Doctors, doctors, doctors!

We're all so sick of going to the doctor! One big reason is of course the $ factor. Those co-pays really add up and make you cringe when you think of other areas where you could have spent the money. But, the biggest reason we're so sick of the doctor is that we're tired of being sick! Poor Rachel and Bradley have had so many little colds and ear infections, I can't even remember them all. All I know, is that we have been to at least one doctor per week for December and January. We were back at our pediatrician's office this morning for Bradley's 18 month check up (which we had put off) and for a re-check on Rachel's last double ear infection. Good thing we went, because Rachel STILL has an ear infection. Poor little girl hasn't even been complaining about it although Dr. McCorkle says it looks bad and he's surprised she hasn't said anything. I chalk it up to the fact that she's a girl (and we know how tough we are and how we have a high tolerance for pain) and that the infection was sooooo bad she just knows it doesn't feel as bad as it used to feel. Anyway, we got to go back to Publix to get another 10 day prescription for a nasty medicine that she hates taking and makes her want to throw up. She took the first 1 tsp. pretty well. We took breaks between and drank large sips of coke. But, when I had to give her the last 3/4, she was done. She wouldn't cooperate or be still, so I had to hold her down and squirt it in her mouth while she was screaming and crying. Of course, most of it ended up in her hair and on her shirt. I hope the first teaspoon will do the trick, because I'm not sure how I'm going to get her to take the last bit for 9 more days! Poor Rachel!!!!



Bradley's 18 mo. check up went well too. Thankfully, my kids LOVE Dr. McCorkle and all the nurses at his office. So, rarely do they cry or get upset about being examined. I had to get Bradley naked so he could be weighed, and he was 25 lbs. 1 oz. ,he measured 31 1/2 in. long. His little head is 19 1/2 in. circumference. His percentages were: 35% for weight, 21% for height and 88% for head. So, even though some people might think he's a big boy, he's actually just right!! He's grown in all directions since his 15 mo. check up and is developing just right! The worst part of the visit was that he had to have a finger prick and a shot. The finger prick made him mad because the nurse held his hand still and squeezed his finger. The shot hurt because it was in his little upper arm. He also didn't like the bandaids, so he quickly pulled the one off his finger and cried for about 5 minutes until he calmed down. Bradley was really using his "angry eyes" today when he looked at Dr. McCorkle and the nurse. He had a very furrowed brow and his little lip poked out. I think he was mimicking daddy, because I KNOW mommy never has that look! (yeah, right!) Anyway, at least he doesn't have to go back until his 2 year check-up. Hopefully, Rachel won't have to go back before she's 4 either. We're hoping we can keep everybody healthy!

I know I've sounded dramatic here, because I'm very thankful that the kids only have minor illnesses that are treatable and that I'm able to care for them. I can't imagine how parents feel who's daily lives are made up of visiting doctors and specialists about very serious, life-threatening illnesses. Thank you, God, for mine, Nick's and the kid's good health.