The Flu Has Struck Our Home
So, I might not be as prolific this week due to Mr. Flu paying us a surprise visit. I was going to get the kids (and yes, I do gaze at this picture from a couple of weeks ago when they go to sleep) flu shots almost two weeks ago, but our doctor ran out. This is the regular flu, no H1N1. A couple of days ago Vivien complained of tummy issues. Not sure when a 4 year old says that it is legit or a ruse to get more cartoons. She went to school, and then to her grandma Cheryl's house (my MIL). Around 4, Cheryl said that Viv was not herself and wanted her momma. I brought her home ASAP dialing the pediatrician as I went. By the time we made it to the doctor the next morning for our appointment, Vivien had gotten sick a few times, but now she seemed pretty good. She tested negative for flu, but the following night it had become respiratory. I phoned the doctor. She said she thinks the test was a false negative. That it looked like flu and now she thought it was. Might have been too early for a clear diagnosis. When I got home from work I was going to go to Mark's book signing at Border's. But no dice.
"Mommy, don't leave." My mom went, which was so sweet of her.
And the sleep issues continue… See here is the problem for the family, and really, me. Since Rex outgrew his bassinet and his vibey chair, there are only two places for him to sleep. In his crib in Vivien's room or in Oliver's bed with a make-shift bumper of safety around him. When Oliver is with us, as he was the last couple of nights, that leaves the crib. Now, normally Viv can sleep through a lot. Probably even Rex's middle-of-the night babbles, but not when she is sick. And if she wakes up, so does he. So, you know, it's like a whack a mole. Can't help but have a moment of "Thanks, Bernie Madoff." I'm sure he didn't think his crimes would keep parents from getting some sleep, but there you have it. I long for one more room. Just a Tiny one. Just to keep one down in one room, and the one in the other. I know there are families who all live in one room and happy to have it. But I'm a big, cranky old lady who wants to sleep and wants my kids to sleep.
I said to Mark, the problem is we think of how to raise our kids from the perspective of being kids ourselves. I remember fondly sharing a room when I was little with both of my sisters, so I thought it would be fine for my kids. But I wasn't thinking of what my mom probably went through to get us to sleep, to keep us quiet. I do remember my father coming in and yelling at us, "Will you be quiet; we are trying to sleep!" I thought he was a big grouch at the time. Now I understand.
It's like my friend who told me she wanted 4 kids. I said, "Why?"
Her: "Because I had a great time with my 3 siblings."
Me: "Yeah, but didn't you say your mom had issues with depression and anger?"
Her: "Yeah?"
Me: " Well, now you don't get to play in the backyard. You are her."
Her: "…maybe I will stop at one."
Back to the flu… the doctor wanted to call in a prescription for Tamiflu, but the pharmacy I had directed her towards didn't have it. She called and basically said it was up to me to find one that had it. Much calling around while I try to make my first cup of joe. Thank goodness for the Neglecterzizer. Found one that had the adult version, and they could make it into the kid version (the suspension).
Meanwhile, my camera man shows up to film a batch of Cool Mom vids. So the next time you see Vivien in a video know that she had flu at the time. She is being such a sweetie. I don't think it's a bad flu. When I've gotten I was ruined. She is tender, but still so energetic at times. I guess all kids are like that? She has been freakishly healthy so I don't have a lot to go on.
So, tonight here is what I am trying. Long chaise couch cushion on the floor of the playroom (space off of kitchen) for Rex. I need another sleep-on-the-move device for him like the vibey chair, but bigger. I hope this arrangement works out tonight. And that they are separated enough so that they both get sleep and Rex doesn't get the flu.
Have you tried a closet for Rex? I know that may sound crazy to some, but whenever we visit my parents, the baby always sleeps in the linen closet. There is just enough room for the pack-n-play and it is quiet and dark.
This might be a stupid question but do you have a pack 'n play? That could work…my daughter outgrew the bassinet part of it but not the actually pack 'n play…???
(Can you tell it's nap time in my house? I actually have time to log in and read your posts now…I'm ignoring the pile of laundry I should be putting in the wash now but whatevs..)
Yes, walki-in closets or spacey bathrooms work wonders…we put Gabriella's (my daughter) pack and play in the bathroom at my mom's house when we go visit and she's fine there.
Hi, I'm new to reading your blog, but I have been watching Momversation for some time now. I just wanted to say that I am so sorry that your little ones have the flu. It is just horrible when you have sick kids.
I agree with Frances that a Pack n' Play is the ticket. It is a life savor for sleeping somewhere other than the crib, and for travel. We keep ours set up in our walk in closet so my one year old son can play safely while I dress before work in the morning.
I am nervous about having more children because we also have a small house (2 bedrooms) and currently no hope of selling (thank you Michigan economy.) I guess we just have to get creative to get by.
Good luck and my well wishes that this flu passes swiftly.
thank you all for these comments. Okay, this is how out of it I am. I do have a pack and play. DUH.
he was fine, and happy, but felt really bad.
which is good because this morning when I woke up and heard Rex's half cry/half talk he had rolled off the chaise ( only a few inches) across the rug to the wood floor near the bar stools at the kitchen counter. I felt like Sh–
didn't see it, because about 330 my monitor conked out and was too tired to get up to check.
I have tried the closet in my room, but it's pretty echoey. Hear a lot in there, so he does wake up.
Can the playroom be converted into Rex's room? Or at least until he's old enough to share and not get woken up or wake others up? We have a very small house also and moved our bedroom to the basement after our second daughter was born. She slept in bassinet in my room for 5 very long months until the basement was finished.
The pack and play SAVED MY LIFE when I had babies. Seriously. Can Vivien sleep on a make shift bed in the playroom? OR BETTER YET a little tent in the playroom and rex can have the kids room?
wouldn't want to move Viv. This was the most direct help I think I have ever gotten from you cool momers. Rex has been sleeping well in the playpen ( pack and play, but with different coloring it looks a lot like my old playpen) in Oliver's room. I think Tomorrow it will be easy to move it to the playroom.
It can't really be a room, as it's an extension of the kitchen so certainly for naps and such it would not work.
my hope is that once Rex sleeps in long stretches he and Vivien can eventually share a room.
As another option for naps, the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is GENIUS. It takes up a *lot* less room than a pack & play and it sits directly on the floor, so my sleeps-for-sh*t kid finds it infinitely more comfortable. It takes 30 seconds to set up from its tiny case and about 45 seconds to pack away (bonus - crib sheets fit it.). We are currently holed up in a small space while we finish building our house. My baby sleeps in our room at night, but if I want bedroom access during her naps, I put her in the travel crib in my office. Just another choice.
Best of luck with the space juggling and the flu. People always tell me that the best way to ensure more sleep for the family is to have multiple sleep options for the child. I, for one, am wondering about prep schools for 12 months olds - just until I get that year of sleep back.
Oh, Julie I hear you!
maybe it will make our kids flexible.
huh
Aw man! I hope everyone has recovered!!
A little late, but we had some friends that put their little ones (twins) in a peo pod tent (one for each) when visiting. They were not walking yet, but were definitely mobile. The twins are champion sleepers - so maybe that is why this worked for them. (http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5)