Lightning Fears and Ear Infections

We've had interesting times in our home lately.  Well, with 5 kids and one on the way that's to be expected. Add 3 kids in soccer and getting a bookstore started up, we're quite busy! But that's not what I'm talking about.

Jakob had a HUGE fear of lightning storms for a while.  He watched the weather like a hawk and if there was even a slightly dark cloud he would get very anxious.  A few Sundays ago I thought he would have a meltdown because of the thunder booming. 

We had to talk to him many times and finally starting showing him that while yes, lightning is dangerous, you don't HAVE to be afraid of storms!  That started as we were driving to Ikea last week. The weather was TERRIBLE and he was looking at all the lightning.  We got out of the car and I had him inhale the wonderful smells that lightning and rain bring. He LOVED IT.

So then comes today.   He had a scrimmage for his Arsenal soccer team and it was rainy.  Lightning was everywhere and he sat there being goalie just as calm as could be. HE learned to enjoy the lightning.  I had to keep telling myself that I couldn't freak out for his sake. It worked for both of us!!  The lightning never got close but they did get dumped on.  Jakob was great and even stopped a goal with his head!!  So I was very proud of my son and his overcoming of his fear. If only I could do the same with heights and spiders...

On to the ear infections.   We have gone swimming a lot lately and forgot Ashley needed ear plugs with her tubes.  WAY TO GO MOM AND DAD!!  The first time we went, she complained about her ear and after that there was no problem.  Then we went to the lake last week. I didn't expect her to go under so I didn't worry... I forgot that I have 5 little fish.   

A couple days later her ears started draining. I was thrilled because I knew the tubes were doing their job and all was great - until Sunday in St. George when I noticed it wasn't so... fresh. BLECH.  So on our way home(We had an AWESOME time in St George by the way!!!), we took her to the doctor and got drops and medicine.  

Her ears are finally doing really well after 4 days of drops and medication.  One awesome thing came from all this.  My little 4 year old can count to 60!!! And I have to stop her a lot of times because she keeps on going.  Its because she had to let the drops soak in for 60 seconds so I had her count.  For the first few times she missed all the 4's.  She'd miss 15 and then 24, 34, and so on.  I noticed last night she was counting perfectly all the way!! Probably not the most ideal way to teach your child to count but it worked for her!!