Park Play Date

The girls and I met Jocelyn and her two boys (Everett and Grayson) for a play date yesterday.
We went to story time at Joseph Beth Books and then headed to a park to enjoy the gorgeous weather. The kids ran around and had a little lunch. I was grateful to get out of the house as I was going a little stir crazy. Thanks Jocelyn!

Claire slept on the park bench the entire time we were there

A buck ran right through the park and into the woods

Look at those eyelashes!

Ella passed out as soon as the car started moving!

And a picture of Claire once we got home since she slept the entire time at the park

Wednesday Weekly

Ella returned to gymnastics tonight for the first time since Claire was born. She is now in the three year old class which means I do not tag along with her. The parents watch and the kids are with the instructors. She did awesome! She followed instructions like a boss.

I spoke for the future of my daughters.

I never talk about politics on here. I rarely if ever make my political views known on Facebook. If any of you reading are Facebook friends with my husband you know that he takes his political views very seriously, expressing them often, and will fight them til the end. You may think that we spend lots of time in our house discussing politics however that could not be further from the truth. I, unlike him, typically keep my views to myself.

Months ago I said I was not going to vote. I did not paticularly side with either candidate, I said my vote didnt matter, and the president did not single handedly have that much power. However, I started  to research my options, some of the current issues, and realized I do have an opinion about this. And if not for myself then at least vote for my daughters. Every effort I put into every single thing I do each day is to assure my daughters have the future they deserve. I realize that casting my vote plays a big part in securing a bright and opportunistic future.

I want my girls to grow up in a country where they have the same rights and benefits as everyone else. I want them to grow up in a country where they can choose to love and marry whomever they choose to love. I want them to grow up in a country where they can make choices about their own body. I want them to grow up in a country that considers the environment and the impact that we as humans have on it. These are just simple, basic rights. It blows my mind that in this day and age we are still talking about and fighting for these basic rights in this free country.

So go out and vote. You do have a voice. No matter who wins tonight, a big portion of the country will not be happy. It is important though, that no matter who wins, that we as a country respect and support the individual who has been chosen to take on the leadership of this country. And also, while you're at it, respect your neighbor for his opinion, even if it differs from yours. That's what makes this country beautiful. Many people on this planet do not have a voice, a choice, or a vote. So go out and take advantage of yours.

Today I voted for the rights of my daughters, for their future.

 

 

Sleep where are you

 

I try to keep this blog positive and not complain but I have to say the last couple weeks have been tough. Its all because of SLEEP DEPRIVATION. Claire's sleep went from great to good to bad to worse. I haven't figured out if we have hit the four month sleep regression early, she is ready to be unswaddled, the pacifier or what. There are nights I literally do not get more than thirty minute stretch of sleep. She goes to bed at 630 or 7 and usually sleeps fairly well til 1030 or at times even til 130 but 130 on is a crapshoot. She might awake every fifteen min or thirty or two hours from that point on until 7 am. It has become hard for me to fall asleep at night. I remember this w Ella too. I lay here for quite awhile thinking she is going to wake any minute. Then I end up wasting an hour or two that I could have been sleeping, sitting there w anxiety that she may wake up!

 

Today was the first she has pooped in two weeks. She typically only goes once a week. It is common for breastfed babies to only go once a week or to even not go for up to two weeks. Breastmilk is just that perfect. There is little to no waste. However, by the end of last week I could tell she was starting to get a little uncomfortable. I am hoping that the two big poops today help her sleep better.

 

I know a simpler life is on the horizon. I remember this age was rough with Ella too. Just when the newborn haze starts to go away and sleep improves, you are thrown right back into the haze with growth spurts and other fun nighttime happenings. I don't want to wish this time away. It goes so fast. But mamma needs some sleep. My patience is thin, Im tired, I feel like crap. I miss exercising, I miss having more energy to play with Ella and to cook and clean and do crafts and fun activities. Right now I just dont have the energy for it and any spare time I do get I try to sneak in a nap with Claire.

 

Next thing I know my baby will be a toddler then a little girl. And my current little girl will be a bigger girl and then a teenager. So while Im so tired I cant see straight somedays, I keep going and try to make the best of it. And I get to spend my days with some pretty cute and lovely ladies. You cannot help but smile when you see them laugh and smile. So here's to hoping for a good nights sleep!

 

 Oh and get your butt out and vote tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Trick Or Treat

Ella finally got to go trick or treating!!! Last year she was sick and her first Halloween we just stayed home and passed out candy. Since it was so cold and rainy out Tom hit the streets with Ella while I stayed home with Claire. They stayed out for about 40 minutes. She was so excited when she got home.

 



 

Before they left of course she had to do some crazy posing

 



 

 

 

First stop was the neighbor across the street, Jackson, Ella's little friend.

When they got home, Ella passed out candy. She took her job very seriously and was very excited. Each time a kid came to the door she would yell "mom come on there are kids here". At one point after a group of kids left she said "mom when I tell you kids are here you have to run".

Her loot

When the night was over she told my mom that she was "exhausted cause there were kids, kids, kids, and so much she had to take care of." Lol shes quite the character. I am so glad she had a great night!