A Princess Kind of Saturday

For the first time in I can't recall when, we had NO plans for today.  Nadda. Nothing. No agendas.  It was quite simply, the most amazing 'nothing' I've ever enjoyed. 

Clinging to some kind of routine in the all too unfamiliar world of 'no plans,' I told Emma it was time to get dressed after breakfast.  In the most perfect two year old voice she asked, "Why Mommy?"  I didn't have an answer, or at least not a great one. Besides, who wants to wear clothes when you can be a princess ALL DAY playing in your house CASTLE?

It was a fun filled (and loud) day.    Especially since I escaped for a few hours for a much needed respite.  Princess Emma certainly enjoyed her castle, and made sure to stay "in character" all day.  I was actually wondering how I was going to tell her that princesses don't wear their crowns to bed...  Luckily, she didn't ask.

And what's a princess without her Daddy?  It seems that all was right in the toddler princess world this Saturday.

Full Price

So, here's what happens when you DO NOT use coupons.  I went to Sam's this week and bought:

Total: $100.78

Items bought: 4

Average price per item: $25.19

Ugh.

My Baby Daddy

There's no denying it.

circa 1979

He's definitely my baby daddy.

2 Months = 8 Weeks = WOW

So I pretty much pinch myself to remember how fast time goes by.  Robert is 2 months old already!  Here are the stats:

Weight: 13.9 lbs   (90%)
Length: 23.5 inches (60%)

So, he's growing huh?  :)

I am also THRILLED to report that Robert delivered the most wonderful birthday present...more sleep!  After regulating some formula and reflux medicine, and a renewed commitment to good napping environments, the little dude decided he could sleep for a 7 hour stretch.  Thank you Lord!  Seriously, just when I thought we were to a breaking point, HE answered prayer, and provided rest.  So now we're really enjoying RHA.  And he is one smiley little boy!  Check out some chair pictures below.

And here's Emma at 2 months:

Emma needed in on the action too! 

It all started so sweet and innocent.

But quickly turned, well, intrusive:

Ok, you're a little close sister. Please back up?

No really, you're all up in my baby space.  Please back off. 

All I have is this slightly coordinated right hand to defend myself.

 Somebody. Anybody. Please help a baby!

So This Is Thirty...

I know, it's way overdue...but nonetheless, the milestone has now come and gone. As much as I would like to bury my head in the sand, I'm forcing myself to acknowledge the event (via the blog world anyways).

I knew I was getting old when Dad asked me what I wanted, and after a 30 second consideration, I realized my dream gift was:

Yikes.  How the material desires of our hearts change.  In my younger days, I might have asked for something more along the lines of:

Or even a trip to:

But now that I'm 30?  Energy star appliances, with nearly silent wash cycles and shorter drying times have captured my obsession.  Double Yikes.

Despite my newfound intense desire for these mechanical marvels, they didn't make my 30 year old budget --quite yet--but all good things come to those who wait, right?  Apart from the materialness, 30 has been very good to me so far.  I'm feeling more blessed than ever--thanks to the Lord, first and foremost.  But also a big thanks to a super patient and supportive husband and two kids that keep me on my toes and make every day more interesting. And finally, 30 is much more bearable due to the most wonderful friends and family.  I'm so grateful for the phone calls, cards and visits wishing me well, (and some welcoming me to the club) on the big day.  A girl could not ask for a better entrance to a brand new decade!!

So, farewell 20s.  I'll miss you--and all the sleep I enjoyed, the errands I ran in under an hour, the mornings I slept in, and the wrinkles I didn't have.  But hello 30s--official adulthood!

Be Still My Heart...

Updates coming later--(as well as the scoop on the "late unpleasantness" (a.k.a. leaving my twenties...).

TTFN (that's twice now, for those of you keeping track).

Back on Track

And trying not to jinx anything.

Praise the Lord, things have finally settled down a bit at our house.  Thanks in large part to Jason's dedicated efforts to restore Emma's sleep patterns.  He graciously and tirelessly volunteered to stand outside her door for SEVERAL nights in a row and return her to her bed EACH AND EVERY TIME she got out.  These sessions took over an hour some nights and he estimates over 100 return trips during some of them.  The screaming was nearly unbearable at times.  So far though, there have been no casualties.  In fact, it has resulted in much more rested toddler which, next to a more rested momma, makes for an altogether happier home.

Robert has also turned a small corner. We've done some formula changing, some nap training, and some pacifier enforcing, and he is actually happy for most of the days now. In fact, he's starting to look more like this more often.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness in seeing us through this time! And thanks for all the prayers and encouragement from so many wonderful family and friends.  We could NOT do it without lots of support.

Now, not to be greedy, but since I haven't been able to work out a schedule that allows me to nap during the day at all, the next goal is sleeping through the night...at least for me--and I'm sure Robert will feel more rested too! :)