Slacker

Yes, I've been a slacker when it comes to my blog this last month. I don't have an excuse, so I'm not going to try to make up one. I'm just going to try to be better at this b/c I really do enjoy getting my thoughts out. I know not many view my blog and that is all right. It's really an outlet for me and my journey through life and mommyhood. The comments here and there are just an added bonus. Would I love to have the network of support and friends that my beautiful friend, Lisa, has....yes.....maybe in the future! I've always been one who has attempted to keep a diary, and it only lasts for a few weeks. Then it ends up collecting dust on my nightstand or taking up space in the drawer. This is easier than writing! Here's to trying to keep up a little bit better....no more taking a month off.

Game Update

Score: Mommy & Daddy ~ lots, Monkey ~ A couple

You are doing so, so good at putting yourself to sleep now little one. You only cry when the lights go out and the fan comes on. You are pretty smart and have figured out that this means sleepy time. You fuss for a couple minutes or more. BUT, last night, I was able to nurse you, sing you a few lullabies while we rocked, putted you in your crib wide awake, and you fell asleep on your own without a fuss!! You are such a big boy!! Momma and Daddy are so proud of you!!

Another big boy achievement.....Mommy doesn't remember the last time she had to wake up and go to you in the middle of the night. You are such a little slumber man!! Love you so much!

The Crying Game

Opponents ~ Monkey vs. Mommy and Daddy

Time ~ Naptime and Bedtime

Place ~ Monkey's Bedroom

Score ~ Monkey 1, Mommy & Daddy 1

Currently, you are on a 45 minute long stretch. I have gone to you after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. I hate hearing you cry. I keep telling myself and you that this is for your own good. It will make you a better sleeper and more rested in the long run. Do I miss letting you fall asleep in my arms? Like you will never know little one. It breaks my heart to hear you crying and screaming in there. Your little face, clean from your bath, is covered in goobers and slobber when I go in there. You clung to your monkey like he was your only friend when I went in last. And you just threw your bink out of your crib because I heard it bounce off the door. But I have to wait little one. Daddy and I have to let you work this out. I love you so, so much!

La Nina

No this isn't intended to be a beautiful picture of our snow capped mountains in the fall. This is a gloomy picture of the Chugach Mountain range YESTERDAY!!! Are you freaking kidding me???? Termination dust (what we Alaskans call the first snow of the season) on July 23rd. We haven't even had a summer yet. The paper said today that we are on track to have the coldest summer ever.....yes I did say ever!!

I can believe it since the temperature at my house this morning at 10:00 was 48 degrees...brrrr! My puppies were curled up like little cocoons on the deck! I knew it wasn't a good sign when I got home from vacation a week and a half ago and the fireweed was already blooming....ugh!! Beautiful it is but an ominous sign of winter to come and too early at that.

To blame for all of this, La Nina. The seas are 2-4 degrees cooler down in Peru in the South Pacific. Crazy to think that it effects us clear up here in the very far Northern Hemisphere. La Nina is probably going to cause more days of temperatures below 65 degrees than has ever been recorded in Alaska. Not to mention the fact that it's going to cause me to probably go crazy. It's been raining so many days in a row that I don't even remember the last day we had sunshine. Monkey and I finally had to get out so bad the other day that we went for a stroller walk in the sprinkles.

The only bright spot in all of this is that we're suppose to have above normal temperatures from October through December. I guessing it won't be the Indian Summer that I'm used to from back home though. Where is El Nino when you need it??

Two Sick Boys

My little Monkey has his first cold. My heart breaks for him. So pathetic with his little snorts from a stuffy nose. Poor guy is trying to adjust from vacation, shots on Monday, and now is bombarded with a head cold...ugh! I think he got it from his Daddy who is equally pathetic but in a different sort of way...heehee. His was exacerbated by working until 2 am last night in the rain....double ugh! Now I have to stay home from work tonight to take care of my two sick boys. I was actually looking forward to going to work too....imagine that!

Little Moments

We're back home from our wonderful, relaxing visit at my parent's house. We had a great time in the warm weather. Monkey loved having his toes free from socks and his little chubby legs out for everyone to squish and kiss. We visited Omaha's fabulous Henry Doorly Zoo where he was fascinated by the sharks in the aquarium tunnel and tugged on a goat's ear. We went swimming countless times, and he splashed to his heart's content. We visited so many family and friends without barely a hint of stranger danger.

I have wonderful memories etched from this trip. Many of my favorites are of Monkey with his Grandpa and Grandma. Feeding the fish with Grandpa riding way up high on his shoulders. Walking down to get the mail, just him and Grandpa. Standing with his Grandma on the deck the morning before we left watching the farmer pick the alfalfa field. He was so interested in that tractor. Monkey napping in their arms and the proud look on their faces. He blossomed in front of their eyes. It was wonderful to watch. Too bad we aren't closer, so they could see him blossom more often. Have to take advantage of these opportunities though. So sad to go but thankful for the means of today to keep in touch. Makes the distance and time apart a tad more bearable.

Watching him light up when he saw his Daddy again at the airport was another priceless moment. He shocked the heck out of his Daddy when he held his arms out to be picked up. I don't know who was happier to see who. Makes coming home and leaving my parents easier when you witness these little moments. Simply amazing!

Favorites....

My favorites about home....

• Endless blue skies
• The wind creating waves through fields of green
• The sweet smell of the corn turning to tassel
• Lightning bugs
• Songs of the locust in the evening
• Thunderstorms
• The smell of fresh cut alfalfa
• Warm Iowa sunshine
• Outdoor swimming pools
• The feel of a warm evening breeze
• Monkey's toes without socks and shoes 24 hours a day
• Homemade ice cream from Grandma
• The smell of my parent's house when you first walk in
• Watching my little Monkey be loved by his Grandma and Grandpa
• Seeing my little brother as a Daddy...unbelievable
• Watching my little sis "in love".....crazy
• Walking through my grandparents yard and showing Monkey the garden, flowers, and fish pond
• Spending much needed girl time with my bestest friend ever
• Being spoiled by my parents
• The moon and stars in the sky at night
• The love of family at your finger tips