It Counts.

Yesterday we had a 30 second dance party. It was the best time. We do have ourselves a jolly good time in this Sassy House. We tend to get ourselves in some silly situations too. Back to last night -- while showing off some amazing dance moves -- ones that would make the fancy dancers on tv stop and say, "Wowwy Ka Zowwy, look at them moves!" The music was thumping, the beat was on, you hoolies had the fanciest foot work I have ever seen. While doing a partial ballet spin that turned into a jump'ish-hop'ish move (one that makes a mommy think, "how did she get her tiny body to move that way?") Gg fell down and she proudly declares, "it counts". To which I wonder out loud, "what counts?" Gg in a voice that borders on a little too sassy for my liking says, "My dance move, it counts." Then as if knowing that I was thinking, "watch that tone little lady." She says, in a funny voice, one that she uses to lighten the mood, "It's all good mommy, I got this." Now, I know she's just saying funny adult like phrases to make me laugh. While I love the humor, I gotta say, I don't want you to grow up. I don't want to count it. I want you to be my baby forever. Please just for a while longer? I know there will be more, "it counts" and "It's all good, I got this" humor. I just wish it was coming from a 4 year old - not a 7 year old. To which now I declare, "It's all good, hoolies, I got this."

Just 1 More

Apparently Kk had a dream last night that mommy had another baby. She asked "when can we have just one more baby." Ah the thoughts of just one more... tiny shoes, baby powder, and sweet tiny baby coo's - it all makes my uterus jump thinking about... but daddy on the other hand had a knee jerk reaction, "HECK NO!." Well, he actually used a different 'H' word but we're keeping this G-rated. It tickles a tiny fancy inside my heart when I think about it too. There's a spot in my heart where I know one more wouldn't fill it; it will take many more because that tiny spot in my heart I now realize is to be filled with volunteering... maybe even foster caring. I love the idea of just one more but daddy not so much. I do like the idea of two hands - two kids. You each fit perfectly beside me. You both snuggle in just right when we watch movies or read books. If we had three of you - where would the third one go? So, that's the reasoning we have for no more babies... where would we put a third. It's that simple I guess, cut and dry, black and white. There's no other way to put it more appropriately... we fit perfectly as a family of 4. We fit perfectly in the car. We can pick up and go when we want to. We can do fun things together - like ride bikes or go play at the park without worry that you will wander off. We can go to the library and you can cozy up with a book or just browse them all if you choose. We're in a new phase of life with you both - this is perfection and we like it. No more babies my darlings... only us. Forever. xo

Well Baby Check Ups

Today you had your well baby check ups... well, you're not really a baby but that's what the doctors office calls these visits. Daddy picked you up from school and then swung by the house to let you grab a quick snack then we all went to the 3:30 appointment together. Doctor Decker greeted us with smiles and proud of you congratulations on all the accomplishments over the last year. You both were eager to show off your amazing reading skills, which warmed my heart. Then you sang your own praise by telling stories about how G is doing her rocket math and is on letter K and is in a chapter book reading group; and  K is doing multiplication and division and learning cursive writing.

Our sweet, kind hearted Doc wanted to know about your friends, your physical accomplishments; like 2 wheeler bike riding or your most daring adventures; G going on a roller coaster. The poems of your life were read with elegance and beauty today... you explained yourselves so well. It warmed my heart to the rhythm in your words... to hear the pride in your song... it brought tears to my eyes. As we parted ways with Doctor Decker she said you both "looked good" and and you are growing perfectly!

Here are the stats:
Grace Elizabeth weighed in at a whooping 49 pounds and she measured 3' 11" making her in the 40th percentile for both! My itty bitty!

Kailin JoyAnnalice weighed in at 65 pounds putting her in the 70th percentile and she measured 4' 5 1/2" which placed her in the 80th percentile for height! My tall girl!!

Keep growing my loves! Strong and full of love which is how I want to grow you!

Why that Name?

