And the verdict is...

...a second bout of the stomach flu. I took Caitlin to her pediatrician yesterday, just to make sure nothing else is going on in her little tummy. The doctor feels like she coincidentally (and unfortunately!) got a second case of the flu. She is starting to eat a little bit, but still acts quite lethargic. She has lost 2 pounds since her 18 month check up - thank goodness the girl has some chub to spare! On top of the stomach yucks, we are battling colds too - when will it end?!

We do love the wet, wild, windy Washington weather (how's that for alliteration?!) for one reason: Mike's imminent departure has been delayed by a day. He is scheduled to leave on Friday now - we'll take any extra time we can get!

The Chicken House

First, a little background...

Since he could talk, Ryan has affectionately referred to McDonald's as "The Chicken House." I have no idea where he came up with it, but I don't correct him because I'd much rather have him call the Golden Arches by some obscure name than blurting out, "I want to go to McDonald's!"

Fast forward to this morning...

At almost 20 months old, Caitlin is starting to repeat everything - every word, every gesture...everything that we do. She is particularly interested in her big brother. She follows him around the house - singing if he is singing, jumping if he is jumping. Apparently she is also listening closely to everything he is saying.

This morning, as we were driving to Stroller Strides, she got very excited and started pointing out the window. I turned to look at what she found so exciting and of course, it was The Chicken House. After pointing for a bit, in her little, not-so-clear voice, I hear her saying, "House! House! House!" So, in her very limited vocabulary, she has essentially added, "McDonald's." I'm so proud of her! Ha!

At it again...

After a year-long hiatus, I've decided to resurrect our family blog. With Mike gone nearly all the time, I thought this would be a great way to keep in touch with him, as well as our family and friends throughout the country. Check back often for pictures, stories, recipes, etc.

In the meantime, here's a picture of our two little Seahawk fans. Compare this pic to 7-month old Caitlin's sweet, cherubic face in the post below! They have both changed so much in a year!