It's friday. It's Nevada Day. Not really, but for some reason who ever is in charge decided to make today the day of celebration so that there would be a three day weekend. COOL! Now when do we (moms) get a three day weekend? Or maybe just a one day weekend? A few hours? A bathroom break by ourselves? No?
So much has gone on. Mostly just with in myself. As I sit here writing this I'm ignoring Branson's repeated "MORE" demands for toast. I'm listening to Noa throw every single lego and bristle block in the house out of it's home. I'm watching the dog out of the corner of my eye to make sure she doesn't get up on top of the table to lick the kids greasy hand prints from breakfast. Again. Oh and Branson is now screaming MORE. Ryan is at work. I haven't showered. I've started a load of laundry only because there was an accident in the early morning. We've been up since 5. Nothing in the house has been cleaned, wiped down, put away or organized since about 8 pm last night. So within 12 hours (only 4 have been spent awake) my house looks like I've never lifted a finger in it. Everyday I sit back and take this all in. I try to get up and get a shower before Ryan leaves for work, but that doesn't always happen. It seems that if I don't get my morning shower, my whole day goes to waste. I'm unable to catch up. I'm left feeling anxious, defeated and all around down. I don't know if this is normal or not for stay at home moms, I'd obviously like to think so. I wish someone would have told me how much harder having 2 kids is than 1. Not that it would have made a difference in my decision to have another, but maybe I would have mentally prepared myself a little more. When one is sleeping peacefully, the other wakes up screaming for something which then wakes up the one that was sleeping. And usually one if not both will stay awake demanding more and more attention. It doesn't matter if its midnight or 4 am, this seems to be occurring more and more often. 2 nights ago Branson was up from midnight until 5 am. When he finally fell back asleep Noa woke up ready for the day at 5:28. Yay. Mommy got a total of 2 hours of sleep. I wish I could sleep like a husband. They can sleep through anything. (By the way, Branson is now screeching, snapping and snarling for MORE. He wants more toast with lots and lots of butter because he is big. This is his third breakfast. I'm feeling my gray hair grow in right NOW).
Hopefully Ryan will return soon and give me a chance to shower so we can attempt to conquer the rest of the day. We are supposed to carve pumpkins. Tomorrow we have a party to attend and then a wedding and Sunday is our photo shoot for our holiday cards.
I'm left wondering if I'll ever get that weekend. Or just a bathroom break alone.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
THE IMPORTANCE OF A DOOR
The following story is one of the cutest and funniest I have experienced with my boy Branson. He is so smart, funny, and witty. Here goes:
Branson has been a terrible two-er lately. Love him to death, but he has. When he is in time out in his room, he has taken to slamming his door. Normally this is an action I wouldn't react to, and normally he would probably only do it once since it didn't get him any attention. However with his sister sleeping just feet away, I can't let him do it. So, I told him quite a few times he better stop or daddy will take his door down. He didn't stop. Ryan grabbed his tool box, went to work on the door and calmly carried it out to the garage. Of course this prompted meltdown city from Branson, you would have thought we took away his Mr. Elephant or his nightly Dora or something important. Anyhow. We told him that he if he behaved the rest of the day he could have his door back tomorrow. Periodically he would check in to make sure that was still the plan. So "tomorrow" rolls around, and Ryan is doing some handy man stuff around the house with his tool box. Branson goes and gets his (toy) tool box and heads into my room. I hear him banging on something so I go in there and ask him what he is doing. His reply: "I'm taking your door. I'm going to put it in the garage. You can have it back tomorrow."
I don't know why, but this tickled me to death. Smart, smart boy. We both got our doors back that afternoon.
