Christmas Flu By

It feels like just yesterday that I was telling the boys Daddy would be home for the next TEN DAYS -- days filled with church services, movies, cooking, meals, cousins, presents, and visits from out-of-town family and friends. We were all eager.

And it began beautifully. A quiet family weekend. Grandparents arrived for Christmas Eve. A candlelit service. Friends joined us for dinner in the dining room.

I didn't notice anything amiss until Christmas morning, when I woke with a soar throat I
couldn't shake. Still, it faded into the background as our little elves collected candy, ate french toast and sausage for breakfast, opened presents, and played with each new toy in turn.
 

I slept through lunch, but it wasn't till evening that my temperature started to climb. Patient 0 was falling fast.

Thursday, Noah followed with a fever and cough.

Friday, it was Isaac's turn.

Saturday, Josh.

Makes it all sound simple. Ha. But in the spirit of the season (and because we can practically recite "White Christmas" with the boys), we're going to count our blessings... 

1. Several of my relatives came to visit, but they all had other places to hang out while we were in quarantine. So far, none of them have gotten sick from us. We hope.

2. Our flu shots and tamiflu helped protect us from a more severe course. Fevers around 102 for 3-5 days could've been 104 for 5-10 days. It all could've been much worse.

3. Even little Isaac, who was too young for the shot or medicine, got both through me. His congestion made it difficult to nurse, but my pump made it possible for him to still get the good stuff -- and return to nursing after his case cleared up. I take back all the nasty things I've ever said about my pump. 

4. Aaron, miraculously, is the only one who never got sick (thank God). Noah, on the other hand, got flu and strep on top of each other but seemed impressively un-phased.

5. I am married to a doctor. While he doesn't keep a full clinic in our home, he brings knowledge and a sense of calm. He's seen it all before, and he knows when/how to react -- including when to head over to the Vandy Walk-in Clinic or our pediatrician's weekend hours, for which we are also thankful.

6. Josh and I were both home and took turns getting sick. I'm usually good at planning my illnesses when Josh is unavailable. This time, God was merciful. Josh took care of all 3 boys while I was sick (Wed-Sat) and then I took over while he camped out in the bedroom (Sat-Tues). This alone saved us.

7. Facebook helped us figure out that it was the flu and communicate with others in the same boat. As a result, a few different neighbors brought Gatorade, oatmeal, chicken noodle soup, and salad right to our front door. The food definitely tasted sweeter knowing the hearts behind it.

8. Josh was supposed to work 12/31-1/1 in the hospital, but one of his mentors took the holiday for him. What a relief that he could stay in bed and sleep it off rather than sharing his shot-resistant flu with his already-sick geriatric patients.

9. We're all on the mend. I still haven't made it out of the house much, but another day of rest has us ready to jump back into the routine...soon.

10. We should NOT get the flu next week, when we head south for The Denny Disney Adventure of 2013. But of course, prayers are appreciated. ;)