It has been a quiet week on the work front so far. Well, the demands are not quiet, but the output certainly is. I’ve got a sick baby on my hands.
And as any mom knows, when the kiddos are sick, everything else falls by the wayside. My poor guy has an out of control stuffy noise, a hacking cough, pink puffy eyes – the works. Despite it all, his spirits are still good. He’s trying so hard to play and have fun, even though it’s obvious he feels like crud.
I was hoping this would pass quickly, but just as soon as Cullen started to seem like he was improving, Casey headed downhill. Now I have not one, but TWO sick babies at home!
I headed out first thing this morning to get things like cold medicine, tissues, Boogie Wipes, and hand sanitizer. On my way there I hit a TON of traffic, so I took a different way home. The traffic caused our outing to run into Cullen’s nap time, so by the time I headed back I had a crying, coughing baby in the back seat. I was a ball of stress.
Before I knew what had happened, I saw blinking blue lights behind me. Awesome. I’m actually a really safe and respectful driver, so I was confused and surprised to be pulled over. I thought I was in a 35mph zone – turns out it dropped to 25 through a little two block stretch – oops. Cullen and I both cried the whole way home with my $200 ticket (my first one ever!) on the passenger seat. Boo hoo, indeed.
Back at home, he boycotted his nap for the second day in a row. All those sniffles and coughs aren’t making for very restful sleep at night, so I have no idea why he doesn’t want to nap during the day. How about lunch instead? Or not. At least the dogs enjoyed cleaning it up!
He finally fell asleep on my lap, but as I type this I’m seeing he is UP on our video monitor after only 20 minutes of sleep. Better get back to it.
Hoping to get back to our usual programming sooner than later, but for now I’m just trying to get my family feeling well again, while doing my best to avoid getting sick myself! When it rains it pours, right? Tomorrow is a new day.
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poor sweet Cullen and poor sweet momma! i hope he starts feeling better soon – hang in there!
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Oh no, seeing your baby sick is the worst. You feel so helpless! Sending get well thoughts your way!
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Oh man! Rough day indeed.. I would have cried too! Good thing he’s so cute :) Hope everyone is feeling better soon! These days make the good ones sweeter!
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Hope Cullen is better soon! Sorry about your ticket :(
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Dose him up on Vitamin C! I’m talking RDA times three or four, intermittently throughout the day! Better than any of the standard flu, cough or cold remedies! For adults it’s about 3grams a day (the RDA is 60mg) when you’re sick…not sure about children but check it out!
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Oh man. Sick babies are the absolute worst! And a ticket on top of it all! Sounds way frustrating! Keep your head up!
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So sorry to hear that everyone is having a rough day :( Hope Cullen and Casey feel better soon!
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poor little one – the colds in babies just kill me. I’m sorry you got a ticket – that is the worst. You would think that when they walk up and realize that you were not intentionally speeding, that you’re a great driver from your record, that you have a baby in the back, and that you were obviously surprised that they would not ticket you because that’s not who they aim to correct. So annoying :(
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Ah, Emily i hope both Cullen and Casey are on the mend very soon…despite the sad faces, your pics are beautiful:) I knew something was up when you weren’t posting so much, hang in there!!!!!
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Oh boy, what a day! Hopefully Cullen improves speedily (or at least Casey can to help out) and that soon BOTH the boys will be back up and running at full speed.
And here’s me crossing my fingers, toes, hair, and eyes YOU stay healthy through all this too!
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Oh no! I’m sorry Emily, I hope everyone is feeling better soon!
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Oh, I feel your pain. Kevin got a $200 ticket recently, same deal. Think of it as doing your bit to support the local police department. As for the boys? Love, love, love…time, time, time… I hope everyone’s feeling better soon! Hugs!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Haha right!
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What kind of jerk cop gives a ticket to a mommy with a sick baby in the backseat?! Hope everyone feels better soon!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Haha well I don’t think he knew Cullen was sick. And to be fair, I was speeding! :) Thanks!
