Month: December 2021

I woke up pretty early today. I realized I didn’t write the letter form the elf. #OhSugar I know…I know…I got a lot going on. We have been trying to make this time as normal as possible. It isn’t the kids’ fault, so why should they suffer.

I get the letter typed out and print it. I texted the hubby to make sure he got it off the printer and put it with the elf. See, he moves the elf and I write the letter. Together, we gets it done. Well, I didn’t get a response and Thing 2 was starting to stir. Then, Thing 2 was up.

I raced downstairs to get the paper off the printer, but before I could even get downstairs I saw the elf never moved. #PISSED Now, I get it. We have a lot going on, but the gaming night owl had ample time to get Zylo (the elf) moved. Thing 2 noticed right away that Zylo didn’t move. This is the second time…the first time was the night Thing 1 tested positive.

Eventually, the hubby got Zylo moved on the sly. Thing 2 was like, hole up, hole up. hooooole up??? Where did Zylo go? She eventually found her, and read the new letter. She was tickled pink that she turned her head for one second and Zylo got away from her. #ThatWasClose #StillPissyThough

We spent a good amount of time on FaceTime with Nana today. Thing 1 needed a bit of time to wake up and return to her normal, silly self, but she eventually came around. We also spent time FaceTiming with Grandma. FTing was so much better today. Because we were each on our own device, the girls were forced to be still and truly engage in both conversations. We all got a chance to laugh and connect, and it was much needed. #GirlTime

The rest of the day was spent getting Things 1 and 2 in the shower, playing Roblox, and watching the season finale of The Masked Singer. We re-tested Thing 1, just to see if she would still be positive, and she was. The line was a bit more faint, and I took that as a sign that this virus is on its way out. It may mean nothing, but I’d like to think I’m right. #LookingForHisSignsEverywhere

I have just one more day of work for the year, and then I am off! Not, the company is off and I may still need to work off. No, I…AM…OFFFFFF! I have given far too much of my life to my work. I am going to enjoy this time off with my family, virtually and all!

Another day down…

Thing 1 woke up asking to play Roblox with her cousin. After yesterday’s bids for connection, there was no way I was going to say no. I told her to go for it.

Meanwhile, Thing 2 woke up and tried to blow her nose on the sly. She knows, I am ON IT! I am the mom who knows your poop cycle, and will question it every time it is out of whack. So, Thing 2 knew I was going to be all over the disgusting things that were coming out of her little nose. I asked her, “did you get it all out?” To which she replied quietly, “no.” The child was going to try and go somewhere else to finish blowing her nose, just so she could do it in peace. #LMAO #IKnow #YouGotTheWrongMommaBoo

Off she went to the guest room and 5-7 minutes later, I think she was all done. #Yuck When I called Thing 2 into my room, she already knew what I was going to say. I told her, “I need to test you again.” Now, when this child gets pissed…she gets PISSSSSSED! Now, when this mom doesn’t care, she doesn’t CAAAAAARE! I got the most stank attitude out of that child. #GirlBye #WhoYou

Thing 2 cannot stand these nasal swabs, and I get it. We are where we are, though. I needed to make sure the right amount of precautions were taken should she now test positive. So, I swabbed her myself. She was mad about that, but I didn’t have time to watch her lightly touch her nose because she really didn’t want to do it. Nor did I want her to ask me to please turn around and not watch her. Nah, boo…you too slick for all that! Sidebar, she did that yesterday.

15 minutes later and she was negative again! #WellAlrightyThen I guess the common cold is still around after all. I hadn’t seen it in such a long time. So, Thing 2 began her own medicine regimen. I gotta watch her there too because as you may remember, the child has poured medicine out in a towel before. #SheIsSneaky #ButIGotsMyEyeOnYou #YouWillOnlyCatchMeSlippinOnce

My sick babies proceeded to veg out on Roblox, and I was in full support of it. Since I had such a restful day yesterday, I spent the day wrapping gifts in the basement. I got dishes washed, and put some soup on for dinner. I almost made it to do laundry, but we looked at each other and decided we really didn’t want to engage. I was good with that. There’s always tomorrow!

