10th Day

This is my 10th day walking 2.25 miles! 

I am not one that likes to exercise and get sweaty, but I feel better and Jack and my neighbors are great accountability partners.  

Plus, I need to fit in my clothes ASAP. :-)

Meltdown at the Train Station

I had a sobbing boy who didn't take a nap and could not handle cleaning up his train for the night. At 7pm,  I guided him through the nighttime routine, including brushing his teeth while he had crocodile tears streaming down his face. It was slightly comical. (Laughing inside) I put my crying boy to sleep and told him I would tuck him in when he calmed down and stopped crying.

7 minutes later: 

His feet were propped up on his starry lit turtle, he was hugging his other turtle, with a pillow over his face...snoring. He was so exhausted. 

3:30: he looks like a NyQuil commercial as I cover up my sleeping boy. 

Both kiddos are fast asleep again.

Goodnight, from one blessed mama.

Letter of the Week

We are still going strong with our letter of the week. 

This week: 

Yes, those are real eggshells. :-)

5:15

My awesome daughter slept from 9-5:15!!!! Yes!!

Andy Stanley Parenting Stages

 1.5 more years with Jackson...we can do it!

Wishful thinking

Today has not gone as planned, but plans are a joke with two kids. 

Hoping for a nice evening.

I am making GF chicken pot pie from scratch. 

Love my kids

Lazy Saturday

Looking forward to a fun Saturday filled with laziness, family, friends and no cleaning. Having family over at 10 on a Friday morning has its perks! 

Lost sock

Yesterday, Norah kicked her sock off so hard it landed on the sidewalk. She will probably be the next Mia Hamm.  I had no idea we lost it until we arrived home. I knew we would find it today on our same walk route. The lost sock was found! Jack and I had to talk about "The Mitten" and how it reminded us of that book. He decided a tiny mouse slept in it last night to stay warm.  :-)

Better Shape

This is the third day in a row I have walked for 45 minutes pushing two kiddos in the stroller. It has been enjoyable and fulfilling as I burn calories and have quality time talking to my boy. He is so busy that we hardly have conversations that do not involve the next meal or where are we going. I hope our walks continue throughout the Fall! 

Fall

Windows open.
Candle burning.
Rocking in my chair during kids' nap time.
Peaceful.

Thank you for a new day.

Special Project: Joy

I had forgotten about a special "project" that I used to do with my friends in High School. It is very encouraging and just what a struggling person needs to lift them up during a difficult time.

I just rounded up my troops for my special project that should be happening in a few weeks. I can't wait to see the look on her face when it all goes down.

New friend

I met a new friend at Mommy Matters this morning. We couldn't stop talking until we were told we were at different table groups. :-) We might just have to have coffee soon. I think we would really get along! 

Peanut Butter Test

I eat peanut butter daily. The rash on my daughter's face was getting worse each day. I decided to not eat it one day and she woke up the next morning without a rash! I am going to test it out again this week. At the rate we are going, I am not sure what I will eat. Ha!  I have cut out dairy, gluten, chocolate, and peanuts. 

The Napping House

Unlike the book, we all had splendid naps today. 

Sore throat

No time for a sore throat. I can't call out sick from my job. 

My nurse hubby said my glands are swollen. Off to the doc on Monday or Tuesday. 

Praying this passes through quickly.

My sweet boy even said a special prayer for me at dinner. I teared up a little bit. His heart is so thoughtful and caring. 

50 items

I hope I sell all 50 items of my maternity clothes at the consignment sale tomorrow. I would like to go on a shopping spree next month. I need some nursing appropriate clothes for the next 10 months.

Cool morning walk

It was a glorious 2 mile family walk and I feel like I can conquer the day! 

The photo of my boy messed up...

By George...

...I think she's got it! 

She was awake from 2:30-3. 

She slept from 8pm-7am! Yes!!!

7

And. She slept from 4-7am. I feel like this the beginning of something great!

Almost There

Second night in a row she slept from 8pm-3am! Almost there!!! 6 weeks old today!

Auburn

Norah and I are having a wonderful girls' day in Auburn! We have been shopping at Target, Hobby Lobby, and now at a huge consignment sale. The wonderful thing is is that I do not have to stop and go home for naptime. My boys are having a wonderful time with Pop Pop. I am enjoying thinking about all the fun they are having, meanwhile enjoying my girl! 

I also bought an ergo baby today and am in love with it. It is way better than my moby wrap. I'm about to wear it into the consignment sale. Here we go!!

Gotta laugh or You'll Cry

My day....however, we had two families visit and their company made it all better. 

