To All the Mamas of Sick Kiddos

Remember when I vowed to find something good in January and February? Ha.

I know I'm not supposed to say "literally," when in fact it devalues the word if it's inaccurate. So I'll add a disclaimer: It feels like, LITERALLY everyone is sick. Everyone I talk to has a child who is sick or whom they are quarantining from getting sick.

My daughter has been toying with sickness for a couple of weeks. We had a close call a couple weekends ago when a low fever threatened to turn into something, but it came and went within hours. I've been hearing a lot of, "Mama, I'm not feelin' date (great)." But I never know if that's true or she just wants to watch a movie.

Both of my children were exposed to the flu, yet neither had come down with anything more than snot. I waited for an ear infection in my little guy that, thankfully, never came. Now, an awful sounding cough has made camp in my daughter, but a fever never lasts longer than a couple of hours.

So for now, we're grateful, calling the doctor regularly about this mystery non-illness my daughter has, and overdosing on television.

I know many of you are not in the same camp! So for all the mamas holding hands and puke buckets, giving extra kisses and cuddles, and dosing children with TV and Tylenol - I feel you. It's an honorable task caring for your dependent offspring.

My permission is meaningless, but if you need someone to say it:

• You're (likely) not doing lasting damage by indulging in too much Daniel Tiger (or whatever your kids top choice is.) In this house, Toy Story rules all.
• If all your kid wants to eat is applesauce, Sam's Club has it in stock. 
• It's okay to curl up next to them on the couch instead of doing the sink full of dishes.
• Have your husband order take out if he's not into applesauce. 
• Live as hermits until you're comfortable leaving your home... and until you're sure you won't infect those who have yet to contract this awful, terrible THING that is going around. 

The TV coma will break, as will winter. Your kid will eat a vegetable again, hopefully before they're 18. The dishes will most definitely still be there. Your husband will applaud you for your magical powers of either staying healthy, or acting it anyway, because mom's don't get sick days (especially not with sick kids.) And people will still be out there whenever you can rejoin society. 

I'm sorry you have had to see your little one suffer. I think it's amazing that you've selflessly slept on floors next to cribs, checked foreheads every 15 minutes, and felt an utter disregard for your own immune system as you come in contact with all kinds of bodily fluids. 

You are amazing. And your kiddos, sick or healthy, are super lucky to have you!