Icky

That is the best word to describe our house right now. It started on Saturday with AJU6 throwing up 5 times. Sunday was "clear" but we also took it really easy. Yesterday morning AJU5 woke up not feeling well, and she started puking around 6am. I think she puked 5-6 times, and luckily she has been "clear" since about noon yesterday. But, she still has a fun cough and isn't herself yet. I started felling bad yesterday afternoon. It got really bad around 5pm just as my husband got home from work (huge blessing that it stayed away until then!). I was "stuck" in bed basically all night. By around 11pm, I was a little better, able to go downstairs and get my cell phone and my own drink without thinking I was going to die along the way. Since then I just have been mending from getting very dehydrated.
My husband started getting sick around 2am. He has been stuck in bed almost all day. He was supposed to leave on a work trip this morning, but that is on hold. He did get out of bed around noon, but then he overdid it and ended up back in bed.
AJU7 started throwing up this morning. She threw up once in her bed and then once as we went downstairs. Since then I think she has thrown up 4-5 times. Most of the time I only notice because I either see it or feel it. She doesn't complain unless it comes out her nose (and she can't breathe well). That means she is attached to me right now so I know if she gets sick again.
AJU6 has also had some bad diapers last night and today. He seems to be "acting" like AJU5 did two years ago when the stomach bug last hit our house. She would puke one day, have bad diapers the next, etc. It last almost a week with her, although AJU6 seems to have done all the puking in one day.
I just hope we are done with it after today. I have done more laundry and carpet cleaning the last few days then I do in some months. I am tired of all of that house work for sure!

So New Routines

I am finally getting more sleep at night. AJU7 still isn't a great sleeper - waking 2-4 times a night - but I don't expect any different since her siblings were that way. But, what has made a huge difference the past few weeks is getting AJU5 to stay in her bed and not come to our room unless she sees a light on. The past two mornings, she has opened their door numerous times between 5:30 and 6:15 only to go back to sleep. I have also heard her in the night open it, but she isn't coming to our bed at least. AJU7 will sleep until about 6:15 or 6:30, and AJU6 will sleep past 6:00 if he doesn't hear us, so it is a lot better than the 5:15 they were trying to do. Weekdays are harder though. My husband is up around 4:30 to work out. He then leaves for work by 5:45. It is fine if AJU5 wakes while he is not in the shower or actually leaving the house. But, if she wakes at like 5:35, then I have to get up with her. Also, if she wakes when he is in the shower, I might have to get up.

I am also working out most afternoons while AJU6 (and normally AJU7) are napping. I am using the Kinect Your Shape 2012, and I am trying to get in 30-45 minutes at least a day. I started over a month ago, and I can tell I am in better shape. Unfortunately the weight isn't coming off, but at least I am in better shape! Maybe soon the weight will come off (12 lbs still to go). I guess that is one big positive of AJU7 not really eating solids yet (she spits them back out 99.9% of the time) - I am still her primary food source and hence burning more calories that way.

I am also having to be more diligent with cleaning up, as AJU7 is mobile. She isn't really crawling, but she can inchworm all around the house. She can almost make it up the step from the living room to the kitchen even. It won't be long until we really have to sort through the toys and hide the choking hazards...

Teething - Ugh!

AJU7 is teething. She is crying a ton more than normal. It is a lot harder to lay her down and keep her asleep. And she isn't sleeping as long.

Add a little guy (AJU6) getting over a bug (I think he is better now), and it is "fun" around here. AJU6 is SUPER clingy and wants me to play with him the whole time.

So, I have a clingy AJU7 when she is tired, a clingy AJU6, and an AJU5 who still wants attention. I guess that is why our house is a mess... and I am stressed... But I know it could be a lot worse. The younger two just went down for naps, so now I can get the laundry another step towards done. And hopefully I can get a workout in too...

Keeping Me On My Toes

AJU7 has decided to change things up a little recently. First, about a week ago, she decided she didn't want to sleep on my arm all night long (she starts in her bed, but she sleeps with me after she wakes the first time). She will let out a single cry, I slide her off my arm, and she is "good" for at least a few hours. I like having my arm back anyways, so it isn't a huge deal. It is just something new to get used to.

Yesterday she decided to scream like crazy when she was tired. Walking around with her in my arms slightly calmed her, but she didn't' want to fall asleep. In a moment of desperation, I just laid her in her bed. And guess what - she went right to sleep once I gave her her lovey and wrapped her in her blanket. She did this every time yesterday too. I of course like this as well because it means getting her to sleep is VERY easy. It gives me about 15 minutes back each time.

Finally, last week she decided she was just too big to be in the sling while shopping. I have been wearing her a lot more than I ever wore her siblings. With 3 kids, there just isn't room for a car seat in the shopping cart! Plus, she always woke up when I was getting the kids out of the car anyways, so the only times I would leave her in the car seat where when it was raining/snowing (which is rare around here - maybe twice in almost 6 months she has stayed in her car seat for shopping trips with all three kids). After having her fight me all the way around Costco, I let her sit int he shopping cart while we go our "Costco juice" (berry smoothie) and "ice cream" (frozen yogurt) on our way out. She was instantly happy! So, yesterday when we went to Costco, I just immediately put her in the seat with AJU5 next to her (and AJU6 in the back). She was content the whole trip. She wasn't as content last week when we went to Wal-Mart - only making it half way around the store without wanting to be held - though. I think it depends on how awake she is. So, I will continue to bring the sling with us for a few more weeks, knowing I may or may not use it.