Sick Days

We've been hit. The Claus kids have had the stomach virus this week. That is just one of the many perks of Kindergarten.

Lilly was the first to be affected, and then Cooper got the bug. I remember how comforting it used to be to hunker down in my parents big bed when I was sick. But I don't recall having these emergency supplies on hand:


The "Tockie Tockie", as Cooper calls it, is apparently to call for back-up. We certainly needed some later the next day. And the tamborine? I guess it is in case one should feel the need to break out into a little ditty.

I knew that we were in the clear when I found Spiderman in my shower. Take a look at those pecs!

This little lady is feeling much better. Of course, a stomach bug is nothing for her.

Looking forward to a normal, healthy week next week.

The Valentine's Extravaganza

Well, I have really outdone myself. I have done some romantic things in the past for my sweet husband, and let me tell you, I really pulled out all the stops this year.

It took a lot of planning. And creatitivity.

I made tacos.

I know. Pretty romantic, right? Peter is a lucky man. I am thinking of having one of these made for him, because we are going to want to remember this special time.

Nothing says "I Love You" quite like a taco.

Cooper is 4!!!

Today is a special day, and I can't think of a better reason to get started back on the blog than to celebrate this day and tell someone special to me how special they really are.

See this adorable creature below? That's my favorite little guy. And today my favorite little guy is a big 4-year-old.

To my beautiful, beautiful boy,

4 years ago today, you entered into this world as just a tiny little pink wrinkled thing. I loved you from the first second, and my heart continues to grow with each new day with you. You make every day an adventure. We start every morning when you wake up between 5:30 and 6, and no matter how sleepy I am I can't help but smile as soon as I hear your feet pounding down the stairs to mine and your Daddy's room. Those first minutes of our day with you snuggled between us are precious. I never know what kind of crazy stunt you will pull on any given day or how you will make me laugh.

Now that you are starting to figure out how to communicate more, you surprise me every single day with all the things that I never knew you knew. You are such a smart little boy! I know that you have to work so hard to learn all the things that come so easily to lots of other kids, and I hope you know how proud your Daddy and I are of you.

You have such a sweet soul. I love how you are always smiling and content. I love how you like to make Lilly laugh and how you like to share your toys with her. I love that you are a big snuggle bug and you like to give kisses. Your best friends are always the prettiest girls because you are such a handsome and funny little guy.

I had no idea what being a mom would be like, but you arrived to teach me the most important lessons I will ever learn. From you I have learned how to put someone else's needs before mine. I have learned patience, lots and lots of patience. I have learned that the simple things are the most fun. I have learned to eat my vegetables. I have learned compassion. I have learned that there is so much more to people than what you initially see and everyone has their own story. I have learned what hard work is. I have learned how to get all kinds of stains out of clothes. I have learned how to manage my time more wisely. I have learned how to cook well. I have learned that I am a lot tougher than I ever thought I was and I can love deeper than I ever thought possible.

You are an amazing and beautiful boy. I love everything about you.

Happy Birthday, Cooper.

Love,

Your Mommy