Swear Words

We have been sick as crap for the past week and a half.  It started...well...I can't remember when...and has involved waiting an hour at the Target Minute Clinic, 3 fevers, 7 nights on the couch, an entire bottle of children's Mortin, antibiotics for all, 6 loads of linens, 2 new pillows and a final visit to the clinic yesterday because Oliver is just NOT GETTING OVER THIS!

We have literally hit these germs with more gusto than necessary.  We have rested, quarantined and tried to freeze them out by outside walks.  There have been movie nights, hand washing parties and bathing EVERY NIGHT.  Oliver has literally gotten his boogers on every surface of our house and persons – followed by disinfectant.  He knows how to wipe his own nose better than most adults.

Yesterday, what I believe to the the culmination of this experience – 3/4 of us feeling better – Jahred took the day off work (never happens) to get Oliver into the clinic (we had to BEG for this appointment).

2 hours, 2 blood draws, 1 shot, an exam and a load of brainstorming later the doctor just shook his head puzzled and said, "It must have all been viral?!"  Those are the dirtiest words you can hear as a parent.  Am I right?  After all – don't we just want something TREATABLE?  Isn't being told you just have to "wait it out" as a parent like asking you to endure a silent torturous hell?

In the end I think the doc was right.  The antibiotics from the Target Clinic seemed to do nothing.  The steam baths and fresh air never sped it's course.  The washing and bleaching seemed to have no effect as one-by-one it took us all down.

Moral of the story?  "It's viral," is the worst swear in the book.  I'm sure you've all been there – wishing for bacteria and something that modern medicine can tackle.  Next Christmas I'm putting my kids in a bubble the month prior...well at least I'll try.

Where's a good place to go when you're sick this winter?  Como Zoo!  It's not busy (where you could infect other people) and it's a nice outside walk!  We've had more fun there than in any Mall this Holiday season!