Sweets from swine flu: Why every family should enjoy some quarantine time

When our pediatrician announced that Big Sis tested positive for the H1N1 virus, my stomach flopped. With the diagnosis came doctor’s orders: Stay away from others for 7 days, starting when the fever hit. That’s right, we’re quarantined. The next day, my symptoms began – making that seven days start all over again. So far, Lil Sis and Dad seem ok … though I don’t know how Lil Sis hasn’t caught it yet – I keep catching her drinking from Big’s water bottle. (UG!)

So, we’re on Day 2 of the big Q. So far, I’ll have to admit, this swine flu thing really isn’t all that bad! As for the quarantine time, we’re really enjoying ourselves! Now, it’s only Day 2 – so we’ll keep you posted on how it all goes down. In fact, I have a goal to report some of our doings each day, and possibly convince other families out there to enjoy more quarantine time themselves (hopefully without the influenza symptoms).

Here's what we've learned and done in the first two days:

~ DAY 1 ~

Big Sis added another accessory to her princess ensemble.
{ok, ok, I made her put it on for the pic. The doc did make her wear it at his office though.}

Lil Sis became our in-house physician.

The Porter's brought over this "Quarantine Countdown" bag, filled with seven wrapped presents. Isn't that sweet and creative!? She loves it! Plus, it'll help her keep track of how long until we can play with friends again.

When Alex and I lived in the dorms at Ricks College, we abided by strict rules about boys in the girls' apartments (no girls were ever allowed in the boys' dorms). If a girls' apartment was caught breaking a rule (like having the lights off, visiting during non-visiting hours, or crossing the 'chastity line'), the girls got a big "Q" in their window, and were denied the opportunity to have gentlemen at their residence for a few days. Lol. Ah, good times. So, I welcomed Alex home from work to our big Q.

We decorated silly pumpkin faces.

~ DAY 2 ~


We spent extra time watching the birds. We should do this more often! A large group of little tweeters put on quite a show, darting back and forth from a bright red tree to an apple tree.

We played counting games. Big Sis wrote and counted numbers 10 - 15.

Lil Sis worked on her fine motor skills. Look at that focused face.

Lil Sis helps clean a lot lately.

She's just cute.

And I'm not sure when the last few pics were taken ... but in the last few days.
We just change PJs often. lol.