Party Weekend

Thursday Nick's parents, Blake, and GG/Grandpa Mac came in for the birthday festivities. Karen and I stayed up WAY TOO LATE making goodie bags for the party and Nick headed to bed early because he was worn out from working at the high school all week and didn't feel good. Jack stayed at home with them and by 10:30 Nick was passed out in bed at home as well. It's not like Nick to look like this, leave work (due to administration making him), or being willing to see the doctor. Dr. Edwards immediately thought it was an appendicitis and sent him to Presby Allen to meet with a surgeon. I talked to him when he was at the doctor and soon there after had the secretary drive me to the hospital to be with him (he had taken the car earlier that day to go home). Below is how Jack's 2nd Birthday Party weekend started...

Tests came back with no results so they sent him home with nausea meds and pain pills. He was told to return the next day if it didn't get better or if it got worse...this is important later. Shot out to those Friday that helped out-Statia being willing to let Nick go home, Mychel covering my class, Connie for bringing me to the hospital, McWilliam's for purchasing out party outfits, Angela for ordering the cupcakes/getting my medicine/dinner at the hospital, Relles/McMahons for taking care of Jack, and all the friends who were there for and willing to help in any way that they could.
Saturday morning after a late night Jack and I left Nick sleeping to have a free continental breakfast at Papa, Bebe, Betsy, and Gabriella's hotel. It was tasty and free...who needs wedding crashing...we are going to hotel lobby crash.

Back in the room Jack and Gabriella played, enjoyed some Wiggles, and watched Papa get ready for the day.

Jack was very willing to show off his house and playroom to Gabriella...but not so willing to share his toys (or his Papa/Bebe) with her. But no worries...by the end they were just great together.

Can you tell he watches American Idol with Mom at night?!?! He loves it, dances, and even claps when they finish. I bet he would love a Family Karaoke night!

Jack wanted Gabriella to ride the sit-n-spin with him so bad...but she was busy making cookies like her mom.

"Papa, I know that Dad has been under the weather and Mom swears the stress of ordering Dickey's for dinner was too much on her monkey heart...but your blood pressure is through the roof. I think we are going to need to give you a shot and a Cars band aid to fix this up."

Gabriella wasn't really down with our crazy parachute fun here in Allen...

but sure thought it was funny to watch.

After a day of playing in the morning, kids napping while we hit the road (literally for Gabriella who slept in the car the whole time), it was time for the big dinner. Nick was still miserable (and not being the most honest about it...very noble to not want to ruin anyone's weekend...but not very wise) and we were only able to convince him to let me take him to the Urgent Care...even though we all knew where we would end up.

So more test showing nothing and the Urgent Care highly recommending he return to the Emergency Room due to the heavy guarding when his stomach was touched, but lack of data to support a finding...we were off again. More tests, many people to get a line in (his veins were almost non existent from dehydration), and hours later we were back home. Meanwhile back at the house everyone waited for Nick to return to open Jack's presents. Some bailed out...others were in for the long haul...

Jack and Nana played for a long time in the playroom,

Papa and Gabriella just couldn't wait any longer. Mom and Betsy worked on the cupcakes, cleaned, did laundry, and drank wine...while Mr. Paul supervised (and agreed to take the blame for anything that wasn't done to my satisfaction).

We finally made it home around 1 after 2 nights in the ER and a trip to the Doc in the Box. Nick truly did look like the Patchwork Rag Doll that the nurses named him. It was too bed and for me...a cat nap before the chaos continued.

The weather finally warmed up. Don't mind the yard...we clearly aren't getting yard of the month. Blame the rain, cold weather, and Nick's funk! Papa had his little ones right where he wanted them...by his side!

Everyone had fun on the slides before lunch.

Papa flew his little birthday dude inside to eat and then open his presents from the Antie Crew.

Look at all his loot!

Jack had to open his gifts quickly because it was getting close to nap time before the party (playing with them wasn't an option). He quickly adapted his opening style (getting on the gift) to make the process go faster. While napping we were non-stop, getting out the door was a beating, sadness of Nick not being able to come to the party consumed me, the stress of setting up was more than I expected, Nick stayed, we all survived and the party was a BLAST.

Papa and his crew headed out after the party and we went back to the house for Jack to open the Relle/McMahon gifts. By now he was a pro and not nearly as rushed as round one earlier in the day.

His very own camera-"Say Cheese!" Everyone headed out around 10:00 and for Jack and I it was getting ready for the week ahead-for Nick...one more day to recoup before heading back to the gym.

Jack and I relaxing in the backyard after the storm calmed down by riding in his new wagon from Papa and Bebe...it has a basket and canopy too that weren't put on yet...like there was time...I'm impressed Dad and I were able to construct it in the speed race manner we did before he opened his presents.

Loving his wagon!

And his 2 frogs from the McWilliams. They are super neat, only have to be fed 2 times a week (but can go 10 days without), and their aquarium water can go/should go 6 months without changing thanks to special living gravel, bamboo, and the hard working snail.

We introduce Jack's first official pets-no name yet...but we are all enjoying them.

I have pics from the party and more from Blake's camera coming but tomorrow is Family Reading Night at McGowen and then Friday GG/Mac come back in town so I wanted to let you guys know that we are alive, are relatively sane, and more pics are too come from the Party Weekend.