Mini-Reunion

My best friend from college came to visit recently.  It was a WONDERFUL mini-reunion!  I really miss having her nearby.  The last few years we have been unable to connect very often - busy schedules and family commitments as well as limited time/budget for traveling.  Oddly enough, the ability to text each other and skype has facilitated keeping up a little bit better lately.  Technology can be a quite useful!  ;).

Both Disco and I adore my best friend - and now we have had the chance to get to know her new hubby (whom we also adore).  The kiddos, well, some word that exaggerates the term adore would be the best way to describe their reaction to our friends.  The excitement and chaos from the kiddos during our skyping sessions is a treat as well.  Most of our time is spent laughing at silly children!

It feels like the weekend visit was so long ago already - which it isn't b/c it was just last weekend (February 19-20). But between little man's health issues and trying to keep up with a few deadlines at work it has been a busy time since then.  Here are some pics of our mini-reunion adventures at the river - can't wait to see our friends again soon!  BTW - I love that my wonderful hubby included jpgs of pictures with silly facial expressions.  Comedian.

Love this pic!

That darn strep again . . .

Yup - little man has strep again.  His symptoms were mild this time but the test was positive.  We talked a LONG time with the doctor about our concerns.  Disco feels better, I'm still worried.  Basically, we treat with antibiotics again.  It is likely he is a carrier but we can't know for sure unless we test him randomly when he has no symptoms.  But there really is no use in determining whether he is a carrier or not because it wouldn't change the way we will treat any future symptoms.  And pretty much there is no way to sterilize everything or avoid getting strep from the environment or other kids - it is ubiquitous.  Any of you who regularly play with little man beware o' the strep carrier.  ;)

For now we are still "on watch" and continuing on the "wait and see" plan.  At least any time we have an inkling of concern over his mild symptoms (stinky breath, grumpiness, cough, lack of appetite, being clingy and sometimes a low grade fever) we are justified on taking him back to the doctor.  Sometimes it feels nice to know we aren't nuts for being concerned.

He really didn't want to go to the doctor today to confirm what we already suspected.  Little man said "i not sick, i all better now" over and over again.  So I told him we were all going to the doctor to get checked out.  He decided that big sis was going to take his medicine or shot for him.  I sure wish it worked that way - because I would take the shots or meds for him after seeing how upset he was over the whole experience!

A little worn out

We had a wonderful weekend . . .the weather was beautiful and we visited all weekend with old friends.  I have plenty of pics to share later this week.  :)

But today I am feeling a little worn out.  I really think it is a combo of tiredness, sadness, and possibly illness.  The whole family is a little tired from the weekend.  It was too pretty to stay inside and we pushed the sleep boundaries because I didn't want to miss out on our limited time with my best friend from college.  It really was a great visit!  I also really missed my friend today.  We don't get to see each other very often and spending the weekend with her and her husband reminded me of really good times and a strong bond.  Both kiddos were also missing our friends and mommy and daddy today as they went back to their routine.

And finally, we are concerned that little man may have strep again.  He acted kind of funny Sunday night and his breath was stinky.  No fever today but we set up an appointment with the pediatrician Tuesday just in case.  This strep stuff is getting very old and is so distracting to me because it makes me anxious and worry.  I just want my baby to be healthy again.  I really hope we are worried for nothing - we will see tomorrow.

So now I am heading off to bed early.  All those chores I needed to do tonight will just have to wait.  I am hoping some extra zzz's will help kick start me back into a happier state of mind tomorrow . . .

Daddy-Daughter Dance

I was folding clothes and turned on some music to encourage the kiddos to do "dance party" with me while I worked.  Of course big sis got right into it.  A slower song came on and she yelled "dance with me!"  I turned around to respond and she had gotten her daddy out on the dance floor.  :).  All folding ceased so I could capture this sweet little 4 year old moment (which explains the large pile of clothes in the background of the video).  Before we know it this will be them during the father-daughter dance at her wedding:




Or maybe more like this:

Random Pictures

After all the snow postings I played catch up at work this week and each night we have enjoyed some fun spring-like weather either at the park or in the backyard.  I'm glad to be back to a regular schedule again. Although I have to admit I missed the kids randomly throughout each day at work. 

My creative juices are definitely limited by this point in the week.  So instead of documenting our activities I decided to pick out past cute pictures of the kiddos that make me smile.  Both of the following pics are from May 2009. 

Day 6

Happy Valentine's Day!  Today was the last day of extra time with the kiddos during our snow days and scheduled closings for school.  Big sis hung out with me while I worked from home while little man went to daycare.  In the afternoon big sis went to dance and Disco and I were able to join little man for his Valentine's Day party and some beautiful sunny afternoon playtime in the backyard.

We were also treated to some fun time with the grandparents today!  My time with big sis was going really well this morning - I worked while she watched the agreed upon Valentine's specials on TV and enjoyed some Valentine's crafts. Then she got bored (signs of which included a sudden onset of numerous questions and "momma" every 30 seconds).  Luckily, Gaga called about the same time big sis got bored and heard the desperation in my voice.  Gaga wanted to drop off Valentines for the kiddos anyway so she ended up taking big sis to a surprise lunch at McDonalds. 

