Zander has always been the kind of kid to join in. He hates being left out. No matter what. This attitude has always made him the center of attention. His latest experience is no different. He hasn't felt well for a couple of days, but nothing serious. Just tired and worn out. Then he felt a little warm to me one morning. This morning happened to be the second-to-last day of school, FIELD DAY, he wasn't about to miss it. So he didn't. That day I received an e-mail from the school announcing that they have had a case of Swine Flu. Oh great. Zander came home from school and felt great. However, the next morning his fever was pretty high and he told me with a quivering lip and tears welling in his big blue eyes "mom, I don't feel so good, I don't think I'm gonna make it to school today". I knew it was serious, this was the LAST day of school! Who misses that? One sick little boy, that's who. We made the 20 mile trek to see the doc, H1N1. Well, a 95% chance of having the H1N1 virus. Bummer.
So he knows he's sick and he knows how to milk it.
This is my little sicky enjoying the spoils of being pampered. Food in bed, videos, unlimited tv, cool rags on his forehead. Aah, the good life.
Aunt Ashley brought him a fun little care package. Piggy gum, a piggy puzzle and a cute piggy card.
The only problem with this is, we hadn't used the term "Swine Flu" in front of Zander yet. The only thing he and Vinny knew about it was what he had seen on the news. Scary warnings and people dying. So, they read the cute card from Ash and their faces fell. "Is it true?" Vinny asked. "Yep" I answered much too nonchalantly for his taste. Vince canceled his pending playdate and went straight into big brother protective mode. He swapped out Zander's cool forehead rags, brought him snacks and drinks, fluffed pillows, anything he needed.
Then he created signs for all of our doors to protect any visitors.
It wasn't until later that night when Zander asked "So, when am I going to die?".
WHAT?! Good grief! My boys actually thought that Zan was on his literal deathbed. Poor babies. He was in pretty good spirits considering he was sure he was terminal. Jerm and I assured them that everything was going to be just fine and Zander would get better soon. They were totally relieved. Then Vinny asked one last question.
"So, are you sure he won't grow a pig-nose?"
