Rough Week!

Our poor little Addison has had a rough week.  It all started last Saturday evening (the 12th).  We had planned on attending a bonfire that was a work function.  I had the girls all loaded up in the car.  No sooner than I got onto the highway....BAM vomit city!! Every inch of Addison and her car seat, were covered in vomit.  I immediately got off at the first exit and headed right back home.  I didn't really think a whole lot of it because Addison is prone to car sickness, she didn't have a fever and she was acting perfectly fine.

On both Sunday and Monday we had another couple bouts with vomiting but she again had no fever and was acting perfectly fine.  She was eating fine, and other than the vomiting she was fine.  We just thought she had a small flu bug and were keeping a close eye on her.

Tuesday morning as soon as I get to work (shortly after 9), I get a call from my mother in law.  She said that Addison was lethargic, shaking, and constantly crying.  Addison is always such a happy girl so I immediately  knew something was really wrong.  I called the pediatrician and made an appointment for 12:20.  I called back home to let them know about the 12:20 appointment.  By that time Terry and Linda had decided to take her to immediate care and not wait for the 12:20 appointment.  The immediate care doctor rushed Addison to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.  By this time, I've left work and I'm driving 85 miles an hour to find out what is wrong with my little girl.  (Thanks Jody for reminding me to slow down and breathe)

Long story short, My little sweet girl was admitted for a very serious viral infection, labored breathing and severe dehydration.  Our ER doctor reminded us once again that "once a preemie, always a preemie".  He said that her little lungs just couldn't handle it and what might be just a routine flu bug for most kids, really hit her like a ton a bricks.  While I'm so thankful that my girls continue to thrive, I'm also reminded that "once a preemie always a preemie" and to never let my guard down.  This is something a lot of people just don't understand!!

Here are a few pictures of our chaotic few days:

Addison's and her IV cast.  She was such a trooper during this whole process.  I guarantee that I cried a whole lot more than she did!!

Thank goodness for piglet!  He also got an IV cast.  I can not say enough positive things about this hospital!  Everyone there was so incredible. 

Poor thing!  You can't tell it but her eyes are actually open in this picture.  She was so pitiful!

Starting to perk up a little.  Showing Daddy her ouch-eee on her arm.

Once we got home we were all exhausted!  This picture proves it 100%. 

Addison told me she was going to sleep in her cabinet.  I didn't believe her.  I just thought she was going to play with her toys in the cabinet. 

We have one cabinet in our kitchen that is the girls for their "cooking stuff". 

Nope, she was serious....she climbed right into her cabinet and went to sleep. 

We are all grateful to be back home now and on the mend.  Alexis has also had a few small episodes with vomiting but nothing as major as Addison.  For now we have stocked up on Popsicles, jello and crackers and we count our blessings that it wasn't nearly as serious as it could have been.

On another note:

Due to the fact that I have been MIA because of this whole hospitalization thing, I haven't had a chance to promote my Shutterfly giveaway.  I will keep the contest open until next Monday, November 21st.  At that time not two..... but three winners will be announced.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Give Away Time....

It's that time of year again, where I begin scrambling to find the perfect outfits to put together our annual holiday photos. Obviously for some reason, I feel compelled to wear a red sweater every year??  Might need to switch that up this time. 

I love looking back at our holiday cards and reflecting on how far we have come.....

2009 Holiday Card

2010 Holiday Card

One great thing that I don't have to worry about is designing my cards.  The past two years I have used Shutterfly to help create my Christmas cards.  Even for the working mom, who finds herself technologically challenged at times...IT'S SUPER EASY AND FUN!

All I have to do is pick the perfect photos and pop them into the pre-designed cards and viola! a perfect family memento.  In years past, we have also designed mugs and key chains for the family as gifts.  Grandparents LOVE these keepsakes.  Shutterfly has tons of photo gifts that you can personalize with your own family photos to make your own.

For those of you who prefer to send "holiday cards" as opposed to Christmas cards, Shutterfly has awesome options to help!  With thousands of different design ideas, there is sure to be something that will fit you and your family perfectly.

 Shutterfly's original and distinctive designs make a great choice when you want to leave a lasting impression.  This holiay season show your friends and family they mean more to you than an email or a store-bought card, and send a personalized photo card that reflects your unique style. Peruse their collection of personalized Christmas Cards, and photos gifts today!

AND NOW FOR THE FUN PART!!!

I have been invited by Shutterfly to offer two of my readers with 25 FREE holiday cards from Shutterfly!!!

Here is what you need to do to enter....

1.  Become a follower of this blog. You MUST be a follower to win!

2.  Leave me a comment on this blog post with your email address to contact you if you win.

3.  In your comment let me know if you are a new follower or an old.  If new, let me know how you found my blog....If old, let me know how long you have been following.

Winners will be chosen via a random drawing and notified by email on or after November 15, 2011.  So be sure to get your entries in before November 15th.  GOOD LUCK!!

Halloween 2011

Due to the fact that I've been under the weather with bronchitis, which seems like it has hit me like a ton of bricks.....I'm severely behind on my blogging.  I'm hoping to catch up soon!

Our Halloween started with Mommy taking a sick day from work, not sure if she would actually make it out trick or treating with the kiddos.  So far the only downside I have found to being a parent, is that you don't get a sick day from being a Mommy.  We spent most of the day like this....

I finally convinced myself that if I didn't go with the girls that I would regret it later.  So we headed out.  Here are a few pictures.  They aren't the greatest but I was struggling to chase the kiddos, take pictures and be sick all at the same time.  The girls had a blast....  Addison saying "trick my feet" her version of trick or treat smell my feet, and Alexis saying "treat or treat". 

One of our neighbors had dressed up like a witch.  Addison ran the other way screaming "she scary mommy she scary", Alexis wasn't quite sure but wasn't about to pass up getting her candy.