A Sweet Moment

While getting ready one morning this week, I had both girls on the bed. I changed Olivia's diaper, and then Bea's. They were both laying next to each other side-by-side on the bed. This is what happened next:

"Oli-fia," says Bea, pointing at her sister.

"Oli-fia," again pointing.

"Do you love Olivia, Bea?" I ask.

"Yeah," she says, as if I could even question the love she has for her sister.

My little washcloth head

Whew...the heat wave is finally over here. Well, for now. We are actually having to put on covers at night again. After Olivia's episode on Monday night, I proceeded to put a cold wet washcloth on her forehead for the next couple of nights. Every 10 minutes I would take it off and wipe her body down:


Here's the same night of the episode just a few hours later:


You'd think nothing was ever wrong with that child! Which, of course, is a good thing.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Dear Daddy,

Today is that one day of the year when you are another year older. Though you don't often enjoy your birthday, we've decided to make a list of all of the things you will enjoy in the next year of your life to make this day special for you:

Double the cackling and laughter of both girls
Olivia crawling
Olivia walking
Olivia talking
Beatrice asking "why?"
Beatrice asking for things in SENTENCES!
Potty training - no more diapers???
Camping trips with both girls
Wheeling trips with Beatrice
No more ba-ba's
Family hugs
Having your daughter's look up to you even more than they do already
Double the cackling and laughter of both girls

There's no greater gift than having the love and affection of both your daughters, and it is obvious how much they mean to you, as well as what you mean to them (uh, you also mean the world to me, too).

We want to wish you the happiest birthday ever, and just remember that as you get older, you are becoming more and more important to them. You are our hero, and your little princesses and I love you very much.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Love,
Mommy, Punks and O
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"All Night Long" in Lovely Sing Song Voice

The celebration began last night after Josh put Bea to bed with not a single whimper. She was awake when he put her down. O was already sleeping soundly. I walked into the living room, looked at Josh, and did a little dance.

The celebration continued through this morning until 6am. Not a peep from her last night. Some peeps from O (that didn't even require getting her), but nothing on the Bea front. Could it be that we are finally getting our good sleeper back???

O update: Thanks for everyone's concern. She is doing very well and is our happy little baby once again. The heat has finally broke a little bit, so it's been better for us all. Last night I wet her down with a washcloth and actually put a wet one on her head for a while. I'll post some pictures of O's "washcloth head" in a couple of days. And maybe this was a turning point for her as well...last night she rolled from her back to her tummy. I missed the whole thing because she decided to do it in the middle of the night. When I went to get her this morning, she was on her tummy, happy and playing.

Reality

The thought of losing one of our children has never once crossed my mind. I don't like thinking of things that can be so incredibly painful. Yesterday evening my life seemed to play out like a scene that you might see in a movie, but this was my life. While everything turned out fine, I have to wonder if some of the decisions I made were the right ones, because in a situation of pure panic and terror it is hard to think logically:

Last night I had to call 911...

It was a normal evening, at least as normal as it gets around our house these days. We were figuring out dinner and realized we needed a few things at the store. So Josh took Bea with him, and Olivia and I hung out at the house. It's been hotter than hell, and the house wasn't cool at all, so I took Olivia in front of our window AC so that she could cool off. She was hungry so I fed her. I picked her up to burp her and she didn't feel right for some odd reason. She burped. She then threw up. At first I just thought it was spit up and maybe she ate too quickly. No, she threw up some more. I turned her to face me and saw that it was coming out of her nose as well as her mouth. She was crying a little, but I could tell she was having a hard time breathing. She definitely didn't look good. I wiped her up a little, but it was still coming out of her nose. Then I looked in her mouth and saw that it had been overtaken by some clear goopy junk which I still don't know what exactly it was. Seeing that she was having a hard time breathing, I moved her into our bedroom and ran as fast as I could to get the syringe to try to clear her nose. I suctioned. Nothing came out. She started crying and looked like she was choking. I turned her on her side and started patting her back. I looked at her and she looked at me, then her eyes rolled to the back of her head. That is when I freaked out. I grabbed her and looked for the phone - I was going to call Josh. He didn't take his cell phone because I saw it sitting on the table. Then, it seemed like he had been gone a long time so I thought he would be back any second so I wanted to meet him in the driveway. I ran out of the house with Olivia. No minivan. No Josh. No Bea. I'm crying hysterically. Olivia's eyes are rolling and her body is going limp. I ran to my next door neighbors house and yelled for her. She came out and I screamed at her to call 911, that something was wrong with my baby.

