There has been a cable/internet bill sitting on our counter for three weeks that is $28 higher than it should be. It is a point of contention between M and me.
He feels that I have more "free" time during the day and, therefore, should be the one to wrangle with our provider over the incorrect fees that we have been charged.
I feel that I do not have all of the "free" time that he thinks that I do. He gets an hour lunch break. That's plenty of time to call the company.
In case you can't tell, this is about more than a cable/internet bill. This has become more of a battle of wills and principals. I do not feel that I am being valued and I don't think that M sees the "work" that I do as being as important as the work that he does. I feel as if I do a hundred and one things during the day, but he only seems to notice the things that I don't get to.
I feel as if we both are working hard, but I often don't feel as if my efforts are being appreciated. I feel as if I have to justify my time to M (why, for example, I had time to go to a play date but not straighten out the bill) and that makes me feel like a rebellious teenager. I know this is not the mature, responsible way to behave, but I feel as if this is the only way that I can make my point. (For the record, I already tried to straighten the bill out once, and it wasn't done properly and I had to listen to M complain about that for a half hour.)
So the bill has just sat there. Until last night.
M came home, in a bit of a thundercloud mood to begin with, and was already complaining before he hit the door. I hadn't broken the cardboard down before I put it in the recycling bin, I hadn't gotten the mail, blah, blah, blah. So, when he spied the offending piece of paper, still untouched on the counter, it was game on.
What I hate most about our arguments lately is that a lot of them take place in front of Will. My parents rarely fought in front of my siblings and me, to the point where I can actually remember the occasional times that they did arge. I remember the sick feeling in my tummy when they did fight, and I don't want him to have to feel like that. Although, to be fair, he was too busy banging his sippy cup on the tray and stuffing turkey in his mouth to seem bothered. But still!
Looks like the honeymoon phase from our anniversary trip is over.
*Author's Disclaimer: Writing this post has not been part of my "free" time. I have had to stop once to change a diaper, twice to play peek-a-boo, and have held Will on my lap for the rest of the time. A post that probably took five minutes to read took over an hour to put together. LOL!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Go Get Some Chicken!
Why I love my readers. . .
In Search of Morning Sickness asked me my secret to having shiny hair in the comments after the last post. I almost fell off of my chair, I was laughing so hard.
My hair has pretty much always irritated me. I always wanted the shiny locks of hair that others' had. I remember watching a friend in high school just take her hair, twist it up into a messy ponytail, and it looked amazing. In literally fifteen seconds. If I spent my entire day styling my hair, it wouldn't look as artful and stylish as that quick sweep of her hand did on her head.
My hair is half curly, half straight, all frizzy. It is an uninteresting shade of brown with way too many grays thrown in. I feel as if my hair has multiple personality disorder at times. I wish that it would either be curly or straight. This both business is frustrating.
I will say that I have come to terms with my lackluster locks. Over the course of time, I have found some things that seem to "tame the beast."
I use Hea.d and Shoul.ders shampoo and conditioner (two separate bottles, not the combined). Yeah, the anti-dandruff stuff. I don't really have problems with dandruff, but I think that it makes my hair the shiniest of anything else that I have used, even fancy, salon stuff.
After I wash and towel it dry, I use Ti.gi Con.trol Freek serum ($16 for the bottle, lasts for freaking ever). Just a couple of drops! I also use Ti.gi Spoi.l Me defrizzer. It's in a tall green bottle. It's kind of spendy ($18 for one bottle), but it does last a few months and I use it liberally. It's also great for restyling your hair on a day when you don't want to wash it.
And I use a round, spiky brush and blow dry the living daylights out of it. That's about it.
Oh, yeah, and the reason for the title of this post. Go here to download your free coupon for K.FC's new grilled chicken, courtesy of O.prah. You can print out four coupons for two piece meals, with two sides, and a biscuit. Talk about finger-lickin' good! You can only download the coupon until this afternoon, but then it is good until May 19th. Go forth and eat free chicken!
In Search of Morning Sickness asked me my secret to having shiny hair in the comments after the last post. I almost fell off of my chair, I was laughing so hard.
