Christmas, 2011

DSC_0200, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

We had a very nice, relaxing little Christmas at home. We decided to stop traveling on Christmas and it's been a great decision. This year, Theo was really into all the traditions and excitement, which was really fun.

On Christmas Eve, we had a picnic on the living room floor with appetizers. We had a fire going and let the kids watch the cartoon Grinch while we ate. Then we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. While we were gone, Reindeer (our elf) left to go back to the north pole until next year, but he left us gifts to open and a note. Christmas PJs for everyone! After we got changed, we read Twas the Night Before Christmas and then put Lucy to bed. After she was tucked in, we wrote to Santa, sprinkled magic reindeer food on the lawn and had donuts by the fire. Susan went to bed early (sick on Christmas, boo!) and I stayed up and went to midnight Mass.

The next morning, we just watched the kids open gifts, had a nice breakfast and then lounged around and played with new toys, watched Christmas movies and Skyped with the grandparents. I made a little dinner - ham, potatoes and green beans and the kiddos went to bed a little early while Susan and I played a card game.

I didn't open a single gift and yet, I had a wonderful Christmas. I loved watching the kids open their stuff and play. Quality time with all 4 of us at home was all the present I needed.

We have one more Christmas in January with Susan's family and then we will finally get to rest and relax and take a break from traveling. With all the birthdays and holidays that consume us from October through Christmas, we've been so, so busy. We've already packed away all the decorations and gotten the house back in order, so we are one step closer to a few low key months.

Hope everyone's Christmas was as nice and family centered as ours!

Merry Christmas!

Talking!

Our girl is talking. At 14 months she can say:

- Oh wow!

- Light

- Thank you

She possibly said Santa this morning, but the jury is still out. She can sign "more" and "all done" and "please" (only for "please" she rubs/pats your chest instead of hers - so cute).

Yay, Lucy!

Snowman cookies.

DSC_0034, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Another Pintrest find (love that site!) was snowman cookies. Made from Nutter Butters, melted white chocolate, M&Ms, orange tic tags and black icing. Theo was able to help quite a bit with these and they turned out very cute.

Handprint ornaments.

DSC_0041, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

I found this idea on Pintrest and they turned out so cute! I bought a box of shatterproof (key when working with a 3 year old!) ornaments at WalMart, painted his hand and then put the ornament in his hand and told him to close and open gently. Worked great! I used Sharpies to make them into snowmen and tied a cute coordinating ribbon at the top. Inexpensive and they were a big hit with the relatives.

Christmas in Richmond.

whitfords, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

This past weekend, we did Richmond Christmas, which we started last year. As we have grown and started our own families, it becomes harder to balance visiting grandparents with the kids wanting to be at their own house for Christmas and us wanting to start our own traditions. Thus, Richmond Christmas was born. We pick a weekend that works for everyone and decend upon my parents' house for all the festivities. Last year it felt so much like actual Christmas, I couldn't figure out why carols were still on the radio the next day!

We had a good time, only it would have been better with Susan who was holding down the hospital, as usual. Theo had a great time with his cousins and Lucy let me know she is still not ready for other people in her space. We saw Santa, ate out for pizza and pancakes (Theo's faves), watched Christmas movies and the kids got spoiled with gifts. Theo is still talking about his cousins. He also surprised me by sleeping very nicely on an Aerobed like a big boy. He's so flexible and easy going, I just enjoyed him so much on this trip. My little buddy.

A very good time was had by all.

Legendary Santa.

DSC_0025, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Well, it was "legendary" all right! When I was a kid, this guy was known as "the real Santa" or "Miller and Rhodes Santa." He's a big deal. So big, we got tickets to see him instead of camping out at 7am like others we saw. This required 11 people to be fed, dressed and out the door by 7:10am (yes, we actually did it).

Anyway, the kids got to see him come down the chimney, they met the Snow Queen and Santa called them over by name and thanked them from coming all the way from NC to see him. Magic. Theo actually did enjoy himself, in spite of this picture. Lucy reacted pretty much how I thought she would.

It was still fun and magical, as I always enjoy doing something with my kids that I did when I was little. And I swear, this is the same guy after all these years. Santa really is magic, I guess.

Advent activities.

While we are not religious, we do have an advent calendar. Or, a countdown to Christmas calendar, I guess you could say. It's the same one that hung on the wall when I was a kid. It has a pocket for the 24 days before Christmas and traditionally, it had little candy bars in every pocket. Since we don't let the kids eat candy, I decided this year to put a little Christmas activity in each pocket. Clearly, some of these are super basic, but here's what I came up with. These aren't in any order, I will order them up according to TV programming schedules, travel plans, etc. As they get older, I hope to add more service related ones, but at 1 and 3 years old, I don't think they would get it. Day 1 will be meeting our elf, as rumor has it an "Elf on the Shelf" will be joining our family this year. And, hopefully the tree is going up on Day 2.

Let the season begin!

1. Make snowman cookies.

2. Watch Charlie Brown Christmas.

3. Watch Frosty the Snowman.

4. Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

5. Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

6. Visit family for Richmond Christmas.

7. Sit on Santa's lap.

8. Take a walk to see Christmas lights.

9. Make sugar cookies.

10. Go to the Rolesville Christmas parade.

11. Have appetizers for dinner, with hot chocolate and Dunkin' Donuts for dessert.

12. Buy your sibling a Christmas gift.

13. Make an ornament for the tree.

14. Listen to Christmas music with dinner.

15. Have snowman pancakes for breakfast.

16. Make reindeer food.

17. Decorate a gingerbread house.

18. Read Christmas stories before bed.

19. Meet an elf from the North Pole.

20. Decorate the tree.

21. Do a Christmas craft.

22. Learn a Christmas carol and Skype with the grandparents and sing it to them.

23. Wear Christmas pajamas to bed.

24. Color a picture for Santa.

THREE.

DSC_0055, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Today, our baby boy is three years old. I can't even believe it's been that long. In some ways, it seems he's been here my whole life and in other ways, it seems like yesterday I held him for the first time.

He is so funny and sometimes, without meaning to be. He gets very excited about things he is passionate about (water, escalators, to name a few). He loves to sing and is the sunniest, smiliest boy you will ever meet. He has still never had a temper tantrum, although he has his own way of letting you know he isn't happy. Usually, it takes less than 30 seconds to turn his mood around. He says cute things like "last mornin'" to mean anything other than right now. He is a good big brother and is still learning his own strength when it comes to loving Lucy. He goes with the flow and takes everything in stride.

He counts, he knows a word for every letter of the alphabet, has known all his letters for some time and can point out "what word starts with ___" from a group. He loves to be read to. He's been potty trained for six months (woo hoo!) and the carseat is the only trace of baby left around for him. He absolutely loves preschool and asks every morning if it's a preschool day. He's learn such good independence there and we are so happy we sent him early.

He is the perfect first addition to our family and handles his role as first born well. We adore him and just can't imagine a world without his sunny smile.

We love you, Theo. Happy Birthday!

Almost a sad Halloween.

DSC_0623, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

After having beautiful weather for all our fall events thus far, it rained on Halloween. We'd made plans to go ToT'ing with a friend who lives in the neighborhood we hope to move to, but due to the rain we decided to stay home. My thought was we could each take him to a few houses and switch off staying with Lucy.

