Life has been real good now that we are all well. Riley was the last to feel in tip top shape. She had to have her first breathing treatment, which was a bummer. Watching a small baby breath in medicine, is no fun. You just cant help but to feel sorry for her little lungs trying hard to get air. Another thing we for sure take for granted. Josh and George are well though. Just in time to see their first snow. We were leaving for mommy group on Tuesday when it started. Josh was stoked to say the least. He loved watching it turn over from rain to snow. We bundled up and headed outside after naps to play in it. Thank goodness my kids prefer the warm sunny beach. They pretty much complained about it being too cold and wet. I agreed.

Other than the snow. It's just been the day to day. Riley's smile speaks to me. I can't help but to want to capture each one. So I try.

Like her mama, happy to eat!

Our house in her first snow. Can you see little Georgy? I was screaming for him to stay still the whole time. Bad mommy!

Following in his brothers tracks. I love it!

I know someday I'll look at this truck and remember my baby girl fitting snug inside.

This coat is from two years ago. We just don't hafta buy coats in Wilmington. A good sweatshirt and a hat usually does the trick.

It's pointless for me to try and keep this man off a skateboard. At least he's wearing a helmet. Although only to be an example for the boys. They love this ramp.

Josh is getting better, he just needs to practice loosening up his knees a bit.

Another one of those smiles.

Here they are climbing to the top so they can race their cars down the slide. I love boys. They have the coolest games.

Good ol' wagon fun here in North Carolina!

Jamie practicing with Josh

Healing

Yesterday was the final day of resting for our family. All the kids are feeling much better, although not 100%. I however, could not take another day inside the house. Until today, I was such a grouch due to cabin fever. We packed up this morning and went to Halyburton to push trucks and breath fresh air. It was so necessary. The boys coughed 90% of the time, their little lungs not used to the cold air. We meandered through all the trails, expending as much energy as we could, so glad we were not at home. That was the first time I experienced 3 sick children at the same time. Whooooo, it was hard. Im glad that is done. Some of the moments were precious. Take a look.

The boys wanted to say good morning to Riley. Since everyone was sick, I let them get in bed with her.

Look at all that boogy glue-Jamie let her get like this, poor thing. She obviously needed a bath.

These two look so much alike

A more attractive looking Riley

I put an extra TV in the boy's room so they could lay in their beds and watch Pooh. Josh thought this was very cool considering their strict television rules.

George never did lay down. He struggles with being low key.

Joshua though truly was not well. He had no problem listening to his body.

It was a very long 5 days, but not the last of that experience Im sure. It has made me very thankful for their health. I take it for granted for sure.

When All Three Are Down

The last few days have been something to remember. It started Wednesday night when Joshua began coughing. Looking for a remedy, I was hoping it would subside and that would be that. I was wrong. He woke up Wednesday with a very high fever and an overall glaze in his beautiful blues. Riley, having slept the whole night (this sleep thing has just begun with her) woke with lots of yucky in her nose and a cough to go along. Bummer, but not the end of the world. George at this point was 100%. I felt like I could manage Josh's fever with ibprofen and keep him rested simply by laying low and not visiting with friends. I was also confident that Riley wouldn't get any worse and I would buy her some baby vapor rub to keep her happy. Not so again... throughout Thursday, Josh's fever spiked to 103 degrees his cough hurt his chest and now George began to cough and was showing signs of a runny nose. Im not sure why, but I usually panic when my children get sick. I don't like watching them suffer with flu lke symptoms and generally the whining tends to be unbearable at times. We struggled to get through the hardest part of the day, 3:30-6:00pm, when my beloved husband would be home. Thank God (literally) for hubbies. Jamie walks in, he already knows whats in store for him, as I debrief him on dinner then walk out the door to my car headed for the gym. After a good sweat session I have a clear head again so I can begin the process of bedtime with 3 sick children.

Last night beat by far any newborn sleepless nights. Collectively, Jamie and I were up every hour on the hour tending to one or both of the boys. Riley, being the sweetest baby on the planet slept again through the night. With every cry for mom or dad, Jamie and I would respond by getting out of bed, rubbing a back, pouring medicine, getting a cool drink of water, blowing noses and the needs go on and on...Jamie and I could sense when the other one had had enough, so we'd trade getting up and out of bed. After Riley was born, I think both of us have become so accustomed to tending to a young child, that we don't argue about it anymore. We just do what we have to, trying to sleep as much as we can inbetween shifts.

So this morning, as Jamie is getting up with the boys and I am waking up slowly, wondering what today will be like, I say a quick prayer, asking for patience and guidance and head out to see my sick family. Josh's tmeperature is still 103, Georgy has a low grade fever of 100 and Riley remains just snotty. The morning however has been a controlled caos. I am indeed anxious about being in my fever filled house, trying to sanitize my hands every two seconds, and clorox every surface, but I'm also grateful . As I peak in on each one napping, I'm grateful for being "entrusted" to meet their needs. It's caos at times, but I know tonight will be better, each little body will slowly begin to heal, tomorrow will come and a new day promises something different.

Good Stuff

Im not sure why, but these truck pictures of the boys are so awesome to me. It seems no matter how many times a day they play trucks and make the same loop around the house, it is always as fun as the first time they did it. Each little guy has his own pretend game that he is muttering to himself circle after circle after circle. Until they meet together on the grass and then sit in the back of their trucks.

I never tire of watching it. I just wish it were a tad warmer somedays.

What a big girl now.

Here is George at his Uncle Charlies house Christmas morning. To his surprise, Santa, or someone like that (Im having issues with addressing the whole "Santa" thing) brought him Henry the train.

Even Ry likes trains.

Jamie completely cleaned out our entire garage, and made a play area for the boys. They love it. Thanks Jame for seeing a need and responding so sweetly. I still love going out there and seeing them play. I also love how clean it is!!

Riley feeding herself for the first time. I am so struggling with all of her firsts. I treasure these last baby memories so earnestly.

Here's Riley on daddys lap Christmas morning. She loves her jammies to be unzipped so she can play with her feet. It is so sweet.

Mommy and daughter downtown....waiting the arrival of the horse drawn carriage ride.

Deciding where to eat downtown while we wait for the carriage ride.

Meeme and Papa