The sniffles started Saturday....

but I just assumed Mari had some seasonal allergies. She swam and played as normal, and we enjoyed a lovely long weekend. Tuesday morning while we were getting ready for school, I noticed a slight fever and she said her ear hurt. I called our pediatrician's office and said I hoped to get a 'sick' appointment for that day, and the receptionist replied 'Of course!' and scheduled us for less than an hour later. (Anyone who has survived calling the Pediatric Center for a same-day appointment will be impressed with this small town bonus!) A quick visit with the doctor (who happens to run with John at the 5 AM Southernmost Runners gathering at Green Parrot) gave us the diagnosis.....sinus infection, ear infection and low-grade fever. Poor Mari will be swallowing 10 ml of pink Amoxicilin three times a day for 10 days, but should be feeling better soon. After a quiet day at home with her, John retrieved Josie from school. The minute she walked in the door I knew she was ill....glassy-eyed and listless. One hug proved she was burning up with fever. Two kids down in one day! And if Josie isn't well, she needs her mom nearby at all times. Yesterday was a rare grey, dreary day in Key West, with several inches of rain. So it kind of worked out well - we all snuggled in and I think for the first time since we have lived here, no time outside and no requests to head outside. We had a good night and today is starting much like yesterday. Mari has had some breakfast and a dose of medicine, and she is in her bedroom with her Leap Pad and a pile of books. Josie's fever is gone, and she is on a pile of pillows watching some Disney Junior. No appetite for her yet, but I will work on that. It is still raining outside with no sun in sight. And for once, I'm glad. :)