With Advent right around the corner I need to prepare my heart for Christ. I cannot do this without getting a few transgressions off my heart.
To my sister Lauren- I'm sorry I never let you be the Pink Ranger when we played Power Rangers and that you always had to be the Yellow Ranger. I'm also sorry that my teaching you to play hide and seek caused you to sleep with your eyes slightly open. In all fairness, you were a pretty bad hider.
To my First Grade Teacher- I'm sorry I fainted and then puked on you when I cut my finger and I'm sorry that you had to go home and shower while I did cartwheels in the hallways as I waited for my mom to come get me. Clearly my suffering was far less than yours.
To that squirrel I made pee on a rock- I didn't mean to scare you little buddy!
To the youth group we shared a room with at that camp we went to- I'm sorry I sang at midnight when we had to be up at six the next morning. I realize now that this was not an appropriate time to do impressions of choir singers.
To the dolphins at the aquarium- I'm sorry I made dolphin noises at you. I just wanted to be friends.
...with that in mind...
To the cows at the petting zoo- I'm sorry I told you that I was unimpressed by your ability to produce milk. I was new to lactation at the time and feeling wonderful about my skills. You are awesome.
To those people I scared when I wore my bunny costume at night in Marian Hall- I didn't mean to frighten you. I didn't realize how many people were afraid of giant rabbits. Easter must be very hard for you.
To the guy I flicked off driving when I was nine months pregnant- I don't know what came over me... but that will teach you to tailgate a woman with a Baby on Board window sticker
To Anthony our Favorite Starbucks Barista- I'm sorry that I sang you a song to the tune of "Movin Out" by Billy Joel when you announced you were leaving Starbucks. I'm even sorrier that I couldn't figure out any words beyond, "Anthony works at the Starbucks-y store savin' his pennies for someday." Not my most brilliant performance.
To the people across the street from me- I'm sorry I dance with the blinds open. No one should have to watch that train wreck day in and day out.
To my kids- I'm sorry for all of the times I will embarrass you. You now think I am the coolest person alive but soon you will realize that mommy is really kind of a nerd. With a side of crazy. Just remember to not take life too seriously and you will have lots of embarrassing stories of your own to tell some day.
To my husband- No apologies go to you. You knew what you were getting yourself into when you married me. And you know you love it.
I feel much better!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
This town is our town, it is so glamorous
Points to the people who know that song and regularly rock out to that group.
But TALK about glamorous towns! You know by now I grew up in small town Connecticut. So basically there was a town green, a white church, random historical sites that no one ever visits, about seven Chinese restaurants, ten pizza places, and we now proudly boast a Starbucks. BIG TIME! Also, like Cheers, everybody knows your name... and not just your name but who you dated in high school and how you wrecked your first car.
It's the kind of town that has car shows on the green during the week and concerts on the green during summer weekends. It's the kind of town that was named "57th Best Town in America" by Money Magazine almost ten years ago and although has since been bumped entirely off the list celebrates a "57 Fest" every year. Complete with fire works.
So small town Connecticut, it's everything you ever imagined it to be.
We visit my parents pretty often, about every other week or so. It's only an hour and a half away and visiting means FREE BABYSITTERS so it's really an offer we cannot refuse. Plus, I'm really pretty fond of my parents and sisters.
We were planning on staying home for Kyle's days off this week but it's been a stressful couple of weeks and they offered to watch the girls so we could go out on a date. Amazing! Bask in our love for each other and eat good food and whatnot.
We got hear at about 4:30 and Madeleine was asking to go outside and play on the swings. My mom made a suggestion-
"Don't let Madeleine go outside by herself because there was a mountain lion spotted one street over."
WKHDH!LDSKLSK!KDJKJSJHS??!?!!KKJDSJKH?!
I AM NOT LETTING THIS KID OUT OF THE HOUSE WHILE THERE IS A MOUNTAIN LION ON THE LOOSE!
I mean, Madeleine would be an appetizer for the big kitty. Juliette, on the other hand, would either end up scaring it off for good or riding it like a pony. Either way I am not letting the kids out of the house. I know for a fact that they are absolutely delicious (or at least their cheeks are) so I am not taking any chances.
