sputtered words

The computer actually coughed when I pushed the power button to wait for the screen to light up. cough cough whir sputter cough vroom! (success was slow in coming)

Either this old PC of ours wants to be a part of the Influenza ridden crew that is my family, or it had actually been that long since I last turned it on. Or both. It’s probably both.

Our little Asher sounds much the same. rev rev cough cough whir sputter cough

And now it seems it’s Daddy’s turn, but his is more like a COUGH COUGH wheeze COUGH COUGH. (I capitalize for BIGGER COUGH) (poor guy)

Me? I’m on day 4 (I think?) of uuugggggghhh and isolation in the bedroom, talking to myself and hoisting my pregnant belly from side to side. (not that I’d be complaining) (but I do actually have a sore on one elbow from all the hours of hoisting) (good grief)

Seriously, friends. Respiratory Influenza + pregnancy = BAD. So bad that I landed in the hospital, attached to a bag of IV fluids, something going down both nostrils to my throat to search for proof of Influenza (it was there!) (and OUCH!), covered in those warmed up blankets and sipping water through a straw. cough cough wheeze cough cough sputter cough

I told the doctor that I had the swine flu a year or two ago and that was way more fun than this. THIS? Is the kind of thing that leaves you shivering under layers of blankets, sweating, too weak to lift your head to eat or drink. It also comes complete with that kind of cough that would scare away even the most evil of bad guys. Oh, and then it steals your ability to stay in an upright position for more than thirty seconds without feeling faint, so you need assistance to say…go to the bathroom. (My poor husband.) Oh and yes, one last thing (I could go on and on but this is whining and I hate it when I whine)–no desire to eat! WHAT???

The funny thing is, gestating babies appreciate it when their mothers eat and drink things. 

(I’m pretty sure I heard some uterine begging–Feed me! cough cough sputter ga ga cough FEED ME!)

Now let me tell you about the bright side:

First of all, I was sent home with medication that has the purpose of kicking the ass of the flu. (Or at least shortening the life of what is normally a week to ten day affair.) I think it might be working!

Nextly, my children are absolute troopers. They have been cooped up in this house for days and they continue to play Legos, pretend they’re in Star Wars, and generally entertain each other for hours on end.

Asher was put on the same ass-kicking medication at the first sign of the flu in him (high temp). He’s handling this sickness like a champ.

Miles is STILL healthy. So far, so GOOD.

Ryan is…well, there are no words for what Ryan has been. Besides strong and very busy and sacrificial and servant-like, all with his usual humor in tact. As he cleaned the house yesterday while I stayed sequestered in the bedroom, he said, to our unsuspecting children, “You know, cleaning can be very therapeutic guys…it’s like a spiritual enema.”

ahem.

Now, as he starts to sputter and cough, I’m finally starting to feel better. Perhaps he’ll hand off the Helper Baton to yours truly and then he’ll crash head-on into Influenza. I hope it’s not as bad for him, and I’ll be happy to bring him water and dry toast while layering myself in clorox wipes.

I hope this (very long) note finds each of you healthy.

Peace.

cough cough sputter cough yawn…