Poor Silas has croup. I have had a wheezing baby before, but croup is new for us. Croup is scary! After a seemingly healthy, happy day, Silas woke in the middle of the night last night barking and sounding like he was struggling to breathe. Jonny and I were like nervous first parents, “What do we do? What do we do?” I wanted to call my dad (he’s a doctor) so he could hear Silas breathe over the phone but I hated to wake him up. I remembered a scene from Terms of Endearment, and had Jonny turn on a hot shower to steam up the bathroom and then he sat in there with Silas until the hot water ran out. I nursed Silas after that and then put him back in his bed at the foot of ours (he starts the night there, and ends up in our bed soon after every night.) His breathing was so loud and so pained, but then when the noise finally stopped we were afraid that he wasn’t breathing at all so Jonny went to check him again (and again.) We stayed nervous all night. Today I took him for a rare visit to the doctor’s office. Silas was his usual smiling happy self. I was assured that this should pass in a few days, that he would probably have more episodes, but that we should just take him out into the cool night air to stop them. I gave him some homeopathics too and he’s asleep now. Poor, sweet, fat baby.
My friend Summer called today and mentioned that my Yarn Along posts never hold proof that I finish any of my knitting projects. It’s sort of this endless casting on party. I do finish things. See?
I finished my cowl watching Downton Abbey just as I said I would. This yellow is so pretty, but the way it reflects light makes it very hard to photograph. I am hard to photograph as well. Jonny has to take a kajillion photos of me to get just a handful that I deem acceptable. Photogenic, I am not. (edited to add: You guys are all so sweet-I promise I wasn’t trying to fish for compliments, nor “hating” on my looks. I just find that it is hard to get a picture that really looks like the real me and that was the point I was making. I may start having Jonny model my knits. He would have been smokin’ in this purple shawl! thanks for all the kind words!)
I finished this shawl too. It’s not for me though.
It sure is pretty.
That’s my kitty Winifred up on top of the arbor.
Knit notes:
Cowl: my Ravelry notes here, yarn is from Sweet Basil, the free pattern is here.
Shawl: my Ravelry notes here, yarn is Springtree Road Coquina dk, the free pattern is here (it’s really a kerchief pattern.)
Andee- Match the Pictures says
Croup stinks. I have spent many nights with my son in a steamy bathroom. I have found it helps me calm my son (and of course myself) down by drawing pictures on the steamy mirror.
I love your finished knits. They look beautiful.
Karisma says
Steam is great for croup although the hot water running out is not so helpful. We kept a humidifier in the house for such purposes when our kids were little. (3 out of 5 had either croup or asthma) When one of my babies was bad with it I used to sleep sitting up with her upright on my chest. Laying down tends to make it worse. Eucalyptus oil is fantastic as well (gets the nose running). A little in some water on an oil burner. Hope your little one is feeling better.
The knitting projects are both gorgeous. Especially love the purple shawl.
A Guyra Girl says
Prayers and love to you, Jonny and wee Silas – I hope that the croup passes quickly!
The finished projects are beautiful, just like the maker. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself – you are very photogenic!
Miu says
Poor Silas, I hope he’s getting well soon!
The purple shawl is really beautiful!
erin says
Gah! Croup. It is awful because it starts in the night after a normal day.
We drove to the emerg in a snowstorm a couple months ago with Poppy…I think she was over-treated, but we did what we thought was best in our worried hearts at the time.
Kids are frightening in general I think…We worry and come up with most insane scenarios since having kids, it’s ridiculous!
Love that cowl and its lovely colour!
e.
Friutful Harvest says
Hi Ginny,
Croup is very scary! I pray Silis is feeling better soon.
My 6yr old has croup too with striders (breathing that sounds like Daurth Vader)
I’m glad we have a nebulizer on hand from my youngest daughter!
Last night we slept to the hum of the vaporzier!
Peace+
Georgiann
Alison says
Photogenic you are! You have the cutest haircut! And I love the cowl…makes me want to learn to knit! So sorry to hear about the croup. Hope Silas feels better soon!
Gretchen R says
I had croup every year as a child until I was about 10. I was the only kid in my family to get it too! You did exactly the right thing! When I got older I’d stand over a bowl full of hot water with a towel on my head. The contrast between the steam and the cold air is perfect. Poor little Silias… It will pass soon!
