So, the pediatrician said that his ears were a little red, but nothing to worry about at all. She was more worried about his congested cough, which of course sounded much worse there in the office than it normally does at home (he did some shrieking-while-inhaling thing that she DID. NOT. LIKE.) and she said she thought it sounded croup-like, but was reassured when I said he had NEVER coughed like that before that moment, and he generally only coughs, in general, a handful of times in 24 hours.
She also checked his mouth and didn’t see any new teeth even remotely coming in so teething is pretty much out.
So I’m to give him allergy meds (generic Zyrtec) once a day at dinner and then let her know if he’s better or not by Monday. She said the allergy stuff should help dry him up so that the congested cough goes away. I’ve been giving it to him on and off, but more off because I hate giving him meds if I can help it. But, apparently, I should have continued. Who knew?
That said, her best guess to the waking-crying-thing was either a) nightmares or b) the congestion waking him up, then him being freaked out. She said it could really be 100 things, and she didn’t have anything concrete to tell me…which is basically what I expected.