I have been contemplating how to write this post for a while. Recently Grace asked me how we decided to to pick her name. Well, it was actually a name that I loved for years...years before I met daddy... years before I knew what having a baby meant. I always knew I wanted to name a little girl Grace. When I pictured my daughter long before I knew what my daughters would look like; her name would be Grace she would have long curly hair and beautiful blue eyes. She would have dimples and freckles sprinkled just perfectly on her little button nose. I knew she'd giggle, she'd smile constantly and tell me what a lucky little girl she was every day. How blessed am I that I have that times 2!

So back to the names... Technically I wanted to name Grace (Grace Biblically means God's unmerited favor or God doing good for us that we do not deserve; nothing more beautiful than that in my eyes) -- Elizabeth Grace. I loved the idea of calling a little girl Eli or Bethy or Zah but daddy compromised because he wanted to call you Alyssa and I didn't "love" that name... so he agreed to Grace Elizabeth and after all our name discussions he tends to call you Elizabeth... just to get at mommy I know it. It turned out that Auntie Faith's middle name is Elizabeth so once we knew you were a girl I wanted you to be Grace Elizabeth!

Now Kailee's name was "conceived" out of the names of the ones we love. Kailin JoyAnnalice - Kay is from Grandma Sandee's middle name, Lynn is from Grandma Debbie's middle name, Joy is Auntie Angela's middle name and Annalice is Auntie Stacey's middle name. Uncle Lou helped me figure out the spelling of Kailin - he was reading a book that had the spelling that way and he insisted we spell it like that to shorten the number of letters - instead of making Kaylynn write it out like that. I do like the spelling of Kailin like this.

I love that daddy allowed me to name you both technically... I know he loved the names and he loves to please mommy in any way that he can. I wanted to name you both something that wouldn't be something someone could easily tease... unlike my name Maria... yeah it's a great name for bullies. I don't know how much teasing a bully could do with the name Grace or Kailin. I hope you are never victims of name teasing...if you are we are here for you always and forever. xo

Week 8

February 20: Only 8 days left in February! This month has flown by!! Daddy woke up at 4:30 a.m. to see if school was cancelled (little does he know that school doesn't cancel until usually 5:30 a.m.) and since he didn't see Petoskey on the list; he woke you up at 6:30. Mommy was too late; he had you out of bed by the time I managed to un-tuck myself from my cocoon of blankets and was able to focus my eyes to read the "Petoskey School Cancelled" text. Daddy didn't believe me at first; then he felt bad -- mostly because he had already been up, showered and ready to go. So, Gg climbed in bed with mommy, daddy scooted her over an climbed back in bed too for another hour of shut eye. Kk went to her bed where she didn't want to rest; she wanted to read the newest Dork Diaries book (she's so my kid)! We have had so many snow days that now we have to start making them up. :( Boo Hoo!! No fair.

Mommy woke up feeling a little more human; but still weak and tired. I apologize for the not-so-fun-snow-days my darlings. When I am feeling better; you know I'll make it up to you. Right now I'm making it up to you by letting you eat breakfast in the living room (which is a huge daddy no-no). Oh well, what he doesn't know won't hurt him.

The two day school week won't be too bad because on Friday you're supposed to go to the Winter Sports Park for sledding in the afternoon. Lucky kids!

Kk's eye lash wishes: If an eyelash accidentally falls out, you can make a wish on it. (It won't work if you pull one out.) Put the eyelash on the back of your hand, close your eyes, and blow gently while you make a wish. Open your eyes. If the eyelash has blown off your hand, your wish will come true. So, today on Kk's cheek there was an eyelash. Mommy gently plucked from her cheek and placed it on the back of her hand. Where she closed her eyes and made a wish. This afternoon Kk says, "just so you know mom, my wish came true." She smiles as big as she possibly could and says, it's been a perfect at home day.

Not everyday is raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens cute... lately we've been dealing with a lot of sass from both hoolies... and arguing amongst. So, to nip that in the bud we have gone back to writing sentences when you behave that way. Neither of you are a fan of writing; actually because of protesting it Gg ended up in bed shortly after dinner at an early 5:45 p.m.

