Sick of sickness!

January 5th, 2014

It's starting to feel like Lindalee has been sick forever.  We had another trip to the doctor since her fever still isn't going down.  She has a raging ear infection in the OTHER ear.  Poor baby.  The doctor put her on a stronger antibiotic since the first hasn't worked.  Really?  This girl has never been on antibiotics and we are having to put her on stronger medication because the most commonly used antibiotic isn't working?  Don't even get me started on the drug resistant mess some doctors are getting our country into....

 We're slowly running out of things to do in our apartment.  Christian's been such a trooper, staying very occupied in all his different 'forts'.

Our couch cushions are more commonly used for fort or castle wall than sitting on.  It keeps Christian entertained for hours, so I can't complain!

Christian asked to take a picture of Lindalee and me.  He said, "Mommy, get closer to Lindalee!  Lindalee, look up at brother.  Lindalee, say cheeses?  Can you show me your teeth?".  He's become quite the little photographer.  He now has his own camera {a real one!} so that he can explore his passion.

Desperation...  Lindalee won't eat ANYTHING.  Not even ice cream.  That's when you know she's really sick.  Today, we had a pretend birthday party {candle and all} with the hopes she would take a bite or two in the moment.  Thankfully, it worked!  She had a whopping five bites of ice cream!  

Sweet Lindalee hanging out on the floor for the afternoon.  I want my spunky little girl back!

I'd rather her be well, but I am thankful for all these sweet, sick baby cuddles.  Get better Lindalee!

Christian's 1st Day at Ski School

February 3rd, 2014

"Little Bee" Christian!  He was extremely excited to spend the morning on the slopes.  He warned Mommy that he was going to go to school "all by himself" and Lindalee and I couldn't come.  "Ski school is for big kids and mommies and daddies aren't allowed."  Okay, Mr. Independent.  I asked if Lindalee and I could just watch, after some persuading, he agreed.

I don't think Christian's instructors were ready for him to take off without hesitation when they said it was okay to go.  {See above} With a big smile he headed down the hill.  He got a fair amount of speed going {for a bunny slope} and almost ended up in a gravel pit.  Thankfully, it didn't phase him one bit.

His instructor caught him {before the gravel pit} and he had a one-on-one for the rest of the lesson.  I'm glad they realized, quickly, how fearless this little boy is.

Lindalee REALLY wanted to "skkkkkeeeeee" like big brother.  Maybe, next week.

Poor little Lindalee was such a trooper.  Her fever finally went down and the doctor okay'd her to be out, so like any good younger sibling, she went with the flow {for the most part}.  While we were hanging out in the lodge, she actually ate and drank.  Despite it being hot chocolate and a muffin, I was just excited she was eating something.

My big boy on the "magic carpet".

Practicing bending his knees.  Good workout!

Christian loved his instructors, especially because they talked a lot about "pizza" and "french fries".  He did a great job.  He was definitely the fastest skier on the bunny slope, and definitely the most out of control {or fearless, not sure what describes him better}.  Not the best mix; thank God for helmets.  At the end of the lesson, he asked his instructors if he could go on the "gondola" to the top of the mountain.  They explained that he needs to learn to be safe first.  He was pretty bummed.  It won't be long!

Despite Lindalee not feeling well, it was a great morning.  It felt so good to be outside and at the ski resort, even if I wasn't skiing.  By the time we left it was snowing.  We drove home in a winter wonderland.  Quite fitting for the morning we had.  When we got home, Christian even took a nap.

I had to include this sweet picture from big cousin Lucy.  We had to cancel plans to see them yesterday because Lindalee was so sick.  Apparently Lucy has been very concerned about her all day and made her this card.  Lindalee has lots of people thinking about her!

Thankful for wonderful morning on the slopes {and in the lodge}!

