While we were down in Austin yesterday, I noticed Bella’s ear looked really red and swollen (it was sticking out a bit in the morning.) Thinking it might have just been a bug bite, we gave her some benadryl and fully expected it to do the trick. After her nap a few hours later, the swelling was getting worse- it had spread to the skin around her ear, was getting more red, and was hot to the touch. I went ahead and took her to the children’s hospital e.r. and the doctor almost admitted her. She said that Bella has an infection in the cartilage of her outer ear, and that this is very serious because it is so close to her brain and eye. If it doesn’t get better or respond to treatment quickly, it can cause the cartilage in her ear to die- amongst other complications. She prescribed us a really strong antibiotic and said we have to go see a doctor in the morning to let them look at it again. (She really wanted us to stay in Austin and come back to see her again in the morning, but I insisted on coming home so we can be around our own doctors and hospital.) If it doesn’t look any better, they will be admitting her for up to a week to be able to give her iv antibiotics.

I just checked on her and it doesn’t look any worse. It doesn’t look much better either though, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings. What a weird thing to have happen. Poor baby B. :( Prayers are appreciated.

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Update: Bella seems to be doing better today. We will continue to watch her carefully and go in to see our pediatrician on Tuesday morning as long as she continues to improve.