So for anyone keeping track this is day 18 of straight fevers in the house.  Persistent, round the clock, alternating Tylenol and Motrin, anxiety-producing (for me) fevers.  I’m sure I’ll try to make light of this after we make it through the other side, but for now, if I’m not around the rest of the week, assume I’m tending to a sick toddler or rocking back and forth in a corner somewhere.

My poor baby : (

Fever might have killed her appetite, but she's still got her sense of humor. She calls this "Double binks! Double binks!"

Keep sending us those healthy vibes!  Thanks for all the well-wishes so far!

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So sticking with the movie title theme, can you describe your body after kids with a movie title?  Oops, I mean #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle.  Here are a few that describe my body after having three kids:

Remains of the Day  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Gone with the Wind  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Super Size Me  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Flubber  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Big  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

The Blob  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Collateral Damage  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

The Descent  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Jurrasic Park  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Porky’s  #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle

Leave me a comment below or tag me on Twitter @NoDomesticDiva with your #describeyourbodyafterkidswithamovietitle (and if anyone says “The Firm” I’m going to slap you in the face with a cheeseburger).

And while you’re here, please give me a vote on Top Mommy Blogs with one click of the box below.  Just one click is all it takes! Thank you!

Jake’s art, aptly titled, “Throwing it up on my race car bed wiff an alligator.”

Jake, age 4, on illness

Thanks for all your comments and emails, he’s hanging in there. I’m hoping if he follows the same pattern that Joey did last week, he should be feeling better by Friday and like a human again by Saturday. Keep sending us good vibes and some healthy ones too for Cecilia. She’s hard enough to please when she’s well!

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Just a quick post to let you all know I’m still around, but taking care of some sick kids.  My oldest had strep plus some other crazy virus that gave him high fevers (up to 104) for 7 days in addition to vomiting, cough, runny nose, chills, etc.  He had a clear chest Xray last Thursday (thank God!).  Poor kid laid in bed for six days in a row.  Scared me to death because Joey is my child who typically has a fever and is still up and running around.  He lost six pounds, nearly 10% of his body weight in just five days.

Just as Joey turned a corner and enjoyed his first day out of bed and fever free on Sunday my four year old, Jake, started with a fever.  He was miserable most of the night with vomiting, chills, headache, but thankfully no cough or congestion.  He was seen this morning at the doctor’s office and was negative for strep.  They think he’s got a viral infection that’s been going around with high fevers lasting five days, and also that Joey must have had the strep plus this virus last week.  I’m having trouble keeping him comfortable and his fevers seem to persist every two-three hours despite alternating Motrin and Tylenol.  His highest fever so far was 105.7 and if he continues to be this sick I’m prepared to take him to the ER.  My sweet boy just keeps saying he’s “so sad” and “thanks for taking care of me. I love you.”

So now that we’re on day 9 of fevers around here, I’m going to probably be missing in action for a few days.  Jake always seems to get sicker than his siblings, and just seems to run higher than the other two.  Speaking of the other two, I’m praying Cecilia is spared this bug….

So talk among yourselves, be well and stay hydrated (someone drink a glass for me!) while I’m off the blog, Facebook and Twitter until this funk passes.

xoxo

Susan

p.s. You’ll be happy to hear I’m sticking to my guns and staying off WebMD.  I’m now 19 days clean which is good because these symptoms would probably yield a diagnosis that would require me to be sedated.

p.p.s. (who does that?)  While you’re here, please vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs with just one click of the picture below.  Just one click, once a day to vote for me!  Thank you for your help!

What’s up with Buzz?  Did he see M.I.A.’s unscripted flip of the bird during the Superbowl’s Halftime Show?

Is he as mad as I am that we have another funk in the house (poor Joey has Strep throat with fun extras like puking and 104 fevers)?

Or maybe he’s mad that we’re out of wine…that’s an empty wine rack behind him.  I keep the red wine there, but alas, the fridge is empty too.  This house seems to also be missing soda, chocolate and anything else that might make the last three days bearable.

