But can you blame me? Just a week into this world and Cerise was hospitalized for sepsis. Then we had her heart condition, her failure to thrive, her thyroid problem, etc. So many things leading to another. We've had a series of hospital visits, battery of tests and doctor consultations. Finally, she started gaining already and things started falling into place. But I suppose because of her slow weight gain, her immune system could have been affected somewhat.
Last week, we were again transient boarders at Madonna and Child Hospital, this time for Cerise's amoebiasis. It seemed surreal being in the hospital room once again. It looked like the same one we had the last time but then Mier said we were at the room next day. Doesn't make a difference. They all look the same to me --- cold and gloomy.
Before that Cerise had cough and colds. She was on oral antibiotics as well as round the clock nebulizing. It was tiring. Then the amoebiasis came. I have no idea how she got that although the doctor at the ER said that it is common for babies at her age to get it because they keep on putting things into their mouths. But we've been careful! You'd think I haven't learned from what we've gone through. I've never been as careful with any of my girls as I am with Cerise. And yet, these things happen. And with amoebiasis came the most dreadful diaper rash ever imaginable! My poor baby would cry in her sleep when she'd pee! It literally broke my heart to hear her whimper. I myself was traumatized every time she would poo because that would mean I would have to change her too. :-( And after a week of steroids that didn't seem to work, we are now using Zinc Oxide that seems to handle the problem. I hope she'd be through with this soon!
I am constantly in touch with her pediatrician. Sometimes, I feel she's getting irritated with all my texts and calls (of course, she denied it. Haha!). A few days back, Cerise started sneezing and I panicked. Was she about to get a cold again? I was contemplating on texting the pedia to ask if I should start giving her allergy medicine already. Then I stopped and told my self to step away and relax. She might just have an irritant or something. Hay!
It isn't easy. But whoever said that motherhood would be easy? It is with my fourth and last child that all the challenges are being faced head-on. Someone told me (I think my tita) that maybe she'll be worry-free when she gets older. Haha! I hope so!
But Cerise has been such a trooper! She smiles and coos and charms us all despite all her difficulties. She doesn't demand to be carried or rocked all the time. Many times, I enter the room and find her asleep, on her own. She has been such a sweetie pie and we love having her around the house and in our family. I look forward to watching her grow more. She gained 600 grams in 2 1/2 weeks, a good weight gain --- her biggest so far. She's still small for her age but she will catch up. I claim it.
Raising her head up high :-)