Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Little Black Cloud

The big, gray clouds that brought our area all kinds of wind and rain throughout the day paled in comparison to the little black cloud that entered our house late last night by the name of the dreaded stomach virus.

Sarah woke me at 4am; she had been sick in her bed and was crying for a towel to dry her pants. Turned out I needed it for more than just the pants. After getting her changed and her non-separable lovie dried as best I could, I put her back in bed, hoping it was a one time thing.... and blessedly for Sarah it was.



Unfortunately, it wasn't over for the others. At 5am I was awakened again and beckoned back by Maggie. She had been sick all over herself and her bed. I changed everything and comforted her back to sleep quickly realizing that this could be a very, very long day. By 6:30 Maggie was sick again, and the whole pint sized crew was up for the day. Sarah was moving a little bit slowly, but perked up in no time. Maggie didn't fare quite as well. She was sick every half hour or so until about 10am. Then she slept for a couple of hours and appeared to be getting over it. She was only sick once more and that was because she had the audacity to eat a cracker... stomach virus didn't like that.



Meanwhile, because Kate was healthy and not getting nearly the amount of attention she deserved, she was taking every opportunity to jump on my frayed nerves. Jumping on her sickly sisters while they were lying in the floor, driving the plasma car over their toes, pulling everything out of one of my bathroom drawers.... the list goes on and on. I hope and pray that she got her "sickies" out on Monday when she had a random throw up incident in the parking lot at the Middle School with KayKay. It's really hard to say though, because I'm afraid she's inherited her father's just looking at a plate of broccoli makes him gag sensitive reflexes. Regardless, my plan is to shower her with love and praises tomorrow to make up for her being deprived today of all positive attention while I took care of the sick ones.

Ella was the last for the day to succumb to the virus. She tried to beat it out, but it finally got her. We headed to preschool this morning for our Pastries with the Parents Valentine's Day Celebration, but about half way there she started complaining of stomach pains. Needless to say, we spared her class and teacher the exposure (should have thought of that before driving half way there) and headed back home. Tonight when I was tucking her in, after prayers I told her that hopefully she would be able to sleep through the rest of the sickness and wake up feeling much better tomorrow. She promptly told me to get out. She was ready for the sick to be over with and the sleep to happen!

So, to recap.... it rained mostly all day, but it didn't matter because we were inside being sick. The little gals each have 2 sets of mattress protectors and sheets on their beds now and there are waterproof pads by their beds in case of unfortunate incidents during the night. At least they are resting. I've washed 10-12 loads of laundry today, but I won't have the pleasure of folding and putting all that stuff away until tomorrow because as of right now no one is needing my assistance, and I'm going to bed. Even though it doesn't sound like it from the tone of this post, I'm going to bed with a very grateful heart for four little girls that are actually in very good overall health, and for the fact that thus far I've been spared inclusion in this little episode..... well, unless you count cleaning up after it.

11 comments:

danajk said...

Oh, Mary Beth! I am so sorry! The times I missed David the most was when I was up with sick ones trying to change sheets, clean babies, comfort babies - and I only have 2! Bless your heart! I am thinking of y'all and hoping that today is virus free!!

Lisa Valentine said...

We were awakened this morning by Grace who had been sick in her bed. So, she is home today and missing her Valentine Party :( She got sick 3 times and so far has been ok. I am hopeful that she will be on the mend. I am also hopeful for a long nap!! I hope today is a good day with no sickies!

Kirk said...

Oh yuck, I hate the stomach flu. Don't pass it through the computer please :)

Finally catching up on everybody's blogs - love all your pictures and posts! Praying you guys are doing well otherwise. Oh, Caleb wants to make your Valentine's treat. Great :)

Kirk said...

Sorry - I forgot I was on my hubby's computer - the last comment is from me -

Dorinda

Anonymous said...

What a day Mary Beth! I hope the girls are feeling better. These days are so hard when its just us doing it all. Hang in there and I hope its a better day for you!

Angie said...

I hope everyone is better today! I am sorry this happened. Those stomach bugs can be awful...
Praying for you all for rest and health!

3 Peas N A Pod said...

I am so sorry. Two of my girls had the same thing a couple of weeks ago. It is miserable. I hope your crew is feeling better soon. Take care!

Whitney said...

I hope you guys feel better very soon!

Andrea said...

So glad you didn't get sick, too! I hope everyone is feeling better now.

Denise said...

I am so sorry that the girls have been sick. Hopefully you will continue to be excluded from the current club of sickies and hopefully they get better very very soon!

Mommy said...

I hope everyone is feeling better today! I can't imagine doing it alone, although Chad is like your hubby and gags!
Hugs!