Frith O’Steen

So poor little Decker has gotten a bad cold. We’re pretty sure his immune system was down due to his teething (he got some giant elephant teeth in over the past couple of weeks, and was feverish and grumpy already). I was reassured by his doctor on Monday that he just needs rest, decongestent and baby Tylenol (no antibiotics! yay!), but of course until he is himself again (right now he just wants to sleep or cuddle, and when he’s awake he can’t seem to get comfortable) I temporarily lose my grip and the days become a surreal sort of blur. Here’s a basic overview of the thrilling world of a mommy with a sick kid:

Between 5 am - 6 am: Decker wakes up. I get him juice, which he downs like a lost person who’s just found an oasis in the desert. Take him downstairs, hope he will sleep on me so I can sleep too.

6 am - 8 am: Decker wakes/sleeps fitfully. Rouses to say bye to Sean.

8 am: Decker, would you like to eat?

8:15 am: Decker, one bite?

8:20 am: Ok, that’s ok you don’t have to eat. Your kicking tells me you want to get down. Milk?

8:21 am: Ok, no milk.

8:22 am: Oh, you want Sesame Street? Let me park you on the couch with your juice, milk, graham cracker (in case you’re hungry after all) and blankies. There, all cozy!

8:24 am: No on the Sesame Street, then. Ok, would you like a nap?

8:30 - 9:20 am: Sleeps (yay!). Mommy thrilled because it means she can get something done. Mommy gets nothing done because she spends entire time checking in on his breathing through the baby monitor, baby camera, and sneaking into his room. Ocassionally she takes time to call and bug Sean, and let him know Decker’s status. Or looks up helpful info online for how to soothe her grumpy, non-eating child.

9:20 am: REPEAT CYCLE

Noon: REPEAT CYCLE

3 pm: REPEAT CYCLE

6 pm: Sean comes home. Mommy practically weeps with joy. Excuses herself for 20 minute nap; wakes up 2 hours later. Note: this appears to be the one time during the entire day that Decker eats and perks up enough to play a bit.

Next day - repeat.

Little guy is awake - better go start the cycle again!!