Change Of Plans and a Pity Party

We have been sick off and on (but mostly on with a few exceptions) since early February.  Colds, flu, ear infections, colds, flu.  And then last week, I strained my back picking up Sunflower from the playpen.  And it still hurts.  And I have this cough that just won't go away, and seems to be getting worse instead of better.  And do you know what's worse?  Every time I cough, I hurt my back.  So I try not to cough too much so my back can heal (it's a muscle thing I'm sure and just needs to rest besides the extra stretching I've been doing), but that is making the junk really just settle in.  So my back is not healing and my cough is not going away.

And then?  Tuesday we had dentist appointments, including fluoride treatments.  Ladybug needed a few things for summer (it's been in the 80s here, you know) so after the dentist we went to the store.  While there she complained that her stomach hurt, and on the way home she threw up all over herself, her carseat, and the van.  This continued for the rest of the day.  My assumption was it was from the evil fluoride, and I vowed my children would never get fluoride treatments again.

Wednesday we had a super fun playdate planned with my mom's group.  Just know we missed out on garbage trucks and goody bags.  Yesterday she seemed much better, so we took advantage of an opportunity to meet with some friends at a park.  Besides the usual falls and scrapes, it was exactly what (I felt) we needed.  But then, wouldn't you know it?  Yesterday afternoon, the virus that attacked Ladybug decided to attack Fritter, who spent most of the evening and throughout the night emptying his stomach.

(I know it's Lent, but allow me to indulge in a little self pity here).  Last evening I was supposed to go with a friend to an EWTN planning meeting that included a reflection from Fr. Mark Mary.  Of course I stayed home with the sick child.  Which is what I was supposed to do.  So why do I feel so sorry for myself?!  I'm weak.  I know.

This morning we had a St. Patrick's Day potluck planned with my mom's group.  We had to bow out, of course.  And I even made these little St. Patrick bishop cookies for it too (I got the idea from this months issue of the new and improved Catholic Digest).  :(  We can't eat them ourselves today.  They are definitely not lenten.  But tomorrow is a feast day, and barring me coming down with the stomach flu (have mercy!) these little guys will not stand a chance.



I usually do not look forward to summer in Arizona.  But this year, it can't get here soon enough, bringing with it an end to cold and flu season.  God must be trying to tell me that we need to be at home right now with each other, instead of distracted by others "out there".  Well, if that's what we need to do, who am I to complain (even though I just did.  I know.  Weak).

And to end on a mostly happy note, here is a shot from a few days ago with a sick (and very grumpy) Ladybug, and two happy bookend children.  Those two adore each other.  Love!