change of scenery

Miniman is doing a bit better, thank you. He had a blessing which led me to think of mixing the formula and pedialyte differently, and I think that's helped. Although he is still pretty miserable. But no vomitando for 15 hrs! Nice.

To clear the air, here are some pictures of the stylings of Mimi and design by Mimi, because she usually helps Samo.

eww.

Wittle Fatguy (Sammy's nickname for miniman) is sicky.
The bad news:

• He tossed his cookies violently 9 times one night
• Plus he had equally violent diaper explosions
• The frequency has died down a bit but it's 4 days later and he is still doing both
• And he whines all the time in pain and I can't get much done in terms of the ever mounting vomity laundry and growing pile of molding dishes (the gruesome facts)

The good news:

• He seems to be maintaining some hydration (somehow?!)
• He still smiles and he even developed a new "fake smile" where he makes a smile by using his huge cheeks to jam his mouth and face and eyes into a small envelope of smashy space around his nose/eyes
• It seems to be just a virus and I recognize that it could be so much worse. I marvel at people who deal with constant health challenges personally, or with family members, and especially with one of their children or even their spouse (like my cousin right now).

The most positive side-effect:

• he snuggles a lot.
  

4 really amazing blessings

"However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts." --John Calvin

Miniman: Every morning when he wakes up (before the sun!) the first thing I see is a huge smile of gums and two little poking bottom teeth, a smile that uses up jowells, fatty baloon cheeks and sparkly eyes.

Sammy: Tells me I'm gorgeous on demand. Also snuggles into my covers and squishes his little cold self towards me to get warm. I can feel his little cheek on mine and his warm breath on my face.

Mimi: Chooses the right, even though it isn't easy sometimes, or what everyone else is doing. She reminds me to keep my word, and I need that. Treats her brothers with kindness and love.

Fermando: His perspective teaches me new ways to see the world. When he sings, I feel healing, like the cracks in me are being filled and softened. His compliments are never superflous and they change the way I see myself.

This picture, above, is my new favorite picture. I have so much to be thankful for.