Sickos

I think we can remove the hazmat tape from around the house now. This cold that has had a grip on my little family for the past 12 or so days is finally easing up. We all still have a cough and a sniffle or two, but we're starting to perk back up.

I spent the evening with some girlfriends at book club, and Seth was riveted to know that the biggest topic of discussion was the swine flu. What can I say, it's on everyone's minds these days. I am worried that if the cold and flu season is off to such a big start so early that it can only mean lots of snotty noses and coughs in our future. Ugh. I am stilling having a bit of PTSD from last winter, but maybe that's because of the newborn fog I was in.

So as not to disappoint, I'm just going to assume that when we all get well is when the next bug will strike. To ready myself, I'm building a war chest. Contents to include:

• Cold medicine
• Thermometer
• Cough medicine
• Tea
• Honey
• Humidifier
• At least two back-up meals in the pantry or freezer at all times
• Get-out-of-jail-free card

This last one is a long-shot, I know, but heaven help me if I, too, get the ick the same time as the rest of the family again. Moms should get immunity. Period.

My friend Kim said that she was mentioning to her husband that she hoped her kiddos didn't get the flu, and his response was that he hoped she didn't get the flu. So true, so true.

So ladies, let's get ready for a doozie of a season. And don't forget to call for reinforcements if it gets too tough in the trenches. I think it's the only way we're going to survive this one.