So no, Buzz, there will be no buzz.  But I might join you in a end of day flip of the bird.  It might not taste as good as wine, or make my sick kid better any faster, but it sure makes me feel a little better!

Ever felt like having a grown up tantrum? Go ahead! Let it out! I’m not judging!

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Now, I’m embracing new fashions and it’s setting me free.  In fact, I find it inspires me in a sense.  In 2011 I really took some chances which lead me to a really great find for 2012 (but more on that in a minute).

The Leopard Leotard. For my first step outside the box, I didn’t take a baby step, I took a God damn flying leap and it felt marvolous! Animal print, especially on a leotard was…liberating.

The Leopard Leotard...perfect for any occasion.

Going Green.  In this day and age everyone strives to be more green.  Perhaps this was taking it a bit to literal, but I hope my message of conservation came across.  I couldn’t tell because I was having a hard time seeing or breathing in this thing:

Reduse, Reuse, Recycle...just like I did with my bathing suit circa 1995. I think it compliments the neon green perfectly.

Getting trendy. By the Fall, I decided that I shouldn’t knock it until I tried it.  So for the first time I tried on a poncho…I didn’t read the tag, but it appeared to have been made from buffalo hide and rabbit fur.  It smelled like buffalo ass, but my trendy friends said I look fabulous.

I'll appologize again to friend and photographer, Amber Shader, who was kind enough to take this picture and then was kicked out of the store with me by the "fashion police."

The Missoni Bandwagon. It seems like everyone had to have something from the Target Missoni clothing line, but was I willing to camp outside or fight a fellow soccer Mom over it?  Maybe I did and maybe I didn’t.  Maybe this is something my great aunt, a Franciscan Nun, knit back in 1976. I’ll never tell.

As Seen on TV. Keeping with my don’t knock it until you try it, I even purchased a Forever Lazy. Not only did I buy one and get one free, in addition to two pairs of matching fleece socks, but I feel much better about still being able to knock it…I gave it the old college try, and it was every bit as ridiculous as I thought it would be which is a shame really, because the name made it sound pretty appealing.

Full Circle. I ended the year, just as I began it, in the Leopard Leotard.  This time, to keep with the festive holiday season, I even added a leopard trimmed Santa hat and a tutu. You’re welcome….

I didn’t want to do the same old thing for 2012.  It’s a new year, and I wanted to continue to grow fashionably.  This can be challenging even to someone accustomed to taking chances when it comes to clothing.  So I turned to the place I usually go when I have a question that needs answering…Google.

Dear Google: What is worse than my leopard leotard?

And just as it always does, Google delivered.  And just as it always seems to do, this new clothing has inspired me.  I’m currently in production for my next workout video. This one has to do with staying motivated.  I hope it doesn’t disappoint.

What didn’t disappoint was Google’s answer to my problem.  Ladies and gentleman, I give you the Unitard:

I was so excited to get it on that I didn't even bother to change my black undergarments. I think seeing them through this fabulous one-piece spandex suit adds a little extra somethin.'

So I hope I haven’t stepped too far outside the fashion box because I’ll be honest. Unitards are way more fun than I thought they’d be.  I hope you’ll stay tuned for where I’ll be sporting this pink wonder suit next.

Do you own a fabulous questionable fashion item?  What is it? Leave me a comment!  And while you’re hear, please give me a little clicky love and vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs.  Just one click is all it takes on the banner below to cast an automatic vote for me.  We’ve slipped to #8!  Thanks!

I was down and out for most of last week, and I swear I looked like Gweneth Paltrow in Contagion.

Someone said, ‘at least you can pull off Gweneth Paltrow,’ which let me know they obviously hadn’t seen the movie.

Now that we’re right in the peak of cold and flu season, most of us have fallen ill at least once thanks to a nasty virus or bacteria. I’m certainly not alone there.

