Well, it's official. We're screwed.

Okay, so maybe it isn't that bad. Ask me after homemade pizza and tonight's episode of America's Next Top Model, and perhaps I'll have a much cheerier outlook.

Niko survived his cold, and then days later came down with a particularly nasty stomach bug. He's a bag of bones anyway, but he's lost more weight, and now Nina has it, too. The doctor doesn't think that he needs to come in until he hits a list of criteria, and thankfully he isn't that ill yet. And I think he's improving. But he's been lying on the floor/bed/my lap since last Friday. Today is Wednesday, for those who are interested.

This is a sad thing on its own, but my grandfather passed away a few days ago and we're planning on driving sickie children seven hours to the funeral. Which I'm singing in. Some of the family is "in" on the Williams thing, and some really will have no clue as to Niko's funeral behavior. Luke and my father have both volunteered to watch the kids in a spare room in the church if necessary, and of course it will be necessary. Niko is constantly squirreling under the pews and vaulting for freedom, although if he still continues to be listless...perhaps I should look at his weariness as a good thing. "What a well behaved child!" somebody might say to me. (That has never happened before, so of course this is a beautiful fantasy of mine.) "Thanks, he's sick," I'll say, and traipse off for what I am certain will be the post-service scuffle.

Usually I am much more optimistic than this. It doesn't come especially naturally, but I try. I have faith and hope and wonderful family and friends. I feel support. But some days, don't you just want to throw your hands up in the air and hit Cold Stone Creamery? I do. Oh man, DO I.

Meanwhile, Nina is babbling. Da da da blah blah nuh nuh nuh. She makes more sounds than Niko ever did, and she's six months old. Perhaps they'll chat together. She adores her big brother. Niko's sticking his fingers in his ears and humming/yelling more than ever now. Apparently I put his socks on too loudly. I'll be more careful of this in the future. :P And his hair? With all the rolling around on the floor, it has gone totally Cloud Strife. Totally fantastic! Google my geekdom, people. ;)