Please note the diversified appearance of toys----we aren't limited to just dollhouses, but books, post it notes, stacking cups, a Big Wheels, dog toys, and play food. 

And from the looks of our family room, Greta has clearly begun her journey back to her "normal" self, sans The Flu.  Let me explain...

Last week, G started coughing.  Just a little.  Then, slowly, as the week went on, the cough worsened.  WELP, I was in for more than a plain cough.  Flashback to Monday morning when Greta threw up on her shoe, pants, and carpet.  Flash forward a few hours after that (after leaving the doctor), and G is throwing up on herself again, but this time, in her car seat....while I'm driving on I-69.  Oh fabulous.  Let's go ahead and take this a step further.....20 minutes after the car puking, I'm at Grammy Joan's, Greta is shirtless and shoeless ( a direct result of a flash action stripping moment), and throwing up on Grammy.  Yep, that is my life. 

So, the barf squares left after 24 hours, and now we are left with a bad runny nose and a miserable cough.  I've been pushing the fluids and finding myself doing LOTS of fanny pats and back rubs.  She is slowly getting better.  The whining has died down and she is actually interested in eating again.  Oh, I've also gone through several containers of Kleenex and Lysol wipes.  Oh, and I'm not sick.  Yet. 

(From left to right:  Josephine, Sam, Oliver (in foreground), and GFP (dropping it like it is very very warm)

In 72 short hours, we (the Mommies) managed to "get the band back together."  I.E., the Original Four made a quick appearance at Ms. Irene's house for some conversation, snacks, poopie diapers, some beverages, and a few physical altercations.  All in all, it was a success.  Their sweet little faces---they are growing up so fast!  I love them dearly and wish I could see Josephine, Sambo, and Butter Pants more often.  Greta was talking up a storm, a clear indicator that she needs some friends in FW her age.  I am blessed to have a wonderful group of friends that are loving, sensitive, hilarious, and selfless.  A special shout out to Mackinzie Rekers---she always plays hostess to GFP and myself with no complaints.  Let me tell you, we are messy, loud, and we eat a lot of snacks.  It isn't easy to house us, even if it is for 2 nights.  However, I love me some playroom-coffee talk time at the Rekers residence.  Again, I am so blessed. 

A few snapshots when they were smaller (but they are still small, because their fannies are still very squishy).

How  much do I love that fanny?  I want to squeeze her little butt.  So cute.  Definitely good pocket placement. 

Greta helped with some painting today----she wore her overalls, rode her tricycle (pushed it), chased around Biscuit, and didn't step in any paint. 

I don't recommend taking a 19 month old to the ENT in the hopes of finding a cure to Daddy's snoring.  That is all.

Because I was feeling sad about Greta's fading mullet and pork rolls, I decided to include some snapshots from the summer....It is amazing what nine months can do....less porkiness and more sassy.  No mi guesta.  You should also know that Gertie Beth no longer fits in the sink.  No likey.

I would like to make a special shout out to two of my girlfriends who had exciting news this week....My friend, Amy, from high school welcomed a son, Charlie Brian, this week.  After sadly losing her first child, Anna Maria, to stillbirth, she is enjoying the joys of motherhood with a bouncing baby boy.  I couldn't be happier for her.  Erin, a teaching school friend, announced today that she is expecting a baby in May.  This is joyous news after losing her son, Christian, to a kidney condition just hours after he was born.  I do believe in miracles and her pregnancy is a testament to her faith.  Please send happy thoughts/prayers/positive vibes their way.

Christmas has come and gone, and we are finally settling into our new house on Woodchime Court.  In spite of Biscuit's explosive diarrhea, our house being cosmetically challenged, and Dave and I both fighting a cough from the amount of dust, Christmas was great.  We were able to be in Fort Wayne for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Joey and Kelly, as well as Jennie and Chris stayed in their respective hometowns and would come to Michigan to celebrate the Mofo Christmas on the 27th.  It was nice knowing we could sleep in on Christmas morning and enjoy Greta opening up gifts on our time.  While we didn't have snow on Christmas Eve, we were walloped on the 26th with 6 inches.  The dogs were happy, and of course, I was happy.  Nothing goes with Christmas better than snow (and sweat pants).

Greta enjoyed several new treasures from the grandparents including a kitchen, books, clothes, play food, and a new duck that dances to LMFAO.  We were thankful to spend another Christmas together as a healthy family, though Grandma Monforton was always in our hearts---it was definitely different this time around.  We look forward to 2013 with continued health and happiness.