I love your knitting! I love the lace of the cowl, but I especially love the purple shawl! So simple, but it really brings out the beauty of the yarn!
Meg says
I’m praying for the croup to subside! I have had croup issues with two of my seven and have had to go to the emergency room twice when they couldn’t breath at all. Hope it never gets to that for you! :You are doing all of the right things.
The knitting is impressive! The last thing I knit was unfortunately last spring but it still fits my baby, 18 months old. You are an inspiration!
Carol says
Sorry to hear about croup in your wee night hours. Always at night and when everything seems so alone. You did the right thing. Steam is the best and cool night air. Just remember you have to break up the mucus. Goal. Croup usually passes quickly and is a childhood disease except for rare cases. I am glad Silas is getting better. The very worst thing that can happen is a steroid shot. Even then, that is better than other things. I have two members of my family with serious, chronic asthma. Breathing things are always very scary. Any medicine you have to take use a St. Benedict medal. I like to use all natural methods too. I love your knitting and I disagree. I am encouraged by all your finished knitting projects that I see your family wearing on your blog. I think what you turn out between having babies and homeschooling is admirable.
Gilda Knits says
Get better Silas!
I think the cool air will be good. But steam is, too. 😉 (Terms of Endearment is one of my favorite movies!!!!)
These pictures are pretty <3
kyndale says
We can still be first time parents even if we have a few kids under our belts. Sometimes these things are just darn scary. I hope he feels better soon!
Those knits are really pretty. I love that yellow!
Sarah says
out of 6, I had one croup baby, now a croupy 14 year old! he has what is known as spasmodic croup, which is different from viral croup (as it is not caused by a virus) Most children outgrow croup but for some reason we have not. We even had a trip to the ER this past fall. While steam showers are good, try the fresh cool night air tonight if he has trouble. The cool air helps the airway to contract. Windows open in sleeping room help too…brrrr! With prayers!
Jeannine says
Croup is scary. Some children seem more prone to it. Only my daughter ever had it, and even today, at 7 1/2, when she coughs, it has that truncated sound to it. I think it is just her particular airways. Poor precious Silas. Praying.
And your finished pieces are beautiful; I am so happy you made such pretty things for yourself. As for not photogenic, I disagree. Every time you post pictures of yourself, I am consumed with what you wash your face with to get that skin. What do you wash your face with to get that skin?!
And finally, because you have tons of time to dedicate to your comments, I am enchanted by the lily-of-the-valley print on Silas’s blanket. If you made the blanket, do you recall the name of the fabric, or the designer? My daughter loves those flowers, and would be charmed if I made something in that fabric.
Okay, then. Praying for Silas.
Ginny says
I don’t remember any details about that fabric. I bought it at JoAnn years ago…sorry I can’t be more help!
Ginny says
Sorry, missed the other question. I wash my face with Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap. But, I also wear cheap foundation makeup around my eyes (to make it look like I sleep more than I do) and loose powder most of the time–it makes a big difference I think!
Kim says
Beautiful knits, love them both. Sorry to hear about your little one, we have never experienced croup, but know many who have, very scary. Hope all is well again soon.
Natalie says
My youngest gets the croup all the time. The first time he got it was the worst. I had never ever heard that before and I thought he was dying. (I firmly believe they should have a video of it in any prenatal class, or a doctor’s visit or something so that you know what it is). The first time was the worst he ever had it… he was a baby and was in the hospital overnight in a big steam tent over a crib. For years, he got it every other month, and now we are down to about 4 times a year. Steam doesn’t seem to work for him. In the winter, I can take him outside, but in the summer, it is usually a trip to the hospital for a mask treatment. Bleh! And they usually give him a steroid treatment as well, which turns out is an immunosuppresant so then he gets really sick for days after, so we only go for that when he is desperate. Good luck with your poor baby…give him lots of snuggles and hopefully he will feel better soon.
PS…I love your finished cowl.
Jen says
Our 2 year old had croup this past fall. It was nerve racking! The only “good” thing is that my sister used to get it 3 or 4 times a winter when she little so I knew what it was. Still scary to listen to your baby try to breath. I love the cowl but I REALLY love the shawl!!!! The pattern is great and the yarn is beautiful!
