First and Second Impressions of Gianna

Honestly, I can't believe we made it. And to tell you the truth, the trip was actually incredibly enjoyable.

I guess I wasn't expecting to have fun. At least not during the driving part anyway. 

Our Sweet Peas & Buddies completely made the trip.  They were quiet when we told them to be.  They were in good spirits for most of the trip.  They were troopers and seemed to like being with us. 

However, I want to point out that I prayed a specific prayer. 

"Lord, please don't have anyone get the stomach flu." 

And He delivered even though I didn't exactly trust Him to and insisted on bringing a puke bucket just in case.

Apparently, I should have been more specific and say, "Lord, please don't have anyone get the stomach flu or any other virus or sickness for that matter." 

Because by the time Friday rolled around, my voice was leaving me. 

It could have been due to the fact that we were already incredibly sleep deprived.  It could have been due to the fact that I was speaking above the din of the children, the whir of the engine, and whatever else I needed to overcompensate for.  

But most likely, it was a virus.  (because now over a week later, the rest of the symptoms are appearing, sneezing, running nose, stuffy nose, a lingering cough, etc) 

I was a bit annoyed, to say the least

Because for the entire weekend, I either whispered or a spoke in a deep raspy voice that soon turned into the sound of a muppet who smoked.  

Trust me.  That's exactly what it was.  

This wouldn't have been a big deal if I had been with my friends from home.  They would have known that Gianna must be sick. 

  But NO, I was with people I  a) hadn't seen for 3 years or b) had just met for the first time.  And those people I hadn't seen for 3 years?  The last time I had seen them, I was so sick from morning sickness that I wasn't myself then, either. 

I was soooo looking forward to redemption and finally introducing them to the real Gianna who is fun to talk to and be around.  Not the crabby-I-don't -want-to-feed-my-kids-because-I'm-so-sick-but-I-can't-tell-you-that Gianna.  Now I have to wait another 3 years to try to fix both of these impressions. 

All I can say is that I think this impression can only get better.  Oh, I hope so!  And maybe next time I will actually get to sing!