Bella's Butterfly Kisses: Holidays

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Holidays

Christmas is almost here and I am trying not to get tangled up in the emotion of not spending it with Isabella. I know that she is spending it with Jesus and all of the angels. Even though Frank and I are not ready to celebrate the holidays with it festivities, I am trying to make it special for Julian. I want him to look. Ack and see pictures of his first Christmas. We have stocking with his name and Bella's. Hyenas presents under the tree and he will be dressed up in a Christmas themed outfit. I feel bad that I am not allowing him to spend it with aloof his family,but it's what we need right now. Our Christmas will entail him visiting his sister and sending her Christmas love. That is our reality right now. Yummy egg nog, good food, my husband and my baby sill I need this Christmas. The only thing that could make it better would be Isabella running around. She will be with us in spirit. I love you Bella and know that you are watching over your baby brother.

5 comments:

Christine Cosentino said...: Sounds like a step in the right direction to me :) I think that Christmas is about being grateful for the family we have within our own four walls and while it's great to get together with others over the holidays, I think we get wrapped up in all the things that take away from the true meaning of the season. I came to this conclusion a couple of days ago...
Emily and I went to visit Bella the other day to bring her ornament (when we did it last year, Em was in my belly...). While I was looking at Emily marvelling at the pictures of Bella it occurred to me that I would rather be at home enjoying every minute of her first Christmas season instead of worrying about the logistics of carting her from place to place. I have no doubt that you and Frank will make Julian's first Christmas special and memorable. We can't wait to meet your little man when the time is right.

Lotsa Christmas love from the Cosentinos!

Chris; December 21, 2012 at 9:33 AM
marisa said...: Thank you Christine,

It makes me happy that you thought of Bella during the Holidays and went to inttroduce Emily to her. I hope that little Emily had an amazing first Christmas.; December 21, 2012 at 9:59 PM
michelle said...: I wish Bella was there too, I'll be thinking of her and your beautiful family during the holiday. xoxo; December 22, 2012 at 1:10 AM
marisa said...: Thank you Michelle,

You, Codie and your two beautiful boys are always in my thoughts,; December 22, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Lucy said...: Julian is so lucky to have you both as parents and to have the best big sister ever. The true meaning of Christmas is being thankful for the most important things in life, so spending it at home with Frank and Julian seems to be a nice choice this year. Bella will be with you all, as she always is, and I know her love and spirit will be close to me too. I love both your children as if they were mine.; December 22, 2012 at 10:25 PM

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Group A Streptococcus: The Facts

(Information courtesy of Directors of Health Promotion and Education - http://www.dhpe.org/)

What is Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep)?
-a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin
-the letter "A" is in reference to the specific classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus
-in some cases Group Strep A might cause no symptoms of disease, while in others, it can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening
-it is spread by direct person-to-person contact
-can usually be treated with anti-biotics

What are the related infections?
-mild illnesses: strep throat or impetigo
-serious illnesses: scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, postpartum fever, wound infections, pneumonia

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-strep throat: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
-skin infections: red, weeping skin sores
-scarlet fever: the above symptoms plus a characteristic rash on the neck, chest, skin folds and inner thighs

Ocassionally, a more deadly strand of Group A Strep can bring on two rare, but severe diseases:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis
-often called the "flesh-eating disease"
-an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue
-occurs when the strain enters through an opening in the skin
-for unknown reasons, the strain becomes very aggressive, releases a toxin and destroys flesh and muscle

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever and sever pain, swelling, heat and redness at a wound site

Note: In Canada, 3-7 people per 1 000 000 are affected each year with necrotizing fasciitis, which is approximately 90-200 cases per year. 20-30% of these cases are fatal.

2. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
-causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure
-damages kidneys, liver and lungs
-toxin causes irreparable damage to tissue and organs

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever, dizziness and confusion
*this disease has no sign or symptom that make it distinctive from other illnesses

In all instances of Group A Strep infectiosn, symptoms will appear quickly, within 1-3 days.

What are some preventative measures?
-wash hands thoroughly and often
-ask your doctor for a throat culture for a sore throat paired with a fever
-keep wounds clean
-seek medical attention for infected wounds paired with a fever

How is Group A Strep contracted?
-the bacteria are carried in the discharges of the nose and throat of an infected person and/or in infected wounds or skin sores
-the bacteria spreads when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person
-the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes
Note: When an infected person is ill, the risk of contamination is the highest. People who are infected with no symptoms are much less contagious. Household items like cups, plates and toys do not play a significant role in the spread of Group A Strep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone.

What is the treatment for Group A Strep infection?
-various anti-biotics
-early treatment may limit the risk of death but does not prevent it in every case