May
10
2014

Resurface to breathe

Resurface to catch some air. Inhales, exhales, inhales, exhales. Goes back under water…

Yes, I’m human and I need to breathe. Just like dolphins who breathe air from their blow hole, which is the hole on top of their head, I breathe words on my blog, which is the submerryn that is keeping me from drowning in the rough water right now. 

When the kids were down with fever and spots started developing in Ayden’s mouth, I crossed my fingers pleading for it NOT to be HFMD. Though deep down in my heart I knew it is, I was still hoping for it to be a false alarm. The moment it was confirmed that both my boys caught the dreaded Hand, Foot, Mouth disease, I was so, so mad. I was thinking to myself, “what LUCK for Ethan to be catching this twice?! Haven’t he suffered enough?!” When he first caught it 3 years ago, it was extremely terrible that he had ulcers all over his throat and spots on his entire body. He couldn’t eat and drink but we forced him in order to keep him properly hydrated. 

Now, Ayden at 8 months old had to suffer the same? I went nuts the moment Ayden stopped eating his porridge. I was afraid, simply afraid that he will stop eating and drinking just like Ethan but thank goodness though he wasn’t eating, he still latches on and feeds on my milk. Same goes to Ethan. I pumped and pumped so he can drink my milk. I heard that breast milk is good to fight ulcers. I don’t know how true that is but what I do know is both the boys recovered from fever after only a day. There must be some goodness in my milk after all.

We had only one mission – to keep the boys hydrated because the moment they get dehydrated is the moment they’ll need to be hospitalized for drips. It was tough to get Ethan to drink up. He cried asking, “why is there such a thing as HFMD? It’s so painful, I’m suffering” I could not answer him. One night while crying he told his father, “I don’t want to sleep. I’m dying” The pain in his throat is so unbearable that he thought this is how people die from sickness :'(

We slept separately at nights. Darling with Ethan in the master bedroom while Ayden and I in the guest room. It was Darling’s idea. He said it is too much for me to handle two sick boys day and night so he suggested to take over Ethan at nights. Boy, am I glad he did because both the boys kept waking up throughout the nights and I can’t imagine having to attend to both continuously. Darling went a step further by taking half day off throughout the week. He only goes to work after lunch, everyday since Monday until today. 

It was exam week in school. We called the teacher to inform about Ethan’s condition only to be asked what HFMD is. I couldn’t believe my ears. How can a teacher not know what HFMD is? Anyway, the teacher told us that Ethan HAS to return to school in a week’s time or his exam will be forfeited. He wont be allowed to sit for his exam after that. By hook or by crook we will need to send Ethan back to school. THAT is very reassuring. I am glad they take very stern action in handling an outbreak *sarcasm intended*

On the positive side, Ethan has shown much improvement. The only thing bugging him now is his throat so it looks like he will be able to get back to school next week. Ayden is as good as new. He is eating, drinking and pooping as usual already. Today, a surprise package was delivered to our doorstep. It was from NESTUM Malaysia.

Nestle Nestum

You can see how pale Ethan is in the picture. After being in chaos for a week trying to get the kids to eat, drink and not vomit, it feels really nice to receive such a thoughtful gift; knowing that somebody is thinking of us and wishing us well is simply wonderful. Suddenly, Ethan got so energetic to open up the package to check what’s inside. He immediately tore the Chocolate flavoured Nestum 3-in-1 pack because he has never tried that before. We usually buy the one with oats. 

Alright. Breathing blog time is over. I need to get some sleep now as I myself is recuperating from flu. My throat starts to hurt too… 

Related Posts

About the Author: Merryn Tan

7 Comments + Add Comment

  • //

    Hope that Ayden feels better now, mummy you need to rest too, take good care ok!! *hugs*

  • //

    It’s really a roller coaster week for you. Have more rest and see a doc for your sore throat.

  • //

    They look so happy. Boys, I guess. When my little girl had it, cried non-stop…so painful!

  • //

    You take good care, and hope kids get well soon. Wish Ethan all the best in his exam. Yeap, a very difficult time for the kids and us as parents. I think I also need to learn to relax and inhale and exhale. hehehe!

    Happy Mom’s Day to you, Merryn! :)

  • //

    Glad to hear both boys getting better. I can’t believe the teacher has not heard about HFMD.

