Back In The Saddle

I would say we have been hibernating, but that isn't true. We've been busy. And, all at once I have so much to write about and no words sound right. It doesn't have to be profound. So, my babies, I will just tell you exactly what we have been up to. And there is going to be no moral to the story or even a story, really. I hope you are entertained.

We are officially over the winter colds we always get this time of year. But, Jack has his very first ear infection....two of them, to be exact! Poor little fellow told us, "ear hurt". We took him in to see Dr. Kate and came home with Amoxicillin. This is a first for our family. He has run fevers but is definitely almost back to himself. And, Greta thinks the pink medicine looks delicious, so she is begging to catch his infection by rubbing her ears on him.

And, with perfect timing of the ear infection and my pitiful baby boy, I had to go to work for the first time in almost 4 years. I got to foodstyle a recipe book for the women's league of Wichita. I worked with photographer, David Morris, and my lovely sister (who styles all of Dean and Deluca deliciousness.) Derek took a day to work from home and he loved on the babies for me and took them to Chick-fil-a and Target to pick out a toy, and to get haircuts. The barely missed me at all. I missed them. It is like forgetting your watch when you have always worn one, but harder than that. Much harder. I tried not to talk about them too much. We made lace cookies, pea soup and a brie and tomato grilled sandwich, a bbq pizza with chicken and red onions, a quiche, a fresh salad with pears and pecans and a pork roast. I love it. I love to food style. I have missed it. And, I don't think I am quite ready to dive into the field again. I wish I could have both worlds of working and staying home with my babes be my world, but it just isn't the right time. Until then, play-doh will have to fill my styling void.

We met Belle and the Beast and "Pots" Our babysitter, Emmy, was a dancing plate in Shawnee Mission East's performance of Beauty and the Beast and we were given the treat of coming back stage to meet the players. Greta and Jack were star struck and sweet. They were so excited about it! Jack liked the big tea pot, Mrs. Potts and almost gave her his Tonka Truck, but not quite. The play was good, but we got the squirmies and left at intermission.

Greta and Jack had a lovely Valentine's Day. Instead of candy and chocolate we spoiled the kids with Lala Loopsy dolls and Thomas the trains. I know they know they are loved, but it sure is nice to give an extra special treat and get a big thank you from a kiddo that can barely talk and one that will sing your praises for hours in her opera voice.

Jack finally will poo in the potty, too! (Arent' you so glad to know this?) Well, all parents know what a big deal this is. The final step to potty training him is complete and he did it all on his own. I found him sitting on the potty all read faced and I about lost my snit, I was so excited! Derek was a witness to this, too as we tried so very hard not to laugh as Jack gave us the play by play. ut. toot. ut. toot, gain. He is also sleeping without a diaper on and waking up dry! (Although he wakes at 4 am and asks to pee pee.) But, it is good.

All is well and moving forward to spring. I know it is only February, but as the saying goes, time flies...(you know the rest).