February was a busy month for us. Well, that's silly to write because every day and every month feels busy right now. But, February was exceptionally busy, because of how it started, with:
THE BIG SILVER BOWL (insert scary music here)
We use the same silver bowl when our kids throw up. Yes, kind of gross, but you don't realize until you've cleaned up the carpet, the bedding, and anything else in its path that kids don't/can't aim very well.
Ella woke up and didn't want to get out of bed (very unusual, as she usually pops up) and didn't look very good. It was a Sunday and Eric graciously agreed to stay home with her...so I took the little kids and while we were at church, she began throwing up. So, Eric was quite the busy bee while we were gone. He did mounds of laundry, tended to Ella, cleaned the kitchen, etc. Have I mentioned how much I love this man? We were steeling ourselves for the dreaded, inevitable one kid starts throwing up and 4 hours later everyone else starts thing. But it didn't. And we were so grateful. And Eric, I'm grateful that your mom did such a good job training you!
On a much lighter note, Ella turned six on February 20. We had a fun day complete with swimming party, rainbow/ballerina cake (Ella's choice), and presents. Enough for one day? Oh, no! After our guests left, we began packing for an 18 hour trip to Florida with some of Eric's cousins in St. George Island. The kids traveled very well (maybe better than their mom) and we had a great time. Memories made. Sun soaked in. We needed that Vitamin D! Kids even got a sunburn (and baby Ava looked like a little raccoon because I didn't quite get the sunscreen all the way under her eyes). You would think that after three kids I would do better, but it was chilly that day, and they started out with hoodies on...I guess it warmed up enough for them show bare arms! Oh the guilt. One of the exciting parts of the trip was when a baby shark (dead) washed up on the beach. The kids touched it and Owen (who loves sharks right now but is also terrified of them) didn't want much to do with it.
A few funny things I want to remember that the kids are saying now:
Owen: Mom, I'm happy with you.
Ava: woof, woof! meow, meow. All gah (all gone)
Ella: Mom, I really want to ride a horse. I know how. You pull the reins back to make it stop.
Mom: Well, maybe at the family reunion we can try to ride a horse.
Ella: Mom, Jesus has reins too.
Mom: (thinking) I don't really understand what you mean.
Ella: Mom, you know. (sings) "Jesus reigns"
Mom: (trying not to laugh) Oh, I see.
And then I try to explain about homophones. or is it homonyms? I was a teacher! I've lost brain cells. But ask me to sing "itsy bitsy spider." I won't miss a word!
Finally, if you don't already know, we are expecting baby #4 in August. Funny how when I was pregnant with Ella, I recorded every movement, feeling, craving, pound, food eaten, milestone, etc. Now I really am not sure how many weeks I am. But oh what a blessing. We are excited...the kids are beyond thrilled... we are enjoying our sleep now. I can't wait to smell that little milky mouth baby breath again.