    You do take care too! Hug!

  • //

    bless you, mommy. hope both your little boys are feeling better(ish) now.. (: big big hugs. hang in there!

    how lovely of nestum to send along a care package. this is what makes a brand a brand, imo.
    happy belated mother’s day(!)

    although, reading all your heroic mommy tales, seems like every day should be mother’s day for you <3

    • //

      Thank you sgrmse :)

Leave a comment

Join ME for updates & giveaways!

About Me

MeHome is where MY heart is.
I am a mother to two boys; Ethan and Ayden and a wife to Darling William. I'm a stay at home mum who blogs to break the monotony of life and to avoid feeling jaded. Would love to get to know all the Super Mommies and Daddies and Babies or Singles out there with the hope that we can learn more from each other. Most of all, I am a happy person, and I hope YOU are too.

Click here to learn more about me ^_^

My Latest Video

Watch my videos      

Easy Tong Sui Recipes

Resipi Kuih Muih Tradisional

Our Hotel Reviews Collection

SUBMERRYN ON BERNAMA TV

SUBMERRYN ON TV3, MHI

Ayden and Mummy demo making CNY snacks

SUBMERRYN ON MHI

Submerryn and Mummy doing LIVE Peranakan Cooking Demo

Submerryn NTV7 Breakfast Show

Submerryn talks about coping with physical changes during pregnancy

Submerryn ON TV3, MHI

CNY Ang Pow lantern making demo and playing with snakes

Submerryn ON TV2 Hello On Two

CNY Ang Pow lantern making demo

Submerryn On TV3 KidsNews

Crafting with Ethan on KidsNews

Submerryn On Bernama Radio24

Submerryn In The Star Metro

Submerryn In The Star, In.Tech

Moms who’ve banked on their hobbies and build successful businesses

Submerryn In The Star, Metro

Tossing Lou Sang

Submerryn In Sin Chew

Family holiday trip

Thailand: Impiana Kata Noi

Thailand: Impiana Patong

Thailand: Novotel Hua Hin Cha-Am

Thailand: Swissotel Kamala

Thailand: Novotel Sukhumvit

Thailand: Novotel Ploenchit

Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit

Thailand: Novotel Karon

Thailand: Novotel Surin

Thailand: Holiday Inn Mai Khao

Holiday Inn Resort Mai Khao and Activities for the Family

Thailand: Vana Nava Water Jungle

Thailand: Plearnwan Hua Hin

Thailand: Santorini Park Cha-am

Thailand: Asiatique Sky Bangkok

Indonesia: Holiday Inn Bali

Holiday Inn Resort Bali and Activities for the Kids

S’pore: Shangri-La Singapore

S’pore: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa

S’pore Skyline Luge Sentosa

S’pore Universal Studio

Universal Studio Singapore

S’pore River Cruise

Singapore River Cruise

S’pore S.E.A Aquarium

S.E.A Aquarium, Sentosa, Singapore

S’pore Hotel Jen Tanglin

Klang Valley: Impiana KLCC

Port Dickson: Lexis Hibiscus

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson and Activities for the Family

Port Dickson: Thistle

Thistle Port Dickson

Penang: Golden Sands Resort

Golden Sands Resort, Penang

Penang: Holiday Inn Resort

Holiday Inn Resort Penang and Activities for the Kids

Penang: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Batu Feringghi Beach, Penang

Pahang: Swiss-Garden Kuantan

Pahang: Bukit Gambang Safari Park

Bukit Gambang Resort City

Melaka: Holiday Inn

Melaka: Hotel Equatorial

Equatorial Hotel Melaka

Melaka: Estadia by Hatten

Estadia by Hatten

Melaka: Novotel

Novotel Melaka

Melaka: Philea Resort & Spa

Johor: Pulai Springs Resort

Pulai Springs Resort, Johor Bahru

Johor: The Crystal Crown Arch

Johor: Dinosaur Alive Water Park

Johor: Legoland

Legoland, Johor

Johor: Hello Kitty

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Nusajaya Johor

Perak: The Haven Resort Hotel, Ipoh

Perak: Lost World of Tambun

Perak: Swiss-Garden Beach Resort

T’ganu: Resorts World Kijal

Archives