I have never been so terrified in all my life. I felt like I was having an out of body experience watching this all take place. Through my tears I am telling Olivia to "hold on" and "stay awake" and that "help will be here soon." And also "I love you baby girl" and "don't leave me." I'm not sure how long it had been, but I'm sure it couldn't have been more than a couple of minutes that I saw Josh coming down the street. He saw me hysterical and jumped out of the car and grabbed her. While I'm on the phone at my neighbors with 911, he took her back into our house. The firemen and paramedics rolled up about a minute later. As soon as the 911 operator finally let me off the phone (I keep hearing her saying "do not perform CPR...do not perform CPR...do not stick anything in her mouth") I ran to our house.

She was fine.

While the professionals didn't know what exactly was wrong with her, they did say that things like this happen with the heat being like it is. It could have been a small seizure due to the heat, but nothing serious since she was fine. It couldn't have been pleasant having throw up come out your nose either, and that might have just made the situation worse. They said to just try to keep her cool. No guarantee that it won't happen again, but if it does then we need to keep her in a cool place and strip off her clothing. They said don't hesitate in calling if it did happen.

Our neighbors were great. Another couple actually took Bea off our hands for an hour so that we could observe and hang out with Olivia. She was back to herself in no time, but of course, I just couldn't stop crying. I was so happy that she was okay but I was still upset over the fact that I felt I could have lost her. Maybe I overreacted, but in my heart, I don't think I did. Before she fell asleep last night I told her how much I love her and that I was so happy she was here...And now I understand why parents worry about their children when they think something might be wrong with them. Just the thought of them not being there anymore feels like someone is taking your heart out and ripping it to shreds. There's no worse feeling in the world, really.

I'm so happy that she is okay...and DAMN this heat. Go away already!

Olivia, the book

When we decided on the name of our second daughter, Olivia, we were unaware that a very popular book had been named this as well. In fact, a whole product line is available about this little pig named Olivia that is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

My brother T and his girlfriend V came out for a visit this weekend, and my mom, of course, sent them with gifts for the girls. Bea received a Dora shirt/dress - no surprise there, right? And Olivia received the "Olivia" book. Thanks, mom! I love the book!!! I read it to my Olivia yesterday, and she seemed interested in the pictures (mostly black and white with red accents). The story was great, too, because "Olivia" doesn't want to ever nap or go to sleep, but always wants to do new things. The book is kind of a "day in the life", so she brushes her teeth, gets a bedtime story, etc. Very cute.

I want all the Olivia memorabilia now, but I really should wait a little while before I go crazy with the idea. After all, Bea has Dora and maybe Olivia will want Olivia? Maybe I should let her decide herself, but I think it is really cute.

Olivia at Five Months

My baby O,

Today you are five months old.

This month you have managed to work your charm into everyone’s life. We have always thought that you were a very special little girl, but this month you have managed to let everyone around you know just how special you are. Everyone wants to see you, wants to hold you, and just be around you in general. I know that I have told you many times, but you are very special, and I am so happy that you are a part of our family.



While you are still immobile, you have certainly expressed to us how much you want to move around and be like a little person. You’ve grown especially tired of lying on your back and taking the world in, and you are now ready to be a part of it. If I could manage it on my end, you would be sitting on my lap all day watching and grabbing at things. That is when you are happiest and most content – sitting upright, watching your dad or your sister or me do things around the house. Your facial expression shows that you are in awe of all that you see around you. I think you are taking so much in, and inside you wish that you could get up and do what we do.



You have also shown us that you’ve grown tired of your tummy time. Every time I place you on your stomach, only a minute goes by before you get irritated. You look like you are swimming. Your hands and legs flail about, and you are going through the motions of crawling. You can’t get there yet, but I think it will be soon.

You’ve mastered the “perfect kick” this month, so full of strength and reach. Your sister used to be fairly in control of you, hugging you and touching your toes when she wanted to. Now, when she comes up to you, you kick those legs, sometimes booting her in the head. She does a double take, but you’re just letting her know that you have a say, too, and that you are getting closer to being her playmate.