Branson has been a terrible two-er lately. Love him to death, but he has. When he is in time out in his room, he has taken to slamming his door. Normally this is an action I wouldn't react to, and normally he would probably only do it once since it didn't get him any attention. However with his sister sleeping just feet away, I can't let him do it. So, I told him quite a few times he better stop or daddy will take his door down. He didn't stop. Ryan grabbed his tool box, went to work on the door and calmly carried it out to the garage. Of course this prompted meltdown city from Branson, you would have thought we took away his Mr. Elephant or his nightly Dora or something important. Anyhow. We told him that he if he behaved the rest of the day he could have his door back tomorrow. Periodically he would check in to make sure that was still the plan. So "tomorrow" rolls around, and Ryan is doing some handy man stuff around the house with his tool box. Branson goes and gets his (toy) tool box and heads into my room. I hear him banging on something so I go in there and ask him what he is doing. His reply: "I'm taking your door. I'm going to put it in the garage. You can have it back tomorrow."
I don't know why, but this tickled me to death. Smart, smart boy. We both got our doors back that afternoon.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
OVERCAST
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Wednesday, August 8, 2012
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
After having a few long and deep and heart wrenching felt discussions with other mothers who's opinions I value, I've come to a conclusion that I thought only existed in me; It's not always roses being a full time mommy. In fact, sometimes we down right despise it. Doing even the simplest of tasks like changing a diaper, or reading a book can make you see red. WHY??? I don't know. But I do know it's ok to feel that sometimes. And as long as it's only sometimes and not all the times, I know I'm doing a damn good job. Or at least the best I can. Kids are stressful and taxing! Some days I wake and get absolutely nothing accomplished, and yet I'm exhausted by 4 pm. Add to that making dinner, cleaning up dinner, cleaning up toys, bed time, and then what is supposed to some sort of intimate time with your partner, and I'm pretty sure I should be medicated. Some days I half-ass it. Some days the kids win and they get to sit on the couch and watch Dora all day long. And eat PB&J for lunch, and maybe a quesadilla for dinner, with out the sight of one veggie or piece of fruit (ok, maybe sometimes this happens for more than one day at once...). There are days that the screaming, whining, crying, fussing, hitting, throwing, pushing, & "NO"'s make me want to pack a bag and head out of town. These days I think not nice things about people that I love, and never mean a word in those thoughts. I then end up thinking not nice things about myself, which is the worst possible thing for the mental well being of a mommy. I firmly believe that this is directly related to, with out getting into too much of the psychiatric nonsense that no one wants to hear, the fact that long ago our ancestors had the help of all loved ones. Really, not even that long ago this was common. You know that saying, "it takes a village to raise a child"? it really used to, and it really still does. In fact I was at a wedding last month and an older lady asked me where my kids were. When I told her they were at home with daddy, she replied, "you sent some family over to help him, right?". There ya go. Problem solved. This lady (and all you other mothers, lol)is not meant to do all this by herself. I have a strong admiration to those women and men raising kids in a city with out any support system. I couldn't imagine where I would be if I didn't have the help of both Ryan and my parents. Actually, I know where I would be. In a padded room with a straight jacket and a numbing pill cocktail. Sometimes, that sounds really, really nice.
But, MOST of the time, I look at my kids and remember that I am their leader, and how I respond to them will teach them their future responses. If I can just walk away when I see red, and not let them know I am seeing that color, then I can come back in 5 minutes and start fresh. I often tell my kids and husband that Mommy needs a time out. In fact I know I need it way more often than the kids do. Time outs coupled with the unconditional support of my husband give me the small amount of sanity that keeps me from running.
In short - not really, right? - it's ok to not always be Susy home maker. Some days you have to be Big Bad Bertha.
But, MOST of the time, I look at my kids and remember that I am their leader, and how I respond to them will teach them their future responses. If I can just walk away when I see red, and not let them know I am seeing that color, then I can come back in 5 minutes and start fresh. I often tell my kids and husband that Mommy needs a time out. In fact I know I need it way more often than the kids do. Time outs coupled with the unconditional support of my husband give me the small amount of sanity that keeps me from running.
In short - not really, right? - it's ok to not always be Susy home maker. Some days you have to be Big Bad Bertha.
SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVIN IS CRAZY
Summer means busy time! June and July flew by, and it's already a week into August. I'm not even sure what we've been doing, but every day we do something (everything) and by 9 pm I'm lucky to have enough energy to flop on the bed and will my shoes off.
