The year 2010 has not been kind so far to the Atchley family. Shortly after Christmas BJ got sick with bronchitis, Sophia and Phoebe minor colds, and then I got bronchitis. While we were all recovering from that, BJ’s Grandfather died on my mother’s birthday–January 10th. The blessing is that he died peacefully, in his sleep, next to his loving wife. Who could ask for a better way to go? Almost as soon as the funeral was over and all family returned home Sophia got sick again. Only a couple days after Phoebe got sick. I mean to say, the girls got VERY SICK, particularly Sophia. We had her into her pediatrician twice and urgent care once. She had a strep test, a flu test, an x-ray, and finally an RSV test to confirm her doctor’s suspicions. She had RSV and she had it bad. Her doctor said kids her age don’t get it that bad (usually) because their lungs are larger than all the babies and tiny kids you hear about going to the hospital or dying from it. We started her on breathing treatments right away and what a difference just a few made!!! ***Which leads to believe that she may have some underlying asthma that has developed. She will be seeing a specialist this Thursday, more on this story later.*** This poor kid had gone days with horrible fever and not getting enough oxygen and no food. We were lucky she didn’t end up in the hospital, and I am glad that I as a mother kept pushing and taking her knowing something wasn’t right and this wasn’t a normal virus like she has had before. She was simply just too sick for that to be the case! She is still on the mend, only a few coughing fits and minor sniffles. It is good to have my old Sophia back…..Phoebe too!

However, amidst all this I got sick AGAIN with a nasty cough and sinus infection. I am still sick with it–go figure. So, having been sick once again at the same time as my children I have really started to think about the way the world works and mother’s being sick in general. I have come up with 3 philosophies that I wish (sigh) could be oh so true:
1. Mothers should not be allowed to get sick. Ever. However, upon further thought I can understand how this could be a problem. If a mother were never sick then how could she have true compassion and empathy for her children (or spouse I suppose) when they get sick??? It would affect, I imagine, in how she would care for them. I still believe strongly in my first idea, but I can at least recognize a flaw in the plan.

2. If a mother is to be sick (I must face reality here) then she should NOT be allowed to be sick at the same time as her children or spouse. Simply put, it makes for a crankier, messier, more unruly household.

3. When a mother does get sick (and this is me really about to get into fantasy land here) she should be taken away to a place that is like a 5 star hotel meets a hospital. She would have a doctor, nurse, and pharmacy readily available to diagnose, test, and treat what ails her. However, it would have the appearance and comforts of a plush hotel. Her family should not be allowed to visit her, because c’mon, if they do then they risk getting sick which means as soon as mommy is healthy she is simply going back home to a bunch of sickies. Do I need to point out what would be wrong with THAT picture?! Furthermore, while mom is recovering in her hospi-tel her family will be taken care of. “How” you may ask? A maid also comes with this wonderful package. We don’t want the dads to have it too easy or become complacent, right ladies? The maid will only need to perform 4 tasks where needed: do the laundry, grocery shop, cook meals, keep house clean. Now, I have been looking at this plan and can’t see a flaw this time? Any other ladies reading this see a problem? Have a way to improve it? Do tell!

February is just around the corner. Be kind.

And full of health.

Please.

Categories: Heather
2 Comments »

A few years ago we went to the ICE! Exhibit at The Gaylord Texan. At the time Sophia was still a baby in the sling all bundled up and I was 2 months pregnant with Phoebe. I must say this time around was more fun and delightful. No kids in slings or strollers and both girls were able to enjoy themselves very much. The theme for this year was “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”. The displays were amazing and the colored ice looked awesome.

Phoebe coming down the children’s ice slide.

On our way out there was a toy soldier on stilts. Sophia was very impressed and went up to meet him.

We did fudge and milk for Santa this year instead of cookies. Sophia was so excited about leaving them by the fireplace for him. Here she is carrying them over there for him. She was trying so hard to be careful and not spill the milk.

In fact, when Sophia came busting into our room the next morning she yelled “Come look! He ate his fudge and drank his milk! He ate his fudge and drank his milk! Come on! Get up! Come and see!” Sophia was too excited to wait so we had to get Phoebe up. Stockings were first and presents from Santa before we dove into the tree.

Pretty much all Sophia wanted was this mermaid Barbie with a pink tail that flaps that she saw in a catalog. Santa delivered and she was thrilled.

After our own family Christmas and breakfast we headed out to BJ’s parents house for more Christmas fun. Aunt Bekah and Uncle Jonathan were very wise in getting the girls cheerleading outfits. They LOVE them and immediately had to wear them.

And then came the ballerina outfits from Nana and then they were put on.

They received many wonderful, exciting new toys this year that they will enjoy for quite some time. This is them near the end of the day, clearly exhausted and wanting nothing but to chill out. I can’t blame them! It was an insanely busy day!

Categories: Heather, Phoebe, Sophia, Weekly Family Update
2 Comments »

We have done so much stuff over the last couple months. I have honestly forgotten about most of it, until I see a picture and remember “Yeah, we did that!” So I thought I would keep it simple and do a bunch of pictures of all the family fun we have been having!

My sweet friend, Rachel, from way back in the day when I was in nursing school got married!! I was so excited for her and BJ and I enjoyed a nice time to ourselves watching her get sealed in the Dallas Temple. She had a reception where dancing was ON! The girls, who enjoy dancing very much, were more than game to join in. I had such a blast dancing with them. It had been a long time since I have danced in public too!

They both ate tons of strawberries and punch. Could life get any better?!

We had Thanksgiving with BJ’s family at my house, but my sister Jennifer and family had come into town as well. Instead of doing the crazy thing of going shopping the day after Thanksgiving we went to the Dallas Arboretum and it was such a great choice!! The weather was gorgeous, it was not crowded at all, and they still had the pumpkin house up from Halloween. It was perfect, and the cousins enjoyed one another so very much.

Phoebe and I were balancing over a stream of water in that one. Phoebe has discovered the love of balancing on or over things.

Gee, Sophia is so ladylike…..

Sophia with her 2 best friends. She really loves them.

I just adore this sweet, gorgeous little girl!

We also went to an Airplane Museum near Dallas/Love Field Airport, but this is somehow the only picture I could find.

Then came Christmas! We went to the celebration in Frisco Square. They had a skydiving Santa and 2 elves. It was totally cool to see this, but unfortunately we got no pictures. We were also on the side where they landed and stood so the girls were as close to the action as possible. They also had a toy train display, hot air balloons all lit up, horse carriage rides, and more! It was cold but fun.

This is of us just before going to church the Sunday before Christmas. We went to Nana and Popi’s church and then enjoyed the rest of the day visiting and eating over at their house. Aunt Bekah and Uncle Jonathan were in town which made the visit that much more fun!

Sophia has been asking about and praying for snow. She got her wish on Christmas Eve of all days! It snowed for several hours and by that night we had a nice white coat over everything. The girls got to enjoy it before it got too thick (and late).

They came in soaking wet, cold, and muddy but ALL smiles! I still have Christmas and our trip to the Ice Show at the Gaylord Texan to cover so be on the lookout for another post soon!

Categories: Heather, Phoebe, Sophia, Weekly Family Update
3 Comments »