Hello Spring!

Taking time to blog got lost in a sea of sickness again the last few days. Holy school and sports germs. Thank goodness for Spring because I need better weather and healthy kids. The Bunny Bee was out sick again Thursday and then all the boys on Friday though they all started to perk back up during the day so we didn't have to cancel dinner.

Coming home from my birthday dinner Friday night? I was sick. For the entire weekend. We even had to cancel our big kidless night out to celebrate our anniversary on Saturday. That one was tough. I had been looking forward to it so much, and staying home sick was not at all in the plans. Do over to come eventually.

The boys celebrated Opening Day after school yesterday by watching the Red Sox game.

Today, it's back to business around here. I dropped the boys at school this morning and flew home to finish getting everything ready for the Consignment Sale drop off ... while also trying to pack 3 kids for an afternoon in Boston followed by a change of clothes for wrestling practice tonight. Still working on that one. Picking the boys up just before lunch and heading to Boston for an audition.

Is it bedtime yet? What?

I don't mind the back and forth for the auditions, it's actually fun. It's the running around before and after that is exhausting. Rescheduled swim lessons for tonight and hopefully we make it to wrestling practice on time.

It's pretty busy around here today, but there is a giveaway and more coming up this week so stick around!

And that is what you missed!

Well I really fell off the blogging train for a few weeks there. Sick kids on and off, sick momma, super busy ... with a heaping lack of motivation. Slowly but surely I'm getting that motivation back.

Here's what you missed.

The boys competed in States. The Doodle Bop came in 1st in his weight class. The Bunny Bee 3rd. Things ran different for the Big Guy this time around and instead of wrestling five times, he only had two matches. He didn't place, but he fought so hard I couldn't have been more proud. Huge difference in how far he has come from the start of the season to the end. Our team is a machine. Our very first year together (it hasn't even been a year yet) and half the team took first in their divisions.

The Doodle Bop refused to get his last name on his champion sweatshirt like everyone else, opting for his first (so not to be confused with his brothers I am sure). Some days it's tough to get it off of him for bedtime.

I have started working out more - again. It comes in waves, I know. I joined Next Level Fitness and while it's still sort of intimidating to go in there alone, I do like it. So much fun to go in and meet the girls when our schedules line up.

I might be a weight lifter yet (someday). I even took the Big Guy in once and pushed him on an entirely too heavy (like stacked with over 400 pounds) sled.

I actually loved having him there with me. A few years from now, I see a little built in gym buddy. And since I'm only making it into the gym once or twice a week right now, I'm fitting in home workouts where I can too.

Two out of three kids lost another tooth. I took one out, the dentist removed the other.

The Doodle Bop filmed a commercial with Hasbro. No word yet on if it will air, they filmed a few that day and will let us know which ones get chosen.

The night before the Doodle Bop was due to film his commercial, long after the boys had gone to bed, the twins were chosen to audition in NYC for a brand new TV pilot - the very next day.

Because of course.

We made a commitment to something else first and we did not back out ... but it was so difficult. We hoped to be able to race to NYC with both of them as soon as the commercial was done filming, but by the time things finally wrapped we knew there weren't enough hours left to make it. The pilot has since been cast and filming has started so for now, that is that. I know that we did the right thing, but this also would have been a big deal for the kids. Trying to have faith right now that something else even better will come along for them.

The boys had their final tournament of the season over the weekend (out of order after States but it was rescheduled from a prior snow day). I went sick, and managed to become the crazy screaming mom on the bleachers when a boy from another team was losing so he started pulling one of the boys hair from the roots during the match. My kids would Never do that. I was beyond angry and Al actually had to tell me to quiet down. It is seriously hard to be a wrestling mom - or parent - and watch other kids occasionally try to hurt your child on purpose, outside of the rules of the sport.

 

In the end, all three medaled. I am beyond proud of these guys.

And that is what you missed!

(Stick around, I might even blog tomorrow.)

Vacation recap ... because I'm too tired to come up with a good title

Sending the Doodle Bop back to school on Valentine's Day, I thought we were finally done with illnesses. We pretty much stayed in last weekend because of the snow storm. The wrestling tournament was cancelled. The boys got a little sledding in ...

but something that I could not place still seemed off.

Monday morning I found myself trucking all three boys into the pediatrician. This time? The Big Guy has strep. I knew it. Well, I didn't know it. He didn't have the typical symptoms ... but I could not shake the feeling that someone else was now sick. And I was right. More antibiotics and we missed my godson's birthday party. Someone was quarantined again (till Wednesday) and the kids were furious about it.

