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.