“Hey, Emma, Lily and Elsa (too), I need a sick day.”
This sums it up perfectly for moms and getting sick…This is the line I wish I could have used last week when I was sick.
Instead for the most part, I soldiered on and mothered two girls, as well as a puppy, too.
Even though I wish I could have just cried my eyes out from how crappy I felt being sick like Lily did here…
Wishing I could bawl my eyes out feeling so sick…
Somehow, Christmas decorations were put away and even light cleaning took place, as well in the middle of whatever sickness or virus had taken hold of me.
The Decorations Were Put Away (Sadly I broke, but fixed this ornament while trying to put away)…
I also tried my best to keep up with my blog comments and reading, too (thankful for a quiet week with blogging though on the whole). I must admit if as a blogger you have to be sick, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the way to go!
Quite a bit of iPad usage occurred last week by the Princesses While I was sick..
Yet, trust me there was a lot of iPad playing (thank god Santa brought the girls their own to share) and TV watching for The Princesses, as well as dog crating, plus my MIL actually watching our dog for a day, when I truly didn’t want to go out in the freezing winter weather temperatures to walk Elsa.
One afternoon into early evening, in particular, our dog stayed crated for about 5 hours straight, as I truly didn’t want to clean up urine or any other bodily functions in my house the way (she is house broken, but still didn’t want to chance it), I was feeling.
Elsa had to put up with my sick days last week, too…
She didn’t make a peep and seemingly took it in stride, but still my guilt for this and more was on overload. Poor thing, actually sprinted outside and did her business for Kevin in record breaking time for Kevin immediately when he got home from work that night.
Overall, I rarely get sick. A cold here or there, but real sickness, I do not thankfully seem to have take hold of me. I take a flu shot annually usually in September and for the most part between that and vitamins, have not been this ill since a year before I had Emma (almost 7 year plus years ago).
So, for me to be this sick is truly out of the ordinary. Believe me, there are days I may not being feeling up to 100% of myself, but as a mom, I have very much learned to just keep going and takes a lot for me to give into not feeling well, but last week I had to do just that.
I went to bed by 9:30 each night and in the mornings I didn’t move out of my bed before 9 am. That is almost 12 hours. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t sleep straight through, because damn that would be like Haley’s Comet here, but still I just couldn’t move nor did I want to.
The girls were off and somehow they slept in for me and the dog waited my sleep out, since Kevin takes her out and feeds her before work.
If I could have hid being sick, I would have!
And still all that sleep and I just wanted to collapse an hour after getting out of my bed. I am not one to take a lot of medicine ever and big believer in this for the most part. So, it took a lot for me to admit I needed to take something for the fever, aches, sore throat and more. Even though, I did indeed take my flu shot, I was informed that there were certain strains of the flu this year that weren’t covered by the actual shot. Also, this was the first year, I tried the flu mist and not sure if that has anything to do with it or not to be honest – just makes me wonder though about how well this flu shot worked for me this year.
But in any event just thankful to be getting a better and stronger each day right now. Still not 100% myself, but I am getting there and yet this week we are having new floors put in. Of course, crazy busy from that this week and just hope I stay well now for that plus the Billy Joel concert I am going to this Friday night in NYC at MSG.
However, I couldn’t help, but leave you with this commercial video clip from NyQuil that inspired the lead in to this post (yes I too watched a lot of TV and ironically saw this commercial when I was sick quite a bit) and pretty much my whole blog article (sometimes life or the lack there of living it really does give you the best blog fodder).
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
It seems like everyone has been sick lately. I was sick in November and Chris actually worked from home for a few days because I was so sick and could barely function.
Janine says
Robin, so sorry you were sick too and definitely was no fun at all, but glad Chris could take a few days off to help you out.
Bev says
Oh no, Janine! I can totally relate, that was me last month, and I actually did cry! I was sick for like a month, which is TOTALLY unusual for me. I didn’t have the flu, but some awful cold that must have turned into a sinus infection. I also try to avoid taking too much medicine, but was prescribed like five different things. It really sucks being a mom when you’re sick–I had to ask Sam to work from home a couple times, I could barely handle taking care of Eve (who was also getting over something). I’m glad you’re feeling better!
