Perspective: illness

I didn't know this until I became one ,but ALL moms are germaphobes. Maybe not the mask-wearing, lysol-wipe toting, "Have you been sick in the last three weeks?" questioning types. But really, for there isn't much that can derail normal life for us faster than a sick kid ( or two...) . Before my sweet M's, I never thought twice about jetting out shopping or to a friends house with a cold. I worked in pediatrics so it wasn't very often, especially in the winter months, that I wasn't transporting some kind of virus or infection. I never understood why mothers were so paranoid about a simple flu bug or cold. Circa 2008, I gained full awareness and I feel like I should publicly apologize to all those moms who eyed me coughing into my elbow in the store , near their precious, ( and for once) healthy kids.

Having sick kids halts any semblance of routine. This one can't breath when he's laying down. She can't stop coughing. Now it's time for another dose of Tylenol and a luke warm bath. The laundry doubles and there's no time to clean up what may or may not be the contents of what used to be in someone's nose off the pillow on the couch. ( Don't worry! I did clean it up....eventually).

It's frustrating! But with in the last two weeks, my kids have  batted back and forth low grade fevers and running noses and whatever else may have found its way into our house. We haven't had a totally healthy day in what seems like forever. What's a mother to do ? Instead of struggle to keep up "normal" life,  I gave up the battle ( sort of). I let the laundry sit. I left the booger ( for a while) . And I snuggled little feverish beings on my lap and sponged warm water over them during their baths. I rocked them, something neither of them allow unless they are sick. And though I HATE to see those droopy, sad, tired looking eyes and hear them coughing into the night, taking the time to soak in those " I need my mommy because I'm sick" moments sure does a heart good( even when you wake their first healthy night with a fever).