Hi Everyone,

This has been a draining week for me. On Friday, I took my boys to Julia's kindergarten class party, and managed to do crafts with eighteen 5- and 6-year-olds, plus a few preschoolers. I forget how much energy so many little kids have when they are all put together! I was pretty drained at the end of it all, and although I had planned to get my hair cut and the rest of my Christmas shopping done in the evening, I ended up just staying home. My husband brought home a video that someone from work lent him, one that was supposed to be guaranteed hilarious. Ever seen "Raising Arizona"? In my opinion, it's one of the dumbest movies ever made! Sorry if I've offended anyone, but I couldn't believe I gave up watching the "Providence" Christmas episode for that!

At around 11:30 that night, my daughter woke up with a terrible cough ... it sounded just like croup. I've always heard of it, although my kids have never had it. Thank God I have the book "What to Expect: The Toddler Years." After reading up on it, I ran the shower nice and hot until the bathroom filled with steam and sat in there with her. It seemed to help, although she had another episode early in the morning. (Needless to say, I got very little sleep!) She also had a fever and runny nose, so she got the full pampering treatment. She's still not feeling great, but her fever has gone down, so that's a relief. I think that despite the croup, someone from school gave her a nice case of the flu. What a nice Christmas gift! Thankfully, my boys are healthy, and even though I am quite tired from my nursing duties, I have managed to get through it with nothing me than a few sniffles.

So now I am scrambling, trying to get all my last minute shopping, baking and cards done. Here it is Tuesday, and I'm not even close! I'm hoping to get some of it done tonight, and then maybe if Julia is feeling better, get the rest done in the next few days. All my hopes of having this week to relax and enjoy the holidays ... oh well, better luck to me next year! Although, next year, I'll have a 6-month-old...!!!

Other than the stress of the "holidaze" (as one of my June pals put it!), the pregnancy seems to be going very smoothly. Still no movement that I can say for sure is the baby (you'd think by now I'd know, but I don't), but I'm hoping within the next week or so. I'm looking very pregnant, though, which is great. I just love it.... for now, at least! I can't believe I start my fifth month at the end of this week. When did this pregnancy start flying by?

Well, I probably won't be able to post an entry next week because my family and I are headed to NY on the 26th, and we'll be there until January 1, 2000! We're staying with my husband's parents, and are so looking forward to this vacation. We'll have time to relax, visit and even have some time alone ... oh, heaven! Oh, and I almost forgot! I may even get an ultrasound next week! I have a friend who may be able to get me one, because she is a labor and delivery nurse. If I can get there while she is on shift, I just might be able to find out what this little babykins is! I'm not getting my hopes up, but hey, you never know! At the very least, I can hear the heartbeat, which is something I haven't heard yet, so either way, I'll be in for a treat!

So, everyone, have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy watching the new millennium unfold. How wonderful it is that we are alive to see such an amazing event! Happy holidays to you and yours!

Heather and the babykins