SICK

We have only been in Switzerland for two months - I had started getting information on doctors for the kids but had yet to make appointments until the 25 (the day before E's birthday).  I called, asked for the receptionist that speaks English and made appointments for both kids for a check up!  I was pleased that it was fairly simple!  HOWEVER - the afternoon of E's birthday she started complaining of not feeling well.  She woke up in the middle of the night complaining of a sore throat but after checking her temperature (none) and giving her a little Motrin she was fine!  She woke up okay a little tried but okay.  She went to school - Nathan was going to take a half day off so he was going to get her from school - I was going to the grocery store(s) by myself!!!!  When Nate got there to pick her up, they said that they had been trying to get ahold of us and that E did NOT feel good.  Probably strep throat or scarlet fever (which had been going around her class), GREAT!  We held off on Thursday, checking her temp and giving her Motrin on and off.  On Friday morning she woke up with a rash...so I spent the next two hours trying to figure out how to get into the doctor - I kept getting a recording, in French of course, which meant that I had NO idea what it was saying.   IN THE END, I had to call Nathan at work and get him to find someone who spoke French to call and figure out what the message was saying.....the doctor only works half day on Friday - so I waited until they opened and got an appointment.  The doctor was very nice - speaks English fairly well - and diagnosed scarlet fever.  Really I think just a BAD case of strep throat!  Thank goodness mom and dad were here.  Mom went with us and Dad stayed with Zach! 

With that done I got the then figure out the pharmacy - another experience under my belt.  It took longer than I expected partly because they had to find and wait for the one person who spoke English to explain that the medicine needed to be kept in the refrigerator and to shake it before we gave it to her! 

All in all, Elizabeth was better by Sunday but we could not have her friend over on Thursday afternoon for a little birthday tea party - sad!
Love, Nikki

Happy Birthday Little Girl!

I can hardly believe it.....can she really be four years old.   I know it is cliche but - it really does go fast!
Dear Elizabeth,
Mommy and Daddy love you so much.  We love the compassion you show everyone around you and how you can tell how your friends are feeling.  We love that you try to make them feel happy no matter what!

We love how you have started to talk with your hands!  Don't know where you get that from : )!

 

 We love your infectious smile!

 We love the fact that you LOVE school and everything about it!  (Mrs. Peterhanns, assistant, Freya (a friend), Elizabeth with her handmade birthday crown and Mrs. McGregor, her teacher!)

 We love how love and treat your little brother, even sharing your toys!

 You are very social, can write your name - even though you tell us that it is TOO long, know your numbers, love singing songs, have just started to enjoy Disney movies (Little Mermaid, Snow White, Cinderella, Lion King are your favorites) and can use 50 pieces of paper coloring or making "handbags."

 FOUR - really?

 We LOVE you so much!

 We wish you love, happiness and joy...

 everyday of your life!

Love, Mommy and Daddy!

Mimi and Papa's Visit - 01-23-11 thur 01-25-11

Mimi and Papa came to visit at the end of January - to see us and help celebrate Elizabeth's fourth birthday (yes, she is really four!).  We had an amazing time, even though mom got to experience the first doctor's visit with me.  Really we spent time together at home as we were still getting into a routine with school and all.  It was wonderful to have someone to help cook (DAD) and the kids loved playing and getting quality time with them!

 In the middle of Monnaz - the day they arrived!

 Elizabeth and Mimi making cupcakes for her birthday treats at school!

The reason she will help make cupcakes!

 Getting ready to ice the cupcakes - yes both in underwear.  Zach had just gone on the "potty" for the first time.  (side note:  he has gone a few times since but his interest comes and goes.)

Love, Nikki