Janine says
Bev, like I just commented on your page I seriously couldn’t agree more about taking it easy and indeed sleeping in. Both did wonders for me, but I hated not being able to take care of the girls or the dog, too. Just glad I am on the mend and that you are, too!! 🙂
Seana Turner says
I love that commercial – because it is so TRUE! I remember wanting to cry like a little girl, as you said, and just wanting to be left alone to suffer. It’s so hard to keep going when you feel so badly. I say when Mom is sick, whatever tools you can find to help are worth it – TV, iPads, movies, Cheerios… whatever!! Glad you are on the mend… take care now – don’t want to miss Billy Joel:)
Janine says
Seana, I now I seriously was reduced to little girl tears and how I wished I could just be left alone last week. But I am thankfully on the mend and you are also right don’t want to miss Billy Joel for sure 🙂
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I love the picture of Lily don’t we all feel like that at some point. I sure hate you felt to terrible during your Christmas holidays. I truly pray the rest of your family does not get sick. I know what you mean when MOMs need a sick day, but kids do not ever think that moms get sick after all we have to cook and clean.
I am so excited for your concert this coming Friday. I hope you have the best time ever. Doctor’s orders start taking lots of vitamin C and a muti vit.
Blessings and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Diane Roark
Janine says
Aww, thanks Diane so much and will follow your orders to a tee to see Billy Joel on Friday!! Mug love and hugs to you, s well as very, Happy New Year once again!!! 🙂
Anonymous says
I got hit terribly this year with high fever strep throat and cough and still responsible for taking care of my three small boys. Not much rest for me.
Janine says
Aw, so sorry to hear that and I know the lack of rest well sick or not though to be honest sadly.
Dara says
I’m sorry you got sick. and I can’t wait to hear about the Billy Joel concert!!!
Janine says
Aww thanks Dara and I promise to share about the Billy Joel concert, too 😉
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
Never fun to be sick…never a good time to be sick. Sorry you have been hit so hard. Hope you are back to full throttle soon – especially with such an awesome concert this week!
As for those flu shots…I get mine religiously because I have to with the RA. I don’t think it’s possible for the flu shot to cover every strain for every person in every area. Period. But anything you can do to attempt to keep it away is probably good. I can’t offer any thoughts on the mist because I’m not allowed to take that one (again, the autoimmune factor). Sounds like the girls and dogs in your life were pretty understanding, though – hooray for that! And I’m way impressed with how much you still managed to accomplish. Go you!
Keep feeling better!
Janine says
Thanks so much Lisa and I am so not sure about the flu shot or even the mist, but just know that year’s past I haven’t gotten this sick with the original but still just gave me food for thought. But either way got sick and can’t cry over spilt milk.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Awww, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been so sick but I’ relieved to hear you’re on the mend. I hope you’re all better by Friday.
Yes, I’m a mom who can’t get sick. Between the blog and homeschooling and a husband who periodically goes out of town for business, I have to be going all day, every day.
Sending you hugs and love for a speedy recovery.
xoxo
Janine says
Thanks Jennifer and knew you and pthers could probably relate being a mom who just can’t get sick. Am on the mend though and hugs right back. Xoxo 😉
Meredith says
Oh honey! There is nothing more brutal than being sick with kids! Prayers for feeling totally better, an here’s to a healthier rest of the winter!
Janine says
Aww, thanks Meredith and I know being sick with kids is just plain old miserable any which way you slice and dice it!
Jhanis says
I also took down the Christmas decors (miraculous!) over the weekend! And so true about how hard it is when moms get sick. I don’t get the rest I need whenever I’m sick because, kids! Except for that one time when I had to be admitted to the hospital last year but even then, my 9yo had to stay with me for a bit each day after school while my husband took care of other things. Whew.
So excited for you for the concert!
Janine says
Omg, just reading that about the hospital stay my heart felt for you. Seriously, glad you too are ok now and promise to share about the concert, too!! 🙂
Bill says
One time, and I think my son was about nine, he stayed home from school to take care of me. One time in fifteen years….single dad’s don’t take sick days either. 🙂 Happy Monday, Janine, and thank you for being here.
