Let the holidays commence

This year my house won't look neglected for want of time to decorate. This year I'M doing the crafts with my son. This year the cupcakes will be done by us and eaten by us, too. I'm excited for the first time in a looooooong time for the holidays to be creeping up. And I'm not acknowledging Christmas until after Thanksgiving because I believe it's sucking the life out of the holidays. I don't care what the stores try to tell me, it doesn't start in September. So bring it on!

Battle Royale

I need Nanny 911. Everything this kid does is in direct opposition of what I've asked him to do. Or involves A LOT of whining. Or screaming. Or crying. And nothing I do seems to have the desired effect for longer than an hour. I've tried time outs, soap in the mouth (for language issues), standing in the corner, throwing away toys and taking away TV time. It all works for a very limited time. So, I ask. What would you do?

life as a sahm.

I need to write this down because I'm sure how I feel will change with time. I'm still struggling to find peace in the decision to quit my job. I know in my heart it's the right decision and it does make the most sense. I don't know how families with two kids afford daycare. Part of me is still uneasy about being unemployed though. I can't shake the feeling that I'm giving up my identity by giving up my job. (I am aware that being a mom to my children is THE most important job I'll ever have.) I pray, a lot, for the peace with this decision to come. Hasn't worked yet.

On a lighter note, this week we got pumpkins, Indian corn, and a whole slew of art supplies to tide us over for a while! I finished painting the front door. And the upstairs hallway. And started collecting ideas for decorating PM's room. In all the time we've had this kid, I've never decorated a room for him!!!! What kind of mother am I??? Oh well, there's time now! And no time like the present, right?

done

I did it. I quit my job. I'm unemployed. It's scary. How do people get used to this? Is there a trick?

ittles.

I love when she laughs in her sleep. This breathy laugh like she's just getting the hang of it. It's just so sweet. I love when I enter the room talking and she looks for me. I love the smiles in the morning while I wipe the spit up off her chin(s). I love watching her find the world around her. She hit the toy on her bouncy seat with purpose today. And she smiled that sweet smile in triumph. I love her. My Gittles.

I love that when he's tired he still sucks his lower lip and rubs his ears. Just like he did when he was her age. It's still so sweet. I love when I make him breakfast and he declares it the "best thing" he's ever seen. I love watching him lecture me on the importance of something I'll never understand. No, really. I have no clue what he's saying because it's still not in English. But it sure is cute. I love when he gets excited about going to school, not daycare, because "Big boys don't go to daycare". He watched his little sister get her shots today and as I watched he smiled down at her and said "I won't let them hurt again". Her protector. My Bittles.

Holy Moley!

Goodness, time flies when you're having fun! And we are, we so are. Where to begin? In the past month we have done so much, seen so much and grown so much. (She's HUGE!) We took a much needed trip back to the Frigid North. We got to go to the Science Museum, the State Fair, and a family picnic straight out of my childhood! I got to see old friends, a lot of family and places I haven't been in years. And our children got to do these things with me. We were able to spend a ton of quality time with my parents and siblings. PM got to bond with his cousin (same age, GAH!) and his Uncle M. I didn't get to see as much of my sisters but there will be other trips home, so I'll just suck it up for now. PM also got to experience some new things, things we can't do right now out here. He got to go horseback riding with Gran and he got to take a motorcycle ride with my Aunt S. Don't worry, it was a 3 mile an hour flight around the parks parking lot but he loved every second! As for her, She started to smile! In response to smiles! But it's genuine and we love it!!!! She got so spoiled with love from everyone while we were away, it's hard for her to not be held :) I know I've said it elsewhere but we really are blessed with amazing little travelers! I'm not sure if you're aware, but we drove to the FN. Yeah. With a 4 year old and a 1 month old. 20 hours, in a car, with two small and very demanding in their own way children. But still a good trip!

And now a couple of Daddy memories before I sign off. The first, just outside of Pittsburgh, he decided he needed a toy, no,a model of some thing from a video game. Yes, a lego toy from a video game. For the ridiculous price of $70. The second, outside of Chicago, when he tried to stop PM from darting into the parking lot full of cars and accidentally tripped him causing a most glorious round of snotting and screaming along with a most excellent battle scar. Cause chicks dig scars.

coming up for air.

That's not entirely true. She's an incredible baby. She's got such a sweet disposition barely getting upset except when she's hungry! I love her so much, her Daddy loves her so much and her Big Brother? O.M.G. He's going to protect her and I love seeing that happen :) I've managed to get a few shots of them together but I think this week will be the week for getting good shots of them maybe outside! I'd like to get some professional photos done of our family before I go back to work because we've not had ANY done since PM turned 1! Unfathomable! He's 4! Too, too long!

I'm so happy to be off until October 13th. Can I just say that it feels like it's creeping up on me already? Probably because it is. Poohburgers. But part of me is already sooo ready to go back. I miss adult conversations that have NOTHING to do with me as a mom, but rather me as a productive member of society. And the kids, because we always talk about the kids. Why wouldn't we? They're cute and a constant source of stories. Love them! See them? Hear them! God bless them! And make them better. If you're reading this, I never said I was an English major and I know full well that it does not flow. I also don't care. Love ~S