Katrina says
Croup is a scary viral thing that we have to watch. “They” don’t tell you how horrible and painful it sounds, as you their momma, listen to them trying to breathe, do they? The best advice I got was that it croup will “peak” around 5 days and the nights will be hard. Then it will get better and subside. A breath of nighttime air worked wonders, for my littles(2 of whom had croup), after breathing in some steam. Strap Little Silas on and keep him upright and close to you at night. I will keep you in my prayers.
Kimberlee says
Oh croup is so dreadful! Even years later I have such vivid memories of pacing in the freezing cold with barking baby, shaking knees, and neverending memorares. Praying dear Silas is well soon and you have a better night. And you and your knitting are both stunning!
swanski says
The cowl and shawl are very beautiful. Thanks for modeling them both. Our son had croup once and it was very scary so I know how you felt. Hopefully tonight will be a better night.
barbara says
All my children got croup — it must be our thing. It’s really just a swelling of the vocal chords and throat, which is why cold night air helps. There have been many winter nights I have bundled a child and sat on the porch. Many parents head off to the ER only to find the child breathing fine on the way. The cool air works quickly. Put a cool mist humidifier in the room all day and night so it’s cool and damp when he sleeps. My kids and I still get it — adults just lose their voices. I hope he’s better soon so you can sleep. 😉
Nadja says
We’ve never had croup here before, but it sounds frightening. I was up several times last night with Adrian, who had three nightmares in a row and moved into out full-sized bed (a bit squishy, that), and with Gemma, who awoke with knee pain from her arthritis and needed a heating pad and Ibuprofen. I think it is going to be one of those days when I just muddle through a fog…
Your knitting is beautiful.
Here is hoping that Silas is breathing better at night soon!
Arielle says
Poor baby! My girl is about the same age. She just got over a wicked cold, but nothing like that. That would be so scary.
You seem like the perfect person to ask my question that I’ve had since I started knitting, having lots of children and a small house and all. Where do you block your knitting? Especially big things like Gabe’s sweater and your shawls? I can’t think of anywhere I could leave knitting with pins sticking out of it for any length of time. Even our bed is where we change diapers, and we have to sleep in it, of course 🙂
Ginny says
I have the blocking boards from knitpicks and I put them on the floor at night, then in the morning they get moved around–this time it was to Seth’s top bunk-that worked out pretty well.
Cary says
I hope Silas feels better soon! Will say a prayer for him! Your knitting is beautiful- love that yellow, so bright and cheerful.
ang says
FREE PATTERNS ! now that’s my kindof links…
you look very pretty in that wintry place with your knits…
yah i cant wait season 2 of downton abbey starts here soon,
funny they all think its BIZARRE that americans like a british show ! :)))
Emma says
Poor little Silas… and poor you and Jonny being up in the night so worried too. I hope it all passes. That said, I would like to echo the previous comments about how photogenic you are and say that I find it utterly amazing that you always look so young and fresh-faced. I’m amazed that you have 6 children to care for and school and still manage to look gorgeous. I have one 2 year old and I am run ragged by the end of the week, desperate for her Daddy to be around for a couple of days.
teresa c says
I hope your baby gets well soon… It’s terrible when they get sick, isn’t it?
All the best!
Wonder Why Gal says
I hope Silas gets better. It’s not fair when a baby is sick because everyone is helpless.
I LOVE the yellow cowl. I normally don’t like yellow but that is a beautiful shade. The shawl is exquisite.
Miri says
Oh, poor sweet baby Silas! Much love to you, it can be so scary when they are ill, but I’m glad he was happy through it all. Love the term “endless casting on party”, it describes my knitting so very well these days!!
Sarah says
I disagree entirely. You are completely photogenic. These are lovely, lovely pictures.
I’ll pray for Silas. Poor sweet fat baby, indeed. I hate croup.
Nahuatl Vargas says
Yes, you are photogenic. Love both projects.
sue says
My son had croup when he was 10 yrs old which is apparently very rare. The doctor told us the same thing, once he starts coughing you take them into the cold air as it is the opposite to asthma I think. My son even lost his voice and couldnt talk until we were on our way to the hospital. I hope your Silas is much better soon. Your cowl looks gorgeous, so sunny and bright. Your shawl is very pretty too, nice to see the things you have finished knitting.
Linda says
I am so glad your little one is feeling better, we have experienced croup with all four of our children. It is scary and then by the morning all is well again. Lovely photos of your finished treasures.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Helen says
Um, you are SO photogenic. You are gorgeous and always look so pretty in your handknits. And your kids are adorable (and all look like each other and you!) Don’t put yourself down.
