Where did February Go??

I'm sure I'm not the only asking that question! I do notice I didn't chronicle anything here to figure out what how we spent those 28 days. Let's see...I know we finally got to spend time out side and dreaming of spring. We removed ds from the dining room table at least 97 times and from the computer closet another 126 times (he's figured out if you push certain buttons, things happen). We made homemade marshmallows and chocolate dipped strawberries for Valentines Day. The girls started a session of swimming lessons. We've been trying to figure out how the Stimulus Package will actually affect us. We've had one couple in our neighborhood BOTH get laid off within two days of each other. We've went from having a strong confidence in Papermans job security to having some strong questions. One case of strep throat. Four pitching lessons. Three doctor visits. Eight trips to dance class. And a partridge in a pear tree, or something like that.

Doctor Love

I'm in love with another man. Our pediatrician. Not in love in love, just appreciating what he does for our family. He and his father were the dr's my Mom would take us to when we were too sick to see our small town doctor. He is the doctor we've taken dd1 and everyone else to since they were one week old. I can stress and wonder about anything, but with one phone call he can make me feel at ease. He is very good at being on the safe side of things, but not overreacting. I'm sure most doctors are this way, but today after 5 trips to the doctor in 2 weeks it was nice to be reassured that we are doing ok and our kids are "just perfect" (his quote not mine, see why I love this man!). DD1 and DD2 had their checkups. Yep, a little late for dd2 but I usually do them together, then everyone gets their flu shots, and ice cream. This year the girls got flu mist, and still ice cream. I'm sure he has a huge number of patients (as he's been "in the business" for over 25 years), but he still acts like he remembers us and the little details about our lives, I guess it's kind of like being a frequent flyer member, membership has it's privileges.

Putting my hat on again....

Or in one word, a RECAP. Our week in a nutshell, fevers, strep, viral. Yep, 2 girls with fevers, one with strep (dd2) and one "just viral" (ie:wait it out, question your parenting abilities, take stock in advil and sprite with straws) (dd3). DD3 is entering day 6 of fevers above 103 degrees. She's been such a trooper. While the meds are working she's watching tv or letting us read to her. When the temp spikes it's nap time. It may sound a bit odd, but I don't mind my babies being sick (just to a point) as I like being able to be at home and snuggle. If we could just stay home and snuggle WITHOUT being sick that would be even better. As I look at it, we are getting all the sickies out of the way, no one will be sick on Christmas and it's smooth sailing through February. It's ok to hope/wish and pray right?

Yellow tape

If you see our property surrounded by yellow (do not cross) tape, do not worry. It's just the health department doing a quarantine on our household for germs that just won't leave us alone! Go as far away as you can and come back in a week. We thought we were safe. Thought the worst was over. Thought we could have a weekend together as a family (it's only been a month!). Nope. Not happening. Paperman came home today in the middle of the day. I was excited for about 4 seconds (thinking they didn't need him at work and our weekend started early), he's sick. DD1 has very high confidence that her good health will continue. I'll go with her on that. We have her sleeping in the garage and bathing in rubbing alcohol. Just kidding. Get better soon Paperman, we love you and miss you when you can't go places with us!

Bowl training....

We've all heard of crate training a dog, potty training a child, ever heard of bowl training? We try to bowl train our children right about the time they have their first bout of stomach flu. For the girls it has been around age 4 (see Sprite with straws post). This was dd3's first time. Bowl training (not something that had a name before now!) means basically, once that ugly vomit monster rears his head the bowl is your friend until you feel all better. I must say it has saved many carpet cleaning bills and loads of laundry. I have never had a one year old ask for a bowl or need one for that fact, until today. DS, as usual, wanting to keep up with his sisters, has joined the "need a bowl club". Of course, for all who know me, I NEVER have any unusually high expectations for my children, he didn't get a bowl. I just covered the area rug with a sheet and his carseat with a towel and let him play. Poor baby, hasn't eaten since lunch, wants to chug water (against the dr advice, sips only), but he's sleeping now. Sweet peaceful dreams baby boy....

Sprite with straws

Yep, the sickies have hit our house. My last entry was Wednesday- that's the day my mom went to the hospital (stomach virus). I really wasn't too worried as the last time we had spent with her was last Saturday at a softball tournament. We were outside, it was a long time ago, what to worry about?? Thursday morning- dd2 started, Friday morning my dad, Friday night ME, Saturday morning dd3. Who is next? We are hoping and praying NO ONE!!! So, the drink of choice around here has been sprite with straws, hoping to calm the tummies, keep some fluids down and the bright spot in a day of not so bright activities. The tv has not blown up from overuse (yet) and Paperman has been hero of the week around here. The laundry has more than doubled, it was time to "do diapers" (I said to go to disposables until further notice!), he's trying to get grass to grow and the healthy girls have had a busy weekend with activities. His woodcutting treestand checking plans for the weekend pretty much went down the drain with everything else. Thank you Paperman, you'll always be my hero, even when you're not doing laundry. :)