We had one minor incident this month with you. We decided to take you and your sister to your father’s 4-wheel club meeting. Usually, I’m pretty prepared – a bottle, diapers and wipes are always on-hand. However, as we were leaving the house, I mentioned to your father that I didn’t have any wipes and didn’t think the likelihood of me actually needing them was going to be the case. I was wrong. You did your business in the middle of the meeting, and I had to take you to the public restroom. I had no wipes and nothing to lay you on, and they didn’t have one of those fancy baby changers. Instead, I raided their entire stash of paper towels and laid them all over the counter (it actually was a nice, long marble countertop). There was a pretty thick padding between you and the counter. The next part you and I both were not happy about. I had to wet paper towels to clean you up. I know that it wasn’t the most comfortable thing, totally rough and all – I was taking turns cursing at the paper towels and apologizing to you the entire time. Fortunately, it was only a few minutes of drama for both of us, and we were both happy it was over.



We are still waiting for you to roll over, and you are more than ready. We practice with you every day. In the wee hours of the morning or when you are trying to fall asleep at night, I see you attempting over and over again. Practice makes perfect, and I know you are going to get it down soon. You can go from stomach to back, just not the other way around. Fortunately, you are able to roll on your side, which has become your most common sleeping position in the last week. The first night it happened, I called your father in to see you, because you looked like this little person so happy in her slumber – so glad to finally be in a comfortable sleeping position. We pulled a blanket over you, and I almost cried.



You are already growing up too fast for me, and I wish more than anything that I could slow down the process just a little bit. I love holding you, rocking you, talking to you…but what I love most is rubbing your fuzzy head, kissing it, and giving it butterfly kisses with my nose. Oh, my little O…

I love you,
Mommy

A Realization

Last night Josh and I were talking about the girls. I think it's hit us both that we are now "really" parents. I don't know what took us so long, but maybe we were living in a dream, or maybe just really sleep deprived, and thought maybe these two little human beings weren't really ours. Josh said, "We have two happy, healthy little girls. We are so blessed." Yes, we are.

Oli-fia and Toes

Yes, she does know who her sister is and yes, she does know her sister's name. As you will also be able to see in this video, Bea has a foot fetish, but she does a very good job pointing out O's toes as well as hers. Enjoy.

Time for a Toddler Bed?

We're confused. We don't know what to do. She, and I mean Bea, will not sleep in her crib any longer than a few hours a night. One of two things happen when we go to put her down at night:

1) She will scream "no" and kick her legs until you chill with her on the couch until she falls asleep. Then, move her to the crib only to have her awaken in a few hours.
2) She will happily play in there and sing until she falls asleep, only to awaken in a few hours.

I prefer having number 2 happen, just not the awakening part. Last night we thought we would try something new because we really want her to stay in her crib, but we don't want the screaming to wake up O's peaceful night of slumber. O fell asleep before her, so we put her in our bed. When Bea's turn came around, it went off without a hitch. She played, talked to her stuffies and sang to them, and then restled around until she fell asleep. We then moved O into her crib. At approximately 12:30 Bea was up, crying. Josh grabbed O out of the room and put her in our bed, then shut the girl's door. He let her cry for about 5 minutes, couldn't take it (and neither could I - screams in the middle of the night like that when you are half awake scorch your ears to death), so he got her out of the crib and moved her to the couch, with ba-ba. She fell asleep. Stayed out there all night. Then, as Josh was getting ready for work, she just got up, and it was very, very early. She usually stays asleep until I am at least done with my shower.

So, what is it??? Doesn't want to be in her crib? Wants to be out on the couch so she doesn't miss anything? It is not like we have to be there with her on the couch, so it can't be that she wants to be with us. Move her to the couch and she is out like a light.

We are discussing whether to convert her crib to the toddler bed now so that she won't feel like such a caged bird. I feel that she is too young, but she really isn't. I have heard of some toddlers sleeping in their cribs until they are 2 or 3 without any issues, so why can't my baby Bea do it? Maybe she is just growing up fast and knows that it is keeping her confined. I have to wonder if she would be okay with a toddler bed, as long as she knows she can get out of it...like she does on the couch. I guess maybe I just wish I knew what she wanted and why she get's upset in the crib.

