Ewww, can winter be over now?

Everyone I know is sick and I am scared. It's been less than two weeks now since my entire family (with Claire being the lucky exception) passed around the flu. That was an entire week spent inside, and it was torture. Now Dennis is home with strep, both our neighbors across the street have strep, and a little girl that Emmie recently played with has strep. I am scared. I don't think I can handle another bout of sickness in this house again. I spent the night Lysoling EVERYTHING, and can't wait to kick Dennis off the couch to try to disinfect that as well. I am obsessed. Spring/summer cannot be here soon enough!

I had an appointment with my midwives today. Everything is looking good, other than my iron count being unusually low. They said if I don't bring it up by my next appointment (in two weeks) I'll have to go on supplements. I've heard those have some gross side-effects, so that doesn't thrill me. At least this is an explanation for why I've been more tired than usual these last few weeks (other than being a mom, being pregnant, and taking care of sick people for weeks on end now). I was given a list of iron-rich foods to eat as much of as possible, and beef is near the top. I asked her if that means I can tell my husband that it is his obligation to take me out for a steak dinner, for my medical well-being. She said a steak dinner would be great, or liver. I pick steak. Hear that, Dennis?

The girls were all there with me at the appointment. Emmie was so sweet. She was very concerned about them pricking my finger for the iron test, although I repeatedly reassured her that it wouldn't hurt at all and that mommy would be fine. She then asked, "Mommy, are you going to cwy?" I said, "No, Honey, it's not a big deal. Don't worry." Then she said, "Mommy is vewy bwave." Then Kaiya got after the nurse for giving me a plain, boring band-aid and asked if there were any Dora or Barbie ones around. The nurse got a kick out of that.

Claire said her first prayer all by herself tonight. She's been watching Kaiya and Emmie say prayers every night, and I've been encouraging her to try. She usually just lets me say whatever, and then yells Amen! and throws her arms out wide. This time she folded her arms and muttered to herself for a good 30 seconds. Then before saying "Amen" she glared at Emmie, put her finger to her lips, and shushed her. I loved it. My baby is getting so big.