Illness

This has been a big month for illness at our house. David has been battling viral meningitis. It has kept him off work for much of two weeks, which is tough for him. I have to admit that he would have gone several times if Ya-ping and I didn't push him to stay home. Allie has had hives that can be tamed as long as she takes medicine, but if she doesn't take the medicine her esophagus also swells and then she can't eat. As long as I am whining I will whine about my ear as well. I have had a major infection that even went into my jaw. What did the world do before antibiotics? I still can't hear well but I feel much better.
Allie is learning new words everyday. Her favorite words are still Babe, Annie, and Jen (that would be my friends dogs and our cat). She loves to say Mom and Dave but doesn't say anyone elses name very often. Mark is a great uncle and often plays and entertains Allie. He will play Ring Around the Rosie for long periods of time with her. Today he was playing ball with Allie and accidentally hit my picture of Christ and broke the glass. Luckily the picture and frame are still in pretty good shape. Poor Mark is so hard on himself and he is mortified that he was so destructive. The rest of us think it is funny that our calmest child can be destructive. One time Mark was walking up the wall and put his foot through it. My other kids would have put a hole in because of losing their tempers, but Mark just does innocent things and then feels terrible about them. Silliness.
School this time of year is pretty taxing (that is probably why I got sick.) The kids are crazy and think they don't need to do any homework. The teachers are all cranky and we want to be done as much as the kids. I don't know how teachers do it full time. I can barely hold out three days a week. I come home exhausted. Today Ya-ping shared a talent of hers.....she used to give massages for a living. I layed on my bed and she did my back, head and hands. WOW! It felt so good and soothing. I think I can get through this year after all.
I hope this doesn't sound too whinny ( I am more than four so I have no excuse). We really are doing well and loving living all together. It is great getting to watch your grandkids grow up on a daily basis. Yes, grandchildren really are your reward for not killing your children.