That Third Time I Got Mastitis...

It's my Achilles' heel in the childbearing process, apparently.

With each time though, I have more "mini-successes" or "little graces" that God provides at least. Like I got it during week three which is the latest I've had it before. Just as physically taxing as before, but much less "the whole wide world as I know it is ending" emotional stuff. It was much more annoying and just down right frustrating. More like, "Any how many more weeks until the six week mark?!" "I am so over this."

There was the new element of heading into the ER for this time, but it sounds much more exciting that it actually was. My doctor was out of the office for the day and I didn't want to wait another day to be looked at, so into the ER I went. We walked in around 9am and out by noon. I basically did there what I would have had to do over a few days time span with my OB. 

I did experience more pain this time because I attempted to do a natural remedy which probably would have helped if I had also tried to unclog the duct sooner. I attended to the fever but not its source. Lame. But next time {if there is one}, I'll be heading to the antibiotics right away. I'm that over it. And I picked my mom as my accountability partner for that so you know I mean business.

I leaned into friend support big time too since W was already back at work and my parents are in their most busiest time right now. Several friends made sure to let me know they were available to help which was so amazing! And I had a few friends take the boys over a series of days so I could truly do the "bed rest thing" like they always recommend. I have not been more grateful and thankful for our little community of friends than I was this past week. Life-savers, all of 'em. 

And there you have it... 

Clogged duct. 

Mastitis {Spawn of Satan}. 

Friends. 

Meds.

ER.  

Getting better.

Yay!

Pain

My poor hubby has been afflicted with terrible pain: Poison Oak!! It's been going on for about 2 weeks and he finally got meds on Friday. Here's a peek at his leg:

This self-portrait was  taken last Friday-- it looks much worse now...moving to his upper thigh, and other calf. Thankfully, the drugs have been kicking in so we're hoping for a quick recovery & that I avoid it at all cost! Two nurses and a doctor have all said that it can't spread to me, but I'm not taking ANY chances!!! How did he get it, you may wonder? Well, it's a long story involving a stolen clothesline and a golf tourament. We're just hoping for no leg scars!

When Things Don't Make Sense

Most of us really struggle with the question of why bad things happen. I found this post & loved it's poetic response. It was originally posted on The Purple Cellar Blog--if you have never been there...go. It's under favorites.

One of the hardest experiences in the Christian life is trusting that God is good when things seem to the contrary. We pray and pray about a difficulty or perplexing situation, and sometimes it seems that, as a direct result of our prayers, things only get worse. What is God doing at such times? This poem by John Newton, called These Inward Trials," explains a lot:

I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and ev'ry grace,
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.

'Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust has answer'd pray'r;
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hop'd that in some favour'd hour,
At once he'd answer my request:
And by his love's constraining pow'r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this. he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow'rs of hell
Assault my soul in ev'ry part.

Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
"'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd,
"I answer pray'r for grace and faith.

"These inward trials I employ,
From self and pride to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou mayst seek thy all in me."