A Difference a Day Can Make

Towels washed since Friday evening: 13
Bedsheets washed: 3
Number of times we’ve had to scrub our carpet to rid it of vomit: 4
Number of baths for the kiddos: 4
Number of times my children have heaved: Lost count
Hours slept since Friday: 7 total

The birthday girl succumbed to a cruel, sudden, and violent stomach bug on the eve of her birthday. She was up most of the night, heaving into a bucket. The good news is her dad and I were able to sing Happy Birthday to her at the stroke of midnight when her official b-day had arrived.

We still celebrated with family on Saturday, but she was more lethargic than I have ever seen her. Here she is in her nightgown and new “fancy sleep mask” from Gaba and Papa, actually asking to go to bed. (“I’m so tired. Can I please go to bed now?”)This is how I knew she really didn’t feel well. Madeline never asks to go to bed.

This is the cake (compliments of the handiwork of her nana and pop) she didn’t want to eat. We saved her a big piece. She did drink throughout the day. She even told her gaba, “I have to stay hydrated.” Right you are, little one. Right you are.

However, this is her less than 24 hours later all decked out in a dress-up outfit she received as a gift. She was also asking for chocolate and was back to her stalling shenanigans at bedtime. Madeline has returned. Thank God for kids’ resilience, although it was kind of nice having her so sick and cuddly (but I’d prefer a cuddly child who didn’t reek of bile).

Unfortunately, around 9 p.m. last night Rae started crying and throwing up. We spent the night together huddled in a nest of towels. She nursed in between dry heaving. So today I pamper another child who needs me while everything else is put on hold.