Strep throat. Ew.

This past weekend, Hayden was acting a little funny and exhibiting some strange symptoms. He had a dark red tongue and his taste buds were inflamed a bit. He wasn't eating a whole lot and said his belly hurt. We called our favorite medical professional (my sister-in-law, Erin) for her advice and she quickly thought it was strep. We decided to take him to the doc, but not before finding him a new pediatrician. When we first got here, Tricare (Army insurance) assigned us a family care provider and since he hasn't been sick, we haven 't even thought about a new ped since our insurance changed (you know, back in April. Way to be healthy, Hayden!).

Erin recommended the practice they use for their kids, so we decided to check it out yesterday. After 2 years of Army clinics and German hospitals, and one well visit here, I was pleasantly surprised to see a pediatric office that looked like one! Brightly colored, smiling faces, a fish tank and whatnot. We filled out some quick paperwork and headed back to an exam room. The nurse was fantastic, catering to Hayden's every request ("look out window, see lizards"; "mommy's turn"; "let me do it") and making us both feel comfortable. A strep test quickly confirmed Erin's diagnosis and we were soon on our way to the pharmacy to pick up medicine for my happy, sick toddler.

Hayden has never really liked taking medicine. For an ear infection, I used to have to wrap him in a towel, straddle him to keep him down, hold his nose and use the medicine dropper to push the medicine down the side of his cheek. That was when he was 15 months old, Jay was deployed and Hayden was not so cooperative. Luckily now his cognitive reasoning has increased and when I tell him "medicine will make Hayden all better", he understands and is fine taking it as long as he gets to hold it himself. Twice a day for ten days and he should be back to 100%. Luckily for us he's also obsessed with his multivitamin, so he gets that as a reward for taking his medicine. Win-win.

He also got to pick something out for being such a good helper and listener at the doctor's office. Of all the things in Wal-mart, he chose a new toothbrush. Awesome. Last time he got to pick something out, he chose a small wisk with a pig for the handle in Bed, Bath & Beyond. I love this kid.

Today he is at home with Nana and Papaw and I'm sure having the best time. Yet another perk of living in America AND close to family!