Cookie Day

Last Friday we went back to the doctor for Mark's ears. Turns out he had another ear infection, too. He ended up getting antibiotics via shots since he's been on so many oral ones in recent weeks. After the doctor appointment, we went to the store for a few things. Among them were some deeply discounted post-Valentine's flowers. I needed those to remind me that Spring is just around the corner! We also "needed" a roll of cookie dough for some easy cookies.


Nathan helped me cut them out and decorate after his nap. He was so pleased and excited!


He and Mark enjoyed sampling the treats.



This week everyone seems to be feeling a lot better. I'm dealing with some kind of mild stomach virus, but it's not too terrible. Mama came to take care of the boys yesterday so I could have a break. She even provided dinner for last night, too, so I was really able to take it easy all day long.

Today I am making minestrone in the crockpot. The boys helped me clean upstairs and change sheets. Now I'm washing those sheets and am about to hit the couch for a little bit while they're both quiet in their rooms.

Update

Turns out Nathan's ear infection is back again. The nurses and ladies at the front desk know all three of us on a first-name basis now. I see them more often than my friends these days!

I am glad to know that there was a medical reason for Nathan's nighttime issues this week. Last night he woke up crying. When I went to him, he told me he wanted to "get that stuff out of his ear." I rocked him for a few minutes and he just curled up in my lap with his arms around me and head on my chest.

This morning over breakfast he asked me why his ear was hurting again. Poor thing. When am I going to learn to spot an ear infection in this child?! I am hoping this is the last one he gets this winter. If he keeps having issues, the doctor has said we'll talk about tubes. I can see the wisdom in that at this point!

temper tantrum at 2:30 am

Has anyone else experienced this? Nathan woke up last night and came out of his bedroom. I quickly put him back to bed. He told me he didn't want to be in his bed, that he wanted a story, that he wanted to rock, etc. When I wouldn't do those things and went back to my own bed, he started screaming, banging walls, etc. This went on for at least an hour, off and on with crying, etc. Then just as I drifted back to sleep, he started up again. I don't think he is sick. He didn't take a nap yesterday, and went to bed at his normal time. I'm just curious if anyone else has dealt with this, and if you have any suggestions, please share.

Blocks and Snow

Building some sort of tower, moon base, garage or other such structure occupies the boys almost every evening after dinner and before bed. Typically, Greg and Nathan do a lot of the work and Mark, being ever so eager to participate but not quite understanding the rules, ends up crashing the creation. He is beginning to come around, though, and one night last week there was peace among the brothers during the entire construction process. We try to capture such moments on camera for obvious reasons.


We had a snowy weekend! Nathan's favorite thing was making tracks with the yellow truck. Once Mark got comfortable walking around, he had a good time, too.


I ended up taking him inside after he got "stuck" up to his thighs in the snow.

Lately

Greg and I were able to escape to Charleston last weekend while Nanny and PopPop came up and took care of the boys during Charlotte's ice and snow. We loved every minute of being together, eating out, having coffee, touring the Hunley museum, window shopping, talking, walking, relaxing...it was wonderful. Thank you again, Mom and Dad!

Mark is on round two of antibiotics to help clear up ear infections in both ears. He seems to feel a lot better. Nathan is now on a second antibiotic as well, because his ear infection never cleared completely either. He is having a better day today, and for that I am very grateful.

Since we have had so much icky, cold weather lately, I have been trying to be creative with what we do during the day. The first thing I did was to put away a bunch of toys the boys weren't playing with. The result as been amazing - they are playing so much more with so much less!!!


We made a tent in the kitchen last week. The boys liked crawling under the table with their flashlights and books and cars.


We've been doing some crafts around here, too. Nathan let Mark play with the yarn and other odds and ends. He was very excited to have him participate. (Mark didn't get to do the gluing this time.)


Scoopy helped with clean-up.



This morning Nathan wanted to color with markers. He announced that he had made a "V." I took a look, and sure enough, he had. I showed him how to write the letters of his name, and here is what he was able to do. I was amazed! (The letters are at the top of the picture.)



We made "magic mud." It's cornstarch with just enough water added so that you can stir it up, plus a little bit of food coloring.


I let them each have a pan full, and run their cars in it. It kept Nathan occupied for a long, long time. He's playing with it right now.


Later the boys took turns crawling in and out of a big paper bag tunnel. We also made "ramps" out of my cookie sheets propped up against the couch. Balls and cars then slid down the ramps into baskets at the bottom. (Sorry, no photos available.)

Well, let me get back to playing in the magic mud!