On the Mend

Morgan hasn't had a fever for over 24 hours! Victory! The first medication we gave her didn't agree with her stomach, and I went first thing yesterday morning to get a new prescription. She still isn't excited about having to take it two times a day, but as I've said, she's a trooper, and she's doing it! 

I stayed home with Morgan yesterday and my bride took Grace to her first skating lesson since the "Big Break" eight weeks ago. She also took the twins with her to watch Grace. After the skating lesson, she took the kids over to the Ithaca Sciencenter where they ate a packed lunch, and explored the museum. They returned at about dinner time. Grace finally had some time without Morgan being in the spotlight, even if it was handicapped by her twin three year-old sisters.

I got up with the kids this morning and let my bride sleep in. I made eggs and toast for breakfast. After, it was time for Morgan to take her medicine. She took down her spoonful like a champ, and chugged a bunch of water to dilute the pseudo fruit punch flavor.  She's been so good. After she left the room, I grabbed a clean tea spoon, and scooped some chocolate chips on it.

I told Grace to go in the living room to tell Morgan that I messed up and that she actually needed to take ANOTHER spoon full. She immediately objected, and began to hide under a blanket on the couch. I entered the living room and said, "Morgan, just take a look it isn't as bad as the last one." She said matter of factly, "NO."

Grace said, "Just look Morgan!"

She slowly peeked out from under the blanket and when she saw chocolate chips, jumped up saying, "Yes! Daddy THANK YOU!" I said, "No, thank YOU! You've been such a good girl taking your medicine!"

I know. I know. She's going to demand chocolate chips after her medicine from here on out, but the dose is only for another 9 days, and if she's thinking about the chocolate chips, she's NOT thinking about the medicine, and she'll just take it down with less objection.

Tonight, it's time to charge my "daderies". I'm going over to mom and dad's SOLO to watch the Partiots battle the Jets in the playoffs. It is much needed time off duty for me, and much needed time with my parents. So much happens so fast here at the baby farm, that a week or two flys right by. I really do miss seeing them and spending time with them.

It's kind of an awful skill to have, but I'm completely tuned in to the social dynamics of every branch of my family. Of course, I'm constantly reading the moods of our four daughters and my bride, but I also have in the back of my mind that my parents want to see me too. I also know that my kids are also mom and dad's grand kids, and that relationship needs nurturing. It's hard work to keep the family tree from "needing a v8". I know that given the winds of change, a family tree is going to lean and sway from time to time.

This week, a micro burst of pneumonia hit the tree. It's beginning to stand upright again. Things are beginning to return to "normal" and I'm able to jump to another branch, and see mom and dad for a while. If the tree doesn't lean too hard here again in the near future, I'll jump over and see my sister and her family, and over to see my grandmother too.

Knowing your tree, and accepting that you can only be on one branch at a time lends a sense of comfort. And, realizing that you don't have to be the only climber in your family is a stark truth. Keep your branch open, and welcome other climbers. They'll climb when they can too.

Cheers,

4DAUTRZ