Babies are like lizards

[marydell]

...in that they don't internally regulate heat very well. We had a fun night up with young Charles, who got a bit overheated yesterday (90+ degree weather outside, us running the dishwasher a couple of times to steam the place up, and being held for a long time by his dad, who is like a human furnace...). The doc said if his temp is 100 in the ear (using a digital ear thingy), to call, but first make sure that he's not just overly warm. So we had him hang out in just his diaper, and I took him down to the basement library where the AC is more effective, and that brought him down to 99 degrees. Got to use a butt therm on him for the first time, too, since the ear therm is hard to get an accurate reading with, so it's good to confirm it once or twice with a rectal temp. Fortunately, todays butt therms are not like the cold glass ones we knew as kids--ours is made of a flexible material and has a flange to stop it from going in too far. Just like all the best adult butt devices. Nothing's too good for our Charlie!

Anyway, he was lethargic and wouldn't eat properly etc., so I spent a few hours sitting up worrying and zapping him with the ear therm. Eventually after a few hours of sleep he was hungry and started eating and fussing like normal, and his temp was down to 97-98 ish. Whew.

Times like this I'm thankful that I spent so much time babysitting in high school. Also I'm glad that I'm an engineer, because focusing on troubleshooting, instead of "awfulizing," helps me to stay calm and get thru it.

Tired today, though.

Comments

[rikibeth.livejournal.com]

Just like all the best adult butt devices.

Okay, you have given me my laugh for the day. Thank you.

Hope he stays cool today, and so do you!

[marydell.livejournal.com]

Thanks! We're hiding in the basement with the lights out, which seems to help. Feels like we're avoiding bill collectors or something, though!

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

(in this icon, both my parents' dog and i are lizards.)

i like your distinction between troubleshooting and awfulizing. seeing the world as science is a useful thing, some days.

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

My firstborn was born in July in New York (his 23rd birthday is Saturday, come to think of it), it was a nerve-wracking experience for his mother and I -- especially since he lost two pounds in his first week.

[marydell.livejournal.com]

Oh, eek! Our guy has been gaining weight since we took posession, fortunately, although we did have some formula woes in his first week or two.

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

Charlie was probably past his initial weight loss (some is normal). Roger was born on a really hot New York weekend, and we didn't have air-conditioning in our apartment.