Anyway, the date was amazing and I love my husband and blah blah blah. Perfect evening.
But there is a MOUNTAIN LION loose on my parent's street!!!!!!!
Is that not amazingly exciting? Who ever said small towns had nothing going on?
But TALK about glamorous towns! You know by now I grew up in small town Connecticut. So basically there was a town green, a white church, random historical sites that no one ever visits, about seven Chinese restaurants, ten pizza places, and we now proudly boast a Starbucks. BIG TIME! Also, like Cheers, everybody knows your name... and not just your name but who you dated in high school and how you wrecked your first car.
It's the kind of town that has car shows on the green during the week and concerts on the green during summer weekends. It's the kind of town that was named "57th Best Town in America" by Money Magazine almost ten years ago and although has since been bumped entirely off the list celebrates a "57 Fest" every year. Complete with fire works.
So small town Connecticut, it's everything you ever imagined it to be.
We visit my parents pretty often, about every other week or so. It's only an hour and a half away and visiting means FREE BABYSITTERS so it's really an offer we cannot refuse. Plus, I'm really pretty fond of my parents and sisters.
We were planning on staying home for Kyle's days off this week but it's been a stressful couple of weeks and they offered to watch the girls so we could go out on a date. Amazing! Bask in our love for each other and eat good food and whatnot.
We got hear at about 4:30 and Madeleine was asking to go outside and play on the swings. My mom made a suggestion-
"Don't let Madeleine go outside by herself because there was a mountain lion spotted one street over."
WKHDH!LDSKLSK!KDJKJSJHS??!?!!KKJDSJKH?!
I AM NOT LETTING THIS KID OUT OF THE HOUSE WHILE THERE IS A MOUNTAIN LION ON THE LOOSE!
I mean, Madeleine would be an appetizer for the big kitty. Juliette, on the other hand, would either end up scaring it off for good or riding it like a pony. Either way I am not letting the kids out of the house. I know for a fact that they are absolutely delicious (or at least their cheeks are) so I am not taking any chances.
Anyway, the date was amazing and I love my husband and blah blah blah. Perfect evening.
But there is a MOUNTAIN LION loose on my parent's street!!!!!!!
Is that not amazingly exciting? Who ever said small towns had nothing going on?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Things I have learned about Motherhood
Motherhood has a learning curve. With each child you have you learn more about yourself than you ever imagined. You also learn about your child (I hope). Annnnnd, you learn a lot about others and the world in which we live
1. Not everyone wants to hear about your kids.
BUT WHO CARES! Post about them anyway. The people that aren't your real friends can defriend you or block your feed, whatever! You only have a limited amount of time to brag about your babies firsts and their bowel movements and how cute they are before they get a facebook account of their own and yell at you. Your children are a part of you, my children are my heart. Why wouldn't I want to brag to the world about their cuteness? So if someone gives you grief about how your facebook or twitter has been entirely devoted to your little ones tell Tin Man to get a heart and just keep doing what you are doing.
2. Each kid is different.
I only have two kids and even I know this! Your parenting style should adapt to each special personality. Don't be so set in your ways that you don't recognize the individuality of each child.
3. Calm the heck down.
There is no reason your baby needs to know their ABCs by the time they are two. Do some art projects and play outside. If your kid is advanced, great. If not, don't sweat it. Kids tend to do things at their own pace so don't compare them to other kids and don't push them too hard because YOU think they should be somewhere they are not. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. If he or she assures you that they are on track, listen to them. If they are concerned about anything, don't freak out. Many kids struggle through different developmental stages and they turn out just fine. It's pushing too hard or ignoring problems all together that compounds issues in the future. Love your child where they are and trust your instincts, just not the crazy ones.
4. Laugh at the crazy
There will be nights where both kids are up until one in the morning screaming and running in circles. You are exhausted and ready to put them on the front lawn with a sign that says "Free". Laugh about it. All moms have been there and they can share in your pain. If you let yourself get too stressed you will end up being cranky with the kids and that is no good for anyone.