My hair has pretty much always irritated me. I always wanted the shiny locks of hair that others' had. I remember watching a friend in high school just take her hair, twist it up into a messy ponytail, and it looked amazing. In literally fifteen seconds. If I spent my entire day styling my hair, it wouldn't look as artful and stylish as that quick sweep of her hand did on her head.
My hair is half curly, half straight, all frizzy. It is an uninteresting shade of brown with way too many grays thrown in. I feel as if my hair has multiple personality disorder at times. I wish that it would either be curly or straight. This both business is frustrating.
I will say that I have come to terms with my lackluster locks. Over the course of time, I have found some things that seem to "tame the beast."
I use Hea.d and Shoul.ders shampoo and conditioner (two separate bottles, not the combined). Yeah, the anti-dandruff stuff. I don't really have problems with dandruff, but I think that it makes my hair the shiniest of anything else that I have used, even fancy, salon stuff.
After I wash and towel it dry, I use Ti.gi Con.trol Freek serum ($16 for the bottle, lasts for freaking ever). Just a couple of drops! I also use Ti.gi Spoi.l Me defrizzer. It's in a tall green bottle. It's kind of spendy ($18 for one bottle), but it does last a few months and I use it liberally. It's also great for restyling your hair on a day when you don't want to wash it.
And I use a round, spiky brush and blow dry the living daylights out of it. That's about it.
Oh, yeah, and the reason for the title of this post. Go here to download your free coupon for K.FC's new grilled chicken, courtesy of O.prah. You can print out four coupons for two piece meals, with two sides, and a biscuit. Talk about finger-lickin' good! You can only download the coupon until this afternoon, but then it is good until May 19th. Go forth and eat free chicken!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I'll Have What She's Having
For a few weeks now, Will has been eating "big people" food. Small pieces of cheese, turkey, and cut up steamed veggies, etc. Now we have started a whole new era of Will-eating. He and I have started eating the same things for breakfast and lunch. I don't know why, but I really think it's so adorable, making us the same breakfast and lunches and then sitting down and eating them together.
It started with a trip to Cost.co, where the sample lady "talked me into" giving him some chicken nugget (or it could have been that I was pushing a trip to the grocery store in before going home to have lunch and he was S-T-A-R-V-I-N-G). I broke it into tiny pieces and he gobbled up my sample and his. I bought a bag, we went home, and shared a plate of them and a baked potato.
Then it was the multigrain mini pancakes from Safe.way and then the O-rganic flaxseed blueberry waffles. Soon after that, low-fat turkey breakfast sausage and small bites of canteloupe.
Yesterday, it was grilled cheese on whole grain bread (no butter), garlic potato wedges, and fruit - his obviously cut into much smaller pieces than mine. We sat there, eating our respective lunches, and it was so cute. At one point, he offered me a "bite" of his sandwich, so I gave him a "bite" of mine. Adorable!
He still is eating pureed foods, but about 75% of his meal is self-fed now. It isn't as messy as I thought it would be, as he is quickly developing his pincer grasp and is very adept at getting the food from tray to mouth. The dogs stand by patiently, gobbling up whatever he misses.
He hasn't quite figured out the "fun" of throwing food. He will take his sippy cup and bang it on the tray, crushing cheerios, mashing green beans, and scattering graham cracker crumbs everywhere. He thinks this is quite the game, and when I tell him no, no, it seems to incite further banging. Taking the cup away works for now, but I know it won't be long before he protests that maneuver.
But despite the occasional spills, the cup-banging, and of course, the laundry, I love the fact that he is eating more and more "big people" food. It's just another way he is seeming more and more grown up each and every day.
It started with a trip to Cost.co, where the sample lady "talked me into" giving him some chicken nugget (or it could have been that I was pushing a trip to the grocery store in before going home to have lunch and he was S-T-A-R-V-I-N-G). I broke it into tiny pieces and he gobbled up my sample and his. I bought a bag, we went home, and shared a plate of them and a baked potato.
