Validation

Sophie got progressively worse Wednesday night , screaming at the top of her lungs and clinging to Carly throughout the night, and Thursday morning Carly took her to the doctor. He confirmed that she had two ear infections, and prescribed some anti-biotics as well as upping the pain killer doses.
There is a strange satisfaction that comes from a diagnosis of a "REAL" infection. There is a sense that Sophie's midnight screaming and crying was not just the result of (a) her being crazy, (b) us being bad parents. The idea that she got the infection doesn't seem appropriate to blame us for. I don't know why, presumably, if we were more thorough about keeping the kids away from other sick kids, her cold would not have causes the infections.
But, also the idea that she has an official infection that we can treat and accept as a temporary if unpleasant thing is oddly calming. One would think the diagnosis of any medical problem would be unsettling, rather than the opposite. But I guess there is the opportunity to accept it, and deal with it, where before, it being a mere 'seasonal illness' seemed too vague to get that acceptance.

In good news. Other than two early night cries from Will, the kids slept (or were quiet at least) throughout the night. We got at least six hours of sleep!. We are all still coughing and dealing with sinus problems, and Sophie's ears are still bothering her, although the Antibiotic serves a a useful placebo as well as treatment. But things are looking up.