5. Ask for help
Whether it is your hubby or a baby sitter, your parents or your in laws, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It doesn't mean you are a failure, it just means you are tapped out. Take a nap or a date night and forget about the laundry at home. We all need a break at times. Motherhood is the only job you work 24/7, no matter if you stay home all day or go to work as well. Take some time for you and you will be a better mother to your kids.
6. People will think you are wrong.
About EVERYTHING. The nice people make suggestions. Others stick their noses in the air and tell you that if you do/don't get your kid vaccinated, etc that you are a disgrace to motherhood. Honestly, just ignore them. Do your research, talk to your spouse, and make a prayerful decision together. Then stop worrying about what others think. Nobody wants the best for your children more than you so when people try to tell you what to do, it's usually to make themselves feel important. Not to actually help. If they have good advice, don't be so prideful you won't take it but ignore all the negative. And then laugh about it later with your spouse.
7. Pray every day.
It's really the only way to stay sane and it's the only way you will be able to do motherhood right. Our babies are a gift from God and no one knows how to love them better than Him, so just talk to God all the time and let Him lead you.
8. Less is more.
You want your kid to have everything, that is normal. But it's also a pain in the butt to clean up. Limit toys and books, store things you aren't using. For differnt developmental stages I rotate out toys. That way they have new things to explore and learn with and everything they own isn't all over the floor at once. Same with clothes. My kids have a lot more clothing in the smaller sizes than they do in their larger sizes. That's because I finally go just how much money I spent and how little they wore each item. It's cute, but not necessary.
9. Give them siblings
My sisters are so incredibly important to me and the person I have become. Juliette is already Madeleine's best friend. I know some people may not be able to have large families because of health, infertility, or severe money issues, but those things aside nothing is a better gift than a sibling. If I had to make a choice between a fancy vacation, an upgrade to my house or car, jewelry, new electronics, new toys, new clothes for myself or a new baby... I would choose a new baby every time. With that said, spend quality alone time with each child you have and celebrate the gift that THEY are. Don't beat yourself up if you aren't keeping up with the Duggars. I know I won't be! Use NFP and you will be trusting in God's plan for your family. No plan is better than His.
10. Make time for your spouse
You wouldn't even have your babies without him. The happiest children comes from families with happy marriages. You can't have a happy marriage if you don't take time out to spend with each other. Always put your spouse before yourself and look to exemplify a marriage centered on God for the world by loving each other like He loves His Church, so much that He died for it.
That's ten things and I am super tired so I am done for the night. I'm a beginner mommy so I know these things may seem "duh" but the were amazing things for me to learn over these past two and a half years. I am thankful for Kyle and my super awesome and adorable babies to teach me every day. Motherhood has changed me to my very core and made me a better person than I ever dreamed I could be. I still have a looong way to go but I'll have God and my family by my side for the journey so I think I'll get there.
1. Not everyone wants to hear about your kids.
BUT WHO CARES! Post about them anyway. The people that aren't your real friends can defriend you or block your feed, whatever! You only have a limited amount of time to brag about your babies firsts and their bowel movements and how cute they are before they get a facebook account of their own and yell at you. Your children are a part of you, my children are my heart. Why wouldn't I want to brag to the world about their cuteness? So if someone gives you grief about how your facebook or twitter has been entirely devoted to your little ones tell Tin Man to get a heart and just keep doing what you are doing.
2. Each kid is different.
I only have two kids and even I know this! Your parenting style should adapt to each special personality. Don't be so set in your ways that you don't recognize the individuality of each child.
3. Calm the heck down.
There is no reason your baby needs to know their ABCs by the time they are two. Do some art projects and play outside. If your kid is advanced, great. If not, don't sweat it. Kids tend to do things at their own pace so don't compare them to other kids and don't push them too hard because YOU think they should be somewhere they are not. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. If he or she assures you that they are on track, listen to them. If they are concerned about anything, don't freak out. Many kids struggle through different developmental stages and they turn out just fine. It's pushing too hard or ignoring problems all together that compounds issues in the future. Love your child where they are and trust your instincts, just not the crazy ones.
