We Alllmoooost Made It...

... to the end of the cold and flu season without ending up at the Emergency again. As you may recall, Colin has asthma and had quite a rough ride back in October with a chest cold, which resulted in a certain amount of misery for everyone. All three of the babies have basically passed nasty germs back and forth since then, and we've even had a few chest colds along the way. But, with our diligent use of Colin's daily maintenance inhaler and the Ventolin (when needed), we've been extremely successful at keeping Colin's lungs clear and healthy. Until two days ago...

We're not sure what end of the cold we're on - Keith had a flash fever (12 hours, total!) last week, Evelyn had a minor cold shortly before then, I had my second bout of Strep throat and a cold and Edward has been sick since the beginning of February. In any case, Colin's nose started to run a little more than usual, but with the warm weather we've had, I figured his allergies were starting up again (mine are!). On Monday afternoon, however, the chesty cough began to creep in, and by 3am this morning, Colin and I (and Woof Woof, his beloved puppy stuffy) were at CHEO getting him checked out. He had a small fever, and was breathing too rapidly for my liking. We were home by 7am. Edward stayed home from work, my mom came over and I gratefully slept for a few hours. Colin, the Energizer Bunny, kept trucking... until he crashed for 45 minutes at the mall.

Edward's Uncle and Aunt were visiting from Toronto, so they got to experience the babies staggering around the various stores - in different directions, of course. Colin was able to resurrect himself in time to enjoy his important social calls - he has a special friend he visits in a quilt and bedding store and he has charmed the ladies at Suzy Shier. He is also attracted to the upbeat music of another women's clothing store, so he stands in its entrance and dances... Evelyn knows better than to touch the merchandise, but she cannot resist gently touching the clothes hangers while murmuring "No no no!" to herself. Keith, well, even though he isn't walking yet, he will not be left behind. He loves to zoom around the sofas and chairs of the sitting area we invade and will shriek "UP UP UP!!!" until he gets out of the stroller. It's so much fun - and exercise!!

Here's hoping Colin will have a good, solid night of sleep and will be well on the mend for tomorrow's adventures.