Janine says
Aww, Bill I am so sorry you had a similar experience, but god bless your son taking care of you. And thank you too for always being here for me, too.
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
I love that commercial so much! I totally giggle everytime I see it. SO clever. I am sorry you were so under the weather but happy you are back on the mend soon! you gotta be right and well for Billy!
Janine says
Aww, thanks Nellie and I know totally smiled at the commercial even before and then last week it just took on such a new meaning here for me!
lisacng @ expandng.com says
I can totally relate because I got sick on Christmas and didn’t feel better until the new year either. We also all got flu shots but I think the strain this year is just stronger and not the one they predicted. Grrrr. Wish I could take sick days too but we relied on the iPad for our older one and I napped when the younger one napped. No fun! Hope we can all be healthy for the new year. And yes, it was nice that EVERYONE was taking a break. Heck, I won’t have a new post up until tomorrow :).
Janine says
Lisa, I again so sorry you were under the weather, too and I know definitely think this year the flu shot didn’t cover all the strains, because wow to how sick I did feel. Like I said it takes a lot to take me down and I seriously just couldn’t do keep going no matter how hard I wanted to or tried. Glad to hear you are feeling better now, too 🙂
Sara @ Bitz & Giggles says
I rarely get sick as well, Janine. I always wonder, too how the household would run if I “went down.” I also got the flu mist this year and so far, so good (knock on wood). Sometimes as moms we just need to take time for ourselves. The world will continue to turn (just as you found out). Just glad you’re feeling better now! Take care, friend!
Janine says
Aww, thanks Sara and rationally I knew it would still run without me, but still the mom guilt was on high alert here. Fingers crossed for you, too now 😉
Jen says
Oh I’m so sorry! I can totally relate! I was sick last week too. Luckily it was a pretty light week for blogging, but my children were home all day looking at me to entertain them. Yep there are just no sick days for Moms!
Janine says
I onow Jen lght on blogging thankfully last week but also heavy on kids as mine were also on their second week of veing hime here as well!
Kim says
Oh, so sorry you have been so sick!! Yep – as a mom it truly sucks to be the sick one!!!
I’ve been fighting a sore throat for 3 days and telling myself if I ignore and push through it will not be major – I hope my plan works. I know that the flu has been brutal this year – lots of people hospitalized around here because it is so bad.
I hope you are back to 100% soon and that the Princesses (and Kevin) don’t end up sick.
Janine says
Thanks Kim abs i started out with a sore throat and thought it might have been strep because Lily had it the week before, but then it turned into fever, chills and achiness, too with my throat getting better. So that is when I relauzed flu. Thankfully I am better for the mist part abd also appreciate the good thoughts that the rest of my gang stays well now, too 😉
Echo says
Oh Janine, I know exactly how you feel! I even wrote a post about it a while back called “When mom gets sick…”. It is so true that no matter what we do or how we feel, we have to mother on! That is part of what makes us so strong and incredible, even if we just want to curl up under a blanket and sleep for days!
Janine says
Aww, Echo I am glad it isn’t just me and recall that post you wrote but forgot about until you mentioned it. Have to check it out again though.
Tess says
Sorry to hear about that! I probably was sick off and on all of November with different strains of flu. I was reminded too of that commercial about the dad going into the kids room and saying he needed a sick day. LOL we’re all troopers.
Janine says
We are such troopers and sorry you too were sick also. Hugs to you, too 😉
Rosey says
I’m sorry you got so sick. The commercial is classic though, and oh so true. When I get sick, hubby will wait me out to the last second to see if I’m going to feed him. If I don’t he’ll feed himself and give the kids cereal. -_- Never mind any cleaning at ALL. So I love my hubby, but I hate to get sick!!
Sorry too about the ornament. It’s always our faves that seem to get broken when one goes.
I hope your floors go in easily and that you’re 100% by the time Billy Joel rolls around.
