How to Survive Sick Days.

And by that title, I’m referring to time home with sick kiddos–not sick mommy.  All I need to say if you’re home sick by yourself is try and take a nap in between that load of laundry and washing dishes.

Both girls are sick.  Again.

We had a full weekend out of town (post to come later) and yesterday before we’d even left Fort Worth I’d made a run to CVS for a thermometer, Motrin, Tylenol and Gatorade.

Ava has strep (she’s quite predictable and I had her diagnosed before we even got to the doctor this morning) and Allie has another ear infection (tube’s anyone?).

waiting at the doctor--formality since Dr Mom correctly diagnosed us but can't write prescriptions.

Ava’s a funny sick kid.  You can’t actually tell she’s sick half the time.  Today she’s got meds and antibiotics in her and the naps of yesterday are long gone.  Allie has decided she doesn’t need to nap either because she’s cool like her big sister.

So how do you get through 2 days at home with sick kids at home who want to act like they aren’t sick?

• Netflix.  Or Nick Jr. And lots of it.  Don’t feel bad about it because seriously, it’s not a big deal.  So they learn the Spanish word for jump and they have a few dance parties while learning “don’t! don’t! Don’t bite your friends!” All good in the hood.
• Charge up the laptop and/or cellphone.  Because if you’re home with the kids, it probably means that everyone at work is going to need you that day and your email account will be blowing up.
• Accept the fact they probably won’t eat. Have cookies, donuts, or other garbage on hand. They just need to eat something.
• Starbucks is required.  Let the kid be spoiled with a Frappucino. (See Exhibit 1 below)
• Have crafts at the ready.  Luckily we had snagged a bunch of destination pamphlets at the hotel for Ava’s crafting so she sits at the table creating a collage as we speak.
• Find new things for the baby to do.  What better time to experiment with a sippy cup and try out the high chair? (See Exhibit 2 below)
• Have anything they’ll sleep in available.  Put all shame aside because the crib is for suckers when they’re sick. The Rock n Play (best product ever) and Fisher Price Lambie swing are ready to go.
• Anything but pajamas is unacceptable–this includes for you.  But beware of visitors to the door.   Answering the door if you’re only wearing a tank and yoga pants aren’t looking acceptable to be seen by the public.  Which leads me to…
• Don’t pass by the front door.  Apparently people like to sell crap door-to-door during the day.  If you get seen, you can’t pretend you’re not home.  And if you do, you’re a jerk.  But if you answer the door you’ll have to hear a schpiel for bug service and then cut them off when they tell you why you need to switch services even though you already have an extensive relationship with your current bug man.

Most of all, stay calm and eat a cupcake. Or mac & cheese.  Or any other comfort food that involves butter because you deserve it too.

they make being sick look good.