Monday morning I was up early for my German class in Erlangen. Right before I left, I went upstairs to say goodbye to HD and the kids. They were all in the bathroom. When I walked in, One looked at me with the saddest expression and informed me that there had been a "poop emergency," aka he had some unexpected diarrhea. I tried not to laugh when HD looked at me with envy and told me to leave, as it was "disgusting." I definitely got lucky. The trains were running slow and I was almost late to class. My class isn't particularly helpful, as I am probably one of the most advanced in the class, but it keeps me sharp. Next time around I'm definitely going to take the class at my ability level, not the one below me just because the time was better. I considered wandering around Erlangen for a bit once class was over, but I was too exhausted to figure out where to go or what to do. I caught the train back to Nürnberg and opted to walk around downtown instead. I noticed today that they are beginning to set up for the Christmas Markets, which will be open at the end of the month. How exciting is that!! HD ended up staying home sick all day, and One did as well. At some point during my nap, the two of them left. They got home later with Two, which signaled the beginning of my working hours. One wanted to make some cookies. It took awhile for HD to find a recipe for which we had all the ingredients, but eventually he did. At the end of it, the kitchen looked like a bag of flour had exploded inside. I didn't actually have to put either of the kids to bed, just help get them ready.
Both HD and One were home sick again on Tuesday. I watched One while HD took Two to school. When HD got back, he told One that we were all going to take some time to rest. One took this very literally, and said that the three of us were all going to go upstairs and get in the same bed. HD and I laughed (albeit a little awkwardly) and I told One that I would be sleeping in my own bed. I ended up taking a two hour nap. I've been really exhausted this whole week. After my nap, I got up and cooked lunch. A few weeks ago at the neighbors we cooked something together, it's called Djuvec. It's a rice-tomato sauce-veggie dish, and I absolutely loved it. It's really easy to make, so basically there's no downside. Anyways, I had been wanting to cook it. I went ahead and did so for lunch for all of us. One refused to eat it, but HD seemed to like it well enough. I also grilled up some pork chops to eat with it, though maybe next time I'll need to find a better way to make those. After lunch I went for a 6 mile run. The three of us left around 3:30pm to go collect Two from school. The four of us then went to the mall to buy some new shoes for One. We treated ourselves to some ice cream while we were out. I got everything ready for dinner while HD played with the kids. After dinner, HD was holding Two while we were still sitting around the table. One's untouched plate of food from lunch was still sitting there and Two saw it. He made motions to it and ended up eating most of what was left. I'm glad at least one of the kids liked it. I then helped get the kids ready for bed.
Wednesday was another incredibly busy day, as all four of us were home. Two threw up in the middle of the night and therefore couldn't go to school. One was feeling better, but still didn't want to go to school. HD made the executive decision for the three of them to remain at home, with me helping out along the way. Late morning we went for a walk to the grocery store down the road for some lunch. It ended up turning into me taking the kids to the Hauptbahnhof so they could get their little kiddie magazines while HD did some work. After lunch they all took naps and I enjoyed some free time. The rest of the day was more or less the same: HD working a little, me helping with the kids, preparing dinner, etc. It was a day full of ups and downs with the kids. I think Two is still slowly coming around to me more. He doesn't seem to cry as much or as long if HP leave, and every once in awhile he doesn't cry at all. One is still a little drama queen, but he too seems to be more responsive to me, particularly when HP aren't around.
In the middle of the night between Wednesday and Thursday, I woke up to a screaming One. (My bedroom and his share a wall, so I often hear him when he's in his room.) He does this from time to time when he wakes up and is either thirsty or has a bad dream. He typically screams for HM, but I have also heard him scream for HD. This time, he screamed for me. He first called for HD, but HD didn't wake up. I heard this but I didn't get out of bed until I heard him calling my name. I was a little surprised, but it makes sense. He knew HM was gone and he knew HD didn't hear him, so he called for me. I'm not sure if that is more reflective of his level of trust and comfort in me or of his problem solving abilities. I went into his room and he informed me that he was thirsty and that his nightlight went out. Very important things for a 4 year old.
Thursday everyone finally went back to school and work. I helped get everyone out the door in the morning and then had to do some laundry. HM got home from her business trip, but not until after I had already left to pick the kids up from school. When I got to their school, Two was crying because he had seen One through the fence and wanted to play with him. When he saw me, he walked over to me still crying, and put his arms up for me to pick him up. We went to collect One, who gave me a huge hug when he saw us. HM was home when we got home and the boys were happy to see her. The rest of the night was typical for work. I helped watch the kids, we all ate dinner together, etc. I often go to sleep around 10, but Thursday night I stayed up later watching tv and bonding with HP.
Another successful week in the books!
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