What's Red and White and Scratchy All Over?

Poor Nicky's throat! :o(  I got a call from Nicky's preschool on Wednesday late afternoon announcing that the little germ monger had a 103 degree fever, and would we please come and take his infectious booty outta there.  Ok, well it wasn't in those exact words, but I'm sure they think that when they make those kinds of calls.  Spending that much time around the little boogers, I'm sure the teachers and administrators get their fair share of unwanted illnesses - I know I did when I taught preschool.  I mean, seriously, what adult gets pink eye or ring worm?! 

Anyway, we picked him up and saw the tell-tale signs right away.  The eyes were dark and puffy, he was lethargic and hardly speaking (which is a huge indicator that something is wrong these days cuz that kid NEVER shuts up anymore!), and he said his teeth and mouth hurt.  First on the agenda when we got home was to re-take the fever, pump him full of ibuprofen, then check the damage in his throat.  Fever was down a bit; somehow just drinking the meds made him feel immediately better (gotta love the placebo effect in kids - just like putting a band aid on an owie - instant gratification); and sure enough - there were white spots and yucky redness in the back of the throat.

We drew straws, and I came up short, or long or whatever the case was, so I was the lucky one that got to take a "sicky" from work.  Ok, so we didn't really draw straws, we played rock, paper, scissors - or maybe it was really that we take turns and Kris had stayed home the last time.  Whatever the case, Nicky and I went to see his pediatrician yesterday morning and she confirmed what we already figured to be true - strep throat.  First thing Nicky told both the nurse and his doctor "no shots.  only medicine."  I'm guessing he's not a fan of being stuck by needles?  Apparently the last round he got for his 4 year shots were quite painful, and just the mention of Dr Gondol's name sends shivers down his spine. 

After receiving his script, we were on our way.  Of course, by this time, Nicky was miraculously feeling better, and after viewing the fountains with ducks, geese and turtles from the doctor's exam room's huge picture windows, he wanted to go down and feed them.  So with goldfish crackers from Momma's purse in hand, we moseyed around the fountains chasing some ducks that were less than thrilled to have little orange crackers thrown at them.  Whatever. Like they have better things to eat in the algae-infested retainage pond made to look like pretty fountains.

At least the geese were more cordial.  And, Nicky loved it, so I got to be the cool mom for a few minutes!

The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging around on the couch and napping.  Needless to say, he's pretty wound up today.  But, he the fever is gone and we've conquered yet another bout of strep throat...ah, the marvel of modern medicine!