Nighttime Excursion

Clare and I were in the ER last night until 1 am because of croup. Clare has had a runny nose for a couple weeks now, but I figured it was a cold or teething and didn't worry too much about it. She's been fine otherwise. Then, last night, I could hear her coughing in her crib. If your child has ever had croup you know what that barking cough sounds like - it is very distinctive. Jamie had croup a number of times as a baby and toddler, so I knew the drill. Warm, steamy bathroom or cold night air. Soon, however, Clare's coughing worsened, woke her up, then she started crying. Before long, Clare developed stridor as well and was having trouble breathing, so we were off to the ER.

It's amazing how fast you get through the ER with a little baby having trouble breathing and the words "heart condition." No waiting at registration, no waiting at triage, no waiting in the waiting room. They brought Clare right in and hooked her up to oxygen. Her saturation levels were in the low 90's, but once she was on oxygen, they went right back up to 100. Her body temperature was very low, so they wrapped her in heated blankets. By this time, she had calmed down and was able to breathe a little easier. (And now she was wide awake - yea for me!) She was so adorable swaddled in a huge blanket, curiously watching all the ER activity. So many nurses stopped by just to peek at her. One nurse commented how little she was to already have a "zipper." I had no idea what she was talking about at first. Then I realized she was referring to Clare's surgical scar. I thought that was cute - a zipper!

Clare was diagnosed with croup and stridor (brought on by her seemingly harmless cold), which was no big surprise. She received a shot of steroids to help her breathe easier. The drug they gave her lasts for 18 hours, so it provided some relief to Clare today as well. This is the first time Clare has actually been sick. She was so cuddly and clingy (and grumpy!) all day today. Very sweet to have this little warm body attached to you at all times, but also very tiring, especially for the sleep-deprived parents. She still barks occasionally, but the steroids must be working because she sounds much better. Thankfully, she is not contagious, so we don't have to worry about Jamie getting it or be quarantined.

Welcome to the fun world of winter colds, Clare!