The LaGreca Family

I feel like I have neglected the blog for awhile now. A few posts here and there, but nothing great.

Sorry to disappoint you if today was the day you were expecting something “great” — I don’t think I have it in me.

We appear to be surviving this week. And I thought last week was going to be one for the record books (with Joe out of town for 3 days and me attempting single-parenthood). It’s only Wednesday, and we have already been struck with the stomach bug in both boys (NCL was sick for 6 hours and when he was done, AJ was awake at 3:45am telling me he wanted to “play” — SAY WHAT?!?!?) After AJ’s bought with the stomach bug on Monday night – Tuesday he developed croup (his 4th or 5th time having it).

This week, I am tired. All this craziness at home — and there has been no relief at work. I am SO busy. I can’t keep up. I need to work a few more hours each day, but given our circumstances at home – putting in extra time at the office just wasn’t in the cards for me.

The boys have fully recovered from the stomach bug — and since we had AJ at the doctor on Tues night – we decided to eat out. AJ enjoyed the live music at Casa De Pico.

In other news, I recently taught NCL how to play UNO…and, he loves it.

I will not lie..I LOVE it, too. I have my own little buddy to play cards with now. I can’t wait to teach him NERTS!!

AJ needs another haircut (clearly evidenced above). I cut his hair ALL the time! It grows so fast…and SO much! Joe still loves it. He thinks the “after nap fro” is the way to go.

We got a new TV. Yes, the people that don’t have cable — got a new, GIANT TV. The boys love it (of course). Joe and I like it, too. And we might even be able to finish a movie on it…in another week or so.

NCL’s stitches are out and he is nearly healed (the picture was taken on Saturday AM, right after they took the stitches out). I am 100% sure I made the right decision on opting for the stitches. I can’t imagine how long it would have taken had we just let it heal on its own!

The boys and I still like to do self-portraits on my phone. And we all like to giggle

As tired as I get sometimes, I still love to play with these two goofballs. The other day we got all the wooden cars, trucks and blocks out. NCL made a castle and we lined all the wheels up. That may not sound super excited to some of you, but I had a blast. I love these boys!!

And…that’s my update….

This kid is a total clown.

He is always trying to make someone laugh.

On Wednesday, Nicholas had his 4 year check-up. He had 2 of the 4 shots he needs for Kindergarden and he didn’t love that (Daddy was WAY more nervous about it — and hated holding him down). But as always, he did great and told me all about it that night at dinner.

(Joe was kind enough to snap a picture of NCL in his gown — so I would have a picture for the blog)

I thought that was it for NCL and “medical” visits for awhile, especially since he is a VERY healthy kid. Here we are, 2 days later — and we had to make another (unexpected) trip to the doctor.

NCL cut his left thumb on a metal piece on the back of his closet door. We had friends over for dinner (luckily we had already finished eating) and all 3 adults said he probably needed stitches (I couldn’t look while we were at the house — there was a LOT of blood and I don’t do well looking into deep, open wounds…and I knew I needed to save my “mom strength” for the hospital trip.)

This boy is SO, SO tough. The worst part (of course) was the 2 shots they had to give him to numb the thumb. It took me and 2 nurses to hold him down. At one point he yelled out “STOP!! You’re hurting me!!!”

Once it was numb, it was a piece of cake. He was stitched up (4 stitches) while watching Mighty Mouse on YouTube…he picked out stickers (fast race cars, of course) and…we went home for ice cream.

I am sure he will be sore tomorrow and he can’t have a bath for a little over a week (while he has the stitches)…but he will be fine. He was just happy that it finally stopped bleeding.

I am glad he is ok and I am thankful for doctors…..but I prefer the “planned” visits, not the “surprise” Friday night emergencies!

Our livingroom pillows and blankets have been Nicholas’ FAVORITE “toys” for the last month or so.

It NEVER fails. As soon as I get all the blankets folded and all the pillow are correctly placed on the couch — I leave the livingroom and 5 minutes later — the above happens.

Sometimes they are ALL piled on one couch and he informs us that he has made a bumper car or a space shuttle. Sometimes he makes a nest on the floor or maybe it’s a super fast race car (he uses a pillow as the “door” to the car).

I even try to “hide” the blankets on the other side of the couch — to prolong the messy livingroom. It doesn’t help. I would have to remove them completely if I really wanted the livingroom to stay clean. But….that wouldn’t be much fun Watching him “create” is awesome. I love it. Having a messy livingroom is totally fine — I am used to it — I wouldn’t want it any other way.

One of the most popular books in our house is “Little Blue Truck”

I believe it was a gift to NCL from Aunt Lisa (for his 2nd birthday, maybe). Although NCL enjoyed the book, there is NO doubt that AJ absolutely LOVES the book. I have no idea how many time I have read it — and he often cons others into reading it to him when I need a break.

When I found a sequel to “Little Blue Truck” online, I felt like I had hit the lottery! Of course, I ordered it right away and knew it would be the perfect Christmas gift for AJ.

“Little Blue Truck Leads the Way” is a cute story but not as good as the 1st (isn’t that always the case?) Nicholas seems to really like the sequel and AJ is still content with the original.

I caught a picture of them each reading a “Little Blue” book the other day.

I can’t even tell you how much I enjoy watching the books “read” books. NCL loves to sit and have me read to him. After one story is done, he is begging for the next. This last week has been super fun in many ways — but one of my favorite things has been our many story times on the livingroom floor. I hope my boys continue to enjoy books as much as I do