4. Laugh at the crazy
There will be nights where both kids are up until one in the morning screaming and running in circles. You are exhausted and ready to put them on the front lawn with a sign that says "Free". Laugh about it. All moms have been there and they can share in your pain. If you let yourself get too stressed you will end up being cranky with the kids and that is no good for anyone.
5. Ask for help
Whether it is your hubby or a baby sitter, your parents or your in laws, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It doesn't mean you are a failure, it just means you are tapped out. Take a nap or a date night and forget about the laundry at home. We all need a break at times. Motherhood is the only job you work 24/7, no matter if you stay home all day or go to work as well. Take some time for you and you will be a better mother to your kids.
6. People will think you are wrong.
About EVERYTHING. The nice people make suggestions. Others stick their noses in the air and tell you that if you do/don't get your kid vaccinated, etc that you are a disgrace to motherhood. Honestly, just ignore them. Do your research, talk to your spouse, and make a prayerful decision together. Then stop worrying about what others think. Nobody wants the best for your children more than you so when people try to tell you what to do, it's usually to make themselves feel important. Not to actually help. If they have good advice, don't be so prideful you won't take it but ignore all the negative. And then laugh about it later with your spouse.
7. Pray every day.
It's really the only way to stay sane and it's the only way you will be able to do motherhood right. Our babies are a gift from God and no one knows how to love them better than Him, so just talk to God all the time and let Him lead you.
8. Less is more.
You want your kid to have everything, that is normal. But it's also a pain in the butt to clean up. Limit toys and books, store things you aren't using. For differnt developmental stages I rotate out toys. That way they have new things to explore and learn with and everything they own isn't all over the floor at once. Same with clothes. My kids have a lot more clothing in the smaller sizes than they do in their larger sizes. That's because I finally go just how much money I spent and how little they wore each item. It's cute, but not necessary.
9. Give them siblings
My sisters are so incredibly important to me and the person I have become. Juliette is already Madeleine's best friend. I know some people may not be able to have large families because of health, infertility, or severe money issues, but those things aside nothing is a better gift than a sibling. If I had to make a choice between a fancy vacation, an upgrade to my house or car, jewelry, new electronics, new toys, new clothes for myself or a new baby... I would choose a new baby every time. With that said, spend quality alone time with each child you have and celebrate the gift that THEY are. Don't beat yourself up if you aren't keeping up with the Duggars. I know I won't be! Use NFP and you will be trusting in God's plan for your family. No plan is better than His.
10. Make time for your spouse
You wouldn't even have your babies without him. The happiest children comes from families with happy marriages. You can't have a happy marriage if you don't take time out to spend with each other. Always put your spouse before yourself and look to exemplify a marriage centered on God for the world by loving each other like He loves His Church, so much that He died for it.
That's ten things and I am super tired so I am done for the night. I'm a beginner mommy so I know these things may seem "duh" but the were amazing things for me to learn over these past two and a half years. I am thankful for Kyle and my super awesome and adorable babies to teach me every day. Motherhood has changed me to my very core and made me a better person than I ever dreamed I could be. I still have a looong way to go but I'll have God and my family by my side for the journey so I think I'll get there.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Seven Quick Takes- Maybe if I had more coffee I would be coherent.
1. Juliette Marie will be the death of me. She started walking this week (hooray) and today while we waiting for Kyle to show up she carried a chair around Carters looking for something to climb. I spend most of my day trying to prevent her from diving headfirst off of chairs and couches... or from choking the one small magnet that slip down the fridge to where she could reach it. I'm gonna go grey sooner than I thought.
2. Right now Madeleine is playing with her ABC puzzle, Juliette has climbed up the couch and is leaning over the box with their cardboard blocks in it, removing them one by one and laughing/grunting happily. (Not that I just put them all back in there five minutes ago or anything. Really, that was just a stupid move on my part.) Madeleine looks over periodically, shakes her head, and says, "No Ju-etch. No baby."
