It's funny how reality can pull the rug right out from under us sometimes.
The truth is, my babies do like to snuggle, but it's usually when I'm in the middle of doing something. Or they both want to snuggle me at once and it's all fun and games until someone pulls my hair, stretches out my clothing or smears food on me.
I do cook the occasional meal, but not very often. My full time job doesn't allow for a whole lot of time to prepare fancy breakfasts and dinners (and clean up after them!). My kids eat fast food more than I'd like to admit.
My husband and I do go out on dates every now and then, but they're usually quick and in the middle of the day, because that's when we're able to get someone to watch the kids.
Oh, and the part about the obedient children? HA! I had two boys in two years. "Obedience" is not yet a part of their vocabulary. I say jump, they say "why?"
It was really, really hard having a two year old and a newborn, but it's also really, really hard having an almost-four year old and an almost-two year old. It's just hard in different ways. Colin fits the "threenager" stereotype perfectly. One minute he's the sweetest boy ever, kissing my cheek and telling me I look like a princess, and the next he's shoving his brother and telling me to "stop it" for no good reason and putting smeary fingerprints all over the TV just because he can.
Reid, of course, is learning from his big brother, and from the kids at daycare. He's so adorable and so smart that sometimes I almost forget to discipline rather than chuckling at his toddler tantrums. But discipline I must.
To add to the craziness, Colin broke his arm in October. It happened at preschool. He was apparently getting ready to go down a pretty steep slide on his belly when another boy pushed him, causing him to go down so quickly that he put out his arm to catch himself and, bam - he fractured his humerus, right at the top of his arm, below his shoulder. Thankfully we missed the growth plates and there won't be any permanent damage, but he has had to wear a tiny sling for a month and has had to keep his feet on the floor which is NOT easy for a three year old, very active boy. He even had to wear his sling over his Spider-Man costume on Halloween.
In other news, I celebrated my 29th birthday last week. (Ummm, what? Am I seriously this close to 30?) My parents came down from Michigan for a quick visit and we were all able to go out for a birthday dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, which was nice. I have also enjoyed redeeming some birthday freebies at Moe's, Starbucks and Arby's. Have I ever mentioned that I'm a sucker for coupons and free stuff? I mean, who isn't, but I think I get more joy over something free than the average person.
And speaking of joy, I am extremely excited for the upcoming holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve are my favorite, favorite holidays. As hectic as my life is right now, there is so much to be thankful for, and I am always especially reminded of the blessings this time of year. We have our health (well, sort of... the hubs tested positive for strep AND the flu this week..), our home, our jobs, and the love of friends and family. Looking at the big picture, our lives are pretty great.
However... if anyone wants to volunteer to help clean my house, stock my pantry or babysit the kids for about a week while Justin and I fly far, far away... just let me know. ;)
More to come.