While at the doctor’s office last week, I was amused by a poster for ‘Avoiding the Flu’ which featured helpful tips for staying well.  Posters of this nature do offer some sound advice, but when you have small children, you really need to be very specific when trying to teach them these wellness tips.  As a parent, you may also find that these suggestions may need to be tailored to suit your own needs.

General Tip #1: Wash your hands frequently, especially before preparing or eating food.

Specific Kid’s Tip #1: Not all water is the same. When your older brother is at the sink, it is best to wait your turn instead of soaping up your hands and rinsing them in the toilet.

General Tip #2: Most cold and flu germs enter your body through your mouth, nose or eyes. Therefore keep your hands off your face which should help prevent germs from entering your system.

Specific Kid’s Tip #2: Having your sibling pick your booger for you will prevent germs from spreading from your finger into your nose; however, it will not prevent your sibling’s germs from entering your system. Please use a tissue in this instance.

General Tip # 3:  Get a flu shot if your doctor recommends it. Although it isn’t a guarantee, getting a flu shot each year is one of the best ways to prevent the flu.

Specific Kid’s Tip #3:  While you are waiting to get your flu shot at the doctor’s office, try not to catch the flu by licking the glass door which is covered in flu-ridden fingerprints.  This defeats the purpose of our visit.

General Tip #4: Eat healthy!  Foods like fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants can help strengthen your immune system to keep you healthier.

Specific Kid’s Tip #4: Just because the United States Congress said pizza is a vegetable, doesn’t make it true.  Fruit snacks don’t count either. Eat your damn green beans.

General Tip #5:  Get plenty of sleep! Sufficient rest also helps the body function properly, and being well rested will further aid in your body being able to fight off illnesses.

Specific Kid’s Tip #5:  Go the f@ck to sleep!

There was also a suggestion to avoid sick people.  I suppose this means I either need to start home schooling or find bubbles for my kids to wear to school.  It is probably also going to further limit my already limited social calendar.

And if you’re a parent who catches a funk that your carrier monkeys brought home, remember, you get no sick time.  So rest when you can (turn on the babysitter-aka tv), drink lots of fluids (wine is a fluid, right?), and don’t worry about the laundry, dishes, etc.  They aren’t going anywhere!

What are your secrets for staying well?  Leave me a comment!  And while you’re here, give me a quick vote on Top Mommy Blogs by clicking the banner below! Thanks for your help!
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Sometimes I can goes days, weeks, maybe even a month without it, and BAM!  Out of no where I’m sucked right back in.  It seems like the smallest problem can set it off, and I know I can handle it!  Why do I fall right back to using?  I know I can deal with this without it.

I’m educated.

I’m fairly smart.

I’ve even had a fair amount of real life experience.

I don’t need this to make me better.

It only makes me worse.

That’s right.  My name is Susan and I’m addicted to WebMD.

Please watch my video, WebMD: Just Say ‘No,’ and share it with anyone who you know that can’t stop self diagnosing themselves with one of the most ridiculous tools on the web.

I’m happy to say that I have been WebMD free for nearly four days.  I have high hopes that this time I’m off the site for good, but in reality, it’s probably just a matter of time.

Do you use WebMD?  Have you ever used WebMD and convinced yourself you had something that was way worse than what you actually had?  Leave me a comment!  While you’re here, please give me a vote on Top Mommy Blogs just by clicking the picture below! That’s all it takes!
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1. The Sweat-heart Sweet-shirt.  It’s a sweatshirt built for two!  So whether you want to take a walk in the park, go tailgating at a football game, or just to snuggle on the couch, the Sweat-Heart Sweet-Shirt will make sure your honey can’t escape.

2. Smittens.  Do you love holding hands, but you hate when you do it while wearing gloves? Smittens are perfect for the couple who loves to hold hands, but want to have their skin touching (and probably sweating) as long as they are bound together by fabric. Comes also with a left & right glove for your other hands.

