Tough Gig

This post is in no way a negative post. In fact I wouldn't even consider myself to be venting. I am more so just getting my thoughts and frustrations out a bit.

Lately I am having a bit of difficulty finding a balance. I don't think that it is any secret that taking quality care of your children, keeping your home livable inside and out, keeping up with other obligations such as youth sports and activities, and finding some time to just relax is very hard. I guess though, that until I actually lived it I didn't understand just how hard it would be. I'll be the first to admit that I have a nasty habit of procrastinating, but I have always been able to pull things off at the last minute. Now it's almost impossible sometimes.

I really feel like I'm on a game show or something where you have a certain amount of time to prioritize and get all the tasks completed within a certain time frame or else you fail. The kitchens a mess, there's homework to be done, dinner to be started, a poopy diaper to change, over flowing laundry baskets, and a screaming hungry baby. Where do you start? Not being cocky at all, I know I am doing a good job. My kids are happy, safe, and clean. The house isn't falling apart and everything else will still be here tomorrow. But tomorrow just starts the game all over again.

All About Autumn

Today was beautifully seasonal. To celebrate the fall weather, instead of driving to go get Chiggie from school, we walked. Well I walked. Tea rode her trike and the little girls rode in the stroller. It was lovely really it was.

For dinner we ordered pizza (my favorite) and then had mini ice cream cones for dessert. I really love Fridays. The weekends are such a nice break from the craziness the week brings. Aside from soccer on Saturday we don't have any huge plans this weekend. It'll be a good time to get some winterizing done in the yard. Hope everyone has a lovely couple of days!

In My own Defense.....

Really I would've had pictures tonight I really would have but....

• Midge was up half the night last night, screaming. I don't know if she's teething or what. I tried rocking her, covering her with a heavier blanket, changing her diaper, and finally hit her hard with some Motrin.
• Boo. Poor little Boo. The shots really took their toll on her. Low grade fever, extreme fussiness and irritability have taken over my normally sweet little chub.

So clearly you can see I must wait and get a shot of my girlies when they are happy and well rested.

In other exciting news they have decided to be witches for Halloween. Well the older girls will be witches and the baby a pumkin. Their costumes are adorable and I bought three matching pumpkin buckets for the loot. Next month we plan to take a trip to the pumpkin patch and do some carving. Good times, good times.

Poor Boo

***I will oblige on the picture of all 5 of "us girls" tomorrow I promise***

Today was the big 2 month visit. I was right on the money with her weight at 12 lbs. She has more rolls than I know what to do with. The visit went great and she was a smiley chunk right up until the end. The dreaded shots! She handled it quiet well actually with minimal fussing but the afternoon has been rough. It's obvious that she is uncomfortable and I hate that. I am giving her pain relievers and extra hugs and kisses poor little thing.

I have a funny story from the visit though. The receptionists at this office are never really that friendly. They always kind of act like you're inconveniencing them. Today we arrived a little early and the only one was on the phone. I stood politely at the counter reading the pamphlets and kind of pacing. I avoided eavesdropping as it is a doctors office and I didn't want to invade on the privacy of another patient. She was on the phone for a solid 10 minutes after I arrived. The baby was starting to get antsy and I was getting a little annoyed. This patient needed to let the receptionist go and make an appointment already. Another few minutes went by and I started gently tapping my pen on the counter. The receptionist looked up, held her finger up, and then said.....wait for it


"okay Mom, I love you and I'll talk to you later."

She was talking to her MOM. Whatevah!

Not Again....

Remember this? Well it's that time again. I do two really deep cleanings a year. One in April and then usually one in October. I'm starting just a bit early due to some upcoming events we have that would get in the way. I can't say that I am excited about this. How can things get so bad all over again? Do we never learn? In the spring it took about 3-4 days. It better not take me that long this time. I'm hoping that was due to being pregnant or something. Wish me luck I'm on my upstairs to see what kind of "science experiments" the girls have growing up there!

Redundant

I know it really is redundant, but this weekend really flew by. Unfortunately it was so busy that I didn't get much done around the house at all, which leaves it for tomorrow. I hate Mondays enough already without much added responsibility.

I actually took a little bit of time this afternoon to begin the hated task of sorting through clothes. That's right. It's already time to pack away the shorts, tank tops, and sundresses, and bust out the jeans and sweatshirts. As much as I loathe to sort through all the stuff, especially now that there are 4 sizes to figure out, I know how blessed I am to have all the clothes that we have. Thanks to many kind people we rarely have to shop for the girls and the clothes that they wear are in fabulous condition.

Boo is fussing to eat and my eyes are already getting droopy so I'm gonna check out for now. I really need to get some pic's up this week. We'll see if I can get the time!

