Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
WWYD? Long
Okay, as many of you who know me IRL know that I am pretty OCD when it comes to germs. So, I need some advice to see if I am having mommy's intuition, being completely neurotic or just completely need to be smacked 
So, we had Gwen in the ER 2 weeks ago for a possible virus and had the full sepsis work up (spinal tap, chest X ray, catheder, IV antibiotics,...). Horrible, horrible night that has totally scarred me. I pretty much haven't gone out of the house with her since, and freak to let DS out either (with DH).
My dad came up about 4 weeks ago to visit and a few days later had a cold (we were all under the weather with a cold as well, so we think he got it from us). Well, I just spoke with him on Friday, and he said he still had it, plus he had diarrhea that day as well. So, I freaked out on him, said he had to go to the doctor to see if he can get antibiotics, or we weren't coming home for Xmas (we are a super tight family with huge Xmas traditions that we share with extended family). He made an appt and he is going on Monday. He also felt compelled to tell me later on Friday that his diarrhea was gone (thanks for the TMI dad).
So, I looked online, and found that a cold doesn't clear with antibiotics, and you really are contagious until you are symptom-free (things that I pretty much knew, but wanted to make sure).
So, my ?:. Do I use mommy intuition and not go home (which we would have to skip my IL's as well, since they live about 25 mins from my family and we were planning on doing XMas with them next weekend as well) and be a grinch; do I try to keep my kids away from anyone who is sick (pretty much next to impossible with my family, as we will be in a small space with about 12-15 people at each house) or do I feign illness and tell people we can't travel (haha). My DH thinks I am nuts, and in reality, Gwen is going to daycare one week later (as will Kellen be going back- I held him home since Gwen had the ER visit, so that he wouldn't bring anything back from daycare as well. Seriously, I am freaked- I haven't even done any Xmas shopping, other than online, because I don't want to take them outside).
Help! Do I buy those face masks that I see people in other countries wearing and just make my family wear them throughout the celebration? (that was a joke.. sort of). Any thoughts, even harsh, would help, because at this time, I am so torn. I know she will get sick again, and this time, she will be 3 weeks older, but I won't be able to forgive myself if we end up back at the ER since I had information prior to going home.
Re: WWYD? Long
I think you'll need to take normal precautions as far as hand washing, etc go but I can't see not going just because of a cold. Likely, he's not going to be the only one with a cold that she comes in contact with in the next weeks. Especially if she's going to daycare. There are way worse things at daycare. Trust me. We've been there.
His lower GI issues have cleared and kids can go back to daycare 24 hrs after that, so I think being around him next weekend will be more than fine.
I do understand your concern, and it's valid. I just think that you can manage the risk reasonably at the same time.
I'm a freak about germs as well - getting sick (especially the stomach flu) gives me complete anxiety. It's horrible, so I can relate.
That being said, if it is just a cold I would go. Daycare, school, shopping, etc your kids will be exposed to much worse. I don't think you want to potentially ruin your Christmas because of a cold. You are also still one week out, so there is lots of time for it to get better.
Wedding 6.18.04 Cole 11.20.06 Gavin 3.31.08 Parker 07.15.10 Logan 04.03.12