Our kids just don't get out in public that much since its like a minor military movement to take them anywhere, unfortunately the side effect of that is that it seems like every time they DO get out, they end up getting sick. Getting these little illnesses while they're small helps them to build up their immune systems, but it sure makes for a miserable time at home!

In fact, the last month has been pure MISERY for everyone here   First, the kids all got colds right after our trip to Sam's Fun City. Then, just when everyone seemed to be getting better they all came down with a horrible tummy virus - one right after the other, then mommy and daddy too. Of course, right around this time daddy also started having problems with a tooth - first an abcess, then a root canal and crown, and then the root of that same tooth fractured so eventually had to be pulled. I don't mind telling you (although daddy might) that we've had more than the usual number of babies up in here for the last month. THEN, as soon as everyone got over the tummy virus, our oldest woke in the middle of the night screaming that his ear hurt. He actually had blood draining from his ear - scared us to death! We practically had to drag him to the doctor, with him saying "I feel better, don't want to go" the whole way while this STUFF is draining from his ear. Turns out that he had TWO ruptured ear drums from infections in both ears - poor kid felt awful but was too scared of going to the doctor to admit it. A week (and $200+ worth of prescriptions) later he is FINALLY acting like he's feeling better, but now Sienna is not sleeping and is crying that her ear hurts too. The doctor told us that 3 out of 4 kids will get an ear infection before age five, so now I'm wondering how many more we have to look forward to   UGH!!!!!!! It's not even cold and flu season yet!