February 21: Back to reality! Our week of school finally began... our very short week of school. Both girls were happy, healthy and ready to take on the day! Mommy woke up feeling a little bit better (maybe that 12 hours of sleep helped), sounding a little bit better -- it's a win, we'll take it. Gg had a lot of homework tonight from missing so much school last week (dang germs). So, she read three chapters in The Mouse and the Motorcycle, then summarized and answered a few questions to get herself caught up.

 Tonight mommy & Kk played "Go Shopping" (a Barbie version of Go Fish). Lately I have noticed that Kk has been repeating the last word she says to herself quietly sort of under her breath. We're not sure why exactly and Kk doesn't even realize she's doing it either. Daddy has started with the crud now... he came home from work sounding a little raspy and immediately started the "cold medicine" search. Were at the "low" end of the medicine amount and just to make it through the night we contemplated splashing a little water in the bottle to get it all.


February 22: It's WINTER SPORTS PARK DAY!

You hoolies are so excited about being able to try ice skating, sledding and even hockey if the wind blows you that way. I wish I could go and watch but I don't even have a car today because daddy took it into have a check up and tune up. Even cars have to have the proper TLC in order to remain working. Since our "Red" is so getting up there in age (13 now!) we know we have to take special care of her...so mommy is sitting here with her fingers crossed and saying prayers that you both are safe while sledding and ice skating. Being car-less makes me feel even more helpless. Daddy promises if you need us he will scoot back from Charleviox ultra quick.

Abby is at the hospital here. She was very brave!

So, today Auntie Angela, Uncle Josh, Abby, Jordy and Uncle Josh's mom; Miss Lori were in an accident. The good Lord was watching over them and everyone is safe, thankfully. Auntie Angela's car though; not so good -- it definitely did it job and kept them all safe.

You came home just thrilled that you both had the opportunity to ice skate today! Cannot complete a day of outside in the snow play without hot chocolate! So naturally mommy made you both some when you came home. :) Kk ice skated briefly; then decided she wanted to sled. Gg ice skated the whole time and said her booty was so sore from falling down. No bruises but some definitely tail bone pain -- poor hoolies. You were both so tired that by 6:45 p.m. you both said; "we're going to bed".


February 23: Moving (out) day... today we went over to Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou's... we played with Abby & Jordy there with Auntie Angela (cause she was so sore she could barely move). Daddy helped pack up the moving truck. We were home by 5 p.m. and everyone was in bed by 7 p.m.  It was a big day of playing and a huge day of box moving for daddy.

Daddy forgot his sunglasses today. So mommy being the kind wife that I am, gave my sunglasses to daddy so he could safely drive Grampa Bob's truck.

The fish have been so funny lately. They are "trained" to go to the surface when we walk into the room because they want to be fed apparently. Silly fish!

February 24: Moving day part deux. The moving IN day is actually today! This is the "fun" part! We all went over to Auntie Angela & Uncle Josh's new house today -- it's quite a drive 1 hr 10 minutes to get there from our house. We spent a good 4 hours there; you got to play outside while the adults brought boxes to and fro. You were even helpful in unpacking things for Abby's room... well sometimes helpful and mess making often look similar unfortunately.  The drive home was exhausting for Gg and she napped the entire way! Kk played her ds the entire way.

Gg achieved another milestone (if you will) she did something she has never done before -- put her hair up in a towel after shower all by herself. She is SO proud of herself and we are so proud of her too! Look at the pride on that curly haired beauty's face!

