Monday, February 28, 2011

Again

They are scattered about the living room. Bodies splayed as if washed ashore during a storm. Their coughs, sneezes and weak voiced whines are barely audible above the drone of cartoons. Foreheads felt, medicine doled out, juice poured...yes, we are sick.

Again.

We volley between contented cuddling and exacerbated exhales. After too many hours logged in at home, we are all a bit tense. I switch the tv off for breaks every hour and as the screen blackens the whining intensifies until little eyes flutter shut and naps begin. While one naps, one roams the kitchen unsuccessfully looking for an appetizing bite. Another gives a half hearted attempt at Lego's before finally just laying their clammy head on the rug.

I rarely second guess a decision, but a nagging voice in my head is blaming me for this round of plague. I was in a rush to get home even though I knew my parents had been sick. Mommy guilt to the extreme.

So, we are off to the doctor again today. Our weekly adventure money traded for co-pays.

Again.

Friday, February 25, 2011

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Great Idea from SouleMama

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Landed

 Remember being a kid...
 ...and spinning, round and round....
 ...a bit out of control, but enjoying every second...
...until finally landing on the ground and taking a breath?

That's what it feels like when I get home to Massachusetts. Everything stops spinning and my body just sinks into relaxation. Only made better by my darling husband (with a moving truck in tow), but for now we will settle for a visit.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Trip Up

We were supposed to go home last weekend for Nana's 94th Birthday party. We haven't been there since Christmas, 2 long months that is too long when babies grow so fast. We didn't go because said baby couldn't breathe and needed to see the doctor on the day of Nana's party.

So, plans changed - "we will come next weekend" - we said. The weekend came and Mom and Dad were sick. So plans changed again - "Get better! See you Monday!" - we reassured.

Monday is here and it brought 5 fluffy inches of new snow. Driving 4 hours in the snow with 4 little kids by myself just doesn't seem smart to me. So we stay. Maybe tomorrow.
I just want to go home.

Friday, February 18, 2011

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
great idea by SouleMama

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Spring Fling

Despite the lingering snow, we found a taste of Spring this week. I don't know if it was the snow storms, frigid temps, or our bout with various viruses - but BOY did it feel good to stretch our legs and fill our lungs with fresh air! 
 At the time of this shot, I was mortified. My new camera whacked with a snow ball. But, the camera is fine and I think the picture is pretty cool. And you can't beat that happy face :) 


 Look Mom, wildlife mere miles from NYC! 
Can't wait to do this everyday! 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Spinning Back

I walk into the black box of a room and give a little shiver. They keep it cold, real cold. Hopping onto a bike in the back of the room I settle as best I can onto the uncomfortable little seat. The lights dim until they are barely on and the music cranks up - way up.

My feet turn the pedals faster and faster and soon my thoughts outrace the one wheel. Im immediately transported back 7 years to the summer before I was married. A spinning devotee back then, I may forever associate the bike class with that summer. Out of grad school, a working girl, and planning the wedding of my dreams. I loved being engaged to be married. Full of hope & love, the world seemed ripe with possibilities.

I linger there, remembering and reliving, until the lights are back on and the music stops.

Off the bike, mopping up the sweat, I step out of the past - and I am immediately bombarded with my future.

4 kids come bounding out of the childcare room into my arms - full of hope, love and possibilities.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Sick Days

We have had too many sick days around here lately. In retrospect I should have used the time at home to organize closets. Clean the attic playroom & storage room. Organize the pantry. Clean out the basement. 
Does the list ever end?

Instead I used the time to bake.
 As if my thighs needed that!

And take pictures. 
And make Valentines. Have you seen ours? Very proud. I would show you but they still have some to give out and I'd hate to ruin the surprise! 

And lots of daydreaming. 
Mainly about the beach, but also about hikes and playgrounds. About throwing the sliding door open in the morning and enjoying the air all day. 

Friday is forecasted to be 60. 
A little taste of Spring right here in the middle of the deep freeze. Colby is the last to recover, and Im hoping he is at least 90% by the weekend. 

Off today to what I hope will become one of our most special places. 
Pictures and stories to come. 
hint: we are bringing carrots and apples :) 

Monday, February 14, 2011

To My Valentine

Let me just say first off, that I love all my kids more than I can say (and they don't read this)! And to my darling husband who I think reads this...I love you & you can be my Valentine too...but...
 This baby boy is my Valentine this year. He makes me unbelievably happy every single day. I have been in the enjoy/savour mode since he was born and it is awesome! I love you Colby!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
great idea by 
SouleMama




Thursday, February 10, 2011

Mood Ring

 There are times when we are silly. Dancing around the house, singing songs, making up funny rhymes.
 There are times when we all enjoy each other. Snuggling, laughing, sharing so nicely you can taste the sweetness in the room.
There are also those times when the it seems we fill hours feeling frustrated, crying, whining and fighting. When they take turns marching angrily to their rooms for a "rest." When my jaw is tired from clenching my teeth. It is these times that we all need the silly times the most. We listen to music and sing - because you can't really be grumpy when you force yourself to sing. And we make plans about what to do when no one is sick and the snow/ice/slush is gone.

