One of the dilemmas I seem to continually face as a parent is deciding when my children are sick enough to go to the doctor. Even after earning a four year nursing degree, I cannot seem to master this feat! It seems when I think Eli is the sickest and bring him to the doctor, I’m told its only a virus and to wait it out. So oftentimes, trying to save ourselves the $25 doctor’s visit copay, we try and wait sickness out. But Eli never seems to get a cold that lasts 1-2 weeks. His seem to last much longer. And when I wait it out thinking Eli must only have a virus, but finally end up bringing him in, the doctor is very concerned at it seems like Eli comes home with numerous prescriptions, lab orders, and special tests ordered. My mommy instinct is failing me 
Well, after 2 1/2 weeks of Eli coughing through the night and having a continuous flow of snot from his nose, Matt and I decided together (I quit deciding on my own a long time ago), to bring Eli in for a doctor’s visit. I always qualify my visits now with, “this may only be a virus, but he isn’t getting better yet, so we thought maybe he should be seen?” And I usually do ask it with a question And low and behold, this time he left with an antibiotic. I really didn’t think he’d get one this time. All I can say is, what do I know??
Yesterday, Eli slept for 3 1/2 hours. His longest nap to date. And he’s constantly been asking to be held. And I really don’t think he feels good. So hopefully, the antibiotic will speed up the recovery for him.
Being sick definitely doesn’t keep him away from playing in the dirt, though
Eli weighed in at 26 pounds. While waiting for the doctor, we practiced saying “stick please,” as Eli LOVES playing with tongue depressors. He politely said “stick please” the moment the doctor entered the room. Continuing to show off his amazing verbal skills, I had him tell the doctor what his sister’s name is. He skillfully replied, “Abi.” Then I asked what his name was. He confidently replied, “Giraffe.” I love my boy! Eli ended up getting a Hep A shot, too, and cried and cried. Until the nurse gave him a bandaid in the wrapper. He didn’t want it out of the wrapper. How can we understand the mind of a two year old. Have I mentioned that I love my boy?