When we got home Kk started complaining that her belly felt weird, but wanted nachos for dinner and ate some... not all that was few on her plate to begin with. Poor Kk laid on the couch until bedtime. Then while daddy was showing me a really cool fire-experiment -- we heard "the sound". The one that parents listen for even when were not expecting it... the sound of a puking child. That sound haunts our house... that smell is something that makes you cringe... daddy and I ran in your room (yes I ran -- no messing around when puke is occurring) and Kk had instinctively grabbed her puke bucket (which is housed permanently on her head board for these occasions). Shortly after 9 p.m. we had you cleaned up and on resting peacefully on the couch. Daddy brought up the twin mattress from the basement and mommy slept on the floor near you in the living room. About 11:30 p.m. it started again -- poor Kk... this time that brought about a little more... pukin and poopin; the Rotavirus is back with a vengeance.  So mommy helped daddy clean you up again. Then you seemed a little better. Poor Kk got up again in the night but neither daddy nor I heard you because there was no puking, thankfully. You are growing up so fast Kk. You just do things on your own without needing our assistance. I wish when you are sick especially, that you would wake me up to care for you. That's my job. I don't care that you were only going to the bathroom; I could sit there for moral support or sit outside the bathroom at the ready with clean clothes so you wouldn't have to search for them. I really love taking care of my lil sickies and will do anything for you.


February 25: Happy Birthday Auntie Stacey!

Back to reality... well for Gg. Poor Kk is still down and out. She has the icky belly ache but is keeping down liquids so that is very good. She's being a really good patient too. Laying peacefully and eating popsicles without protest. Daddy drove Gg to school; where she hopefully will stay healthy all day. (I hope so because our car, Red,  is still at the car doctors having her check up and tune up.) Fingers crossed for a healthier day.

Gg was picked up at the bus stop by daddy, she came in a happy lil peanut as per usual. She was smiling, she was cheerful, she was ready to knock out her spelling words even. I love days like this. I was able to accomplish a lot of housework; laundry, dusting, dinner made for 2 days. Kk is resting well, has an appetite and no complaints of a belly ache. Hopefully this upward swing will continue. We had spaghetti tonight; but since I knew Kk and "sauce water" may not agree; you lil hoolies ended up with butter parm noodles. Kk ate most of her dinner and Gg wasn't overly thrilled. I'm not really a fan of giving you buttered noodles for dinner, I'll be honest. I like you to have a protein and veggie too -- at least but I went easy on you tonight. I hope when you're older you look back and remember all the good meals mommy or daddy prepared for you. That's one thing you do well eat without being picky. You both will try anything and I'm very grateful for that. You never have turned your noses up to a meal without at least trying it first. I have always said, try a few bites. 


February 26: Today is lasagna day for dinner. Kk is feeling much better. She woke up this morning and said, "It's lasagna for dinner tonight!" She really wanted lasagna yesterday but I kind of put a kibosh to that. Hopefully the lasagna will taste really good and satisfy Kk's hankering for it.

I am so blessed to have you my darlings, I know I say it a lot but it's true. I woke up this morning to smiling faces and concern. I hope every mother is as lucky as I am.

Lily has been super funny lately. All kittenish and playful. I think she's finally starting to feel better after being on her antibiotics for a few weeks. But, much to our dismay they discovered she still has a bladder infection so she's starting a new antibiotic today. Daddy wasn't thrilled about having to spend money on Lily but she's one of our babies too that we have to take care of. Daddy knows this but he wants to be able to give you both the things you want before spending money on Lily. I told daddy though that you both would want Lily to be healthy above all else. Lily spends a good majority of the day sleeping but then plays more than half the night. If you look closely you can see that Lily has her paws crossed in the picture -- that silly cat!

Kk made this picture and I found it today which made me wish for Spring. What I wouldn't give for a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the green hills. xo

Leg Weather

This morning mommy woke up with a sore leg. I was a bit more gimp than usual with the crutch. Kailee looks at me as I slowly make my way to her and said, "So, what's the leg weather for today?" I rubbed my tired eyes and asked what she meant. To which she pointed to my leg and very poignantly says, "Your leg can tell the weather better than a weather person." Touche' Kk...touche'. P.S. I predict we end up with more snow than they are calling for.

That Moment

There comes in a time in life when things happen and you think, "That changed me" or "Wow its supposed to be this way." During those moments in time I hope you look back; then forward; then in current time at the possibilities of the moment. You won't regret times like this.

