Paul got sick last Monday, then baby and I were hit on Wednesday. I made the mistake of going to work on Thursday. By Friday we were a mess.

Baby officially has pneumonia and an ear infection.

Then Henry had a fever, so Joe dragged our mattress into their room. He is the only one who has managed to stay healthy.

We rounded up all our energy after Friday doctor appointments, to get out of the house on Saturday morning for Paul’s first piano recital.

Our lovely friend (and opera singer) Adriana offered us a space in her two year class (for free) so every Friday we have been going. The class sang a song together and then each student performed.

She accompanied each student.

Short and sweet.We were nervous, excited, and really out of it.

We did survive. Afterwards we grabbed smoothies and all went home to sleep.

Baby started coughing and breathing hard so Joe had to head to the ER at 10 pm.

They can give her the serious medication and of course her little body then has a chance to rest.

They arrived home early on Sunday and she did not have to be admitted. All we had the energy for was driving over to the Marina and walking around a little, soaking in some Vitamin D.

The fresh air felt good on our lungs.

For good measure I took today off. Baby is the one who is still not feeling well. The rest of us only have lingering coughs.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

It feels like the never ending saga around these parts

with stuffy noses and Paul’s fever reaching 104

they stayed in pajamas all day

and I only wish I could have stayed home too.

They love to play together.

Henry will tease her

and then look away.

I love their cheeks.

to nap together.

to pin her hair for the very first time in a barrette.

to spontaneously drive to the top of Signal Hill at Paul’s request.

to watch Henry jump and climb.

to see them gather around her, pushing her higher and higher.

to borrow a booster seat and experiment with the boys in the back together.

to let her get messy with paint.

to play with glow sticks before bed.

to enjoy the three day weekend.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

ordered from the computer because I am in love with mini photo cards.

Paul attached bubbles to his set for his classmates

while Henry helped add candy to bags for his teachers.

My students finished publishing poems this week to add some love to our decor

and I always have my favorites

or the ones that blow me away because the kids will write straight from their hearts.

I like to model each piece of writing which means that this student remembered my cake pop writing I modeled last month and incorporated into this amazing homemade gift:

Each year for whatever reason the kids go overboard with this holiday that is a chance to show love

and I have my own traditions like writing each student their own valentine.

Of course baby girl had her own outfit for the day

which Joe was proud to announce that she melted hearts.

We arrived at our favorite, within walking distance restaurant: Lola’s

and made it right between the lunch wave and later dinner/date rush meaning we had the whole restaurant to ourselves. We made ourselves at home and sat in the big booth at the window.

As we walked home, I told Joe, my only wish was that today was Friday.

I’m off to sleep.

They set up the firetruck and put her inside, while Paul fights fires Henry plays peekaboo.

She giggles and hops up and down at him.

Then he scurries toward her pinching her chubby legs.

We break for dinner and I swear these divided plates are a life saver, when my brain is tired and I want to feed my children a balanced meal in proportion.

The games continue later with Henry being a dad who takes his many babies to the doctor (note: there is one in the stroller, one in Paul’s lap, and one on the doctor table).

Dr. Paul listens to her heart and asks if baby has been coughing.

I love the role play of real life.

The recommendation from the pediatrician
is to use cream and olive oil

rubbed on the scalp two hours before bath.

This will slowly peel the cradle cap off (now that she’s a year).

She has a brush and is thrilled to use it

and I already see a difference.

Do you??

spread out over a couple days
starting with her first carousel ride

and presents

with lots of tissue paper

a cake made by Grammy

is always a glorious feeling
especially when there are treats waiting

Paul insightfully asked if our kitchen was a factory
which I admit it sometimes feels like that
with dishes and food going in and out

before

and after with baby food staples

and a chance to go through last week’s hand me downs

thank you Jenny and Luke for clothes, costumes,

and an awesome pair of converse

Plus an opportunity to participate in a research study

at the Language Lab at USC

for 11-13 month olds

Already busy and not even to the best parts of the weekend.