a croup-y christmas

Expectations were high for this year's Christmas. Jared and I picked out what gift we thought would be just perfect for the people on our list. We went grocery shopping way in advance for our food assignments at the upcoming family party. We got to bed somewhat early Christmas Eve to rest up for the many planned activities. How silly of us to have a plan. Libby was up ALL night with a horrible seal-like cough and wheezing. The poor thing couldn't seem to catch her breath. First thing Christmas morning Jared and I took her to the Instacare. Well, we tried. They were closed. It was early though so, I thought maybe they'd be open later on. We stopped by Jared's parents house and my Mom's before we decided to try again. Still closed. So, we headed off to the ER. She just kept getting worse. Since the Emergency Room is the ONLY place open on Christmas...it was packed! Every seat was full and our wait was loooong. When we were finally seen by a doctor he could quickly tell that Libby had Croup, an inflammation of the upper airways, making it hard for her to breath. They gave her some sort of steroid to lessen the swelling around her lungs and then I had to hold a tube treatment in front of her mouth and nose for 45 MINUTES! She's a toddler for heaven's sake! Isn't there an easier way?? There wasn't, and so we reluctantly sat. And sat. And sat. Until finally we were discharged. He said to keep a close eye on her and that this could last for up to 5 days. Since Croup is extremely contagious, we opted out of our family Christmas gathering and headed home. Where we had nothing but a cheese ball, and treats. (Our family party food assignments). Since that wasn't good enough for dinner, Jared, Libby, and I had Hamburger Helper for our Christmas feast.

Hope everyone's Holiday was a little more pleasant then this!

Merry Christmas!