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Samantha and I went to a gymnastics meet back in early February.  She has loved her gymnastics class so much (really, just the trampoline) (despite having a new teacher every few weeks) that I thought she’d enjoy the meet.  She did.  She learned a couple of cheers like “Go Go Go Alabama” and “B-A-M-A Roll Tide Roll.”

About a month later, we went again as a family (and the Grissoms were supposed to go with us, but their attempt was foiled yet again by sickness).  Sam was an old pro this time.  She asked for popcorn until I conceded.  I got the family tub, and discovered that Ellie can put us all under the table with her popcorn eating.  (That blur down there is one reason I didn’t get to watch much of the second meet…)

I got resourceful this year and made valentines with Sam (and by myself for Ellie).  I didn’t want to do too much candy, but I think I can do better next year.  I have since seen some really cute non-candy valentines that I’ll have to keep in mind.

Sam handed out tootsie pop butterflies to the girls and bugs in a bug jar to the boys.  Ellie handed out one-eyed monsters.

It’s a good thing I finished Ellie’s stocking a few weeks ago. It only took me 2 years.
I still can’t decide if I like it or not, but Samantha likes it so that’s a good indication that Ellie will. She thinks it’s silly that Santa is popping up, and the bells are fun.

This Christmas is a shaping up to be a little different for us.  We were planning to be gone most of the week after Christmas visiting various family.

However, Ellie has had a high fever since Thursday 12/22 at 5pm.  We visited the doctor Friday morning and discovered that she had a moderate ear infection in one ear.  Then, the worst hit later that morning.  We’re still in the midst of it, although there were a few hours this morning when I thought the worst was over and our little girl came back.  Otherwise, she’s sluggish, puny and pretty dog gone pitiful.

So, I pray your Christmas is healthy and happy.

I took both girls to the doctor this week for some check ups.  Samantha had a 4 year check up, and Ellie had her 18 month check up (is she really already that age?).  I am reminded why I don’t take them together.  I hardly remember what we talked about, and certainly didn’t remember to ask any of my questions.

The doctor tried to look into Samantha’s ears first thing, which she has always been resistant to let anyone do.  She has always been very sensitive about sounds or ANYTHING in/near her ears.  So, Ellie went first so she could be the example for Sam to watch.  Ellie is still long and tall, but is evening out a little.  She’s a little slow on speech, but can understand a surprising amount of what we tell her.  It’s surprising to me, but I’m sure it’s normal.  Just the same, it’s that amazing?  Sam was the same way.

Samantha’s check up went well too.  The doctor asked her 4 safety questions (which he told me were the top 4 unfortunate accidents – or worse – for children) like “What do you do when you get into a car?  Buckle up.”  And so on.  She knew all of the answers and gave a good High Five to the doc.

The nurse came in and gave Ellie her 2 shots.  She was consoled very easily.  Then, a strange animal that I had never seen showed up.  Was it a bucking bronco?  Was it an octopus, with 8 flailing arms?  Was it a growling wolf, showing its teeth?  Was it a screeching owl?  All of the above.  It was my Sam.  She got 5 shots (ouch).  She knew she was going to get them and backed herself into a corner, displaying the above said tendencies when it was time.  The nurse asked me if I needed some help to pin her down.  (She is surprisingly strong for her age and always has been, but at this point, I’m used to being a bit forceful when needed.)  The sounds coming out of her were from a possessed horror movie.  It was unreal.  I had never seen anything like it before.

Glad that’s over.  Until next year.