Another day down…

The day off was MUCH NEEDED! I asked the hubby if he would be able to be DoorDash for Things 1 and 2 because I was beyond worn out. I woke up, but was still tired when I did. The hubby said he could manage, so I fired up Netflix and found the movie Unforgivable.

I started watching the movie, but then my mind did what my mind does…wondered. I started to think about all of the Christmas shopping that went on pause with Thing 1 getting sick. So, I did what I typically do when I watch a movie…I hit pause!

I went through the Christmas list and started placing orders. In my mind I thought, if I could get all of this shopping done, it would take a huge burden off of my plate. So, off I went…on the journey to make room in my brain for something else other than buying gifts!

I put a good dent into the list. I was only left with a few folks, which I needed input from the girls on. Sooo…back to my movie!

Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis are just amazing actresses. Viola didn’t have a major role in the movie, but I just love seeing her on screen. She just amazes me because she truly can play anyone. #BlackGirlMagic

I finally finished the movie. IT…WAS…GOOOOOOD! Next, I moved on to my shows. I was able to watch Station 19, Grey’s Anatomy, & Teen Mom OG Reunions 1 & 2 (yeah, it’s a guilty pleasure). #DoNotJudgeMe

I needed today!

On the patient front, Thing 1 was still doing the same. The effects of isolation were getting to her, but I let her know that she was free to video chat with friends and family so that she could get the connection she needed. I will have to keep my eye on her. We made it this far, and I will make sure her bids for connection are addressed!

Another day down…

Today was my Friday. I originally had tomorrow off for some health testing, but I had to postpone it due to Thing 1’s positive test. Instead of giving back the day, I knew my body needed the day off.

Thing 1 is still up and down with the fever, and all other symptoms are still the same. Thing 2 started to feel icky when she woke up. She said her throat was sore and she was sounding congested. My body tensed up and began to brace for impact. #LordGiveMeStrength

I got a call from Thing 1’s school to go over where we are and what next steps are from a school perspective. Pretty much, isolation is over on 12/23, but since that is the first day of Winter Break, Thing 1 will just return after break. Technically, Thing 2 could test on Friday and if negative, return to school on Monday. I mentioned the way Thing 2 woke up today and she said, well, she is presumed positive since she is showing symptoms. #DONE

Thing 2 is now off until after break too; however, if she tests negative and is healthy enough, she will participate in her distance learning. This is not the kid who will work over Winter Break to get caught up unless you make her, and with that comes a lot of stress. Sooooooo, let’s not even get to that point. Distance learn, do your math sheets, and enjoy break…and by enjoy break, I mean, let me enjoy your break too!

We kept Thing 2 in the guest bedroom for her isolation. After a couple hours, she claimed she felt good…no sore throat, no nasal congestion…nothing! Magically, no symptoms…just like that, she was healed. I knew this had more to do with the fact that she could not freely roam the house, and leave her snack trail all throughout downstairs. Thing 2 could not be the Thing 2 that she works so hard to be! I told her, if you test negative, you can be free to roam about the house. I could see it in her face, she said to herself, “the devil is a lie!” See, Thing 2 doesn’t like the nasal swab, and she would rather be confined to the guest bedroom than test. So, she proceeded to enjoy her 4 walls, 3 hots, and a cot! We shall see how long this lasts!

I finished up my long work day. I had to make sure I was set before being off tomorrow. So, it took me until about 6p, but I did it. #HappyMyFriday!

Another day down…

I woke up at 307a. Why? I heard a pop in my gut and my bladder was full. WTF!?!? I then began the worry train. I get like this when stuff is on my mind. I may fall asleep, but if something wakes me up, I’m up. It took me some time to calm my anxiety. I think I fell asleep again around 6a, just to wake up at 7a. I laid there, praying to God that today wasn’t going to be an eventful day and my child won’t get worse.

