Croup

I have been dreading the day one of my kids got Croup. I've watched Elly's experiences with her kids and seen how dangerous it can be. When Gemma was a baby I actually prayed multiple times that she wouldn't get it.  Well, two nights ago I had my first experience with it.  I could hear it coming as Gemma's cough turned bark-like throughout the day.  By bedtime it was pretty obvious it was croup, so I called Elly and got a "refresher" on what to do in the event Gemma got an attack in the middle of the night...keep her calm, take her outside to breath in cold air, keep her fever down, go to ER if gets out of hand...etc. Well, it didn't matter how "prepared" I was, it was still the most terrifying night I've encountered as a parent. How do you sleep when you are constantly wondering if your kid can breath or not?  I woke up to every single sound in the house. Eventually I just got in bed with her, that was easier than walking across the house every 15 minutes.  I was able to relax some once her fever broke and she seemed to be sleeping more soundly, but it was still a very restless night.  Unfortunately, Makael appears to have the same virus now, but his cough doesn't sound croupy...and I sincerely hope it stays that way.

Even though no one was feeling 100% yesterday, we still had to get out and enjoy the 70 degree weather. I personally like winter. I'm somewhat of a homebody and like feeling cozy in my warm house while I drink a hot cup of coffee, but I must admit, the break in the cold felt wonderful.  We took a walk, chased bubbles in the back yard, and went to the park. I've got a major case of Spring fever now.


I'm no longer babysitting any kids, which surprisingly has been somewhat of an adjustment.  I had been watching kids during the day since before Gemma was born. I loved it! It was nice to have a built in play date every morning keeping Gemma (and eventually Makael) entertained while I got to do stuff around the house,  giving us more freedom in the afternoons to do fun stuff. Without it, I now have to come up with even more fun things for us to do and I no longer get the mornings to clean the house.  Poor me right? Don't you worry...they are still getting plenty of play dates (just requires a little more planning on my part), they are getting out of the house more often, and I'm still cleaning my house  (it's just more spread out). The one upside to not having other kids around is that  Gemma and Makael are now forced to play together more. I love that!  It doesn't matter how noisy they are being or what kind of mess they are making, I love watching/hearing them play and enjoy one another. I'm pretty sure they're going to get along this well their whole lives...hahahaha okay maybe not :)

Playing in her fort. Isn't she so pretty?

He's into climbing on everything right now.  (That's his little friend Brielle)

This picture cracks me up! I don't know what's more funny, M's expression, G conked out in the background,  or M making friends with the creepy little statue. 

Cutest explorer there ever was!

So proud of the fact that she dressed herself.

They went on an expedition with Lita (with maps, snacks, and all)! 

M was less than enthused by the expedition.