Beach anyone? Because like singing, it is pretty much impossible to be grumpy on a beach.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Two Peas

 It's funny to see how the dynamic changes when one of the kids is out of the picture. Drew was home sick with Dad, so the rest of us snuck off for a day at the Science Museum. Ella and Drew have been an obvious duo since day one. And lately Tyler and Drew have been buddying up while playing soccer, baseball, or hockey. As we strolled through the exhibits, I realized that the Tyler/Ella combo is not seen too often in these parts.
Silly, really, because they are a perfect match. A match of sass and spunk that could clash and cause a day of petty fights and battles of strong wills - but it didn't. Side by side they explored, took turns, shared and ran ahead of the stroller in excited little steps. She helped when he needed it and he pointed out his favorite things.
Don't be mistaken, we sorely missed our buddy Drew - in fact they both asked for him several times. But despite his absence, the day was a success, a pleasure, a gem among snow days spent stuck in the house. 
And it was an inspiration to shake things up and see what comes of it more often. 


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Fear Factor

I've been afraid plenty of times in my life. 
 But there is no fear like watching your baby suffer..like driving to an ER in the middle of the night..like listening to doctor's debate whether or not your baby needs to be admitted into the hospital.
He is fine now. A bad case of the Croup knocked out by some modern medicine. He is such a trooper. Even while gasping for breath he was smiling at the nurses.

When you love someone this much, everything is intensified.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Bubble Girl


 Ella has been having some tough times these days. Remember when she was a baby and would completely lose it if a stranger made eye contact with her? We thought those days were long gone. The last few years most people describe her as outgoing - something we never imagined we would hear!

But in the last few weeks Ella has been having trouble once again. Suddenly the thought of going somewhere different or trying something new or even an unexpected trip to a familiar place has just tipped this little girl over.

She is so afraid to step out of our little family bubble and into the great big world. She cries. She bites her nails. She begs to go home or stay home.

But just as quickly as it begins, the whole ordeal ends. She bounces off into the party, the museum, or onto the skating rink and has the time of her life. And there I am standing on the sidelines wondering what the hell just happened! I wonder where it is coming from and how to help her. I read books, exhaust google searches, and lay awake at night coming up with plans.  We have been having great talks and Im learning so much about what goes on in my little girls head.

Im hoping this is just another little phase my quirky kids are passing through.  Im hoping that Im as good of a Social Worker as I always thought I was. Im hoping Im a good enough Mom to guide her through this.

In the meantime we are bursting the bubble as often as we can...because once she finds the courage to push through her little safety barrier - she truly is the life of the party - and the light of my life.

Friday, February 4, 2011

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
great idea by SouleMama



Thursday, February 3, 2011

One of the Good Ones

Fate and Fairfield U brought Julie and I together almost 15 years ago. I lucked out, in a big way, with my freshman year roommate.

Julie is one of those friends that you don't have to see everyday to feel close. We pick up right where we left off. Just as comfortable, just as fun. The icing on top? My entire family loves her. Julie and Mike have always gotten along so well, and he looks forward to seeing her as much as I do.
And our kids agree. They love Julie and ask for her everyday since her last visit. 

She is just one of the good ones. 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Choo-Choo

 They are pretty small, maybe a little more expensive than they should be, but the appeal of these  tiny die cast trains is immeasurable.
 They work so hard to piece the tracks together. Finally giving in and asking for help. They trade engines, they take shortcuts, they crash. They refuel, pick up passengers, and travel to NYC for Cheeseburgers (that's what Daddy does in NYC at work all day, after all.)
One of these days, when the weather improves, Ill fulfill my promises and take them on the real train to NYC. They won't eat a cheeseburger, but maybe a dirty water dog and a hot pretzel will satisfy a cliche. We could swing in and see what daddy really does at work. Maybe venture to the top of the Empire State Building.

Will Spring ever arrive?

ps. Who am I kidding...just the thought of buying a dirty water dog turns my stomach. I won't be able to do it. Pizza. Yes, Pizza, that will do. 

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Guy Smiley

 It isn't hard to make this guy smile, simply look in his direction. And once you see his eyes grow bigger and that smile stretch wide, you just can't help but smile yourself. It's no wonder all of us seem a little happier these days.
It's amazing how quickly and seamlessly he has become a true part of the family. He is right in the thick of all the action. He gets kisses at bedtime, he is at the table at dinner time, and of course along for the ride on all of our adventures.

Last night he was in the center of all 3 big kids while they danced and sang. His legs were kicking like crazy and his smile was so big his nose crinkled. It was one of those moments that will be stamped into my memory forever.