3 Positive

 As predicted, Scott tested positive for Covid. Considering the innumerable opportunities for contacting the infection, I am not surprised. I am sure that, if tested, I would be positive as well. Thankfully I am asymptomatic!

Unfortunately Scott is not completely asymptomatic. He came home from his Covid test and went straight to bed, where he stayed for the rest of the day. He doesn't have a fever, but he is terribly fatigued. I'm hoping that lifts quickly and his energy begins to return. 

Timmy and Robby are slowly improving, but the recovery is taking longer than we anticipated. Robby's fever continues to hover between 100 and 101 and he continues to struggle with an intense cough at night. His appetite is slowly returning, and I'm hoping that his strength will follow.  Timmy's fever is consistently between 99.5 and 101, but he spends more time on the lower end of a fever than Robby. His coughing is subsiding and his appetite is returning.

Today will be another day of juggling work and nursing duties. From a selfish perspective, trying to take care of three sick people is starting to wear me down. I hope that everybody recovers soon!

A Very Long Week

 Last week was long, terrifying and exhausting. Both boys had high fevers due to Covid. I'm so angry because we did everything to keep them protected and safe, yet they still became infected. Logically I know that we didn't fail, but my heart aches that they were both so sick.

Timmy's fever began to fade on Saturday, allowing him to rest with more comfort and to begin to play. He still has a cough when he becomes too active, and his fever rises in the evening, but he is now functioning at about 80% capacity. 

Robby has been considerably sicker than Timmy. His fever went higher and stayed there for almost an entire week. Yesterday was the first time his temperature fell below 101.5. His cough is beginning to ease, although he continues to struggle at night.

After nearly a week locked away, Robby finally emerged from his room to shower and to sit with us at dinner. He continues to have no appetite (he probably lost at least 10 pounds), but I think he is slowly on the way to improvement. I suspect it is going to take him weeks to regain full strength. 

Scott is starting to feel ill, which is not surprising because of our close exposure. He is going to get tested today. Although I'm sure it will be positive I'm hoping that his symptoms are mild.  Covid stinks!

Still sick

 Yesterday both boys developed higher temperatures, harsher coughs and sharp headaches. I spent the day running between rooms, checking fevers and delivering water and medication. We took Robby to the doctor to discover that our area is experiencing a shortage of both Covid and flu tests. I have no idea if the boys have Covid, but I do know that they are very sick.

I hate seeing my boys so sick.

Sick x2

 Well, 2022 is not starting out strong. Yesterday morning boys were sporting high fevers, sore throats and annoying coughing fits. I spent the day shuffling between the boys fetching water, fever relief, a thermometer and any other comfort I could muster. Despite all of my efforts, they were miserable. Hopefully this is not indicative of the rest of the year.

To add insult to illness, yesterday we had the biggest snow in three years and Timmy was too sick to play. He was devastated that he couldn't throw snowballs or go sledding. In the middle of the afternoon I bundled him up to walk the dog, hoping that it would make him happy to at least feel the snow. Hamlet ended up wheezing within 20 seconds of the cold air hitting his face. 

I am hoping that the fevers come down this morning. I am not keen on going to a doctor right now, especially with the new strand wreaking havoc in our area. I'm hoping for colds that will wane quickly.

Pickle Drop

Thursday morning the boys and I piled into the car and headed to visit my Mom. (Robby was especially excited about spending New Year's Eve with his cousins.) I was worried about how Friend was going to socialize with my Mom's dogs, but it turns out that he is a go-with-the-flow pup, happy to sit on anybody who is sitting. 

Saturday we kicked off our New Year celebration by going to a splatter paint room. The kids, including Timmy, were practically giddy as they changed into their overalls for the paint fight. While they were throwing paint the glow of black lights I was watching them from the comfort of the lobby. I could see them on the live stream feed, but I could hear their squeals and giggles through the walls.

Unfortunately, I didn't plan well for this little adventure. The coveralls were only moderately effective to protect their clothing and all exposed skin was covered with colorful paint. I had them sit on plastic bags during the drive home. Thankfully it was warm so we were able to spray them down in the yard with the garden hose before allowing them inside.

After everybody was clean from the paint battle and Timmy was tucked into bed, the big kids and I went to a local New Year's Eve street party. They were hankering to see something drop at midnight, and I figured that the local dill pickle drop would fit the bill. (Yes, they actually dropped a large pickle themed character into a barrel at midnight.) 

I'm sure the organizers were disappointed, but I was delighted by the lack of crowds. We had a great time, dancing to music and waiting for the pickle to drop. After midnight we watched the fireworks and headed home. 

I don't know what 2022 will bring, but I do know that we started it with laughter and fun.

 

Back to Pain

My back has been tender for nearly a week. I am functional but cautious in my movements. Bending or twisting too quickly or at the wrong angle sends twinges of pain through my lower back and down my leg. I've tried ibuprofen, heat, ice and various rubs to little avail. 

Yesterday I was texting my prosthetist and I mentioned my back issues. After going back and forth, we are hypothesizing that my limb has shrunk and that I am sitting deeper into the socket, causing a height difference between my legs. I slipped an insert into the shoe on my prosthetic side to try to even the height and I immediately felt the difference. 

My back is still sore this morning, but the pain feels like the remnant of an issue instead of a nagging problem. I am crossing my fingers that I located the issue and that the twinges will continue to wane. Back pain is miserable!

3D Printer

 Yesterday was a day for assembly and setup.  Assembly day is always stressful. We have so many talents, but assembling little parts into a working machine are not among them. 21 years together has taught us that we will inevitably scrap and fight, but that all frustrations and transgressions are forgiven as soon as the task is done. Before beginning any assembly project we agree to harbor no hard feelings after the job is done.

We've assembled a lot of toys and items over the years, but putting together a 3D printer ranks among the most frustrating. The directions were lousy, with unclear drawings and minimal words. After working for nearly 40 minutes to put on the first piece, we finally brought out the computer and searched YouTube for assembly videos. 

After searching for a few minutes we found a video that walked us through the assembly slowly and with clear instructions. What an absolute godsend! At the end of the afternoon a task that was estimated (by the company) to take one hour ended up taking us three. But thanks to YouTube, we have a fully assembled 3D printer on the kitchen table. 

Today Robby and Scott will figure out how to use it, which will hopefully not be nearly as stressful as piecing it all together.  Wish them luck!