Ears, Again?

That's right, Tucker has another ear infection. I pity the families that have suffered with this (Shawn/Misty and Shelley/Clay). We were back in the pediatrician's office the Monday before Christmas with Tucker. This time, it was just a fever and not sleeping well. I say "just" a fever, because last time, he had a terrible cold and lots of congestion and the poor baby couldn't breathe when he laid down, so we spent three days in the reclined position. So luckily, no cold or congestion this time. The doctor was shocked that he wasn't crying constantly with pain, but he actually has done better with this infection compared to the last. The pediatrician said he had a large, puss-filled blister on his left eardrum (which experience tells him is usually more painful), and a severe ear infection. (Let me remind you, we were just in there the week before and got a clean bill of health from the doctor. That's how fast this came on him.) Doc started him on a lot stronger anitbiotic twice a day for 10 days, and a probiotic once a day for the side effects of the anitbiotic. That's awful to take medicine because of another medicine, but had he not prescribed it, poor Tuck would be a lot worse. The blister is supposed to have either bursted or dried up. No fluid has come out of his ears, so "dried up" I guess is what happened. The antibiotic has made a frequent SHOUT user of me. Changing table, numerous clothes of Tucker's, a few shirts for me and Jared, and let's not forget the carpet. Yes, the carpet. Where else can "it" go, when there's over 21 lbs. of baby on top of it? Out the legs and up the back. He has had "it" from his wrist to his ankle. Poor baby has had so many baths in one day, his skin is drying out. Anyway, I've wanted to replace the carpet in the living room for a little while, now, but not because of poo! (By the way, Chlorox wipes work great on removing stains from carpet, and there's no bleach in them, so no discolored spots!) Tucker only has one more dose of that awful, white, so thick it won't drip, medicine. Thank you Lord! Please let my baby be done with ear infections.

Another Wonderful Christmas

Did I mention, Christmas is the BEST holiday of all? Well, CHRISTMAS IS THE BEST HOLIDAY OF ALL!!! Another wonderful Christmas goes down as a complete success in the book of memories for the Cordes family. We woke up early, convinced Ian that we needed at least more than 2 hours of sleep, and caught another hour or two of "shut-eye."  Finally, we started the day. A relaxing day at home with my wonderful family. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do but stuff our "pie holes" as Granddad calls it, and play with the kids and toys. Gifts, gifts, and more gifts. That seems to be the theme this Christmas. We are so blessed. We saw almost all our close family over the course of two weeks, and everyone is doing great. I can't ask for anything more. The END. (pictures to come later)

One Proud Momma

I'm a little late with this post. I try not to brag too much about my boys, at least not out loud, but I have to document this somewhere. I am so very proud of my big kindergartener. Jared and I both are amazed. This little boy who, before school began, had no interest whatsoever in reading or writing anything other than his own name, has become very interested in both. He was one of twenty chosen by his principal out of the entire elementary school to participate in a rewarding day out. They were treated to a movie (A Christmas Carol in 3D), a Coke, popcorn, and a Happy Meal. To top it off, it was all paid for by hard work and dedication in school. Ian was chosen for "Highest Acedemics." As if that wasn't enough to make a momma cry, he was also chosen by his teacher to receive a red necklace with a green star charm that had a picture of a book and the word "READER" on it. He said it stands for "Highest Reader." I am so proud of my big boy. One of the two things that had me worried about him starting school was his attachment to his momma. The other: his uninterest in reading and writing. He has surprised Jared and me and made us the proudest parents in the world. We've got two wonderful boys. All the thanks and glory be to God!!!

Multiple Entries

Trip to see Zoe Jane:

This post will contain a lot of little entries. I think I'll start with my recent trip to see my newest niece, Zoe Jane. She is so adorable, and so tiny. She's bigger than Ian was when he was an infant, but it's hard to remember exactly how little they were as infants when they're almost six years old. Zoe is a very good baby. She hardly cried all weekend. Seriously, maybe once or twice, that's it. It was nice to hear the little grunts of a newborn again. They loose that so fast. It was a very good trip, once we got there (more about that later!).