We carved pumpkins, had pizza for dinner and by that point it was POURING. Theo was so, so excited, so I bundled us up and out we went. Only, our neighborhood sucks and we walked up and down the street in the rain to find only one house with a light on. I had tears in my eyes seeing him shuffle down the street in the rain, with his big, excited smile and empty little pumpkin.

I gave up and came home, apologizing that no one was going to give him any candy. By that point, Lucy needed to be nursed and go to bed, so Susan put him in the car and drove him to a very close neighborhood. I got Lucy down and then sat on the couch and cried. I hate where we live on a good day and I was hating it even more now that his first big ToT'ing was ruined. I was just so disappointed. Well, a bit later, he and Susan walked in. He was soaking wet, but had a huge smile and a bag full of candy. Susan said the other neighborhood was full of people happy to hand out candy and that Theo had a blast. She offered to switch with me, but at that point it was late and dark and he was wet and had had an awesome time and that was all that mattered.

I took off his costume and his wet shoes and socks and we let him eat one piece of candy and offered him a very special treat: a Halloween donut. He ate off a few sprinkles, took a tiny bite and declared himself "done!"

I'm so glad his big day ended well and hope that very soon we are in a much better neighborhood.

Walking, stats and a tooth!

Lucy had her one year old check up on Monday and she was 19lbs., 9oz. and 28 inches tall. Her iron is a bit low, so she now has to have vitamin drops with iron in them and we will recheck it at her 15 month appointment. Other than a mild cold, the doctor said she was perfect!

She also cut her very first tooth about two weeks ago. It's halfway in now and you can easily see it. She enjoys scraping her Mum Mums across it. So far, that's the only one.

Today when I got home from work, I was playing with her on the floor and she started dancing and being crazy and I thought I'd see if she would walk. Typically she just falls forward into your arms, but this time, I thought I saw her step. I called Susan over and tried again and she did a little 1-2-3 step before falling forward. She was so proud!! I was so glad she waited until we could all be there to see her.

One.

DSC_0475, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Our sweet girl is a year old! And, oh what a year it has been. After the pregnancy from hell and the delivery to match, I was sure the universe "owed" me an easy baby. Well, the universe showed me! An easy baby she was not; the early days clouded with screaming, reflux and breastfeeding troubles. We soldiered on, often wondering if we would live through her first year.

For roughly the first 6 months, she only wanted me to hold her. While this was flattering, it was also extremely tiring. She had another wonderful, capable parent, but when she gets something in her head, that's all she wants (wonder where she gets it?). She cried when other people so much as looked at her, forget about holding her. It took a lot to right the ship, to hold it together and to just get through many, many months with her.

And you know what? It was all completely worth it. This girl and I - we have a bond forged in fire. So many days it was her and I walking through a war and we came out of it strong and together. This is important because it took me a long time to bond with her. It makes me sad to say that, especially since Theo and I were bonded about 4 seconds after he was born, but it's true. I don't know if it was because she was second born and learning to love anyone like my first baby was something I wasn't even sure I could do, or if it's just because she was tough. But, bond we did, and it is fierce.

She has taught me so much in the past year. I've learned how far a mother's love can carry you through really hard days, I've learned I can love someone else like I love Theo and I learned how much I need Susan. I am very lucky to have her. I also learned a lot about other people's judgment and perceptions. Countless times people would tell me about "so and so's baby" who just smiles all the time and loves anyone to hold her and then finish it off with "she's SUCH a good baby." This was usually after I explained why I wasn't able to hand Lucy off for a cuddle. I admit, this got to me. I cried one night to Susan that I didn't think anyone in the world liked Lucy but me and that no one thought she was a "good baby." Well, you know what? She's not a good baby. She's an incredible baby. Fierce in her loyalty, sunny, smiley and cautious with who she trusts. We should all be so smart.

Tonight when I put her to bed, we did our usual nursing routine in the chair. And then my favorite - I walk her to the crib and put in her paci. She crawls up a little higher on my shoulder, tucks her legs under her, wraps her arms tightly around my neck, lays her head on my shoulder and waits for me to hum her a song. She stays like that for as long as I will let her. I have to put her to bed because of the nursing, but truth be told, I'd be really sad to hand her off at bedtime. That's our special time together and I hope it lasts forever.

We love you so much, sweet Goose. You are the perfect addition to our family and we wouldn't trade you for all the "good" babies in the world. Happy Birthday!!

The last bottle.

DSC_0256, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Last week, at 11 months and 2 weeks old, Lucy drank her last bottle. She gets expressed breastmilk while I am at work and that was the last bag. While I still pump at work (until she is a year), I don't pump near enough for bottles anymore. That pump just isn't as efficient as a nursing baby.

We actually tried to give her some whole milk in a sippy cup (something we never did with Theo) since she's a peanut, but she wouldn't drink it. So, we are just going to let her have water during the day on my three work days and continue nursing as usual the rest of the time.

What's funny is that I've never seen her drink a bottle until these pictures! She's only ever had one when I am working, so obviously I am not around. She's pretty cute the way she holds it.

I know Susan will miss giving her a bottle, but I will definitely NOT miss pumping. I practically have a paper chain counting down the days.

She's never had even a drop of formula. As with Theo, I am extremely proud of that.

Almost apple picking (again).

I don't know why Lucy is cut off. Stupid blogger.

I think we officially fail at apple picking. Two years ago we set off for the orchard with our friend, Kelsi with visions of canning and apple pie in our heads. Got there to learn they were "all picked out." Did I mention the orchard is an hour and a half away? Then last year, we decided to skip apples and try peaches at the same orchard. It was hot, humid and stunk of rotting fruit. It was also FULL of mosquitoes and we got eaten alive. We quickly scratched that off the list of yearly activities.

This year, we were ready. We'd checked the website to ensure they had apples. We planned to go the day after they opened the fujis, but it rained. We rescheduled for a week later and got there to find that once again, they had no apples. Well, they said they had some, but heck if we could find any. We did find ONE granny smith (which I don't even like) that we let Theo pick, just so he could say he did. We went inside, bought a $6 bag of apples, staged some pictures, went for a ride on a tire swing and went home. We once again had some great pizza at Elizabeth's - if you are ever in Siler City, stop there!

We've resigned to the fact that picking apples this far south is just no good. Next year we are going to Charlottesville and hitting up Carter's Mountain with hayrides and cider doughnuts and mountains in the backdrop. I can't wait!

The kids had fun and we enjoyed being together as a family, and that's all that matters.

Frustrated.

I am so frustrated with my back. I can't exercise, I can't sit on the floor with the kids and I can barely give a bath. Today I deep cleaned the kitchen for about an hour and despite ice and Advil, I still spent the rest of the day barely able to move without crying. It just sucks to think I could be like this forever. I think I need an MRI because there has got to be something wrong. The spine doctor did an x-ray and said structurally everything is fine, it was just Lucy's speedy delivery that caused things to be too loose and out of whack. Yeah, well, she's almost a year old. Come on. He said to go to PT, but manipulating it at all or doing anything out of the ordinary causes such extreme pain, why would I do that??

