Den of Sickquity update: week seven and still going strong. Friday night, Hadley coughed so much she puked all over herself and her bed. That was the highlight of the weekend.
On another note, part of Hadley’s obsession with Dora the Explorer revolves around the antagonist, Swiper the Fox. For those not blessed enough to live, breathe and sleep this program, Swiper is a “sneaky fox” who tries to swipe things that Dora needs to complete her quests. When Swiper has swiped something he then hides it and it’s up to Dora, Boots (her freaky monkey sidekick) and Hadley P.I. to find where it is hidden.
It was recently revealed where Swiper lives: a foxhole. Since that time, Hadley has insisted we build “Hadley Holes” all over the house. We all cram into her imaginary dwelling, watch as Swiper sneaks down the stairs and shout out the requisite, “Swiper, NO SWIPING,” which makes him slunk back into his world of transgression.
As we were playing our game the other day, I thought I’d add some excitement to it. I tossed one of our pillows on the stairs and exclaimed, “Haddie look: Swiper tried to swipe our pillow!” My desired reaction was for her to once again boldly proclaim, “Swiper no Swiping.”
But it had the opposite effect. The poor kid tore into my arms SCREAMING in terror. So much for bravado. She reminded me of my childhood dog, Lacey who always boldly barked at the doorbell. Until one day when she thought no one was home and the doorbell rang. Instead of attacking, the woosy mutt retreated under the bed until they went away. Some watch dog.
And so now we are living in a foxhole of fear and Hadley cannot turn her back because Swiper is surely going to swipe everything she owns. She claims this is monumentally worse than the formerly dreaded ‘S’ word (sharing.)
It kind of serves her right. When we were at the store several months ago, an innocent shopper grabbed some clothing off the rack, only to be confronted by an indignant Hadley who, waving her finger accusingly, shouted, “Swiper no Swiping….”
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 