Movies and video game time on the couch at home for a few days. The boys were thrilled to get to meet Daddy for lunch at work and then get back to gymnastics practice on Wednesday. Thursday we met our friends for an afternoon of bowling.

Al took the day off on Friday so we could take the boys out to see the Lego movie (in 3D) and spend some family time before wrestling practice.

Today? Was amazing.

My baby medaled! He fought hard every single match, winning one out of four - and still coming very close on the ones he lost. I held my breath as Al took him to the medals table. We knew he might have medaled, but didn't know for sure. Al threw his arm up in the air and gave me a big thumbs up. I nearly cried watching him walk back through the crowd. The look on his face said it all.

Look out States, here we come!

It was opposite day for the twins. While the Doodle Bop is used to crushing his competition and taking first, he came in third. The stitches have dissolved, but he was worried about his chin the first two matches. It was the very last one I watched him bounce back. The Bunny Bee beat every single opponent taking first place - for his very first time.

We celebrated (at the Bunny Bee's suggestion) by taking everyone out to lunch and letting the Big Guy pick the place. Super sweet. Love these guys.

Tonight I packed lunches, had the boys help me put away the laundry, and watched the Doodle Bop repeatedly dissolve into tears. Crossing my fingers we get back to our regular schedule tomorrow, but I can't help but wonder if I'm about to see a relapse of sickness.

Because of course.

(At least we have a few weeks to rebound before States.)

Danny and the terrible horrible no good very bad week - or two

The last 3 weeks have been a whirlwind of sickness around here.

The Doodle Bop would be sick for a few days, get better, then get sick. Repeat. 

Last Tuesday night he started complaining at wrestling practice that he didn't feel good and sat out for awhile. Looking completely fine, I made him get back to practice after a half hour. A few hours after he went to bed that night? Hit with what I thought was a stomach bug. Complete with the I told you I didn't feel good tears.

Mommy guilt like you wouldn't believe.

Once his stomach started to get better, he ended up with a pretty good fever and missed the rest of the week at school. He and Cappy spent days on the couch watching the Olypmics I would DVR for him, or the Cartoon Network.

We skipped out on Sunday's wrestling tournament just to make sure everyone was healthy once and for all. He was finally feeling good but I wasn't taking any chances. At some point on Sunday, I started to notice a rash popping up. He has had them after fevers before so I wasn't too concerned. Until he fell asleep and didn't remember ... and continued to get more itchy.

Monday morning I took him right into the pediatrician. I started to wonder if I had missed cox sackie (which made an awful appearance last summer). No, it was Scarlet Fever. Like in the Velveteen Rabbit. Who knew people still got that! While he never complained about his throat hurting, he had strep ... which likely caused what I thought was the stomach bug ... and the fevers ... and now the rash (still following me?) ... which turned into Scarlet Fever.

I wanted to cry for my poor baby. How did I not see this. Antibiotics, no school or sports till Wednesday at least the pediatrician said ... but maybe wait till Thursday depending on how he feels. As much as I wanted him back in school, he was still so itchy and miserable I kept him home Wednesday. I can not say enough good things about Aveeno Naturals anti-itch cream and their soothing bath treatments. I discovered the bath treatments when the boys were babies and always have some on hand at home. This was our first time using the cream they make.

Snow day Thursday which worked out just fine. Weeks ago, Channel 10 had made an appointment to come interview the boys. I mistakenly made it for during the day because I was thinking it was February vacation. The Doodle Bop was FINALLY better and it was going to be an exciting day!

The news truck pulled up in front of our house and when one of the boys called out that they were here, the Doodle Bop went running to see. Only he slipped, fell and cracked his chin open on the tile floor - at the moment they were walking in the door.

Because of course.

It's almost funny. I didn't know what to do ... cancel the interview? We put a band aid on it and iced his chin while we watched them do a weather report outside of our house.

Then we sat down to the interview (which will run next week sometime).

Once we were done, I took another look at his chin and it was still bleeding. Despite his protests, we grabbed a few things and I headed out with him in the storm to go get it checked at Hasbro. Three stitches to the chin.

I nearly passed out trying to hold his hand and watching them stitch him as he cried. They had given him a medicine to make him a little loopy but I think he had so much anxiety it didn't completely work ... until After they had finished.

