Scarlatina

aka Scarlet Fever.

Yes, it sounds scary but its basically just strep throat with a rash. Every member of the household has it and has started antibiotics. It was scary when Sean had his worst day, but he came back within 2 days mildly ill. Then Ryan was super ill for 2 days.

Andrew has been the sickest consistently and for the longest. After 24 hours of antibiotics, he looks slightly better then he's looked over the last 5 days. The doctor's nurses kept saying it was just a virus, I had to finally demand an appointment and only gave them his highest temp readings -- 103.7 under his arm, 103.1 also under his arm, and 102.5 under his arm.

The fever was only readable on his torso (which looks like he got the worst sunburn in the history of man), he didn't carry it in his forehead (hence a normal reading on his forehead).

Most of his torso and inner thighs will be itchy and sensitive for a couple weeks, all that red skin is going to peel. I feel so sorry for him and yesterday was his b-day.

He's been so sick, he's not his usual happy self. He "couldn't" say hi to anyone. We weren't allowed sing happy birthday to him. Or wish him birthday greetings. "No, Alex its not a happy birthday." "No, Mommy, I don't want it to be my birthday today."

And the saddest comment of all, "Mommy, I don't want to be sick anymore. I don't like being sick."

He missed his big preschool concert, preschool Christmas party, and preschool birthday greetings. He's a sad, sad, little man.

The poor kid had to lay down to take a nap yesterday. Mark told him that he didn't have to sleep just rest and we'd come get him in a little bit. I forgot that Andrew obeys (unlike the twix) and had to go get him at 5 pm. He'd laid there napping on and off for 4 hours waiting for us to tell him he could stop resting.

I was only able to cheer him yesterday but letting him pick his dinner -- smoked sausage and Sponge Bob mac n' cheese. He only ate 3 bites, but he was happy about it.

This morning is the first he's awaken without a burning hot chest.

Mark is finally recovering -- 24 hours of antibiotics and his fever finally seems to have subsided. I think he's still weak and has the sore throat and head ache. Bummer b-day for him too.

Alex is almost totally better, the twix are like their usual mischievous selves. And I woke up this morning, minus the headache though my ears and throat are still sore.

Hopefully, we'll all be well by Christmas!