Could it just be that "Ms. Tough Guy" is trying to say "Gimme big girl bed and gimme now!!!"?:

It's about being diaperless

It was incredibly hot here yesterday, even at 6:30 PM. We decided to hang out with the girls in the backyard, and Josh even made those fun little english muffin pizza's for us on the grill. He also filled up Bea's kiddie pool so that she could put her feet in that and play around. Off came the diaper, too. I will never know what it is like to run around nude like that (at my age), without a care in the world. She actually seemed more carefree, too, so it was quite a sight to see.

Interestingly enough, she pee'd three times and pooped once during the span of about 45 minutes. Does it have to do with having no diaper on? One has to wonder.

There's No Place Like Homes

Yes, I meant for the title to be plural.

I went out of town this weekend, but before I get to that, I have to write about Friday. Since I was going away for a couple of days, I left work early to pick up Bea from daycare so that I could spend some time with her. It had happened to be someone's birthday at daycare, so Bea had a little goodie bag that she came home with. In it were two items I have been meaning to get her. Her own pair of plastic sunglasses (so that she will stop playing with mine - the one's she got actually have UV protection. It's never too early, I guess.) and bubbles. When we got home I immediately took her outside to see what she thought of the bubbles. We had done this months ago, but she wasn't interested. I probably was blowing bubbles for a good 45 minutes while she chased them, got excited about them and screamed and actually said the word "bubbles". It was such a nice moment with her, to see her happy and playing and having some one-on-one time with her before I left. I knew I was going to miss her - and Josh and O, too.

Josh and the girls then took me to the airport just a little while later. I made my way to San Diego to see my lifetime girlfriends, a group of four of us that have been friends since middle school. It feels like home everytime I go to see these girls. Our lives have all changed over the years, but when we come together it is like nothing has changed at all. I don't think anything could have really made me feel better than when I got picked up at the airport and hearing their horn honk at me as they screamed "hot mama"...After back-to-back pregnancies it is hard to feel yourself again, but this trip really helped me do that, and I feel that I am on my way. It was a great weekend, much like the old times. Key words for the weekend included: apple, sandwich, waxing, pedi, squabbles, margaritas, sushi, 3AM, and my new friend "dot". It was a nice getaway, which I needed, but I was also looking forward to going back to my home, with my family.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted inside the airport...Josh had mentioned they would pick me up curbside, but imagine my surprise to see all of them waiting there for me outside of security (well, Bea was asleep). When we got into the van, Josh mentioned that the house was a complete disaster because he had spent all weekend keeping after the girls. That was totally fine by me. I wasn't expecting anything other than him taking care of the two of them. When we got home, the house was immaculate! As was the yard! He had really went to town making sure that everything looked good, which I couldn't believe. And then to top it all off, he says "I also have everything ready for the girls for tomorrow." This can be quite a process, and a lot of it I do myself, which involves getting out their PJ's, diapers for the rest of the night and tomorrow, their clothes for the next day, making their bottles and getting together anything else they might be low on at daycare ready. He had done IT ALL! It was a nice surprise...I knew he was exhausted. But, I cannot say how much I appreciated it. I know he didn't want me to come home to a pile of laundry and a ton of stuff to do, but I just didn't expect him to do it all. Instead, I got to spend some quality time with the girls and him before they went off to bed. It was very special and this weekend I realized three things (there's many more, but I am just recognizing these three today)...I love my husband to death for so many things, but mainly because (1) he's a great father who thinks the world of his children (2) he knows how to make me happy by doing little things (3) He loves my SD friends...and they feel the same way about him. This weekend I learned that I take a lot for granted, and it's time to start appreciating everything for what it really is...

It's good to be homes.

Beauty Shop

On Wednesday I sent Bea off to daycare like any normal day...When I picked her up, there was a big change in her. She had a new hair-do and her nails were painted a light pink.





While the 'do was so very cute and all, Josh had the pleasure, I mean dis-pleasure of taking it out. Had to use scissors to cut out some of those rubberbands and after, there was a clump of hair that fell out. He's hoping they don't do that again, but I guess we will have to see...

It's Confirmed!

Both girls will be in the same daycare beginning next Friday!

It's going to mess up our routine once again, but this will make life much easier on us, with me taking them in the morning and Josh (hopefully!) picking them up in the evening.