Then it was the multigrain mini pancakes from Safe.way and then the O-rganic flaxseed blueberry waffles. Soon after that, low-fat turkey breakfast sausage and small bites of canteloupe.
Yesterday, it was grilled cheese on whole grain bread (no butter), garlic potato wedges, and fruit - his obviously cut into much smaller pieces than mine. We sat there, eating our respective lunches, and it was so cute. At one point, he offered me a "bite" of his sandwich, so I gave him a "bite" of mine. Adorable!
He still is eating pureed foods, but about 75% of his meal is self-fed now. It isn't as messy as I thought it would be, as he is quickly developing his pincer grasp and is very adept at getting the food from tray to mouth. The dogs stand by patiently, gobbling up whatever he misses.
He hasn't quite figured out the "fun" of throwing food. He will take his sippy cup and bang it on the tray, crushing cheerios, mashing green beans, and scattering graham cracker crumbs everywhere. He thinks this is quite the game, and when I tell him no, no, it seems to incite further banging. Taking the cup away works for now, but I know it won't be long before he protests that maneuver.
But despite the occasional spills, the cup-banging, and of course, the laundry, I love the fact that he is eating more and more "big people" food. It's just another way he is seeming more and more grown up each and every day.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Coming Home
So, we survived. All of us. Will, M, Grandma. And me.
Saturday morning, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I had packed Will on Friday, but I packed and repacked twice more that morning, just to be sure that he had everything that he might possibly need.
After dropping the dogs and their favorite boarding place (really, it's like a hotel for dogs, they LOVE it), we headed the hour north to Bellingham, WA, where my in-laws live.
Bellingham is special to M and me, because we both were students at Western Washington University, and that is where we met our senior year. When M proposed, he took me back up to campus. His plan had been to propose to me in the same classroom where we first met. He had even called ahead to make sure it would be vacant at a certain time. However, when we got there, a class was in session. I remember laughing because I was pretty sure what was up and he got all upset when there was a class in the room. . . I had to gently remind him that it is a school, after all! I just remember how nervous he was and that he took his coat even though it was a warm day, since the ring was in his coat pocket. Since M never takes a coat anywhere (he is a shorts and sandals guy the minute it turns March), I was even more suspicious. So, after the classroom mix up, he took me all over campus, trying to find other "meaningful" spots. Finally, we went back to our car, and he was thinking about taking me to my old apartment and proposing in the hallway where we first kissed. But then he saw it. . .
Probably the least romantic spot for a proposal when you think it terms of aesthetics. There was an old cement tunnel that connected the campus to the commuter parking lots. This is where M first asked me out on a date by saying, "Do you have plans for tomorrow night?"
So, when we got to the tunnel, I suddenly knew that this was where "it" was going to happen. Sure enough, he proposed to me right there, surrounded by cement, chain link fence, weeds, and a little of our own history. He asked me, "Do you have plans for the rest of your life?" It was a perfect moment. I don't think he could have picked a better place. About a minute after the ring was on my finger, a passing student offered to take our picture.
Gosh, we were so young there.
Clearly, Bellingham has some strong ties for us. It's also really convenient, because M's family all lives there, so we even had some babysitters in town. In particular, M's mom, who has been begging and pleading for the opportunity to watch Will for a night. So, in we came, with bags of food, clothes, toys. . . oh, and of course, the baby! We got everything set up, and based on the advice of several friends, we didn't linger. While Will was happily stuffing his face with his latest favorite food (homemade mac & cheese), we kissed him good-bye and beat a hasty retreat.
We stayed at this nice hotel, the same place where we stayed the weekend that M proposed to me. It is located within walking distance of a historic part of town, Fairhaven, where there are lots of shops and restaurants. We walked around, ate a fantastic lunch, and then did some wine tasting. After that, we went back to the hotel to relax a bit, before heading out to an amazing dinner.
It was a really good time, and there were moments where I *almost* forgot we even had a baby (not really). I didn't get teary eyed when we left and we didn't even call once (okay, so I texted once and she sent a text video, but that doesn't count. . . right?). It was what we needed to reconnect and focus on just each other and remember why us two crazy kids even fell in love in the first place.
