With a bang is how we started it. I don’t think we really hit pause in the entire last month. As soon as we were back from New York, finished unwrapping our presents in Seattle, and did what seemed like a years supply of laundry, we were here, there and everywhere. We’ve spent a significant portion of the end of the year and new year spending time with friends and though it’s been a lot, we wouldn’t want it any other way. We’ve also spent a significant portion of it sick. I’m still battling a lingering cough and sore throat, Bryan is mostly fine now, but Reese got another bug this past weekend which was only probably made worse by doctors office vaccines and then Brooke was home sick with me yesterday and back today but still not herself. Another side effect of seeing lots of people I guess.
To start, Reese had her playdate with Clara and then had a playdate at the park with Lottie and her grandma before we had Sarah and Lottie over for dinner the night after, once Lottie’s grandma was headed back home. Then we met up with Lily and her mom at Volunteer Park on NYE day to enjoy the rain-free weather and scoot around a bit too. For NYE night we headed over to friends Luis and Carina’s house for a NYE bash, complete with a bunch of potluck foods, confetti shooters, bazookas, party hats and glow bracelets, necklaces and glasses for a glow-in-the-dark dance party before toasting to the East Coast New Year’s Eve. Girls had zero problem staying awake for this and even continued to stay awake the entire drive home.
For New Years Day, we had big plans that included watching the two football games in the National Championship tournament. Michigan was up first at 2pm our time and Sarah asked if Reese wanted to come over to play so with Reese over with Lottie for a few hours and Brooke taking a super long nap, I got to watch a good majority of my game in focus mode, a rarity these days. Michigan led the whole game until the end, then scored at the end to send the game into overtime, scored right away and held off Alabama to take themselves to the National Championship. Our Texas friends Anne and Phillip and kids came over at the end of that game to cheer on Texas against Washington. We had carnitas tacos, chips, guac and salsa, plus Shiners and margaritas to try to fuel a victory. Of course all four kids spent the majority playing in their room where they still need to be somewhat supervised (at least the little ones) so we put in our second TV in their room so we didn’t miss anything. Although the game was close all the way through and Texas got a chance at scoring at the very end, Washington held them off in the last seconds to meet Michigan in Houston for the National Championship. Bryan was logically bummed and then we had two wired girls that were up way past their usual bedtime to put to bed with their first early wakeup call the next morning for school.
So, yeah, Tuesday was a fun one! We got both girls up and ready for school and made the bus no problem but I was a zombie the majority of the day and when Reese got home from school I could tell she was equally tired. We spent Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night trying to get back into our routine. The girls are going to bed at the same time these days, Reese falling asleep at least 20 minutes before Brooke, however. We needed some social detox I think during these days but started feeling ourselves by the weekend, especially after Bryan got an early row in Friday morning and I got a run in Friday afternoon. On Friday, we were invited over to Georgie’s house for a delicious dinner with them and this was a nice, easy and relaxing night of being hosted. When we got home, Reese immediately started not feeling well though and the poor girl fell fast asleep.
We were back at gymnastics on Saturday and Reese still wanted to go. She seemed to be feeling better after breakfast so we enjoyed gymnastics, picked up McDonald’s afterwards on our way to the girl’s doctor appointments. They were both due, Reese now going annually and Brooke every 6 months. And both girls needed shots. Appointment was fine and then Brooke had to get her finger poked to draw blood, her flu and COVID vaccine and last Hep B shot. Three shots total and a finger poke that led it off and didn’t lead it off peacefully. Reese, now a big girl, had her flu and COVID shot for the first time in her arm. She was scared but she did so well. After a traumatic two hours at the doctor’s office we headed home where Brooke definitely needed a nap and Reese needed rest. The rest of the day was for relaxing and I needed it as much as they did.
Doctor’s office stats:
- Reese:
- 37 lb 4 oz (22%)
- 42.6″ (35%)
- Brooke:
- 24 lb 4 oz (15%)
- 33″ (28%)
And we spent Sunday with a nice, easy family day. Reese was still not feeling herself but was up for going on a walk so long as it promised donuts so we loaded up the two-seater and went for a nice long walk to Mt. Baker and back to get donuts before heading home. We are starting a weekly kid-friendly family yoga session and Reese was all about it. Brooke was also fairly engaged throughout it but also enjoyed climbing on us too.
And Monday was the 2023 season National Championship game with Michigan facing off against Washington. We watched from the comfort of our own home and with both girls feeling meh, I really got to sit on the couch and watch the game. Bryan also manned dinner, making us burgers and fries. The game started off in Michigan’s favor and they proceeded to dominate Washington the whole game through. Washington is a strong team with a talented quarterback but it seemed like Michigan came out better prepared and with more energy. I think Texas tuckered Washington out pretty good for us. Michigan pulled off the victory, winning for the first time in over 20 years. It was a great feeling and we toasted at the end of the game.
Now I’m focusing on goal setting and planning for the rest of the year and the first step is getting everyone back to full health…please!
Chelsea
