Giving Thanks (a little late)

Thank you for two beautiful sons, a loving husband, two goofy dogs, a wealth of wonderful family and friends, food on our table, our health, and a comfortable life.

For endless giggles echoing off the walls of our house.
For wet, slobbery grins.
For chubby little boy feet to kiss.
For the pitter patter of those little feet across the floor and down the hallway.
For sweet sleeping baby faces.
For chubby cheeks to smoosh and snuggle.
For the love of brothers.
Thank you God for all you have given me.
I am so blessed.

The "O" Show

Yikes!! You know who you are! We only have one season left to make it to Oprah together. Do you think we can coordinate are busy, crazy lives to pull it off! It's a challenge my bestest buddy!

Back At It

Yesterday was my first day back to work from maternity leave!

Was I sad to leave my babies? Yes. But, yet, I was excited to go be with adults and do what I love to do best next to being a Mommy.

Was I nervous? Sure. Nervous that our littlest man wouldn't take the bottle bc lately he hasn't been that in to it. Nervous that I wouldn't be up with the changes that had happened in 3 months on the floor.

The minute I put on that stethoscope and walked on the floor the nerves left. I was ready. I was so glad I decided to come back and work a few days a month. I think I'm going to find myself looking forward to those few days here and there.

I survived and my boys survived. It was a great day. A busy day. An emotional day both at home and at work. Three months was long enough to forget how sad some of the stories can be. So to Mrs. K. my heart and prayers are with you.

3 Already

How are you already three months? Where does the time go, my sweet boy?! You are just the most perfect little baby. You love life and everyone in it!

Every time I get you out of your crib, you have a huge grin for me. You smile for anyone and anything. Lately, you have discovered that you have a voice and love to test it out. Your squeals are contagious! I could listen to you talk all day long!

You have recently discovered how to roll from your belly to your back. Fun times ahead when you turn that into a 360. You love to watch your big brother run around. I know you secretly can't wait for the day you get to run after him. But I'll share a little secret with you too....I can wait for that day. I'm loving this baby stage oh too much to have you grow up that quick!

You are the sweetest addition to our family! I love you all the way from your sweet little nose to your teeny tiny toes little one! Hugs and kisses forever and always!!

Love, Your Mommy

Halloween

A trip to fantasy land

complete with dragon wings and a mini dinosaur!

Flying the Friendly Skies

A month ago tonight I was crying to my husband because I was about to board an airplane with a 9 week old and a 22 month old. I was asking him what frame of mind I was in when I bought tickets to do this by myself. Here I was with a baby in my Bjorn, backpack loaded to the gills strapped to my back (I think the only in there for me was lotion, chapstick, and an ipod...who am I kidding that the ipod was gonna be for me), stroller with a car seat attached via bungee cord with a toddler strapped into it, camera case, and mini backpack full of goodies and boredom busters. I was CRAZY or "had my hands full" as everyone who encountered me seemed to comment. I had to hide the tears bc I was making Monkey nervous!

Fast forward 3 weeks later and a round trip from Anchorage, Alaska to Omaha, Nebraska under my belt. The airlines have completely regained my respect. You know that line "come fly the friendly skies" that we used to always hear. Well, I don't know about your experiences over the last few years but they have been anything but friendly. I take it all back now. Everyone from flight attendants to gate crew to passengers themselves were so helpful and friendly. Maybe they were just taking pity on me. But it was wonderful! The friendly skies were back.

A special thank you to my two guardian angels that flew with me from Minneapolis to Seattle. Not only did they change their seats so that I could have 3 seats for the kids and I, but they ran through the Seattle airport with me and my kiddos to make sure I would make last connection home (fyi~never leave yourself only 40 minutes to connect in Seattle.....IMPOSSIBLE). Steph ran ahead to the gate to let them know I was coming, and Deb stayed with me fighting the crowds with Monkey in his stroller. By the time we got to the gate they were minutes from closing the door on us. I couldn't have done it without their help! I know you'll never see this, but I'm eternally grateful for your generosity!

Needless to say, I have decided that we won't be able to make the trip back home to visit as often as I'm used to. At least not until the kids are old enough to travel a tad easier. Don't get me wrong, they were wonderful on the flights. It's just a lot of work to entertain and get in between flights. Finding bathrooms to change diapers...yuck. Eating on the run. Hand sanitizer up the ying yang. Makes me sad that this is the case but that's what I signed up for moving up here. Thank goodness for Skype, right!!!

eating my words

yep, never should have attempted to promise to blog "one or two" each day. knew when i wrote it that it would never happen. life is busy. not that you couldn't tell. was back visiting family for 3 weeks. halloween. baptism. terrible two's. precious smiley baby. now snow and -14 cooped up inside with a toddler. will try to do better but making no promises.