Sonja says
That top picture is so precious. Hang in there, Mama. He’ll get through it with lots of TLC. Praying for the little guy. 🙂
Helen says
Um, you SO are photogenic! You are beautiful and look fab in your handknits. And you children are adorable as well (and all seem to look both like each other and you!) Don’t put yourself down!
Lia says
How funny… I was just thinking about how you always have a new project on Wednesdays but never show the finished ones. I had kind of hoped I wasn’t the only one showing new projects that end up not being finished for AGES while I cast on new things every few days. 🙂 I’m trying to get myself to finish some old ones and post finished projects on Fridays.
Wendy says
Poor sweet little guy–hope he and both you and Jonny get lots of rest soon!
GroovyMoments says
Oh yes. So scary. It seems once they have it once, they contract it easily again. My 2 1/2 year old had it twice last winter and once, so far (fingers crossed that’s it!), this “winter”. He had pretty severe bronchitis when he was a few months old so I always wondered if that weakened his lungs to bring about him having croup 3 times already, but who knows?… His bouts seem to go on for several nights and he seems to find reprieve from a cool mist humidifier in his room. Wishing good health for your sweet little bub!
ps. your knits are lovely!
tava/yarnmama says
Croup is the worst! My 4 year old gets it about once a year and he begs me to take him to the hospital every time. It is so scary for everyone.
As someone who has a lot of trouble breathing on a regular basis (asthma and other lung problems) I can say that I find a steamy room very stressful. But the cool night air helps every time with my son and me. Good luck 🙂
PS- I think this might be my first time commenting but I have loved your blog for over a year now. Thank you for sharing.
heathermama says
my youngest had croup when he was 18 months old and spent a week in PICU. it was so scary. nice cold air does wonders.
i think you look lovely in your knits. 🙂
Mary says
Wonderful knits, beautiful colors~
Sorry about your little one…
Heather says
Poor baby and mama (and daddy, too!). My kiddos would get croup. I would sit in super hot showers an then walk out into the cold night air (such that it is in AZ). It really seemed to help. It can be so scary though. Your FO’s are so pretty. The colors are breathtaking. I would have a hard time parting with the purple shawl. I love that color.
Kelly says
So sorry to hear Silas isn’t feeling well!
I LOVE that yellow — I think it’s my favorite new color to knit with. I just finished my secret project that I linked up to the yarn along — although all I showed was the beautiful yellow yarn from Brambleberry Yarns. 🙂
http://www.creatingafamilyhome.com/2012/02/yarn-along.html
Nicole Spring says
Oh poor Silas 🙁 Give him some sweet soft hugs for me. My little L has had serious scares like that,too. No matter how many babies you have had – it’s scary!!
And I have to say – you are such a gorgeous person (inside and out), I can’t believe you think you are not photogenic. I have never seen a bad pic of you. I wish I looked even just half as good as you!!
XO
Francesca B. says
I am sorry for Silas but you’re taking good care of him and he’s otherwise healthy. Both cowl and shawl are lovely, shame you have to give shawl away, but you can knit another. How many shawls do you need?, usually asks my husband at this point?
Kelly says
My first girl had croup. She got it at least once a winter for the first 4-5 years of her life. We ended up in the ER once as well with a dose of steroids. I hate that sound. It’s so scary. Best of luck to you, will be thinking about you guys!
Chel says
That can be so scary, I am glad he is fine and it is nothing more. My mom just recently told me how I would get sick like this and she would sit with me in the (tiny) bathroom as it filled with steam. It’s interesting that both cool and steam methods can work.
Beautiful knits by the way, I really need to branch out in my color choices liked you do — clearly it pays off!
Ellen says
I remember when some of my children had croup. It does sound scary and you do sort of go into panic mode even though you are consciously trying to tell yourself that it’s okay but your heart can’t seem to agree with your head. Steam works. We also have tried the opposite – cold night air (wrapped up in warm clothing of course). We did end up having a trip to the ER as well once with my youngest – turns out it was more than just croup. But all was well! Hope Silas is better soon and that you & Jonny can get some shut-eye. I love both neck accessories but I think I like the purple one more (just because it’s purple). 🙂
Emily says
Gorgeous knits, Ginny!
I hate croup. My little boy has had it several times and we have ended up in the ER for a shot of steroids… such scary and hard nights.