We got home in plenty of time to get a nice walk in around Lake Calhoun before picking up Joe from school (the girls needed some sunlight!). Joe was excited to have his mom back for story time before bed. And Clara was back in her bouncy seat with only a Garfield band aid to show for all her troubles. All seems normal again at the Raleigh House.