The next morning, we woke up early (it's a habit by this point), had breakfast, and went to get Will. I was like a little kid, bouncing up and down in the seat and clapping my hands in glee. M laughed at me, but I was so excited to see Will that it was ridiculous! He was asleep on his grandma when we arrived, so I had to wait a little longer to get my eager hands on him. But when he woke up, oh, what a smile he gave me and he leaned towards me with his chubby arms outstretched. And that was when I cried. When he was in my arms again and his little body was curled into mine, I lost it a bit. Not rivers of tears or anything, and with Grandma, Nana, and M watching (and laughing at me again), I kept my emotions mostly in check, but oh, it felt like heaven to have that little boy in my arms again. It felt like home.
But I think that's the best part about going away, even for less than 24 hours. After a rest and some adult time, I was so ready to have him back. Not that I was really ready to give him up, but being a full time mom 100% of the time is more wearing than I think I even realize. I don't think I know how "on duty" I am at all times until I am not. I am eager for this responsibility, don't get me wrong, but I think it's only human to need an occasional respite. And I truly feel as if I am rejuvenated and a better mom for it now.
Of course, I need to keep this in mind. I turn (shhhh. . . .) thirty this year and M has planned a two day weekend trip for us three whole hours away from Will. I get nervous just thinking about it. This weekend was kind of a training exercise for the big event that happens in just a month's time.
But considering how well this weekend went, I think I will be ready. Or at least be able to fake it.
Saturday morning, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I had packed Will on Friday, but I packed and repacked twice more that morning, just to be sure that he had everything that he might possibly need.
After dropping the dogs and their favorite boarding place (really, it's like a hotel for dogs, they LOVE it), we headed the hour north to Bellingham, WA, where my in-laws live.
Bellingham is special to M and me, because we both were students at Western Washington University, and that is where we met our senior year. When M proposed, he took me back up to campus. His plan had been to propose to me in the same classroom where we first met. He had even called ahead to make sure it would be vacant at a certain time. However, when we got there, a class was in session. I remember laughing because I was pretty sure what was up and he got all upset when there was a class in the room. . . I had to gently remind him that it is a school, after all! I just remember how nervous he was and that he took his coat even though it was a warm day, since the ring was in his coat pocket. Since M never takes a coat anywhere (he is a shorts and sandals guy the minute it turns March), I was even more suspicious. So, after the classroom mix up, he took me all over campus, trying to find other "meaningful" spots. Finally, we went back to our car, and he was thinking about taking me to my old apartment and proposing in the hallway where we first kissed. But then he saw it. . .
Probably the least romantic spot for a proposal when you think it terms of aesthetics. There was an old cement tunnel that connected the campus to the commuter parking lots. This is where M first asked me out on a date by saying, "Do you have plans for tomorrow night?"
So, when we got to the tunnel, I suddenly knew that this was where "it" was going to happen. Sure enough, he proposed to me right there, surrounded by cement, chain link fence, weeds, and a little of our own history. He asked me, "Do you have plans for the rest of your life?" It was a perfect moment. I don't think he could have picked a better place. About a minute after the ring was on my finger, a passing student offered to take our picture.
Gosh, we were so young there. Clearly, Bellingham has some strong ties for us. It's also really convenient, because M's family all lives there, so we even had some babysitters in town. In particular, M's mom, who has been begging and pleading for the opportunity to watch Will for a night. So, in we came, with bags of food, clothes, toys. . . oh, and of course, the baby! We got everything set up, and based on the advice of several friends, we didn't linger. While Will was happily stuffing his face with his latest favorite food (homemade mac & cheese), we kissed him good-bye and beat a hasty retreat.
We stayed at this nice hotel, the same place where we stayed the weekend that M proposed to me. It is located within walking distance of a historic part of town, Fairhaven, where there are lots of shops and restaurants. We walked around, ate a fantastic lunch, and then did some wine tasting. After that, we went back to the hotel to relax a bit, before heading out to an amazing dinner.