Keenan has left us, we have a void, but he is off having fun in Disney World before he starts his Sophomore year of highschool. I still can't believe it. In my mind he still likes remote control cars and is shy (he is SO NOT SHY).
Branson is a little boy. Fully potty trained, on his own accord, and speaking as if he is an adult. He and Noa are starting to interact, and sometimes it's even sweet. But mostly he is discovering that "his" toys are not just "his" anymore. Thats fun!
Genoa...this little girl is going to have me running. With in the last 2 weeks she has gotten 2 teeth, started sleeping in her own room, is crawling, pulling up on things and trying to stand. Lord HELP ME.
Ryan is busy with work, and running a little less. Which he shouldn't be, since he is going to run a 72 mile race in October. I'm pretty sure that is the definition of insane.
Me - well. I'm exhausted. I'm tired. I'm good, I'm happy and going crazy all at once. Kids do that to you, you know.
Hope you enjoy the pictures from our anual family photo shoot, by www.jessilemayphotography.com
Keenan has left us, we have a void, but he is off having fun in Disney World before he starts his Sophomore year of highschool. I still can't believe it. In my mind he still likes remote control cars and is shy (he is SO NOT SHY).
Branson is a little boy. Fully potty trained, on his own accord, and speaking as if he is an adult. He and Noa are starting to interact, and sometimes it's even sweet. But mostly he is discovering that "his" toys are not just "his" anymore. Thats fun!
Genoa...this little girl is going to have me running. With in the last 2 weeks she has gotten 2 teeth, started sleeping in her own room, is crawling, pulling up on things and trying to stand. Lord HELP ME.
Ryan is busy with work, and running a little less. Which he shouldn't be, since he is going to run a 72 mile race in October. I'm pretty sure that is the definition of insane.
Me - well. I'm exhausted. I'm tired. I'm good, I'm happy and going crazy all at once. Kids do that to you, you know.
Hope you enjoy the pictures from our anual family photo shoot, by www.jessilemayphotography.com
Friday, May 18, 2012
BIG HEADED KIDS! SO WHAT?
Well I'm a little late, but here is the update on baby Noa's 5 month check up. Here are the percentiles:
weight - 13.9 lbs - 25%
length - 25 inches - 50%
head - here's the doosy - 43.4 - 90%
Of course, her big head is to hold all those amazing brains she has. Just like her brother. Our kids have big heads; fact. The good news is, the Dr. said she is well beyond her age in milestone wise, which we already knew. She is rolling all over the place (that started at 10 weeks), loves tummy time, is trying to figure out how to crawl, and is starting to be interested in big kid food. She loves to watch her brothers, and I can tell you already that she will be Branson's biggest cheerleader, especially when it comes to mischief. Too cute, really. The Dr. also noticed that Noa is very attached. To me. Like extremely. The girl will not let me out of her sight. The only person that she might let console her is Ryan. But if it's after 6 pm and she can't see me? FORGET ABOUT IT. My poor babysitter doesn't know what to do, she's never met a baby she can't soothe. It's kinda cute and endearing, really, but it makes getting anything done impossible.
Branson is doing great. He is so smart. Knows all his letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and has started saying amazing things like, "don't yell at me!" and "I don't want to go home, never ever ever EVER!!!!". Pretty cool, huh? Really though, he is the light of my life. the boy is just a roller coaster of emotions for both him and me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is cautious but daring, smart and witty, sweet and mischievous all at once. The best part is that a few weeks ago he decided that people food is kinda cool. Like taco's, enchilada's, salads, steak. Thank GAWD we aren't limited to corn dogs and chicken nuggets anymore.
