sick sick sick

Piper and I very rarely get sick, but it seems we are more susceptible to Michigan germs then others. While my family was still in town Piper woke up with a fever of 103. Since then Miles and I followed suit. We have been spending much time in pajamas, snuggling and nursing our colds (oh, and playing with Pip's tablet which she got for Christmas).

There are very few things you can do for sickly little ones and nursing moms. We crank the humidifiers at night and use saline nasal spray. I have come to enjoy honey more as my throat is sore and for Piper I found Honey Pops by Little Remedies, which she considers a delicacy. How Broc dodged this bullet, only God knows.

While being ill is not desirable, it certainly humbles you. I want to get my house back to normal and get Miles into some kind of sleeping routine, but I am only human and I cannot snap my fingers to make us well. All I can do is rest easy making sure these kids have all the TLC I can muster.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

This year we stayed put and let Christmas come to us. Our families were gracious enough to travel a long long way from home so we could all have Christmas together. We had a great celebration with presents coming out the ears. I am always forgetting to get out the camera in the moment, but here are a few good shots. We miss our families oh so much, but were so grateful to have this time together.

Play

Miles is beginning to enjoy toys. He'll spend 10 minutes here or there checking out the objects on his play mat. I hung a little green frog in front of his car seat and that frog is quite a topic for conversation. I have also begun reading to him which I can tell is a hit. His eyes become wide and his arms move excitedly. I have forgotten how much fun babies are when they begin to play and become vocal. Piper is a great helper, always offering him another toy, always trying to teach him something. We are all excited to see what Miles will do next.

These are a few of my favorite things

Christmasy things that is...

Christmas time brings back many memories of a happy childhood and many

merry Christmases.

Home SWEET Home

We were invited to a ginger bread house party, where Piper created this masterpiece. I was truly impressed by a job well done. A tired Miles was not allowing me to help her, so she had to take the reins. Piper is really growing up which is beginning to make me a little sad. We recently had a rainy day and as we were waking through the mall on our way to the book store, Piper said "It sure is a nice day to come to the mall." It is simple moments like this that I look at her in amazement. She'll need to start Preschool in a little less then a year. Not to make it sound like she is going off to college, but I know I will miss our days together.

Happy Birthday Husband

Broc is 31 tomorrow. You are loved my dear. Happy Birthday

18 Days to Christmas

We should know. Piper asks to open another door on the advent calendar at least once an hour. I have to remind her that we can only do that once a day until Christmas. In preparation for tomorrow, she knows exactly where to find number 17. Oh the things she will do for chocolate...

We don't have much going on aside for my own personal chaos. I am struggling to find a balance with Piper and Miles, as he is still a very needy little guy. Do I let him cry, so I can make her lunch? Do I let her watch TV so I can feed Miles without her sitting on my feet asking me 32 Why questions? Yes to both. I LOVE these kids and I would not change a thing, but I have to say I am exhausted and our house is very much affected by that. Of course while I am in this state, I've been feeling the need to do projects as well, perhaps sewing and baking are my stress relief. I made this string of Christmas lights for our mantle, along with some presents for my newest niece (more to come on that). I am so pumped to host all of our family for Christmas this year! It's a huge blessing not to have to travel this time around, though I have to say I wouldn't mind some snow right about now. Thank you to those who read this and love our kids. I am so grateful to have wonderful friends and family, even when they are so far away. Sending our love!