Delayed Wish for Healthy Winter Days

Last winter we lived in New York City in a 500 square foot apartment. It goes without saying that the weather wasn't always fit for playing outside, so we spent much of our time in a community playroom in the bottom of the building. That is until we figured out it was a haven for germs during winter sick season. We spent much of the winter trading colds with our friends....they would mutate and then we would get them back again. That is one part of New York I was NOT sad to leave. This winter in the suburbs would be different. After all, our house is much bigger and the sickness would not be so confined.... little did I know....

This Christmas we were able to spend good time with both families. We started at my family's house. My sister and her kids were there too and we had a great time. The unfortunate part is that on the second day we spent much of the day in urgent care waiting to find out that Sam had an ear infection and RSV. Later that week we went to the ER because he was exhibiting signs of having trouble breathing....by the time we got there, though, he was fast asleep and definitely not in distress. The nurses actually looked at us and asked us if it was a follow-up visit. Nice.

We then headed to Steven's family's house in Chapel Hill where all five siblings were able to gather with their families for Christmas day. Unfortunately, just after Christmas, Steven Edward fell off of a bench on the deck, hitting the side of wooden stairs which ended up getting him his first trip the to ER - two staples in the head. The next morning (due to allergies and such) my husband had to go to the doctor because of asthma. Then our nephew and Steven's mom came down with an awful virus that brought an extremely high temperature. By the time we got home Steven Edward had a 104.8 temperature. It was New Year's day and we were faced with the decision of heading back to the ER for a fourth time this break, so we decided to wait it out. He is still quite miserable but slowly getting better....just in time for my husband and I to begin to notice sore throats and possible achy bodies....we're either getting sick or paying from the lack of sleep from last night (thanks Sam). All of this is my excuse for being so late in posting. But somehow even through all this, we very much enjoyed spending time with our families. And it was MUCH easier to cope with when we had lots of hands to help.

Maggie and Steven on the piano

The Kent Breedlove Family

The Entire Breedlove-Dasher-Linden Family

The Brothers - Kent, Thomas, Steven, and James

Maggie

The three Stevens in green

Millie and Lij

Me hanging stockings

Lij hanging his first stocking

Steven's new car transporter

Steven Edward's new hat

Sally and Ellen

All the grandkids in their stunning striped pajamas
Lij, Joseph, Maggie, Steven Edward, and Sam

Sam in his usual state....hanging his first stocking