a january jaunt

After last week's mini-vacation to Niagara Falls and the Great Wolf Lodge, one of the kids was excited and one reluctant to head back to school - can you guess who's who? Alana couldn't wait to see her friends and barely said goodbye to me this morning whereas Hendrik stayed close and put on a downer face... at least until he saw his friends on his way into school. They had an amazing time at the GWL - we all did really - until the flu hit. Yup, the flu. Alana was the only one to come down with it while we were there (night #1 - lots of puking and that was it) and the rest of us had some version of it back here at home over the weekend. Steve was definitely the worst and Jordan and I weren't hit too hard, thank goodness. Hendrik was only sick once - when? Get this - he puked while I was carrying him upstairs to bed on Saturday night; thankfully I was also carrying a small bucket that I was able to sling over my shoulder and catch the puke IN the bucket yes while carrying him up the stairs. You better believe I gave myself a pat on the back for that move. Anyways, we aren't sure if we caught the bug at the water park or if it was passed on by Alana as the news after school on Tuesday was that someone "kuped" at school, and that someone is in her class. More importantly really, the kids had tons of fun at the water park (the slides and wave pool were their faves) and staying in a hotel always goes over well. Steve's parents joined us and took care of breakfast and lunch and we ate out both nights we were there so it really did feel like a little vacation - minus the sickness and sleeplessness that plagued night one. A few pics:

the kids were more excited about the idea of the falls that the actual experience - very impressive and nice to not have to battle crowds to get a good look! love the look on hendrik's face...

I've been reluctant to write about Jordan's sleeping habits for fear that they might change but here goes - he's sleeping way better these days... and by way better I mean he's sleeping all night. Eight months of night feeding has (apparently) come to an end and I feel like a new person after a week of nearly no night wake-ups. Nearly means he still wakes up every other night or so, but a soother and some white noise will usually get him settled back down - and this is amazing news. Amazing! May it continue and continue and continue some more. And may the flu continue to take its leave from our house and stay away! More soon - the babe is awake and needs his mum. 😊😊

the oldest babe