This Lucky Little Life

30 Days of thanks - Day 6

Today I am thankful for the Greenway.

Our little neighborhood is bordered on one side by a creek and includes part of our city's many miles of greenway - wide sidewalks that can take us to lakes, the mall and on some occasions even Biscuitville (because nothing says an 8-mile bike ride like eating a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit at the turnaround point!).

 
Easy access to the greenway is one of a million reasons I never want to leave this old and small, yet perfect for us house.

Me and my boys headed to the greenway this morning to enjoy a very cool, very pretty fall day.

 

So many memories on the greenway. There's a bench right as you enter that David and I sat on with Tucker and drank Heinekens the day we moved into the house, riding bikes with our 85-year-old neighbor, taking Lila on countless strolls. I found out we were pregnant with Andy right after David and Lila had left for a walk on the greenway. After a short freakout, I took off running for them, met up with them and told David I was pregnant. Lila, all 16-months of her turnaround at me and uttered, "uh oh!" I am so not kidding.

 

30 Days of Thanks Day 5

Today I'm thankful for going to bed early.

It's been that kind of week.

Good night.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 4

Today I am thankful for sleeping with my husband.

I'm not talking sex, although that is a pretty awesome perk, I'm talking about sleeping in the same bed. We went four nights sleeping separate to keep germs at bay, prevent the H1N1 spread, protect the baby, blah blah... and last night I was about to lose my mind and we threw in the towel, promised my mother (and former nurse) that we'd sleep with our backs to each other (haha), and I crawled into my very clean sheets and curled up to my warm man. And had the best night's sleep.

I don't know how couples who travel or are stationed apart can sleep without their partner for long stretches. It was a lonely four nights for me and reminded me of when we were dating long distance and we'd fall asleep talking to each other on the phone (seriously, I used to wake up to drool and David's snoring on the other end) and I used to just dream of a time I could fall asleep with him next to me on the pillow and not a cold phone.

Tonight I'm grateful I get to crawl in bed with my man.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 3

Today I am thankful for sanitizer - the kind that kills 99% of all germs. Cause we've sprayed, wiped, washed and disinfected for the better part of the day, all while keeping Andy and Lila separated. Tonight, there are "safe" rooms and rooms for Lila and David to be in. Nuts? Maybe, but I am going to do everything possible to make sure Andy does not get this bug - or me and mom for that matter.

Everything feels cleaner thanks to all that sanitizer - from pillows to sofa cushions - which were WASHED. And that's good timing because the sick have been fever-free for most of the day and we are hoping everyone is on the way to good health.

Lila still recovering this morning and drinking out of the only cup she ever wants:

Mom helping to protect Andy from all the germs:
 
 

Pillows in the sun, after being sprayed with SANITIZER:

 And little monkey chilling in a "safe room!"

30 Days of Thanks Day 1 and Day 2

Because I loved HighHeeledMomma's 30 Day of Thanks last year and since she's going to have her hands full this November, I'm joining others for my own version this year to write a short post EVERY day about something I am grateful for. And maybe it will  help me show a little more attention to this neglected corner of the Internets - a post a day! Not sure I can do it, but sure am going to try.

And because of all the H1N1 fun at our house, I'm already late to the game, but here goes my Day 1 and day 2 entries!

Day 1

Today I'm thankful for Tamiflu.

Because of it, David is feeling better. Has color back in his cheeks. Has strength to walk up and down the stairs. Because of it, Lila danced in her tutu and crown this evening and said to me, "Mommy, I'm a big girl, like Daddy." (didn't stop laughing for a LONG time after that one) Because of it, I skimmed the edge of feeling bad, and feel good tonight. Because of it (hopefully) mom won't get it. Because of it, everyone will feel better and Andy will continue blowing bubbles and laughing at all of us.

Day 2

Today I'm thankful for my mom.

She's one of a kind that woman. One that will hop on plane in heartbeat to be there for me and my family. She never tires (or so it seems) and has more energy than should be allowed. She's been there for all of us the last 24 hours -  a nurse to David and Lila, allowed me some rest and a much needed break from holding Andy - remember, that baby ONLY wants to be held and with David sequestered, it was tiring, and she's cooed and loved on that baby. She's sanitized and organized and fed and diapered.

She's my best friend and I'm thankful that we talk 15 times a day. I'm thankful I can hang up on her when she makes me mad and she'll still want to talk me afterward. I'm thankful she's my example of the kind of mother I want to be to my kids.

H is for H1N1

 
It hasn't been a pretty few days at our house. David got really sick with fever and cough and headache Friday night, Lila followed suit on Saturday afternoon.  I've never really seen David ill, not sure the man has ever taken a sick day, so I was kind of freaked seeing him so beat down and sick. By Saturday afternoon we cancelled all Halloween activities - Nicole's birthday party, neighborhood hot dog roast and costume parade, trick-or-treating -  once Lila's cheeks were flushed and she too had a fever and I was definitely on my way to freaked.

