Last Wednesday, I woke up feeling pretty good. We'd had a full day of formula under us and life had improved significantly. My head was full of plans about what I could accomplish while Dude slept peacefully with a full tummy.
And by "plans", I mean cleaning off the kitchen counters and changing the sheets on our bed.
Because let's face it, a newborn is still a newborn formula or no. I figured I would have about 45 minutes to get a couple of things done.
Mom and Aubrey Kate had big plans of their own. They were headed to the Y for a little play time and a run. Mom's been great to put her running on hold while I healed. With a happier baby and a healed momma, she could no longer resist the call of the treadmill.
It's a loud call.
AK was so stinkin' excited about going to play. Prancin' around the house and waving bye-bye to me like such a big girl.
They loaded up in the car and I got ready to work.
About, oh...two minutes after they left, I started to feel a little achy.
Seriously, they couldn't have been out of the neighborhood yet.
I thought, huh, I'll just sit down for a minute. Ten minutes later, sitting turned to lying down on the couch. Ten minutes after that, I was pulling up the big, comfy OU blanket because, dang, it was cold.
And at that point, I knew.
Fever.
There's only one reason I could possibly have a fever.
Mastitis.
Yup.
Within 30 minutes, I was googling the symptoms and texting my SIL who had it THREE times.
When the uncontrollable shaking hit, that sent me over the edge. I called the doctor who said, "Come right now."
Which I would have totally done. Had I not been car-less and home alone with a three week old.
I waited about 10 more minutes before I decided it was time to start calling folks home. I got up off the couch, attempted to get dressed, brushed my teeth and had a brief teeth-chattering conversation with Carrie (SIL) about how very, very awful this was.
Chris got the call first. I knew there was no way I could drive myself to the doctor. The call was brief and included me saying something totally incoherent but resembling "Come. Me. Sick. Doctor."
Then I called Mom and said, "Mastitis. Home."
Oh, but it got better. Rhys woke up. Time for him to eat.
I made the bottle as best I could but heavens, my entire body was shaking. Feeding him was even better. Literally, his mouth was the only thing holding that bottle still.
Everyone got there about the same time. Chris and I headed out the door and I passed off Rhys to Mom.
All while listening to Aubrey Kate saying over and over and over, "I didn't want to leave, Momma."
Awesome.
The doctor confirmed mastitis. My fever was 102 thus explaining the ridiculous shaking.
When we got home, I took my first dose of antibiotics and some Tylenol.
And then went to bed.
Not gonna lie, those first 24 hours served to confirm why I was so fearful of this thing. I couldn't even sleep that night because of the body aches. The fever came back as soon as the Tylenol started to wear off just a little.
It was the sickest I have felt in a long time.
But here's the best part: I am so very, very grateful for it.
I know. I'll wait while you get up off the floor.
Because, unfortunately, me being out of commission and Chris working until 11 pm each night meant Nana was by herself with the two kids.
Bless her.
But since Rhys couldn't be held every second, he miraculously got on a schedule. Oh, he wasn't at all happy about it but it happened regardless of what he wanted. I hated hearing him screaming and Mom hated to have to let him do it. But. There simply wasn't a choice.
Somehow, I believe we have all recovered. It was rough on everyone. Except for maybe Aubrey Kate who seems to be completely oblivious to everything. We were all exhausted. But goodness, I'd do it all again if it meant getting on a schedule in record time.
Well. I can't speak for Mom. She might not vote for that.
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