3. Madeleine is now interested in TOYS. This means while we shop she reaches over and puts something she wants in the cart. If I take it out, she tells me, "No. Madeleine like (insert toy/movie/sock here)." This makes check out interesting. She places the item on the belt and I stealthily signal to the check out person that said item will not be going home with us. I distract Madeleine with my awesome dance skills or something equally embarrassing to us all and we get out of the store without incident. I know I could explain it to her and just tell her no from the beginning but I'm tired and just want to shop without the screaming. My system works for now.
4. With her new found interest in TOYS, Madeleine requests on a daily basis to go to Toys R Us to play with the trains. She hasn't figured out yet that we can actually buy stuff there so I'm usually good with it. She also has no idea that SANTA is getting her a wooden train set for Christmas! Until then we are making our weekly pilgrimage to visit Tomas and his friends.
5. My kiddos are tough. While we play with the train sets little boys twice their age and size usually show up to do the same and they always try to push my girls around. They hold their ground without pushing back. I am a very proud momma. We need more strong women in this world.
6.I've recently realized the power of phrasing things the right way. For instance, "Madeleine you need to eat your fruit." gets an emphatic, "NOOOOO". However, "Madeleine if you eat your chicken I'll let you have some fruit." gets an "OH YAY MOMMY." I'm hoping I can use this power on Kyle, "Babe if you do the dishes I'll let you sweep the floor!" Brilliant.
7. I'm trying to figure out ways to involve my two year old in Advent this year. I'm praying I come up with something soon... my theology and catechetics degrees should be able to help out with this. I mean, hopefully that knowledge isn't stored in the part of my brain that was wiped out when I gave birth and replaced with Goodnight Moon and every book by Sandra Boynton. Actually, I think that was the "math" and "reasonable hormonal responses" sections so I think we should be good. Advent here we come!
See more at http://www.conversiondiary.com/
2. Right now Madeleine is playing with her ABC puzzle, Juliette has climbed up the couch and is leaning over the box with their cardboard blocks in it, removing them one by one and laughing/grunting happily. (Not that I just put them all back in there five minutes ago or anything. Really, that was just a stupid move on my part.) Madeleine looks over periodically, shakes her head, and says, "No Ju-etch. No baby."
3. Madeleine is now interested in TOYS. This means while we shop she reaches over and puts something she wants in the cart. If I take it out, she tells me, "No. Madeleine like (insert toy/movie/sock here)." This makes check out interesting. She places the item on the belt and I stealthily signal to the check out person that said item will not be going home with us. I distract Madeleine with my awesome dance skills or something equally embarrassing to us all and we get out of the store without incident. I know I could explain it to her and just tell her no from the beginning but I'm tired and just want to shop without the screaming. My system works for now.
4. With her new found interest in TOYS, Madeleine requests on a daily basis to go to Toys R Us to play with the trains. She hasn't figured out yet that we can actually buy stuff there so I'm usually good with it. She also has no idea that SANTA is getting her a wooden train set for Christmas! Until then we are making our weekly pilgrimage to visit Tomas and his friends.
5. My kiddos are tough. While we play with the train sets little boys twice their age and size usually show up to do the same and they always try to push my girls around. They hold their ground without pushing back. I am a very proud momma. We need more strong women in this world.
6.I've recently realized the power of phrasing things the right way. For instance, "Madeleine you need to eat your fruit." gets an emphatic, "NOOOOO". However, "Madeleine if you eat your chicken I'll let you have some fruit." gets an "OH YAY MOMMY." I'm hoping I can use this power on Kyle, "Babe if you do the dishes I'll let you sweep the floor!" Brilliant.
7. I'm trying to figure out ways to involve my two year old in Advent this year. I'm praying I come up with something soon... my theology and catechetics degrees should be able to help out with this. I mean, hopefully that knowledge isn't stored in the part of my brain that was wiped out when I gave birth and replaced with Goodnight Moon and every book by Sandra Boynton. Actually, I think that was the "math" and "reasonable hormonal responses" sections so I think we should be good. Advent here we come!
