Honey Creek Resort

Yesterday we drove a couple hours South to the Honey Creek Resort to stay overnight. They have a small indoor water park and we thought it would be something fun to do with Bennett while the weather is still cool here. We had a lot of fun at the pool but the overnight part was not so pleasant! We were hoping Bennett's pack 'n play would fit in the bathroom but it was far too small so we had to "hide out" in the room with all the lights off while he was trying to fall asleep. What do other parents do in this situation?? Just go to sleep when your kids do? Or let them stay up later than usual? We haven't had Bennett in a hotel in, I can't remember how long, so that was a learning experience. Anyway, it took him a long time to finally go to sleep and I've had a cold so the rest of the night was interrupted by my incessant coughing and nose-blowing. And then of course Bennett woke up early saying, "Where'd Mommy and Daddy go?"

We'd recommend the hotel for it's cheap spring rates but probably better for kids a tad older. Overall though, it was fun watching Bennett play in the pool and get prepped for lots of splashing this summer!

Day at the Zoo

Bennett reading GG's paper on the way to the zoo.

Today we went to the zoo with Nana, Poppy and GG. (Jon's parents and grandma) It was such a gorgeous day and we had a fun time. Unfortunately, a few exhibits weren't open yet but at least that will give us something to look forward to next time. Bennett absolutely loved the Tiger and there was one inside that would come right up to the window, so Bennett got an eye-to-eye view with it. That was his favorite part! He got to feed the llamas too and he was pretty brave about it!

Bennett's angry ABC's

Random Bennett moments

Bennett had Rotavirus over 2 weeks ago but he's definitely still remembering and thinking about it. Every now and then he'll be sitting in his highchair, or getting his diaper changed and he'll cough and say, "throw-up." And I say, "no, honey, you're not going to throw-up". Then he asks me, "Mommy throw-up?" and I'll tell him, "no, mommy's not going to throw-up." Its pretty funny but I'm never going to know if he's really feeling bad again!
A toddler milestone: he's started asking that oh-so-common question, "What's that?" although it comes out like Wuz-at? It was weird, we were in the bathroom yesterday and he started asking it over and over again about all the stuff in the cupboards that he's seen a thousand times. He'd never said it before in his life but I guess he's interested in expanding his vocabulary :)
Highlight of our week: Jon got us a family zoo pass! Most people know of Bennett's obsessive fascination with animals and we've been so excited to take him. We were going to go this morning but its too cold so we'll go soon. We're going to spend a lot of time there this summer! He paid the extra $10 so we can bring 2 other people for free so if you ever want to come along, feel free to ask!

And the baby is...

A Boy! We were surprised by the news but its always fun to find out either way. The biggest pros: obviously it will be much more economical to use all of the same boy stuff and I also won't have to fight hard for a third child which I may have had to do if this one had been a girl!
Bennett came with us to the appointment but he was much more excited that he got a Wonder Pets sticker at the doctor than by the fact he's having a brother. Not too surprising there.

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter this year starting with an unbelievable Good Friday service at our church that had a huge impact on Jon and me. And today we had a delicious lunch (and leftovers for dinner!) at the Colyer's with both of our families after church. The highlight of the day was the egg hunt in the backyard (although a little chilly) which Bennett really got into. It was a blast watching the little kids look for the eggs and Bennett got a huge kick out of opening each one to discover what was inside. Poppy (Jon's dad) even got him to finish his dinner by hiding bites of food in the eggs. It was pretty hilarious and Bennett totally fell for it.

Story time with Bennett

A little positive self-talk

Bennett has recently started encouraging himself at funny times. Everytime we go to the chiropractor and he gets adjusted or when the doctor looks in his ears or mouth, he says, "You did it!", referring to himself.
I just watched Bennett standing in the living room, doing a little number 2 in his diaper. As soon as he finished he said in a high-pitched excited voice, "You got it, baby! You got it!". For an almost 2 year old- even potty business is worth cheering about!

My personal daylight savings

So I went to bed super early last night--as in lights out at 9:30. I love to sleep. Always have, always will. I was so proud of myself for actually accomplishing such a feat since I had to get up at 6:30 since I'm singing at church today and have to be there by 8. Those mornings are usually so rough because I require 9 hours of sleep. Well, I was actually going to get 9 hours! So I get all ready, come down to the kitchen to find some breakfast to eat in the car and notice the clock says 6:45. What the heck??! I check my cell phone- sure enough, 6:45. Somehow I moved the clock forward an hour when I set my alarm last night. For someone who loves sleep, this was devastating news!!! I kept wondering why it was still dark outside. :) So anyway, I have another 30 minutes or so til I need to leave, although the good news is, I can now stop at Panera for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
The other good news is, Bennett is finally better! He actually had semi-solid poop yesterday. I'd never been so excited about his poop before!! He's still really whiny though. I think he got used to all the cuddling and babying because the last few nights, he's cried out at least 3 times after I put him to bed and he's been throwing lots more fits. Jon and I are trying our best to whip him back him to shape! (not literally)

The Verdict

Turns out our poor little guy has Rotavirus. Don't ask me exactly what it is beyond a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system. Bottom line: lots of vomiting and diarrhea that lasts between 7 and 12 days. Nothing to treat it with other than giving him lots of fluids and making sure he's not getting dehydrated. It definitely makes a lot more sense than just a flu bug, since his vomiting and diarrhea have been so sporadic- just once one day, then 4 times the next...but regardless, its been over a week already so we should definitely be seeing the end here very soon! I feel like its a miracle I haven't gotten it yet since I'm not exactly the most germ-conscious person! But I've definitely been washing my hands a lot and so far I've been spared.

I spoke too soon...more throw-up.

I'm crossing my fingers that we're coming out of this awful stomach virus. He only threw up once yesterday and it wasn't too much (although he didn't have much in his stomach). And this morning he actually ate a really good breakfast, took his medicine for his ears and ate a tiny bit of lunch with no throwing up. He still has hardly any energy and is sleeping a lot but hopefully we're through with the throwing up.
And I've gotten a few more boxes unpacked today--feels like a good day so far!