We've Been Sick.....

The last 4 weeks have been brutal at our house.

First, Madden got RSV.

Then, I got bronchitis.

Then, Marc got bronchitis.

Then, I got a strep infection.

Then, Madden got an ear infection.

Then, Madden ran a 103+ fever.

Then, Marc got a bacterial infection.

I think we have spent $350 on medication in the last 4 weeks.....and we are now the proud owner of a nebulizer (for Madden).

I asked my doctor how it is possible that since March we have had Hand/Mouth/Foot Virus, RSV and strep come through our house. She said that kids can get 6-12 viruses a year in their first couple of years of social interaction while they build up their immune system.

Great.

And I guess they bring it home and share with the whole family.

Marc and I have never been sick as often as we are now.

Thanks, son! I guess it's better to get it over with now, rather than Kindergarten!

Here's to hoping the Moore's are on the mend for a while.......

Fish Camp

We recently discovered a treasure out in our neck of the woods.....FISH CAMP!



It is a neat restaurant out in the country on some land.....surrounded by a lake and lots of grass to run on! They have fishing poles for the kids to fish, live music and it is just an all around great place to kick back and ENJOY!



We like it so much that we have been 3 weekends in a row.



Their catfish is wonderful - both grilled and fried - and we've heard the other food is great too!



We went this past weekend to celebrate Mothers Day. Marc's brother's family and Marc's mom all went too - so we thought it would be a "safe" outing to bring Madden to - plenty of people to help!



Well, everyone else had the same idea - to celebrate Mothers Day at Fish Camp. After an hour and a half wait, Marc and I decided we better go home. Madden was doing well, but the waiting was lingering on and it was late. So, we stopped at a KFC drive through and went home. Bummer!

Oh well - Madden had fun. He spent the wait throwing rocks in the pond and boy did it wear him out!






Going to pick up rocks....


Running with hands full of rocks....


....and throw them in the pond!

This is him signing "more".....as in "more rocks"!

Definitely a fun place to go - even if you do have to wait a while. The food is worth it - when you get to stay and eat! If you come to visit us, don't be surprised if we take you to Fish Camp!

Mothers Day 2010

I wish I had a video camera around my neck at all times......or that my eyes recorded anything that I wanted to cherish......because there are so many things that Madden is doing right now that I want to remember......and this morning I was greeted by the most precious little boy. He came running into our room, around to my side of the bed, saying "Mama, Mama, Mama" and handed me a present. So sweet. As soon as he delivered it, he ran off. It was just one of those priceless moments of pure sweetness.

It is a blessing to be a "Mama" to somebody.....to hear those words and to experience the love.

Marc and Madden surprised me with a wonderful gift - some new clothes! Marc took some pictures of me as I opened my gifts, but I would rather not post them. Picture a tired mom, in glasses, with no makeup, in a 15 year old Old Navy sweatshirt and red/white polka dot flannel pajama pants....yes, that is what I sleep in most nights! Poor Marc.

It was a great way to start my day!

We got up and got started on our day. First - was getting Madden dressed in his I *heart* mom shirt I ordered from here. Really, it was for Valentines Day....but it was cold outside and I figured it was a perfect occassion to wear it!

We decided to go out for breakfast.....and BOY was that the wrong decision. From other posts, you will read that we really don't go out to eat. So, why in the world did we go?! We were asking ourselves the same question.

We arrived at the restaurant and Madden wouldn't sit in the high chair.....typical. So, he sat in my lap, we ordered food and kept him occupied. By the time the food came, he was throwing a fit. So, Marc walked him around the restaurant while I ate and then we switched. Nothing like eating alone on Mothers Day! Madden, remember this one day! :)

After breakfast, we headed home and just had a relaxing day. Marc's mom kept Madden while we went to the grocery store alone.....which was a treat for me.....and I guess a treat for her too!

Madden made me a little something at school. I LOVE it! I realize I am about to get bombarded with art/craft projects, etc.....but this is the first thing he has made and I proudly have it on my desk. The only thing I don't like it the sad picture. They took it at school - and that first week was a rough one. Oh well. A memory nonetheless.

Transitioning Daycare

May 3 - a day I had been dreading, but knew was coming. This was the day that Madden was to start a NEW daycare school.

We had been SO blessed to have had him at Miss Heidi's house since September (when the broken arm incident happened). Miss Heidi usually only keeps her babies until 18 months (which was in January for Madden), but I asked if she would keep him a little longer. I knew the transition would be hard on him and I just wasn't quite ready for him to be at a "school". She agreed and we decided we would make the transition on May 3.

April came and it was becoming clearer to both of us that Madden was more than ready to be at a school - with activities, a schedule, friends, etc. But I knew it would still be hard.

Madden is like his mom and dad. He's like Marc in that he doesn't like "strangers" and he's like me in that he doesn't like change. So, school was going to be BOTH - strangers and change!

Miss Heidi's house has been a wonderful place for him to be loved, nurtured and cared for. She was diligent in writing down what he ate, when he ate, diapers......and always shared about their day when I picked him up. I loved knowing he was in a Christian home with a loving mom who would care for him as her own. We are definitely going to miss her!

So, May 3rd came. We arrived at school and Madden certainly didn't know what was about to happen. I had been advised to drop him off and leave. The more I lingered, the worse it would be. So, that is what I did. I dropped him off and he screamed "Mama, Mama" and I made a b-line to my car, so I could cry too! I cried all the way to work. It just broke my heart to have to leave him in a place that was not familiar. I didn't want him to be scared.

He had a good first day - and first week. We all made it through. Each day was rough at drop off, but pick up was the highlight. Marc's phrase is "I want to be the HERO {the one who picks up} instead of the ZERO {the one who drops off}.

Each day is getting better. He still cries at drop off.....but instead of starting in the parking lot, it starts at the front door.

I still miss Miss Heidi. I miss her detailed notes and conversations about the day. I miss the one on one attention Madden used to get. I miss the lengthy naps Madden used to take at her house. Now he is just another kid in a class of 11. They can't give detailed reports on each one and he doesn't get that one on one attention and he is not sleeping well on his cot at naptime.

But, he's growing up. He's learning new things. He's bringing home "artwork". This is a good thing for him. I just *KNOW* he is going to LOVE it....

........eventually.