I woke at 1:30am to Steve saying: "K, your daughter has pink eye."
Why do these illnesses always descend upon us in the dead of night?
He wiped her eye, she went back to sleep, and I set my alarm an hour later, knowing I wouldn't have to get her ready for the bus that morning.
Just two and a half years ago, before Kindergarten, before preschool, when one of the kids was sick, there was no one to call but the doctor, depending on the illness. Now? Texted the van driver (yay for modern technology!), called the school and emailed the swim instructor. I think it's safe to say things have gotten a little busier around here.
The one single good thing about pink eye? It rarely comes with any other ailments. Rosie was in a great mood, Buddy was in a great mood, and therefore, I was. I think the "Happy Mom, Happy Family" works both ways.
I found myself again being thankful for the flexibility of being able to take care of my sick kid easily, without taking time off from work. I didn't have to "call out" of any of my part-time gigs. It was a mom and both kids day, something that has rarely happened since Kindergarten began!
We went to the doctor, where, sure enough, she was diagnosed with pink eye in both eyes. They sent the prescription to our local pharmacy, and I knew we had some time to kill. I may or may not have bribed them with donuts in exchange for good behavior at the doctor's, so on we went to the closest Dunkin Donuts drive-thru.
On our way, I spotted the car wash. Ginger, our new Ford Escape, desperately needed a wash, so I pulled in. The kids loved it. Talk about cheap entertainment. We giggled together and soon were pulling out of the car wash with our vehicle gleaming as much as it did the day we brought her home.
Soon after that, they had their donuts in hand, and I had my hazelnut coffee, and we were on our way to the pharmacy. The sun was shining through the moon roof (which is still a thrill, and we haven't even been able to open yet!) I took the long way back to Williamsburg, over meandering back roads, enjoying the radio. What was the rush? There was no one to pick up from preschool. There was no bus to get home for. No job to run to.
The freedom was rejuvenating. Everyone was still in good moods, and I found myself enjoying a day that reminded me of my first few years of being a stay at home mom.
When life throws you pink eye, make the best of it!