Zoe Jane Phillips

Ian's First "Date":

Ian has been on his first date with another girl, besides his Mommy. Earlier this year, Ian took me out on a "date" as a way to show him how to treat girls before he ventured out into school. I wasn't too worried, because playdates with boys was few and far between, since until this past August, all of his immediate cousins were girls. Jared and I have tried to teach him the difference between playing with boys and girls. On our "date" I showed him how to open the door for girls, order his own food, and I even let him pay for our food and dessert. He was so excited. I didn't know his first "date" would be so soon. Some friends of ours, that we've come to know since school started came over for a playdate on Friday. Kindergarten Cutie, Two-year-old Sweetie, and Mom of Two (that's what they'll be called on this blog) came over for a while to play and since both our husbands work a similar shift, we wanted to eat supper at a local restaurant. Since we ate a little late (about 8:20 p.m.), we were the only people in the place. Our little kindergarteners wanted to sit by themselves, so we mom's thought they were wanting a little independence, so we let them sit at the booth across from us. When the waitress brought our menus, the little grown-ups informed her they were in fact on a "DATE!" We laughed and played along. I didn't know I'd actually get to witness his first little "date." I have to say, I am very proud of him. They both looked at their menus, ordered their own drinks and food, sat beside each other in the booth, and ate very well. They were so cute when they were carrying on their own conversations like big people as their feet swung under the table. They took it so serious. Kindergarten Cutie wouldn't let Two-year-old Sweetie sit with them at first, because let's be honest, who wants their siblings on their first "date?" Ian did very well. I'm a very proud Mommy!

Ian's Christmas Tree Decorations:

This is Ian's Christmas tree in his room. I think it's 2  or 2 1/2 feet tall. We decorated it together last year with the typical popcorn and candy, but this year I wanted him to use his own imagination. This is what he came up with: Hot Wheels, four wheelers, and mini cars. He had so much fun. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next year!

Cute Picture:

This is just a little picture I took on Saturday. I loved it. They're both chillin' on their CARS couch. I thought their Nonny would love this picture. 

Playtime With My Boys

Here's a couple pictures of the boys playing during our free time.

 

Ian loves to play with his MegaBlocks. Ian made an airplane, I made an airplane, and we both made the robot. It was so much fun. It's nice to have a few moments to play by ourselves.

Here's Tucker playing with a few of his favorite toys. Of course the things we play together are: peek-a-boo, wrestling, and tickle-monster. Look at that grin! I love to hear him laugh. Poor thing has my laugh.

Finally Better

Well, Fuzzy's back in school. Our Thanksgiving was wonderful with all our families, and we even managed to have our own little Thanksgiving alone at home. It was such a great experience, especially since Ian is big enough to understand what we're doing. We've got big plans for our own Christmas. I can't wait!! We also got a surprise visit from Nonna. I haven't seen Ian that excited in a while. We love it when she comes.

Ian sleeping with Nonna at the cabin. Ian sleeps sideways, kicks, rolls, and punches. Look at his knee sticking up (green).

Our little man is finally feeling better. Ian and Tucker have had a little cold for a couple weeks now, like everybody else in this town, but they started feeling better last week. Then, Tucker started running a fever of 102.7 Sunday night. I think he got 2-3 hours sleep and I maybe got 1 or 2 hours. First thing Monday, we were in the pediatrician's office. Congestion, cough, runny nose, fever, and of course, very fussy... and the verdict: ear infection in left ear, fluid in right ear, sinus infection, and a cold. My poor baby. We've slept on the couch, reclined for the past 3 nights. He has finally started feeling better. I'm so glad he can finally breathe again. After many nights of sleeping in the reclined position, globs of baby rub, many refills in the Vicks plug-in, I think we'll go back to our own beds tonight.

My poor sick baby. Three nights on the couch.   : (