why i love my husband: one

In honor of the lovely month of February, and in an effort to give David some much deserved love leading up to Valentine's day, my goal is to post a reason why I love my husband for the next 14 days!  If the girls oblige, they might even be accompanied by semi-cute pictures that make me smile (as in, if they sleep long enough to let me try to edit some pictures with my minimal photoshop skills, you'll have pictures).

I haven't spent a ton of time planning this out, so... this list isn't comprehensive, the reasons are in no particular order, and they might seem silly to anyone but me, but: we've had our rough times over the past year or so and we don't make nearly enough time to appreciate each other, so this is my attempt.  Plus it's a super cheap Valentine's Day gift.  Booyah.

So, reason #1:

It isn't easy for anyone to take criticism, no matter how constructive it's meant to be.  David and I have different priorities about a lot of things in life and that means we have very different strategies of approaching everything we do.  I'm more opinionated, rigid, and stubborn.  It's been difficult with him being the stay-at-home parent and me feeling like I am more adept at taking care of the girls (I work with kids, I stay calmer... I'm a mom, okay?).  It's probably been most difficult for him, since I seem to have lots of ideas and input, but I'm not the one that is here and has to deal with them all day.  I hope I've gotten better about letting him do what he does over the past year and I want him to feel confident in what he does, but at the same time I can't tell you how many times I've been amazed at the effort he is willing to put in to change something he does, says, or wears if it makes me even the tiniest bit happier.  He tries harder for the girls, too--always doing his best to keep them as happy as realistically possible

...and that makes me swoon.

mimi time

Have I ever mentioned the guilt I feel when I miss most of the girls' day?  I know someone has to work, and I know they are well taken care of, and I know I don't have to work that much, but it's still hard.  On days like today, when the girls' naps don't line up and Mimi is awake while Ellie sleeps it brings about a whole new feeling of guilt.  When was the last time I focused all my attention just on her?

Without the screeching, running, destructive toddler around to demand all our attention and patience, we're left with sweet little Mimi, her squishy cheeks, and the innocence that comes with not being able to exert your will on others.  A sweet break in the middle of our day, and a nice chance to give our baby some special attention.  It's been a long week with sicknesses and dreary weather, but the shortest moment of connection with one or both of my girls makes everything seem bright. 

oh happy day

Taking the day off work + getting cable installed + unsolicited snuggles from Ellie = love

recovery, eh?

So... we've officially contracted our first super nasty common childhood illness and it has to be the one with the worst name ever.  We confirmed today that Ellie's puke-fest Friday night and lazy Saturday were the first stages of HandFoot&MouthDisease.  OMG. I barely convinced myself to admit that.  So at some point in the past week, Ellie came in contact with the nasal mucous, saliva, sputum, or ---- of an infected person.  Now she's lucky enough to have blisters on her hands, feet, and mouth.  Luckily her case seems to be pretty mild and she hasn't been too disturbed by the symptoms... except for during 3 hour stints in the middle of the night when she screams non-stop in her bed: "Mommy, areyou Mommy?" or "Daaaaaddy, areyou Daddy?" So fun. 

This week has been continually exhausting--first dealing with a sick/sad/needy baby, then worrying about what the blisters might be, confirming what they are, and now freaking the freak about whether Mimi, or Finn, or any of Ellie's friends are going to get sick too.  Like I said, OMG.  Contagion up in here.

recovery

I was greeted home Friday evening by an inconsolable, screaming toddler with a 100 degree fever.  All plans (and, really for the first time in a looooong time, I had plans!) were put on hold.  First mission: stop her from crying. 

With the help of tylenol, a makeshift bed in front of the portable "dbdbd payor", our trusty friends from Gabba Gabba Land, and some snuggles from mom, Ellie passed out.  She got a bit of a nap.  I grumbled about what a pain it was that this was happening on a no-obligation weekend and couldn't stop thinking about how I would have absolutely no me time (between nursing Mimi and needy Ellie).  The feeling of being needed is nice, in theory.  But feeling like I have to always be prepared to respond and fulfil other people's needs is exhausting at this point.  Surprisingly, Ellie woke up happy.  She wanted to eat and we happily obliged: a peanut butter and honey sandwich, and ice cream, too!  She got her bath and we thought we were in the clear.  Maybe she just needed a second nap?!  A few more videos and the inconsolable crying returned.  I went to go put Mimi back to sleep and listened as Ellie repeatedly asked for me, David tried to calm her down, and then started cursing.  "That is puke," he told her.  Peanut butter-honey-chocolate ice cream puke all over herself and the living room.  (Alden enjoyed it.)

