Would you travel with a sick baby?

Originally published on Sweetspot.ca

This past weekend, we headed to Ottawa to experience Winterlude with our friends, who moved to our nation's capital from Alberta recently. I was so prepared for the whole "anything goes when travelling with kids" thing -- or so I thought. Then Sunday morning, the day we were meant to return home, Lucy woke up with a fever.

Lethargic, clingy and completely opposite of who she normally is, we debated on the right thing to do: Drive home hoping she would sleep the whole way, or stay put for an extra night and take a sick day on Monday? Would we annoy our hosts if we asked to stay an extra night? Isn't the saying that fish and houseguests stink after three days?

In the end we decided to stay put, much to the joy of my son and his betrothed (the daughter of our hosts). Our gracious and accomodating friends made us feel right at home. Parents themselves, they were more than understanding of our predicament. Lucy seemed to break out of her fever the following morning. It was time to go.

The four hour drive took more than six on the way home (with two stops) and by Monday evening it was clear that I was also being hit by Lucy's bug. Tuesday morning she seemed better, save a runny nose, but I was far from fine. I called my mom and asked her to take Lucy for the day. The day turned into two nights, as I could barely move -- except when forced to cough.

I have never felt more guilty. I know motherhood is a whole bucket load of guilt, but this took the cake for some reason. My daughter was sick too and needed her Mama, but I was not well enough to care for her. I did the right thing, sending her to a loving home with people who were eager to shower her with affection and make her comfortable. But for the first time I had a tiny insight into what parents who give their children up for adoption might feel like.

Lucy came home Thursday afternoon, and all is right again with the world. We're both running at the nose like mad, but at least we're together. And I've never been more happy or relieved to see her snot on my shoulder.

(PS: Happy Valentine's to everyone who loves someone this weekend. Take the time to snuggle that someone a little tighter tomorrow.)