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Tara Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Sammie, are you kidding? Emily took responsibility for speeding. We’ve all had it happen. Being a “mommy” doesn’t give you special speeding rights. A friend of mine got a ticket while driving his wife to the hospital because she was in labor. (Yes, like in a movie.) Once the cop realized what was going on, he escorted them via his own car to the hospital…and proceeded to give my friend the ticket.
I hope everyone feels better soon, Emily!
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We are dealing with the same thing over here…. Except we also have projectile vomiting…. And now the hubby is sick. Saline infant spray for the nose works awesome…. And the humidifier…. And steamy bathrooms. Good luck. Hope everyone feels better soon.
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Oh no! Vomiting is horrible! We have the spray – using it often. :) Hope you are on the mend soon too!
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Poor baby, I’m so sorry to hear about your crappy day! Tomorrow will be better. Get well soon, Cullen!
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Oh no!! Sending positive thoughts your way. I hope things start looking up soon! Sounds like a rough week :(
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Of all the things to get a ticket for… I see violations way worse than that, yet where are they then?! I once got pulled over by TWO police cars because one of my night brake lights was out. They shined bright lights in the car like I was a criminal or something. Oy.
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Yeah two other cars showed up while he was running my plates. Must have been a slow morning in the neighborhood!
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Oh man :( the ticket just puts things over the top! I can’t believe he didn’t give you a pass!! Hope everyone starts feeling better soon… we had a rough September also, not sure why? I was sick twice with a sinus infeciton and my baby was sick with a cold and cough :( It is so sad to see them sick and still trying to play. Feel better soon!
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It sounds like you kept your cool at least, but that’s still a tough break. I’m surprised the officer gave you a ticket with a sick baby in the back. I hope your family gets better soon!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Well he didn’t know Cullen was sick. He was very nice, despite the hefty fine.
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UGH. A ticked on top of dealing with craziness? BOO. I cried too when I got my first ticket … it was while Chris was deployed.
Good luck mama!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:56 pm
The crying was embarrassing but I couldn’t help it.
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$200? That’s ridiculous! Is there anyway to ask for a smaller penalty considering your immaculate record prior to this incident?
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Not sure! It is what it is. Now I know it’s 25 there! :)
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Hang in there Mamma! I hope your family gets back to 100% soon :)
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Sounds like things have been ROUGH. Also- if you went to court they might reduce it for you, and it would be less points on your license since it was your first one and all. Sorry for you! I hope your boys are feeling better soon!
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You should go to court and get the fine reduced!
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Oh boy… Not a fun week so far! Everyone I know has been sick lately! I’m just getting over a sinus infection that had me out of work for 3 days – unfortunately whatever crud is going around seems to be hanging on for a little while…
I’ve never had a speeding ticket either… I’d be pretty sad about a $200 one! I live in Ohio & don’t know anyone who’s had a ticket starting with a 2 – must be more expensive there? Here’s to there’s toff the week going more smoothly!
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What a bad day hang in there! My mom has gotten away twice from being pulled over. Once for having 3 screaming kids in the back seat and another for telling the police officer we had just moved. Technically she didn’t lie but we only moved 3 miles down the road haha
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Hang in there!! That sounds like a very stressful week and totally not fun at all. I hate having a sick husband. A sick baby would be even worse. I hope writing about it made it seem a little more bearable!! Think ahead to, like, Saturday or something, when hopefully everyone will feel better :)
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Sending good thoughts your way; hope your family gets well soon and that you stay healthy! It is really hard seeing your baby sick and so exhausting for everyone! Aquafor for the nose is always our best friend. He looks so adorable!
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I recently got my first traffic citation after a decade of driving…$130 for not stopping at a stop sign, while my mom was in the car with me early on a Saturday morning! I am shocked he didn’t let you off with a warning with a sick baby in back. BUMMER. Chin up, sounds like it’s been a long week but you know it will get better!
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I hope everyone feels better soon! Take some vitamin C :)
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Hope your family feels better soon!
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Yep, when it rains it pours! So sorry about your sickies and your ticket. One day it will make a good story, though. :)
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Oh no, I hope that Cullen feels better soon! And don’t feel too bad about your ticket — bad days happen!
