Monday Reagan was sent home from school with a little fever and a "runny tummy" as our dear Lesley puts it.  I brought the kids home.  Tuesday still more fever and a refusal of a sippy cup and any food we put in front of her - even mashed potatoes and she LOVES mashed potatoes.  To cap Tuesday off the pediatrician's office called with the results of Reagan's routine blood work from her 1 year check up.  Anemia. 

Tuesday night she appeared better so today we headed back off to school.  Finally I managed to get something for lunch when my phone rang.  Reagan had a fever and more runny tummy.  I packed lunch up and headed over to the kids' school to pick up Little Miss Infectious.

When I saw her I knew we needed to go to the doctor.  Her eyes were matted.  She was whimpering,  She was extremely hot.  I took her to Wilson's class to pick him up.  It was his naptime.  I walked over to where he was sleeping and gently shook him - so not to wake the rest of the class up.  No go.  I shook a little harder.  I said his name "Wilson.   Wilson.   Wilson?  WILSON!"  No movement.  His teacher came to lend a hand.  She shook him, said his name.  Nothing.  Second teacher comes to help.  No response.  One of the teachers suggests carrying him out.  She picks him up and he opened his eyes. 

I took the kids to the campus doctor because A. it was right there, B. I couldn't get in touch with the pediatrician's office, and C. No checkbook but a campus debit card. 

Her temperature was 104.  She has the flu.  She has an ear infection in each ear.  She has a sinus infection.  And a runny tummy.  Two more days before we are out of the flu with her, which means next week it will be Wilson down with the flu.

On the way home I wondered how I could convince my Mom to come and stay with me.  I'm tired of giving medicine, monitoring consumption of fluids, and holding whimpering children.  Mom is much better at this than I am.  And I may need to be held myself.  But that's when it hit me that I'm on my own here.  I am the mom. 

Yesterday we were watching whatever was on TV and Nanny McPhee was showing.  Normally I wouldn't have stopped to watch it, but there is nothing on during daytime tv.  Nanny McPhee said "When you don't want me, but you need me, I'll stay.  When you want me but don't need me, I'll go."  And so it is with my Mom.  She's there, on the phone whenever I call, but there is not here and I can't blame her.  It's all runny noses, thermometers, scratchy throats, and crying here.  I'd be there if I could choose.  There's nothing sadder than a 30 year old who just wants her Mommy.  Growing up stinks and I'm reminded of that several times each decade.

So I'm forcing fluids into the baby and trying to keep the boy entertained.  There is some comfort knowing she has about 2 days left of the flu - just in time for big brother to get it and need comforting.  I'm getting very tired thinking about it.  I should lie down. 

Welcome to Chez Miserables.