Attitude

at·ti·tude n.

1. A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself: stood in a graceful attitude.

2. A state of mind or a feeling; disposition

 

Winter months are always long...but thankfully never dull around here.  We are now officially halfway through Rylee's mandatory "house arrest."  While it's difficult to stay in, it's what keeps her safe and as healthy as possible. 

She's had a rough few weeks with a mystery ailment that didn't increase her seizure activity but affected her respiratory system.  The hardest part of having Rylee is that she cannot tell us, in words, what's wrong.  We think it was a minor cold-which we are relieved to say didn't head into pneumonia.   Thankfully she seems to be stabilizing and breathing normally again.  We are always incredibly aware of the great medical team surrounding her, and very thankful that they took the time to properly educate us so we can give Rylee the best care possible-in her home with her family.

 

We had a very nice Christmas and New Year's.  Lots of family and friends stopping by - everyone knows the routine...leave your coat on the rack by door, take off your shoes, wash hands in warm water for at least one minute (preferably while singing a random show tune and hopping on one leg), apply GermX up to elbows...and then settle in for good food, loads of laughter and noise, and snuggles.  Aaron jokes and says if I could, I would have a HazMat OSHA approved shower at my front entrance.  (Note to self-Google "human sized autoclave" and "how hot can humans get?) 

It's not that we are "germ-a-phobes" necessarily...we just don't want to contaminate Rylee.

Doesn't that sound like a great front door sign? 

"Welcome-No Cross Contamination Allowed."

 

Our bonus room hosted our first "Girls Night In" with some of our crew-we ate entirely too much and critiqued Carrie Underwood's Maria.  10 out of 10 for singing abilities.  5 out of 10 for acting.

General consensus was men, namely those named Rolf, should never wear knickers.

Rylee loved all the attention and always enjoys the music.
 

We've had several hilarious-"I think I pulled a groin muscle"-Wii nights with friends.  Dance Revolution never fails to remind the grown ups how decrepit we really are when all the kids want to know who Journey, Backstreet Boys, and Europe are.  Definitive proof no one has "Moves like Jagger" except Mick and Adam Levine. 
Encore paybacks to all the children? 
One of the couples breaks out "Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing!
 

Fondue nights are an ever present occasion-folks just seem to turn up with random packages of bread, cheese, or sweets.
 

We are also gearing up for the annual St.Patrick's Party with sweet friends.

 

 So-to all the crazy folks who make sure our family's mandatory house arrest
doesn't feel like "solitary confinement..." 

Thank you and we can't wait to see you.*  

                 

 *Invitation null and void if you or anyone within a five mile radius have had,

but not limited to, one of the following:

vomiting, a productive cough, diarrhea, nausea,

or any additional symptom covered on a NyQuil commercial.

 

Love you.  Mean it.