Two Roads Diverged

Our lives are a series of choices that construct pathways. Often times, as many do, I contemplate the ifs. If I had only made so and so decision things would be different. On my sentimental days, like Christmas, I wouldn't change any road I've taken. Everything we've done culminates into this one perfect moment. Two perfect children, a centrifuge of love and caring. Mooshy, I know, but I count my blessings this Christmas, and realize that even though at times, I picture myself with a different life, the journey that I am on now is one that certainly I am so fortunate to travel. Christmas pictures coming soon, as soon as I dig us out of the mountain of toys. I love you all dearly.

Captain's Log #426

Above is Elijah and Granpa at Thanksgiving. I think they favor one another.

Christmas vacation has officially begun, and I am thrilled to be only mom for 2 weeks. One of many funny Ollie quotes this week included the following:
Ollie: I'm going to school tomorrow.
Me: Sorry, buddy, but we are on vacation.
Ollie: Vacation? Where's Florida?

In other news, the thrush persists and Elijah isn't sleeping. Last night he was up every 2 hours, and the night before he was up every hour. One of the first things we teach our children is how to sleep. It may be the hardest lesson for the parents. I know thousands of theories and a myriad of approaches, but all of them take time and consistency. The mantra, this too shall pass runs through my head every night, and I reflect on how distant of a memory Ollie's lack of sleep is, but still at 3:30 in the morning, I feel a little wack-0. Consider that as a you fall asleep tonight how comforting it is, that you will be able to snooze at will. A good nights sleep to all, and to all a good night.

Sleep!!

Elijah and Ollie both slept like logs last night!! It is a beautiful thing when a 2 1/2 year old stays in bed, but even better when a 6 month old wakes only once to eat. He even slept in his own bed. Although co-sleeping is tres chic, it doesn't suit our family well, and I am this close to falling into it, and then having to break the habit later. I feel triumphant when we make it all night in separate quarters. Lonely, but triumphant. Above is a picture of my boys fake sleeping.

Also, another couple of good pictures, because I can.

Okay, quick recap. Evan and I actually got to go to an adult party (not a playboy party, just one without kids), and it was lovely!! Santa has gotten all of the Christmas presents and we are more excited about the gifts for the kids than I ever was for myself on Christmas morning.

And in other news, Elijah and I have what is known as thrush. This causes really no problems for him (thank goodness) other than a white mouth. But for me, it is causing searing hot pain in my nipples. Sorry to have to say nipple, but they are sort of bloody and on fire at all times. We are treating it, but I actually gave my own son formula last night. It greatly sadens me, but it had to be done. I am hoping that we fight it soon and life will get back to normal.

I'll post pictures again soon, but today we are wrapping Christmas presents galore.

Dear Santa,

This year for Christmas, I would like:
-front loader
-hamburger meat
-robot
-water
-a comedian
-cookies
-fire hydrant
-french bread
-rubber duckie
-alarm clock
-scarf
-fireman
-jacket candles
Love,
Ollie

Who knows the mind of a 2 year old. But, these are truly all of his wishes.

Grandma Edith

This is a picture of Evan's grandma in the very same buggy that she used to ride to school in!! Her Christmas card said that the buggy had a sticker from 1910 on it. The amish man is a neighbor commisioned to give her a ride, lending his horse. She has 8 kids and she is quite the farm girl. Oh may these children not kill me so that I may live to be a ripe old age! Unfortunety or not, my first car is long gone, but maybe in 2060 someone can drudge up a Honda Civic hatchback with a Jerry Garcia sticker to cart me around in.

Squash and Mary Poppins

So the youngest one finally had a mouthful of something other than breast milk and oatmeal this weekend, and all went really well. I believe that he thoroughly enjoyed it. We are moving into a new age, and I can only imagine how messy life is with two eaters under 3. I used to have such a neat, clean house, and at some point, I am going to have to give it up. Most days though, I rest easier when the dry, caked squash has been scraped off the sides of the chairs at least.

Mary Poppins was on tonight, and though we don't advocate TV for the younglings, and we always mute the commercials at least, in the spirit of the holiday classics, we let the 2 year old watch about 1/4 of it. We caught the "it takes a spoonful of sugar" routine which I am going to try on my high school students tomorrow. I am planning now how I can sugar coat the reality of exams in the teanage mind.

Mama cookies galore

So today will be spent baking over 100 cookies so that I can exchange them with the gals. We'll be drinking and eating a little too much while in the company of folks who can discuss poop and boobs to our hearts content without boring anyone. Can't wait. :)
This Saturday is o so cold, and weekends are o so precious with the children. We'll also be going to see Joseph and the Technicolor dream coat with Shug. Fun, fun, fun.....

Virgin Post

Okay, okay, okay, I get it. So I'll finally blog a bit. It is, what is hip and cool, and heaven knows with a full time job, husband, two kids under the age of 3 and Christmas time, I have plenty of free time to be jackin' around on the computer.