adjusting, big birthday boy, clearing up the "crud"

we're slowly adjusting to life at home.  it has not been an easy transition.  both a and c loved all of the attention they received in ia, and they were both sad to not have constant attention back at home. 

sledding occupied c multiple times.  little a was not as amused.

then j went back to work.  then a got SICK.  we celebrated j's birthday anyway, which c thought was big fun. 

packing peanuts are awesome

then nighttime came.  little a was hacking up a storm, super clingy and had a fever.  we were convinced it was influenza a, because we had been exposed (a had been sharing toys with her best buddy in the nursery who ended up being diagnosed later that day).  after a grueling dr appt, we were all shocked but somewhat relieved to find out she simply had "the crud."  after 3 days the fever broke.  one 3 hour nap later, and the tip of a tooth appeared. the next morning, the hives appeared.

at first, the hives didn't really bother her.  by the 2nd day, when they got much worse (essentially covered her whole body from head to toe) m caved and gave the little one some benadryl.  the hives started to clear.  it is day 4 since the rash appeared, and little a is almost back to her normal self.

m did a lot of laundry just in case the new detergent was the cause of the hives (it wasn't).

we're hoping for some easier times in the weeks ahead.  this mama is ready for spring break:)