Max in Pox, Sir

A visit to the pediatrician this afternoon confirmed that Max now has chicken pox. We knew Max was exposed about 2 weeks ago, and that the incubation period was 10-21 days. Still, we were hoping the pox might pass him by. But yesterday afternoon, we saw some red spots and blisters, and alas, they are multiplying. Chicken pox is still the same kind of virus we had as kids, but the medical view of it is totally different. For example, we were able to start an antiviral medicine, Acyclovir, very soon after the spots appeared. Max will take a 5-day cycle (4X/day); it has been shown to decrease the severity of the chicken pox. Should this 21st century remedy fail, we are at the ready with Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths! Max's pediatricians were so excited to see an actual case of chicken pox that they called the rest of practice in to see what real chicken pox look like (as opposed to the medical textbook images).

In sunnier news, Max has been super-happy and alert over the past few days. He's been flashing his bottom teeth in big, goofy grins, enjoying his Bumbo seat, and generally being the life of the party. Baby whisperer D. made some real progress in PO feeds during the last week, getting Max to take some watered-down green beans, peas, and lentils through his bottle (which he actually seemed to enjoy).

Max in pox, sir!