1 a.m.

I am awakened by the slap-slap-slap of the Wee One's feet on the tile floor.  He comes armed with all his bedtime accoutrement.  He doesn't say a word.  His cough expresses everything.  He has inherited my sharp cough.  He climbs into our bed; I make sure he is on my side, as to not disturb Tim.  His chest and torso contract, trying to force the cough out.  He desperately wants to sleep, but the constant coughing prevents him.  After twenty minutes, I carry him back to his own bed.  He snuggles in, resting his head on his froggy pillow.  The coughing starts to slow, and his breathing deepens.  He will return to sleep soon, thankfully.

A lesson of cheapness

I can be quite frugal.  I have issues paying full price for anything.  (Yet, I don't use coupons.  Go fig.)  I have learned a valuable lesson, thanks to my boys.  Sure, I could spend less money and buy them shoes at Payless.  But, I will then have to buy multiple pairs because they wear out so quickly, and won't have any to hand down to the other kid.  Drake's Payless shoes didn't make it three months, yet Flynn was wearing Vans that Drake also wore (until he just outgrew them).  From now on, only Vans or Converse for my kids.  Oh, and I'll have to buy from Zappos.  Stores don't like to sell half sizes for small children.  Whatever.

So cool (and sturdy, too!)