Happy New Year!

Well, what a week...er...year, it has been. It ended with us ringing in the New Year at the ER at St. Luke's...and it wasn't for me or the baby.

Starting Monday night, Luka has been battling what seemed to be the stomach flu. It started Monday during the night, vomiting several times, but by Tuesday afternoon (and eating lunch) he was up for a long bike ride with Daddy and seemed to be back to normal. By Wednesday noon, he was running to "spit up" (as he says) again, and his stomach didn't calm down until 7:30 that evening. He slept peacefully that whole night, and ate played hard Friday until 2:00.

Friday, we were heading up to the lake for the Gunden family Christmas. But on the drive up, he started complaining again about his stomach, and we spent the next two hours over the toilet, with him screaming and in a lot of pain. After a consult with a nurse on a 24 hour hotline, she directed us to go to the ER, because the stomach pain seemed so abnormal, and not consistent with just nausea alone.

After 3 1/2 hours at the ER, we were headed back to the lake, with a diagnosis of viral gastrointestinitis, and a prescription for the nausea. Luka slept all night, but was off and on again all day Saturday, and ad a rough night last night as well. At this point I think it is more gas related, but we are really trying to keep him away from rich foods and dairy, to see if we can keep it under control.

Friday night, after returning to the lake, and after finally getting Luka to sleep, we ate a wonderful heated up dinner that Mom had made, and did manage to enjoy just a bit of nice adult conversation.

One question to ponder in particular, that came up as a result of a conversation with the Doc at St. Luke's (and we'd be happy for any input):
We know that something can increase 400%, but can something also decrease 400%? Or, can it only ever decrease by 100%?

The next morning, after a wonderful breakfast, the kids (and adults) FINALLY got to open their gifts. As a kid, do you remember that feeling of the day just dragging by in anticipation of opening gifts? Poor TJ...after he was all psyched up for Friday night, andwe had to put him off again since we went to the ER. He did open a few stocking stuffers while we were gone, and that managed to hold him over.

Mimi and PaPa had a very big surprise for the parents. MiMi made the cutest matching pajamas, and then had the kids put on a Christmas show! It was so adorable. They all came marching down the stairs and singing. The cutest part about it all was that TJ was just SO excited for the show, he even wanted to do it before his presents! Unlike the other two performances this month, he and Luka both belted it out, and almost right on key! See for yourself...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRiNl_h_pm0

New Year's Day was absolutley gorgeous at the lake. Bright sunshine and mid 60's. Several neighbors, their kids, and their friends were also there, and we all just hung out until the sun went down for one big party on the lawn. TJ was Mr. Creative that day, and made a home-made pirate patch (using elastic left over from the PJs) and a sling shot. Luka was up and around and even did some fishing.

A couple of few cute recent quotes:

TJ had his hand in my belly and was feeling the baby kick. He looked up at me and said "Man, she's really cookin' in there!"

Luka: "What in the heck have you did?"

From our home to yours, Happy New Year!