Blur: Part II

January 2nd, 2014

Last weekend was great, and the week seemed to get off to a nice start.  And then it hit, again.  Before "Blur: Part II" began:

Meme and Papa flew out of Boston to attend a conference.  We all enjoyed a weeknight visit, especially the kids.

Sweet Lindalee

Lindalee was especially excited for a surprise dinner date.  Of course, she had to bring her "Hello Kitty" lunch box.

Christian drew this "pirate" for Grandad.  Not bad!

On Wednesday, "it" hit.  Chris had to leave his last team meeting {he's changing jobs} to come and get me because I couldn't stand up.  That night he and Lindalee came down with the bug too.  It was bad enough having Christian be so sick last week, but this week was 100x's worse.  It was a pathetic scene.  I could barely move myself, never mind take care of sick Lindalee and healthy Christian.  I'm not a big fan of TV, but it was on all.day.long.  Chris and I slowly recovered, but Lindalee got hit with another bug shortly after.  I was happy to feel well enough to take care of her. 

On Saturday, the boys went to Ski Bradford on a "dude date" to enjoy some sunshine and skiing.    

From the sounds of it, Christian did great.  He left the mountain crying because Daddy wouldn't take him to the top of the mountain on the "gondola".

While the boys were away, the girls went to play!  Lindalee was still pretty sick.  She had spiked a high fever the night before and was quite miserable.  I tucked her into the stroller and we headed out to get some fresh air.  It was an incredible day.  

We ended up on Newburry Street.  Shopping seemed to make Lindalee feel much better.  

We enjoyed a little coffee break.

We stopped in to see Auntie Pha and Uncle James on their mini-vacation at the Four Seasons.  Princess Lindalee!  

Meme and Papa made an appearance on Sunday.  We are happy to have them back in New England!  It was especially good timing.  After a bad night and worse morning, Lindalee and I headed to the hospital to get her checked out.  Instead of getting better, she was just getting worse.  It was so sad!  It was a week of {terrible firsts}.  Her first stomach flu and her first ear infection, {topped off with a good old fashioned viral infection}this girl was a mess!  The doctor got her started on antibiotics {another first}, and hopefully she will be back to her healthy self again soon.  

Christian enjoying being the center of attention on his lunch date with Meme and Papa.

It was a sad Super Bowl Sunday at the Baker's.  Lindalee had a scary, high fever and was so miserable.  I was glad I brought her in earlier in the day to get her checked out.  Though, we were still worried about her.

Thankful for modern medicine and healthier days in the future!

While the parents are away, the children will play!

January 26th, 2014

Christian and Lindalee were just as excited about their weekend with Meme and Papa as Mommy and Daddy were about skiing. 

Lindalee ready for her trip to Meme and Papa's!

I asked Meme and Papa to take some pictures and write things down for the blog.  Here are some of my favorite stories.  Most people won't get the first one, but I had to put it on the blog for documentation purposes.

Christian: "Meme, I love snuggling with my mommy's dee, did you make it?" 

Meme: "No, I didn't, actually, it is a pillow case"

Christian: Sits up in bed and exclaims, "Are you telling me that I am snuggling with a pillow case? I do not want to snuggle with a pillow case!" Then throws it on the floor. I then asked him if the pillow he had his head on was comfortable? He then said, "Yes it is, is this the pillow Mommy used when she had her freckles? I don't want to use it if it is"......

"Putting Lindalee to bed last night also had some sweet moments. I started to sing "Lindylou I love you", and she said no no...star...so I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and she kept saying 'More, more'."

Meme, at least she didn't put her hand over your mouth and say "No, no".  You must have a better voice than me.

Christian and Lindalee enjoying a VERY special treat.  A TV dinner pizza party!  Something their "strict" parents would never allow at home.  That's why God made grandparents!

