All before noon

My morning started early today. Jo woke up and fussed around. Then Eli woke up...and fussed around. I got Jo to sleep, then laid Eli down. Then Jo woke up, but Eli was asleep. I took a minute to check my emails and saw a foreboding message from the Heinrichs (we travelled with them to ET). She wanted to know if we ended up with any bugs. They did. It took a week for the little buggers to show themselves. Flippantly, I replied and told her that we had checked and checked. Still in the clear. Then the girls woke up and greeted me. So sweet, as I hugged Fetya I noticed a little bug on her shoulder. Odd looking little bug, kind of like a tiny spider, or ant?

With Alice's message in my mind, I went to the leftover medical stuff from our trip and pulled out the lice comb. Without too much thought I quickly ran it through Fetya's hair along her ear and came out with...bugs. Lots and lots of bugs. Some BIG nasty looking bugs, and some little nasty looking bugs. Definitely an infestation.

I checked all the kids. I was a bit frantic, I may add. Jo and I are leaving in two days to go to a very good friend's wedding. I pictured myself showing up with buggy hair. Then I pictured my in laws coming on Saturday and possibly taking home some travelers. They are coming to help Seth with the four big kids while I'm away. What a way to say 'Thank You'!

Everyone came out clear. Even me, I dug through my hair with the comb. I'm the one who has cuddled and slept with Fetya...for almost two weeks. I can't imagine those little guys not crawling over to my tempting scalp. So far so good. I slipped into serious mode and barked out orders to the kids. Completely forgetting that Fetya doesn't understand, "Quick, go strip your bed!" After beds were stripped and linens in the basement, I scrambled to the bathroom. All four kids stripped down then scrubbed their heads with the lice shampoo. Still not sure if this is lice, but it's the best guess I have. Then I sat down, still in jammies, and picked through Fetya's hair. Everett documented a good part of the morning.

Here we are, spending some good quality time together--chimp style. Nothing says lovin' like having your mom pick bugs out of your hair. Oh, and the baby, gotta have him in there. He CERTAINLY wouldn't be pleased if he wasn't a part of the bug removal process.

Nit removing is SO relaxing. Any of you moms who have kiddos that won't go down for a nap? Try this!

Jo slept only long enough for me to throw in laundry load number three and mop the kitchen. After that he was ready for some more bug eradication. Here we are enjoying some time together vacuuming up any leftover buggies. I feel so much better drinking calorie loaded frappucino and eating Kisses after the vacuum workout. I get to do this at least twice a day!

I finally sat down to answer the phone. Load number 5 is in the washer. I still have at least 2 more loads to go. It was dear hubby on the phone. He was calling to inform me that he's going to be late...very late. So, I'm taking a break. Enjoyed sharing my morning with you--I think I hear the dryer buzzing, back to work!