Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Stomach Flu

Jeremy came home from school yesterday seeming fine. He was upset because he got sent home with a yellow card. He called a friend a "butt." There's a part of me that thinks it's extreme to punish for something obviously so juvenile. Then there's the part of me that was called names and I totally support the teacher.

He didn't run out to see me as he usually does. I think he had some remorse about what he said. This is actually encouraging as it's something we've struggled to instill in him. He is six years old and doesn't always understand that his words have impact. To see him ashamed to talk to me about his day is confirmation that we are getting through to him. I didn't rejoice in it but I was happy about him making a connection.

He went to my parent's house, as he normally does on Tuesday nights. We went to pick him up and everything seemed fine. It's funny, though, as a mom there are just noises I know are not good. Brian and I were watching Conan and I heard Jeremy. I knew it was Jeremy and not Bekah or Doug. I knew he was probably not feeling well. Not sure how or why I need to have a part of my brain responsible for this but I'll accept it.

Sure enough, Brian went to go check on him and he had thrown up in his bed. I retrieved the puke bucket (it's a pink bucket you receive when you are in the hospital--we've all been in the hospital so much we have several just lying around), grabbed his sheets, his Star Wars blanket and prepared myself for a long night.

It was 3 AM before his stomach had emptied and he was able to (fitfully) sleep. Every 45 minutes or so I was jolted awake by the sound of dry heaves. It was enough to make sure I got no restorative sleep. Luckily, I am pretty good at making swift decisions. I knew the parents at preschool would not want me exposing their children to Jeremy's germs. It was a no-brainer to keep Bekah home. I knew Jeremy would have to stay home as well.

We designated it a pajama day (an extremely rare occurrence in our house anymore) and worked hard at watching every show Disney Junior and Nick Jr. had On Demand.

I have been fighting achy joints, a headache and fatigue all day, even after a nap this afternoon. I am glad we are past this illness. I am glad it doesn't seem to be jumping to anyone else. I am a bit disappointed but for an odd reason. See, I just had the thought that it would be so cool if Jeremy could have perfect attendance this year. He hasn't had the stomach flu since January of this year and he's not needed to be on antibiotics for over a year. I knew it would be something he could strive for and appreciate.

Now I'm bummed that he can't achieve it. His only comment about missing school was "she [Mrs. Martin] is going to mark me absent." He was pretty worn-out from a sleepless night--I think if he was in his right mind he would have been upset about missing school.

I periodically messaged with another mom throughout the day. Her son and Jeremy are friends and both were out today with the flu. She found out from Mrs. Martin that 7 (of 24) students were absent today because of this. We are both a bit leery of sending the boys back tomorrow for fear of them being re-infected. This bug has been making the rounds and I'm just afraid it's going to double back.

Ah, well. The washing machine is empty and stands at the ready. Me? I could always go with another pajama day.

**I do understand that by discussing the lack of illness Jeremy has experienced, I have guaranteed an awful winter health-wise for him.

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