Mom's Best Friend

....is a sterlizer as it turns out! Teagan started out the first day of the New Year with a fever close to 105 that scared the bejaysus out of me and hung around for four days despite a cocktail of antibiotics, Tylenol and Motrin. Thank goodness for her amazing pediatrician who recognized an early ear infection and diagnosed her with roseola which we had never heard of! True to her prediction, the fever broke after a few days and was followed by a mild rash which signaled a return to her sweet little self!

But this meant it was time to break out our Seventh Generation while sending the washer and dryer into overdrive! I spent a good part of the day sterlizing all toys, books, pacis, bed linens, cuddle toys and more. This is just some of her stash from downstairs waiting to dry. As I went through each toy and book I remembered where they had come from and was struck by how sweet her family and friends have been to her and us. Thank you guys so much!

On the second day of the year (and while we were trying to get Tea's fever down) Brian's dad Gerry went to the emergency room with heart attack symptoms. They ended up keeping him in the hospital for two days. Poor guy came back to us so exhausted that I made him some Poppy Soup, always a great healer!

But before all this drama we rang in the new year! We had Game Night at home with friends and it was pretty hilarious! Much better than taking my preggos self to an overcrowded bar or restaurant. We can't wait to do it again! Here's a picture of Dave and Shanna, looking cute per usual!

And I got a great picture of sweet Scott and Natasha! He's one amazing Cranium player....must remember to get on his team next time. One thing is for sure: Twins never need to be on the same side! Poor Dave, Melissa and I kept messing him up!

Natasha is simply one of the most thoughtful people I know. I am so thankful that I met her last year. She came over a few days ago to say goodbye to Gerry and Betty before they head back to Ireland..and brought all kinds of goodies for us in the form of a coveted recipe for Russian Winter Salad and a cool dicer! She knew Tea had been sick and brought her some special cookies. Aren't they cute? They are huge, the size of my hand. Teagan was finally getting her appetite back and became an instant fan! I love the shirt Caleb wore on New Year's Eve that read, "Never 2 Sleepy"He and Teagan are so much alike. Still, neither made it to midnight!

Little Lera always has a smile and giggle for me!

Now isn't this a picture? Thank goodness Brienne remembered Baby Alive got the milk, not the vino! I'll always remember the awesome cheese danish she made us for breaky the next morning! You can spend the night anytime, luv!

2011 is officially underway and we are so looking forward to it! There is nothing like a bit of illness to remind us of all our blessings and what is really important as we kick off a new year. With that in mind we are still praying for our friend Aileen in Colorado and my stepmother Shirley in Texas. They had amazing news of recovery in 2010 and we raise a toast to both of them! And we recently began to pray for my friend Michelle Green who was in my group of moms who met for bible study on Wednesdays over the last few years. Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer right before Christmas and has tackled this news with amazing faith and courage. Please remember her in your prayers and if you'd like to follow her updates they are on http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mecgreen.

Our family is also saying prayers for little Jacob Helvey, a three year old boy we have never met but who has touched our lives all the same. One of my favorite blogs, Kelly's Korner, first brought his story to us after an accident very nearly claimed this three year old's life on Christmas Eve. He and his family are in the midst of an enormous challenge and can use all the prayers possible. Follow his progress at http:///www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobhelvey.

Thanks for reading everyone! Let me know, what are you most thankful for or looking forward to in 2011?