It was the cupcake that sealed the deal.
Kiddo had been acting a little off, and her appetite was declining. Plus there was that rash I'd noticed on her feet that was spreading, not clearing up. I started paying closer attention to everything, and noticed she was trying to eat, but wouldn't take more than a bite before stopping. Finally I asked: "Does it hurt when you eat?" Her yes answer was accompanied by crying, as if it was a great relief to finally have the words to describe what was going on, and that perhaps we could fix it. Oh, and sadness because her mouth hurt. I think a lot. She claimed she wanted to go to bed, but we insisted on a little check-up, plus a bath first.
A closer look at her mouth, and a call to Aunt Pediatric Nurse (oh, your sister-in-law doesn't specialize in children's health? I'm really sorry), then some web consultation led us to our tentative diagnosis of hand-foot-mouth disease. Everything fit, so we're acting as if.
It's contagious for a few days before any symptoms show up. First a small rash on the feet, then hands, then mouth sores. It gets spread through bodily fluids. Adults rarely get it because they already have the necessary antibodies, but it's pretty typical for small children. Unfortunately, during the incubation period, Kiddo interacted with almost every child she knows here. I'm grateful we can do our part to develop their budding immune systems.
After the bath, Kiddo asked where the cupcakes were. We'd been at a wedding the night before, and had to leave before the cake was cut. So we bought cupcakes at the store. Kiddo loves cupcakes. LOVES cupcakes. And she couldn't eat it. She couldn't even lick off the frosting. So, what had been some concern became serious concern.
(It was so sad. As I realized she couldn't eat the cupcake because of her mouth, I tried to reassure her, don't eat it tonight, we'll get more once you're better. She took a tiny lick, a drink of water, then assured me she was better, and would try again. Sigh.)
We kept her (and her sister, assuming it will spread) home from church today. She was pretty somber and tired this morning, but seems to be over the worst of it by tonight. She actually had some dinner (rice and watermelon), and has been lively and energetic. This is good news.
The bad news? Kiddo developed a terrific second rash tonight that looks like hives, all over her lower body, plus a little on her arms. Also, Babs has the same small rash on her feet that Kiddo started with on hers. And Babs is a much worse patient than Kiddo.
My plan for the week? Survive.
