We interrupt this blog to bring you kid sickness part 5006

Flu positive but looking stylish anyway.  

I had big plans to blog several times last week, but influenza impacted my plans.  Will had a cough on Saturday, was a little droopy on Sunday and was at the doctor's office on Monday where he was diagnosed with influenza A.  Yes, we all received flu shots but influenza has been running wild in the schools apparently.  Will wasn't as sick as some kids can get with the flu so the doctor thinks that Will's shot worked on some level.   The doctor prescribed tamiflu, we bought juice boxes and chicken soup by the bagful and headed home to help this kid feel better.  

Will and I stayed home together on Tuesday and I worked a little bit while he set up camp on the couch.  We watched some movies and lots of sports news and just hung out.  It was nice to get to spend some time with my tween.  On Wednesday, he was still home but starting to feel better.  He missed the Jessup basketball team playing for a spot in the playoffs but we had some good friends who kept us updated on the score and Jessup won!  Will's fever stayed away so he was back to school on Thursday.  

Will and I played some cards when he was able to sit upright and someone found the card-playing to be fascinating.  

The dogs miss laying on couches will Will all day but everyone is back to good health and so far, none of the rest of us have caught it. We hope it stays that way! 

A letter to the birthday girl

A girl and her phone

Dear Reina:  Today you are 10.  Ten!  How in the world did that happen?  I think I start all of your birthday letters with that phrase but this year it rings especially true.  You are taller every day and I can still tuck you into my armpit (does that sound weird?) but probably not for long.  You are still a few shoe sizes smaller than me but that window is rapidly closing too.  You have fabulous taste in shoewear so I don't think I'll mind sharing when the time comes.  You are so excited to be double digits and your enthusiasm has rubbed off on the rest of us.

This morning, you unwrapped a doll and some stuff for your dollhouse.  You also received a movie and a phone charger.  I hid your phone in one of the cupboards and tried to get you to believe that we weren't sure it would arrive in time. I called your phone while I was pretending to take your picture and your eyes lit up when you heard it ringing.  You told me a few days ago that you've been waiting for your phone since Will opened his a little less than two years ago.  You have a snazzy phone cover picked out by Aunt Vicky and you are ready for this new piece of technology. 

Reina, what can I say about the last year?  You are one of my favorite people to hang out with, when we aren't rolling our eyes at each other.  You are a good friend and you have a nice bunch of girls and a few guys who you like to hang out with.  You are still enjoying your dance classes and you are less grumpy about practicing piano (most of the time).  Your drawings and doodles are ever present in my purse, car, on top of the kitchen table, your desk, etc.  In the evening when I'm washing dishes, I'll play old songs on my phone and rather than roll your eyes at my 80's and 90's classics, you'll often sing right along. 

Dad and I often talk about your big heart.   We tried watching a nature show the other night but we had to turn the channel when wolf pups were in danger.  You like to help others and you've been a great babysitter when we've taken care of your little cousins more the last few months.  You cried when I told you about Aunt Vicky's diagnosis but you've prayed for her and held my hand when I was sad and you've been such a trooper. 

You've discovered a love of musicals and chic flicks and you still have a delightful sense of humor. You still love a good cat video and giggle like crazy during America's Funniest Home Videos. People falling down is still hilarious.  You are crazy competitive at card games and Uno often ends in someone screaming.  I taught you and your brother how to play Speed this weekend and you picked it up in a flash. 

Reina, you have so much to be excited about as you turn 10.  You are rocking 4th grade and we have some fun things to look forward to this spring and summer. Keep that wonderful sense of adventure.  We love you Reina girl.  Happy birthday!