Enforced rest

Today is my third day home from work, because Little Man has the stomach flu.  He is mostly better this morning, but was vomiting as recently as last night, so he's just not ready for a room full of other toddlers at school.  At least not in Mommy's opinion. 

Speaking of Mommy's opinions, I've had several interesting ones in the last three days.  First, I realized once again how much better it is for me not to be a stay at home mommy.  Only 3 days in, and I'm already struggling to make myself get showered and dressed today.  It's just that my PJs are soooooo very comfy!  :)

Second, and in total contradiction of the first, I cherish the flexibility of my schedule that allows me to take care of my child without penalty at work.  Even though we have a wonderful babysitter (3 cheers for Sarah Laptop!), the moment I got her message that Little Man had a fever on Wednesday morning, I started literally yearning to be home with my boy.  Now, Sarah is perfectly capable of caring for Little Man  even when he's sick.  And by the time I got home, she'd done exactly what I would have done: checked his temperature, given him a dose of medicine to reduce his fever, and a popsicle, and snuggled up with him on the couch, with blankey and his favorite cartoon to watch.  So, obviously other people can care for Little Man when he's ill; still, there is something in me, the mommy, that needs to be the one doing it.

Third, I love to snuggle!  Last night my 4-year-old, who is normally virtually unable to sit still, snuggled on my lap for four straight hours.  It was heaven.

Fourth, I remembered why I study at college instead of at home.  In three days, I've been able to read about four pages.  Of course, the mitigating circumstances of rushing Little Man to the toilet or the sink every 15 or 20 minutes might have something to do with it.  On the other hand, it's just plain hard to get into the mindset of studying when the house is messy, Little Man is sick and bored, etc., etc.

So, an enforced rest at home with my Little Man.   Glad for the chance to be nothing but Mommy for a few days.