I'm also worried it's going to cause my hip to be damaged because of the way I have to move when it's all flared up. I end up hunching and dragging that leg which puts my hip in a funny position and causes a lot of pain.

The bigger issue is my weight. I know I have had two babies close together, but I am at my highest weight ever and it is super, super frustrating that I can't even exercise. I can't cut calories because as soon as I do that, my milk supply goes down. I'm going to be dragging myself across the finish line (a year) as it is, I can't risk a supply any lower. Nursing makes me so hungry, but I don't lose weight when nursing. I seem to have missed that benefit. I feel huge, none of my clothes fit and sometimes I choose not to go somewhere just so I don't have to try and squeeze into something that isn't yoga pants.

Anyway, no point to this I guess, just a vent.

Oh, and just for you Lindsey - Lucy weighs 18 pounds and 6 ounces. :) I don't know her length, but she's still in 6-12 month clothes with plenty of room. In 0-6 month Robeez with plenty of room. She's too small for real shoes, according to Stride Rite. She's a peanut!

Recent Theo-isms.

DSC_0029, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

I don't want to forget these.

"Your (my) 'bless you' is stuck!"
"Holy smokes!" (Upon checking out the business he left in the potty)

Ugh, I know there were more and I already forgot.

11 Months.

DSC_0025, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Our girl is 11 months old! Next "month day" she'll be a year old. Hard to believe!

This will be boring to everyone but us, but I like to have a record.

At 11 months Lucy is ...
1. Sleeping all night! From about 7p to 6:30a.
2. Taking two naps a day. One is usually only about 45 minutes and the other is about an hour and a half. She lays down when Theo does in the afternoon, thankfully. She sometimes plays in her crib for an hour before she goes to sleep, but is always happy. She has a pacifier only for sleeping (that's all she's ever had it).
3. Standing unassisted for about 20 seconds and walking behind a push toy.
4. Does not have even one tooth.
5. Eats everything in sight! Loves avocado and yogurt the best.
6. Still nurses about 5 times a day.
7. Adores her big brother.

Mama needs pillows!

Ok, but even if I didn't, you should read this blog. My girl Kelsi is all around awesome sauce. She sews; she is a Mama to two huge, slobbering beasts that wouldn't make it past my front door, but boy are they cute; she rocks celiac disease with style; she's totally killing some serious weight loss the old fashioned way and she even has her own damn chickens to make scrambled eggs with. How lucky am I to have been stuck together with this gal during my last year of grad school in an old, smelly office with a rather flamboyant, but fearless, leader??

So, go to her blog, steal her recipes, marvel over her sewing, feel guilty over the ice cream you just ate while she lost 30 pounds - and while you are there, enter her giveaway!

http://oursimplehappylife.blogspot.com/2011/09/shop-is-now-open.html

Kelsi - honored to be your friend, lady!

4 Miler!

W4M, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Last weekend, we went up to Virginia so I could run (walk) the Women's 4 Miler. It's an awesome race and so much fun. I ran it for the first and last time 7 years ago with my friend, Jenny. That year, we did the summer long training program and I was able to run the whole thing. Here we are, many years, pounds, marriages and kids later. Jenny can still run - me, not so much. I mentioned below that the doctors told me I could not run, due to an injury I sustained during Lucy's birth. As much as I HATED it, I had to abide by their direction and walk the race. I did run the last 1/2 mile, though!

In the end, it was still fun, even without running. I walked with a friend and saw nearly everyone in C'ville that I wanted to. It was super excellent to see Jenny and Thistle. I was only bummed that their kiddos weren't there. We brought Lucy and left Theo home with my parents since we had to leave at 5:00am. We've never done that before and Theo did great! Susan had an easier time with just one kid to keep up with and we all went for Bodo's afterwards. Ah, Bodo's. How I miss you.

We were all supposed to go back home on Saturday after the race, but my parents convinced me to stay with the kids through the weekend. They drove us home on Labor Day in Mom's fancy van where Theo got to watch a movie on the way home. He was in heaven.

As always, I spent the ride home being sad to go home. I just love Charlottesville. I miss my friends. I wish our kids were growing up close. And, it's so nice to have my parents around to pitch in with the kids. We have it good here and we also have excellent friends here that we'd miss, but I am not sure if this will ever feel like "home." Moving away was the right thing at the time. Maybe one day, we will find our way back. In the meantime, I hope to meet up with these girls again next year and next time be able to run!

Back to school!

DSC_0291, a photo by MelissaandSusan on Flickr.

Tuesday, little man went back to school. He is in the same school as last year, but a new class. He seemed pretty nervous on the way there, but ran right into the class and was all smiles when we picked him up. He went potty there with no trouble and told me all about what he ate for a snack. We offered up Chic Fil A as a special back to school lunch, but he opted to go home and have a PBJ.

Putting your kid in the care of others is hard. We felt good about his teachers last year, but now it's all new again. We knew he'd love it and we really appreciate the gains he made last year. Two mornings a week is a great balance for us. We love having him home, but learning to interact in the world, be confident in the care of others and learning the lesson that "Mama/Mom always comes back!" is all important stuff, too.

One year ago.

This was our boy, exactly one year ago. Amazing.

Running?

As I mentioned before, I am training to run the Charlottesville Women's 4 Miler with my friends. I am using a Couch to 5K program and have done really well. So far, I haven't hit a day that I couldn't finish. Only, I am only on week 4 and the race is in less than 4 weeks, meaning I won't hit the end of the training before the race. The reason is my stupid back. I had pretty bad sciatica with both pregnancies, only with my first, it went away after delivery. This time, it's gotten worse and as Lucy is 9 months old, clearly it can't be pregnancy related. I finally saw a spine doctor who said I likely sustained an injury during Lucy's delivery (since it was so fast and not well controlled) and to do ice, Advil and PT. And, no more running. I was really disappointed but it actually doesn't hurt WHEN I am running (only after) so I decided to just continue to train and do the ice and Advil right after running.

Some days, I can't walk by the end of the day, running or no running. I can't sit on the floor with the kids for more than a minute. Giving them baths is excruciating. I haven't made it to PT yet, largely because I have been down this road before and I know it's not going to make a difference and it's really expensive. Now my hip is getting out of whack because of how I compensate to walk when my back is messed up. Did I mention I am only 33???

It's discouraging, it's painful and it makes me mad. Will it always be like this? I can't believe that my activities are limited. Sucks. So, for now, I have resigned that I will not be able to run the whole 4 miles. I hope I can at least run the last half, but we will see. Makes me really sad.

There's always next year, I guess.

Sometimes, it's the big things.

And sometimes, it's the small things. Susan's parents were here visiting for a couple of days when Lucy made a big leap - she let Gran hold her and play with her for a good 10 minutes! She also let her hold her a few other times while out shopping. She didn't cry at all and when she was "done" she just reached for Susan or I.

To most people, it's probably not a big deal, given that she is 9.5 months old. To us, it was huge. More or less since birth, she has screamed bloody murder if anyone besides me or Susan (and sometimes even Susan) so much as looked at her, no less tried to hold her. It was to the point that we had to ask well meaning strangers to please not speak to her or try to engage her. Those who know us well stopped trying to hold her at all, as they knew she'd just freak out.

