Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Anyone on our "mailing list," enjoy it now. It might be another year before you get it if Maggie's birth announcement is any indication of my schedule for getting mail sent out.

Resolutions

I'm not a New Year's resolution kind of person. But this year, I resolve to post something every day. Sometimes it might just be something I'm grateful for (like the way Maggie has started dancing enthusiastically to music, including Hannah's singing) or something that made me laugh (like the way Hannah told her Daddy this morning, "you have boobies. But they are small boobies."). But that is my goal.

Dog Vomit and One Year Molars

 Parenting has its fair share of rough days. For example, Maggie's molars are coming in. And they are making it difficult for both of us to sleep. Also, I have told both my girls repeatedly that pooping is for their teachers at school, not for mommy and daddy. And yet they continue to deliberately disobey me. Furthermore, even though we currently have 361 days until Christmas, Hannah continues to try to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear instead of going to bed at night. And then she is mysteriously all out of Christmas cheer in the morning and instead only has an intense rage directed towards anyone who tries to dress her.

So last night, after being kept up by Hannah's singing, I was woken up by Maggie's molars. I took Maggie to the living room and, as I tiptoed out of my bedroom, I'm pretty sure I stepped in dog vomit. Then I changed like ten poopy diapers (on the world's squirmiest baby) in a row. Or something like that. And a few hours later, I had to get up and dress my shrieking ninja toddler.

On any day, but especially days like this, I think it is important to find a few things you are grateful for before you go to bed. Like the giant smiles Maggie gives when she first sees you. Or the way Hannah can creativity incorporate the words "poop" and "pee" into any children's or Christmas song. Or the way the kids in Hannah's class say, "Hi, Mommy! Hi, Daddy!" when any parent comes in. Or how great Oreo cookies go with champagne. Or even how, at least Junebug threw up on the floor and not in the bed! How can you be upset when your dog so graciously puked in some place that wasn't your bed?! See! Is there nothing Pollyanna can't fix?

Sisters

Hannah is becoming a pretty amazing big sister. She is great at giving Maggie hugs (that sometimes resemble a loving tackle). She also will come pat Maggie's back and tell her, "it's OK, no cry, Mannie!" when Maggie is upset. Hannah is even getting to be a darn good sharer (although, when we first began to encourage the idea of sharing, Hannah interpreted the concept as a new way to demand an item in Maggie's possession. I still laugh when I think about how she would hold her hands out to Maggie yelling, "Share! Share! Shaeshareshare!"). I know most any sibling relationship has its share of bumps and bruises. But I hope that this one always has a greater share of hugs and back pats.

My Favorite Things

Watching my husband playing with our girls. I don't think there is anything that makes me happier.

Pew! Pew!

Last week, Hannah came home from daycare pointing her toys at us while saying, "Pew! Pew! Pew-pew!" I always love it when she brings things home from daycare that aren't contagious. Art work, silly songs, random catch phrases ("OMG!" with arms held high), or in this case, toy gun sound effects.

Last night, I was putting Hannah to bed. Which I love, even though it is usually a bit stressful. Like in the back of your mind you are constantly entertaining the idea that this might not work. Ever. And she will be awake for the rest of her life. But other than that, it is usually such a sweet, intimate moment (that I usually miss out on, because I'm putting Maggie to bed). It is the time I like to tell Hannah about how when she was "thiiiiis little" (holding thumb to pointer finger) and we found out she was inside of my tummy. Last night, I was rubbing her back and telling her how much I loved her. I was almost starting to tear up, just thinking how lucky I was to have such sweet little girls. "Mommy loves you so, so, so much. And Mommy will always love you. You know that, right?" I asked.

She looked at me for a moment, and then reached over to get the roll of wrapping paper that she brought with her to bed. (Sometimes she likes to take random items with her, as a sort of consolation prize, when she is doing something she doesn't want to do. "Bath time? OK. My take this spoon?" Sure. Why not, Hannah. "Bed time? OK. My take this Christmas paper?") She reached over, picked up her wrapping paper, pointed it right at me, and in response to my overly-sentimental question, said a simple, "PEW!" then set the paper back down and put her head on her pillow to go to bed.

And some how, it made me love her even more.

Merry Christmas Eve, Last-Minute Shoppers!

Merry Christmas Eve, from a girl that takes "shop 'till you drop" literally.

