21 Days

Yes, 21 Days didn't seem too bad until I wrote it on the dry erase board in an attempt to countdown. That is when it hit me like a brick wall and it was as if the breath was sucked out of me. I somewhat panicked at the thought and if I had the money would be catching a flight to the lower 48 asap. Instead, I am here watching our daughter play with markers while babbling and wondering how I am going to make it 21 days without Will.

Deep breath, exhale. The last week has been nothing but ideal. It started with the bug and ended with 2 hours of a screaming teething baby up until Will's departure, talk about romantic. We were grateful for our date the night prior. However, that came with a hitch. My strapping young lad of a husband found out he wasn't so young as he thought and had pulled a back muscle while working out. Needless to say he was in pain the whole night, but took it like a man. I am just glad we didn't have to call the tow truck when we got stuck in the snow and ice while making a u-turn. Just add sleepless nights in the mix and that about sums up our week. On the bright side Ailish has a newly painted bright yellow room. Now to add the finishing touches.

Here is to this week, a better week for all of us. I hope.

Sleepless nights

Welcome to the Smith's 4 day weekend. We had hoped to catch up on sleep and spend quality time together. However, the 4 day weekend turned into 3 and the quality time together was spent on the bathroom floor. "The Bug" had hit me hard by 2am Saturday or earlier. All I know is everything came up from the last 24hrs even the water I kept drinking to rehydrate. Will walked in to the bathroom to check on me and it wasn't too long after he was feeling queasy too and lay beside me. Thankfully, he wasn't projecting and was able to take care of Ailish. By mid morning I was able to hold down water and apple sauce, but was weak as could be. Will and Ailish did a Gatorade and jello run to replenish my empty weak self. Will hadn't slept since I had first woke up. So, I manage to give him a half hour break from Ailish so he could rest. Needless to say we were exhausted and she wasn't about to take a nap. We are grateful she was able to sleep that night and by God grace not catch "The Bug."

Sunday night Ailish woke up hungry and I woke up tired. Somehow while feeding her I manage not to let go. Then there was this morning. Three to be exact. She woke up starving. I say starving because she ate until 6am! We were then able to put her back down for an hour. You guessed it and was up again to eat. Somewhere before 8:30am we both fell asleep on the couch. Fully, exhausted we headed to MOPS and was blessed with the encouragement of the speakers (Chaplain and his wife). And here I write as Ailish refuses to nap. So, I must go and try to calm her.

Blur

The last couple of weeks have been a blur. There was even a day that the snow created a blur or better known as a white out. However, the snow is melting and we are beginning to see patches of green beneath.

Our darling Ailish has had a time with teething. It has caused her to wake up randomly in the middle of the night and has kept her fussy during the day. Now that it has subsided some, she is fighting off a minor snotty congestion. Despite all these unpleasant things, she has some new and interesting developments. She is now 26 1/2 inches long and still loves to walk with our assistance along with holding on to objects to stand. Honey Bear is the focal point of her induced laughter. Let me explain. Ailish holds dogs ball in front of her. Dog looks at ball expectantly. Ailish looks at dog, continues to hold the ball, and laughs (ha ha I got your ball). Ailish eventually lets go of ball and dog is happy. Dog brings ball back to baby, when baby plays nicely.

Today while we were all in the kitchen preparing dinner (Ailish in the high chair playing), we kept telling Ailish "Hi." Ailish would then say, "Hi" back to us. Quite enjoyable to us. We have not determined her first word yet due to the many, "it really sounded like she said... at the appropriate time.

I am sure there is more, but my mind is going blank as I desire sleep and rest. Goodnight.