It was a really good time, and there were moments where I *almost* forgot we even had a baby (not really). I didn't get teary eyed when we left and we didn't even call once (okay, so I texted once and she sent a text video, but that doesn't count. . . right?). It was what we needed to reconnect and focus on just each other and remember why us two crazy kids even fell in love in the first place.
The next morning, we woke up early (it's a habit by this point), had breakfast, and went to get Will. I was like a little kid, bouncing up and down in the seat and clapping my hands in glee. M laughed at me, but I was so excited to see Will that it was ridiculous! He was asleep on his grandma when we arrived, so I had to wait a little longer to get my eager hands on him. But when he woke up, oh, what a smile he gave me and he leaned towards me with his chubby arms outstretched. And that was when I cried. When he was in my arms again and his little body was curled into mine, I lost it a bit. Not rivers of tears or anything, and with Grandma, Nana, and M watching (and laughing at me again), I kept my emotions mostly in check, but oh, it felt like heaven to have that little boy in my arms again. It felt like home.
But I think that's the best part about going away, even for less than 24 hours. After a rest and some adult time, I was so ready to have him back. Not that I was really ready to give him up, but being a full time mom 100% of the time is more wearing than I think I even realize. I don't think I know how "on duty" I am at all times until I am not. I am eager for this responsibility, don't get me wrong, but I think it's only human to need an occasional respite. And I truly feel as if I am rejuvenated and a better mom for it now.
Of course, I need to keep this in mind. I turn (shhhh. . . .) thirty this year and M has planned a two day weekend trip for us three whole hours away from Will. I get nervous just thinking about it. This weekend was kind of a training exercise for the big event that happens in just a month's time.
But considering how well this weekend went, I think I will be ready. Or at least be able to fake it.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Happy Anniversary, M
I don't even know that M reads this blog anymore. When I was pregnant, he occasionally stopped by to look at the Widget and find out what was happening with the baby on any given day.
But if you look here, Sweetheart, I want you to know that I love you. I am glad that we didn't let infertility beat us, and I have every faith that we can conquer any battles that lay ahead.
Thank you for being my partner for these past six years (and before) and for sharing in the great gift and adventure of parenthood.
You are an amazing father and a wonderful husband and I love you with all of my heart.
But if you look here, Sweetheart, I want you to know that I love you. I am glad that we didn't let infertility beat us, and I have every faith that we can conquer any battles that lay ahead.
Thank you for being my partner for these past six years (and before) and for sharing in the great gift and adventure of parenthood.
You are an amazing father and a wonderful husband and I love you with all of my heart.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Another Step
So today marks something rather important in the life of Will. . .
It will be the first night that we spend apart.
I know for many of you, it is probably borderline ridiculous that this will be the first time Will is away from me for an overnight. But perhaps some of you can identify with the feelings rioting through me as I type all the "Willisms" and pack him for his night at Grandma's.
He had I have been together for a long time. . . since that fateful day in December 2007 that two little embryos were transferred to my womb, he has been a physical part of me. We have spent day time apart from each other, but to be honest, I believe the longest that I have ever been away from him is about six hours. . . and he was with M. The longest he has ever been with someone besides M is about three.
So part of me is really excited. It feels good to know that he will be in capable hands and that I can eat a hot meal. While it's hot. With both of my hands! It feels really good to know that I will be able to sleep all night without worry that he will wake up. I can sleep in! I can take a hot bath and not have to get out midway through! I can have a conversation with my husband that is not punctuated with side notes about poopy diapers and goo goo ga ga. As I posted earlier this week, our marriage could really use some TLC. We are heading to a really romantic spa hotel about ten minutes from my in laws, it is the same place where we spent the weekend that we got engaged. It should be a good time to rekindle some romance. So, I am grateful for a grandmother that is begging to spend a night with our son, and looking forward to spending adult time with M.
Part of me is scared, scared that he will need me and I won't be there. Scared that he won't miss me at all and I will feel expendable (hey, it's a feeling, it's there, and it's honest). More scared that he won't sleep at all, or that he won't eat at all, or that he will be sad and cry the whole time. I know these fears are probably very unreasonable. He has been left several times with my mother-in-law and has never had that reaction. And there has never on this earth been a grandmother so devoted to the happiness and well-being of her grandson. If she had to, she would hold him all night, never thinking of rest for herself, probably not even go to the bathroom!
