Side note: I know there are some of you out there who will read this and cringe; you may even want to tell me all about delayed vaccination schedules, or give me your opinion on why we shouldn't vaccinate at all, but please don't. I am admittedly hesitant about all these shots, but we absolutely can't risk not protecting him from things that could be life-threatening for him. Thanks in advance for respecting our decision to do what we feel is best for our son.
Those shots were our first step in attempting to keep Ethan well during the cold and flu season. I've joked that he probably won't see sunlight from now until March and I suppose that will be the case, to some degree. We missed out on the State Fair this year because my "germy" 6th sense kicked in (we also had few nurse friends advise us that he definitely should not enter such a cesspool of nastiness -- my words, not theirs).
I wipe him down with a WetOne each time a stranger touches him, and I think twice about touching door handles and sinks. I wash my hands a couple thousand times a day and give my students "air handshakes". I've become a total germ-a-phobe, but I'm determined to do everything in my power to keep Ethan as healthy as can be.
All of this has already started to affect our social life. We haven't taken any family trips to anywhere other than church. We run all of our errands while the other is home to stay with Ethan. We really haven't hung out with our friends at all, and at times it seems like we're the only company we have. After a while, that gets really old. I love my boys, but there are nights I need my girls. There are times Jeramie and I just need each other. Then, there are other times that it would be so nice to go out as a family without worrying about what Ethan could catch.
We had a big day today, and there were many times I was super aware of our surroundings. However, celebrating a new marriage, having dinner with friends, and doing some shopping, all as one big, happy family was just what the doctor ordered.
It's going to take a few more days like today to get me through the next 6 months. I pray that I can be protective and wise, without being overly worried. I pray that Jeramie and I will find ways to connect, regardless of limited resources or personal fears. Most of all, I pray that Ethan will remain the strong, happy, healthy baby that he is right now.
6 comments:
Glad ya'll had a day OUT! We had a day in. We will have to hang out inside sometime soon! :)
There's nothing wrong with being protective. He deserves all he can get.
I am totally with you on the vaccines. We're still waiting on word that our Synagis has arrived. We kept C pretty much at home last year between Christmas and March... it's so hard!
I'm so with you about the vaccinations. All my other kids I did a delayed schedule but Izzy changed all that. We too are on a lock down for the season. Well as much as we can given we have 4 kids in school. I feel sometimes like it's not fair to them that they can't have friends over to play but I look at my little miracle and suddenly it's all small stuff. My other kids will understand if not now then as they get older. I think the lockdown is harder on dreary days like we've been having lately. Soon enough we'll have snow and sunshine :) Hang in there (sometimes barely, I know) and know we are all praying for you!
I've got a 2 year old with multiple CHD's, some repaired, some not. This will be our 3rd winter/germ season of becoming hermits and avoiding contact with germy people and germy places. We do have healthy people over in small numbers. We sanitize everything all the time. We run errands alone. But it's worth it.
And I'm with you on the vaccines, we simply cannot risk it just like you.
Oh how I know the feeling of being trapped by the walls of your house...it's totally worth it though! Our kiddos were not sick at all last winter (okay 1 ear infection for Addison but that's it!). You will grow to love your "house" outfits...they are way more comfortable anyways!!!! And you will never be so excited to go to the post office and bank! :) On a serious note, it is tough, but Ethan will thank you! Praying that the winter flies by!!!
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