Birthdays and Such

We had a really good time for Joseph's birthday party--pictures and write-up to follow--and are so glad so many could come join us. Thank you all very much.

Today, everything seemed to be reminding me of exactly how I felt and what I was doing two years ago. When the alarm went off, I remembered that at that time on the day Joseph was born I was at the hospital already, hooked up to an IV and about to get my water broken. Joseph had his two-year check-up at 11, and that made me think about being in advanced labor. He got a shot and a toe prick and was ultra snuggly and cranky for an hour or so afterward, just like holding a newborn only much, much heavier. Heavy enough to make my back spasm at that permanent crick I've got and remind me of how sick of being pregnant I was then (I'd add a "too" but I, mercifully, haven't reached that point, yet), causing me to ask my doctor to induce me the instant June rolled around. We finished up lunch around 1:30 and Elena said that Joseph was 2 now. I looked at the clock and saw that it was right about the time Joseph was born, so he was exactly two years old, right then. Then I took a nap for most of the afternoon because I was so tired and my back hurt every time I tried to walk. Even one of Rick's webcomics reminded me of when I had Joseph. Crazy-weird to do that all day long, but it's been kind of nice to know I've still got the memories.

Some things have been not so good, or felt out of place, or something. I've got this coughing thing that makes me miserable in the morning and makes it hard(er) to breathe the rest of the time. Joseph's ear infection is coming back and he'll have to do another round of orange goop. And Elena has a 103 degree fever. She says everything else feels fine--head, throat, stomach, etc.--and I've talked to a couple moms that have had the same thing happen. This also brought up the one down side to potty training--it's much harder to diagnose diarrhea when you're not changing diapers five times a day. Jonathan's just fine, though, and has been so wonderful to fill in while I'm a bit out if it.