And when I said that I am typing up all of the "Willisms," I am not kidding. I have a binder of information and even a Quick Facts Sheet, in case she doesn't want to spend the entire weekend reading said binder. I have packed way too many clothes, way too much food, and a gazillion books and toys to aid in his entertainment. And don't even get me started on the other things, like tub toys, lotions, ointments, teething tablets, etc. You would not believe the pile of stuff heading north for one night.
One thing I am determined not to pack, however, are these feelings of Mommy guilt. We deserve this time to ourselves, we deserve to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. And Will deserves to get some indepence and spend some time with his adoring grandmother and great-grandmother.
So, here he goes. . . with a binder, ten suitcases (only slightly exaggerating), and my heart . . .
It will be the first night that we spend apart.
I know for many of you, it is probably borderline ridiculous that this will be the first time Will is away from me for an overnight. But perhaps some of you can identify with the feelings rioting through me as I type all the "Willisms" and pack him for his night at Grandma's.
He had I have been together for a long time. . . since that fateful day in December 2007 that two little embryos were transferred to my womb, he has been a physical part of me. We have spent day time apart from each other, but to be honest, I believe the longest that I have ever been away from him is about six hours. . . and he was with M. The longest he has ever been with someone besides M is about three.
So part of me is really excited. It feels good to know that he will be in capable hands and that I can eat a hot meal. While it's hot. With both of my hands! It feels really good to know that I will be able to sleep all night without worry that he will wake up. I can sleep in! I can take a hot bath and not have to get out midway through! I can have a conversation with my husband that is not punctuated with side notes about poopy diapers and goo goo ga ga. As I posted earlier this week, our marriage could really use some TLC. We are heading to a really romantic spa hotel about ten minutes from my in laws, it is the same place where we spent the weekend that we got engaged. It should be a good time to rekindle some romance. So, I am grateful for a grandmother that is begging to spend a night with our son, and looking forward to spending adult time with M.
Part of me is scared, scared that he will need me and I won't be there. Scared that he won't miss me at all and I will feel expendable (hey, it's a feeling, it's there, and it's honest). More scared that he won't sleep at all, or that he won't eat at all, or that he will be sad and cry the whole time. I know these fears are probably very unreasonable. He has been left several times with my mother-in-law and has never had that reaction. And there has never on this earth been a grandmother so devoted to the happiness and well-being of her grandson. If she had to, she would hold him all night, never thinking of rest for herself, probably not even go to the bathroom!
And when I said that I am typing up all of the "Willisms," I am not kidding. I have a binder of information and even a Quick Facts Sheet, in case she doesn't want to spend the entire weekend reading said binder. I have packed way too many clothes, way too much food, and a gazillion books and toys to aid in his entertainment. And don't even get me started on the other things, like tub toys, lotions, ointments, teething tablets, etc. You would not believe the pile of stuff heading north for one night.
One thing I am determined not to pack, however, are these feelings of Mommy guilt. We deserve this time to ourselves, we deserve to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. And Will deserves to get some indepence and spend some time with his adoring grandmother and great-grandmother.
So, here he goes. . . with a binder, ten suitcases (only slightly exaggerating), and my heart . . .
Friday, May 1, 2009
Well, He's Not Oinking Yet*
I swear, the statistical bullet really comes up and bites you on the arse when you least expect it.
This article goes into more details, but to keep it simple there are now officially 141 cases of Swine Flu in the United States. The population of the U.S. (as of July 2008 and according to this site) is 304,059, 724. Now, I am no math genius, but I do have a calculator and when I divide 141 by the population you get 0.0000046%. That is the current percentage of our country's population that has Swine Flu.
