Take a picture, it lasts longer!

We have had a very interesting couple of days, to say the least. Eva was being treated for a double ear infection and was on day 9 of amoxicillin on Wednesday, when she broke out in this rash in her diaper area. I immediately made an appointment to see the doctor (because that's the kind of mom I am) for that day. At that point, the rash was starting to spread up her abdomen a bit, but was still covered by her clothes. After seeing the doctor, she advised us to take Eva off the amoxicillin immediately and to come in if anything changed. She wasn't sure at that point that this was the cause of the rash since it hadn't developed too much. We kept her on Benadryl all

night and woke up to a spotted baby. She was COVERED from head to toe in spots. I called the

doctor again first thing in the morning and was able to get her in...again. This time, my experience was a little different. I stood in line to check her in and was immediately overwhelmed with grown women STARING. I found myself starting to become self-conscious because for some reason, people thought it was okay to just stare at my poor baby. This doctor's visit was so different because she actually had spots all over her face. I looked at my beautiful girl and couldn't help but frown. This baby had no idea that people were staring at her because they thought that maybe because it's temporary, it's okay to stare. Eva was still in high spirits and smiling at everyone that made eye contact with her. What is wrong with people?!? The entire time we were in the waiting room, I could feel all eyes on my beautiful happy girl. I just wanted to scream! After that visit, it was clear that my poor baby a serious allergy to penicillin. The doctor informed me that her spots will begin to fade in a week or two!!

I can't help but be bothered by my experience at the doctor's office. I instantly turned into this mother bear, trying to protect her baby. It seems silly that I would let such an experience bother me so badly. Why does someone has to deal with the difficulties of an illness or disability and also have to worry about the stares or comments of other people?

I guess, on an extremely small scale, I can understand why staring hurts individuals who have a disability. I have always been, and will continue to be very determined to teach my children all about disabilities. For instance, right now, Anders is very interested in canes. He thinks they are so fascinating. I have tried very hard to explain to him that sometime people need them when they can't walk on their own very well. The canes will help them walk. We even stop and look at the canes for sale next to the pharmacy in hopes that touching one will normalize it for him. I have noticed that he doesn't stop and stare anymore when people cross our path using canes. He understands it and it's normal to him!

Now, let me step back down off my soapbox and tell you that Eva is still covered in spots and we've decided to ride it out in the comfort of our own home. I guess it's normal for the spots to turn to a bluish/purple color that really resembles a bruise. Many of her spots have done this and I'm just waiting for the ones on her face to do the same. Can you imagine if I took her out of the house now?? If we thought people stared before, I can't even imagine how they'd stare if they thought they were bruises...in that case, rightfully so!