Cough, cough, COUGH

So as most of you know both of my boys have had Croup in the past. We started out learning about the sickness with a very scary episode from Aaron. We heard him coughing in his room while putting Connor to bed, and when we went in there, he almost couldn't breathe. He began to turn red and blue, so Brian quickly called 911, and I brought him outside to try and get him to calm down. As some mothers might agree - a change of scenery can sometimes calm a fussy baby. Sure enough - Aaron calmed down and was able to breathe again.

When the paramedics arrived, they were so relieved to see Aaron calmed down (they are always scared when called out for an infant problem). One ambulence ride and hospital visit later, I was taught all about Croup, and have since experienced it more than I have ever wanted to.

Cold, humid air is a great way to open up the lungs and that is why bringing Aaron outside could have saved his life (or at least brain cells) that night. Two other suggestions are opening the freezer, and turning on the shower and letting it steam up the bathroom.

Aaron has since had Croup one more mild time. It's a lot worse in infants, since it blocks their airway. Once they're older it's just a very barky annoying cough (I'm sure more annoying for the child than me!)

Connor has had Croup 3 (or maybe 4) times this year. Last Friday I brought him in after coughing all day without a break. I thought he was either going to make himself throw up, or pop the blood vessles in his eyes. I just had brought him to the doctor the day before, and he said it was a cold. I always think I am an over-reactive mom since I can only remember a couple times where I didn't have to bring my kids to the doctor when they were sick. I'm ALWAYS going to the doctor.

Once again Croup revisited my family. Now she said it might have to do with Allergies and Asthma. Hopefully we will get through this, and hopefully it won't hinder Connor too much. At least we are trying something new to stop the COUGH COUGH COUGHING in our house!