Two Hours at the Pediatrician: A Level of Mom Inferno

Well, let me just say there are worse things in life.  But, TWO hours at the pediatrician's office, at nap/lunch time, with a toddler who has a massive ear infection, no pacifier, blanket, extra toys, or lunch for a pregnant mom is not at the top of my list of events I want to repeat.

Today, as I headed out to my MOPS group playdate, I felt like I should go ahead and call the pediatrician about Dexter's recent behavior.  He was diagnosed 2 1/2 weeks ago with a bad ear infection, given antibiotics and seemed to get better.  He had some behavior iddues, but I figured it was because his daddy was gone for a week.  Well, yesterday when he pulled hair and even hit a kid in the head with a rock (!!!!!!), all unprevoked!  Needless to say I felt the to change something. 

I was praying about what to do last night and today as I feel like I have a good handle on all the "possible suspects."  We disciple consistently, we have a routine, he eats and sleeps well, and lots of mommy-and-me play time.  So, before I started a book reading regime or new discipline strategy, I thought...."maybe I should just rule out that his ear isn't causing him pain."

Glad I went, just wish it didn't take an hour and twenty minutes to even SEE a doctor!

They said on the phone to just pop by and someone would check out his ear.  Last time I went in at 12:30, I was in and out in 30min.  This time, I was in the waiting room for twice that.  So all I had was the half a sandwhich my play group host made for Dexter (thank you Tina!!!), one diaper, and one train.  I was totally unprepared for the marathon it became.

The ear turns out to be the worst ear infection that doctor had seen in a week and he wouldn't be surprised if it burst.  From my friend with 3 kids, she said it was worse than childbirth when her ear burst.  Awesome.  Explains the rock to the friend's head yesterday.  My dad is the same -- when he is in pain he won't cry about it, he'll just get grouchy. 

So, I went to Walgreen's and forked over the $75 for the new antibiotic (I'll wait and get the $130 one he'll need if his eardrum bursts till later...).  Now we're home.  Dexter is asleep.  My turn to sleep...