Diagnosis: Aural and Vehicular Infections

I am only now sitting down for the very first time today and catching my breath with a little lunch and my laptop while all three kids are (supposed to be) napping. What a morning! It all began last night. After a lovely evening with my sister at a coffee shop, the persnickety little engine light lit up like a Christmas tree as I began my journey home. How I wish I could have just asked the light, "Is this for real?" because, as we all know, the engine light could be just a switch malfunction or total engine failure -- quite a range there. So first thing this morning I call the dealership and they say, "We'll try to fit it in." Not promising since this is our only vehicle. While Trey and I discuss what to do, Davis, who has been crying off and on all morning starts saying, "Ear hurting!" It's the same ear he was complaining about in the the doctor's office two days ago which proved to just have fluid in it. Where is my my magic crystal ball which can tell me if this is worth another trip to the doctor's less than 48 hours since the last one? Oh, and how am I supposed to get there since the car will be at the mechanic's? Thankfully, I am able to get an 11am appointment for Davis and my dad is able to lend us his car to get there.

The word from the mechanic is both good and bad. They will have the car back to us this afternoon...many pennies later. Apparently, there was a sensor malfunction which caused the light to go on and the software needs to be updated. Software? What software? I thought it was a car, not a computer. I didn't speak to them, so I can only hope this is not some ploy. Of course, even if I had, I know next to nothing about cars and just accept as gospel what they tell me. In addition to sensor and software problems, there is something wrong with the carburetor and the injectors. Again, this is all very vague and sounds like it needs to be fixed. Sigh.

The word on Davis is that he has an infection in his left ear. After spending an hour and 15 minutes in the office waiting, I finally emerged with a script for antibiotics. By the time I got home with Davis and Evie (my dad watched Addison to give me a little break), prescription in hand, the whole ordeal had taken over two hours. So now he is on Tylenol for the pain, Amoxicillin for the ear infection, and Claritin for the allergies. Feel better soon, Davis!

And so I leave you with the following pictures, which have absolutely nothing to do with either saga. They just make me happy. They're from Saturday when my sister, Auntie Sarah, was cooking for a wine and cheese party Sunday night in honor of my bro's b-day. She graciously included both boys, something I consider both brave and incredibly kind. My limit is letting Addison help me make instant vanilla pudding. Something about the mess and the unpredictability of it all that sends shivers up my spine. She is a better woman than I.

My two culinary kings.

I had to include this one, despite its similarity to the one above because it showcases Davis's new trick, squinching his eyes closed when you're about to take a photo. C'mon, buddy. A little cooperation here. Of course, he thinks it's hilarious.

I love that the apron is full-length and that Addison is totally comfortable with that.