Olivia has croup!

She started coughing on Tuesday at daycare.  We got her in to see the pediatrician on call Tuesday evening who confirmed she had a ton of post nasal drip.  He recommended a cool mist vaporizer and lots of suctioning. Since we’re used to keeping an eye out for breathing difficulties he said to keep doing what we’re doing.

Wednesday she stayed home with Nana and Poppy for the day.  Her cough seemed to get better in the afternoon but she coughed a LOT Wednesday evening.

Today we sent her to daycare hoping for the best. Diana said she ate well but was very fussy.  Arnie then put a call into Dr. Heller (cardiologist) since Dr. Friedman is on vacation until Monday to find out what OTC medications Olivia can have to help with congestion.  Suctioning does very little good right now.

Dr. Heller was concerned about the cough taxing Olivia’s heart too much so she said she would call Dr. Friedman at home and consult with her.  Conveniently, Dr. Heller and Friedman are not only colleagues and friends – they are neighbors!  They agreed that Olivia should be prescribed liquid prednisone to help with her breathing.  Olivia’s cough should improve within HOURS of her first dose and thus far we can say that is the case!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about these women.  They go the extra mile and we feel so much better having talked to them.

Miss Olivia is waving Bye!  And she’s taken to standing up holding on with just one HAND! It’s just a matter of time before she takes those first few steps.  What a big girl she’s getting to be!

Yesterday was a most beautiful day. The sun was shining. It was WARM (70º?) – just a beautiful gorgeous day. Maddie rode her bike up and down the street and I followed pushing Olivia in the stroller. Olivia “talked” the entire time.

Then we decided to go on the swingset. Olivia was in heaven swinging back and forth. She was laughing so hard! Absolutely precious! I took some pics of both girls swinging and will post them this week.

She’s doing so many new things – almost something new every day!

Yesterday when I picked Olivia up from daycare, Diana told me that when she had put Olivia down for a nap, Olivia sat up and then pulled herself to a standing position!

Diana took a picture of her standing there. I will post it when we get a copy.

Lately I’ve noticed she’s been attempting a “downward facing dog” (for those familiar with Yoga, you know what I’m talking about. For those who aren’t: click here.) Anyway, last night Olivia was playing downstairs. All of a sudden she used her toy to push herself upright! She was not fully standing, but it was pretty close!

Olivia had a BALL at daycare yesterday. She did great – Mommy & Daddy were another story. We only called to check on her three times . Olivia had a blast playing with the other kids. Her naps were much shorter than what she normally takes but we’re attributing it to her being excited and afraid to miss out on any of the action. Diana called this morning to see if she could take Olivia outside (it’s over 60º today). She was nervous about Olivia getting “cold” and turning blue. I told her I thought Olivia would love being outside so they were going out to play.