The children spent time with Great Nana on her 93rd birthday {Saturday}.  They had a great time bringing her balloons and helping her eat her birthday cake.  They were excited for another visit, this time, with Mommy and Daddy.  Nana says she has "no need" for money and likes to give Christian and Lindalee a couple dollars when they visit.  This time she took out a twenty {they would actually prefer a penny, they could care less for dollar bills}.  Christian said, "I don't need money, I work really hard and already have lots of cash".  She insisted and asked what he would do with it, and he replied, "I will buy you flowers".

Christian and Lindalee love getting a piece of candy to take home every time they visit Great Nana.  This time, she told them to take one piece for each hand.  Christian exclaimed, "That's TWO pieces of candy!".  They were both excited for their big treat. 

One asleep in the car happens occasionally, but TWO!?  Never!  Meme and Papa, thanks for tiring them out.

Ski Weekend

January 26th, 2014

Of all the weekends for a surprise ski getaway, after our crazy week, this was the weekend I needed it the most! This is our first time "away" since we've had Christian, almost four years ago.  How time flies.

We dropped the kiddos off at Meme and Papa's and headed even further north.  We stayed at the Kearsarge Inn.  It was a great little place right in North Conway and five minutes from Cranmore.  I'm sure we would have enjoyed "crashing" at the house the rest of the group was staying at, but this was nice.

We couldn't have asked for better weather, especially since it has been so bitterly cold.  This was my first time back on the slopes in over five years {thanks to pregnancies and little babies to tend to}.  I forgot how much I love to ski.  Thankfully, we now live in a place where ski trips will be happening much more often!  Chris and I both agreed, in the winter, a ski slope is where we find our "happy place".

Chris's first time night skiing {my favorite}.

We skied from 9-6 and could have kept going if our bodies weren't starting to ache.  What a great day!  Despite us enjoying "adult" time, we really missed the kids and can't wait until we can all ski together.  

We had a fun night out with James, Stephanie & company at the Moat House where we were served Jello shots with dinner.  It made me feel old.

So thankful for a relaxing and fun weekend away, with the peace of mind knowing the children are busy and happy!  Thank you Meme and Papa!

Blur

January 23rd, 2014

This week was a complete blur.  Between ridiculously early wake-up calls from the kids and Christian's absolutely terrible stomach bug {resulting in a completely sleepless night and approximately 10 loads of laundry, among other things}, it was a week I was glad to have survived with some sanity remaining.

Looking back on the pictures, I realized I let the not so wonderful memories that filled the week overshadow some of the really great times we had.  On Tuesday we enjoyed music class with our buddies.

Kisses from Ms. Laura

Yummy instruments!

Pretty girl!

She loves her sweater from "Yia-Yia"!

She didn't get enough at music class and had to practice some tunes before bed.

We were so thankful that Daddy made it home safe and sound after numerous canceled flights.  

Welcome home BBQ dinner from Meme.

Little did I know, an hour after I went to bed, I'd be up with a sick little boy for the rest of the night.  It's amazing how quickly the stomach bug hit him, he seemed totally fine when he went to bed.  He was up from 12:00 am- 5:30 am throwing up every 15-30 minutes.  I've never experienced anything like it.  It was SO sad.  It was so bad that I went through all our linens {towels, wash clothes, pillowcases, and sheets} that night cleaning up after him.  He finally fell asleep around 6am and slept until 8.  Of course, I was up with Lindalee at 6.  Welcome home from Las Vegas, Daddy! 

Thankfully, Christian bounced back quickly.  Lego movies are the best medicine!  This is a picture of him on the "sick couch".  I tried my best to keep the germs under-control, not easy with two little ones in a small apartment!

Pretty awesome bedhead!

Christian is such a wonderful big brother {most of the time}.  He insists on "reading" Lindalee stories while she goes to the bathroom.  He also is "putting her to bed" these days.  He loves to sing her his version of lullabies.  It's pretty sweet.  Unfortunately, she doesn't want anything to do with him at bedtime, she just wants "Mama!".  Christian doesn't seem to mind.

So thankful for Christian's quick recovery and that Lindalee is healthy {probably shouldn't jinx anything}.