See more at http://www.conversiondiary.com/
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
29... my own personal Woody Allen
So, Kyle's birthday is this week. He will be 29. Next year he will be 30. His last year of youth. Just kidding. 29 isn't old at all but teasing is kind of my way of saying "I love you". Don't worry though, he is sure to pay the favor in four years.
Since we have no money but still want to celebrate his life I have asked him to give me suggestions of things he would like to do. These were his *actual* suggestions.
1. WE COULD FLY TO DUBAI! We have a pass agreement with them and so we would ONLY have to pay tax and it's ONLY a fifteen hour flight!
2. LET'S DRIVE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE AND CLIMB A MOUNTAIN! In the cold! With the babies!
And then he drew a blank and has since been staring at his IPhone. I think he may be mad at me for laughing when he mentioned Dubai. He was serious. He says we should do it later this year... FIFTEEN HOURS ON A PLANE WITH THE BABIES!
All I know is that these suggestions are part about what I love about that old man I married.
In other news, we watched the Incredibles tonight. If you haven't seen it, watch it. Pay particular attention to Jack-Jack. Jack-Jack is the personality clone of Juliette except Juliette doesn't explode and shape shift. Otherwise, same baby.
AND Juliette walked tonight. She's taken steps before but tonight she grabbed her purse, stood up, and walked. It was amazing.
That's all for today.
Happy Birthday Husband. Don't worry, getting grey hair is actually pretty hot.
Since we have no money but still want to celebrate his life I have asked him to give me suggestions of things he would like to do. These were his *actual* suggestions.
1. WE COULD FLY TO DUBAI! We have a pass agreement with them and so we would ONLY have to pay tax and it's ONLY a fifteen hour flight!
2. LET'S DRIVE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE AND CLIMB A MOUNTAIN! In the cold! With the babies!
And then he drew a blank and has since been staring at his IPhone. I think he may be mad at me for laughing when he mentioned Dubai. He was serious. He says we should do it later this year... FIFTEEN HOURS ON A PLANE WITH THE BABIES!
All I know is that these suggestions are part about what I love about that old man I married.
In other news, we watched the Incredibles tonight. If you haven't seen it, watch it. Pay particular attention to Jack-Jack. Jack-Jack is the personality clone of Juliette except Juliette doesn't explode and shape shift. Otherwise, same baby.
AND Juliette walked tonight. She's taken steps before but tonight she grabbed her purse, stood up, and walked. It was amazing.
That's all for today.
Happy Birthday Husband. Don't worry, getting grey hair is actually pretty hot.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
In a Christmas CRAZE!
Well today has been a L.O.N.G day. Let me tell you!
Both girls have tummy bugs and are sad little sickies. Currently my Pet is on my lap drinking some juice while Madeleine is in an upside down tent. Apparently the long nap did her some good. Of course it has been an all day fight for mommy's lap so we've been snuggled up on the "nice couch" watching movies. I know, I know... but I'm not feeling the best myself, what with the vertigo and the spinning room and whatnot, and Kyle had to work.
I've been very naughty and have been decorating for Christmas WAY earlier than Liturgical and normal calenders deem acceptable. Whatever. I'm a rebel who loves Santa. This year I have started teaching Madeleine about Jesus' birthday as we prepare for Juliette's first. I'm hoping that seeing the celebration for her sister will help her grasp the concept of a birthday for Jesus.
The start of the Christmas season for me really starts with red cups at Starbucks and the first big SNOW, the latter of which came early this year. Along with those things my lovely mother-in-law came to visit for the weekend and so we decided to do Christmas pictures for Christmas cards, family photos, and Juliette's first birthday pictures as well. Naturally they all came out so adorably that I had to run right out to Kohl's to buy frames and naturally when I was there I saw Christmas frames that I had to have. And I left the store with a light up Christmas train and a New England Patriots Nutcracker. If you give a mouse a cookie... she'll probably end up decorating them to look like a snowman, hanging a wreath on the door, and sticking a candy cane in your cocoa.
