My Rosy-cheeked Teether

(click on picture to get a clearer version)

Poor Laney isn't feeling too good these days. She's teething and could possibly be teething her molars(ouch!) If you know anything about cutting molars, you know it's a miserable time for everyone involved. She's not sleeping well day or night and has a low-grade fever around 100 degrees. The tooth next to her big teeth is about to break through, but the molars are still a possibility. I'll keep you posted.

As you can see, her cheeks are a rosy red. Unfortunately, those cheeks aren't naturally rosy red. I took her to see her Pediatrician today, because I knew those red cheeks weren't normal and weren't a part of teething. Dr. E told us that Laney has a virus called "Fifth Disease." Why they call it a disease, who knows. Once the rash appears, she's not contagious anymore. The rash will stick around for 1-3 weeks. So, basically she's contagious when we don't even know she has a virus. Go figure. Here's your chance to get a head's up on Fifth's Disease. I had no idea said virus even existed.

Fifth disease typically produces a distinctive red rash on the face that makes the child appear to have a "slapped cheek." The rash then spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. Fifth disease is actually just a viral illness that most kids recover from quickly and without complications.

SYMPTOMS: Fifth disease begins with a low-grade fever, headache, and mild cold-like symptoms (a stuffy or runny nose). These symptoms pass, and the illness seems to be gone until a rash appears a few days later. The bright red rash typically begins on the face. Several days later, the rash spreads and red blotches (usually lighter in color) extend down to the trunk, arms, and legs. The rash usually spares the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. As the centers of the blotches begin to clear, the rash takes on a lacy net-like appearance. Kids younger than 10 years old are most likely to get the rash. Fifth disease begins with a low-grade fever, headache, and mild cold-like symptoms (a stuffy or runny nose). Other symptoms that sometimes occur with fifth disease include swollen glands, red eyes, sore throat, diarrhea, and rarely, rashes that look like blisters or bruises. (Laney has swollen glands, red eyes, sore throat, and major diarrhea.)

Here's more information about getting it if you're an adult or the complications of getting it if you're pregnant.: Fifth Disease


Here we are after Laney woke up early from her nap. She was inconsolable for quite some time, which is NOT like Laney. Laney hardly ever cries like that. She's the happiest baby. But today was altogether different. She didn't want to be held, she didn't want to walk around or crawl and she didn't want her paci, food, or her sipster. She was crying so hard, arching her back and squirming like crazy in my lap. After trying everything, I got out my Ergo carrier. Once I put her in the Ergo carrier, all cries stopped, and she snuggled right up to my chest. I put on her Praise Baby DVD, that we hardly ever watch unless it's absolutely necessary(me being sick, her being sick, etc..) It's nice to have and she loves it. It's a treat to her since she doesn't see it a lot. (We'll start watching more t.v. after she's two years.) Anyways, here we are just resting, watching and listening to the soothing songs of Praise Baby. She really enjoyed just relaxing. I did too.

jt