Our Old House

This is a rather random blog post.  It covers a subject that I want to document, but many of you may find it completely boring and insignificant.  So, feel free to stop reading at any point....

Our old house is a topic of conversation at least once, sometimes multiple times a week with Katie.  She has very clear memories of our old home and always asks us to move back.  We have told her that we don't live in Richmond any longer (which isn't 100% true since we have an apartment there for my work purposes).  We also told her that a new family moved into the house -- a mommy, daddy, and two little girls.  Her response -- "Well, why doesn't the other family take our house in Roanoke and then we could have our house back."  I explained that the other family didn't want to leave because they really liked the house.  Her repsonse -- "Mommy, why don't you just go to the house and talk to the other family.  I think if you ask them nicely, and say PLEASE can we move back in, then they will let us."  Next I tried to explain that it took a large amount of money to buy the house back.  Her response -- "You have money mommy.  I've seen it in your wallet."  Clearly my explanations are not working.

I can't decide if Katie just doesn't like change, doesn't like the new house, or just REALLY loved our old home and our old neighborhood.  I realize she misses her friend Noah who lived across the street (they are only 7 weeks apart in age and played together ALL the time).  This past week she asked me if there were other boys and girls in our new neighborhood and if once it got warm if she could go to their house and play in their yard -- like she used to do with Noah. 

I cannot believe Katie was so attached to our old home when she wasn't quite 3 yet when we left it.  What will it be like when we leave this home?  Worse, or better?  Matt and I have moved quite a bit.  I lived in Denver, then Roanoke, then Philly, then Richmond, now Roanoke again.  I'm hopeful that our next move -- once Matt is finished with school -- will be our last move, because our whole family is sick the transition.  Most of all, I want to give Katie some stability. 

Valentine's Day - 2013

For Valentine's Day this year, Katie got a virus.  It started Wednesday, and by Thursday afternoon she had laid down on the floor of the living room and fallen asleep.  Katie hasn't slept during the day in about 8 months, so we knew she needed to see the doctor.

Nana and Matt took the her to the pediatrician's office Thursday afternoon -- I was still in Richmond.  We all assumed it was strep because she had a high fever, and wasn't eating (she never complains about her throat when she has strep, she just doesn't eat).  The doc's office tested for strep and flu....both negative.  So, the assumption is a virus.

I've been rather nervous the last couple of nights because her fever has climbed extremely high (like 104.6).  This virus, and her symptoms are so similar to when she was hospitalized around 21 months.  We are going on 4 days of fever and I'm just praying she gets better soon.

In the meantime, there have been a large number of Princess and Tinkerbell movies watched.  Not to mention gallons of Gatorade and dozens of popsicles consumed.   She did perk up long enough today to do a small project at home.  Aunt Sally gives Katie Ranger Rick magazines and we did a Rhino Activity from it today.  I love that I can call out letters (R-H-I-N-O) and Katie knows how to write them all!!!  Not the best penmanship, but she's learning.  Preschool here has been so good for her.  I'm just sad she missed her Valentine's Party with her friends.

To look at this video, you wouldn't think she was sick at all.  Unfortunately, this was the most active she has been in 3 days. 

Katie's 1st Circus

One of the presents in Katie's Christmas stocking this year was tickets to the Circus.  Santa (aka - Papa) is a smart guy....and must have know our little Katie Bug would enjoy the Circus tremendously.

To prepare Katie for what to expect at the circus we looked up pictures and videos the day before.  Papa is a member of the Shrine -- so he came with us on the trip.  Katie was amused by Papa's hat and insisted on making her own "crown" to match his before we left.  Getting these two to cooperate for a picture is impossible....one or both are always laughing. 

The Circus was fantastic! Katie's two favorite acts were the Human Cannonball and the acrobats -- but she enjoyed it all (except maybe the motorcycles). She even got to ride a pony during intermission.

At dinner the night before the Circus Katie was begging for cookies as her 'treat.'  I told her she could have as much junk as she wanted when we went to the Circus.  Let's just say she held me to that.  She told us on the way to the Civic Center that she was going to get some Cotton Candy on a stick....it had to be on a stick.  After the cotton candy, she had a funnel cake, then almost an entire bag of popcorn, a snow cone, and a hot dog to top it off.  I'm amazed she didn't throw up! 

Once the circus was over -- after 3 hours of action and junk food -- we were all EXHAUSTED!  We came back to the house, skipped dinner, watched a quick show, then headed to bed.  One happy girl!  Thanks again Papa for the tickets....I'm hoping we can make it a tradition.