A Mommy Story

Cordelia didn’t go to the pediatrician today. She seemed to be feeling better this morning, and the rash was already starting to diminish. After cross-referencing with other Web sites, books, and more experienced parents, we’re fairly sure she has roseola. Luckily, it’s a minor illness and the worst is over. I didn’t want to drag her out early in the morning, pay a $20 co-pay to take a walk-in spot at the doctor’s office just for them to confirm what we thought and tell us she’s nearly better. I’m sure after the long holiday weekend there were kids more sick than her who needed to be seen.

One clue that she’s feeling better is that she can protest louder once again. The kid has a knack for the dramatic (thanks to her actor daddy’s genes), and she can do the best banshee wail when needed. Last night we gave her a bath, and her performance was probably her best yet. Surely Oscar quality. She hates her bath, and it takes two people wrestling her to keep her 25 pound body in the bathtub and to clean her. Washing her hair is the worst – when you pour the rinse water on, she gets that wide-eyed Carrie look to her, like we just dumped blood on her pretty prom dress. Last night’s scream fest was particularly painful on the ears, complete with thrashing, throwing her head back, and locking her knees to prevent sitting down. I think I’d rather bathe all three of our cats, at the same time, than Cordy.