Mommeeeee! My head is so heavy. I Can't Lift it! HAHAHA

We had to have at least 4 conversations about what was on his chin and why it was bandaged. Followed by a shocked and teary I got stitches? What?! When did that happen!

I carried my baby into the car, and then the house when we got home. He hugged me, looked into my eyes on the steps and said Mommy I'm sorry you have to do this for me.

My heart just about exploded. Oh no baby, I said. I would do anything for you. 

I sat him on the couch and his brothers were excited to help 'take care' of him. Handing over his video game controllers, tissues, anything he needed till he was feeling better. Daddy went out and picked up the pizza and cheesy bread sticks of his choice for dinner.

It was incredibly hard for me to drop him off at school today. He needs to get back into the routine, but after being out sick over a week, plus a snow day, plus stitches? Why was I sending him back for just one day when 3pm starts February vacation for the kids.

Because he needed the routine. And his friends.

I cancelled an appointment I was really looking forward to this morning, because as much as he wanted to go in he was still pretty teary on and off ... and I just knew he could be calling me to come back and get him. Only it's now almost lunch, and the school has not called.

I guess I need to remember he is tougher than I think.

My poor guy is out of wrestling for a minimum of a week - if not two. Due to where the stitches are, he needs to be healed enough before he can get back to practice and tournaments. Gymnastics and swim are OK for next week, but no wrestling per the doctors. He's hoping he can wrestle in next weekend's tournament. If we do allow it, that will most likely be his first time back on the mats in weeks.

I am so proud of him though. He loves wrestling more than anything and while he is upset he has to take a break, he is still going to practice tonight to sit with his team and watch. And he understands that he will have to cheer his brothers and friends on from the sidelines this Sunday.

He suddenly seems older than six to me.

Wordless Wednesday

Hasbro: It's a summer destination too!

We never did make it to the beach last week.

The next morning, the Doodle Bop woke up with blood sugar issues (from dropping weight earlier in the week I am sure) that I had not seen in over two years with him. Then? He started breaking out like crazy. We could only use the Benadryl every six hours, but less than four would go by and he would be all blotchy. I called the pediatrician and spoke with the nurse. They said I could not under any circumstances give him more Benadryl before the six hours was up and assured me he would be fine.

But he was looking like this...

And this. And crying that he was oh so itchy. As time went on, I started to panic.

I took the boys to Al's office because the Doodle Bop was missing Daddy. When I got there, Danielle called me to come over so she could take a look at him. Once she saw him, she agreed he should go to the hospital. These photos don't even really do what he looked like justice. She and her husband kept my other two guys and off to Hasbro the Doodle Bop and I went.

Everyone was so nice. They got us in immediately upon seeing him. I was showing everyone I could some of the photos I had taken of him as the week went along. I do document so many things with the boys, but not usually stages of sickness. Something about this time though, made me feel like I needed to keep photos of what I was seeing. Something felt so... off. Yes we had been to the doctor's office twice and I had called in on the other days ... but something made me store photos here and there on my cell.

The first doctor didn't seem very concerned, she told me the same thing my pedi's office had. It was the second doctor who finally put me at ease. I hear you have some pictures, he said ... and he asked me some questions before he took a look at them. As I answered, he was telling the intern with him it sounded like a classic case. He needed to see the photos to be sure.

I showed him what his throat had looked like, along with the progression of the splotches.

Yes, the other doctor's had all been right - the irritation he was having now was an overactive auto immune response to his body trying to fight off the germs. But what everyone else missed? Was that it started with Coxsackie. In his throat only.

Because of course. Because the Doodle Bop always has his two fingers in his mouth...which is how he got hand foot and mouth when he was two. I am always warning this child he is going to get sick from picking up germs like that.

While it would not have changed anything medically, had we known about the Coxsackie, I never would have exposed him to other kids that morning when we thought he was no longer contagious. I couldn't help feeling mad. How did 3 other doctors miss what another could tell just by looking at some cell phone photos (photos that 2 of those 3 doctors saw in person).

More Benadryl, a Popsicle and a few hours later, we were sent home with a script for something similar to Benadryl but stronger. And a warning that he would still be considered contagious till Monday. It was awful having to give up taking everyone to Boston on Saturday to see some old friends from college. We sent Al to represent the family and spent the day on the couch.

Today is the 9th day since the Doodle Bop got sick. The Big Guy fought off what I think was the start of the same thing, the Bunny Bee never got it. Tomorrow we can go back to our old routine. Tuesday means swim lessons, then wrestling practice. While I cancelled all appointments through today, I decided we were close enough and the boys had been stuck inside enough.

