Just call her "Hammy"

Ella has had a cough for the last week. I took her to the doctor when it became a “smoker’s cough”. We were told she has bronchitis. The doctor prescribed the normal stuff; an antibiotic for the infection and albuterol for the wheezy breathing.

I give Ella her medicine and proceed to watch Hammy (the squirrel) from Over the Hedge take over my child’s body. Not just Hammy as he was through most of the movie; Hammy on caffeine. I could not help, but laugh as Ella ran thru the house for about 45 minutes. Attempting to calm her was futile. We tried all of the calm, sitting still activities we have in the house. None worked. (Duct tape might have been successful, but I think child advocacy groups frown on it.)

After 2 doses I decide to ask Aunt Lala (the nurse) about albuterol. Seems that this is a NORMAL reaction. Upon further research (google is a powerful thing), I find that the side effects of albuterol are similar to those of caffeine. I do my best to avoid giving Ella caffeine. Unfortunately, I cannot avoid giving her the medicine makes it easier for her to breathe.

Too bad the rat terrier that chases squirrels in the yard is not into chasing “Hammy” around the house. Ella would love it if Wrigley chased her for once.

I will be glad when Ella is feeling better. We will be able to go outside again to play and she can unleash “Hammy” on the outside world.