Aimee, I would definitely bump back Em's bedtime by at least an half an hour. Especially if she's still taking an afternoon nap. And what everyone else said about the toys. Owen rarely wakes up at night but even if he wakes before six, I'll bundle him back in bed with a book and a toy. Be consistent--if she thinks she can wear you down and sleep with you guys, she won't quit until she knows you guys won't relent.

Olivia's back to waking up once a night (teething? aftermath of a cold? who know.) We're working on self-soothing.

We gave Ben some Tylenol about an hour ago, but it hasn't touched his fever. In fact, the fever has risen a degree or so, since then, so I just gave him Motrin. I marked it on the calendar, so I would remember which drugs he had, and when. I was putting away the pen, when I found this note -- written in an oh so familiar hand -- on top of the mail organizer we keep in the kitchen:

Cindy I will never freget are kiss at the Blues Diner Love, John. P.S. Meta me there at 10:00. ♥

I don't know if I should be more concerned by the spelling and punctuation, or the fact that my own daughter is trying to give me a reputation.

vw, do you have seasonal mental health problems? If so, absolutely nothing would beat a bad-season cruise.

My mental health problems do not discriminate by season, so really, a cruise anytime will work!

Teppy the white devil

She’s become one of us!

Little disappointed now.

Awww…Beverly, that just sucks! I’m so sorry. I hope you can plan something else again soon.

He got the big grins on his face when I showed him the container and proceeded to give him another scoop. He was very happy and ate it all up.

Awwww! That sounds like a good Aidan birthday.

I had the Day From Hell at work yesterday. Then we did taxes last night, and I discovered that my take-home for 2006 was right around $1000. For the year.

Holy cow! That would sting. {{{Raq}}}

Oh, Cindy! I hope the little guy feels better soon.

I was just out walking Toto, and the kid next door was walking his new dog, Gio, who is SUPER cute. Toto and Gio got to meet, and it was clearly much fun for them both. But, the kid started complaining about how cold it was, and I looked at him and in a total mom voice said, “M, zip up your coat!”

I have a mom voice!

Temps warming up here. Last night it was -16 F, but started warming after midnight, to about -2 F in the wee hours.

It has held steady for several hours and is filling the area with big fluffy snow I usually associate with much warmer temps.

Still? it might warm up to as much as the single digits above zero (Fahrenheit) today.

Bless Fay and vw for their wonderful smile-making stories.

ION, the gronk she is mighty.

I tink I'm getting a code. I don't hab time for a code.

I have no good advice on getting kids to stay in bed since mine never did. Then again, I didn't try real hard. When they went to school they had to be in their rooms by whatever time, and then lights and other electronics have to be off by whatever time. Still most mornings I find Brendon asleep with a book smooshed under his face and Bobby with his radio on. Our deal is if they give me a hard time in the morning I will give them a hard time at night.

I knew vw had a mom voice!

Oh Beverly, I'm sorry and disappointed for you. I hope you get your time off very very soon.

Did a bunch of stuff at work since I started this post. Oops. Stupid work.

Still? it might warm up to as much as the single digits above zero (Fahrenheit) today.

I'm so hoping the warming trend continues until tomorrow. Sammie's got an appointment at the vet.'s for annual shots, and I was dreading bringing her out into such cruel cold.

Deena, I'm glad yesterday ended up on a positive note. I hope cake day goes well.

Robin, ugh on the uncooperative girly bits. I'm one of those the doctor said to try and stick it out through menopause. Supposedly the fibroid will shrink back down then. Unless things get worse I'm resigned to waiting, especially after listening to your travails. It makes me realize just how bad it actually could be.

{{Bev}} What a bummer! I hope you and B. get another chance to take off and relax, soon.

Cindy, better luck getting whatever Ben needs to get rid of the fever. You guys have been through enough with this crap, already.

I just spoke to the maintenance guy for my apartment. He and his wife (the manager) were both in my place yesterday and they agree that it's cold. (Shock!) So they're going to be putting in more heaters. Hopefully today.

Whew.