[x] The bad news first: Fourth Meal isn't doing so well. She's at the vet's now and will be for a few days. She's in pretty bad shape. She stopped eating last night and refused water all day today. She's going to get some fluid, some food (they'll probably have to force feed her), and a plethora of medications for her horrid infections. I am very stressed over this. We can call for an update on her condition after 2 PM tomorrow. UGH.

[x] We were supposed to have some awesome plans today, but they fell through due to no fault of anyone involved. Rain checks are good though--right? So that's not one for the "bad news" column, really. Just a delay, nothing more. It's all good. :)

[x] Two first family visits--yesterday morning and this morning--for Little Flower! Let me tell you...she LOVED it. The love she has for her first mom is so, so evident; it makes me feel so blissful to see them together. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there's no love like that between a mother and her child. <3 Anyway, LF was all over her first mom the entire time she was here; it was SO sweet. LF is so very lucky to have *two* moms who think she hung the moon and all the stars. :) Yesterday, LF's maternal birth grandfather was also here for the visit and LF loved seeing him as well. It's always so good to see her first mom and her first mom's family. I truly love them all and am very lucky to be able to think of them as an extension of our family.

This morning, her maternal birth grandmother and first mom's sister came by for a visit and LF was in heaven all over again. She received the most beautiful outfit for Christmas; she is going to look SO sweet in it. Also, her first mom's sister brought me a set of salt and pepper shakers for my collection! It's my first Christmas set and I am so, so grateful--it was such a sweet, thoughtful gift. They also brought a little something for the older littles; I think their consideration for LF's sibs is so very sweet. All in all, a great two visits with fantastic people. I couldn't ask for more. LF is so lucky to be surrounded by so much love from every direction. She is big and beautiful and brilliant and just so, so, SO loved. Just the way it should be.

[x] We have another Big Meeting coming up at the end of this month. I get butterflies in my stomach but I think I've reconciled my feelings. K. and I have spent a LOT of time talk, talk, talking away and I think--I think--we've come to a decision. Of course, I say this now but anything can change in a moment's notice. So time will tell and we shall see...

[x] I made some awesome "pizza balls" (Bear's term :) with Daiya tonight; they were fantastic. Love refrig pizza dough--cuts out so much prep work. I'm so stuffed I may never eat again, but it was worth it. :)

[x] I need to do a complete kid-by-kid update, and soon. Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze out another blog within the next few days.

[x] Truth: I am a SUCKER for Valentine's Day. It's actually my favorite holiday. I know it's a "hallmark holiday" and all that crap, but I think it's such a bright, beautiful spot in winter. I'm already thinking of surprises for K., and I think we're taking the littles to Rainforest Cafe and Build-a-Bear as a special treat. :) *sigh* I just love Valentine's Day.

And let me reiterate why I hate facebook sometimes all the time sometimes: if I were to post my love for Valentine's Day (which I will, as I do every year), chances are the same people will blah-blah-blah-hallmark-holiday-blah-blah-blah-we-show-our-love-every-day-and-don't-need-valentine's-day-blah-blah-blah all over my status update. Just because I love the holiday doesn't mean my relationship is shit for 364 days of the year. Just because I love the holiday doesn't mean I'm a slave to Hallmark, consumerism, and/or commercialism. JFC, people. Chill!

So...yeah. If you're my fbook friend, expect a boatload of that crap when that status finally posts. ;)

[x] Lastly, forget not the reason for this day off work (if applicable). This makes me cry every single time I hear (or watch) it. I've heard/seen it so, so, so many times, but it still gives me goosebumps--every single time.

<3