What a couple of weeks we have had!

We have had so much going on here the last few weeks.  I never realized how hectic things get around the holidays when you have children.  Not only did I have all of the daily care that we normally do, we also added on outings, parties, shopping, and getting ready for the holidays.  It seemed to be much more rushed and hectic than in the past.  In the middle of the month my parents arrived for a wonderfully long visit that lasted through New Years.  I am incredibly thankful that they made the effort (and three day drive!) to come and spend the holidays with us.  It was a very special time.  My parents really spent a lot of time with E and C.  Unfortunately we all spent most of the time sick with colds.  We seemed to pass them between the six of us through the whole visit.  I got my first real experience dealing with sick children.  The worst was the nights of very little sleep.

 For Christmas we baked a country ham, that was an experience (a detailed Christmas post is in the works).  Unfortunately, after Christmas I got extremely sick with mastitis.  It really is the sickest I have been in years.  My parents cared for the babies while I stayed in bed.  Thankfully, after a call to my OB, I was able to get antibiotics to help me feel better.  We had another round of colds after that, but I think we are finally all on the mend.  New Years was fun with finger foods, sparkling wine, and good conversation. 

Unfortunately that weekend our sweet cat Gus got very sick.  He ended up having an enlarged heart that led to congestive heart failure.  We had to make a very hard decision and he is no longer with us.  It was very sad and we will miss him for a very long time.  We are now adjusting back to our regular routine with our family of four.  It is nice to have the hubbub of the holidays fade away and face the new year together. 

I leave you with a sweet picture my father took of the girls.  More to come!