It got to the point where I broke down one night because I was sure that I was the only person in the world who liked her at all and that everyone thought she was a "bad baby." My heart broke for anyone to think that because she is a great baby and a sweet girl, just one with a few challenges.

I was so happy to see her interacting with her grandparents and that they got to see what a sweet, happy girl she is.

Job news.

Now that it's official, I can share the details. I started at Duke almost two years ago in the position I have now. When I was interviewing, the team leader told me they had requested an additional day for the position and wanted to be sure I was ok working three days/week. I said I was, but at the time, I could have gone either way. The extra money would have been nice, but Theo was 10 months old, I'd never spent an entire day away from him and three days seemed like a lot. So, for about a year, I didn't say much about it.

Over the past year, it's been clear that the third day was needed. We'd really like to move to a bigger house, closer to Duke, and needed the extra income to do that. Also, my patient load is crazy and I was having a hard time getting everything done in two days. So, I started asking. And asking and asking and asking. Heard lots of empty promises and "maybes." So, I started poking around just to see what else was out there. I wanted to remain part time and I wanted to continue working in a hospital, in pediatrics, so that limited the options. I did find a part time position at Wake Med and applied.

The short version is, after a phone interview and a TWO HOUR panel interview, I was offered the position. I was honest with Duke the whole time and let them know exactly why I was looking and that it had absolutely nothing to do with being unhappy there, just a need for more hours. Well, all of a sudden, they got serious. My boss asked me not to accept an offer without giving them a chance to respond. I got the unofficial offer from Wake Med a week ago, but had to wait on the HR rep to come back from vacation to give me the official offer and to discuss salary. She finally called and I kid you not, while I was on the phone with her, my pager went off with a message that said "can you start working three days/week on August 15th? Call me immediately." Nothing like the 11th hour!!

I told both hospitals I needed a night to think on it. There were pros and cons to both. Wake Med is closer. It's a new position with 20 hours a week that I could use however I wanted and come and go as I please. But. It was grant funded. It was a new position. They wanted 5 days/week (4 hours/day) which could have easily started looking like a full time job. I didn't know anyone. It would be starting over. I love working at Duke. I have friends there. I am respected for my work and have a good relationship with my clinics. It would be more money. But. It's three full days away from the kids. I'd never get to take or pick up Theo from preschool, so I would feel like I didn't know his teachers at all. One of my coworkers drives me crazy.

I called my boss on my way home that evening and told her about not being able to take and pick up Theo from school and how sad that made me. She agreed that on Tuesdays I could flex my hour and work 9:30 to 6 instead of 8:30 to 5. That sealed it. I did come home and talk with Susan and we agreed that the extra money and the concession of the hour on Tuesdays was more than I could have hoped for. I also would be earning PTO and retirement. And, when we are able to move, the commute will be cut in half, so the days won't seem quite as long.

I gave my decision yesterday and was SO relieved. It's been a long two weeks and it felt like I was playing chicken with Duke. I'm so happy they came through for me. Wake Med asked if there was anything they could do to change my mind, but I had my mind made up. This is going to mean really good things for us and we have a goal to be in a new house in 18 months! I also had my annual review yesterday which went well and I was able to thank my boss in person. And, hear a lot of nice things about my work and contributions to the team which felt nice.

So, that's the story. Susan and I will be Dookies for a good long while!!

Yeah, I fell off the blog wagon.

I have no good reason. I guess it's just between Facebook and Flickr, does anyone really need so much "social media?" I do use the blog to help me do the kids' books at the end of the year, so I guess I should update, even if just for me!

Theo

Little man is two and a half! CRAZY. I can't even believe he will be 3 in November. 2 is still a baby, 3 is a kid. He is funny, sweet, mischievous and looking forward to being able to go outside again once the heat breaks. He's matured by leaps and bounds in the last few months. For starters, he is POTTY TRAINED! It didn't take long at all and Susan did most of the work, but as with every other transition, he did it easily. He wears underwear all day (even during nap) and a diaper at night. He loves picking his underwear out every day and I love buying it. I especially love only having to wash half the diapers. We skipped Pull Ups and went straight to underwear, which I think was key. He didn't have too many accidents and will even potty in public. It's awesome. He's been in a twin bed for nearly a year now, likes to pick his own clothes, puts on his own shoes, finally can eat pizza without it being cut up, LOVES to help me in the kitchen (still) and carries on long conversations. As he is out of diapers now, it seems like there isn't a trace of anything "baby" around here for him anymore. Such a big boy! He goes back to preschool in September and I think we are all ready to get back to a routine. He's a great big brother and likes playing with Lucy. And, she is his biggest fan.

Lucy

Little bit is 9 months old. I'd say I am shocked, but babyhood seems to be going slower the second time, so I feel like she should be older somehow. She has also made huge strides in the last month or so. She is eating crazy amounts of solid food and while she doesn't have any teeth still, she will NOT eat purees anymore. For example, this morning she ate a whole piece of french toast, a handful of blueberries, a quarter of a banana, a bunch of Cheerios and she nursed. She's a pro at the sippy cup (just water) and is still nursing several times a day. We don't know where she puts all this food as she isn't quite 17 pounds. Still very much a little peanut. She is so close to crawling! She gets in position and rocks and pivots and rolls all over, but no actual crawling yet. Fine by us, by the way. She's been pulling up for a long time and likes to stand. She is also SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! We started some gentle Sleep Lady work a few months ago, but she really did this mostly on her own. She was waking at 2am for a feed, then 4am and now 6am. It's awesome. I believe this is largely due to her being able to put her own pacifier in. We sprinkle a bunch in the crib so she can find one at night. She's also taking two decent naps, which we no longer have to fight her on. We put her in her crib and walk out. She just plays and talks to herself until she falls asleep. Generally, she takes one short nap and one longer one. She loves to play with Theo and watch the dog. She is a very loud screecher and does this ALL day long. She loves the water and bath time is a favorite around here. She's also made gains with social development and no longer cries if a stranger looks at her. She generally ducks her head under our chins and acts shy, but doesn't cry. We'll take it!

Us

I am training for the Charlottesville Women's 4 Miler over Labor Day weekend. I am using a Couch to 5K program and it's going ok. I have had a lot of trouble with my lower back, which makes it hard to run. I saw a doctor who said I sustained an injury during Lucy's birth since she came so fast. He said not to run. I disagreed.

I am also possibly making a change at work, but more to come about that if/when things change.

Susan is still working hard and finding projects around here to keep her busy. She's becoming a master toilet fixer (or something). She and the kids have a lot of fun during my two work days and she is really good at getting them out of the house and on adventures.

We are also beginning to plan for a move. It won't be for another year or so, but we have narrowed down where we want to move and I spend time torturing us by looking at listings for houses we can't buy yet. Ha!

So, all's well here, just busy. I keep the Flickr stream updated regularly, which is where all the pictures are. At least that I can do.

Happy end of summer -- oh fall, come quickly!

Six (ok, nearly seven) months old!

Our girl is halfway through her first year. Shwooo, it's been a tough six months, but every day she gets a little easier and more full of personality. She's sitting up nicely, absolutely adores her big brother and smiles and laughs readily. She likes her exersaucer and can finally touch the bottom with her feet. She's eating solid foods, nurses like a newborn and is still on Prevacid for reflux. She's been on a plane, to a concert outside, takes swimming classes and got her ears pierced. It's been a big month!

