Read more about the article It’s getting scary: 4th confirmed #COVID19 case in Ohio is within 1 mile of my house
COVID19 / Emergency Planning / My thoughts

It’s getting scary: 4th confirmed #COVID19 case in Ohio is within 1 mile of my house

I've been very preoccupied today and haven't had much time to catch my breath, let alone get any writing done. We're as prepared for this pandemic as we're going to be. I have a few things like paper towels and cat food showing up on Thursday. I also have new trash cans ordered as well because someone stole our trash cans. To be more precise, they stole 4 of our 6 trash cans. That's kinda frustrating and trash cans are expensive. I have everyone's medication refills current and with the exception of Gavin, we should be good for the next 30 days. I found out this afternoon that a 4th case of COVID19 was confirmed in Ohio. I was prepared for more cases to be confirmed in my state because…

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March 12, 2020
Read more about the article Almost everyone in my house is now sick
COVID19 / Emergency Planning / My thoughts

Almost everyone in my house is now sick

I'm gonna make this quick because I'm tired, my head is pounding and I need to get some sleep. I'll start with the good news. Gavin seems to be doing great. He's not showing any signs of the flu and that's a really good thing. The bad news is that I'm now sick and the boys seem to be on this roller coaster of feeling better and feeling worse. Assuming I get paid tonight, I'm going to order some additional supplies and go grocery shopping. I've already got a cart-full on Amazon and I've filled my Giant Eagle online shopping cart as well. I'm having the groceries delivered to my front porch so I don't have to worry about going out while I'm sick. Surprisingly, it only seems to cost…

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March 10, 2020
Read more about the article Elliott was seen by @akronchildrens hospital today
Akron Children's Hospital / Elliott / My thoughts / Pediatrics

Elliott was seen by @akronchildrens hospital today

It's been a long day and I'm definitely tired, but I'll begin at well, the beginning. Elliott and Emmett were both home from school today. Elliott has been sick since Thursday night and Emmett's been sick since Saturday. Gavin is currently doing great but I think I'm getting sick as well. I've started with a cough today and I'm feeling rundown. No, I didn't buy masks. This was given to him because of his cough. There was some minor concern because we traveled and spent time in places where COVID19 has been confirmed. Exactly 2 weeks after we arrived home, Elliott spiked a fever. I called Akron Children's Hospital this morning because he had a well check scheduled for today. They decided to change the appointment to a sick appointment…

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March 10, 2020
Read more about the article Development stages in the first year of life
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Development stages in the first year of life

From a newborn baby who spends most of their time sleeping and eating to a toddler who won't sit still, the transformation in the first year of life is nothing short of miraculous. Every month brings new developmental stages that are exciting to see. Although babies develop different skills at different rates, sometimes missing a milestone could be due to something more serious, such as cerebral palsy - you can find out more on this website. If you have any concerns, speak to your pediatrician.  One to three months During the first three months, your baby is getting used to the outside world. The sensations and sounds they felt and heard in the womb are still the most comforting, and they spend the vast majority of their lives sleeping. However,…

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March 9, 2020
Read more about the article Two of my three kids are sick and I’m slowly but surely losing my mind
My thoughts

Two of my three kids are sick and I’m slowly but surely losing my mind

My kids are being everything but cooperative today. They don't like changing from routine and I'm asking them to do that in order to better prepare for whatever COVID19 is going to throw our way. We need to make changes in order to help prevent any kind of illness from taking hold in our house because Gavin has a compromised immune system. I'm really stressed out and trying to gain control over the chaos but the kids just aren't having it. Truthfully, neither of them will or at least shouldn't be going to school in the morning. Elliott's been running a high fever all weekend, with a headache, cough and congestion. Emmett started with a cough last night. I don't know what else to do but keep them home. So…

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March 8, 2020
Read more about the article The exception to the rule
My thoughts

The exception to the rule

Elliott's still asleep at 11 AM. I checked on him and he said he was fine. He seems to have slept well and that's good, cause he needs his rest. I haven't checked his temperature yet but he hasn't been coughing or anything like that. I'm hoping that this passes quickly and without incident. Unfortunately, the reality is that these things tend to linger, especially in Elliott's case. It would be great if this was the exception to the rule.

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March 8, 2020
Read more about the article How I’m preparing my family for #COVID19
Link / My thoughts

How I’m preparing my family for #COVID19

With COVID19 spreading across the globe, the CDC has said it's not a matter of if but when. While panic isn't advisable, being prepared is. My kids are concerned about the virus impacting us directly. They're far too smart to be placated and rather than try, only to make things worse, I've decided to take a different approach. I've explained the facts, as I know them, and helped them to better understand and put COVID19 into perspective. It's incredibly important to only get information from reputable sources. Those sources include the CDC, public health officials and trained medical professionals. My personal source of information is a new friend of mine, Dr. Tara Smith. You may recall she was a guest on the pod this season. You can listen below. Anyway,…

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March 7, 2020
Read more about the article Fevers, Podcasts and Maintaining Hope For The Future
My thoughts

Fevers, Podcasts and Maintaining Hope For The Future

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed this morning. Emmett's bouncing off the walls and Elliott is still running a high fever. All things considered, being overwhelmed is okay because I'm continuing to push forward. I spoke with Lizze and apparently, she's sick as well. The kids were with her on Wednesday and Elliott became ill on Thursday evening. The other two seem to be doing fine and I am as well. It could be coincidence though because Lizze and Elliott are presenting very differently. Who the hell knows. Anyway, I'm trying to keep him contained in his room for a bit today. I'd very much like to limit the risks to the rest of us, especially Gavin. I need to get to the grocery store today and work on the house…

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March 7, 2020