Burning Up

Me: Do you think I should call the doctor?
Brian: Yeah
Me: (on the phone with pediatrician) Sam has a temp of 104.3
Doc: under the arm or orally?
Me: Rectally
Doc: Oh..... (that "oh", where they realize that this is a valid call to be making at 11pm)

She proceeds to tell me what to do: sponge bath, Motrin, recheck in 45 minutes....
He's laying in his crib trying to fall asleep now. It seems harsh to wake him to recheck. I think I'll use the underarm thermometer this time.

If it doesn't go down at least 2 degrees in the next 45 minutes she suggests we take him in to the ER. Otherwise we can wait it out for another 2-3 days and then take him in if he doesn't improve. That sounds about right. It's always a Friday evening when my kids get sick and require a doctor. I wonder why that is.