Snow lessens the blow

Joel was pretty disappointed when he didn't get to go to preschool today. When you only go two times a week, missing one is a big deal, but when school is closed because of snow (and not because the school flooded), it's a lot easier to handle. He perked right up when we talked about going outside to play. I have to admit I was a little bummed that there was no school, too. It's been a rough week. Greg was home for three days with strep, Grant was still struggling with an ear infection, and we've been at the doctor's office every day this week, so I was looking forward to having a more normal day here (need to prep for Aubrey's birthday tomorrow!). The blanket of fresh snow sure was beautiful, though, and the kids did have a great time outside today. Nothing like a snow day when you're a kid...or a teacher. :) Brian and Emily came over with Russell, and we got to watch him experience snow for the first time. So cute!

cousins

Ear infection boy. He's doing MUCH better. Unfortunately, in order to get better he had to have antibiotic shots three days in a row this week. We're done now, though! Great to have our happy baby back.

Aubrey was loving her bunny scarf from Great Grandma Arnold



Happiest sick kid--EVER

Last night before Joel went to bed he casually said, "Mommy, I feel like I have strep throat again." Really? Seriously? He finished his second round of antibiotics for strep just four days ago. This morning (Sat.) he said he felt fine, that it hurt "a little bit," but with a long holiday weekend looming ahead, we decided to take him in anyway. My mother's intuition track record when it comes to taking kids to the doctor is pretty good. I've got quite the streak going. :) Greg took him this time (I was just there yesterday with Grant, who has another ear infection...it's a little ridiculous around here), and sure enough, strep throat AGAIN (probably never went completely away). Poor kid! He's not a complainer, but he also seems to have a pretty high pain tolerance. The nurse practitioner he saw said it looks really bad. This time, after he's done with his medicine, we'll be taking him back in to be tested to make sure it's gone. Hopefully it works this time!

Greg and Joel were still gone when Kari, Aubrey, Grant, and I left for Kari's basketball game. Joel excitedly met us at the door when we got home and proudly introduced us to "Joe." While they were out waiting for his prescription to be filled at the pharmacy, they went next door to Petco to look around...and came out with a fish. Meet "Joe" the Betta fish.














So, kids, when you are sick, make sure you get Daddy to take you to the doctor. You never know what you might get out of it, especially if you are really sick, and he's feeling really sorry for you. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love these people--the big one and the little ones.

Six months

Grant turned six months on Friday and celebrated the milestone the way I celebrated my birthday--with a trip to the dr.'s office. He had a double ear infection (a residual effect of the respiratory virus he had the last couple weeks). So, we had a few days of wellness, then a couple sick days, and now we're back on the wellness track. At least Grant is. Joel is sick again (another story--basically the strep never went completely away the first time) but he'll be well again soon. Yes, our kids are sick a lot. Good thing we have good insurance and a great doctor's office. We were in today for Grant's well-baby check (ironic, I know), and despite the last few weeks, his growth and development are looking great. He is 18lbs 12 oz, and 26 3/4 inches--still around the 75th percentile in both, nice and proportional.
Here's Grant on his six month birthday, finally getting some rest after being pumped full of ibuprofen, antibiotics, and ear numbing drops.

Here he is the next evening, feeling better already.

We fed him his first solid food, rice cereal, on Saturday. Those first bites are always so exciting. Grant had a captive audience and didn't disappoint. It took a couple bites for him to figure out he liked it, and then he wanted more, more, more.  

Second year of basketball, game 2

Grandpa made a video of Kari's game on Saturday. This week's game (game 2) was much better than last week's. They're learning more and more with each practice/game. Enjoy the highlights! :)

Kari Moffat Orange Striped Tigers Basketball from Barry Arnold on Vimeo.

Focused kids

It had been a long time since we had done play-doh, so we got it all out on one of the cold, windy mornings this last week.
They worked hard with a big, colorful mess to prove it, but the clean-up was worth the 45 minutes of entertainment

Joel's creations, documented for Daddy: an apple tree (upside-down), a cross, a peanut, a house, and some ice cream

Such a nice uncle

Uncle Blake came for dinner tonight, and afterwards he kindly read a VERY long book to the kids.

Had to add one more from today

They said it was too bright but humored me anyway.

Jumping time

The kids are loving their new trampoline (Christmas from G&G) and going out to jump even when it's FREEZING and windy outside. Kari seems to be a fair-weather jumper, or at least above 40 degrees, but Joel and Aubrey don't mind the cold. It's great to have a fun way for them all to expend energy that does not involve jumping on or off of our furniture. We'll be out of luck when the rain comes back, but for now they're making the most of the dry days and getting in lots of bounce time.