A Very Croupy Christmas

Like the Ghost of Christmas Present, Kelly's Christmas Eve post foreshadowed what was in store for us. Unfortunately we couldn't just buy a big goose and stop the coughing.

Shortly after Audrey put Santa cookies out and went to bed, we heard the neighbor's dog barking. At least that's what we thought it was until we realized that our neighbors are too far away for us to hear their dogs. Kelly and I looked at each other and asked "Is that Audrey?!?"

If you've been following for long, you'll remember that Audrey had a cough last year that lingered for 8+ weeks. We did a lot of reading and the subject of croup came up many times. All of the articles mention that the croup cough is distinctive and sounds like a barking seal. We never thought that description fit the bill previously but when Audrey started up again, it sounded like we were a few hundred miles south, smack dab in the middle of Sea World.

Up at 7:30, a full 3 hours after her Cousin Emma (sorry Brian and Sarah), Audrey did o.k. with her stocking and first few presents. Though, like any sick person, she was a little sensitive and soon little things started setting her off. Us taking away the super sharp pencil from her was the final straw that sent her into her first major meltdown.

These sort of events are interesting with a little one. Even though we know she wont remember it, we still try to make things special--maybe more for us than for her. But like anything with a 1-year old, you are at the mercy of the gods and all you can do is put as many pieces of the puzzle together as you can and hope the rest falls in place. Sometimes things are just not meant to be and that family vacation you have been planning for months, or the visit with the Easter Bunny, or the magic of the first time opening Christmas presents just doesn't materialize like you expected.

We were just about at the point of throwing in the towel, taking a few frowny faced pictures to document the event (see the vacuum picture below), and just letting her watch T.V. all day, but in a last ditch effort we brought out the secret weapons - a change of clothes and some Tylenol. We took a twenty minute break and a whole new Audrey appeared. The smiles came back, the grumpiness went away, and she became interested in all the fun things going on.

The remainder of the day was spent video-chatting with family, eating sweets, and heading out for a drive to see a massive Christmas light display flashing in sync with a broadcast of Trans-Siberian Orchestra-esk music you listen to on your car radio. It was a bit cheesy but Audrey really enjoyed it so it was well worth the drive in the snow. After Audrey went to bed, we partook in the raspberry, chocolate, and almond tart Kelly made. A truly delicious way to finish off the evening.