Grandmother and Grandad called us Sunday night to tell us they were still in town and offered to watch the kiddos.  Disco and I decided to take them up on their offer and enjoy a Valentine's date night.  It was wonderful to have an unexpected Valentine's meal treat with my hubby,  We got to try an old Italian restaurant in town that we had never visited before tonight.  It was yummy!

So the best Valentine's Day presents - love from the grandparents!  Somehow the stars aligned today so that Disco and I got to work and have a much needed date sans kiddos.  Grandmother, Grandad, and Gaga more than deserve our love and thanks this Valentine's Day!  :)

A couple of pics that we took of little man as we were traveling from one activity to the next:


Little man couldn't wait to open his Valentine's.  He had
to stop on the front porch to open up his loot after school



















Little man was SO proud of the suckers
he found in his treat bag. 
He told us "One for me and one for big sis!"



Day 5

Day 5 of snow/school break days - a quick Sunday update.  It was a whirlwind day of church, play time, a cookie party (a mommy only event ;), backyard fun in the FABULOUS 60 degree weather (just a hint of snow left now), and a slumber party.  The kiddos actually were really well-behaved for the majority of the day.  Of course all those yummy cookies mommy brought home in the late afternoon were sure to help with the usual late day slump.  ;).  All in all it was a beautiful Sunday!

Day 4

Saturday.  Yay!  Today we spent the morning enjoying the last of the snow (although we still have PLENTY of it in the backyard tonight).  We visited the snow fort, hiked with our eldest dog, did some belly sledding, and played on a snowy slide.  Little man did feel the need to start mowing the snow . . . guess it was getting too high for his landscaping tastes.  The afternoon was dedicated to a playdate with some friends which was lots of fun!  Both kiddos crashed after the playdate.  Another quiet evening for mom and dad :).

Pics from the morning adventures:

Our alpha dog loves to hike through the
woods after it snows.  Today was a special
treat because the kiddos really wanted to
be in charge of walking her down the path.

Here big sis is telling some elaborate story
while little man is trying to take the sled off
deeper into the woods to keep anyone
else from using it.  It just cracked me up
how she was so unaware of the scene
behind her :)

Day 3

This morning was a clean up kind of morning.  Clean up toys, clean up laundry, take a shower, clean up kids, etc. 

We also baked a Valentine's Day cake.  The kiddos did a great job buttering the pan, pouring in the ingredients, spreading the icing and tossing on the sprinkles.  It was one of the few times I really enjoyed the process of baking with both kiddos and we finally worked out who does what.  I think the best part was giving them enough space to work - we moved the baking operations to the dining room table.  Space made a real difference :)

Best part of our Day 3 adventures - Grandmother and Grandad took the kiddos for the afternoon.  Big sis and little man spent all morning describing to me all the things they would do at Grandmother's house (baking cookies were on top of both of the kiddos list).  The grandparent adventure meant that Disco and I could WORK again.  I would be happy to be a stay at home momma.  Or to work from home.  But trying to work from home WITH kids underfoot - not my ideal working situation.  Doable but not easy by any means.  Kudos to the women who attempt that scenario!

No pics from the day.  More tomorrow . . . we are visiting a neighborhood snow fort in the morning.  Should be fun :)

Day 2

Today's goals were to sleep late (didn't happen), work at least 4 hours to somewhat keep up with deadlines (check!), build a snowman (didn't happen), go sledding (check!), eat "junkfood" (ssshh!  the kids don't know that we disguise their lowfat/low salt/turkey/veggie/high fiber/healthier food options and call it a "treat." check!), make a second batch of snow ice cream and drink hot cocoa (ok, those really are junkfood options. check!), and trash the house (kids goal not mine. check!). 

Disco got to do a little home improvement project in the kitchen.  Thankfully he did not go ahead and cut a hole in our snow covered roof today.  ;)

Here are the day's activities in pictures.  Enjoy!




Actually a project we started on Day 1 and finished Day 2.
It really was a joint effort and probably my fav fridge
project based on the "togetherness" factor.  :)

 




















Played indoors all morning . . .



















. . . outdoors in the afternoon!
























Prepping the sledding slope.
Disco takes that task very seriously!

The slope!



A stick for thumping snow covered branches























Watch out - he is looking for targets!























Daddy started a belly sledding trend





I even joined in on the belly sledding . . .
I hope this pic reminds the kiddos that mommy
doesn't ALWAYS work during snow days ;)
























Little man decided to just take a seat during
 my lame attempt to start building a snowman























Tired of walking up the hill!























Bigger than life little man!  :)



Day 1

February 9th - ANOTHER snow day.  And this time we are getting a significant amount and it is definitely sticking around ;).  This past Sunday night we got snow and the roads were a little slick and slushy in our neighborhood on the way to school Monday morning.  But within 30 minutes of leaving the house it was melting fast.

Snow began falling this morning about 7am and everything was covered quickly.  At one point big sis looked out the window and told us "Hey the roads are white!  We are getting lots of it (snow).  I guess I must have wished too hard!"   Disco cleaned his car twice already and it is still covered in snow. 

