Buckets can be a mom's best friend.
I like to keep a couple of clean buckets on hand.
Buckets are very useful when I have a child (or two) with the stomach flu. Skip this next part if you aren't a mom or do not care to read about gross stuff. I make the person with stomach flu carry the bucket around everywhere they go. If they want to sleep comfortably in their bed--as opposed to curled up on the bathroom floor next to the toilet--they can, and the bucket is a handy nearby receptacle. If it needs to be dumped out, I just flush it down the toilet, rinse it in the tub, and spray all things mentioned down with bleach spray. Very easy. Children seem to be able to vomit into a bucket with better aim than they can a toilet. Trust me on this one.
You probably do the same thing at your house....so this is old news. But I'm telling you about it anyway because every so often I come across a fellow mom who wasn't taught about buckets.
There's only one reason I would gross you out like this today.
We are on Day Three of the Yucky Stomach Flu (what a lyrical statement!) at our house.
It hit Superkid hard and fast on Monday, and she's still not 100% better. Or even 75%.
Stomach flu causes some havoc with coumadin and INR levels. So does everything else in the world, but stomach flu is particularly hard on the INR. Probably because it messes with electrolytes and metabolism. Darn germs.
One down, four to go. You know it is only a matter of time before the rest of us have it.
I'm guessing that it will hit me today, because I have a huge list of things to do.
1. Go to the church and decorate the gym for tonight's Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet.
2. Go to the store and buy cake mix and other assorted items I need to fulfill other assignments for the Blue and Gold Banquet.
3. Make 5 dozen blue and gold cupcakes.
4. Frost 5 dozen blue and gold cupcakes.
5. Organize games for the Blue and Gold Banquet.
6. Take children to piano lessons and basketball practice.
7. Get my family to the Blue and Gold Banquet on time.
8. Do the stuff I'm supposed to do at the Blue and Gold Banquet.
9. Climb my mountain of laundry, put a flag on top, and try to finish washing it.
10. Wait until midnight to have stomach flu.
By the way, did I mention that I'm the new Cub Scout den leader? (I'm stoked about it, seriously. I think Cub Scouts are awesome, and I'm so excited to plan activities.)
It is going to be a crazy day. Wish me luck!
I think ALL moms should just be given a bucket upon being discharged from the hospital with their new baby and trained how to use it properly. The bucket is a given for any household with little ones with stomach bugs along with waterproof stadium blankets. We use those in our house when the kids are sick. Just have the child sleep on the waterproof blanket layered with towels. That way if they don't quite make it to the bucket because they are half asleep at least you can throw the towels in the wash, use Lysol wipes to wipe down the waterproof side of the blanket again, re-layer with towels and you are good to go. No more worry about ruining the bed, mattress or floor. You are 100% covered!
ReplyDeletePraying that the bug doesn't hit you!
Stef, Ryan, Wyatt and Logan
www.whenlifehandsyouabrokenheart.blogspot.com
Wow, you are truly a busy bee!
ReplyDeleteand truly blessed to be who you are with a beautiful family!
xo
Stefenie, you are so smart! I've never even thought about using a waterproof blanket. That could cut down on the laundry considerably! Thanks for enlightening me.
ReplyDeleteThe church gym is decorated, the shopping is done, and the cupcakes are made.....no sign of nausea, yet! Woohoo! I'm almost in the clear.
You're so lucky to be Cubmaster! I was just released last August from that coveted position. It's the only calling I've ever cried for after being released.
ReplyDeleteIn our house, the buckets are known affectionately and very delicately as the "Throw-up Buckets." Oh, and I did leave the hospital with them - they are the pink hospital regulation ones they were all bathed in as babies. Here's hoping you don't need one.
Sorry - I just re-read that you're a Den Leader. Which den are you over? I was Bear Leader before being Cubmaster. If you ever get the chance to volunteer for Cubmaster - take it and run!!
ReplyDelete