Bedtime Update: Olivia slept ALL night. Bea slept on the couch (well, Josh fell asleep with her on the couch, and I'm not so sure he really wanted to move her). She came strolling into our bedroom at least twice in the middle of the night that I can remember. I'm wondering if we should just give her her own big girl bed now (it seems MUCH too early), or if the girls just need their own bedrooms so they don't wake each other.

We Now Know

As I mentioned before, when you are sick, sometimes there are things that are comforting and make you feel better. For Bea, that was the sofa and perhaps, Josh or myself. Her saying "no" while we attempt to put her in her crib can only mean one thing...that she is not feeling well.

The last two nights when we did the attempt after the nightly routine, she went down without a peep...completely on her own. Josh and I did a silent high-five.

However, she is getting up once now in the middle of the night. It's really only light cries and whimpering, not full blown screams. We are moving her to the couch for the remainder of the night so that she doesn't wake up her sister (her sister is waking up anyway, darn it, at 4:30 am the last two nights...not sure if it is connected with Bea being back in the room or not).

Thank heavens we at least get her in there for half the night. I'm sure it is not too far off until she stays in there all night long, and that, my friends, is when I will sing Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" over and over and over the next morning.

You're One and One Half, Bea

Dear little miss Bea,

When in the world did you turn into a little girl? It's so hard for me to believe that you are walking, talking and establishing a personality. I guess because I see you each and every day, the change happened right before my very eyes. But, when exactly did it happen?



Today you are a year and a half old.

You crawled at about 8 1/2 months, and you were walking shortly thereafter at one year. Since then, your instability to be upright has been perfected (except when you are tired) and has grown into a full-blown run at times. I have often found myself running after you and worried that I might not be able to catch you, or that you will be out of my sight in less than five seconds if I don’t keep up with you.

Your first word was "uh-oh", so we labeled that one as being unofficial. Your first official word was "bye-bye". And a month later came the arm waving in conjunction with you saying it, and also understanding what it meant. Words that followed included mama, balloon, Dora, map, bah-bah (bottle), no, backpack, Olivia (Oh-la-la to Oli-fia). In the last month, you have perfected the pronunciation of most of those words, and have added a whole new repertoire: shoe, toes, Elmo, plane, flower, MooMoo (the cat), yeah. This month you surprised me immensely when you put two, yes two, words together to make a sentence. You picked up Olivia's bottle and walked over to her, set it down next to her, and said "Oli-fia bah-bah." Why it still remains that you can't say "Dada" is a mystery to us all, but your father is most upset by it all. You still call both of us Mama, no matter how much we correct you.



If there is one thing I have learned from you recently, it is about seeing new things and not taking those things for granted. Like stopping to examine a flower or pointing up to the sky and watching a plane until it disappears out of sight. You’ve also taught me that every cause has a reaction, even the smallest things. You learned how to turn on the vacuum cleaner this last weekend, and the noise of it going on had startled you into tears. Not more than ten minutes later, you were at it again and the same reaction ensued. You did it a third time later in the day with very little reaction and a “so, that’s what happens when I push the red button.” I will never tire from watching you learn and do new things.



This past month has been a rocky one for you. You've been sick twice but have pulled through it when we are just about at our wit's end. It's funny how you suddenly pop out of being sick and are back to your old, happy self in no time. Unfortunately, the crib is no longer your friend because you have spent many nights on the sofa, refusing to go into the crib because you just wanted the comfort of one of us in your presence, laying on the sofa with you (but we sneak away after you fall asleep). Your dad and I are the same way...when we are sick, the sofa becomes our one and only destination to wellness. Maybe sometime soon we can get you back to where you belong, our friend, the crib.



You also took an interesting turn in the last month, which we hope is related to you being sick or something you picked up elsewhere. Tantrums, lady. What is this all about? Did the terrible two’s strike you early? At first, your father and I thought (and still think this is true in some instances) that you are just trying to communicate with us and are frustrated that you are not able to. It's like when I talk to your father and I can tell he isn't listening, so I repeat it again once or twice, and I still get the "Huh? What did you just say?" Instead, I raise my voice one last time and repeat, and then he gets it. You're the same way, but I hope you don't take after me in that regard – have some patience, please. Sometimes the tantrums are a little much - the ones that result in you dropping to the floor and screaming. It kills me when you look up at me and I can see your tears and the sadness in your face. You'll understand one day why I had to take the bottle of Tylenol away from the curiosity of your mouth trying to open it, which resulted in a tantrum on your end. I want you here with me for a long time, Bea...



