All done

You've had quite a weekend. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

BEST of times:

Camping. You really love being outside, so camping is right up your alley. We went with the Robison's (Braxton) the first night, packed up and then drove 5 miles down the canyon to the ward campsite, which is where we spent the 2nd night. You loved playing with Braxton, even though he's not always interested in playing with you (I'm sure he'll come around when you're a bit older). The weather was better then we expected and it wasn't too cold either night.

Saturday we went to Big Matt and Jenny's wedding. It was another outdoor event, which you fully took advantage of. Lucky for us I have a couple of younger cousins (Jacey, Nacole and Paige) who had the energy to chase you around all night. Which is exactly what you did. All night long! By the time I got you in the car seat to go to Grandma and Grandpa Hardcastles, you were beyond tired!

WORST of times:

We went to half of church because you were acting tired (more than usual) and started to feel warm. You fell asleep around 11 and didn't wake up until almost 3! Which NEVER happens, I knew you'd be sick for sure when you finally woke up. You had a pretty high fever, but it broke 30 minutes after some medicine. You were actually great, super happy and content, all afternoon until about 10 minutes before we were going to get you in the car to go home.

We were SO lucky to not be on the freeway when it started, because once it started, it wouldn't stop on its own. The only thing in your poor stomach (which ended up ALL over me and the floor more than once) was cottage cheese. You threw up every 15-20 minutes for almost 2 hours, until it was just bile. We finally called the on call doctor because you were almost unresponsive at times you were so weak and sick.

The on call doctor told us to go to Primary Children's. I was surprised, but right after we got off the phone with him you threw up again, so we were on our way. It took almost an hour to get there, but I'm glad we took the extra time to go there instead of a regular hospital. It took the nurse and even the IV team 4 attempts to get your IV in, which was not easy for you or your dad and me. I just felt so bad that we kept having to poke your hands over and over. You begged us for juice. The first time we tried, you threw it up, which probably felt better than throwing up nothing, which you were still doing every 15 or 20 minutes. After they pushed one IV bag and gave your some anti-nausea medicine they moved us to another unit to stay overnight.

We tried juice again, and you had stopped throwing up by then, so you kept it down. You were pretty miserable, but slept on and off. Same with me and Dad. We thought we'd be getting out around 10 am, but it was pretty apparent once we met the doctor in the morning we'd be there all day.

Through-out everything, the IV's, checking his temperature, having to stay in bed all day, all you'd say was "All done, all done, all done". We were so happy when it was finally ALL DONE. I was worried when we finally left that you wouldn't drink enough or eat anything once we were home, but I think you were almost as glad to get out of there as I was. (I was in the same room with you from 2 am until 5 pm. No breaks. I needed real air in the worst way). You were pretty happy tonight, and I think after a low-key day tomorrow, you'll be back to normal, wearing me out as usual.

A few of my favorite things

You are such a happy kid (most of the time). If you're not, it's usually pretty obvious why -you're tired, hungry, or hot.

There are so many things that make you happy right now...

Family and friends. You love your grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. You also have a few neighborhood friends that you love seeing. Your face lights up even when you get to talk to them on the phone.

Puppies. Oh, how you love dogs! We'll get one eventually, but I've been known to say that I need to have my babies before I get a dog. You even love seeing them on our daily walks at the park.

Seeing dad (or mom) when you haven't seen him (or her) in a while. This happens a lot more with dad than me -since you're always with me. In fact, when you're unhappy with one of us, you start asking for the other. Today we ran too many errands for your liking, and at the last store you started asking for dad, hoping maybe you'd get to go home.

Waking up in the morning. You're in a toddler bed now, and you just love getting out of your room in the morning and seeing mom and dad. It might be your bottle or your freedom from the bedroom, but you're always so happy in the morning.

Anytime you're outside. I should clarify and add that you really like being outside and free to run! If your feet are touching the ground, they're usually running (or climbing). You absolutely love running on your own or being chased.

Parks and slides. You love them in and out of the water. Speaking of water...

Water. You love pools and any standing water. (This unfortunately includes toilets if we don't catch you in time). You are so brave in the water too, you love getting splashed, going down slides, and will even dunk yourself under water. You're even getting much better in swim class and didn't cry the first time the teacher took you today (just the second time).

Super Why! and Elmo. You only watch two TV shows, but you LOVE Super Why and Sesame Street. Sometimes I feel kind of bad that you love them so much, but I can usually get meals on the table or the kitchen cleaned up (or maybe a moment of peace on the couch) during an episode. Dad has a Super Why! application on his phone, which you love and now expect all phones at all times to play for you.

Toys, books and Buddy. You seem to love playing with your toys when we've been out all day and you've haven't had the chance yet. Sometimes they will keep you occupied for an hour or more. Other days you could care less. You love reading books and will sometimes bring me all of the books in your bucket downstairs until we've read all of them. Twice. And Buddy, I doubt any of us will forget Buddy or your love for him! He keeps you company in bed and in the car, and this week even in nursery. He's either the first or second (sometimes you DO want mom) thing you want when you get hurt or scared. You like to flip him around and throw him out of the stroller often (he's been ran over quite a bit), but you also make sure to 'feed' him all of your snacks before yourself, and you usually try to give him drinks from your sippy cups and bottles too.

New bed

Your dad just couldn't wait. I'm a little nervous, but today went GREAT! We'll see how tomorrow goes.

Me and Dad

In our Boston hats

Walking back from the horses

Putting up the tent

Watching tv

Playing in the Gateway fountain

Playing 'horsey'

?Hanging out on the stairs?

At the zoo

Swimming

You started swim lessons this month.

You have always LOVED the waters and pools, but you're not a big fan of swim lessons.

The good thing is, you've been 3 times so far, and each time it's been a bit better. But, it started pretty rough.

I'm pretty sure you are just anxious because you don't like the few minutes you spend with the instructor during the class. You went with dad and I last week and we did all of the things we work on in class, and you did great.

This week I made your dad go with you. I wanted to get some pictures and to see if you do any better with him in the water. Hopefully by the end of the summer you'll be more comfortable with your teacher, Jennifer, and you'll learn a few things as well!

You still love playing in the water with Laila though!

Swim class from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.