"He has tonsillitis, conjunctivitis, and two ear infections, and I have to tell you that he is extremely..."
He paused as he finished writing the prescription.
I stammered, "Please don't say the "c" wor--"
"Contagious."
Crap.
I took our son to see his pediatrician because he had gunk in his eyes. The toddler has barely coughed in the past few days, much less complained of pain in his ears or throat. I took him in to rule out pink eye so I could comfortably take him around his friends again, and I left with antibiotics, salves, and a giant red "C" to hang over his size 3T t-shirt.
"Contagious."
How did this happen? When I'm sick, I let people know. I want as much sympathy as possible. I post status updates on Facebook of my current symptoms and the pills I'm taking to offset them. I speak with a feeble or scratchy voice and wait for people to say, "Oooh, you don't sound good!" Our son, on the other hand, jumps on the couch when he is sick. He tries to scale un-climbed furniture when he's sick. Most of all, he wants to play with his friends when he's sick.
Not today, buddy.
We're under quarantine until at least tomorrow. That means no play dates or library story time, no chatting with the other mommies at the playground. I guess that last part really just affects me, but as the person who stands to receive the majority of his germs I thought I could throw that in there.
So what will we do today? I'm sure it will involve fluids and medicine and hand washing and toy cars. I could use some ideas, though--what do you do when you're under house arrest? I can't wait to read your comments! (Seriously, I'm not going anywhere!)
8 comments:
Two words: DVD player.
We build forts and climb under for games, books, naps, whatever we can think of. We even have picnics under our fort. We use sheets, blankets and dining room chairs, plus whatever else comes in handy to make our fort extra cool. Sleeping bags, pillows and special stuffed animals are usually dragged in as well.
And sick days, as Liz suggested, are excellent movie days!
KID 1 was never able to identify ear pain to us. He had a double ear infection for 4 or 5 days before I finally brought him in for his myterious fever. I felt really bad when the doctor barely got the ear scope in and said he had a pretty bad ear infection. Poor kid!
Hope your little one is better asap...for both your sakes!
Ethan had an ear and sinus infection that I was blind to for a while, too, before I took him to the doctor. They just can't communicate their pain or discomfort really well.
I was going to suggest forts, as well.
Maybe watch a DVD from the fort.
I know that is coming in a little later, but my sister-in-law through a fake birthday party with her boys when they were stuck inside because of the sub-zero weather here in MN. She wrapped up toys they already had. Made birthday cards. Got all their stuffed animals around to watch them open the presents. Made a cake. Sang happy birthday and played some birthday games (I spy and hot potato) It was pretty cute and they enjoyed it. Maybe you could open your gifts in the fort! : )
We make hot cocoa and popcorn and watch a movie together on pillows and blankets. I don't make any demands on them until they are better. We also read books together and snuggle.
Hope your little one feels better real soon!
Hmm - I don't have anything to add that hasn't been said already except that as the parent, I would be terrified to have to spend the whole day in my house alone with my child...definitley DVDs and books.
Wow--the birthday party is a great idea! How fun! I think anything cozy sounds good, too, especially the hot cocoa and popcorn, Maria. :)
Thanks for the tips, and it looks like he's getting better already, so maybe we can get out soon!
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