Over the weekend you both encountered a moment that changed you; it changed the view you had. You each seen a side of one another that you didn't know that the other felt that way. It was the most remarkable moment; sitting in Grampa Bob's borrowed truck on our way back from unpacking Auntie Angela that you both realized that you do have similar thoughts and feelings on topics. It was as if the magic fairies waved their wands and wisdom was sprinkled upon you in just a matter of moments.

I know there have been many moments where you each had a conclusion that felt the kindred but this moment in the truck while everyone was tired and quiet was much more. It was an ah-ha we have do think the same, now give me that ds game moment. It was brief. It was just a small blip in the space of time you've been together, but it was there and you both felt it. It like an electric shock type feeling; I felt the after-shock. I would have given it a 7.2 on the Richter scale.

I hope that you both take "that moment" and continue sharing about it... I hope you're "that moment"s together continue throughout your sweet beautiful lives. Never take your moments for granted my loves. They will bond you both and you will have them forever. Those moments while plentiful in life can feel small; don't let them be. Let those moments flourish and relish in your relationship together. When you share a thought and feeling between you; it's just that -- between you. You can have those moments; you're sisters. Love sisterhood. Find joy in your relationship. You're all you have; make it breathtaking and full of love every second that presents. xo

Just a Minute

"Just a minute"... it's a phrase you frequently hear in this Sassy House I'm afraid. It's true, I "just a minute" you too often. It's what happens when there's other things going on, like bills, meal planning, meal cooking, kid comforting, and self preservation even -- the list is truly endless. I noticed today that while I was on hold with the student loan department at LSSU that I "just a minute" 'ed you both twice. Then, I realized wow that's not nice. It is important to learn patience... and it is imperative to learn that you may not pester while someone is on the phone... it is also important you know that your thoughts are worth more than "just a minute" to me. So, instead of staying on hold any longer; I put the phone down and I sat on the floor and I listened. What you had to tell me was important to you both, "Kailee is not sharing the Barbie toy." "Gracie is bothering me by asking so much." Ok... those important to you in the moment things were worth taking a minute to listen to because if I hadn't put the phone down I now see how this could have escalated to something more - thankfully it didn't. But, don't let it that fool you -- we had a bit of that this morning - more than I care for in a year to be honest. I'm going to try and not "just a minute" you as much... and in return you are both going to try and make sure if I am in the middle of something, that what you have to say is something you absolutely cannot solve on your own. It turns out though, you do have the strategies to solve all of your own problems; I see it every day... you just like me there standing by with my "atta girl" at the ready and my "you tell it sista"s of plenty. I don't mind it, really I don't! It's my job...the description of a mommy is never-ending and continually changing to be honest so; whatever you need, whenever you need it... I will do my best to guide you, atta girl you and you tell it sista you, all the times that you desire. Just remember, we're human. We err... we faulter... we even fail... so if I "just a minute" you please know I'm trying and I will catch myself and I will re-evaluate if need be. I love you. xo

Life Lessons

...sometimes in life there will be times, moments, challenges, people, encounters, things that are meant to be lessons... any or all of these things will occur plus more I'm sure and I hope that you always learn from those "things" that happen. For every "thing" that you endure; there is a lesson to be learned. It's not easy sometimes to see what the lesson is/was but it's there and I hope you always find it. When you stop looking for the lessons; it's easy to become cynical about life. (Define cynical: Doubtful as to whether something will happen or is worthwhile.) Everything in life is worthwhile, even if the "everything" is bad or horrible; it was still worthwhile because you can walk away learning from it. Please always learn from and move on from what you learned with a renewed idea of what you should do to better yourself. Please do not repeat mistakes without learning from them, there are some lessons in life that we have to learn through making mistakes but there are others that you can learn from by just watching others mistakes.Those lessons that you can learn from watching others; are the easiest lessons to learn -- always remember that.

