Sleep?

I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in days.  It has been rough here.  It appears that Daniel got himself a little virus late last week.  At first, we thought it was just him cranky from getting another tooth (he’s up to 12 now).  But, as time went on, he seemed to have a higher fever and it ended up lasting for a couple of days.  He was really cranky and out of sorts.  Of course, this is during all the showings when we had to leave the house.  Daniel also had a preference when he was sick – me.  He just wanted me to hold him.  This wasn't just a daytime thing; he wanted me at night too. 

I had plans on Sunday, but ended up staying home with him all day as he caught up on some much needed sleep.  We started to see the real Daniel later that afternoon and thought he was on the mend.  Then, Monday morning I noticed he had broken out in a rash all over his neck and torso.  While he was probably not contagious, I left him home with Evan while Nicholas and I went to CC.  That was the first time I had a break in days.

The rest of the day he seemed to be eating and playing fine.  But, once nighttime hit, he was very vocal about not wanting to go to bed.  He screamed and screamed until we finally got him to sleep.  Around 11:00 he woke up and it was apparent that he was not going to go back to sleep without some assistance.   So, we spent some time downstairs together.  We actually played and read books until he was sleepy enough to fall back to sleep.   Needless to say, I am tired!

Today started out rough, but has slowly been better.  I think Daniel is tired, but has started a new thing unrelated to his illness – just being a toddler.  After being coddled for several days, he’s been throwing little tantrums when he doesn't get his way.  Even though he’s really cute, it is time to train him that it doesn't work around here.   That’s easier said than done.

I also have to restore the attention balance between my children again.  Nicholas has been struggling while Daniel has been sick because Nicholas’ love language is physical touch.  He sees Daniel hanging all over me and is getting a little jealous.  I've been trying to tell him that a sick toddler hanging off of me 24/7 is not my idea of a good time, but it still has been hard for him to understand.  Hopefully, as Daniel gets back to 100%, that things will be easier for everyone. 

Here are a few pictures from some better times (pre-illness):

Enjoying a little snack before his haircut.

Daniel had his own box too.

Killing time at the library during a showing.  He's reading "Everyone Poops."

Daniel likes books too!

Now, here we are coming out of the illness.

He spent some time coloring today.  That always makes him happy!

I managed to get a 20-30 minute nap today while Daniel slept upstairs.  When he woke up crying, he woke me up.  I wasn't fully awake, so I instinctively went and got him from his nap.  Fifteen minutes later, it was clear that he was still tired.  So, was Gabby!

Then, as the nap progressed, he became even more popular.

If there were anymore room on the couch, I'd join them.  But, instead, I've found time to write up this quick post.  I'm hoping that he wakes up in a great mood!  

Nicholas has another class starting up tomorrow, so we're hoping everyone is healthy and tantrum-free.