And, another trip to our favorite places

This time it was a whole family affair- Dad and all took an early trip to the clinic this morning. The kids just aren't getting better and several began complaining of ear pain and other symptoms like headaches and dizziness, so I called the pediatrician to see if he would have pity on us and just prescribe some antibiotics. Aren't they on antibiotics you ask? Well, yes and no. He is a self proclaimed tree hugger and is extremely conservative with medicating children, which I like usually, so he originally went with a medication that targets only the strep virus thinking they all had strep; that way good bacteria wouldn't be killed with the bad thereby weakening their immune system. Can you say, BACKFIRE!

To my dismay, he wanted to see them all. Paul returned home from early Mass at 8:30, and I informed him that we all had 9:00 appointments. It went pretty smooth getting them all out the door, except Gabriella who was having a tough time. I tried to encourage her by telling her she was doing awesome, and she emphatically responded with a, "I am not doing awesome!!!" Off we went. I wish I would have had a camera. The receptionists were all abuzz as they saw us walk in the door. I didn't even need to say the name, they just knew. Our Dr is amazing; he handled them all with amazing grace and humor; the kids love him. We lined them up like the VonTrapps oldest to youngest as the Dr went down the line one by one listening to their lungs, checking their ears and throats; they even flipped on cue, so he could listen to their back sides. Cecilia was so patient as she watched each before her until it was her turn. We giggled a lot in that tiny room. He also did a complimentary recheck on Madalena; she is the only one getting better. Can't wait to see our bill for all this.

Pauly was the only one with an ear infection to my surprise, but the Dr diagnosed them all with sinus infections due to the duration of their symptoms. So, back to the pharmacy I went. I am a celebrity there too. They too know me by name and give me plenty of encouragement that "this too shall pass." Yes, thank you, but I wish it would pass already.

Happy Lent- we are off to a good start; how about you?