Mommy's hopes for you both in life:
--go to college.
--find a passion.
--have a well paying job that you can support yourself with.
--make a difference in the world.
--volunteer.
--find a person who will cherish you like your daddy does. (Just so you know: your daddy treats me like a queen every day and I wish for a man to do that for you one day.)
--get married, if that's where your heart takes you.
--have a baby, if that's what you want...long after you've been MARRIED first! Marriage BEFORE Baby!
--to always make choices that make YOU PROUD every day.

These hopes and dreams for you are just a quick milli-second of what I truly want for your lifetime but it's a glimpse at what I hope for your futures.

Week 7

Kk remarked there are no current pictures of mommy. Kk helped me take a photo for you! Kk suggested I use my very best model pose. Hence the puckered lips. 

February 13: Now that everyone is back at school it was a day of Valentine prepping... today mommy did a lot of Valentiny stuff...I crafted... I created... I made a mess... I cleaned it up... I rested too. I even made daddy a special Valentine. I know he'll love it. I cannot wait to decorate the dining room for you both tonight long after you're sleeping soundly. My plans include balloons, pink streamers, an some other little tid-bits! We have only a three day week this school week; no school Monday because of a snow day and no school Friday because of Mid-Winter break. Next week will bring another 4 day week; no school Monday again for Mid-Winter break. I will be honest with you; mommy is really excited to have you home with me for 4 days in a row! I have big plans for us... I think I'm going to blow off my dentist appointment on Friday and we're going to do something fun. I can go to the dentist anytime -- especially when you're in school. I think that we should either craft...or go to lunch...or just play some games.

February 14: Well, Happy Birthday Auntie Angela!

Grace made baby Moo a valentine which reads, "I love you Moo. You are so cute and Grama think so too. Love Mommy"

The beautiful Valentine morning decor that you didn't get to enjoy.

The Valentine Donuts.

 

The Valentine shirts you each made. This is Gg's.

This is Kk's Valentine's shirt. <> it!

The Teacher Valentine filled with Chocolate Hearts

Ah... Valentine's Day... hearts dripping from everything. Love is in the air. Roses are plentiful in the stores. The famous heart shaped chocolates line the shelves. There's "romantical" (yep it's a word ask Gg) music plays softly in the background...well, it's more of a Valentine's or Bust here in the Sassy House... 2 sick kids (G-103.5 fever, K-puking) equals no school. It's 9 a.m. and it's the first time I've sat down since I woke up at 6:30 a.m. I have spent the morning stroking heads...cleaning up puke...getting tylenol...cleaning out puke bucket...making hands extra cold and stroking heads (while standing not sitting because trying to get up off the couch is hard on the leg and I had to be on guard for more puking)... After listening to Kk complain about how hungry she is I finally gave in and let her have some saltines. She wanted the Valentine donuts but that's not really a great idea right after puking. I'm thinking I'm going to regret letting G have hers (but the poor kid was starving - she only ate a yogurt and bread yesterday). I wanted her to have crackers but she said that the donut sounded good... so I figure why not; it's Valentine's day. To a mommy of sick kids; it's just a more lovey day spent doing her job. Even though you're sick; I gotta say, I loved spending the day with you. If you had been healthy, I would have been alone all day, this secretly made me happy a tiny bit in my heart. Not only did I get you home but I also got to snuggle with you both and I loved that even more. You all brightened the gloomy'ish day too,  you picked me out a beautiful angel necklace from daddy & you hoolies - I love it.

Poor G: head hurts too.

Mommy may regret that decision later.

Sicky Kk. Darn germs!

My pretty angel necklace.

So last night mommy got really fancy and decked out the table for you both... neither really seemed too interested; which I don't blame you because you feel terrible. I understand. I have pictures. I moved your Valentiney stuff to the living room on tv trays so you both can have it near you while you rest and recoup. I found these cute little boy cut heart undies, daddy found you each a back scratcher (which we put on there; We're itching to be your Valentine!), there were suckers and last but not least a color me calender. Kk's were Disney Pixies and Gg's was Disney Princesses. You both liked everything and I know when you're feeling better you'll want to use the stuff. My poor sick girls. I love you. I hope that we are on the upswing of the illnesses now. xoxo

Gramma Sandee popped over with a Valentine to snuggle -- Grampa Bob and Gramma Sandee bought you each a Lalaloopsy pillow and heart sucker. Gramma Sandee didn't come in but she did send you hugs and kisses too. You both snuggled up on your new pillows and that's where you stayed for the rest of the day. 

