The holidays are fast approaching which means parties and festivities galore. I’m avoiding any hosting duties this year because I’ll be having a baby in the beginning of December (perfect excuse right?). But what I am trying to figure it out is how I will make sure to get Maggie’s CF treatments done, especially the nightly ones. With so much going on, and a new baby who may or may not need treatments of her own, I need to have a plan.
Making a List (and Checking it Twice). Besides the Christmas list for Maggie and her baby sister, I’ll be making a treatment list as well. As we go back and forth to other people’s homes, there will be a lot we need to bring. Having a checklist will make it easier to ensure I have everything that Maggie will need while we are visiting other people.
Setting a Schedule and Sticking to it. We will have to have a pretty tight leash on our schedule for each visit. To get Maggie’s PT done we will need to know when we are eating, when we are opening gifts and what time we will be arriving home. Her PT needs to be before eating or 45 minutes after eating and it takes about a half hour. If we wait until we get home, she could fall asleep in the car, or just be too tired and cranky to be able to sit still and handle the treatment.
Carry My Thick Skin. It’s hard to do treatments in front of other people, even family sometimes, especially if Maggie is too busy playing and doesn’t want to be bothered. Some people feel the need to make comments that can be hurtful. Luckily, my husband isn’t afraid of speaking his mind; I just have to remember to pack my thick skin (which only comes out on rare occasion).
Just Smile. After all is said and done, it’s the holidays – my favorite time of year. I’ll have to take things in stride, even if someone throws off my schedule and threatens to ruin my festive spirits. And if baby #2 ends up needing treatments too, at least both of my girls will be in it together.