Bears do it!

Hibernate that is.

Since having kids we find ourselves going into hibernation in winter time.  This year seems more severe with the flu season being so bad, me being sick for a good 6 weeks, both boys passing something back and forth for a few months, friends with new babies, etc, etc, etc.

I already don't love cold weather, so the sickness/isolation factor only makes winter worse.

We have taken many opportunities to get out and ride bikes, go to the park or paint outside even if it means bundling up so that we can all get a little fresh air but I am so so so ready for spring.

At least they are still fairly photogenic when sick.....in my totally biased opinion.

DEFEATED

The last month or so I have felt pretty defeated, I feel like I am finally coming out of the fog...thankfully.
 
The outcome of the election....sigh.

That always behind overly disorganized feeling drives me batty.

Willie's overseas journey equated to a very nervous-sleepless me, and I was a bit shocked by that reaction quite frankly.

The new phases with these guys, Kimber has had a few defiant moments recently.  He also has decided that he needs to vote about what he wears each day (what, I only thought girls did that?????)

I got what I thought was a 48ish hour bug about 3 weeks ago and feel like I have never really gotten over it.  I finally slinked into the doctors office a few days ago after finally coming to the conclusion that the Mucinex-Sudafed-Zyrtec-Tylenol regiman was absolutely NOT WORKING.

Both ears were infected and he was a bit concerned that I might have whooping cough.  So I got a nice little steroid shot, an antibiotic, an inhaler and this AMAZING IN A GOOD WAY cough medicine.  I have actually gotten some REAL sleep the last two nights.

Did a 5-mile run...well really a run walk yesterday and every single step was miserable and that amazing feeling that a run always gives me, no dice.

So yes, one big pity party over here, but you know today I woke up feeling AMAZING, okay so maybe I am a little high on the aforementioned codeine laced cough syrup but wow, I didn't realize how much I am been lagging until I started feeling better.

And you know what, yes I am stressed about where our country is headed but GOD IS KING and I must keep the faith that he is in control and rest in that knowledge.


So that I kicked that defeated feeling to the curb this morning!  Bring it in Thursday!

+/-

+  I have gotten more snuggle time with baby K the last 12 hours than I ever dreamed possible

-  Of course the only reason he is sitting still and needing said snuggles is the fact that he is sick.

+   Loving the changing leaves, cooler temperatures and occasional decreased mosquito population.

-   The summer to do list is getting compounded by the fall to do list.  So. Much. To. Do.

+   Getting a little paycheck has been nice these last few months.

-   Figuring out this whole working from home thing has been more challenging than anticipated.

+  These little boys are growing and changing at such an insane pace.

-   These little boys are growing and changing at such an insane pace.

+   I am right on target for my half marathon training.

-  A sick baby this week just might throw me off schedule.
  

Strep

I think this has been the L O N G E S T Saturday ever.  We took Kimber to the doctor yesterday because he was feeling very bad, come to find out he has strep.  Poor guy is miserable.  I swear he has cried more in the last 48 hours than he has in the previous 18 months.  Really hoping this passes quickly and that my happy little man returns. 

Tubes

After many months of trying alternative cures and worrying about making the right/wrong decision we bit the bullet this morning and had tubes put in Kimber's ears.  He did great, I blubbered into the waiting area after they took his screaming self from me but within 15 minutes I had that little monkey in my arms again.  He was pissed but holding me VERY TIGHT.  He finally drank some of his milk when we got in the car, after he had asked for it at least 438 times during the morning. 

I hope and pray that this helps us turn a corner sickness-wise.

Elbow sugery and Nana time

Last month we had a special treat, Nana was nice enough to come visit and provide an extra set of hands while  Papa Bear recovered from elbow surgery.  We all thoroughly enjoyed the visit and Papa's elbow is almost like new!

Matthew is getting quite talented at riding his bike.

 Little K, not feeling good.

 Swimming in the sand.

 Nana and her little boys.

 Love, love, loving the swing!

 Snack time.

 Papa and his boys taking a break.

Brotherly Love

Motherhood has been a journey filled with a multitude of emotions for me. Bringing another little Riggle into the family has added a new level to this experience.

I absolutely love watching my two little men interact. At this stage it is mostly Kimber staring at Matthew with such adoration. I know, I know, they will eventually be fighting over every little thing but for now, this makes me happy....and a wee tiny bit proud. Lately Matthew has started showing Kimber "how" to play. Whenever I make Kimber a pallet on the floor to roll around on Matthew is not far behind with his menagerie of trucks, tractors and trains. I was putting up some laundry last week and came back in to find Kimber, who I left in his exersaucer, has had the entire bin of baby toys poured into/onto the saucer with him....talk about sensory overload. Matthew, of course pointed at Kimber and his pile of toys and said "baby play". I have to admit I was a little worried how Matthew would react when we brought Kimber home and I have been very pleasantly surprised. He is nothing but sweet to his brother, such a little helper for me and all around his usual sweet self.

They were both sick with ear infections here but still hanging out.

My three sweet boys!

Instruction....

Help Mom.......I can barely see over this pile.

Christmas Day...2009

Swine Flew.......to Alabama

So......the swine flu hit our city yesterday and the city officials have shut down the schools, the public parks, some of the museums and the list goes on and on.

While I am not getting all worried about this flu, we are sticking close to home the next few days. Thank goodness the weather is great and I have plenty of yardwork (and housework) to keep me plenty busy!!

Oink Oink

Allergic to Alabama??

I have determined, in my expert opinion, that I am allergic to our new home state ALABAMA. I have never in my life had the off and on stuffy nose, sore throat and sinus congestion.

I sympathize with all of those people who have always suffered from allergies...I never knew what a pain it could be...literally!!!

Soon it will be hot enough here in the south that all of these allergens will be replaced by hot air...which is far easier on my system.