She's really still in 3-6 month clothes, but her summer threads are all 6-12, so that's what she's wearing, even though they are big. Thankfully, her big fluffy cloth diaper holds up her pants! At her 6 month appointment she was about 14.5 pounds and 25 inches long, so "not the biggest girl in her class" as the pediatrician said. Plenty healthy, though and she got her first vaccine, the HiB #1 dose. She will get two more doses, one at 9 months and one at a year and then we probably won't do anything else until 2, which is what we've done with Theo and has worked out fine.

She is a terrible sleeper, but does spend the first part of the night in her crib and we took down the pack and play in our room. She naps in her crib, or in the car on the go, which is what happens when you have a busy big brother to keep up with.

She has big, beautiful eyes and we still don't know what color they will settle on. They are looking more blue, but we'll see. We get comments often on how pretty her eyes are and we have to agree! In spite of her challenges, she teaches us a lot in patience and grace and we couldn't love her more. She is the perfect addition to our family.

Happy Six (seven) months, Lucy Goose!

Strawberry picking!

Every Spring, we find a strawberry patch and go pick a big bucket of berries. I did it as a kid and always loved it, so I especially love having kids of my own to take now. This year, we went to a new place, Vollmer Farms which specializes in organic strawberries. It was a cute place with stuff for the kids to play on, wagons to ride out to the patch in and homemade ice cream (the highlight for me!). The berries we really, really small, so it took a LONG time to fill a bucket. Theo had an absolute blast once he realized what to do. He would shout, "I see one! I see one!" and then excitedly fling it into the bucket, which led to a discussion of how to be gentle with our berries. Lucy sat in the field, played with some grass and just enjoyed being outside.

On the way home, he was quiet and then said "we did have so much fun in the country!" I should say we did.

Click the Flickr widget above to see more pictures.

Mama and LK in Hotlanta!

Lucy and I flew down to Atlanta on Saturday to meet some friends and see Aunt Sammy's new house. She has recently moved in with her beau, Adam, who lives in Atlanta. We had a great time! It's a short, cheap flight from RDU so we flew down early and came back that evening. Sam and Adam picked us up and took us to breakfast, then we hung at their house until my friend, Jen, picked us up. We met friends at the Olympic Park, had lunch at the CNN Center and then back to Sam and Adam's for a bit before heading back to the airport. It was really fun and hopefully the whole family can get down for a Braves game!

Lucy did well on the plane, save for the last 15 minutes of the last flight when she screamed her head off. I was so flustered and sweaty by the time the plane finally landed. I apologized to the passengers, who were gracious and many said, "hey, we've all been there!" and said not to worry. Nonetheless, I think I will not be flying alone with her again for a long time!
Here's a few pics, but they aren't superb. I didn't want to lug the big camera, so I just took the point and shoot.

Hanging out at Aunt Sammy's.

CNN Center.

Atlanta friends!

Meal plan Monday.

1. Fajitas

2. Crock pot Santa Fe chicken over rice

3. Chicken pot pie soup w/cornbread muffins

4. Baked ziti

5. Make your own pizza (Theo LOVES to do this)

6. Breakfast

7. Fend for yourself

Meal plan Monday.

Hey, look! It's actually on Monday.

1. Spaghetti

2. Turkey meatloaf w/squash casserole

3. Cilantro lime shrimp w/brown rice and veggies

4. Chicken w/mushrooms in garlic wine sauce w/brown rice and veggies

5. Mexican surprise

6. Breakfast

7. FFYS

We are just back from a week in Richmond after being a little displaced due to the tornado. Hopefully a post about all that soon. I'm sure Theo wishes a tornado would hit every week, he had a ball!

Meal plan.

Apparently, at least Casey likes the meal plan posts!

1. Beef stew in the crock pot (odd choice for spring, I know, but Susan needs a crock pot meal on "her" night to cook)

2. Cookout night! Turkey burgers, potato salad and baked beans

3. Rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts - this is fake cooking at it's finest: grocery store already cooked chicken, Bob Evans fridge mashed potatoes, steam in a bag veggies. "Home cooked" meal on the table in 6 minutes. Quality.

4. BLT or egg salad sandwiches w/chips

5. Grilled chipotle chicken over salad w/black beans and corn

6. Spaghetti (Theo's fave!)

7. Cook it yourself!

Kiddo update.

I've been a bad blogger! I need to do this update so I don't forget these things about the kids when I am old and grey. Too tired to wrestle with blogger for pictures, so just click the widget above to see recent ones. I am at least very good about keeping pics up to date.

Theo

He's 28 months old and before our very eyes, becoming more and more a little boy and less a toddler. He runs, he climbs, he never stops talking and he's even begun to kind of joke with us in his own way. He's really good at entertaining himself for small periods of time and can often be found sitting in his green chair in his room reading. We packed up the high chair and he sits at a booster seat at the table with us now, which he loves. That was kind of bittersweet since it's the last "baby" thing we had around for him (well, except the carseat, I guess). He still loves going to school and can now tell us what he did that day and what he had for snack. I think he's going to miss it when the school year ends in May. He adores his baby sister and often brings her things to play with. He always wants her to come with us and lets us know when "Lucy sad!" He thinks his grandparents are the best thing ever, often asking if we are going to their house and if we say no he says "maybe Friday?" He wishes he could see them every day, I think. Here are a few things he says that I don't want to forget:

"kee-pee": computer

"yuck-o": yellow

"want me pick you up"

"sit in the rock a rock a minute"

"oh! how 'bout ___?"

We've introduced time out since learning they do that at school, but he doesn't have to go often (I think we've put him there maybe 3 times). In spite of rarely using it he will often say "go straight to time out!" after being corrected. He doesn't seem to mind time out, but he gets the concept.

We've also begun letting him watch one show on TV - Dinosaur Train. He loves it. And, despite my intense hatred of licensed character paraphernalia, I did buy him three little figurines. I draw the line there, though! He gets so excited when it's time for dinos and it gets us 30 minutes to clean up the kitchen or take care of Lucy, so that's nice.

He's an awesome kid. Never had one tantrum (now watch, he'll have one tomorrow) and is loving, fun and easy. We are so lucky to have him.

Lucy

Lucy is newly 5 months old and the yin to our yang. Not in a negative way, but she is the opposite of her big brother, for sure. She's a tough nut. Fiesty, not terribly flexible and makes her needs known with no uncertainty. I'm pretty sure her first temper tantrum was upon exiting the womb. But when she smiles, she lights up the world. There is more feeling behind those smiles because they are hard won. She feels emotions deep and isn't afraid to show it. One day, our girl will rule the world.

She is like big brother in that she doesn't want to miss out on life by sleeping. She was doing pretty well and then we hit the 4 month sleep regression. We are coming out of that now and she usually gives us anywhere from a 5-7 hour stretch and then a 2-3 hour stretch and then we struggle to get her to sleep until 5:30 when we give up. She takes a nap around 7:15 and then three other naps throughout the day. She's napping in her crib now so we packed up the swing. She's still swaddled because that's how she is cued to sleep, but she can bust out of even the Miracle Blanket now, so I don't know how much longer we will do this. She puts herself to sleep for the most part, unless we've missed the window when she crosses over to being overtired and then totally loses her mind. She's still in our room at night because I have no desire to go downstairs to feed her.