We took off to the beach for a few hours.

The crew.

They were all pretty low key today, but the water was cold and I think they were still moving a little slow from being home for so long. They actually asked to leave the beach. Usually it's me trying to drag three boys out who do.not.want.to.leave.yet.Mommy!

I think we will head back again tomorrow. For however long they want to stay - but not all day - because we have swim and wrestling to get back to. I think it will be good for them. No matter how sick they were over the last week, it never fully stopped them from randomly practicing wrestling and gymnastics moves.

I am so looking forward to being back in the swing of our normal routine, as busy as it is. I feel like I need to soak up every last bit of summer over the next few weeks. 

Sickie McSickensicks ... That's right... Two

So we last left off Sunday night - with a sick Doodle Bop. Who was convinced he was going to be sick everywhere - at all times. Because the last time he was really sick? Was in February. When he ended up in the hospital from that awful stomach bug. He associated it the same way, even though his stomach was fine.

Monday I was beyond grateful to have the twins six year checkup with the pediatrician. The Bunny Bee was healthy, but the Doodle Bop still had a high temp and brand new red spots all over his throat. Rapid strep came back negative but they sent it out to be sure. Oh yeah, and the only doctor the twins have ever had told us she is moving back to the Midwest where she is originally from. I about lost it.

By Tuesday? My poor Doodle Bop couldn't eat - at all - and the Big Guy had spiked a high temperature too. I was emailing Danielle (my good friend who also happens to be the Nurse Manager at a local hospital) asking when I could get a recheck, because I was Sure it should have been positive.

I called the doctor convinced we were looking at strep, but the test came back negative again. That night Al took our one healthy child to wrestling while I stayed home with the Sickie McSickensicks ... who put up one giant fight at bedtime.

Today? The Doodle Bop was eating just fine. Throat felt better. No temperature. I was ready to send him to gymnastics tonight with the Bunny Bee. The Big Guy still had a temp so he would be stuck home with me again. As I was helping the twins change for class I noticed some red around the Doodle Bop's neck. I took off his shirt to find giant red welts all over the place.

Because of course.

I snapped a few what the heck are these photos and sent them to Laura (who used to be a paramedic), then called the doctor to speak with the nurse. It was 15 minutes before they were closing for the day and they told me to bring him in immediately.

Cue me panicking. Day 4 stuck in the house with 2 out of 3 sick kids, two weeks since we have been to the beach (with the kids pointing it out and complaining daily - I have created monsters), and I was already having a hard time. The thought of something worse happening to the Doodle Bop freaked me out.

The poor Bunny Bee had to miss gymnastics as I ran out the door with the Doodle Bop as Al got home. I got there in record time, only to find the door locked by mistake. I don't know who freaked out more when it was locked - the Doodle Bop or me. Thankfully I only had to bang a few times before took us right in. After answering a million questions and checking him out thoroughly, we came to the conclusion that this is just left over from whatever mystery illness he had ... and the hives can go away shortly, or last up to 3 days. It was so bad he was given Benadryl right in the office.

And he lost 2 pounds in 2 days. TWO pounds in two days! This is my tiny kid to begin with. The one who could stand to gain some extra weight already. Even the doctor seemed surprised. I felt so bad, how could I let that happen. I know he was barely eating ... but it was just two days.

After dinner, we took the kids for milkshakes. Operation plump the Doodle Bop up has begun.

And you never know... depending on how the Big Guy looks (temperature wise) in the morning, I may just say the hell with it and trek us all to the beach. Like Laura says, salt water cures everything. And I think we all need a break.

Boston, CT, RI - oh my!

How can the rest of last week be summed up?

Cleaning, swim, wrestling, gymnastics, and more wrestling - and I can't forget full mornings at Vacation Bible School for the entire week as well. The twins got their first 'injuries' at wrestling last week, resulting in two very teary kids (who I hope snap back for this week). Oh, and our house will be on the market come September 1st. HOLLA!

Did we stop and slow down for the weekend?

Heck no! Y'all know me better than that! It's summer damn it and after missing an entire week at the beach we were kicking into high gear. Friday night the boys had the VBS closing. Saturday morning we were on the road early headed straight to Fenway for our first time as a family - Futures at Fenway.

So much fun! They got to see a minor league game, check out the sights AND attend their very first concert. Kidz Bop. Hello 11th row seating. We were so close and yet the boys had more fun watching them on the big screens. Go figure.

