Update

Little one is better. Her high temp for the day was 100, and it was completely normal for the first half of the day. She's not 100%, but I definitely think she's on the mend. David has a fever now, but I think (and hope) it's just as a result of his cold. Emily developed a fever, then respiratory symptoms, which is classic flu behavior. David has had respiratory symptoms prior to developing a fever, which is more indicative of the common cold. So once again, we're crossing fingers, but simultaneously breathing a prayer of thankfulness. David getting sick would also require postponing the celebration. Emily's birthday wouldn't be much of a birthday without her favorite playmate.

Flu!

The flu has entered our household. Ms. Emily has been stricken and the rest of us are crossing our fingers and dosing up on fluids. She's a poor, lethargic baby, trying vainly to be her normal, cheerful self. We were told to expect a high temperature for the next three or four days, so we're hoping she will be well enough for her birthday celebration on Saturday. Poor girl...

That's just the thing to doodle-e-doot doot...

I was staring out at the sleepy, gray morning and thinking that at times the world seems to exhibit emotion in the same way as her inhabitants. Yet perhaps that is only because humans feel the need to personify everything in an attempt to understand. It's breezy, damp, and mild, and the radar indicates that showers will settle over the area for most of the day. Smelling the approaching weather on the wind was a wonderful way to wake up. Whenever the breeze blows in that way, I wish that I could dance away on it, gently blowing wherever it chooses to take me.

Upasna and her little one were in the clubhouse when I entered for breakfast. It is always good to see my friend, and I will miss her when we move. The family leaves for India on Emily's birthday, and baby Shyla will stay even when her Mom returns in April. Upasna's Mom will take care of Shyla until Upasna is able to take the American dental exams and establish a career. By the time Shyla returns, she will be a completely different child. I have appreciated my experience with a family that is so similar and yet so very different from my own.

Emily quietly slept in her crib until 4:00am and willingly went back to sleep. She woke again when her brother entered at 7:00, but has been sleeping again for the past two hours. It is such a relief to have her sleep contentedly in her own bed. I'm glad that I have been afforded some time for my thoughts this morning. The wind chimes are singing happily on our balcony, and I'm overwhelmingly at peace. Life is beautiful in the most unexpected ways.

Weddingness

These are some of my favorite pictures from this weekend. Congratulations to Meghan and Stephen! If you want to see the entire album, click the small embedded photo at the bottom.

Room 27

Chewing on her shoe en route to the rehearsal dinner.

Love bug.

A beautiful day for a wedding.

Statesboro Inn.

Little boy.

Boys will be boys.

Exploring.

Mischief.

Dress.

Good lookin' husband.

Meghan.

Little Gentleman.

Waiting.

Beautiful.

Mess.

Isn't she lovely?

Cake.

First dance.

Father and daughter.

David dances with Mommy.

Breaking it down with Uncle Stephen.

Lucky Alaina. Two handsome little men.

Finally. Someone his own age.

I'm glad that I feel as though I can have a conversation with God once more. It's a feeling that I have missed.

I'm excited that there are books and books and books to read by a newly-discovered historical writer.

I'm thankful for the birds that sing cheerfully every morning as I make my way to the clubhouse. There is never a moment that doesn't seem to improve when accompanied by the cheerful chirp of a feathered friend.

I'm so very grateful for a soft, inviting bed to cozy into and dream the night away.

Dreams in the darkness

When Emily woke up at 2:55 this morning, Johnathan sleepily pulled her from the crib and passed her in my direction. I fell back asleep with her in my arms, but awoke to strange dreams around 5:00. I was burning up and felt as if I might ignite if I stayed under the sheets a moment longer. Hungry and dying of thirst, I placed Emily back in the crib and padded to the dark living room for a glass of water and some fruit snacks. Once there, I read a magazine article on happiness while contemplating my dreams. A study found that individuals who kept a gratitude journal were more satisfied with life. Recording thankfulness and strictly happy moments is something I have intended to do for quite some time. This blog has been lacking entries as of late because I never wanted it to simply be a record of day-to-day life. This journal was intended for higher thought and dreamy poetics. I simply haven't had time for either. Perhaps this will be a good gratitude journal until I have time for my musings once more.

Domesticity suits me

Lazing around the house. Playing with phones and cups.

Drawing fun.

If you look closely, you can see the train Mommy drew, the train Daddy drew, the train David drew, and the huge black scribble he labeled "Emily's train." He also wrote the word "cakes" at the top of the page.

I can feed myself. Yummy cheerios.

Almost lost one. ...now where did that thing go?

Oop! There it is!

Today we went for a walk since it was such an unseasonably warm day.

Look at Emily's happy expression! Wings!

David checked the mail

They we went to feed the ducks!

Groundhog Day

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow in Pennsylvania, predicting six more weeks of winter. His southern counterpart, General Beauregard Lee did not see his shadow, which means that spring is right around the corner. Personally, I hope that Lee's forecast is correct. Then again, winter has been more like spring all along... I would still like to see some snow.

Across the Universe...literally

Article on Beatles music being sent to Polaris. I think it's pretty useless, really since it doesn't even come across as music without a receiver...oh...and then one minor detail: THERE'S NO ONE LIVING ON POLARIS TO HEAR IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. Still. Love the song...