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

woops

Goodness.

It seems like I've hit the wall where demands at work + demands at home have overwhelmed my life and there is very little time for anything unnecessary. 

So thankful for Ellie who's picking up the slack.

 

Right now, it's a good day if we wash the dishes after dinner and have 5 minutes of downtime before going to bed.  Anytime I get enough time to myself to do anything special, I feel anxious that what I'm doing isn't the best possible choice considering everything I want to and need to do.  So, blogging has taken a back seat for sure.  The girls are great (except for the all-too-common cold for ellie). David and I are chugging along, still trying to figure out... well, everything, it seems.