Home, Sweet Home

It's been a hectic week here in Sophie-land.
It started last Tuesday with Dad buying a 1992 Toyota Previa van on Ebay. Wednesday, he sold his Mini Cooper to Carmax so Mom and I were carting him around. But the "adventure" (as Dad called it) really started Thursday when we flew to Chicago to pick up the van. It was my first plane ride and it was a lot of fun! There was so much activity at the airport, not to mention so many people to see. We found out our original flight was delayed so we hurried and made it on an earlier flight despite Mom having to go through all sorts of security checks. Our neighbor on the flight was a pilot for Southwest who was quite nice. I didn't have any problems on the plane and didn't cry at all. I hear that babies are expected to cry, but I like to keep people guessing.
When we got to Chicago's Midway airport, we had to circle the airport about 30 minutes before landing so the runway could be cleared of snow and ice; I took a nap to pass the time. I can't really tell you what Chicago was like since we left the city immediately to go to the house of the people selling the van. The family we met was very nice and invited us into their warm house and showed such nice hospitality. I was entertained by their dog, Mokhai (sp?); he was a cute poodle with an interesting bark. We stayed in a hotel a few hours south of Chicago and drove back down to Nashville Friday. Then we drove to Alabama to see Mom's family. It was such a long day of driving. I had made peace with my car-seat, but that peace is now in jeopardy.
Our visit in AL was a short one. We arrived Saturday morning somewhere around 1 a.m. We spent Saturday in Spanish Fort walking around the new outside mall because it was a beautiful, sunny day, with temps around 72 degrees. There was a nice breeze that blew through my hair. Outside, at Oma's, I got to walk around in the grass and try to play with Uncle Matt's dog, Maddie. She didn't let me get too close though. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Debbie came over for dinner that night so we could all celebrate MeMe's birthday. Julianne couldn't come because she had the flu; I hope she's feeling better. We missed seeing her!
Mom, Dad, and I drove down to Gulf Shores Sunday to see the damage from Hurricane Ivan. I think that reason was just a cover-up; it was really to help me take a nap. I heard some houses had been blown down completely, some had siding and windows blown off, others had their support stilts knocked off balance. Lots of condos sustained quite a bit of damage as well as local businesses. There were lots of stores and restaurants that were closed because their damage was so bad. It was hard for Mom and Dad to see, but I know they were still grateful that so few people were hurt. Things are being cleaned up; I hear it just takes time. Monday called for another long day of driving as we made our way home. No, it wasn't as long as Friday's drive, but let me tell you that I was very, very happy to put my feet on my own kitchen floor.
And I've failed to mention that I've had my second cold. I started a cough last Wednesday, but it really kicked in Friday while driving. I don't really enjoy the runny nose and gurgling cough. But those aren't anything compared to the ear infection that came this past Wednesday. I woke up around 2 a.m. and nothing Mom did would help me get comfortable. It was a long night for both of us. I saw Dr. Wallstedt Thursday morning who confirmed my right ear had an infection so he gave Mom and Dad some Advil and antibiotics to give me. To be honest, I don't care too much for either medication. But Mom and Dad said they'll help me feel better so I take them as best as I can. I'm starting to feel better; no horrible cries due to extreme pain anymore. I've slept through the night which seems to help both me and Mom. I don't let any silly infections slow me down, though. I'm still walking all over the place and playing with my toys as much as I can. Mom and I even went for a walk outside yesterday because it was sunny and a comfortable temperature. She did put me in my little "snowsuit," as she calls it, and had my hood on too.
Dad's on call this weekend, so he's at the hospital doing rounds; hope he'll be home soon to play with me. I missed Kindermusik last week, but I'm looking forward to going back Tuesday. I don't know what else is on my agenda for the next week or so, but I'll do my best to keep my blog updated.
I think I should rest now; that was a lot of updating. Naptime!