Big Accomplishments

We have finally turned a corner, and everyone is feeling much better in our house. Hopefully we can enjoy this weekend without too much lingering sickness. I couldn't let the opportunity pass to share an accomplishment that each of our girls had this week. Most of you know that Gracie is a poor sleeper. She has almost always had sleep issues. Once she turned 3 years old she pretty much quit napping. That was a horrible thing because she wouldn't get enough sleep at night and then wouldn't nap, no matter what we tried. Well, ever since she was sick last week Gracie has been napping again. It's almost eerie because she is willingly napping. Today she asked if she could lay on our bed to nap, and I told her yes. When I went to check on her she was burrowed under one of our throw pillows and appears headless in the picture. She was fast asleep under that pillow. Maybe it's just because she's not 100% better, but I'm hoping we can make the naps continue.

Ella's accomplishment for the week was that she is really smiling now. It takes quite a bit of prompting, but she has shared some precious little grins with us. We don't have any great pictures because it's hard to get her to smile and then take her picture at the same time, but this one kind of captures the beginning of her smile.

Are you thick in the head?

Yesterday I was sitting in my chair talking to Ella and probably being very silly when Gracie approached us. She said, "Stop talking to Ella." I said, "Why?" I was expecting to hear Gracie say that I needed to play with her, but instead I got something I hadn't bargained for. Gracie said, "Babies can't talk." I told her, "I know that, but they like to listen to people talking to them." Gracie looked at me and said, "Are you thick in the head?" No joke!!! That's what she said. I looked at her like she was a complete stranger and said, "Where did you hear that?" She started grinning because she knew she had said something funny. Come to find out it's a line from Disney's Tarzan. Who knew that she could use a new phrase in the proper context?!

I am taking my turn at being sick. It officially hit on Sunday, and Monday I started antibiotics. I'm a little concerned that it's day 3 and I still feel miserable. I'm trying to stay perky, but it's really hard. Gracie is feeling a lot better, but is still plenty whiney. She is super clingy too, and I don't think anyone likes being clung to when they are sick. It's a challenge to not snap at her. This too shall pass, right?

We love Mama

Brent's mom has been sick for about a week now, so we just wanted to send a get well message from 2 of her 5 favorite granddaughters! Sorry Alisha! I had to steal your MagnaDoodle idea!

Finally Friday

Our household has made it to Friday. I didn't know if it would happen after all of the sickness. Brent just continues to feel yucky, but today he went back to school. Gracie woke up peppy enough to go to preschool this morning. Now it's just Ella and me and the house is a wreck from everyone being home all week. I didn't know where to start on the house, so I thought I'd start here with a funny Gracie story. One morning while sick Brent thought muffins sounded good, so I made chocolate chip muffins to interest Gracie. Miss Picky eater quickly ate one and said, "I can only have one, right?" I said, "Do you only want one?" Gracie replied, "Well, if you said I could have two I would be surprised!" I guess she's used to me saying, "Just one cookie...you can only have one cookie." It was funny enough to get Brent laughing through his pain.

Later the same day...

Well, the laundry is caught up, the dishwasher is unloaded, Brent's shirts are all ironed, blah, blah, blah. I got quite a bit done, I guess. Then Ella and I picked up Gracie from preschool. She had a fabulous time learning the letter U. When we got home however, she seemed very tired. I asked Gracie if she wanted to lay down and she didn't. Later I turned the TV on so she could watch Curious George, and the picture tells the rest. When I reentered the room, she was sacked out on the couch. I guess we're still a little bit puney. Gracie napping allowed me a few minutes to snap some new pics of Ella. I propped a blanket in her Bumbo Seat and it worked pretty well to hold her up. I can't wait for her to smile!

Diagnosis: Strep Throat

Brent and Gracie were no better this morning, so they went to the doctor this afternoon. It was a little surprising to hear that they had strep throat when some of the symptoms were more like flu symptoms. Anyway, they are both starting antibiotics. Gracie let me take a couple pictures of her during her sick day, but I didn't even ask Brent since he could do the same to me someday in an attempt at revenge. I'm including a picture of Ella too since the grandparents are all missing her and feeling the need to hold a baby.

Ella's First "Real" Bath

Now that Ella's belly button is healing, she can take a bath in her bathtub. She hated sponge baths, and as you can see from the pictures she didn't enjoy her bathtub much better. She actually did pretty good for a while, but when I got the camera out and wasn't washing her or touching her she got mad. Maybe it was Gracie's Dora bath doll that was scaring her!

Sickness Prevails

Well, if you were considering a visit to Macon this week, avoid the Doolin house. Brent had the flu symptoms yesterday morning when he woke up and he came home miserable yesterday. During the night I knew Gracie had it as well. Ella and I are avoiding them as much as possible, but it's kind of hard when they need to be taken care of. We are hoping and praying that Ella and I don't get it next.

I took this picture of Ella because it kind of looked like she was winking at me. I feel like the two of us are conspirators right now, because we are literally avoiding Brent and Gracie like crazy.