The Pros and Cons of Having a Firstborn Child This Weekend

It's been quite the ride this past week and a half. While the rest of the nation is getting feet of snow, we've had beautiful weather in Utah. But, Rhys and I have only gotten a few hours of sleep a night. So, as the worrisome new mother that I am, let me tell you about our weekend. The cons first, then the pros so we can end on a happy note.

The Cons of having a firstborn baby this weekend:
- This past week Rhys hasn't been sleeping well, waking up 2-3 times a night and not being able to resettle himself without us rocking and rocking him to sleep.
- Me not getting sleep, then having to deal with (most of the time sometimes) immature and irresponsible 7th graders.
- Rhys showing all signs of hardcore teething for the past week and a half, and yet, even today, no teeth showing.
- Rhys getting a fever of 102* (his first ever) on Sunday and his typical attitude of happiness, excitement, and playfullness replaced with whines and only wanting to cuddle.
- Rhys having great difficulty breathing at night due to stuffiness.
- Rhys barely eating or drinking all weekend due to stuffiness, sore throat, and general unwellness.
- We did go to instacare on Monday, but they said it wasn't (yet) an ear infection or bronchitis, but to keep an eye on his fever and if his chest was rattly (meaning if the mucus migrated from his sinuses to his lungs).
- Wishing I was able to take today off to take care of Rhys like I was able to yesterday.
- Hours of worry and pity for my baby boy because I'm new at this and I worry about his health--is he getting enough sleep? is he getting enough fluids? how else can I get him nutrients and help his body fight this possible flu off?, all done with very little sleep.

The Pros of having a firstborn baby this weekend:
- The help I got yesterday, which allowed me to catch up on sleep. THANK YOU!
- Having my husband stay home on the weekend instead of going down to Nephi to have his brother help us with taxes and other financial stuff.
- Justin doing the cooking, cleaning, and errand running while I took care of Rhys.
- Seeing Rhys play with his little piano and try to figure out how his toy truck works.
- Watching Rhys have the time of his life during his bath.
- Having some much needed cuddle time with Rhys--he'd rather look around and play than cuddle with me.
- Being able to walk to the park on Saturday while Rhys was feeling well and enjoying the weather.

So, here are some adorable pictures we took of Rhys at the park.

There were a lot of kids at the park and Rhys spent most of his time just watching them.

You can tell with this picture, that he already wasn't starting to feel well.

There were these weird "pom-pom" balls of seeds from a tree. They had an interesting texture.

And of course, Rhys tried to eat it, but he didn't like it at all.

So, instead, he decided to go with a stick.

Practicing Pat-A-Cake

Watching the cars go by--one of his favorite things

Even though during this outing, Rhys was starting to drop, he enjoyed it. He loves the outdoors. Normally, he is very hyperactive, but once we take him outdoors, he quiets down immediately because he's so busy taking everything in. I love that my boy enjoys being outside!

Please keep him in your prayers and hope he recovers soon!