Out to dinner at Johnny Rockets after we got home.

This morning? We were up bright and early to hit Buttonwoods Farm in CT - Sunflowers for Wishes. Our third year. Hayride, feeding the cows, walking through the sunflowers and finishing the morning off with ice cream.

Spent the afternoon back in RI hanging with cousins from Texas and goofing off...

So is it really any wonder that by the time the boys came home the Doodle Bop was in tears and hot to the touch. 103 temperature. Because who can keep a pace like that!

Tomorrow just happens to be the twins six year checkup at the pedi so I guess this came at the exact right time. My beach 'office' will have to wait this week... hopefully not for too long. The waves and the boogie boards are calling the boys. But first? We have to get this guy better.

Vacation spot for February break? Hasbro Children's Hospital!

What a mess this week turned out to be.

Just when I was starting to think that Al was right, that maybe I could turn this into a funny blog post... like how when the Bunny Bee got sick at the start of the week he shook his head at me while he was getting sick and said so seriously
The stomach bug? Is PAIN.
Or how when the Big Guy was getting sick the first time he turned to me and blamed it on his brother. The B-b-bunny bee! He k-k-kissed me. On the cheek! Not what did it buddy.
The Doodle Bop yelling This is the worst day EVER! EVER! as he got sick. But things went downhill so fast yesterday it didn't seem like it could be funny anymore.

We did not make it to Monster Jam. The Doodle Bop and I spent yesterday afternoon and most of the night in the hospital instead.

While it seemed like he was starting to get better Thursday, he was really going downhill from the moment he woke up Friday morning. Three bites of a bagel? Sick. Two sips of a Gatorade water mix? Sick. A few showers and two loads of laundry later I convinced him to take a nap. He really fought me on it but he was asleep in minutes. And then he kept sleeping... and I debated on waking him up or letting him sleep. The Big Guy? I would have let sleep without question. The twins on the other hand have an occasional blood sugar issue and I was starting to worry it might become an issue again.

Just under three hours into his nap, I heard little feet running down the hall. And lots of tears. Sick again. Cleaned him up, he took a sip of water and he instantly got sick. Right then and there I knew we had to go to the hospital. He was crying without tears, lying on his bed with his arms out and not moving. Terrified me. I called Al at work, threw the boys in the car and dropped the Big Guy and the Bunny Bee off with him. The Doodle Bop and I went to Hasbro. They gave us his own room in the ER (where amazingly enough Joanna was right on the other side with her little girl) and I got him changed and into bed.

He was so dehydrated it took them several minutes to get his IV in. For a moment there I thought I was going to pass out. He was screaming and crying and trying to squeeze my hand (though he was barely holding on) and I felt so helpless. I was so glad I thought enough to bring his Iron Man and his giraffe at least, because it made him feel a little better after.

Disney channel on the TV (thank god for that), a few video chats with Daddy and his brothers and an entire IV bag later and he was starting to perk up just enough to get mad that he couldn't eat anything. At that point they were still telling us we might have to stay the night. After another half of an IV bag (that's right, he needed two of them) he was able to eat a Popsicle.

Best.thing.ever. Can you tell? Totally put a smile on his face. Then he wanted to send Daddy pictures.

By 10pm they finally let us go home... and that kid was still awake. Let me just say, this is my baby that could crash out anywhere at anytime. He was adamant that he was not sleeping in the hospital, no matter how many times I told him I would not leave him. No, he wanted to be home in his own 'comfy bed' with the Bunny Bee there. And to keep the hospital pj's. Which I am pleading the fifth on.

Today he looks pale and kind of swollen but he has his spunk back. And he can eat without a problem, though we are taking things slow. I am so thankful to all the awesome nurses we saw at Hasbro last night, they were all so sweet to the Doodle Bop and he loved them. He's a celebrity today at home telling his brothers all about his hospital stay last night and they are all excited to go back to school and talk about how the Doodle Bop was in the hospital over vacation.

On another note, Joanna got to go home before us (which was great news) so we didn't actually get to see each other in the ER - and just a day or so prior Liz was there with her son getting stitches. I'm thinking we need a Rhody Blogger vacation week discount. Who's with me?

The February Vacation Debacle

Crazy busy last week. Like so busy I didn't even have time to stop and blog. And then it all came to a screeching halt just before 2am this morning. The Bunny Bee was in our room hysterical - trying to tell us that he 'pooked'. The stomach bug hit our house just as the boys were starting February vacation.

