some "firsts" aren't that great.

Well this "season" poor Dash Michael has managed to catch every. single. bug. WORST. He is such a trooper and has taken it all on with a brave face, but man-o-man, the boy deserves a break. The first 3.5 years of his life nothing too major, seriously, nothing. This year alone Dash has had his FIRST ear infection, his FIRST battle with influenza, and (after being on antibiotics less than two weeks ago for a "virus", uh code for we-don't-know-but-you're-an-upset-mama-and-the-fever-justifies-something) this weekend Dash had his FIRST experience with strep throat. ICK.
As a mama, I know this is how you learn. I have learned that a fever WILL lead to the doctor, so don't fight it. I have learned that a swollen gland is bad news, and I have learned that even when you wash your hands a BILLION times a day, you can still catch crud.
And, if you know me, you know I will ALWAYS find a silver lining... In this funk of, well, funk. I have been reminded to never underestimate your child. This is my mantra, I have always believed that even as infants, babies know. When Dash had his ear infection, he told me at 2:10am, "mama, I'm ok, but my ear is sick." With influenza he said,"I'm sick and there is slinky in my throat." He knows. He is incredible and it never hurts to be reminded how unbelievably smart he is and how lucky I am to belong to him.