This is what happens to my poor sweet baby girl when she has to take Steroids for asthma.  When she gets asthma attacks she has to take an oral steroid and she turns into this!  She also got a hold of the scissors and cut her own hair.  At 24 seconds she reminds me of the dramatic chipmunk video on youtube!

I really like this picture.  James took it of me and the kids at the Christmas tree farm this year.  I love that photos freeze time and it really doesn't matter how crazy things were before or after this shot, it happened.  For a split second I had all of my babies huddled around me, laughing and smiling, healthy, happy, and whole.  We may not be the most organized, well run, family around, but we are happy. 

     Some of you may not know that Brittany, Garret and Baby girl are actually living with us.  They will be moving to Utah in December and have moved in with us until they leave.  To  make a long story short, Brittany's apartment was broken into while she was home a few weeks ago.  The man ran away when he saw her but it was a very close call.  We all decided that it was best for her not to be alone vulnerable and stranded with no car with a newborn baby. 
    
     So, the sleepless nights have commenced!  I am realizing that sound really carries in my house, one of the drawbacks to having an open floor plan.  It is both fun and enlightening having a new baby at home.  I am definitely feeling complete with my four babies! 
 
      On top of the fact that there are now 10 people living under my roof (counting Mom) Claire has a major upper respiratory viral infection.  She has asthma and gets very bad asthma attacks when she gets sick.  I took her into the emergency room on Thursday night for steroids because after four visits to the ER for asthma attacks in the middle of the night, I have learned my lesson.  Have you ever hear the term "roid rage?"  Well, I can attest that it is very real, and Claire is full of it!

  Baby Tatum has had jaundice as well as some complications with hers and Brittany's blood type incompatibility.  She has been undergoing phototherapy for five days and since coming home Friday night has had to go in daily to get her levels checked.  With all of the ups and downs, testing, and not being able to hold or comfort her baby,Brittany is getting a crash course in Motherhood anxiety.
 
  Needless to say, between Tatum and Claire, none of the adults in the family are getting a whole lot of  sleep.  (Don't feel too bad for James and Garret).

   We are all very worried about Claire getting the baby sick.  I laid in bed with Claire all night last night just listening to her breathing patterns.  This is what Mothering is all about, worrying.  I'm just thankful for the energy reserves that have shown up to carry us all through.  Above all, I am thankful that I can take care of everyone in such comfort and warmth, with good food, movies and yummy goodies to keep high spirits.  I am amazed at how my house has expanded to accommodate the needs of our family.  What a gift.  This is the stuff that life is made of.  It is all of the beautiful moments in between the good, the bad, and the ugly, that fill my heart. 

Thanksgiving went as follows:

-My Mom and I cooked and baked to our hearts content in a quiet kitchen filled with soft music.  It was perfect.  (It was the first time since I have been married that I have been with my Mom on Thanksgiving)

-The kids played happily and quietly in the land of make believe (and technology).

-We feasted.

-We put food away and Mom and I rushed over to take Brittany and Garret a plate.

-I was called home from my visit with Britt to take Claire to the ER.

-Went to bed around 2:30.

-Mom and Britt went to sleep around 4:00 am