Not so Funny

I didn't think it was funny when I had to get up way too early for a soccer game today

I didn't think it was funny when after spending the entire morning at soccer (which I very much enjoy, just not so early) I had to come home just long enough to change a diaper and head to an out of town Daisy Meeting

I didn't think it was funny that I had to take the baby because she does not take a bottle and she was feeling a little cranky

I really didn't think it was funny when she fussed during the training meeting

I really really didn't think it was funny when in an effort to soothe her I held her against my shoulder and she puked projectile vomit, in my hair, and on the wall

I didn't think it was funny when I began to leak breast milk, which I never ever do, and my shirt became damp in two perfect circles while still at the aforementioned meeting

I didn't laugh one little bit when at the same meeting the baby had a blowout that ended up mostly on my jeans

But when I got home and took a gander at myself in the mirror, only then did I laugh.

10 Ways to Not lose Weight

1. Eat until your stomach hurts
2. Make and eat dessert every night
3. Eat lots and lots of candy
4. Avoid all forms of exercise
5. Invent a new meal that fits conveniently between breakfast and lunch
6. Have junk food available at all times
7. Drink from your 18 month olds jug of whole milk
8. When you get up in the middle of the night to go potty grab a quick snack
9. Maybe have a quick milkshake to wash down your snack
10. Keep saying that your diet starts tomorrow

Lost and Found

Last night was one of those nights when I was really really ready for bed. At 11pm I was pretty sure everyone was down for the night. No noise was coming from upstairs and so as not to disturb their slumber I just shut off the light in the hallway and threw myself in bed. As I lay there I could actually feel my back and shoulder muscles loosening. I was relaxing for the first time all day. After just a bit I was in that foggy state where you're not really awake but you're not asleep either. I heard a shuffling noise and then the following:

Tea: (loudly, this kid has no "indoor voice") Mom, my poop.

Me: (very groggily) Huh?

Tea: My poop and my lost it.

Me: (Jumping up, in this house lost poop is a true emergency, this we must find) You lost it where? Where did you poop?

Thankfully she lead me to the toilet where she obviously "lost" her poop down the drain.

Me: Oh honey you didn't lose it, it just went down the drain.

Tea: Ohhhhh, down the dwain. Ok Mommy, my going back to bed, goodnight.

Whew, that could have been really bad!

To Do List

• Drive to the airport in the Springs
• Soccer practice
• Youth Group
• Parent Teacher Conference
• Eat, breathe, possibly sleep.....

And this was just for today! Much more when I have just a little more time.

8 Weeks

Yeah I know, holy cow, already? She has changed so much. More than any of the other girls did this quickly. I'm pretty sure she is as wide as she is long. She's actually heavy to carry and I would imagine she weighs about 12lbs by now if not more. The coolest thing she is doing right now is smiling, smiling, smiling. She loves to be talked to and if you give her a moment of your time she'll reward you with an ear to ear toothless grin. Worth more than a moment in my opinion. She's quick though and I can't seem to catch a picture of it yet.

Her favorite way to sleep is in the nook I create while laying on my side. She needs that constant contact and I don't mind one bit. Her receding hair line is receding a little more each day and I have a feeling she'll be very bald by winter. Ahhh well perfect time to wear a hat right. I think she is going to be a pumpkin for Halloween but that's not in stone yet. Midge is going to be Snow White I think, and the other girls have changed their minds at least a million times so not sure there yet either. Here's to another wonderful 8 weeks with my little Boo!

Falling for Fall

Summer is my favorite season of the year. I love the weather, the pools, the heat, vacations, bbq's, lakes, late nights, lazy days, I could go on and on. This year though I have to admit the impending fall is romancing me. I look at the trees and notice their rich green leaves beginning to fade. I can see it in the grass, the shade of the sky, and the shorter evenings. The smell in the air is different. A much stronger, sharper scent. The feeling I am getting is so different then in the past. I am looking forward to feeling the leaves crunching under my feet. I can't wait to dress the girls up and trot from door to door as they trick or treat, and then come home and drink warm cider. I think I really could fall for Fall!

#1

Today was opening day at the soccer fields. Chiggie and my Sisters' team won by a long shot. Chiggie was much more assertive than she was last year and made several charges down the field. It's going to be a fun season!

Busy, Busy, Busy

The next couple of weeks look crazy on the calendar. It's a good, fun crazy though. We have really been making an effort lately to be more active. More playing outside, swimming, going for walks, playing at the park, and a lot less lounging. It's easy as fall approaches and the impending winter hibernation to shut down. I want to make sure that we don't get too sedentary.

I kind of feel like I'm in a weird phase of my life right now. Not weird I guess, as much as different. I have basically spent the last 3 years of my life pregnant or with a newborn and it's kind of like now what? I need the book, What to expect when you're no longer expecting to expect. It's hard to believe that the pregnancy phase of my life is over. I'm definitely okay with it, it's just all I've known for so long.

Tomorrow is Chiggie's first soccer game and we're all really excited. She plays on the same team as my 5 year old little sister. They're so cute running around out there. I'll be sure to post pic's tomorrow!

Laughing

The girls have really been in funny moods lately. Not funny weird, but funny ha ha. Chiggie and Tea have been telling jokes and putting on funny plays. Midge has been making faces and doing little dances and what not that crack us all up. Boo just watches, I am sure anxiously awaiting the day she can get in the mix. I can honestly say the laughing is great for my soul. Some things have been really sad and stressfull around here lately and its nice to have something worthwhile to laugh about.

