Lodo

I chose to ignore the activity outside, keeping one ear tuned in for sounds of imminent danger, and just knew that they would go directly to the tub upon entering the apartment. Then I became a bit adventurous and looked outside, quickly grabbing the camera to record the activity.

They had so much fun, and a huge bonus is that there were no complaints when I said it was bath time!

Picante!

JMC was begging for some Flaming Hot Cheeto's with lunch just like his brother and sister. We said no, but then he stole one from his brother's plate. JA & JT only eat them by taking big gulps of milk after each bite; which is a small price to pay for eating something picante like Papi. Well, we figured after one bite, JMC would realize that it wasn't something he really wanted. Turns out, we were a bit wrong.

Halfway through his 4th Cheeto, he began to feel the pain. He didn't understand that milk would help, so we had to give it to him with a medicine dropper. After about 6 droppers full, he felt better.

Nature Study

The kids found a babosa (slug) this evening. They were so excited because at first they thought it was a caracol who had lost its shell. They somehow coaxed it up onto the concrete, and they watched it for quite awhile, trying to feed it and make it go where they wanted. I drew the line when they wanted to give it a bath.

Sick

Most winters, the kids get 1 really bad cold each, and then have the sniffles on and off the rest of the time. In fact, before this winter, we had only ever dealt with 1 ear infection, 1 mild RSV, a high fever of 102, and 1 case of stomach flu (and that was all JA). That's it for our first 7 years as parents. Well, this year changed that a bit.

In January, the kids each had extremely high fevers. It began with JA, whose fever topped out at 106.1, though it was controlled well once I began alternating Tylenol & Motrin. She was sick for over a week with a low grade fever. Then, JT got a fever that topped at 104.5. He was only sick a few days. JMC's fever reached 106.2 once, but it hit 105 each time the medicine wore off, and alternating the 2 meds didn't help. So, after hitting 105+ three times, we took him to the ER. 5 hours later, we were home, and his fever did not return. (They gave him Infant Motrin & Infant Tylenol at the same time. I wouldn't have tried that on my own.)

I think the kids were better for about a week when illness #2 hit. JT had a stomachache for a week, and then began the very yucky stomach flu. That lasted for 2 1/2 weeks (if he's really better, though I have my doubts.) During this time, he seemed to get better, and then was worse than ever. We took him to the ER, and after 5 hours there, he asked to stay overnight (he was borderline needing to stay, so it was our choice.) He had an IV through the night, and was so much better the next day. Then, we had 2 more doctor visits to follow up because the sickness kept reappearing. Even after a 4 day break, it came back while we were on vacation. Ugh!

Well, JMC caught the stomach flu from JT, and he was sick for about 10 days. He too, refused to eat or drink anything, and was borderline dehydrated. We had to force feed him Pedialyte with a medicine dropper every few minutes just to keep him from needing to go to the hospital. Papi and I were just sick for a day each, and not nearly as sick as the boys. Though, I did get sick again while Papi was packing the car for our trip a week later. At least I'm old enough for over the counter medicines. Those poor little ones don't really have much remedy available to them other than fluids, movies, and lots of hugs.

While on our vacation, JMC and Papi had fevers, sore throats, and an ear infection. And then this morning, JA woke up with the stomach flu, though it doesn't seem to be as severe as the boys'. 

I'm praying for health for my family, and I am so grateful that their illness' took a little break long enough to go on vacation.

Travieso

JMC is officially old enough to be travieso. Here is some proof.

in time out for hitting

 

after being removed from the computer

 

eating JA's snack

isn't he cute, though?

School

I've been feeling in a rut with school lately. Not enough fun, too much repetition. So, I talked with Papi (he usually comes up with great solutions that don't even occur to me on my own) and he made a few suggestions. We began about 2 weeks ago, and things are already feeling better.

First, most days I have a scheduled time one-on-one with JT. We play on the tablet, we read, we play a board game. It's only 15 minutes, but it has made a huge difference in his attitude and behavior for the rest of the morning. (All bets are off when it comes to naptime; which he no longer wants, but I so desperately need most days.)

Second, we finished science for the year before Christmas, with the intention of focusing on history second semester. Well, we never bought the history text we had chosen, so there was a big gaping hole in our day. We found a history curriculum we like, and have worked that into our day. It may not sound very exciting, but most of our projects and discussions come from our science and history studies, so it really has made a difference.

Third, I am trying to plan more art and craft projects. The kids love them, I really dislike the mess. I know it's important though, and I'm trying to encourage more art time and plan ideas for projects a few times each week. Especially when we're stuck inside due to the weather or illness, a good art project can really lighten the mood and help us all relax a bit. Until I have to clean up the mess.

Of course, this past week JT was sick, so our routine wasn't very, well, routine. But, the idea is there, and we did make it through one week just fine, so I really think this is going to work. For now. We'll have to reassess in a couple of weeks when the weather changes or a child moves into a new phase.  :)

I want to remember...

Angie wrote about the Things that make her smile. It made me think. While I read her post, there were so many little things going on here that I normally take for granted, but they make me smile and I always want to remember them.

Here's my list:

• JT in his various states of undress and frequent pajama days
• JMC trying to play on the computer
• JA reading to her brothers
• JA telling me she likes me helping out with her theatre class
• JMC stealing food from JT's plate
• JA tricking JT into reading
• JMC following the dog and bringing her food from the dog bowl
• JA singing along to Jaci Velasquez on her CDplayer
• JMC grabbing our legs and saying, "Got you"
• JT asking me to read a book to just him everyday at nap time

Thanks, Angie, for helping me see the little things.