The Flu Shot

Lots of talk about the flu and swine flu these days. Found a great source on-line that gives basic information, tips on prevention and what to do if your child gets sick. Check it out here.

The little ones have had their flu shot, Carter is scheduled at his 9 year old well check and Blake & I will have appointments lined up next week. I'm on the fence about the H1N1 option. While I'm typically 100% on board with any vaccines available, this one has raised a lot of valid questions and the "newness" of it does have me concerned.

Our pediatrician said she was fine with us giving it to the kids, however, they didn't know if/when they would be receiving it. Oh, and I should mention that I've never visited a doctor's office I liked less than this one, so I'm considering my source. Note to Clare - scratch what I said earlier about our pediatrician!!!!!!

While in Dallas visiting Caroline, I spoke to a lot of nurses about swine flu and the consensus seemed to be similar....it's actual easier to handle than the regular flu. At least 1/2 of them also said that would not be getting the H1N1 vaccine.

So, is it all media hype?

We're definitely all getting the regular flu shot, as we always do. H1N1 is being researched.

What are your thoughts?

Weekend

The blizzard came and went Friday night without much excitement. We got a few inches of snow and blowing winds, but by morning, it was pretty much over. We were out and into town by noon that day.

A few people have asked me how we handle the snow here. Do stores close? Schools? Can we drive? In Texas, everything shuts down at the mention of sleet. Not here! In this record setting year of snow, Carter has had one snow day and 2 "delayed starts", which means he goes to school one hour later than normal. That is it! We get out and drive in just about anything. The roads are usually fine if you can get out of the neighborhood, as plows work non-stop to keep things moving. Our residential streets have to see 2 feet of snow in 24 hours before we qualify for a snow plow. It's happened only twice since we moved here.

We're really getting used to the weather. 45 degree days with sun bring people outside and it's actually not bad. Oh, and we saw our sidewalk for the first time in 60 days last week!!!!

Here is Carter working on another snow fort in front of the house. He's getting pretty good!

Spring Flowers

Carter and I got an early start on our flowers this year by planting seedlings inside. The packages suggested planting them and keeping them indoors for 8 weeks and then moving them outdoors. Hopefully, we'll see some progress and blooms one day!

Spring

To combat the long winter, Carter and I are doing stuff around the house to bring more spring time in. Everyone told us February is a tough month....it's the 4th full month of snow and it starts to wear on you.

We're feeling it! Luckily, we've had some pretty weather days and have been able to get outside....but, snow is in the forecast for Friday....it never ends!

Optimism or denial?

One day!

We were in the high 40's yesterday, which sounds cold, but it's really not here as long as the sun is out. 40 here can feel like 60 in Dallas. Carter got outside with some sidewalk chalk to decorate the neighborhood.