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Props for writing this much! And with accompanying photos, no less. Some sicknesses are like this, and we’ll still be here when everything clears up. Take every opportunity of rest when you get it, because I know how scarce it can be with a sick little one. Aren’t you looking forward to kid #2 and maybe kid #3, and how this dominos through the whole family? ;) We moms have to take the little bit of bad/hard along with the overwhelming good. Hang in there!
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In the state of WA you can ask for it to be deferred. What they do is hold it for 2 years and it does Not go on your driving record unless you get another infraction in the 2 year time…then both go on the record. The downer to this option is you must pay the fine in full…saves your record and insurance though.
The other option is a mitigation heating…it cannot be dropped from your record but they will usually reduce the fine…especially with a clean record.
Good luck!!!
I hope everyone feels better soon.
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That’s hearing…not heating :)
Call the number on the lovely green ticket and ask them which option you should circle. ;)
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I live in the area as well, and air quality and seasonal allergies are out of control and all three of my kids are suffering. So sorry!
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I just got pulled over for going 10 miles over the speed limit….in a school zone! I felt awful. He ended up letting me go, I am so lucky. I really did feel awful and I always try to follow all the rules of the road. I was driving in an unfamiliar place and just didn’t see the sign. I have been paying extra attention since then!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:17 am
I felt terrible when he told me it was a 25 zone. I was shocked!
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Aww, hang in there mama. Sending good thoughts your way that all this is a distant memory by week’s end.
My oldest is in preschool and she is always bringing home colds, so I feel your pain. There really is nothing worse than a sick little one. Big hugs to you and your boys.
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Sweet baby pics even if the little man is sick. I hope your family is well very soon. Having a sick baby is the worst. Hang in there!
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We’re kind of in the same boat… Nitsah has a milder cold (no hacking!) but it’s enough to disrupt her sleep and nursing, and we’re all a bit sick too. SO hard when she has a stuffy snotty nose and she doesn’t know how to blow it… poor babies!! Get well soon!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:08 am
Hope you guys are feeling better today!
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It seems like Cullen and Casey have been sick a few times this past year. I am surprised since little Cullen doesn’t go to daycare or anything like that. I guess it’s just in the air!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:08 am
Well he still plays with a lot of other babies, several of whom DO go to daycare. When one is sick, they all seem to get it – this time is no different. And Casey commutes downtown on the bus each day for almost two hours. Hard to escape!
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jane Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:17 am
poor Casey! that is a lot of time on public transportation (not to mention holding onto and sitting on things many other sickies may have touched!!). and with the weather probably changing where you are=recipe for sickness!get better soon :-) (don’t you get sick on us-or your fam!)
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I hope your little guy feels better soon — and your big one, too!
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I would have been a sobbing mess too! It’s definitely pouring at your house. I don’t know if you’ve tried this but when my kids were younger, we would elevate the head of their crib when they had colds. It helps drain things a little better and they could sleep.
Hope things get better soon!
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I would have cried too!
Hope everyone is feeling better soon!
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I wish I was half as cute as Cullen when I am sick! Stay healthy over there!
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Horrendous day indeed! Just sending you a virtual hug and pat on the back! Take care
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What a rough day! Sorry about your ticket. I hope that Cullen feels better soon!
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Aww poor baby!!! I hope he feels better soon! What a jerk that cop was for giving you a ticket! He totally should havel et you go with a warning!
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Just wanted to send some encouragement your way; my 2 year old daughter and I both have bronchitis, I am still fighting morning sickness issues (21 weeks preg with our 2nd), and it stresses me out that work and other commitments are put on hold, but ya know what–your little family ABSOLUTELY comes first. You’re doing the best you can, Mama!
Oh, and that cop was a jerk; he should have seen the crying baby and let you go! Just my humble opinion ;)
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:07 am
Omg I am so afraid of the morning sickness with #2! I can’t imagine taking care of Cullen while feeling the way I did the first time. Hope things are better in your house today!