Janine says
Your husband and mine could be long lost twins as that truly is what he was doing and wsiting it out to see just how sick I was. Thanks Rosey again and definitely on the mend, especially for Friday now 😉
Kerri says
Oh no, I hope you feel better quickly and get some rest now that the girls are back in school!
Janine says
Aww, thank you so much Kerri and thankfully am on the mend slowly but surely now. 😉
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
HA! I immediately thought of that commercial when I read the title. So sorry you were sick. What a miserable way to spend your time off. Two of my girls and I had the flu the week of Christmas 2013 and it was awful. I spent an entire 24 hours in bed because everything hurt. The flu is bad around here, too (NC). My FIL is in the hospital right now and I cannot take the girls to visit him because they are not allowing anyone under 18 as visitors due to the flu “epidemic.” Glad you are feeling better and hope that everyone else stays well!
Janine says
I am so sorry about your FIL and hope the girls can see him soon. Also sorry that you all had the flu during Christmas 2013. Just got my fingers crossed we all stay well now, too 😉
Dana says
It’s so true – no sick days for mom. I’m sorry you had to spend the vacation feeling horrible – so much is going around. I’ve been fortunate to stay well, but I know I’d just have to soldier on if I wasn’t – those kids are driving themselves anywhere (yet!).
Janine says
So true Dana and fod help me for when my girls are indeed driving someday!! 😉
Janine says
Aww, thanks so much Christy and sending tons of love and hugs right back to you!! xoxo 🙂
Tamara says
Being sick as a parent is the WORST EVER!! Agh. And for a dad too.
By the way, that photo of the iPad has the cutest outfits ever on the girls. I want one for Scarlet! (and me)
I have had the flu before and it took about two weeks to feel fully normal. One week to be able to go out in public, and two to be back to normal. I was 18, though. And I had no kids or mortgage or job.
Soo… maybe it would take longer now?
Janine says
Tamara, I think it wasn’t as long lived, because I did have the flu shot, but man when I tell you I wish I could have crawled in a hole. I also had the flu before having kids and this time out I couldn’t just do nothing, be a bum and take my sweet time getting better (ho I wished though). But yes the worst being sick (especially flu) as a parent!
Tara Newman says
So, while I was on hiatus, you got the cutest dog ever born? Nice. She is adorable and so are the girls in the matching outfits. You being sick…not so cute 🙂
Janine says
Aww, thanks Tara and the dog has been here for some time, but still felt so bad that I just couldn’t take care of her!
Amber says
Oh man, being sick is never any fun with kids. I remember once when my husband was deployed and my kids got sick. Then I got sick. We were all throwing up and I had to CRAWL to help my daughter, because I could not stand. It was just miserable.
Janine says
Aww, that does sound awful and so very sorry Amber you had to experience that. Thankfullu I never threw up this time out, but a few years ago after my younger one’s christening, I did and definitely was miserable!
Chris Carter says
Oh HONEY!!! YOU POOR MAMA!!!!! I am SO sorry you have been sick!! There is nothing worse than feeling SO crappy you barely can make it out of bed… especially on the Holidays and with little sweeties to care for AND a pup!!!
Please don’t feel guilty for the pup… she would have barked and cried if she was really hurting! And oh do I get being a mom and being sick- wounded- whatever way of being incapacitated!!! I have had four surgeries in five years… all requiring a pretty significant recovery time. Some completely taking me out of the game for weeks.
It is BRUTAL.
It seems you are doing a bit better… recovery from feeling SO sick takes that much longer as a mom, because you STILL don’t get the rest you need!!
Praying you heal to 100% quickly sweet friend!!! XOXO
Janine says
Aww, what can I say but thank you Chris for all your kind words here and encouragement, too. Honestly, appreciate it more then you know. Hugs and xoxo 😉
Aunt Gloria says
Glad you’re feeling better. Happy New Year! Love from me and Auntie Anne.
Janine says
Aww, thanks Aint Gloria and Happy New Year to you both from me, too 😉
Alison says
The boys and their Dad have been passing germs back and forth for the better part of the last 3 months. Me? I’ve nt been sick once, and I think it’s mostly because I will it away, hah!
Sorry you’ve been sick, feel better soon!
