The Veldmans: Birthday party & antibiotics

Last Saturday we had Ava's 4th birthday party. We were happy that the snow held off here in the cities. Unfortunately, it was snowing in IA. Everybody was able to make it except for Great Grandma and Dave. Aunt Darlene and cousin Sara came up Friday instead of Saturday and stayed with us instead of waiting until Saturday morning. We were so glad that they were able to make it. We had a full house both Friday and Saturday night. I picked Aunt Lori up on my way home from work at her hotel, and she came with to pick the kids up from daycare. She was able to play with them while I got dinner on the table. Then Aunt Darlene and Sara came to join us for dinner. After bedtime Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Brent, and the kids came. Poor Lisa & Brent had to sleep in the freezing cold basement. I think that Brent's toes finally thawed out by noon on Saturday. It was cozy here, but it was nice to have everybody here.

Saturday was the big day for Ava's Hello Kitty birthday party. We had even more family come. Ava got tons of present and enjoyed playing with her cousins and eating cake and ice cream. She topped of her day with a trip to Pizza Ranch for dinner. Sunday everybody had to say good-bye except for Grandma,Grandpa, and Sara. Grandma & Grandpa (and Sara who was along for the ride) stayed an extra day so that they could attend Grandparent's day at preschool. Ava was so excited to show them her school and sing songs to them. I was anticipating their arrival home when I got a phone call from Grandpa asking where the nearest McDonald's is. That little turkey got them to take her to McDonald's for lunch, which a big treat for her.

Wednesday morning around 4:45 things weren't quite so exciting in our house. Ava came into our room saying that her ear hurt. She has never told us that anything hurts. I thought maybe she just wanted to get up and put her back to bed. Thirty minutes later she was back. I gave her some Ibuprofen and put her back to bed. That afternoon I took her in to the pediatrician. Sure enough, she had an infection in her right ear. The Dr. said it was most likely caused by the bacteria that causes walking pneumonia (thank you Grant). We picked up her Z-pack and off we went. Thursday morning she came in saying her left ear hurt. That morning I realized she had drainage coming from that ear. So I called the pediatrician and we now have drops to put in both ears. Grant is off his Augmentin for his pneumonia, and Ava has just one more day of oral antibiotics. I'm sure hoping that this is the end of sickness in this house. We've been lucky to escape the flu this year, but this is enough. I'm ready for spring!!!

It's been a laid back weekend. We attempted the gym yesterday morning (Grant allowed us 20 minutes to work out this time). Ava and I went to a birthday party yesterday afternoon while Grant & Daddy hung out at home. We ordered chinese for dinner and Nate and I rent a movie. It was a miracle, I made it through the whole thing without falling asleep. This morning we headed to the zoo, which the kids always enjoy.

We're hoping that this upcoming week brings us warm temperatures and healthy kids. Have a great week!