Shigella

We are out West right now, for a month.

The blog is on temporary hold--

--except for this picture:

Meet Shigella. Our little friend Shigella has wreaked some havoc on our vacation.

Three days before we left for vacation, Emma attended a water party at a church activity. Two days later--the day before our departure--she developed a low-grade fever, headache, and a desperate, frequent need to use the ladies' room.

I thought it was a simple GI virus. We went on vacation, and within five days or so she was completely recovered.

Then I got an email from someone at home. Apparently many of the girls at this activity became sick about the same time as Emma. One went to the doctor.

Diagnosis: Shigellosis.

It's a delightful little bacteria, highly contagious, and similar to E. Coli in symptoms and in the havoc it wreaks.

Apparently back in our hometown it had wreaked enough havoc to merit cancelling 2/3 of our church meetings yesterday.

Apparently an outbreak of it in a community is generally reported to the public health department.

It appeared yesterday in our twins, with a vengeance, and the last 36 hours have been filled with endless (and I mean endless) diaper changes, as well as lots of Gatorade-drinking, Lysol-spraying, and hand-washing and sanitizing.

The twins are doing much better today--thanks to our fabulous pediatrician who happened to be on call back at home over the weekend--and (so far) everyone else seems to be spared.

I only post a mention of it here because it's been quite surreal to watch--from afar--an outbreak unfold in our hometown, while still being a part of that outbreak.

That's all, folks. See you in a few weeks, and lots of posts to come!

Update on 8/14/09: The saga continued long after this post. Over the course of our four-week trip, every member of our family got shigella--as well as a number of people in Brian's extended family. We were all treated with antibiotics; Nathan and I both were cultured and treated twice. We also got two phone calls from the local public health department. I now know more about this little bacteria than I ever cared to know. I believe that we are past it--and I think we have paid our dues for illness for the next four months. Shigella, begone!

July 4th Weekend

Over July 4th weekend, we were lucky to have Brian's brother and his family, and Brian's sister Emarie, come for a brief visit. We mostly just hung out and chatted, but we did manage to go to a nearby lake--and went swimming and canoeing--for some afternoon diversion.

And on the evening of the 4th, Brian and his brother took the "older" kids to see the local fireworks display. We ladies stayed home and watched a chick flick.

Thanks for coming, guys! We love you!