Janine says
Alison, I need to will it away, because this was truly no fun! But glad you have been well and am keeping my fingers crossed, you will stay this way now 😉
Kenya G. Johnson says
I’m a wife that can’t be sick also. It never ceases to amaze me how my husband practically doesn’t exist when he’s sick – just totally checks out. Must be nice! Glad you are on the mend.
Janine says
Kenya, totally agree and trust me I have seen it all. I have had a bad back for ages and mine just recently moved furniture and was removing our floors to get new installed. All I keep hearing for days is how bad his back hurts and you would think the world wwas ending. Trust me, I get it in spades!
Brittnei says
This commercial cracks me up. The very first time I saw it it was a laugh out loud moment because I just knew the mom was talking to a boss or another adult hahaha. I’m with you. I almost never get sick either and I’m thankful because the show would definitely have to continue! 🙂
Janine says
I know Brittnei up until getting sivk I couldn’t help but giggle when I saw that commercial. Don’t get me wring still makes me smile, but now has a while new meaning, too though!!
karen says
so flipping true…no sick days, though i am lucky that my parents took Dino after Christmas so I could rest…I only have one so I can’t imagine having two kids to care for when feeling lik edeath.
Janine says
Aww, Karen I am sorry you too were not feeling well and thankful that you had your parents to help. My parents did try, too, but still can only do so much and when you are sick with kids just no fun whatsoever!
Rabia @TheLiebers says
I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. There was certainly something nasty going around our area over the holidays. We seem to have been pretty healthy so far, but I hope I didn’t just jinx us!
Janine says
I totally got my fingers crossed and that you haven’t jinxed yourselves at all 😉
Katherines Corner says
I am so sorry you had the yuckies! Hope you are feeling much better now. Hubby told me that “everyone” is sick at his work…ugh…xo
Janine says
Aww, thanks Katie and slowly but surely am on the mend. So sorry so many are sick at your husband’s job, too though. xoxo
Rachel says
I kind of take sick days. I tend to lay down and watch TV all day when I am sick, only getting up to feed and change the children. But only one or two days or the house gets crazy messy! Hope you are feeling better!
Janine says
Thanks Rachel, I am feeling better and truly wish I did and could take sick days. Not going to lie sleeping in was truly so nice and really wish I wasn’t actually sick to enjoy at least that more now! 😉
Pam@over50feeling40 says
Love that last quote…I have felt that way many times…just hide my eyes!! Sorry about the sickness, but I did enjoy the post. Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
http://www.over50feeling40.com
Janine says
Aww, thank you Pam again for hosting and I know I guess if nothing else, I got a pretty good post out of this experience. 🙂
Rea says
So sorry to hear about that Janine! I really really hate being sick because that would mean I had to avoid Reiko, afraid that my virus would get to him. I sometimes take sick days.. that’s when my husband is available to take care of Reiko and things at home. I don’t usually take meds too unless I really need to get up and go to work. I hope you are feeling much better now Janine. You take care girl!
Janine says
Aww, thanks Rea and like you not big on taking too much meds either and had to cave this time out. But thankfully am feeling better 😉
Lauren says
I just saw a post the other day on suburban snapshots. It was the #MomCold and it was hilarious. All the things moms still do when they’re sick (compared to the Man Cold when a guy has the sniffles and is rendered completely useless 😉 ).
Janine says
Lauren, my husband just started feeling sick last night and you would have thought the world was coming to an end. Trust me when I say, the man cold is some serious stuff apparently 😉
Catherine Gacad says
i’m glad the whole family understood that mama needs her rest! i’m just catching up with your blog now, janine, but i’m sure you’re in the best shape now. i actually get sick often. nothing drastic, but i do get a cold 1-2x a year. i’ve always been able to take care of myself and sleep in in the past, but now that’s not going to happen with a kid! so i totally feel you with this post. you were cracking up with crating elsa for 5 hours. you gotta do what you gotta do! she seems like such an easy-going dog!
Janine says
Catherine, thank god for the most part they did and Elsa really is such a good dog by nature. But still I hope not to be that sick again for awhile if I can help it!!