I had so many things planned for the week! Around the doctors, dentist and physical therapy appointments we had scheduled, I was going to take the boys as many places as I could. The Natural History Museum, a planetarium, sledding, the trampoline park just to name a few...

My poor baby barely stopped throwing up from 2am to 8am ... and then it started coming out ... somewhere else. If you know me, you know that puke is sort of like my kryptonite. I can not do it. I can't. If I have to do too much with puking kids I will start puking too. Trust. I feel sick just typing it.

We have been really lucky until now. Sure my kids get sick all the time lately - temperatures, coughs that require breathing treatments - but we don't do the stomach bug here. In fact, the last time my guys got the stomach bug? The twins were 2 and the Big Guy was 3. I sort of prided myself on that. I attributed it to all the hand washing and hand sanitizing I make them do each time we leave a store or do anything. I guess it didn't help this time.

My amazing husband cleaned everything up and took care of the Bunny Bee till it was time for him to go to work this morning. Then it was just me, a sickie mcsickensick, his twin ... and a hella irate 7 year old who saw his entire vacation crumbling before his eyes. Three appointments cancelled today alone. I have no idea what the week holds now, but all I can focus on is getting the Bunny Bee better and keeping it from hitting anyone else. And making it to Monster Jam on Friday night.

Al stopped home on lunch to bring some crackers, fluids and a DVD for the kids home. I spoke with the nurse at the pediatrician's office. We are on appendix watch to be on the safe side, though I am pretty convinced it is THE stomach bug. The Doodle Bop had several moments today where I thought he was going to be sick everywhere, but then he was fine. I don't know if its just a matter of time with him, or if it is sympathy pains for his twin.

I was so relieved when the Bunny Bee napped on the couch this afternoon and that we got fluids to stay down tonight. Crossing my fingers we are turning the corner on this. The boys are all tucked into bed right now and I am hoping that they all stay that way - the entire night.

Wish this mama luck. Because right now I feel like my kids are ticking time bombs.

Wordless Wednesday - Sleepy Sickie McSickensick

Getting back on track

I know I have been kind of quiet lately.

That will be changing.

Four straight weeks of being sick might just be a new record for me and I have been totally wiped out. This entire time I have been trying to get extra rest where I can, while still running around everywhere with the boys. Which I'm sure brings me right back to why I've been sick for a month now. And in the middle of all that, a friend's small daughter was diagnosed with Cancer while another friend unexpectedly lost her dad.

Roller coaster of emotions lately. Part of me would like to blurt my every thought out here, but its one of those things I need to keep in. (As I silently curse no longer having that anonymous blog.)

I may not have started off the New Year with the bang I was looking for health wise or career wise... but I'm getting there. Finalizing some things first. Then watch out for me!

Over the weekend I had my first hockey mom fail. The morning we were supposed to get the boys all signed up, we overslept. Well, we did manage to get up before the rink time but it was so late we couldn't get the boys moving fast enough. And then I went back to bed to again try sleeping off this cold. Here's to tomorrow night for starting over again!

Tomorrow morning the Big Guy also has his Occupational Therapy evaluation. It feels like it has taken so long to get the ball rolling through all the red tape. I am excited to hear what they say for his sake. I am also beyond thrilled with how supportive his teacher is as the smaller things are becoming the tougher things for him. It used to be the other way around.

I hope to be back blogging again tomorrow, but it will be a busy day. Two hours with the boys for the Big Guy's PT and OT eval in the morning, school, hockey (hopefully) and attending the wake for my dear friend's dad. One thing I can be sure of... I won't be skipping this week's Thankful Thursday. Getting myself back on track.

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

Sick again. I feel like a broken record. Going on three entire weeks with this horrible cold. I get better for a day or so... then it feels like I get an allergy attack... and the day after that? Sickie mcsickensick again. And I am so over it.

I am struggling to keep up with my kids!

...Sledding on Sunday.  You know I had to take a few runs down the hill myself.

...New Year's Eve last night.

I could barely keep up with our annual glow stick dance party.

I let the poor boys think they made it till midnight when I really put them to bed at 8:30pm. I was so sick they actually bought it. Bad parenting or a stroke of genius? I'm still not sure.

At any rate, they were super proud today. We made it till midnight! Yes boys. Yes you did.

