Snow day!

Today we had a snow/ice day, and all three of us were stuck at home. Erik did research for a good portion of the day, while Stephen and I played. Since we couldn't go outside (it was cold, and the roads were/are very icy), Stephen and I had to find lots of things to fill our time. We played "Follow the Leader." Stephen held on to the back of my pants, and walked behind me.

(Since we were at home all day, I was just hanging out in my sweats - don't think I always dress like a slob!)

We also spent a good amount of time building and knocking over towers, coloring, and playing with Mr. Potatohead. It was a great day!

Pictures from the Zoo

Stephen and I went to the zoo on Thursday, since we were expecting high temperatures in the middle 70s (and we got them too!). It was really quite lovely out, and we enjoyed a nice picnic lunch at the zoo, hanging out by the kangaroo exhibit. No pictures of that, but I have these 2 to share of Stephen with his favorite zoo buddy, a younger female gorilla.



For whatever reason, these gorillas have always been interested in Stephen, and he in them. The first time they decided he was interesting was when he wore a bright red Elmo shirt to the zoo, and they seemed to have maintained a high interest in him. I've not really seen whether or not they approach all of the kids, so it may be that they like all of the little people, but we like to think it is because Stephen is super-cool! The second picture is when he was applauding the gorillas (you can see the mother gorilla behind the one that was hanging out at the window).

This second picture was just for fun. Stephen was loving his Daddy Kisses!

And...

Just a nice family photo at the fireplace!

Better late than never - visit with Grandma Deb, and Grandpa Big Rick

Stephen's Grandma Deb and Grandpa Big Rick visited over the holiday season as well, and their visit overlapped a bit with Grandma Janet and Grandaddy, so there were a few walks with Stephen's "entourage."

Stephen was so excited having all of his grandparents visiting, that he decided not to take a nap, and instead crashed out on Grandma Deb after dinner one evening, poor kid!

Luckily, in addition to being a good person to sleep on, Grandma Deb also makes the best Christmas cookies in the world.

While playing outside, Stephen enjoyed getting tossed in the air by Grandpa Big Rick...

and by Daddy, too!

We had a really nice, but too short visit with the Grandparents from Philly, and hope that we will get to see them again soon!

Ready for the Fiesta Bowl, and more on RSV

Before anyone worries reading about RSV, in a child Stephen's age, it is not nearly as dangerous as in a newborn or infant. Basically, he just has a really terrible cold as far as symptoms go. Now, if he starts to have trouble breathing, or begins to have a nasty cough or starts wheezing, we will get him breathing treatments. It is very rare for a child his age to end up hospitalized or needing additional treatments for RSV, so we are just treating Stephen like he has a nasty cold, with mentholated baby rub, ibuprofen for his fever and aches, the humidifier, and lots of cuddles.

Now, for fun pictures!!

Well...

I took Stephen to see his super-awesome pediatrician this morning, because he's had a fever since Friday, and started to have some congestion last night (not to mention not sleeping for more than 2 hours at a time at night...). She said that RSV is going around right now, and that is probably what he has. Luckily, in an otherwise healthy 2 year old, it is basically a really bad cold, but we have to watch out for wheezing and other breathing problems. Yuck! He is very fortunate, though, that he didn't get RSV as an infant, as it can be VERY serious for the little ones. Stephen is pretty pitiful right now, but it hasn't stopped him from very happily wearing his TEXAS shirt today!!! Pictures to come, after he wakes from his nap!

Christmas Pictures, finally!

I think these all speak for themselves...