I suppose it was bound to happen eventually - and 18 months in, it did.
So far, the McConville household has managed to mostly escape the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yes, we have been touched by it in many ways - the mask wearing, the social distancing, the hand washing, the queuing at shops, the sacrificing play dates and family meet-ups. We all have had to play our part.
But, at 7.18am last Monday morning, I received the text that all parents are currently dreading: "There is positive Covid case in your child's class."
It added that Abbie had to isolate and we had to book her a PCR test.
I suddenly felt very stressed.
Almost immediately, my phone buzzed with a message from my friend, whose daughter is also in Abbie's class and who had also received the message.
We texted each other, anxious and unsure of what to do next.
Of course, the text had arrived as I was trying to get the kids up.
We managed to get downstairs - my mind all over the place - as I made breakfast.
My thoughts then turned to James - could he still go into school? If not, could I take him to the testing centre with me?
The only positive in all of this was the fact that I was off work that day and didn't have to navigate that also.
Soon we got a test booked, 14 miles away as there was nowhere closer available.
After contacting the school, I was informed James could go in but was told if Abbie's test came back positive, both would have to remain off school.
However, if it was negative, as long as I sent a copy of the results to the school, Abbie could return to school the next day.
It was a difficult drive to the test centre as I could see how anxious Abbie was about getting the test done - she is only six after all.
On arriving, I was horrified to learn I had to do the test on her and I'll be honest, it was a horrible experience which made me feel sick.
She really hated it and I felt so sorry for her.
Of course, knowing she had to get the same thing done on day eight made her feel all the worse and on the way home, there were tears.
Surely there must be a better way to do this?
Surely we can come up with another way of testing, and how about small satellite test sites at schools instead of having to take a worried wreck of a child 14 miles to get it done?
I can see how the test and experience has affected her and I can only hope it doesn't stay with her.
I fear though this could be start of a very long and traumatic road for our children.
We've done our best to shield our kids from the full impact of Covid up to now but it seems this may simply not be enough.
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Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly put a kissing ban on this year's contestants.
It is understood the move comes as the team behind the TV show are desperate to avoid the chaos Covid-19 brought on last year, when boxer Nicola Adams and her professional dance partner Katya Jones had to withdraw.
This year, it's been reported that producers have told those taking part, including Hollyoaks star Katie McGlynn, journalist Dan Walker and comedienne Judi Love, that it is a case of 'one snog and you're out'.
Kissing or no kissing, I'll still be glued to all that sparkle.
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Summer is over and the dark evenings are on the way but panic not, how do you fancy winning a pair of tickets for the flicks to brighten up your autumn?
Movie House Cinemas have four venues at your disposal at Cityside, Glengormley, Coleraine and Maghera and there is an endless list of new movies to enjoy.
Among the films due to arrive this month is Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson as music icon Aretha Franklin.
It follows the rise of the Aretha's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international super-stardom.
Also showing is the new Bond movie, No Time to Die, which is Daniel Craig's last outing as the spy.
Further information about all screenings is available at www.moviehouse.co.uk.
I have two pairs of passes for Movie House Cinemas to give away.
If you fancy winning a pair, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com.
Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday September 14 2021.
(Q) Who plays the role of Aretha Franklin in Respect?
Normal Irish News rules apply.
COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners of the One Split Second competition are Una Hamill from Moira, Christine McGrath of Coalisland, Lilane McGuigan from Newry, Vera O'Hagan from Loughgall and Nuala Tohill of Portglenone.