She's still breastfeeding of course and gets 4 bottles a day on the two days I work. I pump twice at work and once every morning and so far have had no problems with supply. She's had absolutely no formula, which I am extremely proud of. We haven't started any solids yet and don't know when we will. Her gut is SO sensitive that I don't know if she will be ready for solids anytime soon. She's not showing any interest, so I am in no rush.

We put the excersaucer together and she likes it a lot. She's really begun playing with toys in the last week or so and tonight she put her own pacifier in her mouth by herself! Susan said she held her own bottle last week as well. She can roll both ways (has for awhile, though almost never rolls onto her belly, even though she can) and loves standing up with support from us. She's crazy strong. We have sitting up lessons, but she still arches back quite a bit and doesn't seem to like it much.

She's still on Prevacid and still has reflux. She still arches when she feeds. I will be glad (as will she) when she finally outgrows the reflux.

She is very attached to me, moreso than Theo was at her age. She will always want me if I am an option and since she's pretty tough, usually Susan doesn't seem put out by this. :) She's hard, but she's my girl. She might want to spend her life glued to my face but I try and remember that all too soon she'll be telling me to get lost and I'll wish for one more day to hold her. We are very lucky to have her.

We feel like we are getting into a groove with two and have even ventured out to eat and yesterday went to the zoo. And, oddly, Theo was out of sorts but Lucy did great - go figure. Sometimes I look at them and can't believe they are mine. I love them more than I thought possible and I know Susan does too. My friend Kelsi posed a question to think about what you are passionate about and I have to say, I am passionate about being a mama. I love it. I'm good at it, I enjoy it and even on days where I just want to freakin' pee in peace, I wouldn't trade these two for anything. They (and Susan) are my whole world. I love nothing more than being with my little family. I'm a lucky woman.

Totally random thoughts.

1. Susan and Theo are away for the night. I miss them. Even though I didn't have to cook dinner and it's much easier to put only one kid to bed.

2. We don't let our kids watch TV until they are two. At all.

3. Today I turned on Oprah FOR Lucy just so I could get a few things done. She loves Oprah.

4. Supposedly I am doing Weight Watchers, but I had Chinese take out for dinner with a piece of red velvet cake for dessert.

5. I did at least walk to the place to get my dinner, does that make it less lame?

6. I threw out the rest of the cake I didn't eat.

7. Chocolate covered Peeps are really good.

8. We have a real problem with people parking on the street in our 'hood, in spite of it being against the HOA rules. Now they have put up red "tow away zone" signs. I think all the cars were less ugly.

9. When you become a mom, you become invisible to a lot of people, I have discovered.

10. I recently found a cross stitch that I started when I was pregnant with Theo. It was his initials with monkeys and I was going to make a pillow with it for his nursery. He no longer has a nursery and his big boy room is monsters, so I guess I'm not finishing that one.

11. My mom has a needlepoint she started when she was pregnant with me but never finished. Must be genetic.

12. I love to start new projects, but finishing them is always a problem.

13. I paid off my car with my tax return, two years early. I got the title in the mail last week. I want to frame it.

14. I'm already researching my next car.

15. I won't be buying a new car for a long time. I'm going to enjoy having no payment.

16. I'm neurotic about carseat safety. When I see chest clips too low or straps too loose, I start twitching.

17. In Raleigh, Jeopardy comes on before Wheel of Fortune. True story.

18. I wish we lived in Charlottesville.

19. We'll never move, because our job situation is perfect.

20. I really don't want to send the kids to public school. I think this makes me a bad social worker.

21. I'm glad we can have more kids without using my body. Lucy's pregnancy and delivery was pretty traumatizing.

22. I think I have post partum anxiety and pretty sure I had it with Theo, too. Or, I am just a nervous mother.

23. I love decorating kids' rooms.

24. I've already picked bedding for Lucy's big girl bed and the girl has never even slept one night in her crib yet.

25. 25 seems like a good number to end on and I really should be stuffing diapers.

Meal plan and recipe review.

I wanted to say that the baked parmesean chicken recipe from last week was really good! We don't actually use parmesean, because we don't like it, so the points actually may have been a tad lower (though I counted as noted). I didn't miss the fried part at all. We will definitely make it again.

Here's what's on tap for this week:

1. Pancakes (never got made)

2. Chili (never got made)

3. Asian grilled chicken, roasted asparagus and rice

4. Spaghetti

5. Petite turkey meatloaves, vegetable of some kind and chipotle sweet potato fries

6. BBQ chicken breasts and veggies (Susan's request)

7. Fend for yourself!

Weight Watchers update:

I've lost 3 pounds. Some days I am really into it and other days, I am mindful of what I am eating, but don't follow points. I try and walk every day with the kids, which I think is really helpful. If the weather is bad, I don't go. I just can't be too hard core about it right now because my cup runneth over, but I am doing my best.

Weekly meal plan.

So, WW is going ok. It's hard, because all I think about is food. I'm hungry ALL the time because of nursing and while apples are great, I'm hungry again in 5 minutes. I'm trying, though. I really want to be successful and as long as my milk supply stays ok, I'm pressing forward.

I discovered a great website with a ton of recipes and she's calculated all the points! I really want to make her dark chocolate bread pudding, but we have no ramekins to speak of. Darn.

Anyway, here's the line up:

1. Spaghetti (will start using whole wheat pasta again)

2. Crock pot taco chili (with multgrain chips and light sour cream)

3. Baked chicken parmesean (with whole wheat pasta)

4. Mexican surprise

5. Turkey and bean chili

6. Pancakes

7. Fend for yourself!

4 months!

This girl is 4 months old. Seems so old to me! Moving out of the newborn department and into infant territory. We had her well child check up today and she got a great report. Two interesting things we learned about Miss Lucy this month: 1. She has a mongolian spot. 2. She has Sandifer's syndrome. Both of these really mean nothing, just noting for the record. The mongolian spot looks like a bruise on her tush, right at the top. We learned about these in child welfare training since well, it looks like a bruise. Our pediatrician noted it, just in case something ever comes up. Sandifer's is really just naming a behavior of babies with reflux. You will often see Lucy arching backwards and bringing her feet back towards her head (future Circ de Soleil performer, perhaps?), especially when she is eating. This is Sandifer's. It's a function of her reflux and when that goes away, so will this behavior. I'll be glad for that. Nursing her is like wrestling a wildebeast.

Her official stats:

12 pounds, 8 ounces (with her diaper on)

23.5 inches

25th% for both

We don't start any vaccines until 6 months, so no shots for her. Doctor says she looks wonderful. We are toying with going up on her Prevacid dose, since it seems like her reflux isn't in good control right now. We may do a whole tab in the morning and half at night. I HATE medicating kids, so that's why we are thinking on it. Our pediatrician doesn't want any solids introduced until at least 6 months old, which is what we did with Theo, so we are just continuing with nursing, of course.

