Week in Review ~ 1/15

It's been another busy, crazy schedule, runny nose kind of week. Avery's nose and eyes had been running for a few days, and by Sunday she started to slow down. My parents came to visit and go to lunch. Avery mainly sat in their lap and then didn't want lunch. When someone in this house turns down Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese, I know there's a problem. While she napped, Ned and I watched finally watched Marley and Me. It had been on our DVR forever and I kept refusing to watch it. I lasted until I could tell things were going downhill then took the laptop in the kitchen and played online. I don't do animal movies. Avery had a fever by bedtime, so Ned planned to stay home Monday with her. So much for keeping those ears well.

Avery ran no fever Monday so I planned to take her back to the sitter's Tuesday. We were unsure what the weather was going to do since they were calling for all types of winter precipitation. We ended up with 2-hour delays Tuesday and Wednesday. Avery slept in and got those mornings off to a good start. Her nose continued to run, and there were several others with ear and sinus infections at the sitter's.

Thursday was a normal school day, and Avery and I had to get ourselves out of the house on our own since Ned went hunting. Thursday was my Friday, and the day zipped along fairly well. That afternoon, my mother-in-law kept Avery while Ned and I went to get our first bid on the house. We're holding our breath, waiting for their price next week. We'll do this with at least one more builder and then decide if it's time to list our house. Avery coughed alot in bed, starting right when we tried to go to sleep. I even got her up at one point to see if sitting up would help. She finally stopped but then started again between 5 and 6 am.

I had the day off Friday and had schedule Avery's 18 month portraits. Her nose was still running but she seemed ok. Lolli and I got her dressed and then had to wait awhile. She was happy to sit in our laps but was not happy when I sat her down for her first picture. She cried every time I would back out of the shot. We have always had perfect behavior and I just knew this was going to be the time it was a disaster. Carol and Lynn worked their magic with Lolli entertaining, and I sat just out of the picture on the backdrop. She warmed up and did well but had to have frequent hugs from me. We managed to get pictures in her portrait dress and a special dress for Daddy. Avery went home with Lolli and I made my traditional trip to Chik-Fil-A. I took lunch to Ned and ate with him then took a nap. I've been staying up too late and it's catching up with me. Ned and I went to the lake for dinner to celebrate my birthday a bit early. We had a good dinner and enjoyed a date night.

Ned went hunting Saturday so I slept in and enjoyed the bed to myself (well, with Sammy). Avery came home just before lunch and was still very runny. She was very tired before lunch and fell all to pieces for some reason. She did not want me to put her down after her nap either. I made Paula Deen's peanut butter bars while Avery managed to tear every room of the house apart. We have not done any baby-proofing for drawers and cabinets because she couldn't get her or hurt anything, and we watch her closely. I'm getting tired of picking up the messes though, like the hundred Netti Pot packs and all my potholders. She entertains herself so well, but I could not stay ahead of the mess today. I needed to get her dinner, get us both dressed, and go to Lucas and Kristin's, and it got a little crazy. We made it though and visited with Kristin and Emerson before Lucas and Ned came in from hunting. When they arrived I learned that Ned had a overhead light fall on him in an industrial fire today and hurt his arm. He was encouraged to go to the ER but did not. That would not have been a phone call I wanted. We ate pizza with the Vaughans and enjoyed our visit. Avery made herself right at home toting their water bottles around and sharing Cheerios with their dog, Lucy. She did not appreciate me holding Emerson, but I made her tough it out for awhile. Avery did like his mat and swing, so we reminded her that we could pull those fun things out again if we had a baby in the house.

We have been home awhile and have managed to clean up the destruction from tornado Avery. We are trying Sunday School tomorrow for a series on the book Boundaries with Kids. Hopefully Avery will stay in her class so that we can stay in ours. I'm looking forward to a birthday dinner at my parents' tomorrow night and another day off Monday with weather that may be warm enough to venture outside.

Here are some pictures from our day today. Please excuse any nose drippings you may see. Today, we cared for our baby...

...drove the train...

...checked the mail...



...and did a little light reading while in a pan.

Shocking!

All these activities were accomplished in about 2 minutes. It's a good thing she's precious!

And, we reached the top. She can't see in, but she can reach in. Maybe the baby-proofing will keep any potential buyers out of my cabinets and drawers.

Happy weekend!