Thursday, March 31, 2011

Warming Up

After more than a week without heat, we've finally ditched the layers and freed ourselves from a fixed family huddle around the gas fireplace.  For several days we rarely left the confines of the five by eight foot rug directly in front of our sole heat source.  We played board games, held concerts, read books, had "picnics" and did periodic jumping jacks to keep warm, while outside temperatures hovered in the low 30's.  It actually wasn't all bad, especially for Looly Ingalls Wilder.  She enjoyed the snuggle time and imagining just how cold that Long Winter really must have been for Laura, Mary, Carrie, and the gang.  In any event, the boiler is rolling again and the kids are down to one pair of pajamas at night. 

Oddly, the deep freeze seems to have agreed with Roo.  He's been vomit-free for over a week and has eaten surprisingly well.  Well, maybe not well in the traditional sense of the word, but not bad for him...few bites of breakfast, fine lunch, adequate dinner and a little milk for consecutive days.  A good day is always good but I sort of hate when this happens because it starts to get my hopes up that he could maybe, possibly, perhaps, just the tiniest bit be improving.  But, we've had these happy spells before so I'm not holding my breath for any miracles.  But I am trying to enjoy the good days while they're here.  With the next scope fast approaching, they won't last long.  April 15.  Mark your calendars.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Happy Birthday

So, I admit it.  I've been avoiding the blog.  It's not that I haven't had anything to say.  In fact it's rather the opposite.  Anyway, I'm so exhausted my left eyelid is twitching as I look at the screen but I'm sucking it up, along with a Starbucks iced coffee, in honor of my 2 brand-spankingly new 3-year-olds.

Yes, Roo and Bean are 3! Presents at the breakfast table were a big hit.  Thanks to Nana and Grampy for St. Patrick's Day head gear and embroidered t-shirts but it was downhill from there.  Only a couple of kids showed up to preschool to celebrate with Bean and Roo and share in their hand-dipped chocolate-sprinkle coated pretzels.  Now I think I know why. 

Poor Bean developed a killer earache immediately after lunch.  Then the fever showed up.  Tylenol did little to ease her pain and the poor kid had absolutely no interest in her presents.  It was so sad.  Roo posted a lackluster performance at feeding therapy highlighted by gagging on a piece of salami without actually following through with a full-on vomit.  It's the little things.

Already sleep-deprived and hungry since he didn't eat his lunch, Roo opted out of nap which resulted in general 3-year-old debauchery and me screaming at him on his birthday and putting him into a lengthy purposeless time-out.  Stellar parenting, I know.  I did apologize later and draw him a chalk birthday cake but the damage was done.  Think he's the only one who's sleep deprived?

We capped off the evening with take-out pizza, avoided all happy birthday phone calls, and skipped dessert.  No singing of happy birthday or anything.  We are truly ba humbug parents but it just wasn't in the cards this year.  Mufasa and I spent the vast majority of the night trying to comfort Bean.  Turns out she had something to cry about.  The pediatrician confirmed a double ear infection this morning and her temperature was up to 103.5.  That was with tylenol.  Poor birthday girl.

Just when we thought we were through the woods and the sky was showing signs of life, Looly awoke this morning with a bloody nose.  Now her cheeks are turning pink like Bean's, a sure sign she's next in line for the fever.  She's been complaining about headaches a lot lately and I don't know what to think. 

Phew.  With that off my chest, let's talk about fun stuff.  Bean and Roo received so many sweet well-wishes from friends, family, and classmates yesterday.  My favorite was listening to the two of them congratulating each other on another year.  They really are best friends.  Ear infections pass but the loving support system they have in place is remarkable.  They got some really cool gifts including an awesome Cozy Coupe car that Mufasa grumbled and slaved over, I mean happily assembled, for Bean, a slick royal blue real guitar for Roo, Magna-tiles (my personal favorite!), hand-painted bowls with their names on them, whiffle balls and bats, umbrellas, various adorable new duds, books, etc. Roo was thrilled with his gifts and Bean will be too once she's feeling better.

Last but not least, Roo's scope is finally scheduled for April 15 - hallelujah!  More on that another time.  And did I mention is was 65 degrees and sunny yesterday?  The big birthday party with their classmates is slated for this Sunday.  Let's hope the amoxicillin works it's magic fast.