Summer, school suspension 'n' paracetomol suspension

My last post was on 11 Apr 2009! Aaron is already 2 and 1/2 (almost) and summer is upon us. Classes for all kindergartens and primary schools in HK are suspended until 26/6/09 due to the "spread" of H1N1 human swine flu in a local high school. It was originally widely spread by incoming travellers originating mostly from North America. But once a confirmed case had no apparent contact with someone from abroad, they didn't want to take chances and allow any widespread community break out.

Andrew and Karen are visiting from the States and just arrived within 2 weeks of each other. Andrew has already taken a trip to Seoul with our paternal grandparents partially as a token of filial piety (LOL). Karen arrived over the weekend, and, luckily, neither suffers from any flu-like symptoms.

Unfortunately, Jerry came down with a fever last Thursday, anyway. My suspicion is that he caught it in his English practice class on Thursday mornings. He was at first diagnosed with "typical" flu, then later, with a viral infection that's related to hand foot 'n' mouth as he later developed little white spots in his throat. Aaron, always in close proximity to big brother, caught the fever three days later (just as Jerry's broke) and his diagnosis was "flu-like illness"(?!) The worst part for us was that he threw up all over the bed...I won't go into details. Febrile children are really scary, for me, at least. The recorded temperature is close to 39 degrees C on our home thermometer and with the doctor's more accurate one, it's always above that. There is always relief when the paracetamol and the lukewarm sponge bath apparently take effect, but when the temperature rises just an hour later, it's nerve racking to think that it is something more serious. Besides, it is not yet time to take another dose of medicine and it is difficult to force down another glass of water (this is especially difficult in Aaron's case).

It appears that they are both recovering quickly, Jerry no longer complains of a soar throat. Aaron no longer has fever but is developing a slight cough. All in all, they have been active and cheerful throughout their time of illness and that has taken some of the stress out of the whole experience. Both LH and I understand that for the rest of our lives, our children's well-being will always be at center stage of our focus. Whilst it is tiring and stressful at times, we are encouraged by and thankful for their progress and improvement every day.

Speaking of improvement, Jerry has earned another award this year for achievement in good behavior and academics! He got this same award in K1 last year and we did not expect a repeat. We are extremely proud of our Dai Gor Gor and hope that his interest and curiosity in learning and creation can continue.