She's having more and more times of being happy. She hoots a lot, smiles and continues to be very strong. She started rolling on the day she turned 3 months and can almost go both ways now. She loves to sit up and can hold herself for a few seconds. She bears weight on her legs easily. I predict an early mover, for sure. She adores Theo and he is an excellent big brother. Whenever we go anywhere, he always asks if Lucy is coming. If not, he asks about her several times while we are out. I am so proud of him.

We go back in 2 months and in the meantime, it's status quo!

This moment.

Weight Watchers, Day 1.

I finally signed up for Weight Watchers last night. I am sick of not fitting into my clothes. There will be no more babies in my belly, so it's time to finally lose all this weight. Thanks to breastfeeding, I get like 6 million daily points, so there should be no excuse. It's a work day which is good because I really only have the food I brought with me to eat. I entered all the points last night and still have 2 to eat somewhere. Today's menu:

Breakfast
Oatmeal w/splenda + 1TBSP peanut butter
Coffee w/splenda + creamer

Lunch
Leftover steak (small)
Yoplait light yogurt + strawberries
Diet Coke

Dinner
Spaghetti w/turkey meat sauce

Snacks
100 cal Chex Mix (chocolate caramel)
Dark Chocolate Granola Thin
Animal crackers

Plus lots of water and Mother's Milk tea. Can't earn activity points today because it's a work day, but now that it's warming up, I am hoping to walk daily with the kids.

Starting weight = 173
Goal weight = 150 (this is the max healthy weight for my height, so less would be great!)

Since I am nursing, I am not supposed to lose more than a pound a week. Sigh. Ah well, slow and steady wins the race, right?

What Valentine's Day looks like when you have kids.

We couldn't go out for Valentine's Day because we have small kids. We had a babysitter, but we haven't seen her since August, and well, Lucy is really hard and should only be left with people related to her right now. So, armed with some funds graciously provided by Susan's parents, I hit up Whole Foods for the makings of a nice dinner. We put the kids to bed, cooked and ate in peace. It was lovely. No tip required, we got to eat in our PJs and didn't have to drive home. We did have to do the dishes, but it was a good trade off.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Weekly meal plan.

(I never assign things to days, I just come up with 7 meals, shop for the week and then make whatever makes sense for that day)

1. Steak quesadillas w/leftover steak from Valentine's Day dinner

2. Spaghetti (Theo's request)

3. Tacos

4. Shake and Bake chicken breasts w/roasted asparagus and sweet potatoes

5. Breakfast for dinner (didn't ever do this last week)

6. Stir fry chicken and veggies w/brown rice

7. Fend for yourself!

Food 'n stuff.

I am happy to share the flank steak marinade, as requested. I almost didn't, because I think it's one of my best meals and the one I'd probably serve you if you came over for dinner. But, I swiped it from someone else, so it's not exactly *mine* anyway. This is easily my favorite meal, I could eat it weekly.

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced (I have one of those masher things)

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 small can of tomato juice

Put this all together in a gallon bag and toss in your flank steak. Marinate OVERNIGHT. Don't skimp on the marinating time, trust me. Grill it about 5 minutes each side, depending on how you like it. Slice really thin. Seriously. Good stuff.

I finally made the creamy chicken chili (recipe linked a few posts down). It was good and I would make it again. I made it into a crock pot meal, though, because that's like half the reason I even make chili. So, if you want to do that, here's what I did: I put the (raw) chicken in with the broth, spices, chilis, beans and onions on high for 4 hours. I then took the chicken out, shredded it and put it back in. Susan hates sour cream with a fiery passion, so I took some out for her, then removed it from the heat and mixed in the sour cream and half and half as per the recipe. Came out just fine.

Enjoy those and keep posting yours! My family thanks you, so we don't have to eat spaghetti 4 times a week.

Meal plan Monday (on Tuesday).

Finally getting this back on track. I didn't think it mattered, but who knew people actually read this thing?? (Hi, Katie!) And, I heard from another friend (Hi, Daisy!) that she linked to another friend's site (Hi, Kelsi!) (not a mutual friend) and got a recipe idea from her. So cool!

We've been hit by the plague. Theo got it first, then Susan and I and Lucy is still sick. So, we've been in survival mode - cereal, take out and whatever our wonderful parents who came in to rescue us were willing to cook. So, this is the first meal plan I've done in more than a week and most of it is just looking around the house for what we've got. Maybe next week I'll be up to the grocery store.

1. Frozen pizza

2. Flank steak (I have the BEST marinade recipe), mashed sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus

3. Meatloaf, rice, fresh broccoli

4. Creamy chicken chili (never got made)

5. Turkey burgers and waffle fries

6. Breakfast

7.Baked ziti (from the freezer)

Meal plan Monday.

1. Baked ziti (from the freezer since I have to be out this evening)

2. Chicken soft tacos w/mexican rice and beans (leftover from last week since we didn't get to it)

3. Shake and Bake chicken w/mashed sweet potatoes and roasted asparagus

4. PW's Chicken spaghetti (half will go in the freezer for another night and using leftover chicken from the soft tacos)

5. PW's Penne a la Betsy (this is SO good and a splurge, but we have a GC to Whole Foods for the shrimp, plus I have some leftover wine from another dish)

6. Creamy white chicken chili

7. Fend for yourself/leftovers

Does anyone else HATE meal planning like I do? Seriously, I hate it. I don't mind cooking at all, it's the planning, list making, shopping, putting away food that I hate. When we hit it big, we are SO hiring a cook.

About those milestones ...

She must have read the blog and thought, "hey lady, I can do more than look at my hands" and so she rolled over. Rolled over like she's been doing it her whole life. Even did it for the video camera. 3 months and 1 day old. I put her on her belly in front of the mirror in Theo's room, thinking she might hate tummy time less if she could see herself. And, bloop, over she went. I yelled for Susan and when she came in, she did it again. And then one more time before she'd let us know she had enough.

We are so proud!

3 months.

This girl is 3 months old today! We have survived the fourth trimester. We had her three month old pictures taken on Tuesday and she even smiled for them. She smiles more now, but she also still cries a lot. She's not an easy baby, but we are hoping she will be an easy teenager since we've paid our dues now! She does get cuter by the day.

Eating:

She usually eats every 2-3 hours. Sometimes more, sometimes less. She does not starve in silence, that's for sure. On the two days I work, I leave 4 bottles with 4 ounces in each. Sometimes she has one leftover, sometimes Susan tells me to pull into the driveway on two wheels with my boob out and ready. Just depends. I pump twice a day at work and thanks to the Kindle, it's a lot less boring now. I'm really glad I only work two days a week because I HATE pumping. I also hate all the prep that goes into getting ready for a work day. Even with all the prep I do, it takes me 2.5 hours to get out the door in the morning. But, I digress. So yeah, all she eats is breastmilk. Still hasn't had a drop of formula. Yay, us.

Sleeping:

She was doing a wonderful job at night. The past few nights, she has switched things up. She still does really well for a 3 month old, but I kind of preferred the old schedule. She goes down between 7-7:30 and puts herself to sleep by watching the ceiling fan. She was sleeping until 2-3 and then eating and going back down until 5:30. This was great. Now she is waking around midnight and then anywhere from every 2-3 hours until I give up around 6. That sucks.