Cadence woke up about the same. She said her stuffy nose was worse today, though. Her fever was still hanging on, so we continued the Tylenol regimen. For breakfast, she got 2 apple cider donuts again, and I made sure she could taste and smell them.

Because I was so exhausted, I texted my boss to let her know I would be in and out. I would care for my high priority tasks, but anything else was going to have to wait. I was so tired, my tired was tired!

In addition to work, my mom had a follow-up Neuro-oncologist appointment with the Nurse Practitioner. I attend those every other month virtually. I listened in as we got the normal readout of blood counts, wellness check, and what’s next. Everything is moving in the right direction so far. It will take some time for the counts to get back to where they need to be, and the kidneys will require some more water to get them flushed out better. I asked the doctor about my mom’s hug from Thing 1, and she said she felt her body was strong enough to fight off any infection should it need to. I know COVID plays by its own rules, but this was at least partially reassuring. #IWillTakeIt #ButStillIPray

At work, I tended to all of the items I had to get done. I was really operating in auto-pilot as I tended to work and Thing 1. I received a kind act from my boss. She sent me a $100 Instacart gift card. My boss’ sister and family just went through their own bout with COVID, and this was one of the things her sister said she would have appreciated. #GodShowsUpInOthers #MadeMyDay

When I finally wrapped up work, Thing 1 said she would try sitting in for our Girl Scouts meeting. Since I couldn’t lead, my co-leader was taking over and she had some fun things planned for them. First, they got to interview a toy maker, and then they got to play Christmas games and win prizes. Thing 1 hadn’t been around her peers in a few days, so this was a great distraction for her. While it was only via Zoom, it was still so amazing to see how much fun she was having with her friends. It was just like she was there. I am so grateful for my friend / co-leader for making sure Thing 1 got all of the same fun stuff they had at the meeting. Watching my baby still enjoy her life was the greatest moment so far! #TakeThatCOVID

Another day down…

I didn’t sleep well last night. Too much worry and anxiety for that. When I got up, I felt like I woke up to a bad dream, but it was still my reality. I hadn’t dreamt up my child’s COVID status. It was still very real.

Day 2 was a blur. I remember crying on and off. The DuPage County Health Department called, knowing they were likely not the right county to talk to me. That call hit hard because it made everything just that more real. I managed to make it through another work day, however, very pissy. I had too much more important things going on in my home and yet, I was still working. #JustATadResentful #IWontDoItAgain

Cadence did spike a fever last night and into today. I went ahead and medicated. We will get ahead of this the best we can. She was still eating pretty good, though. I surprised her with 2 apple cider donuts from the Orchard. I froze a dozen because we weren’t going to eat them all. Good thing I did because this brought a smile to her face. It was even better when she said she could smell and taste the deliciousness. I guess I have to call that a win! #SometimesItsTheLittleThings

Now that day 2 is done. Come on day 3!

Today, Thing 1 woke up complaining that her head hurt, her throat was sore, and her eyes hurt. I knew she wasn’t going to be able to go to school, so I went ahead and took her in to get her negative COVID test. She was overdue for a cold, so let’s get COVID out of the way and tend to this cold.

We head to urgent care as soon as they opened. There was a line outside the door, so we patiently waited to get checked in. When we finally checked in, we were seen pretty quickly. Thing 1 got swabbed, and we were told it will take 15 minutes for the results.

Meanwhile, at the ranch, I told the hubby he could get Thing 2 ready like normal. Once we get the negative, Thing 2 can go to school like normal. We also had the guys coming to paint and install the trim. They could get started too. Well, those guys showed up early and so did the nurse for this 15 minute test. I told the hubby, go ahead and let them get started.

The NP came in and said, Yep, it’s COVID! #HoleUp #HoleUp #HOOOOOLEUP

I immediately texted the hubby to tell the guys to leave. The NP gave us our marching orders, said this was traveling rapidly in the schools (her own son just got over it), and it was assumed the Delta variant (however, we won’t know for sure). It was like we were being sent home with the common cold instructions. I didn’t think she realized the magnitude of what she said to me. I was ill prepared. I knew this was going to be another negative test situation and life was going to return to what it was, plus some added germs.