Somebody Dominated the Blocks This Morning

And it wasn't even me. Because we all know Mommy can build some pretty impressive towers. For real though. Maggie stacked three blocks in a row, like it was no big deal. I told her to slow down, save something for Harvard. Not really. I told her Harvard is a place you go to feel like nothing you ever do will ever be good enough. Or maybe you go there because you already feel that way? My point is, Mommy and Daddy would like it if you went somewhere a lot cheaper. There are some pretty amazing state schools, OK?

Speaking of my genius 10 month old, she has also got this waving thing down. She waves when you say, "hi," or "bye"; she also waves when you are coming and going; and finally, she has learned to associate waving with doors opening and closing. So if you are lucky, she'll smile and wave at you when you get something out of the fridge. My favorite waving story happened a few weeks ago when I was nursing her one morning and Hannah climbed into bed with us. Hannah said, "Hi Manny." And without even looking up or opening her eyes, Maggie held up her chubby little hand and waved at Hannah. Sometimes the cuteness around here is just more than I can stand.

Practicing Working Part Time and Baking

Maggie and Hannah tasting our work. Yes, Hannah is wearing her lion costume.

I got to try on my dream of working part time this Monday. The emergency room physician said to keep Maggie home because she might get worse before she gets better. I had to go in for a meeting Monday morning, but I've been home ever since. It is definitely a mixed blessing: I get to spend more time with my kids, but only because they are sick.

From The Country Cook via Pinterest

So Monday morning, I left Maggie with her dad for a couple hours. Then brought Hannah home from daycare after the meeting. It was actually a really lovely day, once I got over my feelings of abandoning my sick child (with her dad. For two hours. But still) for the sake of my career. Yeah, once I forgave myself for that. We had lunch and dinner together, naps, and lots of play time. We baked this really cool recipe we found on Pinterest. I even made it festive and Christmas-y all on my own.

In conclusion, I think Oreo pudding cake is excellent and part-time work suits me well.

Hannah and Maggie {Side by Side}

Because it is hard not to compare siblings. (Hannah, on the left or top; Maggie, on the right or bottom)

 

 

Dear {mall} Santa, You Are Kinda Creepy

Christmas-y and  not too creepy. I like it.

My children will not be getting a picture taken with Santa Claus. Because Santa Claus. Creeps me out. Not the cartoon Santa Claus. Or the idea of Santa Claus. But the real life, in person, at the mall Santa Claus.

I mean, um, when else in life would I pass my small children over to some totally random old dude who spends a suspiciously disproportionate amount of time around small children (uh? Red flag)? Think about it. I'm not saying every mall Santa is a creepster (I'm sure your good friend, the seasonal mall Santa is on the up-and-up...) I'm just saying, you're probably not talking, needle-in-a-haystack kinda odds here. And what kind of message would I be sending my kids? That they shouldn't be creeped out by random/child-seeking hairy old men? Because, uh, heck yeah, they totally should. Gross. And have you ever seen a picture of a small child with Santa? They know what I'm talking about. The vast majority of them? They are not impressed.

It is a totally personal thing. So I definitely don't judge parents who get the Santa pictures (ie, almost everyone I know). They are getting holiday photos, it isn't like they are not vaccinating their kids properly (I judge that one, because heck yeah I do).

I'm just saying, I think Santa Claus is kinda weird and gross. There. I said it.

Sick Little Ones

Sick but still festive

This morning, Maggie woke up breathing funny. I could tell on Friday that she was coming down with, most likely, what Hannah and I have/had. But Maggie was definitely worse this morning. Cork and Hannah were still sleeping, so I had to put on my big girl panties and figure out what to do about it. The thing about my big girl panties, they are always dirty or misplaced. Or maybe someone stole them out of the dryer in college and I just never noticed because they are pretty uncomfortable anyway. I felt like I needed to take her to the ER but I hate making decisions by myself. So I called the after-hours nurse. She said bring her to the ER. So I called my parents (and woke them up, sorry guys!). I wanted to make sure those nurses aren't just legally obligated to direct you to the ER for everything more severe than spit up and funny smelling poop. My mom said she could hear Maggie breathing over the phone and to take her in. So I took her in, and second guessed myself even as I sat in the waiting room (I texted Cork and said if the wait was longer than 30 minutes, I would bail). Turns out, it was a good decision to go and stay. They gave her some medicine and a breathing treatment and observed her for a few hours. Maggie is a strong kid, so it wasn't that stressful, I mostly wanted her to feel better sooner rather than later. The scariest part about the whole ordeal (besides the anticipation of the bill I will get in the mail), was when she fell asleep on the way home. For a second, I wondered if she was even still back there. Until I realized, uh? Where else would she be? She is a baby, not a diaper bag or cup of coffee. It isn't like I'd accidentally drive off with her on my roof. Poor Maggie is doing better but still sick. And hopefully just had her first and last breathing treatment ever. And I'm slowly learning to trust my parenting instincts.