Manners

As she has gotten older we have started working more on manners with Chiggie. She is rather rambunctious most of the time, so this has its challenges. The other day we had the following conversation:

Me: Chiggie you're so big now. In Kindergarten and everything. You need to try a little bit harder to use your utencils when you eat and your manners at the table.

Chiggie: Sounding very frustrated, I just don't know how to eat like a human.


She doesn't know how to eat like a human? Now I'm not sure if I'm raising a mobster or Mowgli, a young girl raised in the wild!

It's all Fun and Games...

Until someone gets a head wound! We took the girls swimming tonight and this

Led to this

Seriously

These are the shoes that Boo wore to church today. Now seriously could they be any cuter?

Mini Update on the Whole Clan

Everyone is feeling a whole lot better and my mood has changed dramatically. I am getting a lot more sleep as well and that is helping significantly. The weather around here has been gorgeous. Perfect for spending some time outside before winter hits. All the playing has really been good for the girls and they've been out every night this week right at bed time. Chiggie had her first soccer practice and had a really good time. There are several girls on the team and I think she'll have a great season. I'm looking forward to spending Saturday mornings at the fields watching her. This is the last year that we will have only one player!

Tea is amazing me lately with her vocabulary. There is nothing that kid can't or won't say. She has a great sense of humor and I have a feeling that she will always be the life of the party. With Chiggie being in school all morning all week long she has really taken over the "oldest child in the house" roll. She enjoys making the rules for Midge and "helping" me with the baby.

Midge is finally coming out of her funk as well. There for a few weeks I honestly did not know what to do with her. It seemed like nothing made her happy. She was fussy from the time she got up until the time she went back down. I think it was a combination of teething, this nasty virus we all had, and maybe a tad of terrible 2's. She has definitely perked up and is back to my smiley little cuddle bug again.

Little Boo (the baby) is wonderful as always. I just can't get enough of her. She seems just too easy most of the time. She loves to be snuggled and will stop crying immediately once she's picked up or swaddled. She hates pacifiers so far and only nursing will do. She is a short little chub, but she eats so much it's no surprise. I am really excited to experience the Holidays with her around. I don't know quite how to explain it but she really completes are family!

TGIF

What a long week. I am relieved to see the weekend on the horizon. Sleeping in, a more lax routine, and staying up late are just a few of the things that I am looking forward to. We had a great day today. We took the girls to the park to feed the ducks, watch the trains, and burn off some energy. I have great pic's and if I get a chance tonight I'll share!

Crazy Fun

Despite the craziness, today was a very successfull day. I picked up my friend Tracy from the airport and she is going to be visiting for 2 weeks. We made it home from the airport just in time for Chiggie's first soccer practice, and then headed over to the church to drop her off at youth group. Chiggie had a blast and even won an adorable t-shirt at youth group.

On the down side, the airline lost Tracy's luggage. Since she got here she has been puked on, pooped on, and rained on.....with no change of clothes. Hopefully her luggage will be delivered here at the house sometime tomorrow. I thought stuff like that only happened in the movies!

Wake Up!

One thing that Chiggie and I have in common is that we both hate mornings. No matter what time we go to bed, getting up is difficult. So far she has done very well getting up in the morning and getting ready for school. I made a deal with her that if she's good in the morning and we don't have any problems, then I will drop her off at school 5 minutes early so that she can play on the playground before the bell rings. This has been a great incentive and it also helps her to wake up once she's at school before they go inside.

This morning was a little hard for her. I was pleased though as while she was tired she did what she was told and followed our usual morning routine. After breakfast she hopped in the shower to wet her hair and wash off. I cleared the dishes and took the opportunity to check my e-mail. After a few minutes I went to check on her and there she was lying in the bath tub fast asleep with the water on and everything. I startled her and we both laughed. Hopefully she'll stay awake at school.

6 Weeks

Amazing! A lot of changes have taken place in just the last couple of days. She weighs 10 lbs, but is still pretty short. She is sleeping through the night. She goes down at about 11 and wakes around 6, eats a little and then falls back asleep until I wake her between 7 & 8 depending on the day. The biggest change of all is her extended wake times. She is now alert and looking around for much longer periods of time. When she makes eye contact she often smiles. If I had to describe her personality as of yet I would say happy and content. As long as she has a full belly and is cuddling you won't hear a peep from her.

Tomorrow I am starting my diet and exercise plan. I'm a little nervous just because I have a long way to go. I've done it before, but I am dreading that first few weeks. By Christmas time I am hoping to have lost a considerable amount of weight. We'll see.

September

Today I got out some of my fall decor and changed things up a bit. Wow, summer went fast! I thoroughly enjoyed our summer vacation but I am really looking forward to cooler temperatures, the holidays, and soccer. And hopefully putting bacterial infections, puking, and doctors who forget to call in prescription antibiotics and go on vacation for a week behind us.