The Longest January EVER

Let's see. After JD recovered from his stomach virus, I got a cold, then Michael got a cold, then JD got a cold. Michael's cold turned into an ear infection that brought on a 103 degree fever, and then he got pink eye in both eyes. Meanwhile, I got better and then got a second cold. Let's just say, it has not been the happiest house over the past three weeks. Every day brings the question of whether or not Michael can go back to school and whether or not JD and I will make it to work. Grumpy, grumpy.

 I would like to say that we are finally feeling better (Michael is taking two antibiotics, a probiotic, and a vitamin daily), but I'm afraid of jinxing ourselves. In between all the illnesses, we have managed to limp through our committments. For instance, JD's basketball coaching is going well, and Michael and I made it to a game this past Saturday morning.

Michael can't wait to be old enough to join the team. My classes are going well; I really enjoy the course material, even if I can never remember which class I'm in and what I've already covered in that section. I created a professional blog that's still a bit in the works, but it has a description of the classes I'm teaching right now: juliepond.weebly.com

Michael has had a hard time adjusting to day care--just the drop off in particular. It hasn't helped that he's had to miss so many days because he's been sick. The first month of the semester down, and we still aren't settled into a routine! We can only hope that February will be smoother.

Francesconi Wedding

Oh my gosh, it has been the busiest two weeks ever. It all began when I traveled to Boston, Massachusetts with Beth for the annual Modern Language Association convention. It was cold. We had a good time though, and I heard some interesting conference panels.

 Three days after my return, JD, Michael, and I drove down to Atlanta to celebrate my brother's wedding!  It was a whirlwind of a weekend, full of family and celebrating. Friday morning, Mom, Grandma, and I joined Katie's family at the bridesmaids' luncheon.

 Friday night was the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner at Chequer's in Dunwoody, GA. What a fun night! I got to tell some funny stories about Michael during my toast.

 Saturday was the big day! They were married at the Foundry at Puritan Mill, and all three of us were in the wedding. Unfortunately, Michael never made it down the aisle, refusing to walk between all those strangers. But he did great for pictures, and the wedding was still perfect.

 Congrats to the newly weds, who are currently still honeymooning in Mexico. I still can't quite believe that my little brother is married. What a guy!

We returned home to my first day of a new semester, Michael's first day of full-time daycare, and JD coming down with a stomach virus. A day later, he ended up in the hospital with dehydration for the THIRD time since we've been married. Needless to say, it was a very bad start to the semester; I'm still recovering from the stress even though JD is back to work and full health. I sure am glad that we have a long, quiet winter ahead of us.

Happy New Years

It has been quiet around our house since Christmas, especially because I've been sick. We've visited with friends, seen some movies (thumbs up on Les Mis), and spent lots of quality time together. We celebrated the new year with the Liberts, the McClinticks, and one George.

 "I can't DO it!!"

 On New Year's eve, it snowed beautifully all day. Pico watched from the window.

 After Michael's nap, he decided to mow the snow.

 The beautiful tree in our front yard.

 Our snowy house.

 We made a tiny snowman named Frosty. He has a flower pot hat.

 On New Year's day, we went sledding. Michael enjoyed it so much more this year.

 Steve joined us and took turns pulling Michael up the hill.

 Then the big boys insisted on a sled race of their own.

 It was very competitive.

I'm off in the morning for Boston where I'll attend the MLA conference. Then, next weekend is Michael and Katie's wedding. Time is a'flying!