Contrast

Chris and I are fighting nasty, nasty colds right now. Being sick as a parent of two makes me long for the days of youth when being sick was completely different.

When you're sick as a child: (Keep in mind I'm talking mild acute illness and when you're old enough to understand you're sick)
1.)You get to stay home. Mom and Dad ran all of the errands. As an adult, you still have to have to get a few things to keep you going - including meds and the work at work is always there. No elves or fairies to do it for you.
2.)Mom and Dad got you 7-up and soda crackers to ease your tummy aches. As an adult, you don't want your 2 year old seeing you drinking 7-up because they'll want some.
3.)You could sleep ALL day if you wanted to. As an adult, you still have to wake up at the crack of dawn with your kiddos and naps are a rarity.
4.)When you're not sleeping, you get to watch TV - whatever show you want, for however long you want. As an adult, rather than running around playing with your kids, best to entertain them with hours on end of Disney and PBS kids.
5.)You gets lots of sympathy and well wishes. As an adult, you're kids just don't know and you're lucky if they aren't extra whiny or at least seemingly so and no one wants to hear you complain or blog about how sick you are. ;)
6.)Mom and Dad take care of you and bring you everything...no having to get up extra for restroom breaks. As an adult, you get to take care of yourself - you still have to get up...especially to wash your hands each time after you blow your nose so as not to infect the uninfected.
7.)You can really milk every cough, every sneeze and every low-grade fever. As an adult, you muffle your sneezes, cover up your coughs and go to the other room to blow your nose, especially if your baby sleeps in the same room as you at night.

Actually, while it's really hard with both of us being sick, at least Ava and Elise are still well. Also, I haven't been sick since Elise has been born which is a blessing on its own. It also makes me appreciate when everyone is well. Oh, and my mom did come over yesterday while Chris was at work to help out and keep us company. Plus - the last few nights after the kids have gone to bed, we've been re-watching the 3rd season of The Office on dvd in anticipation of the 4th season next week!