Black & Blue

Rugby has brought so much into Jim's life this year. A group of guys and friendships, a break from the medical field and stress, and a sport to work toward in exercising and lifting. He may come home somewhat black and blue, but there's spring in his limping, sore step and a twinkle in his eye.

His nicknames have been Viking and The Bone Doctor. These may have something to do with the spring and the twinkle ;)

Today I came across this picture on Facebook. It's one that should be documented as a part of our year this year. We didn't travel with him to this game due to illness, but we love being at the pitch and watching them play. Ian's his biggest fan.

Go BLACK & BLUE!!

Stuff of Nightmares

One of the scariest days of my life was yesterday. I spoke far too soon in my last post and Owen came down with the stomach bug. He was sick through the night Saturday into Sunday and then most of the day. Breast milk wasn't staying down and diapers were bone dry.

His complexion was pale and he really didn't seem to mind the fact that he wasn't eating or peeing. That's the scary thing; a baby who doesn't really fuss at all. A seven week old baby who's still incredibly fragile, even though babies are remarkably resilient.

And it was Sunday. No chance to take him to our pediatrician. Fortunately, a doctor with resources at his fingertips lives in this house. Eventually Owen started keeping down small amounts of breast milk and pedialite, strewn throughout the hour, every hour. And by the time we went to bed he'd wet four diapers.

Sweet relief.

The night went fine and today he's fine.

What a day. One I would never, ever live again.

(For some reason photos from that day are not loading from my phone. Perhaps it's for the better. I'll add them soon.)

Here Comes the Sun...

Here are a few cute photos from before sickness struck...

And then...

I noticed this little fellow was a bit droopy and dreary-eyed in the swing that evening.

 The next morning he threw up several times. I changed clothes and washed hands between caring for each boy. And Jim got us into the pediatricians office, because he wanted a strep test done on Ian. Sure enough, he was right. Strep it was.

As soon as Ian started feeling better, we thought we were in the clear. The next morning Jim and I were nauseous and by the afternoon we were both passed out and trying to recover, while caring for a newborn and a toddler.

Fortunately, Jim started feeling better as I got worse and worse. Two separate runs to the pharmacy for me. I ended up with Strep, too. Fun times. I thin we are finally on the upswing. The most any of us have been sick since becoming parents. Whew. What a week.

The biggest blessing? Owen has remained healthy the entire time! Hooray for breast milk and antibodies!!!

Now it's time to enjoy some sunshine and spring, eh?

Six Week Owen

One week late.

Here's are a few photos I took of the six week Owen.

 Sweet Owen, this brother of yours adores you.

 You still have your particularly fussy time in the evening. Aunt Phoebe enjoyed bouncing you on the yoga ball each night during her visit. You like the yoga ball.

 During the day your fusses normally end as fast as they started. See the picture before and then this one, less than a second later.

 Like your mama and brother, I think you really enjoyed having family around. You soak up every person who holds you, listening to their voices, stories, and songs.

 But your favorite was falling asleep in their arms. You really prefer to be held over being put down. If you are sleeping without being in someone's arms, then you like to be on your belly. You are like your mama in that way.

 You are growing out of three month clothes already. This bee outfit is a 3-6 month onesie!

 This is your pre-sneeze face. It's the sweetest thing. Almost always followed by a dear little sigh.

 Ian ran to get you Moosey, since you were "Moosey" to us within the womb. We think we'll start taking your monthly pictures with this guy. Since we didn't use it at your actual one month old pictures, we had to play catch-up!

Oh, dear Owen, you are deeply loved.

Happy 6 Weeks!

Where, oh where, does the time go...?

My Parents' Spring Break Visit

Nearly two weeks ago now, my parents arrived for their spring break visit. My dad hadn't met Owen yet and quickly settled down into a chair with the sleeping babe. My sister was still here for the first couple days of their visit and so there was no shortage of playmates for Ian or cuddlers for Owen. It was a really nice time of observing my family with my children; boy, are they loved.

 Well, we all feel the love. Jim was gifted an early birthday present; this Scottish rugby shirt was a real winner.

 We shared good conversations and relaxing days in the living room, around town, and in our yard. Mom & Dad treated all of us to a meal out at Mellow Mushroom (yum!) and I was fortunate enough to go to Our Daily Bread twice during their visit! It was their first time and I think they liked it ;)

This picture doesn't capture the heel clicks that Ian did almost all of the way back to the car! He was in high heaven holding hands with our company down the sidewalk.

 Jim had the great idea of asking Dad to bring his mandolin so that Ian could watch him play. Ian is fascinated by live music and, as you can see, I think he loves watching his Grumps in his element. We all love it, really.

 Dad took requests and we all sang along. We tried to choose songs that were very familiar to Ian, so he could sing with us, if he wanted.

 This was also Owen's first family sing-along session and he was wide awake and loving it!!

 The last request Ian had was for "I'll Fly Away," which is one I have sung to him every night for his whole life. It's a family favorite. We all joined in and took our parts. It was a really fun night.

The next day Phoebe hit the road for home and we headed to Chateau Morrisette, a winery off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a beautiful day, though a tad bit chilly. Ian was asleep when we got there, so Dad sent Mom and I in to do the wine tasting. By the end of the tasting, Grumps had decided that Ian needed one of the black dog stuffed animals, which is the mascot of the winery. Ian was obviously surprised to be allowed to choose one and beamed as he chose which one he wanted (they were all identical) and spent the rest of the day smitten. He still is. Ian & Dad decided the dog's name would be Morris.

 We stopped in Floyd and explored a few shops before heading back home. Owen napped cozily in the yard while Äma and Owen checked on the chickens and the egg quota for the day.

 At our request, Dad quite willingly grilled us his amazing chicken!!! Yum. He grilled enough for us to eat for days. Thanks, Daddio!

 Ian was playing with sticks with Leif, the oldest brother, and got hurt. Nothing a little venting to mama can't cure.

 And then he was right back at it ;)

 Owen was just on the cusp of smiling... he looks like he really wants to here.

 My little bear cub.

Mom came with me to my six week check-up, while Ian was at PMO and Dad worked at home. Owen & I enjoyed her company for breakfast and for the appointment.

Thank you for a lovely visit, Mom & Dad! 

We're grateful you chose to spend your spring break with us.

They left on Owen's six week birthday. Those sweet blue eyes still melt me daily.