Well, it seems Mr. MTL brought something extra back from Ethiopia.
Malaria.
Yikes. We'll have it confirmed but he's already started on treatment, which isn't a big deal (simple treatment) but he feels pretty crummy.
See, it's 102 degrees here but this afternoon he was piling on the layers. I said "That's it! To the doctor!" He thought his fevers were just lingering from all the crud we've all had. My fevers stopped two days ago for the most part but his kept coming back.
Malaria is not endemic in Addis so it isn't common to get it there, nor is it required to take anti-malaria drugs prior to traveling there. But another couple who were there during our first court trip also came home with malaria so it isn't impossible.
Today, Mr. MTL had to leave us (!) for three whole long hours, which marked the first time I'd really been alone with them since getting home. And it was hard. Hard hard hard. It seems I don't have enough hands, which I forsee is going to be a big problem in three weeks when Mr. MTL is back at work for good.
But we all survived and somehow everyone was fed, we played outside in the baby pool, diapers were changed, and yes, there were some cranky babies here and there because if there's one thing a baby doesn't understand it's "Just a minute, I'll get to you right after I tend to your brother/sister." Yeah, they're not quite getting that phrase yet.
So send us good vibes from quick healing, and yes, that is mostly a very selfish request on my part so I don't lose my right hand for very long :) But I'd like him to feel better, too!
PS To the anonymous commenter who gave me advice about the rockers...those are Eames rockers! As in, classic nursery rockers since 1948, so hardly a 'trend.' They are uber comfortable and we love rocking the babies in them. So no, I won't be getting some clunky wooden rocker or, heaven forbid, a glider rocker. Our Eames rockers rock, plain and simple.
PPS No offense if you like clunky wooden rockers or glider rockers, but they're just not my style.
PPSS I am sorry I am not commenting. I am trying to read your blogs. I am with you in spirit. I am mostly reading blogs on my Iphone in between everything else and while I think Iphones are a brilliant invention, they are not comment friendly.
I missed the whole rocker thing...
ReplyDeleteWhere is the pics of the babies?!?!!?
I am so so sorry about hubby...send him well wishes :)
How are those little ones adjusting to being given love and attention all day everyday from their MOMMA!!!
Sink or swim, the true test of parenthood. And now that you've done it, you know you can do it so no biggie next time. I am sure you did great! If you busted out the baby pool, you are ahead of the curve! And they will get used to waiting as they will have to do a lot of that (plus all babies are impatient...what the world revolves around them? It does kinda.) Hope the mister is better soon. Let me know if you need ANYTHING. I don't want to bother your nesting with the bebes- I am here though should you need it.
ReplyDeleteBea
Boo to Malaria! Sending healing thoughts!
ReplyDeleteohhhhh no!! Thank goodness you sent him to the doctor! I hope he is feeling better soon. You guys need all hands on deck.
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the three hours. I know the first time I was left alone I felt so overwhelmed. You got the two babies in the pool on your first alone time... wow!!! Go you!!
Oh by the way.. I was blown away when you showed us your nursery. There was a lot of love and thought put into that room. And by the smiling faces on those chairs you can tell the babies love their room too!
ReplyDeleteAm bummed about Mr MTL's malaria. But relieved that it has been diagnosed and is being treated. And love your friend's comment about busting out the baby pool; it made me smile. I was also uplifted at reading that your babies WERE cranky yesterday. That's really, really good news Mrs MTL. They EXPECT you to meet their needs!!!! A pretty awesome result in such a short time. Be proud, my friend xxxx elliej
ReplyDeleteoh no, I am hoping that Mr MTL is feeling better soon. You guys have certainly gotten your butts kicked recently. I am hoping that things start evening out and adjusting for all of you.
ReplyDeletehang in there. You are doing a great job!! Don't forget that.
lol, they looked like regular chairs. I didn't realize they were actually rockers! Not that it matters either way - if they work for you, rocker or not, that's what's important. Our "lazy boys" (yeah - not very cute) were saviors for us with our twins.
ReplyDeletePS - VERY sorry to hear about malaria. Wishing Mr. MTL all the best
Oh NO! I am so sorry MTL! I hope your right hand is feeling much better VERY soon and is able to enjoy some baby time before he heads back to work.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing... you're a survivor, and you will be an amazing pro by the time he goes back to work- I just know it! :)
ugh, malaria! that's a big fear in India. I hope he gets better soon. and i love eames!
ReplyDeleteuggghhh. hope the hubs gets better soon!
ReplyDeleteOh no! You need your right hand(s)! I commend you for surviving the 3 hours with both babies, i cannot even begin to imagine it - i struggle with just one! keep up the good work, you are doing fine by those sweet babes!!
ReplyDeletethinking of you and hoping things even out soon. so glad the mr. got diagnosed and is on his way to feeling better. how scary!
