Woah. Like WOAH we are sick in our household right now. I currently have influenza and so our entire family is on tamiflu. Rush was diagnosed with an ear infection and after nap yesterday, Sylvie’s fever spiked. I should also mention, she puked up her tamiflu over ALL of us later in the evening, too. We’re looking reaaaaaal pretty over here.
So here I am, just trying to survive life because survival mode is all we can accomplish right now. Of course, too, this happens at time when Mark just returned back to work after his paternity leave and so taking more time off is actually quite stressful for him. Though, when push comes to shove, we all have to do what we have to do. And so, he had to stay home from work yesterday since three of us are pretty much out of commission.
Life when Mom is sick is complicated. Right? It really does throw everything off the norm. I’m not saying when Dad is sick it doesn’t matter, I’m just saying with Mom, it feels like a whole different ballgame. I’ve decided to write down the strategies that are getting us through this survival mode right now. It’s like a list of survival tips for the Mom-pocalypse — because sometimes when we are in the midst of illness that far surpasses any typical cold or our fevers are so high our brains cannot even function, we need the simple reminders.
I’m not going to tell you the basics like go to the doctor, let your house get a little fresh air, diffuse some oils if you are able, wash your bedding, make sure everyone in the family bathes and practices food hand hygiene + have hand sanitizer available around the house. Don’t share snacks or water bottles. You get it. This is more about survival when Mom is down for the count. Like she can’t really function enough to take care of herself let alone children. So without further ado:
Survival Tips for the Mom-pocalypse
|1| First and foremost: Lower your expectations on everything. Like me and my need to have a clean kitchen + clutter free counters — Yep, I let that one go. Our laundry is piled up (though my sweet husband is making SUCH an amazing effort to keep things going around the house). Our playroom is like a war zone of dolls meet play kitchen food meet every random toy + book off the bookshelf. Just can’t even fathom cleaning it up right now. I’ve had to lower my expectations for cleaning, laundry, cooking, WORKING, you name it. This is something you have to do.
|2| Next: Don’t be afraid to give specific instructions to your husband. When you are on your death bed, he still cannot read your mind. So, if you can’t get up to change a diaper, or need help getting your next dose of Tylenol, or if you’re almost out of milk, t e l l h i m. Nicely, of course. And, be patient. No one is used to doing ALL of the things and it’s not easy to do so either. But his help, so entirely needed.
|3| Speaking of help: Ask for or welcome offered help. For real. It will lighten your load and let you recovery better if you have extra hands. Even if it’s to bring food or hold a baby for an hour or switch a load of laundry or walk your dog. I’m not always good at asking for help, but this time around, I would not be surviving without it. My husband’s help, my MIL’s help, my mom’s help. We are relying on all of this help and so I’m gladly accepting it.
Note: Thank you, thank you to those friends of mine who have offered if they can do anything for us. My wish is that you can stay far enough away that you do not catch a single germ of what we have. But, I’ll be sure to let you know if we need anything left on our front porch.
|4| Don’t forget to eat. I think there’s a saying that goes something like “feed a cold and starve the stomach flu”. So, if you aren’t in the latter category, make sure you are fueling your body and staying hydrated. Don’t over think meals. Make it super simple. Get Panera takeout. Use your crockpot. (I still really want an Instapot.) Make pancakes if you have the energy. Have cereal or yogurt with granola for a meal. Maybe try Uber Eats for the first time. Someone wants to deliver food to the only germ free zone in your house, the doorstep? Let them.
|5| Do not question your mamahood strategies. As in, if your kids have more screen time during the days you are literally lying on your death bed, so be it. Don’t let yourself get down about watching movies or skipping extracurricular activities. You are surviving, remember?!
Alternatives: Find floor activities to do with your little ones so you can lay down. Books, puzzles, legos. Also encourage them to still be active even if you can’t fathom moving a muscle. Play red light green light, simon says, put you tube on with some songs and let them dance it out.
PS- NAP WITH THEM.
|6| Order from Amazon. Same day delivery. Suggested homeopathic remedies: Occillococinum, Elderberry Syrup, Collidal Silver. Unless of course your mom is faster 🙂
|7| Remind yourself this is temporary. You aren’t going to be sick forever. Your kids aren’t either. The chaos will end. Even if it doesn’t feel like it. I’ve had to remind myself of this several times because I’ve gotten so caught up in how downright miserable I feel. I know there are people more ill than I, kids that have it way worse than mine do and bigger problems in the world, but this is our little reality right now. And it’s not fun — at all. So, I’m doing the best I can to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And right now…the darkness when I finally let my eyes close for the night (I mean, until the next breastfeeding wake up).
I surely hope this post finds you much healthier than our household. But if not, save this one for the day your Mom-pocalypse arrives.
XO
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