It's really hard for your father and I to look into the past before you were part of our family, even when we look back at our wedding day. That was life before Bea. Sometimes I feel like my life restarted when you were born. You have altered our lives in the best possible way. I have had some rocky moments myself of breaking down, and when you are the only one around, you seem to realize that I just need you. Nothing means more to me than you coming up to me, saying “mama” and hugging me (or my leg) for no reason at all. I love you for everything little girl...you will always be my baby.

I love you,
Mommy

Olive Taking After Her Papa

There is this story that keeps coming up in Josh's family with the birth of each of our children. Apparently, Josh was a large baby and was delivered via c-section. When he came out, he appeared to be in the most uncomfortable position. His neck was turned upward, while the rest of his body appeared in a relaxed position. It looks extremely awkward and uncomfortable, but given that I have now seen it in one of our own, I have to believe that it is probably the most comfortable sleeping position ever:

Resolution

Yesterday was a jam-packed day of activity...first, I met some people at a place called Just Dinners, where you prepare numerous dinners ahead of time (Dinners will hopefully be a breeze around here now, thanks to the walking advertisers, V and M). Then, it was off to Josh's parents house to hang out with his sister and our nieces. I ended up going to see the new pirate movie with the three of them, and then it was back to his parents for a fine lobster dinner. As we finally head home at 9 PM in the van, there's a White Stripes tune playing that I am singing along to. Suddenly, the volume goes down and the following conversation happens:

Jo: You don't notice anything?
Je: Like what?
(He turns up the volume and then turns it down again.)
Je: There's a White Stripes song playing that I was singing to. Did you turn it down because you didn't want to hear my lovely sing-song voice?
Jo: You don't notice anything?
Je: Oh! Is that a CD playing that I hear?
Jo: Yes!
Je: How did you fix it? Did you have to use the shop vac?
Jo: Nope.
Je: What did you do?
Jo: See this?
(He is holding some thing-a-ma-jig that I can't really make out exactly.)
Je: What is that?
Jo: It's a pencil and I put tape around the end and was able to get all the change out and make the CD player work again.
Je: You're my hero, and not to mention, a regular McGyver.

Crib Issues

Ever since Bea got sick, she refuses to sleep in her crib. On many attempts, you get the little sweet "no" from her if you try. She's really gotten accustomed to sleeping on the couch, but even though it can be super cute, hearing little footsteps on the hardwood floor at midnight or 1 as she is trying to find one of us frightens me. I'm not used to hearing that sound and the first thing that comes to mind is that there is an intruder in our home.

Anyway, Bea is finally on the mend. She broke her fever yesterday and it appears to be a minor cold. Some coughing and a little stuffy nose. She's still a little grumpy, but she is doing much better. She was as normal as normal could get this morning when I took her temperature: 98.6 on the dot. Now that she is definitely on the mend, we're going to attempt the crib tonight. We put her in it last night and she was fine for a couple of minutes and then started screaming. Usually seeing Olivia in her crib asleep will comfort her somewhat, knowing she won't be alone. Hasn't worked since she has been sick, hence the "no" that happens when trying to put her in it. I guess we will see what happens this evening.

And, speaking of Olivia, she did a 180 in her crib last night! You know what that means...next on the agenda is rolling over and then shortly thereafter, crawling. She's already growing up too fast for me, and it makes me sad.

The van, the tape deck and change, oh my!

Bea has a strange love of being in cars when they are not moving, like when they are just sitting in the driveway. So strange, in fact, that you could put her in there for about an hour while we hang out in the yard. She will just play and play and will get even more excited if you play peek-a-boo by hiding behind the door. Her excited screams make me roll on the floor laughing, and it was hard for me to believe that such a loud, joyous scream of delight could come from something so small.

About a week ago, Josh was doing yardwork and Bea wanted to be outside with him. He opened up the van and let her in so that he could get some stuff done. Some time had passed so I went out there to check on the two of them. Bea was in the front of the van, and the change holder was open. She was playing with the change. I immediately shut it because the thought of me taking her to the emergency room with a penny, nickel, dime or quarter lodged in her throat was not my idea of fun. She didn't put up a fuss or anything.

