Sorry, went AWOL. - But I'm back now. Sort of.

texasp3 wrote: Hi everyone, I'm sorry I split without a word. I went to Portland, Oregon last week to spend some time with DH there. I wasn't around the computer nearly as much as I thought I would be. What a fun city that is!

Then, Friday Gabriel came down with a terrible stomach virus. He stopped puking late afternoon. Our flight home was for 3pm on Saturday afternoon. We watched and hydrated and hoped. He stayed stable and he and I came home. He started to run a fever and whimper about two hours out of Dallas. We got home safely and made it through the night. Sunday morning I had to take us both to the ER (don't ask me how I made it) and I checked in with low BP, low blood oxygen and poor lung function. They treated me for 5 hours and diagnosed me with viral bronchitis. They took very good care of Gabriel, but he was still refusing liquids and running a temp when we left. They didn't IV him, he wasn't too bad then.

I forced pedialyte in him all day Sunday and he improved a lot. I'm been through this with Michael more times than I can count, so I was feeling optimistic. Hah. Middle of the night he started throwing up again. Monday morning I took him to his ped... we talked about IVing him then or trying for a few more hours to hydrate him ... so I took him back home and poked 1/2 ounce of pedialyte into him every 15 minutes the rest of the day. By 4pm we were looking at no really wet diapers since he started puking on FRIDAY. Still refusing everything, still listless. So, it was IV time.

I could write several paragraphs about the ER thing. Basically, I went to the one where my ped has admitting privileges, waited 2 hours, was told it would be at least 2 more, checked his diaper, it was wetter than it had been in 2 days, went home. Talked to ped, she was comfortable with the situation. At 8:30 pm Gabriel started dry heaving horribly! Talked to ped, went back to the ER we were at Sunday morning. We got there about 9pm, they kept him until 2am. He was IVed - it was horrible... one vein collapsed, the other went okay but after about an hour the IV inflitrated and he ended up with a water balloon for an arm. Bottom line - HE PEED into his little urine collection bag (have you ever prayed for pee in a baggie??) and things checked out okay. They didn't stick him a 3rd time, but sent us home. Yesterday he just drank pedialyte (voluntarily for the first time in 2 days) and slept all day.

Right now he's playing with his toys. He slept well last night, and had some bananas and rice cereal for breakfast.

WHEW!! How I HATE stomach bugs in babies!!

Anyway, he's truly on the mend now. I'll try to poke around and get caught up with everyone, but I'm still spending most of my time very close by Gabriel. He's still wobbly and needy.

texasp3 replied: Here's a pic of my little recovering babe. I took it just this morning. He's lost some weight and that mess on his arm is from the IV where the vein collapsed. But, as you can see, his smile is back!

mammag replied: Poor little fellow! But I'm glad he's on the mend.

Good to see you back.

kimberley replied: omg poor baby! and mom too! i am glad he is on the mend and hope to see you around more.

5littleladies replied: Poor little guy! I'm glad you are both doing better and it's nice to see you back.

Kaitlin'smom replied: oh poor mommy and baby, so glad your both gettign well. What a cute picture looks like he is feeling better

A&A'smommy replied: OMG what a horrible experience!!! I'm glad he is doing better and I hope he continues to get better!!! ((((HUGS)))) WELCOME BACK!!!

TANNER'S MOM replied: I am glad you are back! I hope your baby is better!

I hate to see them sooo sick..

Mel

mom21kid2dogs replied: Oh! Poor guy!! I hate those big ole' bruises! It is great to see a smile on his face. Hope he is truly on the mend now!! (((Big Hugs))) to all of you!

texasp3 replied: Awwwwwwwwwwwww... thanks everyone! You're making me feel really good this morning!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: OMG!! Look at his little eyes!!! I'm glad he is feeling better, Marie. Give him some hugs for me. I can't wait til you are both well so we can get together.

texasp3 replied: Me too, Aimee. I'm really missing you! *sniff sniff* You should have seen him yesterday... he was kind of all one color - sort of a pale straw color - except for these big, somber blue eyes with great big dark circles around them. And that was after he started getting BETTER!

Anyway, I'm just glad he's on the mend now and perking up a little more each hour.

Josie83 replied: Marie, I'm glad to see that you're back but I'm so sorry to hear about all this troube with Gabriel! Poor little thing. We totally understand you need to take some time out, just remember that we're always here for you when you need us and that we miss you! xx

ediep replied: oh man!!! What an ordeal......I am so happy he is better!