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Deb Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:37 am
Thank you :) Honestly, it was rough, but I have a very loving, supportive amazing husband; very much like you have! That made all the difference in the world. Abby and I (my daughter) also watched an obscene amount of television ;) I didn’t mean to just complain, just wanted to empathize. You’re a wonderful mom because you’re doing what needs to be done, and with either one child or eight (eep), you can only do what you can do! Hope everyone in your house is better, and YOU aren’t getting sick, either.
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Awww, puffy eyed lil’ Cullen… such a sad but sweet photo. I think it’s the weather change – I always get a bit of the sniffles when it changes like this.At least we are having a beautiful extended Summer. Stuffy noses are horrible. Sending you well wishes… as for the ticket- OUCH! I’d be crying too.
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Hang in there! I am so sorry to hear about your day. I guess we all have to endure them sometimes, but knowing that doesn’t make them feel any better.
I have only had one ticket (thank goodness) and I remember crying the entire way home too….
But by the looks of all your comments, we are all right here with ya.
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Poor mama. We went through that last week- I know what you mean about everything stopping. I hope everyone’s feeling better very soon. I know it’s hard! In the meantime, enjoy those cuddles as much as you can!
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:02 am
Yes! The silver lining is all those extra snuggles, right?
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Ugh tough day!! Our little guy has also been battling a cold off and on. Our nurse recommended elevating the side of his crib where his head normally is… which I initially balked at because he’s all over the place at night. Finally we tried it after he was up every 15-30 minutes coughing and hacking. Maybe he realized how it would help him because he fell asleep and kept his head toward the elevated part and finally slept all night. Naps went a lot smoother too. Might be worth a try. Good luck! Hope everybody is feeling better soon. :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:01 am
I might try that if the cough doesn’t let up today!
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Better take your vitamins!!! Lots of people around me are getting sick and I’m trying to avoid that. EmergenC to the rescue.
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So sorry, Emily! Poor little bug, Cullen. My little guy is also sick so I’m home from work with him today and yesterday. Thankfully he is napping well today, and seems like he’s on the mend. Hang in there, this too shall pass.
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Who gives a ticket to a mom with a sick, crying baby? Heartless! Hope Cullen and Casey are both feeling better soon.
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oh.. poor baby… and yet he is still smiling…
I have gotten 1 ticket in my life ( knock on wood) I was going 42 in a 30.
I had just gotten my license and back then it was just a piece of paper.. he threatened to rip it up.. I was so thankful that he didn’t, so the ticket stung a little less.
I’m sorry that you had a bad day :( I hope everyone feels better soon :)
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I feel for you. Although my son is now 30, arrgggh!, I remember my first ticket with him in the backseat. He was 3 years old and he kept asking ‘what’s that, what’s happening, what’s that, what’s happening’. When I told him I got a ticket he said….”YEAH, MOMMY! DON’T BE SAD, THAT’S GREAT!” His only experience with ‘tickets’ had all been GOOD ONES — movies, circus, etc. He didn’t understand why I was bawling :-). It makes for a good story now but I was devastated at the time!
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I hope your boys feel better and that you don’t get it!!
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Pay the money for a lawyer to have the ticket dropped. not sure how WA state works, but you may be able to choose voluntary probation, where the ticket is dropped if you don’t get another ticket for a year (but if you do get another ticket, then you have to go to court or pay for both)…. good luck and feel better soon!!
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Aww, I hope Cullen feels better soon!
I’ve only had one speeding ticket when I thought I was in a 40mph zone. Okay, so I was speeding either way because I was going 48.
Turns out it was really a 30mph zone. So I was reallllly speeding. I was in total shock when he said how low the speed was supposed to be. On a completely straight stretch of road? Crazy.
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Sorry to hear your guys have been sick – that’s the pits! Stinks about the ticket, too, but I have to say that your perspective is refreshing. So many people (me included, I’m sure) would be annoyed for all the reasons everyone listed above, and offended that the officer wrote the ticket given the situation. It is somehow so hard to just admit our mistakes and accept the consequences. Thanks for the reminder that “you get what you get, and you don’t pitch a fit” doesn’t just apply to preschoolers.
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