The Photographer Protege

I would love to think of myself as being a good writer, that when people read my blog they don't think of mistakes in grammar or spelling, or of how they would have written it differently. I would like to think that everyone gets lost in my world and the characters that surround me. I've been reading "In Sunlight in a Beautiful Garden" and I found myself completely focused on the story and enraptured by what was taking place on the pages. A few books I've read lately of been pretty sub-par in writing and mostly fluff, but I found myself renewing a love of true literature and it was heart warming. Even though the story is truly tragic, I loved it.

I'd like to hope that my boys grow up with an appreciation of the arts. They don't need to become artists, writers, or actors - I guess I would just like to see them as well rounded individuals. To be able to read a classic novel and tell the difference between it and a comic book (not that there's anything wrong with comic books :p ). To be able to tell me what happened in the Shakespeare play they read about it school. To be able to re-enact some part of a movie and have me in stitches - much like their Uncle Phil.

I think that's why I so enjoy watching Jericho attempt to take pictures with my camera. It's hilarious as he holds the large contraption in his small hands, shaking steadily... while happily informing his subject they need to 'smile!' Then his look of wonder as he watches on the magical screen as his art comes to life. The digital age is fairly cool that way.

I'm not going to mind whether or not he decides to become a photographer, but if he does it will make the following just a little more valuable.

Haircuts

Today we took Kai for his very first haircut. He hated every single second of it so we didn't get many pictures, but you get the idea.




And by some freak of nature, my husband decided that yes, we would FINALLY cut Jericho's hair! Too bad the lady took off WAY more than he wanted her to. But it turned out alright, and it's only hair... I couldn't get over how well he sat in the chair - all by himself! He had quite the stoic look on his face, but I think he comes by that naturally enough.






I've been asked by Nate to do a post in the next little while all about Jericho's budding photography skills. Stay tuned!

Travelling Adventures and Sickness Woes

To say these last two weeks have been a whirlwind would be a gross understatement. When people who you don't get to see very often come for a visit, you tend to cram in a little too much. We were able to go on two spectacular weekend trips, neither of which I would trade for anything. The first was a four day stint to Grand Mound, Washington to stay at their Great Wolf Lodge. It was impressive! The hotel was set-up very well and if we had chosen to, we could have stayed their the entire time without leaving the grounds once. The water park was perfect for Jericho, a little too overwhelming for Malachi, and tonnes of fun for us oldies!

It had been a hard decision as we had been planning on going to Harrison, but to be honest... I've kinda od'd on Harrison. Don't get me wrong, I love it there! But with kids it's a little harder. I would pick it as a romantic get-a-way, but not entirely a family destination. Great Wolf was aimed completely at families. No romantic get-a-ways allowed :)

We left Thursday night, stopped in Seattle for a trip to Buca de Beppo for supper. Very yummy! Highly recommend! Then we proceeded on to Grand Mound, about an hour further south. I think this hotel is pretty perfect for families, especially ones with kids anywhere from about 4-8. Even though our boys had fun, they were still just a little too young for most things. We'll go back one day I'm sure.

After our weekend trip, my in-laws stayed with us and went on daily trips with the boys while I worked. They went to the Aquarium one day and apparently every child in the Lower Mainland had decided to go that day as well. It was a bit of a zoo, really.

Then on Thursday night again we left for another exursion. This time to Thormanby Island off the Sunshine Coast. My brother in law's family owns a cabin there and it was scary trying to plan for it, but it turned out to be amazing. So amazing in fact that Nate couldn't stop talking about moving there. Um... there's no electricity- hello!!!

But the beach was stellar, the food was amazing and it just felt good to relax and enjoy ourselves. It's good we were able to catch up on some sleep because the Monday night after we were home, we realized the Kai was quite sick. He woke up while we were playing cards with Nate's parents and I could tell something was wrong. He had a shaky way about him, was inconsoloble and screamed like he was in serious pain. I sent Nate for Ambesol and Ovol as I wasn't sure if it was a tummy issue or teething. But I remembered that he had been constipated and as he cried he lifted his feet. I held him until he calmed down and fell asleep, but it took a long time. He woke up again around 2 and had the same issues. I took him to the emergency room and my Mom met me there as I had left a sobbing message on her phone. I don't deal well with my kids being sick and there's something about having my Mom around that is calming in a way.

We saw a doctor around 2:45, but he didn't seem entirely helpful. He explained that constipation is painful- duh! But Kai was also breathing funny and I wasn't sure about it and it seemed to be more than just painful. It seemed excrutiating. But he gave Kai some stuff to help him out and sent us home.

Again, around 5 am he woke up and was screaming, shaking, breathing erratically, and had a high fever. I called my Mom and she came to stay with Jericho as Nate was leaving for the airport and couldn't stay with sleeping Jericho. I took Kai to Children's this time. Good decision. I arrived around 6:30 and waited until 9:30 to be seen. Apparently there was a newborn baby girl who required the entire emerg staff. Heartbreaking. Do you know how hard it is to sit in an emergency room at Children's hospital sitting with your sick son and not to cry? But I saw a wonderful, wonderful doctor who took my seriously and I saw concern on his face. He sent me for an emergency x-ray and came back about an hour later to tell me that Kai had an impacted bowel. Basically he was constipated to the enth degree.

So after some attempts to remove the blockage, he sent me home with plenty of instructions. I'm happy to say that Kai went to bed in a good mood tonight and I was able to see his smile countless times today. He'll still be on plenty of fiber and water over the next little while, but for now he is better.

Now I'm dealing with an older son with a suspected ear infection. I took him to the clinic today and the told me she didn't see any infection, but that maybe I should get him checked on Sunday or Monday?? Meanwhile, he spent the day in pain. I thought I should take him back, but I cuddled him on the couch and made sure to give him Tylenol every 4 hours. If he wakes up still complaining, we're headed to the clinic once again.

It seems that illness comes in waves here. They don't tend to be sick at the exact same time, but there is always some overlap.

Anyway, we had a great few weeks with FIL & MIL and so glad they were able to come! Now let's just hope the sickness bunny leaves us soon!