It's been more than two weeks since I've posted and I can't even begin to express in writing how horrifically busy I've been. But, you know, I'll try.

Where did we leave off? Ian's stitches? Well, he had them removed... and loved having them removed. He is required to wear sunscreen every time he exposes his face to the vast wilderness that is outside... which is fine. Except (of COURSE there's an except) he is allergic to the sunscreen that we originally used on him. He broke out in this horrible patch of dry skin that felt kind of like orange peel. Nasty. So we switched (to a sunscreen that actually smells like orange peel) and it's working better. The dry skin aggravated the scar, though, so where there was a thin line on his lip there is now a very red line and little Frankenstein looking sewing marks from the stitches. Yeah. We're using Maderma for kids at night. Smells like grape. You know, on his lip. I had to taste it to make sure that he wouldn't lick it off. It absolutely does not taste like grape.

Matt had his cast removed. Nasty blobs of skin came off after. it was like peeling only way, way worse. Now his palm is peeling. I really hope it's from the cast coming off and not some other nefarious cause or my son has a real problem.

My sister, Megan, had her baby. It was girl. So sweet. Mallory Ava Estes. :) We love her.

My sister, Tara, moved in with her three children. This is temporary, until her house sells. She's really trying so hard and doing such an awesome job that I can't complain. The stress is already getting to both of us, I can tell. I have to tell you though, damn my sister can cook. She made us Peruvian food. Yum.

So, that brings us to Willow. Willow moved in. She washed all of her clothes before she left but I'm re-washing everything she owns. Even pillows. Everything smells awful. The stench makes me think of smoking meat... except you don't want to eat it. Blech.

I think that's mostly it. I'm tired. I'm cranky. I'm giving up ice cream to keep Willow from inundating my pantry with potato chips (I give up something and so does she). So, you know, I'm going to be crankier.

*sighs* Wish my luck. I'll keep you posted. Hopefully.

Oh, and we have a spider/pet/garage sentinel. His name is Steve. He's huge. He spins enormous webs in the corner of the garage and eats bugs. He is so going to freak my mom out when she comes to visit next week.

I LOVE STEVE!

Stitches came out yesterday. Ian loved it. He looked at each one that was cut out as it hit the little tray next to him. He looks great. Scar will be minimal as long as he keeps sunscreen on it.

Sister, Tara, moves in this weekend. I'm excited for her. I think this is a great move for her and her family. I hope her house sells soon so that we don't have to worry too long about space. Willow will be here on the 24th and it's important to me that everyone is settled by mid-September.

I'm trying to lose weight again. I've been lazy... Lazy = exhausted, really. Just so much going on and I haven't had the slightest desire to exercise. I looked forward to summer all last winter so I could be outside. Seems this summer has been so busy and so stressful I haven't even wanted to move off of the sofa. Ah well. I'll get there.

Busy weekend, with Megan's baby shower and getting the rest of the new place unpacked. I think I have something like 2 boxes left.

Ian is doing WAY better. Here are some updated pics.

A little less excitement please.

I get a call at work yesterday afternoon from Matt. "Mom, Ian's hurt really bad. I think he needs stitches"

A dog bit Ian in the face. He did, indeed, need stitches. Not JUST stitches, mind you. He had to be taken to the Glenwood Springs ER to see the Emergency Plastic Surgeon.

Pressing questions:
Is Ian okay?
He's doing fine. He's much happier today than he was yesterday. He said the bite itself didn't hurt and his lip was kind of numb afterward. It was all of the blood that was scary. It was pooling in his hands and had covered both of his arms to his elbows. Scary for an adult... imagine if you were 6. :( And then poor Matt. He was such a trooper, though. Got the bleeding under control and called me. I was very proud of him. The only real pain Ian had was when they shot his face full of local so they could sew him up!

Will he have a scar?
Yes. We won't know the extent of that scar for at least a year.

Is the dog current on vaccinations?
Yes... but just to reinforce the sense of safety that gives me, the county is fed-ex'ing the dog to the state to rush his quarantine (Blood tests to ensure he doesn't have rabies as opposed to the ten day wait).

Whose dog was it?
The neighbors'. Two little kids are very unhappy today because their dad is having the dog put down. I feel terrible about it, really. My dog is a part of my family. I can only guess at what they must be going through. :(

Ready for my close up

Wow, this sucks

Stop taking my picture, already....

Those shots in my face HURT

Ice cream? What? Okay, I'm good!