Now, even taking that small percentage into account, if you live in one of the nineteen infected states (which is a 38% chance - who knew calculators would be such fun?!), then your likelihood of knowing someone with the Swine Flu would increase, right? Well, not necessarily, as the population of Washington State is 5,894,121. There are six cases in our state, which makes that only 0.000001% of our state's population. However, when the local news started telling us on Wednesday that two of those six cases were in our county (and M joked that the arrow on the map was directly pointing at our house), you have to figure that your chances increase again, right?
Again, not really. The population of our county is 635,655, which means that 0.0000031% of our population has Swine Flu. So really, our chances of knowing someone with the Swine Flu are about the same as everyone else. But surely, you must have figured out where this was going, right?
Yep. So, we know someone with the Swine Flu. I guess it's really not that odd, considering my affinity for being part of small statistical samples.
Okay, so we know someone who has the Swine Flu. But what would the odds be that we had seen that person during the incubation period of 1 - 7 days?
Well, if that person was your child's pediatrician and your child had been in their office for treatment of a sinus infection, then those odds go up rather dramatically. . . to say, oh, 100%. Fortunately, our pediatrician was all booked up on Friday, and we saw a different doctor. However, because we were still in the building and interacted with people that had interacted with her, we are still considered "exposed."
Now, nobody panic! (You mean, like I did, yesterday?) That incubation period of 1 - 7 days is up today and Will has shown no signs of the virus. He is still very nasally congested, but that has been the case for three weeks now. He has no fever, no chest congestion, and no nasty diapers. Believe me, we are watching him like the proverbial hawk. As of noon today, it will have been seven days and, according to the CDC, we can breathe a sigh of relief.
Of course, you know I will update you if anything should change, but it appears we are getting pretty darn good at dodging those bullets!
*I do not mean any disrespect by this title. I know there have been deaths from this virus and that it is not a laughing matter if you contract it. However, there is a point where one can either laugh or cry and I am choosing laughter.
This article goes into more details, but to keep it simple there are now officially 141 cases of Swine Flu in the United States. The population of the U.S. (as of July 2008 and according to this site) is 304,059, 724. Now, I am no math genius, but I do have a calculator and when I divide 141 by the population you get 0.0000046%. That is the current percentage of our country's population that has Swine Flu.
Now, even taking that small percentage into account, if you live in one of the nineteen infected states (which is a 38% chance - who knew calculators would be such fun?!), then your likelihood of knowing someone with the Swine Flu would increase, right? Well, not necessarily, as the population of Washington State is 5,894,121. There are six cases in our state, which makes that only 0.000001% of our state's population. However, when the local news started telling us on Wednesday that two of those six cases were in our county (and M joked that the arrow on the map was directly pointing at our house), you have to figure that your chances increase again, right?
Again, not really. The population of our county is 635,655, which means that 0.0000031% of our population has Swine Flu. So really, our chances of knowing someone with the Swine Flu are about the same as everyone else. But surely, you must have figured out where this was going, right?
Yep. So, we know someone with the Swine Flu. I guess it's really not that odd, considering my affinity for being part of small statistical samples.
Okay, so we know someone who has the Swine Flu. But what would the odds be that we had seen that person during the incubation period of 1 - 7 days?
Well, if that person was your child's pediatrician and your child had been in their office for treatment of a sinus infection, then those odds go up rather dramatically. . . to say, oh, 100%. Fortunately, our pediatrician was all booked up on Friday, and we saw a different doctor. However, because we were still in the building and interacted with people that had interacted with her, we are still considered "exposed."
Now, nobody panic! (You mean, like I did, yesterday?) That incubation period of 1 - 7 days is up today and Will has shown no signs of the virus. He is still very nasally congested, but that has been the case for three weeks now. He has no fever, no chest congestion, and no nasty diapers. Believe me, we are watching him like the proverbial hawk. As of noon today, it will have been seven days and, according to the CDC, we can breathe a sigh of relief.
Of course, you know I will update you if anything should change, but it appears we are getting pretty darn good at dodging those bullets!
*I do not mean any disrespect by this title. I know there have been deaths from this virus and that it is not a laughing matter if you contract it. However, there is a point where one can either laugh or cry and I am choosing laughter.
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