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Last Saturday I had the pleasure of taking the boys to Urgent Care to be checked out after being feverish for a few days. For the entire story you can read my post "Mama Called the Doctor and the Doctor Said" on my old blog www.tahoebrowders.blogspot.com.
The diagnosis was an upper respiratory infection for both boys with double ear infections for Sam. We were given a five day dose of antibiotics for each boy especially considering they had been exposed to strep throat while playing with their cousins.
We finished the antibiotics yesterday but Sam continued to put forth a fountain of snot all day yesterday and this morning. And Ben coughed his way through his rest yesterday, through bedtime last night, and for a couple hours after waking this morning. The doctor we saw last Saturday encouraged me to bring the boys back for a follow-up if their symptoms persisted. I figured this was a good choice considering that I had been dealing with a sore throat since Wednesday.
We arrived at Urgent Care within minutes of them opening this morning.

Here's the good news:

Neither of the boys are running fevers.
Sam's ears are no longer infected.
The drainage that is causing Ben's cough and Sam's snot-nostril fountains seems to be mostly allergy related (nothing a little Zyrtec won't cure).
I am not running a fever.
I do not have ear infections.

Here's the bad news:

Because of the continuous feel of snot in his nose, Ben has become a picker....yuck!
Once it's been picked it is often smeared on the nearest shirt (including mine).
Sam's nose is red and nearly cracking where it's been wiped a hundred times in a few days.
No matter how much lotion I put on my hands it doesn't seem to counteract the dryness caused by the never-ending hand washing.
AND, now for the piece de resistance...
I have strep throat.

A New Chapter - A New Beginning - A New Blog

Today marked Ben's first official day as a schoolboy. He was awake early with the first words to cross his lips, "Today I get to go to preschool!"

Usually Ben needs some time to get moving in the morning, often eating breakfast as late as an hour after Sam who needs food as soon as he is awake. But today, Ben willing got cleaned up, dressed, and had breakfast all before 7:30 A.M. He was also happy to pose for a few pictures for me.

Back pack on - ready to go!

A "Welcome Back to School" gift basket for Ben's teachers.

Dapper and dashing.

Sam all ready for his first day solo (with Mommy) at TCF.

We arrived at the Incline Village Nursery School shortly before 9:00 A.M. and were promptly greeted by several other kids and families we know. We entered the classroom, which happens to be on the ground floor of our church, St. Patrick's Episcopal, and met Ben's teachers - Ms. Barbara, Ms. Joan, and Ms. Noelle. We had taken along a gift basket of snacks for the teachers to welcome them back for another year of school. Ben was given a name tag and immediately started exploring the classroom with Sam tagging along. Before the bell rang for the opening circle time Ben managed to play in the kitchen area, blocks/building area, and with a toy cash register. He was joined by several of his TCF buddies and some unfamiliar faces as well.

Parents were welcome to stay for the beginning of circle time before going to the upstairs patio for refreshments and a meet and greet. Sam and I looked on while the teachers led a couple of songs and the daily weather/calendar activities. When it was time for the parents to depart the only kid who shed a tear was Ben. I gave him a quick hug and let Ms. Noelle comfort him as Sam and I made our way out. By the time I was to the door, Ben had calmed down and other parents who made their way to the patio after me assured me that he was fine.

After Sam and I enjoyed the refreshments with the other parents and little brothers and sisters, we headed to TCF for the Monday bilingual program. Sam had a great time even without Ben but was still excited to go back to pick Ben up from preschool at 11:30. When we went into the classroom to get Ben he was all smiles! In the car on the way home he told me about the things he liked doing, which included everything!

Today begins a new chapter for all of us. We are now officially a family that is locked into the school calendar. Long gone are the days when the boys and I could just pack up to go visit friends and family any old time. Despite having our wings slightly clipped, we are excited to have a proud preschooler! But seriously, where has the time gone?

Ben with one of his teachers, Ms. Noelle.

Ben's box.

Sam getting a chance to check out Ben's classroom too.

Max, Ashley, and Ben - TCF buddies now schoolmates.

Ben and Ashley, two peas in a pod.

A view of part of the classroom.

Tools and blocks for building.

Opening circle time.

Geo the giraffe.