Just when we thought we were cheap parents . . . .

Some people will think we are horrible but Tony and I are quite proud of ourselves when we can "save a buck" . . . even at the expense (ha ha no punn intended) of our children.
When we prepared to make our trip to NC we decided to buy a DVD player for the car. The catch? Well, this would be our Christmas present to the girls and so we would only have to buy them something little. They don't care - they have a ridiculous ammount of presents from everyone else!!! So, Laynie could a Vegietales CD that we got for $2.76 and Cora got a set of Peek-a-blocks for $7. Wooohooo Christmas morning under $10! I couldn't be prouder. And then Cora wised-up to our big plan . . . Cora got sick.
After cold wash cloths, endless medicine and baths we ended-up at the ER. We just couldn't get her 104.6 F temp to break. She wouldn't drink and hadn't had a wet nappy in 6 hours and so off to the hospital we went. A bunch of tests, meds and I couple of IVs later she was out of the woods. She started to drink a little and her temp had dropped and so I was faced we a decision - to admitt or go home? The Doctor said she wasn't septic so she didn't HAVE to go upstairs, but that it wouldn't be a bad idea either. If she stayed they would be able to keep her hydrated and control her fever, but if I was comfortable taking her home I could. I HATE MAKING DECISIONS, ESPECIALLY AT 1am!!!! I took her home. I decided that if I could keep her drinking, and keep her comfortable, she were better off at home. Also, if things got out of control I could just call and the Doctor would admitt her to the Peds ward immediatly. So now we are in wait and see mode. Her temp was high again yesterday . . . but she ate. Tony is being a wonderful, but slightly paranoid, concerned Daddy and so we have cut a deal. If I can keep her temp under 101.5 she can stay home, if not he's calling the Doctor.
So far so good . . .
Anyway, our cheapest Christmas has now become our most expensive. Hopefully Cora's first Christmas won't be repeated every year!!!
The nice thing though is that Tony got a great Christmas present - Cora hugged him for hours. Obviously she was dillusional from the fever :).