Housebound

This is going to sound crazy, but I love when my kids are home sick from school. Not that I want them to be sick. Because, I don’t. But, I really do love when they’re housebound. It means I get a sick day too. And, we all know that when you’re a Mom, sick days aren’t really part of your benefits package.

Jake all cozy. "Ohhh, I can't move. Can you tuck the blanket under my feet?"

So, when Jake was home sick from school, for the past two days, I took full advantage. Yes, I was at Jake’s beck-and-call. However, after his needs were attended to, I was in “sick day” party mode. No, I wasn’t breaking out the Chardonnay at noon. Although, I may try that next time. Joking. Well, maybe just one glass.

For me, these days have resulted in hours of laziness on the couch. It’s like a mandate; “Child home sick, Mom stays in house and does not leave. No errands. No nothing. Stay with Child. Do as Child asks.”

So, as Jake dictates which movie we are to watch next (Night at The Museum made many, many repeat appearances), I devour every book in my new YA obsession, the Evermore Series by Alyson Noel. (It’s a cross between Twilight and the TV series Charmed, with some metaphysics thrown in for fun.) We’re sitting together, just focused on different things.

And, while Jake is curled up on the couch in his pajamas, I’m wearing my “sick day” sympathy outfit. Old soft comfy work-out pants, check. Hair in a messy bun on top of my head, check. Favorite gray soft as silk cotton tee, check. One steaming hot cup of coffee always in hand, check check. Heaven.

Aside from Jake’s fever and persistent cough, the past two days have been blissful. Dreamy, even. Yes, I’ve been housebound for good reason, read a lot, drank lots of coffee, and didn’t give a shit about my clothing, but there’s a better reason.

Good boy. Cough into your elbow.

I’ve had my baby all to myself and I got to “baby” him, without worrying that I’m damaging him in some Freudian sort of way. No infantilizing going on, just your average “Mommy TLC,” with lots of  reciprocated cuddles. Now, that’s delicious, and worth the additional number of days marked “absent” on his next report card.

I just have to make sure it doesn’t happen too much. I definitely don’t want to be thrown in jail for truancy. That would suck.

How do you feel about your kids being home sick?