Please Wash Your Hands
Although it feels like that doesn't even matter this year.
I was warned from friends and from the wide wide world of internet bloggers that the first year after you move will be awful for sickness and allergies.
Did I kind of ignore this warning? Yes, yes I did. I thought we would be "immune" because we do generally eat really healthy (although the ice cream and lollipops at every park is not helping), and my kids take vitamins as well as other immune boosting things. We get outside as much as humanly possible. We have a dog (I've heard that it is supposed to help your immune system). In other words, I thought we were a little bit ahead of the game preparing for new germs.
Was I wrong? Yes.
I know kids on average get sick 4-6 times a year. I feel like we've met that quota with minor colds to 5 day long fevers to rashes to Hand Food Mouth. It seems like we get through one thing only to pick up something else with completely different symptoms. My sister has gotten the weirdest pictures from me asking if this looks contagious or serious. She's a doctor by the way.
About a week ago C and I came down with what I think was probably the flu - body aches, nausea, couch bound fatigue, low grade fever. And then mine morphed into tonsillitis I think (probably should have been tested for strep, but what mom has time for that). It lasted almost a week, and just when we were detoxing from the incredible amount of TV watched during that time, G came down with something. Of course it was different though - very high fever, sore throat, cough. For 5 awful days. Broke down and took him to the doctor. I don't know what I expect when I do this, but we came home with a "it's probably just a virus. Let us know if you're not better in a couple days". For someone with severe health anxiety, I HATE that. My brain needs answers not gray area. Thankfully his fever did break and he went back to school this week.
On top of that, I've had to reschedule his birthday party twice because one weekend C and I were sick and then G was the next. He's been a good sport though.
Alas, I am done complaining about it. I am grateful we all got to be sick in the coziness of our house and nothing more. I'm grateful we didn't all come down with any of these things. I'm grateful for the time to slow down, snuggle, and watch shows (I binged Nobody Wants This. I recommend.). And I am mostly grateful for my body for showing me it can handle it.
Anyway, moral of the story: if you're moving this year, prepare yourself. Keep those thermometers, meds, and vitamins handy as well as your Disney+ subscription. AND learn what to do if your child is sick - how easy is it to see a doctor? Are urgent cares available where you are? Are pharmacies open all week? Or make some really good friends you can message with all of these questions. I'm really thankful everyday to have made some good friends here who always check in and even pick up things my kids need for school while they are out so we don't have to.
Best of luck to everyone in these last few weeks of winter!
