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.
