Holy shit, Jill!  I'm sorry...and I wish we were closer so I could help you out!!!! Again, as redundant as it seems, let me know if you need anything...even if you only need to vent.  There's a link to my email at the bottom of my favorites list.

I still think there's more to what happened last weekend than the sitter is telling you, though.

Scarlet fever sounds pretty scary, but the school by us said that it's not any worse than strep throat.  (Like strep through isn't bad) except you get the fever and rash instead of throat infection.  The strep virus, when untreated, can also turn into scarlet fever because it will eventually hit the blood stream.  Lucky/unlucky (depending on how you look at it) the virus skipped the throat and went straight to the blood causing a systemic reaction.

But, luckily, we have antibiotics and fever reducers, so hopefully the little guy will be feeling good soon.

Hope the other little guy and you and your husband don't get strep from it......  Keep us posted on how he is feeling.

Dharma, thanks.  Even if you could help, I wouldn't want anyone exposed to this.  I think there is plenty the sitter hasn't told me.  Who knows if I will ever get the real story.

Karma, you're right.  Scarlet Fever isn't all that dangerous in the age of penicillin and Motrin.  As long as he gets his antibiotics and I stay on top of the fever, he will come out unscathed.  I have heard horror stories from my parents' generation of people getting fried brains or heart problems from it.  Our kids don't even have to put up with much itching from the rash thanks to children's Benedryl.  The stinker did have the oportunity to crack up the pretty nurse by telling her he had "Itchy & Scratchy legs.  They itch, itch, itch, hurt, hurt, hurt.  The itchy and scratchy legs" sung to the Itchy & Scratchy tune from the Simpson's.

Sarah, we live in the Detroit area.  I have never posted pictures.  I really don't know how to do it and don't have patience for that stuff.  If I ever get some free time, I might give it a go.  Seems like most of my free time has been eaten up with laundry, doctors and administering medicine lately.  Such is life some times.

I better get off to my sleeping bag.  I hear my guy babbling in his sleep so I better check his temp.  His temp spiked a couple of times last night and he woke up panicked.  That is why I am in the sleeping bag next to him.  Little brother took my place in bed with Daddy tonight.  Luckily the little one still shows no sign of getting sick.  I hope the powers that be will allow it to stay that way.

Thanks all.  Nighty night.

Wow, scarlet fever... I though that disease had been eliminated. 

I am happy for your family that we can control that these days.  It is painful when a young one is sick.

You truly are an inspiration, you know?  An outstanding mother.....you put us all to shame!

Hope that your little dude is feeling better soon....

Aw shucks dharma, that sure was nice to say.  That mikimouse guy really got under my skin because he has no idea what a devouted mom I am.  I would go out of my mind if anything happened to either of my kids.  Miki talked about how I didn't know anything about him (that was in his blog about being blacklisted.  I didn't comment because I don't allow him to comment on mine).  He certainly doesn't know anything about me but sure took liberty in spouting nastiness.  But kind support from my cyber-sisters and other wonderful people here at JU have more than over come the nastiness.

He is feeling much better today.  He just had his 3rd dose of amoxicillin and some Benedryl for the itchies.  Little bro doesn't show any signs (knock on wood).

Jamie, my jaw hit the floor when the Dr said "Scarlet Fever".  She said it very casually too!  Like I said, it is caused from Strep and we all know that Strep hasn't been beaten by any means.  I am sure your little guy will bring lots of exciting, educational experiences for you too

Mack, I think things have vastly improved since our childhood days.  He was sooooooo much better after only a day of the antibiotic.  My little one never got......thank goodness!  We were able to salvage the holiday weekend by taking the boys to see Shrek 2 and to a neighborhood cookout.

He still can't be out in the sun too much until he finishes the full 10 days of antibiotic.  His rash really acts up if he gets too hot.  He seems to be back to his silly, sweet self.  I'm thankful I got him to the doctor quickly.  Some people think I am a worry wart but my worrying paid off in this case.

Thanks for all of the well wishing all.