That and a little chocolate never hurt to celebrate my survival of the day.

My girl's first real interest in her mat. She talked to the animals...then, fell asleep. 

First Exercise

I mowed our entire yard and blew the driveway. From yesterday to today, I lost 4 lbs. No joke. That was a great workout. 

25 more lbs to go! Whew! 

Sleeping pattern/homeschooling success

My little girl wants to go to sleep for the night at 8pm. She wakes up at 1:30am and between 5-6am. 

I can get my boy into bed between 7-7:30 and then feed her and get her to sleep. I am finally feeling like we got this bedtime down. I am feeling like a new woman. :-)

Next, drop that 1:30 feeding. I will be able to exercise when naptime occurs for the kiddos. 

Other news, homeschooling is going well!  Jackson is enjoying learning the months in the seasons, telling time, and the letter "B" for our letter of the week. We had a scavenger hunt to find "B" items. I could hear him during his naptime naming all the items in his bed and what letter they started with. "Pillow..P." He also tells us what things start with outside the car on our rides. "B...bush." 

My heart was happy knowing he was excited about learning with me as his teacher! 

Rocking a bye, um, Mommy

I seriously fell asleep after rocking Norah. Woke up an hour later. Going back to sleep in our own beds. 

I love snuggling with her. 

Night.

Rabbit head

While rubbing her hair gently, we read books together. She loved every minute of it...no prompting. Loving the sibling love.

Great Day

Great church service at our new satellite location in our town! I was one of the photographers. And, our little girl was an angel the entire time. 

Then, I was blessed to photograph a new  little neighbor for his newborn session. I think he was the perfect little subject. 

I made delicious gluten free/dairy free pancakes with blueberries for dinner. (Yes, that combo CAN be yummy)   

And, I am going to bed early in hopes my girl will sleep through the night. I believe in her!!!

10 minutes later

She exploded her diaper so bad it went up her back and past her belly button on her chest. The parking lot of CFA was a great spot to clean up our daughter. :-)

Success

We made it through the post office with without a problem! Score!!!

Post Office Trip #2

Last time I went to the post office Norah exploded her diaper through to her car seat cover. Somehow, I had not one wipe. Today, I am ready for anything. I'm hoping for a better experience today! 

And, great news! She only woke up at 2 and 6. Mommy feels better! 

Visitors and no nap

We had my hub's Aunt and Uncle visit this morning to meet Norah and a surprise visit from our pastor. Jack thought it was great and it helped get my mind on the fact that I hadn't slept all night. We enjoyed their visits very much. 

Now, only if my kiddos would take a nap. Ha! Day 2 of "no nap" and he has tumbling class today. 

And, I am happy dinner is provided for this evening. 

10-12:30pm and 6:30-8am

My sleep time last night. 

I wish she would communicate and tell me what is wrong. Oh, baby! :-) 

Praise The Lord she does not cry because she would probably wake up her brother. 

However, her consistent grunting makes it hard to not tend to her needs. :-)

Good news, we have dinner provided for us tonight. I can play with my kiddos instead of cooking. I am very grateful for that! 

Happy Friday! 

Yes!!!

She only woke up at 2 and 6! 

Thankful Daddy was home though because our boy was oddly awake at 3 and having a hard time going back to sleep. 

We are starting to get a routine again. We went to bible study and I survived with them both by myself. No explosions or meltdowns. It was empowering after my last two outings by myself. Hehe

2am

The last 3 nights, we make it to the 2am mark beautifully and then it is all downhill from there. 

Praying for our girl to go back to sleep so I can function today. 

School and Survival

Regardless of the amount of sleep I got last night with a grunty baby, my son and I are starting school today! 

The Letter of the Week: A

And, we are learning about the seasons.

We had a blast working together. I think homeschooling is going to be great for him. He responded well to me.

However, this is how the rest of the day went. I survived. And without crying.

Recap of my day.....

Smoke alarm went off during nap time. No reason. Woke Jackson up. And then a man was banging on our door repeatedly to see if we wanted him to cut our grass. (Soliciting) Then, after nap, on the way to the post office, Norah exploded her diaper all over her car seat and for some reason I did not have one wipe with me. I ended up using water and extra diapers to clean her up until we gave her a bath at home. 

I also made dinner before Ben woke up at 5:15 today. 

Jackson is already in the bed and I hope he goes to sleep soon. 

It has been one of those days. I survived.

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed by life right now. This stage is so short.....I am just repeating that to myself and thanking Jesus for my healthy family.