I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! I have been quite excited for 2013 to kick off. 2012 was crazy exciting for me as I started to travel by myself. To think it all started in February with Jamba in LA ... a few months later I was in New Mexico with Mercedes, then NYC with the girls for BlogHer, LA again with Disney (still exciting), Chicago with Aldi, and New Orleans with Michelin. Oh my God, did I really do all that? And I can't forget starting my social media business. Amazing things. I still kind of marvel at the fact that a few years ago I was an overwhelmed mom of three tiny boys who started a blog because I needed an outlet. And now here I am.

And I'm not done yet. I know this because when Lianne and I were at an event a few months ago, the totally drunk psychic (I kid you not) who read my cards told me that 2013 would be my year. That in 2012 I was going places but it would be 2013 that really kicked off my career. And if a drunk psychic tells you this, it must be so!

Am I right?

Big things are about to happen. I just know it!

On fevers and not being at the beach

OK friends, things are back to being crazy - as usual. 

I have like 10 half finished posts almost but not quite ready to go... and the Big Guy is still sick.  I know, last we chatted it was the Bunny Bee that was sick.  (And before that, the Doodle Bop.)  It's been nearly 3 weeks of one kid sick at a time...and I am so tired. 

Sunday the Bunny Bee was finally better and that night I promised the boys that we would be beaching it in the morning - and the day after that as well if the weather stayed good.  Which you know means that the Big Guy woke us up early to say he had a headache.  He only gets those when he has a fever coming on.  And sure enough, the thermometer read 100.  I wanted to cry.  The temp has come and gone over the last 3 days ... from nothing to 102 to nothing again.  I would be worried if the Bunny Bee didn't just come off it.

The kids are miserable we have had to stay in.  Last night I didn't say a thing to the kids, but planned to get them to the beach for an hour or so this morning.  It wasn't going to be good weather, but at least I could get them there before the storms.  You know that means we woke up to torrential rain and thunderstorms. 

We will just have to see what we can squeeze in...away from other kids that is.  I need to get these boys off the couch that they have sort of made their new home base on.

Nothing else matters

So wow, it's been nearly a week since I last blogged.  Apologies.  Just when I think I have a good pattern down life takes over.  I always think to myself it is when I have the absolute most to say, that I end up saying nothing.  I'm about to throw a lot of things into this post ... so here we go.

Regarding my last post on Jessica Alhquist ... created an intense firestorm of comments on facebook that I was not quite prepared for and have to admit as much as I wanted to jump in, I held back for the most part.  While I am very interested in both sides, the last week also made me quite sad.  No matter what the outcome, no one will ever be happy... and some of the comments people make to try and prove their point... their side... are just cruel. 

The day after that post, my mom reminded me of something I had long since forgotten.  When we were small (back in the 80's), our elementary school had big wonderful Christmas parties... until the year a younger family on our street complained because they were Jewish ... and they wanted an end to the parties.  And they stopped.  No fight.  Just like that. 

Only that was not the end, because that mother would then come into the school during Hanukkah and rather militantly (my words, not my moms) 'teach' everyone the Dreidel. 

Everything ended because of one family's complaint. 

But if you think about it, while we were no longer able to celebrate Christmas in school at all, she was able to come in and teach the Dreidel.  How is that fair?  As a kid I didn't understand.  As an adult, I think it's horrible.  Why could we not have incorporated both Christmas and Hanukkah into a big multi faith/cultural celebration.  Hasn't the same thing sort of been done with the prayer banner at West?  We haven't added to anything, we just take away the moment one person doesn't like something.

As for the threats against Jessica, I do find that really sad.  I may completely disagree with her, but I would never wish her harm.  Its sad to see what its doing to the city right now.

On another note, the boys have been sick for what seems like forever... and last week it got so much worse.  Around the time I was writing up that last post, the Big Guy came down with a high fever and a migraine and the twins were still coughing up who knows what.  (Sounded like lungs.)  They all missed the end of the school week and even Al found himself sick again.  Same lung problems as last time... only this year we no longer have a guinea pig and they don't know why it's happening.  His lungs may have weakened because of all the months he was sick last year, and we may be looking at a recurrence each winter now.

I was starting to feel pretty down.  Living in a house with 4 sick people... cancelling our weekend full of fun plans... missing my honorary baby girl's 3rd birthday party... yeah, I was not blogging.  Then the news came yesterday that my old field hockey friends and I lost an amazing friend from way back when.  Stage 4 breast cancer.  It didn't matter how many years it had been since we had seen each other last, we were all affected in some way.  33 is just too young and its incredibly sad she is no longer here with us.  Yesterday was a day of memories and realizing that no matter how bad things are, we are here and we are OK.  And some fights, some arguments, they mean nothing compared to a life.

