sickness slays our family

We decided to have Elie start day care in September. This is mainly because I need a break. I do not know how other stay-at-home-moms do it. I feel like I cannot get anything done, because I either have errands to run, I need to entertain Elie, or I need to make sure Elie doesn't hurt herself. This means I have found no time for things like cleaning house (which has been remedied by us hiring a house cleaner) or cleaning out the house (which really can only be done by me).

I realize that I am incredibly privileged. I can only imagine that working would be even harder--because you just want to come home and rest. But honestly, after spending the day with Elie, when Fede comes home, I want to rest. And when Elie goes to sleep, I just want to hop on the computer to get some stuff done (and aimlessly surf the Internet). I have no energy for much of anything. It's terrible.

Anyway, Elie will be in day care for only two days a week. Her first week, she cried the entire morning. Her teacher called her "strong willed." I suppose that's one way to put it. The second week, Elie was sick. Oy--and this sickness was the worst. It would seem to go away during the day, and then the fever would come back at night. The poor girl barely eats anything--although she still nurses (good thing I didn't stop--even though I was trying to).

Meanwhile, I am sleeping with her every night. Needless to say, I got sick too--and my back and neck hurt from sleeping in uncomfortable positions (Elie is not the nicest bed partner). Fede managed to avoid the pestilence for a few days--but ultimately got sick too. At one point, the three of us were so miserable, we could imagine the headlines: Family Slayed by Deadly Virus.

But we are gradually on the mend. Arguably, day care is what brought this horrifying virus into our home. I can only hope the next illness Elie picks up is not quite so potent. Let's also hope that immune system of hers gets stronger with each illness.