Well, we're not in much better shape this afternoon as we were this morning. G's temp is still hovering between 102-103 with tylenol. K's puked twice now. Both have ate popsicles now...and are resting comfortably as I rest a little myself. I needed a quick break so ice the knee...oh the knee. K keeps cat napping... G is trying to cat nap but it's not working because now her throat hurts...(OH NO!)



February 15: Happy Birthday Auntie Tab!

This morning the war on germs took place yet again. Mommy was on her own... armed with a bottle of bleach water, paper towels (I know not Eco-friendly but it's a war against germs people!) and a paper bag for the trash. I crutched around the house making what felt like progress... it's probably all psychological but at least it makes the house feel "cleaner" but what I quickly realized was as I was "fighting germs" I was also creating some chaos as I moved from room to room. I could feel my "inner organizer" coming out. Eventually I had to take a step back and say, "not now I have a war I'm trying to win!" (I think this was the germs' way of distracting me I'm certain.) I cleaned from backdoor to front door... nothing was left untouched. Some things I realized needed some "touching up from Magic Eraser". Well, breaks over time to go get in touch with the "inner organizer" now.

You both woke up a little peppier than yesterday (thankfully)! Gg still had 101.5 fever with motrin that was at 6:30 a.m. Now it's almost 11 and you had a dose of tylenol (for the first time in 9 hours) at 10 and now your temp is a normal 98.5. Gg has a doctor appointment at 2:30 today to make sure that her lungs are sounding good. I'm sure they are but her cough is tight and that scared me.

Good news, no, just news... Gg has the infamous virus that is going around. It's a matter of rest, liquids and more mama TLC. Mommy is now feeling a little less than normal now... oh goody. Stay tuned.

February 16: Mommy fell asleep at 7:30 p.m. last night....woke up at 11 p.m. with a fever, sneezing and a cough (sound familiar?). Daddy left this morning bright and early because he was asked to do some ice training with other members of the Fire Department and the Coast Guard.

Daddy trying to get out of the water.

Daddy trying to help the person out of the water.

That's daddy all decked out in orange.

 He has been so excited about going; I couldn't say "please stay home" even though I was kind a thinking it. Sometimes it's just easier when he's gone anyway. We can just laze around; watch what we want and just be cozy. Hopefully he'll have fun...because when he gets home; he's making dinner for us and then he's doing all the grocery shopping. Lucky dad. Once he got home and unthawed from his icy adventure of going in the lake. He de-hearted our house. :( He took down all the love dripping hearts from every square inch of the walls, the windows and the cupboards. The house looks boring and bare... not to worry there's Easter attire awaiting us for when we're healthy.

Aunt Gina, Ben & Makenna decided to brave the germ infested house and brought you Valentine's. Which was very nice. You each received an outfit, a Lalaloopsy cup filled with chocolate and a Minnie Mouse Valentine from Makenna plus she gave us pictures.

Kk is healthy thus far which is good. Let's pray she doesn't get this high fever; icky nose; sore throat catastrophe. This is what happens when a mommy chooses to snuggle her lil sicky instead of thinking of herself and germs. Oh and apparently my war on germs didn't go over so hot. Nicely played germs...nicely played. Germs 3- Mommy - 0. Poor Gg just woke up at 6:30 a.m. with a fever again. Dang you germs - DANG YOU I SAY! My poor Gg has had enough - leave the kid alone! If you want to torcher anyone - let it be mommy - not my lil hoolies. I love it when they are rambunctious, healthy, happy girls... I need that to lift me out of this fever fog. Off to make my hands cold to rub Gg's head and my own. Even when a mommy is a sick she takes care of her sicky babies because that's what mommy's do. xoxo

February 17: Happy Birthday Auntie Faith! It's Auntie Faith's "Golden Birthday!" She turned 17 on the 17th! Wowwy! It will only happen once in a lifetime!

