Dandilion Gardens

My friends in New York had their baby this week. Welcome Baby Charlie.

I spoke with them this evening and was reminded of how chaotic and intense those first days with a baby are. Everything is scary and overwhelming, and each moment feels so critical. On top of all the regular scary things that happen in those first days, little Charlie has given them some very real scares. They are all doing fine, but it's a reminder that even though we sometimes scoff at the over-medicalization of life, we are quite fortunate to have access to good medical care when we need it.

I remember speaking with other moms last spring when I was having a rough time about how no one tells you, really, how difficult those first days (weeks? months?) can be. But really, would any of us have listened? I think some people tried to tell me, but I honestly didn't really get it. It's only once you're there, with a tiny little human entirely dependent on your every move and demanding every ounce of your love, compassion, patience, energy, and strength, 24 hours a day, that you get the intensity of it all.

This reminder of the early days with Molly comes as our little girl is in the throes of another sickness. This time its a pretty high fever - the nurse recorded it at 104.1F when we went in this afternoon, which is enough to send them scurrying for Tylenol, pronto. I knew something was up when I got home yesterday and was greeted by quiet indifference rather than her typical jumping out of Zach or Paz's arms to say hello to me.

She's going to be fine. The NP gave us one of four diagnoses to pick from: The Flu, Roseola (another Viral infection), a reaction to last weeks MMR vaccine, or a reaction to last weeks Chickenpox vaccine. It may become clear in the next few days which it is (depending on the presence, or lack of presence, of a rash), but the treatment in all cases remains the same: treat the fever when it's over 102F, keep her comfortable, and keep pushing fluids on her.

Photos: a day at the Rose Garden