So, being on bed rest, I have been couch/bed-ridden while my husband takes my boys to birthday parties, church and other weekend activities. This morning, the boys are headed to another birthday party, Mikey’s “sister” Fia, who he’s known since they were babies in daycare — it’s a party he has been looking forward to since last weekend.

And then Mike found out I wouldn’t be coming with them to the party.

Oh, he was not pleased. First, he argued for about a half an hour with his dad about how he wanted him to stay home and for me to go to the party instead. Then he declared he didn’t want to go anymore and that he wanted to stay home with me.

He was whining, and normally it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me, but Oh. My. God. My sweet boy just wanted me to go to an important (to him) birthday party. How can you fault him for that?

So I started talking to him, so he wouldn’t have a full-on meltdown when it came time to leave. First, I told him that I needed to stay home and rest and sleep. So my wily boy changed his tune and started saying he was sleepy too.

I changed tactics and said that he had to go so he could sing happy birthday to Fia, because I couldn’t do it. I think I started to see his resolve waver, so then I laid it on thicker. I told him Fia’s mom promised me cake, so he had to get me some because I couldn’t get it. He had no argument for this. (Man, I’ve never had to be so manipulative before!)

After eating breakfast, it was time to change into regular clothes. He said again he didn’t want to go, so I told him he had to change out of his pajamas like me and his daddy. Another little battle won.

Then it came time to get their jackets on. Chris was no problem, but Mike was arguing again, so I urged him again to get me cake and that they would be coming right back to get me. (In a way, it’s true, since right after the party they have to pick me up to go to the hospital for a non-stress test.)

Being on bed rest has been no picnic and trying to hold off the doctors, who have been trying to admit me until the baby is delivered since last Friday, has been no small feat either. But Mike’s visible relief when he sees me in the morning and today’s “argument” makes me feel some vindication in being adamant about staying home. It’s not just good for me, but also good for my family, and I think some doctors will never understand that.