Paul is leaving town, another emergency...

...room visit. On Friday night I wasn't feeling well, so I went to bed early after getting sick. Saturday, still not feeling well so I let Paul have a day with his kids in the backyard and the neighbor's dogs. I was laying in bed about 10:30 am when I heard an awful sound. I jumped up and ran to the window, Paul was running to the back door, carrying jack whose face was full of blood. I ran down the stairs, grabbed Jack from Paul and took him to the bathroom. We washed off the blood, got the bleeding to stop and surveyed the damage. Jack had been bitten by our neighbors dog. In the head above his right eye and on his left hand. It looked awful so we threw him into the car and headed to the ER. He got 2 stitches in his head and two in his hand. I wanted them to call the plastic surgeon to do the stitches in his head - didn't want to mess up his perfect face, but the Doc assured me he would still be beautiful when he healed, so a agreed. Jack was a trooper. He got the stitches in his head with minimal screaming, the ones in his hand were another story. Because of the tearing, it took a little longer and a couple extra shots of lidacane. I cried as hard as he did. I'm sure the Doc thought I was a freak, but that is MY baby. We spent the rest of Saturday recuperating and trying to manage the pain. Sunday was a day of movies and quiet time at home. This morning, Paul is on a flight to Jersey. Jack is being a trooper about his head and hand. Ellis is being the perfect little sister, helping him get what he needs and keeping him company in the potty. Deep breath...

Congratulations to Michelle, Mark and Abby

on the arrival of their newest family member, Zachary Herbert Richardson. Born May 30, 2009, weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces and 19 inches long.

We couldn't be more thrilled for you guys.
Congratulation.
We love you all.

Picture Post

Here are a few 'catch-up' pictures from our latest adventures...
MOTHER'S DAY IN THE HOT TUB


TRIKE-A-THON


OUR VISIT FROM NANA, PAPA, TOM, JENA & BETH

A SUNNY DAY AT HOME


A RAINY DAY AT HOME


THE BUTTERFLY PAVILION


A DAY WITH THE ROCKIES & DADDY (and maybe the Red Sox)

Catch Up #274

Another catch up posting...
Jack has finished his 2nd year of Montessori school, Ellis has finished her 1st. When I picked them up on the last day, after they had watched the Kindergartners graduate to the 1st grade and had had a pizza and cake party, I cried. My kids are growing up so fast! Maybe the truth was, I was crying about spending the summer with the kids with no school. They are going to be all mine 24/7.
Oh joy of joys.

J and E are finishing up another session in swimming. J is in the pool with 2 other kids and a teacher. He is putting his face in the water and has no fears. E is still swimming with other kids, a teacher and her Dad. She just isn't the best listener and hasn't figured out the dangers of water. That said, she goes under water, holds her breath and thinks she is a fish. She doesn't always want to do what is asked of her, but E is E whether it is in the pool or on dry land.

My Mom just returned from Barcelona and a 7 day cruise in the Mediterranean. She was gone a total of 11 days, and I'll tell you what, that is a long time for me to go without talking to her (considering I usually talk to her 2x a day). I am thankful she is home and had a great time with my Godmother on her 1st European adventure.

For Memorial Day weekend, we were blessed to have Nana, Papa, Tom, Jena and Beth here for a quick visit. J and E didn't pull out one toy while they were here, all they wanted was for T, J and B to chase them around the house and show off their newest tricks. On Friday T, J, B and Paul all went whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river. No sun, freezing cold water, light rain... Hhhmmm, I stayed home with the kids. Nana and Papa drove to Aspen for the day. Saturday was spent in Estes Park and Sunday we hung out in Boulder before we said, "Good-bye". The visit was short, but it is always good to have family in our home.

Our 1st week of summer started out slow as I began to put the house back together. We have done some additional gardening and had a great play date with some friends from school. It is finally getting warm WITH sunshine. I'm ready for summer... I think!???

Happy Birthday Tess

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Tess,
Happy Birthday to you!

We love and miss you, more than you know.
Smooooooooooooooooch!

A minor brag

Paul is in CA and Jack is doing better, this however is not my brag.

Tonight at dinner, Ellis asked if she could skip her mashed potatoes and only eat asparagus. She ate about 7 spears - Jack ate about 5. At least I have my kids liking vegetables going for me. Minor victory. Now I just have to get some planted in my garden and wait 3 years for my first crop.

Goodnight all.

Paul was planning on traveling, so you know what that means...

...another trip to the ER and an inpatient visit. This time it was Jack. He spent most of last week struggling with pain in his arms and legs. After many sleepless nights and too much Advil, we finally took him to the ER at Children's Hospital. They kept him overnight for observation and IV fluids. By Sunday morning he was MUCH better, but of course, we have no true explanation - some ideas. He is continuing to do better and we hope when more lab results come in, we will have more answers. It is sad to watch you 4 year old get poked for and IV, scream in pain, ask for his Harry and then have your 3 1/2 year old cry because her big Brother is crying. It turned into a major cry-fest. Jack did say one funny thing when we were driving to the ER, we told him he was going to Children's Hospital and he said, "Oh yeah, the Network of Care". If you are from CO you know that that is their tagline.
On Sunday morning, he was sad because he wanted to go home to go "Eastering" (looking for Easter eggs). All was better when Ellis brought his Easter bucket to him in the hospital.

Today, Monday, things are looking better. Jack seems painfree, Paul is in Vegas for the week and the sugar buzz of yesterday has worn off.

A little late, but Congratulations to Gabby on her Baptism. We love you and we are sorry we weren't able to celebrate with you. Please always know that you are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers - along with the rest of your family. We love you all!