Keenan is almost done with school, and it will be a bitter sweet summer. He has decided to go back to St. Louis next year for school. We were so happy to have him here, and he knows the door is always open for him to return. We are all going to miss him, but I have to say it will be so nice not to nag him about chores and homework anymore! We will get to have him and spoil him for vacations now, which is always a good time :)
Ryan is running his second 50 mile race this weekend. He's just crazy. And we love him. He is in killer shape, and is such an inspiration to me! I've hired a trainer to try and catch up with him. Wish me luck!
weight - 13.9 lbs - 25%
length - 25 inches - 50%
head - here's the doosy - 43.4 - 90%
Of course, her big head is to hold all those amazing brains she has. Just like her brother. Our kids have big heads; fact. The good news is, the Dr. said she is well beyond her age in milestone wise, which we already knew. She is rolling all over the place (that started at 10 weeks), loves tummy time, is trying to figure out how to crawl, and is starting to be interested in big kid food. She loves to watch her brothers, and I can tell you already that she will be Branson's biggest cheerleader, especially when it comes to mischief. Too cute, really. The Dr. also noticed that Noa is very attached. To me. Like extremely. The girl will not let me out of her sight. The only person that she might let console her is Ryan. But if it's after 6 pm and she can't see me? FORGET ABOUT IT. My poor babysitter doesn't know what to do, she's never met a baby she can't soothe. It's kinda cute and endearing, really, but it makes getting anything done impossible.
Branson is doing great. He is so smart. Knows all his letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and has started saying amazing things like, "don't yell at me!" and "I don't want to go home, never ever ever EVER!!!!". Pretty cool, huh? Really though, he is the light of my life. the boy is just a roller coaster of emotions for both him and me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is cautious but daring, smart and witty, sweet and mischievous all at once. The best part is that a few weeks ago he decided that people food is kinda cool. Like taco's, enchilada's, salads, steak. Thank GAWD we aren't limited to corn dogs and chicken nuggets anymore.
Keenan is almost done with school, and it will be a bitter sweet summer. He has decided to go back to St. Louis next year for school. We were so happy to have him here, and he knows the door is always open for him to return. We are all going to miss him, but I have to say it will be so nice not to nag him about chores and homework anymore! We will get to have him and spoil him for vacations now, which is always a good time :)
Ryan is running his second 50 mile race this weekend. He's just crazy. And we love him. He is in killer shape, and is such an inspiration to me! I've hired a trainer to try and catch up with him. Wish me luck!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
SPRING IS HERE!
And spring time is here! What a beautiful day. This whole last week has been amazing. The kids are happier, mom and dad are happier. So much joy! And my yard is just GORGEOUS right now!
So much to report on, I'll try to keep to short points.
*Ryan ran his 50 mile race on Easter weekend. He KILLED it.
*We spent easter with his family in Sacramento for breakfast, then headed home for a quiet afternoon. Everyone was pooped out!
*We celebrated easter at our house the weekend after, when Keenan was home. It was a lovely brunch. Genoa slept the entire time :)
* Genoa is teething. What happened to my happy girl???? (she's 4 months now!)
*Our photographer made a website for Genoa. It's amazing.
http://www.genoawinterpeel.jessilemayphotography.com/
*Branson started Gymboree and LOVES it. He has been so happy lately. Fewer tempertantrums and lots of love.
*Keenan has decided to move back to St. Louis next year :( we will miss him, but will be excited to have him here on holidays and vacations!
*My very best friend Chrissy is now Dr. Lamun! Congrats on finishing dental school! We can't wait to see you in a few weeks.
So much to report on, I'll try to keep to short points.
*Ryan ran his 50 mile race on Easter weekend. He KILLED it.
*We spent easter with his family in Sacramento for breakfast, then headed home for a quiet afternoon. Everyone was pooped out!
*We celebrated easter at our house the weekend after, when Keenan was home. It was a lovely brunch. Genoa slept the entire time :)
* Genoa is teething. What happened to my happy girl???? (she's 4 months now!)
*Our photographer made a website for Genoa. It's amazing.
http://www.genoawinterpeel.jessilemayphotography.com/
*Branson started Gymboree and LOVES it. He has been so happy lately. Fewer tempertantrums and lots of love.
*Keenan has decided to move back to St. Louis next year :( we will miss him, but will be excited to have him here on holidays and vacations!
*My very best friend Chrissy is now Dr. Lamun! Congrats on finishing dental school! We can't wait to see you in a few weeks.
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