ReplyDeletexoxo
lis
Wow, malaria! It just gets crazier and crazier around there. I hope Mr. MTL is up and running in no time. But it sounds like you have things under control, so good for you! I wish I was in the kiddie pool right now...
ReplyDeleteYikes!! Hoping DH gets better and PRONTO! And I hear ya on the blog/comment thing...I'm trying my best too.
ReplyDeleteOh, NO! I hope Mr. heals up fast!
ReplyDeleteIf you were able to comment and keep up with blogs, I would drive to your home and have you committed! I can't imagine the kinds of "BUSY" you are right now! Holy smokes....
Enjoy your time at home with those precious two!
Holy malaria!? I so hope the mister is feeling better soon. I can only imagine the fine job you are doing, mama, even if you feel like you are only surviving. One moment at a time. Keep hanging in there.
ReplyDeleteOh DAVS, no, I'm so sorry to hear about the Malaria. Hope Mr MTL feels better soon because you need all the help you can get right now. 2 babies is hard but the best fun! Sounds like you guys are finding your stride and a few more weeks and you will be in a routine. I love the picture of the babies in the chairs. They are adorable and look so happy. So thrilled for you guys!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh! Mr. MTL get well soon!
ReplyDeleteYikes! Hope he's feeling better very soon!! Great job hanging with the kiddos alone!
ReplyDeleteSo late to the game in commenting, but have been silently reading and cheering along. I am so so happy to see your family together, dealing with the good and the bad! Sorry to hear about getting sick right as you get home. Nothing like a fire drill to start off!
ReplyDeleteYour babies are adorable, and I can only imagine the plane ride having to hold them. Having done 16+hour flights for India, I've always sympathized with parents on the flight. Thanks for sharing the pictures and updating when you can. Wishing you so much happiness and peace at the start of this new journey.
Hope Mr. MTL is feeling much better by now! Malaria is definitely a little story to include in the baby books! I have no doubt that one day, maybe in 18 years or so, you will look back at this chapter in your life and will cherish even these very rough moments. You can do this! You ARE doing this! Sending good thoughts your way :)
ReplyDeleteYikes! Malaria! I know only what I remember from The Poisonwood Bible, which made it seem pretty drastic. Of course, they had no access to medicines... Hope the mister is on the mend soon!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures, am big giant fan of the chairs!
Blogger keeps eating my comment! Argh! I'm just catching up on a month's worth of your blogs. Busy busy. Sorry about the pooch. And hope your DH recovers quickly. And I love seeing the pics of your kiddos! :)
ReplyDeleteFirst, I want you to know that I have been following every single one of your posts. I get so excited when your feed pops up in my inbox. I apologize I haven't left comments on the last few posts, things have been so crazy busy around here, but I have been riding the emotional roller coaster with you in spirit. I can't tell you have thrilled I am that you have your babies in your arms!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sorry for how rough it has been and OMG, malaria??? Your poor hubby! I hope everyone is feeling better and that things are falling into place. Raising little ones is very challenging, especially in your situation, but I know you are on top of the world at the same time. So so so happy for you MOMMY!!!!! I have goose bumps getting to finally call you that! Can you believe it, you have a son and a daughter!!!! Big hugs!
ReplyDeletePuh-leeze! You've just traveled half way around the world, you have two new (absolutely adorable) babies, and a husband with malaria, and you're apologizing for being MIA?? I appreciate the sentiment, but I totally understand. I'm just amazed that you even have the energy to comment on my post!
ReplyDeleteI love the rockers, by the way. I hadn't ever heard of Eames rockers (apparently I'm not as up on mid-century modern design as I thought I was), but I had to look them up after your post. Very cool. And speaking of MCM, if you ever happen to visit the Phoenix area, check out the Hotel Valley Ho - you'll love it.
I hope Mr. MTL is feeling better!
MALARIA???? Oh no! I have had malaria (when I was five) and it was one of the worst experiences of my life - he has all my sympathy except no, actually YOU have all my sympathy because you're dealing with the babies while he recovers! It's a vile, vile disease. ARRGGHHHH. You poor things, that is brutal.
ReplyDeleteHoping he's beginning to mend, and able to be on deck to help. Caring for two babies is a two-person job!
You are amazing. Two brand new babies, IF from hell, an insanely complicated international adoption, baby with ruptured eardrum?, dog passing, malaria husband-- ok, that's it -- no more!!! Please don't feel bad about complaining-- I nearly cried today that I lost my new $200 sunglasses. I know. Sunglasses. stupid, material possession that can be easily replaced. I'm just saying -- give yourself a HUGE break, and then a hug -- and laugh at me. You are incredible -- and there is some crazy lady out there commenting on your blog that cries merely over losing sunglasses.....
ReplyDeleteI thought of you as I wrote that last line on my post. I was telling myself you got through it (displaying an amazing amount of grace in the process), and I would get through it too. (Although probably not nearly as gracefully or eloquently...)
ReplyDelete