Cooling down and taking off

Well, the weather cooled off for a bit today, which is a welcome relief from the heat and humidity we had been having. Last Monday, I worked at the Anthony Munoz Hall of Fame Celebrity golf outing, benefitting his foundation. As feared, it was HOT! I was out there for 14 hours, escorting big shots for two rounds of golf. I got through it okay, but on Wednesday I started to develop a rash on my arms, due to some sunscreen I had used on Monday. By Saturday, I had to go to urgent care and get a steroid shot and some pills to take to get the itching and swelling down.

It was hot on Thursday, as well, when we tried to take Charlie to the Reds game after work (to see them play the Cardinals). We didn't stay through the game, because Charlie was too antsy. We decided it was a waste of money to try and take him to any more games for about 2 years, until he can learn to sit still for longer. Right now he just wants to get down out of your lap and explore. Not good when you're trying to sit out in right field catching home runs! Turns out I didn't need to worry about that on that night, anyway. After two great wins by the Cards earlier in the series, they bombed out that night, as typically happens when I attend the game.

It was also hot on Sunday, when we took Charlie to the zoo for a brief Fathers' Day outing. We wanted to see the new giraffe exhibit. After looking at a few animals, and taking a short train ride, we headed out. But it may have been too much on Charlie. Monday morning I got a call from daycare that he was blotchy and sluggish. Long story short, by the end of the day when I picked him up to take him to the doctor, his face looked awful! It is my belief that he had an allergic reaction to the sunscreen that was on his face, where he was sweating around his hairline and on his forehead. But the pediatrician said it was likely a viral rash that he has picked up early in the weekend. He had a rough night, and we kept him home today (Beth is watching him for us), so he can try and recuperate. We're just treating his discomfort with Motrin and waiting to see.

The poor little guy had gotten bitten again at daycare on Friday afternoon, also. Just a small bruise on his arm, but it's starting to get annoying. Wish we could do something to stop it.

But on a positive note, the little guy is really starting to take off with the walking. Last Wednesday at daycare they said he took 3 steps on his own. At home, he's reaching up to the edge of the kitchen table (time to start moving things away from the edge)! Last night we got some good video of him taking 3 or so steps at a time, walking between John and Beth. They're not big steps, but he's getting there. He's really motivated by Lucy sometimes, and tries to walk to her.

We've also had some luck with some new foods. Apparently he's been eating hot dogs and fish sticks at daycare, so we have some meats to try out.

John and I both have busy weeks at work this week, but we're looking forward to a weekend trip up to Columbus to visit with the Zimmermans. Then next weekend it's off to St. Louis for my 20th high school reunion. And of course, my usual trips to Imos, Ted Drewes, and Lion's Choice. It's all about the food! (Maybe Charlie will like some of those!)