Pneu more Pneumonia. Please!

Since Thanksgiving, we've had one constant in this house:


Russell John battling pneumonia.


We're currently on bout number 5, and sprinkled in between the girls have cycled through viruses and respiratory bugs as well.  Not a fun way to spend the Fall and holiday season for anyone, and can't count the amount of school and functions we've missed as a precaution.  It's nothing new, as viruses creep into his lungs and linger much differently than the girls - always have.  If we had a nickel for every breathing treatment and oral steroid this kid has been on... we'd have a ton of nickels...





The worst part?  He doesn't realize he's sick.  A hacking, chest-rattling cough is nothing more than a temporary annoyance in his daily routine of wreaking havoc, entertaining others, and generally being a hyper-active 5 year-old boy.  


He can't see that he's lost weight, when there wasn't much to lose in the first place (and he doesn't understand why we almost force feed him at every meal). 


He can't see that chest visibly retracting, trying to catch a deep breath throughout the day. 


He can't see the dark circles under his eyes from violently coughing all night long.  


He can't remember the first year of his life, on oxygen assistance and with too many near-death experiences to count.  


He can't hear his own raspy, labored breathing from the other room like all of us do - and wonder if it means another trip to the ER or worse...  

  


But guess what? 




We're thankful for a great pediatrician (especially one smart/flexible enough to minimize the need for hospital stays).


We're thankful for a sense of humor.  Especially on sleep-deprived, worried-sick-about-him days.


We're thankful for a kid who HATES being kept down.


We're thankful for three other kids who understand their brother and chirp at him as well ("Russell!  Stop running if you want to stop coughing!!")


We're thankful for DVR and the new iPads from Santa, the only things that will capture his attention long enough to sit still and have a proper breathing treatment. 


We're thankful for a hyper-active little man that could be much, much worse off with the numerous preemie issues and chronic ailments that we could be dealing with.


So with that, the pity party is over.  Hoping this latest round of lung-clogging fun passes quickly, and that January starts off with some improvements.  Russ is a very busy guy - and these temporary health issues are really starting to cramp his style =)  


Happy New Year to you and yours - hope it's filled with good health and happiness!