Milestones:

Uh, she found her hands. That's about it. Theo was already rolling over at this point, but LK really hates tummy time. And well, she hates life in general a lot of the time, so be damned if I am going to do something that will just make her scream. The ped isn't concerned about the lack of tummy time. She understands we are still in survival mode. I'm sure she'll roll over one day.

Likes (and these all depend on her mood):

- Theo

- her mobile

- her playmat

- being held

- the swing (I've gotten her to nap in here now, which is awesome)

- boobs

- the Miracle Blanket and Stella (her Angel Dear lovey - the giraffe)

- baths

- being on the changing table

Dislikes:

- life (not always, but a lot of the time)

- tummy time

- the fact that we can't read her mind

- transitions

She's growing a lot, but I don't know her weight. She's getting too long for some of her 0-3, but the 3-6 are still pretty roomy. I went ahead and washed them all, largely because I am tired of her 0-3 month clothes. I wish she had some hair for bows, but I know it will come in sooner or later. I can't wait! Her eyes are still blue, but greyer than Theo's were. I don't think they will stay blue, but her Gramma does.

In spite of her difficulties, we love her so much and are so happy to have her in our family!

Meal plan Monday.

1. Pizza (this Dominoes thing is getting out of hand!)

2. Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta (using chicken instead of shrimp)

3. Mexican lasagna (Jenny's recipe!)

4. Chicken soft tacos - crockpot

5. Chili - crockpot

6. Breakfast for dinner

7. Helpy-selfy

How about you?

Love.

He loves her so much. Well, in his own little two year old way. He pats her head really gently and he loves it when she is on the playmat because she's at his level. He always runs to lay down next to her while she kicks around and reminds us to turn on the lights on the playmat (likely because he likes it, but I like to think it's because he knows she likes it). When it's time to change her diaper, he runs in her room and turns on her mobile because it "play song for Loochi." He is also an excellent burp cloth fetcher, whether you need one or not. He brought me 3 today during one feeding. When she cries he says "Loochi sad?" During her first bath when she screamed her head off, he looked at us worriedly and said "up! up! all done!"

I was so worried about him not having a brother. I still really want him to have one. In the meantime, I guess he's teaching me that it's most important he gets to BE a brother. And Lucy gets what I always wanted - a big brother to look out for her. She is one lucky little girl. I am one lucky Mama.

Meal plan Monday.

What's on the menu this week at your house?

Pizza (Dominos has changed their pizza and it's SO good now!)

Turkey burgers w/waffle fries and broccoli

Baked ziti (I freeze half to have a ready made meal on a night we are tight for time)

Chipotle bean burritos

Turkey meatloaf w/crash hot potatoes and brussels

Shake and Bake chicken breasts w/broccoli au gratin rice and broccoli

Pot roast (Susan's crock pot meal)

And ... this week I WILL sign up for Weight Watchers. I am not one of those lucky breastfeeding moms who burn a zillion calories while nursing. Nope. So, I need to work for it. Now that the baby factory is closed up, I need to lose all this weight and get healthy. Right after these cookies Theo and I made are gone ....

Sometimes I feel like a rockstar.

And, sometimes I feel like the gum on the bottom of the seats at the arena. So far this morning, I've been both.

I decided to take both kids grocery shopping. I've done this one other time and it went really well. I put Theo in the cart and Lucy in the Moby where she generally sleeps while we shop. Theo is used to grocery shopping and as soon as he gets into the cart, he asks for his snack and cup. He knows the routine. So, today. I felt prepared. I got a parking place right next to the carts, which is key with two babies. Loaded Theo up and then was getting Lucy organized while he yells for his snack and the wind whips through all of us. Put the diaper bag in the cart and the sippy cup goes flying out and lands, yep, UNDER the van. Great. I somehow manage to get it without getting myself or Lucy injured and we start to walk inside Target. Realize I left Lucy's pacifier in her carseat. Back to the van.

Finally we get inside and I get coats off everyone and Theo his blasted snack. Now the cart is already half full with coats, hats and the diaper bag (have I mentioned I HATE winter??). We go off to one side of the store to get non-food, all the while Theo is kicking his feet backwards on the cart. I finally told him he was hurting Mama's brain and to STOP KICKING. I think I said this a million and one times. We get back over to the food section to start and he's eaten all his fish and is yelling "more fish! more fish!" I tell him I don't have any more and then he bursts into song and regales everyone in the store with Jingle Bells. I fly down the aisles trying to put myself and the other shoppers out of misery ASAP while he keeps kicking the cart and asking for a snack. We get to the checkout and he sees his snack food on the belt. "Snack! Snack! Bun Buns! Fish!" I'm ignoring him so he shouts something I don't understand but still ugly at the cashier. I stop ignoring, raise my voice and tell him in the best way I can manage: ENOUGH. He gets the point.

Get everything smooshed into the cart and begin stuffing hats and coats on everyone. Not that I need one, because I am sweating at this point and wondering what the hell I was thinking doing this. We get outside and I dump Theo in the van, but not in his seat because I have to take his stupid coat off to put him in the carseat (carseat safety is super fun in the winter, let me tell you). He bounces around while I wrestle Lucy into her carseat. She wakes up and starts screaming. I load all the groceries in the van, go to put the diaper bag in and the sippy cup flies out of the bag AGAIN and lands in the parking lot, narrowly missing being run over by the car beside me. I wish it had.

Return the cart and come around to get Theo in his seat. He's made himself at home on the bench seat on the way back of the van and has zero intention of listening to me about getting in his seat. This is pretty much when my brain exploded. I reached back and pulled him off the seat, took off his coat and buckled him while counting in my head, slowly and steadily. He then asked if we were going to see the "wa wa." No way, I told him. I explained that since he didn't listen to me we would not go see the wa wa. He didn't seem to care. Lucy screamed the whole way home.

We get home and I manage to get everyone and everything inside and as I am taking off his shoes Theo proclaims "good job Target." Uh, yeah. Me or you, kid?

Anyway. Not an outing that I felt like a rockstar. But, an hour after we got home and I had TWO fed and napping kids (with Lucy in the swing and not having to be held), I totally felt like I had rocked it out.

For now, anyway.

Meal plan Monday.

Er, Tuesday.

I don't assign days to things, I just sort of do whatever makes sense for that day, but I do plan out a week's worth of meals every week. Then whoever is feeling brave enough to take the kids out does the shopping. My friend Kelsi posts hers and I always appreciate when people do this because I run out of ideas doing this week after week. So, here's what's on tap at Chez Hill this week!

1. Breakfast

2. Italian chicken breasts (baked) w/roasted brussel sprouts

3. Chicken tortilla soup (thanks, Kelsi!)

4. Spaghetti (this is a once a weeker around here because Theo LOVES it and it's an easy way to get veggies in him)

5. Mexican surprise

6. Marinated flank steak, roasted asparagus and baked potatoes (my favorite meal!)

7. Fend for yourself, AKA - Melissa ain't cookin'.

Since I work two days a week, Susan has to make dinner on those nights. Only, I usually plan one or both of those nights as crock pot meals that I put together the night before. So this week, she has the chicken tortilla soup (crock pot, waiting in the fridge for her) and probably Mexican surprise which is easy. One of the many reasons she loves me. :)

So, there you have it. What's for dinner at your house?