And I thought Aunt Flo was a terrible houseguest--

Just last Wednesday, my friend Jane was here, and I was telling her how Mr W and Nolan had fallen ill.   That the other kids were not feeling so well, either.

She indicated that I was probably next, and I joked that "Mommy's not allowed to get sick."

Geez, what the hell was I thinking?  I may as well as started jumping up and down, sign over my head, tempting the Sick Fates, "Me next!  Me next!!"

I may have not been next, but I was on the waiting list.  Late that night, I was up at 2:30 am with Ben, patting his back, talking him through throwing up.  I went back to bed, a little smug that I was hopefully going to be sitting this one out. 

I woke up an hour later with the realization that not only would I not be sitting this one out, but I'd be lucky to get through it without waking the neighbors. 

Let's just say I had a long night.  A long night of running to the bathroom and reacquainting myself with the insides of the toilet.  Hmm. Missed a spot.  

I threw up so many times, with such ferocity, that I looked like I'd had too many drinks in the sun--my face was red, my eyes were red, I was a mess.   I would've burst into tears when Mr W went out the door to work (don't leave me don't leave me don't leave me) but I just didn't have the energy. 

Ben and I lay in my room, holding hands and taking turns placating Audrey. (Translation:  Letting her have whatever she wanted as long as it meant I didn't have to get up...she could've been doing shots of tequila in the kitchen with the cats, and wouldn't have noticed or cared.  Luckily, she stuck to popsicles.)   Lovely girl, occasionally, I'd feel her pat my head, or just curl up next to me. 

Otherwise, the day is lost to me.  Mainly because my husband knew I was in bad shape, and he came home as soon as he could.  He picked up the kids from school (thank God) and later took the well ones out to eat.   I was so grateful I slept.  Alot.

And I finally got better.  My eyes are still a bit bloodshot, but I'm okay, running around as usual.

I'm getting ready for Audrey's birthday, which is Saturday.

You can bet Uncle Ralph is not invited.