The Spoooky Swine Flu

Was this a a perrrr-fect night for Halloween. Wasn't it? I think the perfect weather is a chill in the air, no rain, full moon, and lots of fun. Yep. This was the epitome of Fall.




I have not been called 'mom' for nearly a week. I am formally known as 'McGonagle' around here. (and I don't know how to spell it) Dad is Dumbledore, and the rest of the fam are Harry, Ron, (Ronald or Mr. Weasly), Hermione, and Hedwig the owl. (except when Ron wants him to be Neville Longbottom, and then he's Neville) Seriously, I hear things like, "McGonagle, what's for dinner." And the likes. While I find it humorous, I'm ready to be called 'mom' again.



Ron walked into my room, fully clothed in his outfit, at 7:14 Halloween morning. "It's not for a while yet, Ron." "I know, McGonagle. But I can't wait for the Halloween feast. " I just don't know that a six year old should read Harry Potter. I mean the summer between Kindergarten and first grade, to have read it twice, might be a little much.

Every child in our family has worn this costume, and I love it. They are SO cute and chubby. Look how he is holding his hands. Isn't he cute?

In case you haven't heard. We had/have the swine flu. Apparently no matter how vigilant one may be. (like your own personal CDC) it is still possible to contract. Some may be saying, "you really have it?" And yes. We had the actual CDC 24 hour test done, which is WAY more accurate than the nose swab at your regular doctor.

The strange things were her (their) symptoms. Each kid, over the last three weeks, has had a rumble tummy, and a cough for a week or so. Each one had a fever of 100.5 or so, for less than 24 hours. While Ruby's lasted longer than the other kids, it still wasn't any worse than anything else kids get. So on day 14 of a runny bum, I figured, if no one else had it - no one else is going to get it. So I let her go to school and dance, after missing for two weeks. That night, OF COURSE, she had a fever of 103. So the next day, mainly due to the di-di for so long, we took her in. And after exposing all those kids, very unknowingly, her 24 hour test came back POSITIVE! Who can believe that?

She really hasn't been that sick. I thought she must have had some kind of bug, to keep her pooping so much. And the cough was just like every other kid I know. But she wasn't tired, or more whiny than usual. She was eating fine. Nothing like you hear H1N1 is supposed to be like. Her temp lasted one day. BUT, because I hate irresponsible parents and DID NOT want to be blamed for knowingly infecting every person I know - we have been quarantined to the house. EXCEPT, of course, for trick or treating. At which time I made Roo wear a mask and sanitize her hands every few houses. AND I intentionally skipped anyone I knew that was sick, had a baby, comprised immune system or asthma. Aren't I nice?

Again. She really had a tiny cough Saturday night, but I wanted to be as careful as possible. She did look cute though, huh? I tried to get her to go as a doctor or nurse - no go! But she did want to be Hermione REALLY bad. Sorry, no costume for her. (she just knows the name, hasn't seen the movie)

End of a long story? I'm quite sure everyone that is going to get the swine flu at my house, has now had the swine flu. Fingers crossed.

And this is where I found Chubby today. Unknown to me, Dumbledore had hidden some of the kids candy behind a chair in our room. Chubs was quiet for quite a while, and when I couldn't find him right away, I listened to the crinkling of wrappers. Following those, this is what I found. A very cute toddler digging in two pumpkins full of Halloween candy. Isn't he cute? I know, I'm not partial or anything.