Now we are sick

Azure, Emelyn, and I all have the same nasty cold. Probably something I brought home from the Tube.

I’m wishing I could be more help at home, but as usual, it’s Az who’s bearing the brunt of the work. Emelyn breathes best when upright on Mom, so Azure spent most the night semi-sleeping in a reclining position, cradling Emelyn on her chest. When Emmie’s plugged up, she makes some of the saddest noises I’ve ever heard while nursing. And her little coughs are just heartbreaking.

Our local surgery (doctor’s office) is three blocks up the street, so I think Azure is likely to swing by for a quick visit today. The NHS public health system here has its upsides and downsides, but one aspect I like is how well it works for the small things — so long as you call a doctor before 9am, you can get a same-day appointment, without having to worry about insurance, out-of-pocket cost, or any of that. That said, they’re also a lot less likely to send you home with a handful of pills or blood tests or any clear-cut plan for dealing with things. Addenbrooke’s hospital actually has a large plaque when you walk through the frontdoor which reads, “Whatever it is, it will soon pass” which, to me, sums up the British medical approach a lot of the time.

I’ve barely seen Arpi, but I’m glad she’s here. Hopefully the three of us will be more entertaining hosts in a day or two.

Not much else to report. Emelyn took note of herself in the mirror yesterday, and seemed to quite enjoy her own company — she laughed and smiled at herself. She then tried to paw at her mirror-self, which didn’t work quite as she’d expected. Thunk!