This happened to me for the first time in five years of motherhood. I was sick as a dog, alone with the kids. Still, it was a rewarding experience full of twists and turns!
It started in the middle of the night: a sudden jolt awake, a knot in my stomach, the feeling of being on a fishing boat during a stormy night. A nasty case of indigestion was setting in, and all I could think was, “Crap! Tomorrow, I’m on my own with both of them”…
I managed to get back to sleep for a bit before 6 a.m. hit me like a ton of bricks. Son #1, full of energy, woke up and started telling me all about his life, his dreams, the gifts he wants for his next birthday (which is 10 months away…), and other wild stories that usually make me smile but that, this morning, completely overwhelmed me. Shortly after, Son #2, just as energetic, calls out to me in his sweet 16-month-old voice: “MAAAAAAMAAAAAN!!!!”
I have no choice—it’s time for the emergency plan. Step one: turn on the TV and put on that show about the awesome puppies… on repeat! Step two: self-assessment: “What am I capable of? What am I simply not capable of?” Step three: this afternoon, mandatory nap time for everyone. Step four: accept that today, I won’t be “Mother of the Year” or “Cook of the Month” at all, and step five: hope this isn’t a nasty virus that’ll take down the whole household.
We got through the day’s stages without too much trouble. I explained to Son #1 that I really wasn’t feeling well and that it would be a very low-key day. Building blocks, playdough, drawing, and plenty of screen time took center stage. Meals were also very basic and “no-fuss” to make sure I could whip them up quickly without too much trouble, and I skipped bath time… Oh well, if there’s playdough under #1’s fingernails and spaghetti sauce in #2’s hair… The Husband will be home tomorrow; we’ll handle it together.
I did it. By 7:30 p.m., everyone was in bed, mom included. The next day, everyone was in great shape, mom included too. Phew, step #5 was a success: no viruses. It also made me realize just how much #1 has grown up, because he was very understanding and helped me a lot with #2. Plus, when I’m feeling my best, I’m honestly a lot of fun with my little ones. Even though I’m often alone with both of them and sometimes feel like I’m running out of ideas and repeating myself.
In the end, we got through it without too much trouble (haha!) and we can pat ourselves on the back!
What about you—what are your survival tips for when you’re the one who’s knocked out?