Week 73 and Week 25 - Rotavirus yuckiness

Charlotte has contracted what we believe to be a case of rotavirus.  This apparently afflicts all kids around the world by the age of 5.  She has been having diarrhea for a week.  At the beginning it was 3-4 times a day, then around 8-12 times a day, now back to 3-4 times a day (and one overnighter to boot).  To say she has been miserable is a bit of an overstatement - she has been inconvenienced but has still seemed to manage to charm the doctors with her unflappable Charlotteness.  The beginning is the worst - when you don't know what the heck is going on - and you continue about your day and there is diarrhea and regular wet wipes = one raw and painful diaper area (e.g. raw with blood).  This is really disheartening for a first time, somewhat nervous parent like myself.  Luckily this rawness went away with the use of no wipes (or homemade ones with water only) and some prompt showering off if required. 

I went to my normal pediatrician today, basically to ask what the hell?  Why did you not give our kid this vaccine (or offer to) and he said that Char is one of the few (unlucky) kids in Singapore who does not have this vaccine because it was being recalled / questioned within her window of being vaccinated (at 2-6 months).  But - on the bright side - once she recovers it will be as good as she is immunized!  Great - up to 2 weeks of crappy sleep = 1 dose of a magic bullet pill.  Dear readers, I implore you - go for the magic bullet of rotavirus immunization.  Do not delay!

Charlotte cannot tolerate milk of any type (soy, hypoallergenic, etc.) without it going right through her, so we have given her water (which has made me nervous because she can be dehydrated with all that pooing) and isotonic drinks (which Matt is convinced is giving her gas).  We tried the Pedialyte but Charlotte HATES it.  Today Imee made rice water (e.g. rice cooked with a lot of water then pureed) and she really likes that which is great. 

Charlotte has been on a 'park' moratorium - and she is stir crazy in the afternoons as a result.  She is begging Imee to take her outside (well, begging by whining and light back beating).

Perhaps the funniest thing in all of this is that we can ask Charlotte if she pooed - and she will either answer "No" or just smile, which means of course it is time to turn the shower on...

Stuck at home, I makes use of her time by practicing my Italian hand gestures...

...and watching too many "Signing Time" videos...

... but I do enjoy alfresco dining, sort of....

The only time I get to leave is to visit the Doctor...

...but when I get home I can pretend drive!