Today begins 6 days in a row of big sis being out of school.  Two days for weather, two scheduled days of school closings, and two weekend days.  Not sure how we are going to spend all of this unexpected family time.  At least today I was able to work 3-4 hours so that some work projects are under control.  No worries, though about working too much.  We still hiked in the snow, played with neighbors, went sledding, and made some snow ice cream. 

Obligatory snow pics.  They aren't the greatest . . . all the falling snow ended up making the pictures taken with my little point and shoot camera fairly dark. 

Big sis loves "posing" for the camera lately



She was SO EXCITED about playing with
the neighborhood kids in the snow :)

Little man was covered in snow within the
first 30 secs of being outside.  This was
also Disco's second time to clean the car

Favorite activity - throwing "snowballs"

Chili dogs for lunch . . . with lots of extras.  We always have
chili when it snows :)

Windy

The kiddos both put on long dresses the other day in order to have "wind" to blow them up.  Basically they just stood over the heater vent ;)

Wow - ANOTHER Snow Day

I can't remember the last winter we had this many snow days!  Friday Feb 4th was another one.  Most of our snow days are all fun and games (see pictures below).  But I am beginning to get behind at work and although I love being home with my kiddos this last snow day proved difficult to work from home. Fun little kiddos were running around having a grand time!  I have too many "writing tasks" this semester and I am a "quiet" writer i.e. any noise other than music is distracting.  We have more snow possible this week - should be interesting how this affects my rising work anxiety.  Maybe the current predictions are wrong . . .

Even with the work issues I LOVE SNOW.  Little man would live outside if we let him.  And big sis' interest in the snow comes and goes (mostly because she doesn't want to wear warm clothes and fights us tooth and nail about her fashion issues - little diva ;).  But in general once she gets outside she enjoys the snow.



Big sis was an Eskimo taking pictures
of snowflakes.  Sassy and imaginative  :)





Little man was so proud of his snowball!





The view from our porch . . . one of the many reasons
we decided to stay.  It is like living in the woods
but still in the middle of the city!



Look!  No hands!























Happy sledder























I can still hear all his giggling when
I look at this picture :)



Momma's Got a Brand New Bag . . .

. . . that was promptly stolen by the four year old!  I won a contest recently at a mama's blog I like to visit.  My prize was a new bento box lunch bag.  It is really cute!  Big sis claimed it as her own bag as soon as it came through the door.  Which is fine, I'll use it when she lets me :).

I won't be able to do bento as creatively or with as much variety as our friend who writes She's Crafty.  Big sis is quite the picky eater.  But I like packing healthy lunch options for big sis most days because cafeteria food hasn't improved much since I was in grade school. 

Here is big sis modeling her new bag and ice pack.  The pink gel heart ice pack was quite the hot item of the set! 

More Strep?

Big sis . . . no fever, a worsening cough, poor sleep, just a few possible white spots on the tonsils, and definite attitude issues (teary/whiny, i don't feel good but don't really know how to express that attitude).  This morning she woke up at 5am and then didn't want to eat breakfast because "it hurt to eat."  Sigh.  So Disco checked her throat and it was questionable (definitely NOT as bad as little man's last week but a little concerning with the other symptoms).  Called the doc and he called in a prescription "just in case" since little man had a definitive case of strep last week. 

I really didn't want to send big sis today but I just couldn't bear to have her miss lunch.  So yeah, I'm THAT mom who sends her questionably sick kid to school anyway.  I know, I know.  Great parenting choice from an immunologist in public health.  But she was really looking forward to her Aunt K joining her for a special lunch date.  She made it through the day at school without any changes or additional concerns.  And she ate well at lunch.  I picked her up early anyway and we started meds. 

All I can say is hurry up spring - one beautiful weekend isn't enough.  My kiddos need to get outside to keep away from all these GERMS!

The Semester Update

This semester of school is SO MUCH better than last year at the same time!  I completed a project Jan 20th that I can finally present on Feb 17th.  I know I keep mentioning this project but it fulfills a full course requirement - so one more class completed. :)

I am now taking only one (fairly intensive) on-line class as a student this semester.  While I was working on my project during the first part of January the on-line class got "side-lined" and I fell behind a little bit.  But last weekend I had an exam and I hit the ground running in "catch-up" mode after that.  Now I can move forward fairly steadily the rest of the semester.  It is so nice to take only one class!  I can't even explain how much easier it is on our family for me NOT to be in night classes every week. 

Work is busy.  I'm working on several sets of lectures for the classes I am teaching, a new journal article, a conference poster, and various other "regular" daily tasks.  The conference trip will be another trip alone because the timing doesn't work out for the kiddos and Disco to join me.  I wish they could be there for this one!  But it will be a good conference and I love working when I am not at the office - I get so much more accomplished with fewer distractions.

Thankfully some things I complete this semester will be huge "to do" items off my list.  I really think this will lead to a turning point this summer as far as my schedule goes.   I look forward to upcoming changes and at the same time I am fairly nervous about it.  Regardless, one way or another change is coming and I am welcoming new opportunities!  :)