3.  A cigarette holder built for two.  It’s long been said that the couple who smokes together, stays together.  How romantic.

4.  His and her furniture.  Seriously? I don’t even know what to say about these chairs.

5.  His and her bikini jeans.  I know how jealous all the men were when I posted the Bikini Jeans for women in a previous gift guide, and the fashion industry has heard and answered your prayers.  This Valentine’s Day you can turn heads together in your matching thong/jean combos! Hot damn!

6. Glow in the Dark Bra.  Your lady might have told you that she was hoping for a spark in the bedroom, but I promise this is not what she meant.

7.  Private Part Pant Expanders for Men.  Ladies, there’s never a good reason to give this gift…unless you’re breaking up with someone, then it’s just funny.  If you think your fella doesn’t have the, ahem, necessary equipment to fill out the Bikini Jeans, maybe you skip the jeans and buy some matching tee shirts.

8.  Bad Jewelry. They say it’s the thought that counts, but sometimes some thoughts are better left unsaid…or in this case unstamped. And yes, there is such a thing as bad jewelry.

9.  Anything weight loss related.  This should be self explanatory, but please refrain from buying your loved one any gym memberships, weight loss books, scales, etc. or you may find yourself alone next Valentine’s Day!

10.  Date night…with the kids.  Even if you can’t get a sitter for Valentine’s Day itself, celebrate another time alone. It’s a couple’s holiday, and you shouldn’t drag the kids along (literally).

What’s the worst Valentine’s Gift you’ve ever received?  Leave me a comment!  While you’re here, if you enjoyed the post, please take a quick second and vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs with just one click of the picture below (that’s all it takes!). Thank you!

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In the weeks following Christmas, especially in winters such as this, where the lack of snow leaves the landscape brown and barren, I need something to pick me up and get me through the short, colder days.

Humor has long been my weapon of choice.  You may have seen my nonsense dance to The Nutcracker around Christmas, and that was no accident.  When I start to get stressed and anxious (as I was around the holidays), I do something to distract and entertain myself.  Many of you commented on the video and said that your “favorite” part was that my kids didn’t seem the least bit phased to see their Mom dancing around the house in a leopard leotard, Santa hat, and tutu. It really is because I’m that stupid on a regular basis.  My kids, all being little, are quite taken by my antics and we sing and dance like no one is watching.  I’m sure as they get older, I’ll become the most embarrassing parent of all time (a title which I plan on earning).  For now, I’m entertaining at least to the three of them and the one of me.

Which brings me to last weekend.  I was feeling particularly sullen while sitting in my house which has been stripped of holiday cheer, so I decided to do some retail therapy.  Not that I need a reason to look forward to the arrival of Spring, but I thought I’d buy something I could wear when the seasons finally change would brighten my mood.

I’m attending a great charity event in April, The Real Charitable Housewives of Delaware’s Positively 80′s Mom Prom, which will benefit The Andrew McDonough B+® Foundation (you can read about their fabulous work helping critically ill children here).  This event is benefiting a great cause and I’ll be bringing a gift basket to raffle (and hopefully some other goodies too), along with my big hair and my radical 80′s prom dress that I ordered from Etsy this weekend.

Instead of a pair of new Spring sandals, a bright colored bag, or a cute outfit, I cheered myself up by buying a fabulous dress to wear to the event April 20th.  When it arrived yesterday I knew I could never wait that long to wear it.  My kids loved the sparkles and told me it was beautiful.  I tried it on…and wore it most of the day.

Making laundry fabulous...one load at a time.

Doing laundry never felt so good.

My whites have never been whiter, and this Mom sure feels a lot brighter.

I’m sure this is not the last you’ll be seeing of this dress.  I spent a fair amount of money on it, so aside from Mom Prom, I plan on getting my wear out of it.

Do you have any tricks for cheering yourself up?  Leave me a comment and let me know!  And while you’re here, please click the banner below and vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs. Just one click is all it takes. Thanks!
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