Luckily, David's doc called in Tamiflu Saturday morning and Lila had her first dose by Sunday afternoon after talking with her doc. Juggling everyone in the middle of the night - David's needs for more liquids, Lila wanting me to lay in her bed singing her songs while she wimpered, sanitizing myself before feeding Andy was exhausting and I was afraid I'd be the next with the fever. Sunday was more of the same but worse with Lila throwing up, extreme temps and overall unhappiness, a trip to her ped and lots of Mickey Mouse Club House on the computer (because we don't have cable, remember. Because we are CRAZY). We tried our best to keep Andy away from the ill, but it was harder for me to do the same. I think mom heard panic in my voice Sunday morning - panic and exhaustion and fear that all four of us would be sick and how would I manage that. So she did what all normal mothers would do my mom does and hopped on the first plane she could find that would get her to my house before I completlely lost my shit or starting running a fever.

And I think she got here just in time. Last night was rough - Lila was still really sick, but mom dealt with her during the night so I could be as germ free as possible to nurse Andy. She helped me keep David hydrated, serving him Gatoraid at 3 a.m. and had a sherbert party in Lila's bed. "I like the green kind, Grammie." This morning - Monday - I was so tired, so feeling like I was getting sick but spent the better part of the day resting and taking Tamiflu and OMG if that isn't the best stuff ever, I feel pretty good and think that helped keep whatever I was getting from kicking my ass. Between mom and the Needhams stocking us with healthy food, we're in good shape. I'm feeling optimistic about recovery. Now hoping mom's Tamiflu keeps her from getting sick, cause I don't want to even think about that kind of guilt.

And while I'm so dissappointed we missed Halloween, Lila did have a few opportunities to wear her costume:

At a party with friends on Friday -

After the party -

At church for the fall fest - (look at her checking out the big princesses!)

Andy as a Gator, but we never even had a chance to get him in his full on duck costume. 
 
 
David and I getting in on the fun for a party before all the H1N1 insanity 

 
 

Why Hello BLOG

Both kids are napping, at the same time. And for more than a 30 minute stretch (thank you, Andy). This is unheard of around here as most of my days are spent holding a baby who REFUSES much of a nap as well as his swing, bouncy seat, tummy time mat, etc. Thank God for the ERGO.

Anyway, wanted to document the two plus hour nap that both are having AT THE SAME TIME. And check in on my little spot on the Internets. There's so much to catch up on - trips, weddings, baptism, Halloween. Oh my. And maybe I'll get to it by the end of the year. Just after I find time to download the over 600 pics on my cameral!

Andy's Two-Month Letter

Dear Andy,

So, I'm not going to let myself feel guilty that your sister had like three letters in the time that it's taken me to write your first. Or that your first is at TWO MONTHS. And because your two month letter comes two weeks late. Why? Because you get the better mother than she had that first year, no joke.  

For starters, you have made this go round so easy, so easy that I enjoy every minute I have with you in a way I didn't know was possible. I'm not stressed, there's no boob drama and only some minor butt drama (any trip to the proctologist should warrant major drama, but I'm a changed woman!) and the best part - no work! There's no dreaded countdown to how many weeks, days and minutes I have left of maternity leave. And while there's a lot I miss about my job - like my friends and oh yeah a paycheck, I feel incredibly BLESSED to spend my days with you (and Lila). But now that your sister's back in school, it's just you and me in the mornings and I'm having such a fun time with you. Life is different this time in so many ways and for that I'm grateful!

But I digress, back to what this post is about. You, Andy - and you have been up to lots of fun things like grabbing at toys, gripping little rings and SMILING. Your first smiles started around five weeks and have just been wider and gummier every week. You can just crack yourself and sometimes heave these outrageous laughs in between smiles.

You've been on three plane rides and one really long car ride and you're an excellent traveler. Just a smiling and sleeping baby. Oh and one who has found your voice - you coos and ahhs and gabs are so fun, totally surprising and you have your big sister convinced you are talking to her!

Oh and your cord - your shriveled up little cord didn't fall off until you were 7 weeks, 5 days old. How gross is that? A trip to the pediatrician at FOUR weeks assured us that it wasn't infected. It did keep you from a dip in the pool and nice soaking tub, but I like to think you just wanted to hang on to your momma a little longer. But seriously, the wait was kind of insane and it was a big deal for us all when it did come off, a day before our second trip to Florida - where you finally had your first dip in the pool.

We moved you from the bassinet in our room to your crib at just 8 weeks.  You were just way too big for the bassinet and we could tell you were so much happier spread out with more room. I cried when I got in bed that night after watching you fall asleep in the crib. And that sad empty bassinet next to the bed ... sigh. You are growing too fast for me.

Little boy, you've made sweet Lila a big sister - how amazing or as she likes to to say, "I'm the best big sister." She loves to squeal when you smile and yell, "HE'S SMILING AT ME." She's learned to climb the changing table so she can watch and "help" with diaper changes and dry heave when there's poo (where in the world did she learn that? Ha).