After rinsing her down, she rocked to sleep in my arms almost immediately.  We watched more Yo Gabba Gabba (more???) and drank pedialyte before Ellie and David went to sleep downstairs.

She hasn't puked anymore and seems mostly OK today. Just to be safe, we're sticking to our routine of endless videos and very little food.  She's enjoyed more sitting still and snuggling today than she has in the entire last year.  It's really been quite indulgent for me, too. 

Happy Lazy Weekend! Be healthy!

play break

Despite early and late appointments today, I was able to stop home for a short bit which afforded me this mischievous look from Ellie and a little free play time. With a long few weeks at work, it seems like most of my time at home has been spent taking care of the less fun parenting routines like feeding and bedtime so today was a welcomed break. Complete with some kazoo playing by Meems.

growing up

Mimi had her 6 month check up today and made Mama proud by being all cute to the doctor, "waving" when she came in, and just overall being the most adorable thing ever. Her current obsessions are busting a move (our whole family will happily demonstrate her style for you, complete with rahzel-like sound effects) and tearing up paper.  As you can see she was more than pleased with the paper on the exam table.  Good thing they didn't make us wait too long. 

She did great. Chunkier than ever. And her head?  Prominent ridges, but nothing to worry about. 
It was amazing to watch her looking for me for reassurance during the scarier parts of the exam.  I made sure to have the goofiest "yaaay, this is the greatest thing that will ever happen to you!" grin on my face.  I was able to bring her back from whimpers a few times... until the nurse stabbed her repeatedly in the thighs.

Every day, she becomes more of a real person and I can't help but wonder what kind of person she'll turn out to be.  I think I'm most excited about when she'll start interacting with Ellie (more than just pulling her hair or smiling at her).  I'm so curious (and anxious and scared!) about what their relationship will be.  I still remember throwing hairbrushes at Jess in middle school.   

healthy (baby) steps

Over the past few weeks, I've been slowly (reluctantly) trying to get back to healthy habits that flew out the window 2 years ago along with free time, nice clothes, and irresponsibility.  I really used to love working out, being at the gym, exercising outside--I appreciated taking advantage of my body and being able to move. 

After 2-too-close pregnancies, lack of time, stress at work, and a feeling of entitlement that I had "earned" treats by staying up with hungry or sick babies, my weight has gotten a little out of control.  And my body is not as easy to move as it used to be.  We're trying to be healthier around here: I've been able to squeeze in 20 minute workouts in the basement while Ellie climbs on toys and jumps around along with me and I am trying to eat better (although I still can't turn down ice cream and I lovelovelove a Tim Horton's breakfast).  I'm slooooowly starting to appreciate days without fast food and indulgent treats.  Slowly...

(I'm so hungry right now!)

All that to say, I got a cool cookbook last week with a ton of yummy sounding recipes all for around 400 calories each.  I'm excited to start incorporating new recipes into our rotation again, and dinner tonight (planned and made by David) was colorful, fun, and surprisingly great.  I loved the way Ellie's plate looked, too, even though she barely ate anything.  At least we're trying!

girl time

We got crazy while David got a much needed shower. Giggles, kisses, and jumping on the couch! (shhh)

Trying to enjoy their awesomeness despite crazy late bedtimes and really long days at work.  Ellie loved Mimi's laugh tonight, and it was fun to watch her look at Mimi like a real person!

mommy get it

Ellie is starting to talk more every day.  A few weeks ago she started putting a few words together at a time more purposefully than ever before.  We started hearing "Lahyou," "Areyou?" "Ellie turn," which made us smile.  She started telling us "Mimi nigh-night," or "Mimi up."  (She also tried to wake Mimi up, so she could tell us, "Mimi up.")  Lately she's been saying "Aldy eat it" after he snatches some of her food, asking for "Ellie room?" or "Daddy bed?" when the thought pops in her head.  These are just the most adorable things ever said,  right?  Or is it just me?

In any case, I had a crazy long day at work today and barely had a chance to check in with David, which is super unusual for me.  Feeling like a terrible mom when I came in at 7:30, I was hoping David would tell me he thought the girls missed me.  He said they did, but I think he just knew that was the right thing to say.  Ellie was in on the trick though, and when she wanted something (even if it was something silly like getting her milk), if David started to do it, she would throw a mini-tantrum and say "Mommy get it," which I realize is terribly annoying and silly, but was exactly what I needed and wanted to hear after a full day away from the girls.

I find myself amazed and loving all of Ellie's new words/sentences/pronunciations and at the same time sad that she's growing up so fast.  She's almost a full blown adult ready to clearly articulate her arguments.  Such giant steps from just throwing herself on the floor...

resolutions