Gg had her "Golden Birthday" at the age of 4! Kk will have her "Golden Birthday" when she's 19. Mommy had her's when she was 8 and daddy had his when he was 29. Very exciting stuff.

So, last night Gg fell asleep at 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon and slept all the way through until this morning at 6 a.m. She never ate dinner... she really has ate at all in the last week; we get little nibbles here and there from her but nothing substantial. Mommy's getting a tad bit worried. Gg did wake up fever free this morning infact she was a perfect 98.6 and now at 10 a.m. only an hour after telling Gramma Deb we were a go for spending the night... Gramma Sandee text to see how you were too - I told her you were great and fever free and then you climbed in my lap and you felt warm. I took your temp and back up to 100.6. Whatever this virus is it's taking you down and mommy is not loving it. These germs are winning and I don't understand why. You take vitamins; wash hands... well hand washing doesn't matter I guess so much when you're a thumb sucker now does it.

Uncle Lou put on a tie and went with Mona to her friends' baby's baptism. So proud of Uncle Lou! They look adorable together!

Today's our last day of Mid-Winter Break and we did not do one fun thing because we were too sick. Day 5 of the fever for Gg.

 February 18: Mommy is really sick. Gg is still sick... we've had enough of the germs already! Poor Kk started sneezing uncontrollably today. I hope its nothing but afraid she's starting with something, especially that's how both Gg and myself started with this crud. Kk has been entertaining herself in the playroom; which I appreciate. Gg and I keep fighting over the electric blanket; which I don't appreciate but find a little endearing in some moments. I normally let her have it when she wants it... never mind that mommy's teeth are chattering. It's a miserable crud... influenza... germs germs germs. Here's to hoping that tomorrow is better. 

Kk thought she was sneaking into my room to wash her hands this morning at 10 a.m. but really she wasn't the least bit sneaky.

Playing barbies and lala's.

So sweetly together. Note: the hand sanitizer was part of the "feel better" play.

February 19: Today is much better for Gg. Kk is loving today too...BECAUSE IT WAS ANOTHER SNOW DAY!!! We are officially 2 days into our Summer break now for having to make up snow days. Hopefully the state will just forgive the days -- fingers crossed -- so we don't have to make them up. It's a blustery, cold, dreary, icy day... a-this-mommy-is-thankful-my-babies-don't-have-to-be-out-in-this-weather kind of a day. With that being said, mommy is not doing well at all. Mommy may have strep throat (white icky blotches that make swallowing nearly impossible) so, daddy is going to come home early and guess what - we're going out in this awful weather - so mommy can get a throat swab and find out for 100% sure that this is strep and it needs to be taken care of. I don't want to go out in it but I can't handle feeling this sick anymore either. I didn't crawl (not so much a crawl as it was a very gimpy - slow hunched over walk) out of bed until 10 a.m. (that never happens, I am always up with you even if I am just laying on the couch). I listened to you both from my bed, playing in the living room with the barbies & Lalaloopies. I covered my head and just listened with my eyes closed from under the covers. I was okay with that and you both seemed okay with it too. I suppose I should muster up some strength to go get ready for daddy to come home.

While waiting for mommy, daddy took your picture. Before we left Gg was so worried that we were going to "get dead" in an accident because the weather is so terrible. Mommy reassured Gg though, that's why daddy was driving us, because he's a safe driver. xo

Doctors visit for mommy wasn't a flop -- he didn't both testing for strep or the flu -- he just prescribed me zpac and sent me home. Apparently I looked that pathetic. Now we're home with yummy popsicles, mommy snuggled up in her electric blanket and you both are back to playing. Gg is still fever free so that's good news too. I think we're going to be on the upswing now. *fingers crossed*