I got my kiddo home, in a mask, and to her room. I washed my hands and masked up. At this point, this was still not real. I think I walked around the house doing random ish because I was still not in the mindset of what I just heard. Deep down…I WAS DEVASTATED!

I made all of the notifications, I sat in my office chair, and I CRIED! I did all the things to keep us safe, except race to get a vaccine. When I did get appointments, the pharmacy cancelled both appointments because they ran out. The new ETA was 12/20. I signed them up for 2 appointments, one on 12/22 with one pharmacy and another on 12/26 with another pharmacy. Joke was on them if they cancelled on me again. I was ready this time! BUT one problem, it was too late for Thing 1. #Shaken #Rattled #Undone

I worried about my mom too. We saw her the day before and Cadence gave her a hug. They were both masked, but still…elbows, not hugs! I missed this too. I am usually on it when it comes to these things. Now, I had that on my conscience. I will be watching her like a hawk too!

I proceeded to have an emotional roller coaster of a day. I cried on a call when a coworker asked how my child was doing (he only knew she was sick). He found out quickly she wasn’t just sick…she was sick sick! I felt all the feels, but mainly, I felt like I failed her. I wasn’t the parent racing to get a vaccine appointment, and nor was I the parent driving 30+ miles away for it. I was the cautious parent, who wanted to see enough kids fair well with the vaccine before I offered it up to my kids. #DidIMakeTheRightChoice #TheLordWasMyGuide #LeaningOnHim

At some point I took Thing 2 and I to get our tests. The hubby went to get tested too. Now, we have to wait for those results. Urgent care had too long of a wait to go back there, so we will make due with the alternatives. #Praying

I finished my work day, but don’t know how I managed. Thing 1 settled into her new isolation space. She started to have some body aches, and couldn’t get comfortable for a nap, but she was doing ok, considering.

Ten days is the magic number for this virus taking its course. This will be the longest 10 days of my life…and even longer if Thing 2 is next!

#CoverUsLord

Today didn’t go as I would have liked, but I must say, we were still able to accomplish what we set out to accomplish.

A little backstory, the girls (mainly Thing 1) have been begging for a dog. The answer was NO for so long, I got sick of saying it. One day, Thing 1 caught me slippin’ and I said, you need to show us you can care for a dog before one can set foot in this house. So, I enlisted in some help from my in-laws, and we arranged for the girls to feed and walk their dogs on the weekends. This is a far cry from having a pet full time, but it was at least a glimpse into what it takes.

I just knew picking up poop was going to be the deal breaker! These girls are like me, squeamish. But weekend after weekend, they kept showing up. Now, Thing 2 would show up, hit the trampoline in the backyard, and holler at Thing 1 when she returned from dog walking…BUT, she was ready to wear the dogs out. So, while Thing 1 is the caregiver and nurturer, Thing 2’s purpose is to make sure the dogs are worn out by bedtime. I guess they each played to their strengths. #SeparateTheyCanDo #ButTogetherTheyCanDoMore

Since my girls did all that I asked, and I am a woman of my word (no matter what), there was only one thing left to do…we researched and found a dog. A little bit more backstory here…I am scared of dogs and allergic! #ButILoveMyGirls

So, the hubby set out to pick up the new puppy. We asked to pick up puppers closer to Christmas, but a new litter was coming and the breeder hoped to send puppers off by the 13th. The hubby prepared himself to make the 3.5 hour trip each way to pick up the new puppy. I would have much rather someone go with him (or even me), but we didn’t have a sitter (and with COVID it’s hard to welcome an outsider in), and masking up for such a long trip with an outsider didn’t sound like a lot of fun. Sooooo…off he went. #BlessTheJourney

