Excuse Me? Say What? For Real?!?

It was last Monday when I first noticed a small scratch on Reed's chin. Or at least, I thought it was a small scratch. And the only reason I took real notice was because that's when we had pictures taken at Penney's and I thought to myself "perfect timing there, Buddy."

But as the week progressed, that small "scratch" began to grow. And become pretty red and irritated, and eventually, scabbed over. It got so large, that it started to look like something Reed would have gotten had he landed face first on a slab of concrete. Definitely wasn't a scratch. But couldn't quite tell what it was.

I made a phone call to the pediatrician's office on Friday morning. Part of the problem, I thought, was that Reed's chin is constantly wet from his pacifier use and his teething drool, so the scab never really gets a chance to heal. I still wasn't sure what in the world had happened (I still kinda thought he had somehow scratched himself and perhaps it was growing because it's constantly irritated from his drool??? HA! What do I know!) so the nurse advised me to wash it clean, cover in triple antibiotic ointment, and keep a band-aid on it.

That worked for about two seconds. Just long enough for him to begin to drool again and get the band-aid all wet. And guess what? Wet band-aids don't stick.

Yeah, that wasn't gonna work.

So after getting through the weekend, and occasionally thinking it was looking better, but noticing at other times that this is more than just a scratch or scab, it was time to call the doctor again. It never hurts to have things checked out, I figured.

{At some point yesterday I even said to Brad, "I bet he has herpes or something." I began to notice the feel and texture of the "scab" and it looked like small blisters, and it continued to grow, creeping closer and closer to his mouth. So herpes was the first thing that came to mind.}

I should totally be a nurse.

Sure enough. Adding insult to Reed's already strep-throat-ezcema-covered-iron-deficient injured self.... as if that wasn't enough.... the kid has herpes.

Herpes.

Wha?! For real?

I know, I know. A totally different kind of herpes. But you've gotta admit, when you first hear that word, "cold sore" is not what you first think about!!!

And now I know what you're all thinking. "Holy cow, woman! How could you not know this wasn't just a scratch?!" But trust me, this is the worst it has looked, and it started much, MUCH smaller and much, MUCH more innocent looking!

And remember. Herpes. Doesn't typically come to mind when you think of a ONE YEAR OLD!

We never like to leave the doctor's office empty handed, so off to the pharmacy (again!) for two more prescriptions. A new antibiotic (he literally just finished the amoxicillian for strep) as apparently these things have a tendency to become infected, and some kind of high-potency anti-viral cream to clear up the skin. The doctor also advised to keep a look out inside of his mouth (inside his cheeks and the back of his throat) to make sure it doesn't spread. If it does, he'll prescribe an oral anti-viral to attack that.

THANKFULLY, Reed doesn't appear to be in any kind of pain as a result. Kid's as tough as nails.

*sigh*

Reed's continual state of illness and infection, one after another, is frustrating AND heart-breaking. As a mom, I just want him to be happy AND healthy. It's no fun seeing my children hurting or in pain or not feeling well. But this cycle has given me a new level of thankfulness.

I'm thankful that Reed is only this sick. That is isn't worse, like so many other kids.

That modern medicine quickly heals his ouchies. And that we have access to it.

That he doesn't need a specialist to make him feel better.

That he doesn't spend time being poked, prodded, tested, or otherwise made uncomfortable to try to find out what's wrong.

That he isn't in the hospital.

That he isn't so so sick, making us so so scared.

It has made me realize, once again, just how blessed we are.