The Diagnosis

Hand-Foot-Mouth disease. Here are the facts:

*It's a common childhood disease.
*It's viral-transmitted through the air, mouth-to-mouth, feces-hand-to-mouth
*Symptoms are fever (which we had), loss of appetite (which is somewhat there), and a rash all over body, but specifically on the palms of hands, soles of feet, and ulcers in the mouth (hence the loss of appetite)
*Incubation is about 3 to 6 days
*Lasts for about a week

The doctor called it the Wal-Mart virus because it's hard to tell where you pick it up since it's mostly transmitted through the air. There's no medicine except for comfort (Mylanta & Benadryl to ease the mouth sores), Tylenol and Motrin.

On top of all of that, she also has an ear infection. Luckily, she is still her normal, happy self. I guess it just depends on how much discomfort she is in. Hannah's probably thinking, "This is a piece of cake. I was born only weighing one and a half pounds. You think some silly little rash is going to keep me down. No way, guys! I know who my God is!"

Kate has been exhibiting the same symptoms minus the rash, but I expect that to follow in the next day or so. Rachel has also been exposed as well as several of Hannah and Kate's other friends. So as so many parents do, we just play the waiting game. I think that this is one of Satan's grand schemes to keep families out of church. If he can keep diseases flowing, it prevents children from being able to go to church, thus preventing moms or dads from going to church because someone has to stay home. The doctor also said that it's typically a childhood illness, although, she has known an adult that had it. So, hopefully, I am in the clear. The main thing is that we keep them hydrated. She said because of the mouth sores it causes them to not want to eat or drink, which could lead to dehydration, which then could lead to hospitalization. So as long as we keep them hydrated, we should be fine. Just keep us in your prayers, please! Thanks!