Of course when I tried to explain "Santa" to Madeleine (he brings you presents to celebrate the birth of Jesus...) she clung to the TOYS part and now yells TOOOOOOOOOOOYS! whenever she sees a picture of him. I told her that this was a very utilitarian approach to take to the whole "Santa" thing.
Really, I am super exhausted and hoping to get the kiddos to bed early so I can enjoy "Once Upon a Time" with my good friend, Baily's on the Rocks.
The new family photo for our living room!
Christmas cards!
The only picture of the girls that is horizontal... since I'm still not sure how to rotate on this website.
One years old. 1/2 part sugar. 1/2 part spice.
The rest of the photos are on facebook. Now back to snuggling my little monkeys!
Both girls have tummy bugs and are sad little sickies. Currently my Pet is on my lap drinking some juice while Madeleine is in an upside down tent. Apparently the long nap did her some good. Of course it has been an all day fight for mommy's lap so we've been snuggled up on the "nice couch" watching movies. I know, I know... but I'm not feeling the best myself, what with the vertigo and the spinning room and whatnot, and Kyle had to work.
I've been very naughty and have been decorating for Christmas WAY earlier than Liturgical and normal calenders deem acceptable. Whatever. I'm a rebel who loves Santa. This year I have started teaching Madeleine about Jesus' birthday as we prepare for Juliette's first. I'm hoping that seeing the celebration for her sister will help her grasp the concept of a birthday for Jesus.
The start of the Christmas season for me really starts with red cups at Starbucks and the first big SNOW, the latter of which came early this year. Along with those things my lovely mother-in-law came to visit for the weekend and so we decided to do Christmas pictures for Christmas cards, family photos, and Juliette's first birthday pictures as well. Naturally they all came out so adorably that I had to run right out to Kohl's to buy frames and naturally when I was there I saw Christmas frames that I had to have. And I left the store with a light up Christmas train and a New England Patriots Nutcracker. If you give a mouse a cookie... she'll probably end up decorating them to look like a snowman, hanging a wreath on the door, and sticking a candy cane in your cocoa.
Of course when I tried to explain "Santa" to Madeleine (he brings you presents to celebrate the birth of Jesus...) she clung to the TOYS part and now yells TOOOOOOOOOOOYS! whenever she sees a picture of him. I told her that this was a very utilitarian approach to take to the whole "Santa" thing.
Really, I am super exhausted and hoping to get the kiddos to bed early so I can enjoy "Once Upon a Time" with my good friend, Baily's on the Rocks.
The new family photo for our living room!
Christmas cards!
The only picture of the girls that is horizontal... since I'm still not sure how to rotate on this website.
One years old. 1/2 part sugar. 1/2 part spice.The rest of the photos are on facebook. Now back to snuggling my little monkeys!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Quick note before night night
Well it is 1:00 AM and I just got Juliette to bed. I've noticed that when kids are over tired one of two things happen. 1. They go to bed early. (this option is ideal) 2. They are so tired they cannot sleep and they stay up crying until mommy is ready to cry too.
Luckily tonight there was less of the crying, just a lot of snuggling, which I am completely fine with. But the question is, why are my kiddos so tired?
Well, you heard about the four day weekend at Grandmom and Granddad's in Connecticut last weekend. Well, this weekend Grandmommy came up from Houston!
It has been a wonderful weekend and I will post more about it later but I am exhausted and I am determined to make that extra hour of sleep we get tonight count! But really, I can't go too long without writing in my blog.
So tomorrow, long post and pictures. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep world!
Luckily tonight there was less of the crying, just a lot of snuggling, which I am completely fine with. But the question is, why are my kiddos so tired?
Well, you heard about the four day weekend at Grandmom and Granddad's in Connecticut last weekend. Well, this weekend Grandmommy came up from Houston!
It has been a wonderful weekend and I will post more about it later but I am exhausted and I am determined to make that extra hour of sleep we get tonight count! But really, I can't go too long without writing in my blog.
So tomorrow, long post and pictures. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep world!
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