Daily Vegas ~ You are your toddler's voice, SPEAK UP

As many of you know my little Squishy hasn't been doing well the last couple of days. In fact in the past 48 hours he has been in 3 different hospitals for tests, and ER visits. Had blood drawn, had a catheter inserted to get a clean urine specimen, 2 chest x-rays, and seen 4 different doctors.

Granted, as of right now, everything is pointing to a nasty virus, but he has also been improperly diagnosed with Pneumonia and Bronchitis. (I have to admit, after I cried due to feeling like a mom failure for not knowing my child was so sick, I thought that was odd that 24 hours ago my son was running around the strip. Sure he had a cold, but he was happy, no fever. I didn't realize Pneumonia could just show up over night. But I thought Doctor's know best.)

This isn't the first time this has happened. Back in June Squishy was diagnosed with a UTI after getting a high fever and not being able to hold down any voice. While we were in the ER I said to the Doctor, "So these spots on his feet and back are they a heat rash?" Doctor replied, "Oh probably." Again, I figured he must be right.

The next day we went into our Pediatrician with the diagnosis of the UTI. I again pointed out the spots on his feet, and the Doctor opened Squishy's mouth to find it covered in ulcers, he had hand foot mouth disease, not a UTI. (Which means the prescribed antibiotics were not needed.)

Back to currently day, my son was diagnosed with Tonsillitis, and an Upper Respiratory Infection, but his 2nd X-ray showed absolutely NO Pneumonia or Bronchitis. I think that it was an honest mistake. I don't know that the first x-ray didn't show up weird. But what I do know, is the best thing you can do for your child, no matter what the diagnosis is to go in prepared.

1. Write down any and all symptoms you child is having. Just because something doesn't necessary fit into a perfect "illness checklist" doesn't mean it isn't important.

2. Be prepared. When you get into see your Doctor, especially with a sick child, make sure you have all the questions written down that you want answers to. Squish gets upset when he sees Doctors and he isn't feeling well. So if I didn't have a list in front of me it would be easy to get lost in the tears and clingy child.

3. Listen to your gut. If something doesn't seem right to you, speak up! Your toddler can't always verbalize what is going on. They are very reliant on you to be their voice. So if the Doctor tells you something is normal, and you don't agree, say so. If you don't understand a diagnosis, ask for clarification. If you noticed something odd, and the Doctor brushes it off, keep bringing it up. Mother's Instinct is real, and powerful. You know your child the best. Listen to your nagging gut when something just doesn't feel right, or something needs to be done.

4. Be Polite, Patient, and Powerful. Doctors tend to respond better to parents who have their head on straight. It is easy when your child is sick to get lost in the emotions that go along with that. Sometimes it can manifest itself in and impatient, rude, or timid parent. Keep you head about you, do your best to control your emotional reactions, but don't forget to use your voice. Save the other behaviors for the car, or the shower, or the conversations with your partner.

5. Don't forget, as a parent you are your child's advocate for the next 18 years, if not for the rest of their life. Speak Up.

A special thanks to Vanessa over at .

She picked me to be this weeks Monday Maven!! How fun is that! I am excited to be featured for this. If you haven't already found her blog, make sure you head on over and check it out! She has a beautiful family and pretty great information on monetizing you blog!