Peg’s Journal

Spending this New Year’s Eve hosting a Finger-Foods/Tapas Party with family and friends.

I’m rather glad this year is finally over…..2004 was a tough year for me and for those I care about. Aside from the birth of my precious Summer, this year was pretty shitty.
Nevertheless, I continue to count my blessings and am grateful for my good health, amazing husband, wonderful children, awesome family, very special friends, my wits, and my sanity.

Highlights of 2004:
- living in NorCal (specifically, with my parents) again
- Summer’s birth
- family vacation in Hawaii
- Mexican Riviera Cruise
- 7 weddings
- 6 engagements
- 21 births!!! :grin:

I’m praying and hoping for a happy, healthy, safe, and less tumultuous 2005 for us all.
So far it’s looking pretty good….Aric is due to return from his Taiwan project (permanently) in 13 days! YAY!
Here’s to 2005!

We’re all sick. Ashlyn caught a cold a couple of days ago. Despite my repeated request (turned yelling) to cover her mouth during sneezes and coughs, she managed to spread the wealth to me and her baby sister. UGH!…being sick and having to take care of two sick kiddies has got to be the worst.

Poor little Summer is in absolute misery. Besides being ill and having her nose wiped constantly (which she fights gum and nail), she’s got bowel problems. I’m not sure if it’s constipation (because she does pass tiny amounts of stool), but she screams out in pain whenever she’s trying to push. The frequency in her bowel movements is also a cause for concern…she went through way too many diapers in one day…leaving her little bottom raw and inflammed.
She and I barely slept last night. She sat up screaming and crying unconsolably throughout the night and morning. As I paced, rocked, and tried to comfort her at 4am, I was thinking, “wow…this must be what it’s like for most parents.” Rough.

Summer slept off and on throughout the day and seems to be feeling better now. Ashlyn, as always, will never let a cold stop her from being the same playful and cheerful self. I, however, was a complete grump…tired and achey. I just need more sleep. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Ashlyn and Summer’s pics of the day

For Ashlyn’s birthday, she got a Build-A-Bear gift card from her auntie Wil and uncle Tony. For months now, she’s been eagerly awaiting to redeem her gift…and yesterday she got the opportunity!

prepping and “washing” her dog with Wil

dressing her dog

*proud and beaming*

We spent the day at Valley Fair with Wil, Heather, and our nieces. To my surprise, the mall was just as crowded as pre-Christmas. After lunch, we headed toward Build-A-Bear. I lagged behind to talk to Aric on the phone…and by the time I joined them, I had missed the selection and stuffing ritual. Ashlyn excitedly showed off her new pink poodle who she lovingly named, “Pinky”. I wonder, would she have named the pooch “Brownie” if it were brown? hehehe

She never ceases to amaze me. I was marveled by her selection…she’s so much girlier than I thought. She topped that off by picking out a Disney’s Princess dress for her pup. HAHAHA!

I was blown away by the selection of clothing and accessories they have for the stuffed animals. It’s really insane. Aside from Disney and other designer labels, they have a line of clothing in which you can purchase an exact matching outfit for your kid at Limited Too! Wow.

Ashlyn is in love with her new creation. She held onto it tightly as she slept last night, and donned as similar oufit as Pinky this morning. TOO CUTE!!! Lucky girl’s still has enough credit on her gift card for another visit to Build-A-Bear. I was touched when she generously offered to make the next one for her sister. Awwwww! *sniff* What a sweetheart!