My plan was to get the house cleaned up to pass the time, but I just couldn’t. I spent so much time worried about the long trip that I only did laundry and a little tidying up. I checked in with the hubby on and off, and on the last check-in, I got to see the package. #GuessWeDoinThis #NoTurningBackNow #TheseGirlsAreGoingToFreakOut

The hubby made the journey safely. He dropped off the puppers at my brother and sister-in-law’s. They graciously agreed to house her until Christmas. I cannot even tell you how grateful I am for that. They are helping us make the magic happen for our girls! #LoveMyFamily #Grateful #Thankful #Blessed

Until Christmas girls…

Today was an ordinary day! I got up, got myself together, took Thing 1 to school, worked, and made my way to pick up Thing 1 from school. I sat in my usual spot in the pickup line. I typically work from my car, or catch a show since I treat pickup as my lunch hour. Today, my mom asked me to FaceTime her when I got a chance, so I did. We chatted a while. At a certain point, we don’t hang up, just so she can say “Hi” to Thing 1 when she gets in the car. It’s just about time for pickup and I hear someone yell, “Hey!” I look in my review mirror and see the back of the Assistant Principal’s head. I assume he was yelling at a kid. #WhatTheyDoneDidNow

Soon after, though, two gentlemen get out of a car and start talking with walkie-talkies. Then, the dismissal bell rings…NO KIDS! After a minute or two, I tell my mother I am going to let her go so I can figure out what is going on. I call the hubby to see if he can call a neighbor in the line to see what is going on. I didn’t have his number, and I just knew I should not get out of the car. At this point, there were several staff members communicating via walkie-talkie. Then…it happened!

One Sherriff’s vehicle races in, lights on, and parks sideways, blocking traffic…then another…then a police vehicle…then an unmarked vehicle. No sooner than I could process what could be happening, 3 cops in a single-file line make their way on the side of the school. Their big guns were out and the officer in front had the body shield up. In my mind, I am thinking about how I have only seen scenes like this in the movies! #ThisCantBeHappening

At this point, I’m frozen. I’m still trying to take everything in, while trying not to let my mind go “there.” At some point, two officers were posted up in the grass with their big guns out. I never got emotional. I felt like there wasn’t time for it. I just wanted my kid to run out, hop in the car, and we get the hell outta dodge! #LordJustLetMeHaveHerBack

While I didn’t cry, I was shaking uncontrollably. Eventually, my neighbor in line video chatted me the details he got from his daughter. Her story was, there was a suspicious person trying to get in, but didn’t gain access. On social media, I read everything from someone had a gun in the parking lot to it was a false alarm. Whatever was happening, I was 2 seconds away from having a panic attack! Oh, and let me mention…I tried to call Thing 1 on the cell phone she DOESN’T pay for and it kept ringing. Her daddy tells me she left it at home. #DontBeMadMom #DontBeMadMom!

It took 41 minutes, but the lockdown was cleared and I laid eyes on my child. She was anxious, adrenaline was still high, and she was emotional. I heard a few more stories about what happened, but at that point, it didn’t matter. All I knew was, she was in my care, she was whole, and she was back to being mine! Oh…I knew she wasn’t going to school the following Monday too! #TheDevilIsALie

It took some time for me to stop shaking, but eventually, I stopped. I quickly got through the rest of my work day because all I wanted to do was hug my baby as much as possible. Later on, we found out that a bus driver saw a boy brandish a gun while in a car. When they caught up with the culprit, it was 2 teenage boys and a BB gun. One of the boys did hold the gun outside of the car window. He was charged with a misdemeanor and released to his parents. #CanIGetTwoSecondsWithHimPlease

While I am grateful this ended favorably, I still want a crack at the teenage boy. He needs to know the magnitude of his actions. He needs to hear what he put our kiddos through. He needs to know how many police officers were ready to risk it all to serve and protect. And he needs to know the agony he put the parents through while all they could do was sit, watch, and wait. That time will never come, so I will just have to pray his parents shared all of those things, and he will never pull a stunt like that again!

Let me go hug my baby one more time…