Just want to bang on these drums all day

This week has been such an incredible one for our little family. Now, Issa's pneumonia has thrown us for a loop, but it has been such a great week for the three of us. It's forced us to spend repeated days together inside our house. Cabin fever was certainly prevalent today, but it has actually been nice to not be allowed to go to the mall, etc.
We could have split up, and "tag-teamed" to do errands, but with how fussy this child is, we both feel bad doing so.
I love having Jacob here all day every day. And I love being here all day every day. This life could get old after a couple of weeks, but it has been just incredible for our little family. We've grown and learned more and more about one another. Jacob and I can get so busy with work that at times, weekends are just "recuperating" times, not time to really focus on each other.
So, with Tuesday, comes Jake's return to work. And I'll miss him. Lots.

Up on the housetop...

Issa started coughing on the 23rd, kind of just an annoying cough. But we didn't think much about it = no fever.
And Grandaddy was incredibly surprised to look up and see Mom, Dad, me, Jake, Brent, Rachel, and Issa standing there in Montgomery! We visited for a bit, and enjoyed spending time with him. Then it was back on the road to Tucker. We got home and Issa had began a fever on the 24th night. We sent her to bed with Motrin, and she slept okay. Christmas Day the fever continued, but with all the presents, she was so happy! We got her up on Christmas Day and asked her if she wanted to see if Hoho brought her her presents - she started crying, "no ho-ho!" - thinking the big red guy was downstairs! We assured her and brought her downstairs to the tree lit, and Santa's spread on the chair. She got a twin stroller, and a Cabbage Patch "big sister" set (two dolls). It was cute. We went down to Bibi/Pop's (my parents) for Christmas Breakfast there. She got a Weebles Castle there. Brent and Rachel got her an adorable Little People Preschool Learner. She loves it! It's so cute - has like 10 kids to play with, also! We played and played, and came back down to our house. Nana and Big and Julie and Justin and John all stopped by on their way to Bham. With Issa's fever and cough, we had to postpone our trip. They brought her an adorable car, and Nana and Big brought her a cute table/chairs set as well as a real porcelain teaset! Who taught her how to pour and play-pretend with it? Not me! But she is pouring and serving tea if you'd like to come over! She loves everything!
We had a very rough night, though, on Christmas night (almost went to ER), and at the doctor's office on the 26th AM, they confirmed pneumonia. It was pretty serious - breathing treatments immediately, and antibiotics, as well as oral steroids. Poor girl was SICK. So she continues to feel stronger and better, but we are cooped up for a couple of weeks at least. They said NO GROUPS of people (such a low immunity) for at least 2-3 weeks. So I probably will become the neurotic mother - "wash your hands please" - for a while.
All in all, we enjoyed seeing family, and feel so blessed. For a sweet wonderful toddler, and another one on the way. For sweet siblings that we love and adore. For supportive parents who would do anything for us at the drop of a hat. Geez, life is good... pictures later!

Merry Christmas, all!

We had a great day - both of our families came for our Holiday Drop-In, as well as many friends and neighbors. Issa conked out at 6:30 PM tonight. Yes, you read right. Six-thirty. And she'll sleep until tomorrow morning, thank you. I could tell stories about my views on healthy sleep habits... another post though.
We had a great time. Lots of good cheer, and fun friends. Our house was full and happy. Have you ever seen that commercial for Visa? It's something to the effect of: Cheese Tray: $30. Spiral Ham: $50. Beer/Wine: $100. A full house of family and good friends: Priceless.
I truly think our house was smiling today.
Tomorrow, all seven of us (mom, dad, me, jake, brent, rachel, issa) are waking up and leaving at 7:30 for Old Hickory House bfast, then to Montgomery to surprise my Gdad (dad's dad) at the nursing home for a visit, before we head back tomorrow night.
A full day! I hope Santa stops into this house!!! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Busy as bees

We have been busy, busy, busy! We are hosting a holiday drop-in at the house next Saturday, so we are busy getting last-minute decorations and food-planning complete. Jacob's parents came yesterday to help babysit Issa while we went to Leah's son's funeral. Our dear-to-our-heart babysitter's son was in a tragic accident on Monday in Athens. He was a wonderful husband and son - only 26 years old. Please keep her in your prayers. We have been getting Christmas together for everyone too. Issa's big "present" is her big-girl-bed! She's only 18 months, and doesn't quite "get" Santa, etc. So we are using this Christmas to get her a daybed/trundle bed! We're excited. My Mom got her the bedding, which is slowly coming in. I think it's all pretty cute! Any thoughts on transitioning a toddler or ideas to make it better? Here's a picture of the Gunn's from Thanksgiving.