Little girl sitting on the hearth of a fireplace in pajamas and a robe, with a Golden Retriever dog sitting and facing her.

1. This has BEEN. A. WEEK. First, let’s rewind because I don’t think I mentioned that last week, Dominic had pink eye. It cleared up quickly with antibiotic drops and no one else here got it. On Friday evening, Joseph started complaining of ear pain, and a trip to the doctor on Saturday morning confirmed an ear infection.

2. Then Isabelle woke up Sunday morning not feeling well and by Monday afternoon she was pretty sick. When I took her to the pediatrician, she tested positive for flu A. By Monday evening, Dominic had a fever. Because he still has a central line, a fever means a trip to the ER to have blood cultures drawn to ensure the fever isn’t from a line infection. We didn’t get home until nearly 4am 😵‍💫 He slept a lot the next day, then woke up at 5am Wednesday morning with another fever… back to the ER we went. He then tested positive for flu A, AND strep. Everyone has been resting and recuperating, and I hope we’ve contained the flu with those two 🤞🏻

Judith is just the sweetest cuddle bug, she always knows when someone needs a snuggle 🩷

3. On a positive note… what is your favorite holiday / Christmas tradition?

4. Does anyone have a Levoit humidifier? I’ve seen this 4.5L version recommended, and then saw there is a newer, larger version available, too.

5. I’ve really been trying to lean into this notion: “The imperfect project you actually complete is worth more than the perfect project you never finish.” Also, making little changes as I go along is more effective than waiting to do a great, big overhaul (on anything: the website, organizing something in the house, etc.).

6. Someone made over 1,000 Ina Garten recipes and shared their 10 favorites for dinner… of the list, I’ve only made one of them (the Easy Weeknight Bolognese), but I can’t wait to try more of these. Do you have favorites?

7. This is so fun! What’s Your Holiday Cookie Personality? I got Brown Butter Raspberry Shortbread.

8. Some great nuggets in here >> Creating a Slower Holiday Season

9. I think we have one more week before the second part of The Crown Season 6 drops; I can’t wait to binge the whole season… has anyone started it? What do you think?

10. TGIF! The fireplace is probably Duke’s favorite spot in the house…

Golden Retriever dog laying in front of a fireplace.