The same night, I go out to grab us dinner and I turn on the radio in the van. The screen is displaying the correct station, but no sound is coming out no matter how high I turn up the volume. As I look a little closer, I see about 5 or 6 pieces of change jammed in the tape deck portion of the stereo system. And this is what I can see! Who knows how many more there are in places I can't see! I have no idea how everything is tied in together, but I finally got the radio to work, the CD player now reads 'error' whenever I put a CD in, and the tape deck is definitely out of commish.

The thought of her putting the change in the tape deck is not surprising at all. I can imagine her just singing and playing while doing it. Now, how do we get the change out? Josh tried pliers and no luck. Next up is the shop vac...if that suction doesn't work, I might never be able to play CD's again.

Our sick little Bea

Oh, it has been quite interesting around these parts. Bea has had a fever since Monday. Last night it reached 104, and Josh was thinking he might take her to the emergency room. It wasn't a fun night, and Josh got the brunt of it. For some reason, she really wants to be with him through this sickness. It's incredibly hard to comfort a toddler who is achy, restless and cranky. The only way she would settle down is if she is laying on your chest, and it is incredibly hard to sleep that way, especially when the person on top of you is acting the above said way and is like a hot tomato. Fortunately, Josh was able to get some Tylenol in her, and her fever did drop some.

Today we took her to the doctor, where it was undetermined what exactly she has. If her fever doesn't subside by Friday, she has to go back. She's not too keen on drinking right now, so it's hard to get the Tylenol in her to help her feel better...we've resulted to suppositories. Sounds gross, but like Josh just said to me, it's quick and over with and you know she get's it all. It's so funny, too, because 10 minutes later the girl acts like nothing is wrong. Right now she is singing to the Backyardigans in the other room.

I truly hope she has a better night tonight and breaks the fever tomorrow. I miss my happy little girl that seems to be sick more than well. And, well, we could all use the sleep around here. And part of me thinks, too, that this is short-lived, and things will be normal once again. And during times like these, I am more thankful than ever that there are two of us to handle these situations...it's so hard, and I give props to all single mothers who go through these types of things alone.

On another note, a big congrats to my friend K who gave birth to her first - a baby girl, Lily, on July 1st.

Olivia getting reckless!

Olivia is really starting to get her personality groove on. I took this video of her right before we left for Lake Berryessa. She wouldn't let me get ready to go because she just wanted me to sit near her and talk to her. She's quite a character these days, and slept 10 hours for us last night. Can't say the same for Bea, who is sick and was pretty much up all night with the achies.

Just when things were getting back to normal

Things have started to really settle down for us…Both girls have been sleeping through the night, we were able to get out of town and go to Lake Berryessa with some friends the last couple of days (just the two of us...Josh learned how to wakeboard, too), just to name a few. I have even been able to start reading a novel once again (it's been practically two years for that one). So, we got back into town this afternoon to learn that Bea had had a fever all day. She was definitely out of sorts, and just seemed sad in general. We thought maybe she just missed us, but it turns out she is sick again. Poor thing...and we are wracking our brains as to why she gets sick so much. We had our first puking disaster (with this sickness)this evening. It wasn't pretty....

And, I do have to say that I am a little bummed because I got the girls matching 4th of July outfits (and promised myself this would be the ONLY time I would do that) and now it looks like I won't be able to do that. Not if there is puke flying, that is. Plus, we are trying to keep them seperated for the time being. Oh, my idea of Bea holding Olivia in their matching outfits and taking photos was foddled. Oh well...what can you do?

But Josh, oh my, he is the best dad ever. He sat and watched countless episodes of Dora with her on the couch this evening, and as I write this, they are sleeping together on the sofa. It's just so sweet.

Reminiscent of my baby years

We pulled out my rattle last night from when I was a baby. My mom had given this back to me on one of her many trips out here. Olivia was playing hard with the rattle...shaking it, putting it in her mouth. On occasion, Bea would take it from her but I would ask her to give it back to Olivia, and she so nicely put it back in her little hand, waiting for her to grasp it. It's moments like that which make my entire day.