I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Drew turned 4 this week and he is so excited to be one year older. The day before his birthday he kept asking, "Am I 4 yet?" He decided he wanted a Batman birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese so we had it scheduled for last Saturday. Drew had been sick all week so I was really hoping he would be well enough for his party. He was not getting any better so I decided to take him to the doctor the morning of his party. It turned out he had a double ear infection, a perforated eardrum, a stomach virus, and we were sent to the hospital for a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. He was obviously more sick than I thought so while we waited at the hospital, I called the guest list and cancelled the party indefinately. I had ordered a Batman cake from Wal-Mart and when I went to pick it up later that day, I asked how long it would keep in the freezer because we weren't able to have the party that day. And to Wal-Mart's credit, the nice girl in the bakery told me I didn't have to take the cake or pay for it and I could just re-order one when Drew was well enough to have a party. I was surprised and very glad I didn't have to pay for a cake I couldn't use. (I mean, I would have given it a valiant effort by myself but I don't think even I could have finished it in 4 days. Or at least I wouldn't tell anyone I did.)
Drew ended up getting a shot of antibiotics and about 6 prescriptions. We found out later that day that he did have pneumonia. So we cancelled the rest of our weekend and settled in for a few days of sick kids. Avery got sick also--not with pneumonia but she had the stomach virus and a double ear infection as well. She also got an antibiotic shot and both kids are almost as good as new right now. With both kids sick at once, I think I did 27 loads of laundry each day. Everyone got fresh sheets at least twice a day (including us--no bed was safe), the carpet got a good cleaning, and carseats were hosed down in the backyard. I have never dealt with so many bodily fluids at once in my life. Parenthood is definitely not ideal for those with weak stomachs.
So we had to wait until Drew felt better to have his party. I knew he wouldn't introduce any new germs to Chuck E. Cheese that weren't already there but for the sake of our healthy little guests, we kept him away until he ran through his antibiotics.
On his actual birthday, he was excited to wake up and have it finally be the day he turned 4.
I got him some Batman balloons that he thought were so cool (score 1 point for mom!). I took an idea from my friend Erin and let Drew be in charge for the day. This meant he could eat whatever he wanted, which meant pizza for breakfast. 
I can handle that for one day out of the year. He was most excited for the Leapster that his Grandma Dance got him and he played with that the rest of the day (if he could pry it out of Avery's sticky fingers.)
He had a great day and I can't believe he's 4 already. We love our little Drew and are so glad he's made the last 4 years even more fun than we could imagine. He is definitely a blessing to our family and we love him very much! Happy Birthday Drew!
Before
After
Drew with his Hulk Hands
This is Avery hoarding all the candy she can find. She was on sugar overload for a couple of days.
Drew wore these Batman pj's for 2 days strait.
On Christmas Eve, we went over to my parents house for a special treat. We ate a nice dinner with everyone and then all the grandkids decorated cookies to put out for Santa. As they were putting the plate of cookies out for Santa, who should appear but Santa himself?! He appeared at the top of the stairs and then came down to talk to each child and hand them a gift. The kids were so excited and could not believe that Santa was at Grammy's house! My mom made the Santa costume for my dad and he was a good sport to wear it and talk to all the kids. They had no idea they were really talking to Papaw. It was a fun experience that has started a new tradition for our family.
Others not so much. This is what Avery did when her costume was draped over her shoulder. She may be a diva but apparently not a stage diva. (This is a loud one so turn your volume down a bit.)
(Nyah, Drew, Avery, Teik, and Sevy)
