There isn't a place in the baby book for this one...

Our first trip to the Emergency Room.

Reason: Three days' worth of a fever, plus unconsolable screaming, plus bloody mucous in the nose. Physician on call recommended not waiting.
Diagnosis: The flu, plus probably something bacterial.
Treatment: Antibacterial shots, plus directions to give lots of fluids and Baby Tylenol for the fever. Also to make an appointment with the pediatrician in the morning for followup.
Number of sharp things stuck in baby: 4 (two tries to get an IV started, plus two antibiotic shots)
Number of times Mom cried because her baby was in pain: 1
Duration of visit: Seven hours (2pm - 9pm)
Loads of laundry left to do after ER visit: 2 1/2
Combined amount of food eaten all day by parents before the trip: Three small cookies and 1 1/2 glasses of juice