The 'Flu'

New continent, new country, new house, new school, new GERMS! We are fighting to  remain strong with all that we are being exposed to. The boys continue to struggle with what is referred to as the 'flu', but what we would call a 'common cold'. Nothing major, and all medicines seem to be keeping the asthma and vertigo in control, but we also can't seem to locate the source (unless it is just respiratory germs). Our thoughts also land on the new food they are being exposed to and if the increase in 'milk' products is playing a role. We still have not located any other forms of milk. Today, I went to a new store with my teacher and I found out that they make the almond powder that I can hydrate and ring through a cheese cloth to create our own almond milk. May have to do that if we don't see some changes!

While I have already shared about our medical experiences, here are a few pictures of the boys and their ailments. 

 Snuggles on the couch as they are coughing non-stop. 

 A visit to the pulmonologist - clear lungs - meds are working!

The nebulizer was taken out of the closet and utilized to give some relief! 

Zane continues to do a nasal rinse daily and has had to take his Vertigo medicine a few times. 

Both still are full of energy, just tired of coughing, getting better, and then getting another cold! Please send healthy vibes their way!!

Finally braved the Pool!

The boys have wanted to jump in the pool since the moment we arrived here, but it is winter and the water is so cold. However, the temperature lately, as we are heading into spring, has been on the very warm side! They have enjoyed a few days of pool time lately.

They did not last too long and came out with quivering lips, but they were so happy. Now, it seems to be their after school activity! 

Medical

Well, we were hopeful that we wouldn't have to visit any medical professionals for a while, but that is not how it has worked! And believe it or not - it was ME that needed it first!

Things we have learned about the medical process here in Brazil:

* It is VERY difficult to get in to a doctor on the day you need one.
* There are multiple clinics, you just have to know the good ones.
* There are MANY doctors that speak English!! (We are practicing, but not there yet with our Portuguese). Finding one is pretty easy...having availability is difficult.
* Prescriptions are given to the patient to take to whatever pharmacy you desire.
* Lab requests are handed to the patient. They may go to any lab they wish.
* Lab results are given directly to the patient. The patient can then schedule a follow up with the doctor to discuss the results.
* Medicine comes in one size and you get all the extra. For example, Alden needed some steroids to help him with his recent attack. The doctor prescribed 10ml 2 x a day for 2 days. In the U.S. we would be given 40ml. Here, you get the full bottle!
* With the insurance we have, there are no co pays, no deductible, no anything.
* When you go to the pharmacy to get the prescriptions you present your insurance card. They tell you what it is with and without (because sometimes it is no different) and you choose if you want it on the insurance.
* Alden's steroids cost us $20-30 U.S. dollars for a few ml. Here, we paid R$18.46 which is a little over $3 U.S. dollars AND we have extra for next time!!!

The number one thing we have learned and come to appreciate with all our hearts is that the Brazilian culture is so caring! To get Alden to a doctor today, we had SIX people offer to help, make phone calls, offer to go with, etc. Three friends from Greg's work and three from our neighborhood. One neighbor stopped by, picked us up, drove us to Vera Cruz in Campinas, helped translate (though I am teaching her English!), called her husband at work to help us out, bought us snacks and drinks, took us to the pharmacy (though I did this part myself!!) and brought us home.

At the hospital, doctor's offices, pharmacies, etc., if I say that I don't speak Portuguese or that I know little Portuguese do you know what they do?? They APOLOGIZE!! Like they should have known and they feel bad for speaking to us in Portuguese and for not knowing English. They are not irritated and go above and beyond to slow their rate of speech, utilize gestures and pictures (if available), consult Google Translate, etc. In addition, the people that may be waiting around you do not become irate, or frustrated that it is taking so long, they instead, jump in to help translate.

We are very grateful for all the people that have been willing to help us as we are in this transition period!

That being said, we are entering Spring here. The weather has fluctuated the past two weeks, which always seems to affect both boys. We have new allergens, new germs at school, new everything. Alden had battled it well up to last night, when we got about two hours of sleep. Just couldn't get over the hump of the cough. Pulled out the nebulizer this morning and by the time we made it to the doctor, his lungs sounded clear! Always good to have someone listen though, since he is so susceptible to pneumonia. Just have to stay on top of all the medicine and continue to build his resistance to the new germs!

The Boys

The boys continue to learn and explore their new environment. Here are a few pictures of things they have been up to!

Alden had a dia de fantasia in which they were able to wear costumes to school and did not have to wear the school uniform. He chose to dress up as a crocodile!

This palm frond fell in the back yard. The boys were using it in some of their imaginative play because they were amazed at how large it was!

Someone needs a hair cut! This rat tail needs to go!!

Building a fort and inviting daddy in!

Alden's vocabulary and animation has blossomed in the past few weeks. This is him explaining that something new popped up on Zane's Minecraft...Can YOU BELIEVE IT???? haha

At the bookstore finding books for the boy's classroom library (yes parents provide them). They sat down and watch a movie in Portuguese. 

And some more fishing and a different lake. 

Some tree climbing

Looking and waiting for daddy.  Living as a one vehicle family has been challenging, but has given me a lot of driving practice. 2nd car coming soon - a much longer process than in the U.S.

Both boys have had some reactions to the changing weather. We are heading into Spring here. The pollen counts are up and are a lot different than back home. The weather has also dipped down into the chilly category. Zane has had a couple issues with his Vertigo and being stuffy. Alden has been fighting a cold for about 2 weeks (always lasts longer in him), but has been hanging in there! Both boys have had to access their medicine at school and have had a lot of support and acceptance from teachers and staff. 

The boys can sit here and talk and play all day! 

And, trying their first Kinderegg. For those that don't know, they are hollow chocolate eggs with a toy inside. We could not pass up on the Star Wars version!!