The Barfs

It was last week around this time that "the barfs" came to stay for a long weekend. I was their sole host (thank goodness). This meant that Ben had lots of opportunities to earn that pony we've been promising since before he was born, Don got to be a single parent while trying to avoid exposure to the typhoid that was living the the bedroom, and I finally got 2 uninterrupted days of peace and quiet. Be careful what you wish for!

Ben was such a good boy on Friday after school. I explained that I had GERMS. Germs that would make him BARF. Did he want to barf? 'Cause, if so, feel free to come close to Mommy. Kiss her. Have a sip of water from her class. If not, stay in the other room and play quietly. That's just what he did. From 2:30 until Don got home at 5, Ben watched TV, got himself his own snacks, and even cleaned up after himself. Every once in a while, he'd holler, "Mom? You still have the barfs?" I'd say, "Yes." He'd yell, "Ok. That's pretty gross. I'll see you later."

In my fog of barf and contemplating death, I'm not really sure what Don and Ben did Saturday and Sunday. All I know, is that they stayed away from my germs.

Here are a few funny quotes from the weekend:
B: Mommy? Your barfs are bad news. You need to get 'em gone.

Saturday, when he was checking in on me..
B: Know what? Your barfs are the bad guys. They are powerful, but I'm more powerful-er. Open your mouth, Mom.
H: Honey, no. Mommy has germs.
B: OPEN IT.
H: Ok... (opens mouth)
B: (as if performing an exorcism) GO AWAY YOU BAD, BAD BARFS. YOU ARE NO GOOD. GET OUT OF MY MOM'S MOUTH. There. Now you'll be better.

On Sunday, I finally felt good enough to try real food so we went to Dragon Inn for Chinese.
As we were leaving...
B: Mom, if we go to dinner, you can't barf on the floor. Ok?
H: Ok. I won't.
B: I'm serious, Mom. It's gross to barf in public.
H: I'll do my best.

2009

Internet, it's time to get back in a routine. Not the old one where we woke up late, Ben and I snarled and fought to get ready to head out the door to only be 10 minutes late for school, but a new one. A new routine marked with earlier bedtimes, actual breakfasts, pleasant departures and drops-off (drop-offs?) at school. We will all be a little more sane because of it.

2009 has begun with some new challenges, a few of which I'm not handling as gracefully as I'd like, but tomorrow is another day. 2009 is promising, too... If for no other reason than to force myself to put a positive spin on the changes and challenges, I'll list a few here.

* Ben is increasingly independent. At some point over break, it was almost like having a roommate instead of a "pet." He takes care of his business, gets his own snacks, and even cleans up after himself. Now if we can just encourage him to stop asking us to "check his crack." Baby steps.

* In addition to his independence, Ben is a good friend. I've had the opportunity to watch him interact with kids he knows and kids he has just met and he is caring, thoughtful, and funny. There are many things I expect from Ben and want him to accomplish. Most of all, I want him to be a good person and a good friend. It's nice to see that we're on the right track.

* I am looking forward to training for my first full marathon--- Lincoln, Nebraska in May. After that, I'm going to tackle the KC Hospital Hill half marathon in June. I'll begin my racing season with the Groundhog Run in late-January.

* We're working hard to make healthier choices in 2009. Better food, consistent exercise, more sleep. We're even enlisting the pets. Abby is my new running companion and all 3 critters enjoy an early bedtime.

Here's hoping these changes make 2009 the best year yet.