the kids' first flus

Our entire family just recovered from a powerful flu virus.  It started with Ruby, then Leo, then me (and my mom on the same night), and finally Ryan.  I can't remember having felt so bad in a long, long, long time.  It was the first flu bug for both kids and both were terrified of throwing up.  What a strange sensation it must be to experience nausea for the first time.  

With Ruby it came on slowly but suddenly, if that's possible.  She was fine for the first 30 minutes after waking up, but by breakfast time she became quiet and it was obvious something was very wrong.  She didn't know how to express her feelings but knew enough to tell us she was going to have to stay home from the Y that day.  

Leo's hit suddenly.  If it had been 15 minutes sooner, we would have had a horrible incident at the Superstore.  Thank God that didn't happen.  When he irrupted, a large bowl of noodles he had eaten for lunch was revealed and it just kept coming.  Poor guy.  He was completely shocked and weirded out.  That was the first of three pukes on had on me that day.  Leo's not so good with the bucket and the toilet for throwing up was out of the question.  

While the kids were back to themselves within 9 hours, the grown-ups took a little longer to recover.  We're bigger after all.  

Sweet Ruby napping during a 30 minute reprieve.  

We set up a bed here for Leo.  

Me and Leo before his next episode.  

Ironically, since Leo started at the Y, they've only had 2 days together due to all the absences!  Hopefully we have illness behind us for a few months and can look forward to a lovely Christmas with Family and Friends!  

I can't wait for Christmas this year!

Yippee! 

the end of an era (in kid time)

Leo is almost 29 months old.  That's 2 years and 5 months.  Today marks his first day as a big boy in full time daycare.  (Technically, he had a prelude at a small, private daycare for 5 days while his spot was cleared at the Y - which was a perfect introduction).  But today it is for real.

It was awesome!  Everyone was excited to get out the door this morning and I only had to stay for about 20 minutes before I made my great escape.  I called a few hours later to see how  he was doing and the report was totally positive.  He was doing great.  No tears.  Just pure curiosity.  He ate all of his lunch except for the mashed potatoes, which is exactly what I would expect.  Neither of my kids likes mashed potatoes.

If today represents an accurate portrayal of what most days will be like….. Hallelujia!!   I like having two kids in daycare!  I had the most amazing welcome when I got there to pick them up.  Nobody tried to run away when we got home.  The television wasn't turned on while I got supper ready.  They ate all their supper (mostly) at the table.  It was like a dream.  Let's see if we can do this again tomorrow, shall we!

This was the scene before leaving for the day.
Brushing teeth on the go… 

I wish I had had my camera out for the amazing greeting when I arrived to get them after work.  The kids had all just come in from playing outside and Ruby was putting on her indoor shoes….. Leo ran up to me and screamed "Mommy!  I had FUN!!!"   I tried to capture his enthusiasm when we got home.  

 Fingers crossed that tomorrow is just as good.
Cheers!

so surreal

I just attended my first meeting for my soon-to-be Kindergartener.  Well, technically Kindergarten is a whole 11 months away, but the 'how to get your kid prepared' meeting was held tonight.  It was kind of a waste of time in some respects… but it was nice to see all the moms that I already know and others that I will inevitably meet and know for many years as our kids grow up and attend school together.  I can hardly believe this is happening.

First of all, I went to that school!!  I started Bessborough in grade 2, when my family moved to NB from Ontario.  I remember my first teacher, Mrs. Steeves.  I remember all of my teachers quite vividly in fact and have several fond memories of that playground (the old version).   Today, thirty years later,  both of my kids love that playground and fondly refer to it as Bessborough School Park.

Where has the time gone?

No pictures to share but will find some Halloween shots soon.