Neglected Blog, A Puker, and a Mothering Secret....all sans pictures

Man. I really wish I could manage to keep this blog of mine updated. I guess that should be an indication that we are just busy living life. Which is true, although there isn't anything super exciting going on. Unless you consider having sick kids as exciting. Speaking of sick kids....

I've got a puker. The only thing worse than puking is having a kid that pukes....on your carpet, your tile, your furniture. Thankfully, however, I'm a quick learner and have only let this happen to me ONCE in my 6+ years as a mother. Because I'm so giving (and trapped on the couch, holding said sicky -with nothing else to do) I thought I would share a few secrets with you. I've discovered a sure fire way to keep the mess of a puker contained.

What you will need:
One large waterproof table-cloth
Two Towels
A cushion, piece of foam or something of the like big enough for your little one to slumber on (I pull the old crib mattress out of the basement- 'cause it's waterproof. But I've also used two couch cushions from an unused couch and/or a seat cushion from the camping trailer)
A large garbage bag (or two)*
A bucket or some other suitable container, which will be referred to as the "puke bucket"
A small garbage bag (or grocery sack)
Some paper-towels

You are probably wondering why in the world you would need all this, but trust me, this recipe has saved me from many a disaster.

You start by laying the water-proof tablecloth on the floor of whatever room you choose to contain said sick child in. I often times put it in the living room (because my kids like to be near us, but need a space of their own all at the same time). In the center of that tablecloth put your cushion. *This is where you will need the large garbage bag. If you aren't using an already waterproof cushion (i.e. crib mattress), cover said cushion with the large garabage bag (or two).

Now work you're motherly magic and turn that cushion into a resting spot (with a sheet, blanket and pillow of your choosing). Place your sick child in the middle of the cushion with the designated "puke bucket". Voila. At my house this becomes the "special sick bed", which becomes important to them, making them feel loved while I get a sense of control (because I'm OCD like that).

Lay aside the small garbage bag, paper-towels, and the two regular towels (but not too far away). You will need these things when it comes time to empty that bucket. Trust me. The paper-towels are to wipe their littles mouths and noses, the towels are for anything else that needs to be cleaned up, and the small garbage bag is for the now dirty paper-towels, because in the middle of the unavoidable (with a crying, sick, and scared child) you don't want to be trying to contain, clean, and comfort without everything you need at arms length.

So, there you have it. Everything you never knew you wanted to know, and quite possibly one of my best mothering secrets (hey, no one ever said I was going to win mother of the year).

Now if you will excuse me, it's time to refill the sickies water-bottle and check his temperature.