You've brought this family a whole new love dear little boy and for that we are grateful and count ourselves blessed.We love you so much!

Love,

Mommy

What's Going On

So it's been awhile.

We've been doing the typical - trips to the park, reading books on the back porch, watching babies grow, sleepless nights, almond butter and jelly sandwiches, the zoo, free Chick-Fil-A and the first day of school.

And the not so typical (for us) - screaming on an airplane for 15 minutes (after dragging screamer, kicking and screaming down the tarmac while daddy watched back at the gate).

Lesson learned - having daddy's help through security and with diaper changes and chasing a toddler before departure totally not worth shock of saying goodbye to daddy before boarding and not liking the loud noise of the plane. Nevermind the 20-some flights the child had been on just fine previously. I don't know when I've had an experience to compare, it almost felt out-of-body - her deafening screams in my ear, my voice over and over telling her she was fine, it was just a plane, we'd done this before, but when the sweet, young flight attendant looked at me apologetically and said over Lila's screams of "I DON'T LIKE IT, I DON'T LIKE IT," "Is there anything at all I can do for you?"  I just replied with, "There is not enough alcohol back there to help me right now." She clearly thought I had lost it. And so we endured take off with sweet, 5-week-old Andy in his car seat -thank God I brought his car seat on board at the last minute - where would I have put him with Lila in my lap, clenching my neck and screaming as we rose above the trees and headed south?

I will say the insanity of that trip was worth the five days of long morning naps, relaxing at an empty pool, drinking dirty bananas and breastfeeding a baby on a lounge chair, hanging out with my mom,  dinner just me and my dad, watching cable TV in my room i.e., NCIS reruns, middle of the night snuggle time with me and my boy, middle of the night snuggle time with me and my girl, seeing old friends and their new babies, and so much more.

 

I'm trying to rebuild all the good in that trip as we're going to do again in two days - me, Andy and Lila. And so far, I just want to throw up every time I think about getting Lila on that plane again. We've been doing a lot of talking about the plane, and I've downloaded songs from her favorite cartoons in hopes she'll listen to that and be distracted from any scary noise. But truthfully, I need a distraction from the fear of that plane ride!

Because I am crazy

I'm boarding a plane this morning with two children.  By Myself. A 2-year-old and a 5-week-old.

And while I should be worried about germs and OH MY GOD the SWINE FLU,  I'm scared out of mind just thinking about entertaining Lila, breastfeeding Andy in flight, wondering how fast I can run with Andy in the Moby to catch Lila if she decides to bolt while waiting for our flight, how many diapers can I change at our seats to avoid the plane bathroom - three of us in that bathroom?  I know that if I survive security, waiting at the gate and a two-hour flight, the rest of my week is golden, relaxing at my parents' house with lots of entertainment for Lila and naps for me. I will consider it a success if there are no tears involved - mine or Lila's.

My Brother, My Hero

For today at least. Like most siblings we have our moments, but today I have nothing but praise and thanks that he's my little brother. Because yesterday he came over  - Lila freaked out in a good, over- excited way which is pretty standard when Uncle Dude arrives, and took her to the park, the mall, Chick-Fil-A and Lowes.

This was a first for Uncle Dude and I expected him to handle maybe an hour max with Lila before some public embarrassment or a dirty diaper brought them back home. They were gone for almost four hours.

He's looked after her alone a lot, that part wasn't a first. A little over a month ago, he arrived in the middle of the night to watch Lila when we went into labor. And while she adores her uncle, he wasn't who she was expecting that morning when she woke up yelling, "DADDY" "DADDYYYYY!" She was on her bed jumping up and down anticipating David opening the door and when it was Dude she screamed... ran to our room crying, "Mommy, Daddy, Mommy, Daddy" over and over and then buried herselft in Tucker's bed in a fit of tears. I don't know who was more shocked - Dryw at her reaction or Lila seeing Dude open her door at 6 a.m.

Anyway, back to yesterday... Dude took her out and I crossed off huge to do's from my list and took a nap, even David got a lot of relaxing time - kind of unheard of for him.

I'm not sure what spurned this awesome act of sincere kindness, but I think it had something to do with the complete disarray he found our family in last week when he stopped by to help us eat some of the delicious food people are so amazing to bring us - seriously we have the best neighbors and church friends ever. Weeks of meals = one more way for me to keep a little part of my sanity.

That crazy night Dude came over - one kid was screaming and the other was crying (Andy's voice is too little to warrant a scream), I was looking a little nutso after a long day with them, I needed to shower, I needed to meet a good friend for a cold drink and he kind of stared around in disabelief - it was a look that said, "HOW DID I GET HERE AND HOW FAST CAN I LEAVE?" But leave he didn't. He even cleaned the kitchen and den and dining room and living room while I nursed a baby and David put that screamer to bed. But Dude likes to clean. I find it a miracle he lasts as long as he does at my house - his urge to clean it all up finally took over.

For the rest of today he'll remain my hero who loves my kids and gave me and my man a quiet house for a few hours. Tomorrow is another day.