I have never had the stomach flu this bad – at least I can’t recall. After 8 days of GI issues, an eye infection and a host of other symptoms, I think (fingers crossed) I’m on my way to recovery although my eyes still look like raw meat. I’m praying it doesn’t attack the rest of the family. Every time someone toots or starts rubbing their eyes, I get a little worried. I hope everyone stays healthy during the holidays. Luke stayed with me the whole time because I have to nurse him – but we got some nice one-on-one time together on a positive note through this all.

Thank goodness, Terry was able to stay home Thursday and Friday. And, then, the Arendt’s helped out on Saturday while Terry coached, which we totally appreciated and the kids thoroughly enjoyed! Now, today, Sissy and Carlos have Josh and Audrey. I’m sure their having a blast. Sissy and Carlos always come to the rescue for us when we’re in a pinch. We don’t know what we’d do without them. Thanks a MILLION everyone. Love you lots!

I can’t wait to see Josh and Audrey tomorrow – I miss them TONS!  I just keep watching this video and this video to bring a smile to my face!

Today, we had a PJ day as all three kids are suffering from awful colds. Audrey’s poor nose wouldn’t stop running. She even requested to wear sunglasses around the house because her eyes were so sensitive to the light. I must have wiped her nose over 30 times. Josh laid on the couch pretty much all day cuddling with his big warm blanket off his bed – he is usually the most hot-blooded kid. And, Luke’s cry was a little softer than usual from his hoarse voice. To say the least, everyone was feeling pretty yucky, including myself with a sore throat. We watched several movies, including Star Wars I, The Grinch, and Over the Hedge. In the afternoon, the delivery man came to the door with a package from Grandpa and Grandma which totally brightened the kids’ spirits. As soon as they saw my Mom’s famous cookie tin, Audrey smiled and said “Dama sent us tookies!” And, Frosty the Snowman cutouts taboot. Thanks Mom and Dad for the Thanksgiving Care package – it totally made our day!

The kids and I always look forward to the weekends when Terry's home. Mainly we spend time together as a family which is so nice. Yesterday was a wonderful day. Audrey, Luke and I had a lazy morning at home coloring, playing games, and making muffins for a morning snack. Luke found his new favorite napping place in the “ultimate baby wrap.” It’s the most comfortable baby sling I’ve worn yet!

Josh and Terry joined us after their hockey practice. Terry took on the Head Coach position and he is doing a wonderful job with his 45 or so 4 yr old Rookies. He’s so organized and always comes up with the funnest games. Kids LOVE him and gravitate towards him, even though he doesn’t think so ;) Josh is becoming quite a good skater – it’s amazing how fast children learn things.

In the afternoon, the kids were invited to a birthday party which was really neat – they had a storyteller come to the party for entertainment. Then in the evening, we ordered pizza, took baths and watched Home Alone. The kids are getting so excited for Christmas, as are Terry and I. Kids make Christmas so magical! I cooked (which I enjoy, but don’t have much time for) all evening making my freezer swap meals. Now it’s 10am on Sunday and we’re still in our PJ’s, except for Audrey who is opposed to clothing most of the time. I can’t keep her dressed, even when it’s freezing outside.

It sounds clichés, but it’s truly amazing how much love, laughter, and joy can fill a day in the life of being a parent. I would have never known how vivid an imagination could be until I experienced Josh’s and Audrey’s make-believe play. It’s so fun to watch them play together and makes my heart melt. Whether they are creating something together with their blocks, listening to books on tape in their igloo tent, or playing dress-up like “Luke and Leia” from Star Wars, it’s so rewarding to watch. I think I spotted Lucas smiling this past week and that has been so fun too. He’s been cooing as well, which is so darn cute and I can’t get enough of his chubby little cheeks.

Lucas and I are getting in tons of snuggling this past week, as I have let him officially move into our bed at night. He nestles right in with me and we both are in dreamland. With this co-sleeping arrangement, I can usually get two three-hour periods of sleep which I SO NEED. Then Terry comes to bed around 3am and Lucas moves over to his side for a little snuggle time with Dad (Okay, the rest of the night between feedings J ). Terry’s been super busy with work and then helping me with the kids as much as possible (bless his heart!) At around 7:30am, Josh and Audrey join us for morning cartoons and begin whispering in our ears “I’m hungry, can you make me bresk-kiss.” And then, another day begins and Lucas takes his morning nap. :)