Sad news, Mary’s glasses, and Lily’s new career

Today I found out that our friend, Ina Jellins, passed away. I felt so sad when I learned this news. Ina has actually crossed my mind several times lately, but I have been so preoccupied with keeping a new baby alive and fighting lice that I neglected to call her. I felt really, really sad to learn that opportunity has passed. But at the same time I was happy for Ina. She had such a hard life and was in so much pain, and I am sure her eternal reward feels very sweet to her.

On a happy note, Mary’s glasses finally came today! We think she looks even cuter with them on. Ina adored Mary, and I am sure she peeked down from heaven today to see what Mary looks like with glasses.

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Mary was happy with her glasses…for about ten minutes. Then came the tantrum. I tried every trick I knew to help her understand she needs to keep her glasses on. Finally I bribed her with a giant banana split, unlimited time with Diego, treats from Qualtrics, and a special trip to the toy store (which we both forgot about when the time came). She still hates her glasses. I can already see that this will be a daily battle…

Lydia was grumpy all day (as the picture attests), but the one high point for her was making books. She did this for the majority of the time we were home, and I helped her by writing down the narratives next to her pictures. They made absolutely no sense. I wanted to type out the narratives here so I could always reference them when I am old and wonder why talking with my four year old all day was such an exhausting mental exercise. Maybe I'll have time for that tomorrow.
Lydia was grumpy all day (as the picture attests), but the one high point for her was making books. She did this for the majority of the time we were home, and I helped her by writing down the narratives next to her pictures. They made absolutely no sense. I wanted to type out the narratives here so I could always reference them when I am old and wonder why talking with my four year old all day was such an exhausting mental exercise. Maybe I’ll have time for that tomorrow.

Yesterday we paid hundreds of dollars for a lice specialist to help us solve our problems. I have decided that if Abe dies I will become a lice specialist. Ours made $125 an hour, not including head checks ($20 a head). That is way more money than I would ever make teaching piano, teaching English, or as a line chef in a restaurant. Everything I am (on paper) qualified to do pales in financial comparison with the de-lousing profession. Why did I even ever go to school? I have no idea. But at least now I have a lucrative back-up plan!

Abe did my follow up comb-out tonight. I am going to start doing them myself in the shower to practice in case I ever need to actually become a lice specialist.
Abe did my follow up comb-out tonight. I am going to start doing them myself in the shower to practice in case I ever need to actually become a lice specialist.