RSV, Pneumonia, & Rebekah

All week last week, Rebekah had a bad cold and then it got worse, so last Saturday night we took her into the ER because she was breathing extremely fast, wouldn't eat, and had a temp of 101.6. To make a long story short (since it took two days of going back and forth to and from different diagnoses for them to tell us what was really going on) she was admitted to the pediatric unit at the hospital at 3 am on Sunday and underwent a bunch of tests to rule out the possibility of some other scary things we won't talk about. She was, in the end, diagnosed with RSV (a respiratory virus) and bacterial pneumonia. She spent 2 1/2 days in the hospital and was able to come home with us today!! :o) Though she is still sick, she is eating well, breathing better, and has no temperture. We will continue to give her the antibiotic for the pneumonia for a week, but we also have to monitor her closely for about 8 weeks before she will be all in the clear. The saddest part about seeing her sick now is when she cries. It is this very pitiful scratchy worn out I don't feel good sort of cry.
This was her reaction to having to go to the hospital . . . . okay so it was actually taken a day or so before we went, but isn't that a funny face??
This is her in her mammoth hospital crib all hooked up to an IV and an Oxygen/Heart Monitor. The little snowman in the back is what Alex made for her (with grandma's help). It says, "Get Well Rebekah. Love, Your Brother Alex."

Here is a good view of how exhausted she was after being poked and prodded so much. She was stuck in 4 different places before they finally got a good IV in her little head. So sad looking huh? She also had blood drawn a few times, had a lumbar test (similar to a spinal tap . . scary) and some urine samples taken. We are grateful for thorough doctors, but it was sad to see her go through it all.

Here is a close up of the IV in her head.

And just because I thought this was entertaining. Alex chose his own clothes the other day. Good job huh?? tehe.

For the record, we had a great experience at UIHC. The doctors and nurses were wonderful and we feel soooooo blessed to live so close to such a great hospital. Joseph got to know everyone there a lot better than I did as he stayed there with her the entire time. He is the best husband and father ever!