It's pouring

About 2 days into our South American sojourn, both girls were hacking like long-time pack-a-day smokers. Chalk it up to the smog and heavy pollution of the continent's 3rd-highest capital city. I'm sure the fact that we were staying with friends, whose home is at about 9,600 feet above sea level wasn't helping either.

As for me, I weathered a 1-day headache the day after we arrived as I 'adjusted' (and I use the term loosely) to the altitude. Knocked on wood for the slack the universe threw my way.

Back home, 8 days later, both girls were still hacking their lungs out. Friday found us at the ped with D. Dx, upper respiratory infection, 10-day course of antibiotics. She, being somewhat little and easily swayed restrained, is generally agreeable to taking the med.

Sunday finds J feverish and grouchy. Monday found her with a 103 to 104.4 degree fever. Again to the ped. Dx, sinus infection, 5-day course of antibiotics that she has been fighting taking...and I mean FIGHTING, hands, legs, feet, you name it, tooth and nail.

You haven't really hit a low in parenthood until your husband has forcefully held your child down, arms pinned under his legs, prying her mouth open so you can give her 1/2 teaspoon of a vile-tasting liquid that she insists on spitting back out at you.

Good times are being had by all.

Post #295...and I'm leaving on a jet plane

Okay, make that "we're" leaving on a jet plane...tomorrow, actually.

That's right, the whole Dee clan is picking up and heading to points south, in South America that is, for a whole glorious 8 days.

4 days in the mountains (9,000 feet above sea-level, I shit you not), followed by 4 days on the beach. Hello sea-level old friend, we meet again.

I'm hoping that the altitude sickness I had last time we journeyed to this same locale (10! years ago--can't believe it's been that long) does not see fit to strike again. It was manageable last time; this time I'll have the demands of two toddlers to tend to...and, oh yeah, the mister too, so correction; make that three toddlers family members to tend to.

Hoping like hell we (meaning A and I) survive the 3-hour flight with the girls. Hell, hoping we survive the drive to Miami just to get to the airport. Speaking of which, bet you didn't know that Miami has won the "rudest drivers" distinction the last two years in a row?! Now you do :-)

Wish us luck, we may need it, despite the fact that we have armored ourselves with new toys, snacks, and a portable DVD player and DVDs. Let's hope it's enough.