A true test of patience

Having 4 small children is a test of patience within itself... but sometimes things happen that truly make you question your sanity... you know like when they all get sick! Lily has had strep throat a couple times this past year. Over the weekend she came down with a fever and started complaining her throat hurt. When she actually asked to go home from the park the other day, I knew something was up. I took all 4 kids with me to the pediatrician's office on Tuesday morning. I have to say that trip went pretty smoothly, a lot better than it could have. We got out of the office with minimal whining and no temper tantrums. I was feeling kinda like supermom by then. But then as quickly as that confidence came it went... it was like God was laughing at me... saying, "you thought that trip was easy? Feeling confident are we.... see what happens next!". To say I was put in my place was an understatement. Our pediatrician believes that Lily had coxsackie virus, otherwise known as Hand Food Mouth disease. Being a virus, we basically wait it out. I can give Elderberry, zinc and Slippery Elm to help aleviate the symptoms, or I can go the conventional route and do the benedryl/maylox mouthwash and give motrin. I love how our doctor gives me such well rounded treatment plans. I feel super confident in him, even if I'm not feeling confident in myself! Within hours of getting home, Kate spiked a fever and complained her head and belly hurt. This morning Julia spent about 3 or 4 hours screaming and tantruming over stuff that normally wouldn't have upset her so much. Now she has a mild fever too. I've stocked up on ice pops, yogurt and we've been making smoothies. Hopefully this sickness passes as quickly as it came.