Daniel's Oatmeal Recipe

Most mornings Daniel wants to have oatmeal for breakfast.  Here is his oatmeal recipe for anyone who wants to follow at home:

1. Grab one packet of maple syrup oatmeal and a bucket of quick oatmeal

2. Heat a little bit of water in the microwave for 15 seconds.  While it is cooking say "Oh no, I pushed the popcorn button.  It will be too hot."

3. Put the oatmeal packet in the water and just barely stir it so most of the oats are still dry

4. Open bucket of oats and put in two handfuls, spilling a decent portion on the counter

5. Stir just a little bit again, continuing to leave some oats dry

6. Taste a small spooful of partially wet and partially dry oatmeal.  Pause for effect and say "Hmm.  Not good.  I forgot to push the 'yummy' button"

7. Put the oatmeal back in the microwave for about 5 seconds

8. Take it out and really stir it so all oats get wet

9. Taste again and say "MMmmmm.  Really good."

10. Eat all the oatmeal

Two Sick Chickens

It's 7:30pm and the boys are all in bed. All of them, JJ included. No one put up a fight. Everyone's bodies are exhausted from fighting off the viral infection that has been attacking their upper airways and beyond for the last five days.

CROUP. The boys have the terrible condition that makes them cough their lungs out, lose their appetites, spike fevers and sleep very little through the night-time hours. It's only a matter of time before the chorus of coughs and cries will begin again here. But for this short moment there is silence. Silence enough to think my own thoughts, to type them into this Blog.

What bothers me more than the lack of sleep I am getting and the drain two sick children are on a person, is how sad and scared I get in the middle of the night when Daniel can't catch his breath; when he coughs so hard he throws up the only small bits of nourishment he has received all day; that the doctor says, that's how it goes and to wait it out.

My poor little chickens.

Daniel passes out on the floor this afternoon mid-popsicle, exhausted from much-broken sleep the night before.

Chase' Favorite Things: 5 Months

What big changes we have seen in you this last month, Chase. You are sleeping for 6-8 hours at a time during the night - halleluiah! You have started eating baby food - not a fan of any foods that are yellow or orange yet. You are sitting up by yourself, and entertained for long periods of time playing with Daniel and/or your toys.


Your favorite things include:
1. Sitting up and playing with toys.
2. Playing in your "exer-saucer."
3. Being greeted each morning by mom or dad, and even Daniel.
4. Watching your brother do anything and everything.
5. Eating pretzel rods.

Happy Five Months, kiddo!
Love,
Mom

Sweet Potato

"Mmmm. This stuff us good!"

"Mom! Don't take my picture! My future wife might see this one day."

"Oh, Daniel! There you are, bro! Isn't this food stuff awesome?"

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from this clan to yours!

Angie, Chase, Auntie Megs, Uncle Travi, Marmee, Daniel, JJ and Auntie G