So today I blog.

Rest in peace Barbara.  You had such an infectious bubbly personality and you are missed by so many.  I hope you know how many people's lives you touched.

Wine O'clock

Haven't forgotten to blog, have just been terribly exhausted. 

Here's a run down of the last few days - without photos for the moment (even though I have taken several).  Trust me on that one.

Thursday night Al took the night off and we surprised the boys with our annual trip to Lasalette they had been asking for.  Friday I pulled the boys from school early to drag them to the doctors with me.  Bronchitis AND patellofemoral syndrome for my right knee ... again.   That night was the Big Guy's family birthday party at our house.  The next day was his friend birthday party at Meadowbrook Lanes.  Bowling!  That night?  Chrismakkuh with the Brombergs.  Next day?  Terranova Christmas in Westerly. 

This morning I woke up with some kind of horrible allergic reaction.  Strange thing is, I have zero food allergies (except maybe to eggplant which I eat anyway... I'll deal with the itchy throat because it's my fav)!  Red, itchy and swollen everywhere.  Scared the heck out of me.  My bottom lip looked like I had a collagen injection.  Which I could have rocked if my top lip had matched, but it didn't.  Allergy pill and tons of water... a few hours later?  Back to normal. 

Totally scattered though.  Hit up the market with the intent to shop a weeks worth since I didn't get to it over the weekend and checkout in just 25 minutes (so I could get the boys from school - was cutting it way too close today)... and did I mention my whole goal was to spend half of what I usually do so I'd have extra money this week?  For Christmas odds and ends? 

Yeah.  I know you see what's coming next.

You know what trying to shop with the fear of being late to get your kids from school does?  Makes your run through the market like a crazy person throwing random things in your cart... so you can nearly faint at the register when you see you didn't spend half as planned, you spent nearly double the amount you meant to...far more than a regular week.

*Sigh*

I feel like I'm stuck on a hamster wheel and I can't stop running.  Except my knee is falling apart and I have a hell of a cough.  Trying to still have fun, be in the Christmas spirit... but today I crashed and instead of getting actual work done I fell asleep on the couch while the twins napped. 

Someone tell me how Christmas is at the end of this week?  OK OK so it's not like I didn't know it was coming.  But right now, I have 75% of my shopping done, not a single present wrapped and definitely nothing baked... never mind the kids cards for school classmates ready.  Oh, and I still have to send out another wave of Christmas cards for addresses I got after the initial mailing.  Definitely going to need some coffee.

More to come this week I promise.

Right now, the kids are finally tucked in for the night, Al is still at work and it's wine o'clock.  On my couch.

Sick day

The Bunny Bee is home sick today.

Which is pretty amazing because he hasn't gotten sick since the first week of school (yeah, I said the first week. It took him all of 2 days). I think I have the unseasonably warmer weather to thank for holding off cold season longer - minus the pre Halloween snow that is.

After having a minor runny nose the last few days, he had a meltdown at bedtime over not being able to breathe. I thought he was exaggerating since he'd been fine earlier that night at my grandparents house. By 4:30 this morning all I could hear was crying from his room. Congested, could not breathe. Beside himself. Woke up his twin brother of course. I took him to my room to calm him down and the Doodle Bop followed of course. He would not sleep without him. By 5:30am they were both on the livingroom couch watching TV.

Believe me when I tell you that you would think the Bunny Bee has the plague. No temperature, still has an appetite... just the congestion... but oh the tears followed by the 'whhhhy am i sickkkkk'. This morning on the way to take his brothers to school the most adorable thing happened. I turned the radio down a bit so I could hear what was being said better.

'OK, don't fweek out. Don't panic. I'm going to school without you but I will be back very soon and I will miss you. I will even draw a picture for you' said the Doodle Bop. Then I noticed he was looking at the Bunny Bee with such concern.

The Bunny Bee told him he needed to put his name on the picture so he would know it was his and the Doodle Bop agreed. Then the Doodle Bop said 'Now I am going to give you a kiss on the forehead' and I watched in the mirror as he put his arms around his twin to give him a hug and kissed his forehead. I melted. The Big Guy chimed in with 'That's right buddy and I'm gonna give you a high five'.

Moments like these I wish I could freeze.

(Maybe without the sickness part though.)