We're all ears and not liking it one bit.

When it rains...

We are now treating Miles' third consecutive ear infection. Same ear. Stubborn ear. These infections are still relatively new, or at least they are newly diagnosable. Kiddo's ear canals are so scrawny; his pediatrician has always had difficulty getting good looks in there. However, when she peeked in today, her response was, "Whoa!" Internationally recognized as a signal for bad news or rowdy horses. In this case, it was the revelation that Miles' ear was red and angry.

I knew something was amiss last night. He was moaning in his sleep, around 2 am. Restless, in pain, but never fully awake- he and I power-snuggled in the orange chair until 5 am. A surprise bottle around 4 am took the edge off. He was chipper but warm to the touch at regular wake-up time. From then on, the fussiness started building. I threw in the towel at 11 am and called in for back-up.

We started on a different anti-biotic, which will run for 10 days. Ideally, the fam will be headed to Maine via airplane at the end of this month- as a celebration-vacation to mark the one year anniversary of Miles' heart surgery. Jesse and I vowed to do something special, as July 25th is considered to be our son's second birthday. He truly emerged as a new boy, with a strength and vitality not seen prior to the operation. What better way to say thanks than in the most beautiful section of America? Seriously, Jesse and I are Maine junkies. And it's not just the LL Bean factory store and surplus of crisp, cool air that draws us back. We spent our honeymoon in the Bar Harbor area, over 4 years ago. (I type that thinking I must have earned some sort of merit badge, but I digress because these 4 years have whizzed by!)

My Maine concern (hehehe) is the ear infection lingering and getting compounded by air pressure changes during the flights. If he is not better by next week, I am bribing our way in to see the ENT specialist. I think Jesse's got some old comic books lying around... The ENT was dressed as Batman when we first met. Granted it was on Halloween, not some extreme form of casual Friday. And my more seasoned parents out there in computer land, what do I need to know about flying with a baby, because seriously, I currently know nothing. Can I check him at the gate? Does he count as carry on? Will he be served snacks in the overhead compartment? Okay, maybe I do know that he can snuggle with me- but does he need a ticket?!? If so, I am taking his complementary drink because he's been biting me lately- that's should make us about even, even Steven.

Please, please, please send me some air travel guidance, good travel sites to visit, best method for making the passengers not angry at the fussy baby. Is flashing an appropriate distraction? If so, Jesse will need to do some manscaping prior to take-off!