Hannah Turned Two! {a while ago}

OK, so it happened in September. And this is December. But August and September were really stressful months, OK?

She is starting to get the hang of birthdays, and it is kind of awesome. These were some conversations we had:

Daddy: Hannah do you know what this Friday is?
Hannah: ummmm...Monday?
(she is also getting the hang of days of the week)
Daddy: No silly, it's your birthday!
Hannah: It's not my birthday! It's Monday!

Of course, every person's birthday we have celebrated since, has gone a little more like this:
Mommy: Did you know that today is Uncle Robert's birthday?
Hannah: It's not Uncle Robert's birthday! It's Hannah's birthday!

or

Mommy: Hannah, would you like a cupcake?
Hannah: Yes! It is Hannah's birthday! (begins singing) Happy birthday to Hannah. Happy birthday to Hannah. Happy birthday to Hannah..."

We took her to Sea World (where all the Sesame Street characters live, true story). She fed dolphins and hugged Elmo. For something she will be too young to remember, it was pretty unforgettable.

I can't believe it has been a full two years since I first held that sweet little girl of mine. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I felt like I needed to high five myself for pushing out a 9lb 2oz kiddo. And she has brought me nothing but pride and happiness since. That, and a few random viral infections and sleepless nights. But totally worth it. Two years ago (plus a few months, but who is keeping track?) my little Banana gave me the best gift anybody could ask for. She made me a mommy. I never realized how empty my arms felt until she came along. And words cannot express what an incredible blessing it has been.

Ten Months Old!

I will never forget the look on your dad's face when you were born. It was a mix of amazement and disbelief. And I said, "Wait, What? Did I just deliver her?!" (thanks again, epidural) It was all just way too quick and easy. I figured, this kid! She and I are destined the easy road. Although, when it comes to kids, there is really no such thing. 

From your very first month, you have been an inexplicable mix of traits. You have always been so happy. You giggle even when your big sister tackles you or dumps water on your head in the tub. But you have always been a feisty one. You want what you want (lots of attention and entertainment) and will not stand for anything less.



We knew you were a strong one from the day we brought you home. And our suspicions were confirmed when you took your first steps at 8 1/2 months. And when you held your own in toy and book tug-of-wars with your big sister. You can thank your dad for that.

I hope that you never lose your infectious giggle, or the way you can find joy in the craziest of places. I also hope you never lose your feistiness. Happy birthday, little one. Even if you are 23 pounds, you are still my little one. And even if you grow taller than me one day, you will still be my little baby.

Breakfast in {a big girl} Bed

This morning, Hannah's adorable Daddy got up early to surprise Hannah with a delicious breakfast of french toast sandwiches in bed. She invited Maggie and me to join them. It was pretty cute/awesome. Poor Hannah has been having a rough week. I think she got Mommy's cough/cold/thing and it is no fun. So it was really nice to see her happy in the morning, for the first time in a while. We are all pretty lucky to have such an sweet and thoughtful Daddy around.

Mommy, Take Me With You

Hannah isn't feeling well. She isn't sleeping well. But she isn't stay-home-from-school sick. Depending on how you define the term. But for the past few days when we get to school, she wants me to sit by her. And then play with her. And then take her with me. This isn't her healthy-Hannah routine. This is a tired, not-feeling-so-good Hannah move. And words cannot express how much it breaks my heart to say no to that request from either Hannah, but especially a not-feeling-so-good Hannah. And to hear her cry as I walked out the door. It just hurts. I've been calling each morning to see how she is doing, and every time, she is playing and happy. Which makes me feel better, sort of. But I just can't shake this feeling that my family needs more of me than my full-time job is leaving them.

A new study just came out saying working moms are happier and healthier than stay at home moms. But part-time working moms come out on top: they are as happy as full-time moms, as involved as SAHMs and the most responsive to their children of the three. I think could really go for part time right about now.



Outside

 

One of the basic tenants of my parenting philosophy is that there are precious few things that can't be solved, or at least improved, by going outside. At the first sight of fussiness or impending tantrums, the outdoors is my go-to cure. I'm pretty sure I could be a better mom if I could just somehow incorporate more outdoors inside my house. (Or if I had a live-in hair and make up artist, chef, bartender, nanny. Yeah, or that.)