Clair's wedding

Tonight at bedtime I made a joke with David that the song he sings to Clair to put her to bed, Daisy, would be their father daughter dance at her wedding.

Clair quickly asks, "Mommy, will you and Daddy come to my wedding."

"Of course honey, you couldn't keep us away."

Clair, "Will you be alive when I get married?"

Mommy, "I sure hope so. But we have a few years for that. Let's focus on finishing pre-school first."

Clair, "Okay."

Mommy, "Night. Night. Clair. I love you." closing door behind me.

Valentines date

David and I got to go out for Valentines date this year for the first time in a very long time. Thanks to Hazel being here and being willing to keep the kids, we got to go to dinner and Frederick. Next really did not like the idea of us going out alone. Which is odd, because he's usually the easiest one about me going out the door. I think it shows it's been a long time since we were going out on dates. We need to find a new regular babysitter.

David and I went into Frederick and had dinner at the type place. It was nice. We enjoyed sitting by the front window watching the traffic. It was nice to have a long relaxing dinner that was just us. You didn't stay out very long, we were home before 930. But it was still relaxing and nice to be alone. This was our 11th Valentine's Day together.

Playing with Daddy

Last night I was feeling horrible. I checked out around 6 and David took the kids into the other room to play. They had a rough day, for whatever reason. There hadn't been a lot of happy sounds or playing. But when Daddy took over and started playing with them, their outlook on life changed. There was lots of laughing and excitement. They just love playing tag and chase with Daddy.

When they were getting their baths, Max was laying in bed talking with me. He sits up, gets close to me, looks me into the eyes with his big excited eyes and proclaims, "Daddy played tag with me!" He was so happy!

I love when David's able to do this with the kids! It makes their day.

Sense of humor

We had donuts without Daddy and sent him a photo. David texts back, "Where's mine?" As I read it to the kids, Max responds without skipping a beat, "I ate it. Daddy no get donut."

Weekend away

This weekend David and I took our annual trip away while Hazel was in town to watch the kids. This time we actually went for 3 nights and 3.5 days. I knew it was good to take advantage of the opportunity Hazel so graciously offers. And, I knew I would miss the kids.

The weekend was nice. I was a little physically challenged by my back problems, but otherwise, we really enjoyed the city - food, my new favorite show Once, a friend's wedding, and just the energy of wondering our favorite city together. I still love NYC and would love to live there - if we could afford a brownstone on the upper west side.

The one reason to leave and return home that makes it all worth it is Max and Ellie. I was ready to come home and see them and hug them. We talked on facetime while away, but it's just not the same. The kids find it hard to concentrate and are bouncing off the walls as they enjoy seeing themselves in the screen.

Homecoming was great - Ellie gave me the biggest hug and didn't let go for a few minutes.  Max was a little slower to come around, but once he did, you could tell he was happy to see us - especially Daddy. He sure is Daddy's boy.

They enjoyed the presents we bought them and I believe they also had a great time with Grannie and Millar while we were gone. It was definitely a successful weekend away. Although I missed the kids, it was refreshing to only worry about caring for myself for a few days. That was what the doctor ordered this month.

Max loves Daddy

Yes, this is a repeat theme. Max needs his Daddy something fierce. He can not wait for Daddy to hold him when he hasn't seen him for a while.

The other day we got home and David was outside working, Max was so excited. He stood beside him asking over and over, "Daddy, what doing?" He wanted to understand and help. I see a lot of helping in their futures!

Sick Mommy

Friday morning I was feeling so horrible, I couldn't even get the kids up. David got them up and dressed and was taking them to daycare. I was sitting in the dark in the living room listening to it all. Daddy did a great job. It was cute because they were a little worried about me. When they came downstairs they both rushed to give me hugs. Then they were quickly off to daycare.

Daddy a thousand times a day

I believe Max may say the word Daddy up to a thousand times a day right now. Daddy is the light of his life and it's only intensifying. Last night Colleen and Robert watched the kids. They said Max said Daddy all night long. Robert and I figure out he was telling them about different things Daddy has done, such as put out the humidifier and towels in his room, etc. It's cute, mostly.

Today while Ellie was at dance class, Max and I were shopping in Safeway. Literally, everything we saw, Max would say "Daddy." I think in that 45 minute period he said it 100 times. It's cute for a while, but by the end I told him something along the lines of the fact we were getting groceries for everyone in the family, not just Daddy.

Jesus Loves You

This morning after breakfast we skipped church becuase we have been running very late over the holiday. Instead, Ellie is sitting at the kitchen table painting. We have the Christian radio station on in the background. After a song ends Ellie looks up from her painting to her Daddy who's sitting there having his coffee and reading the news on his phone. She says, "Daddy, God loves you more then anyone." Then she went back to her painting. I was so proud!

A Daddy Day

This past Saturday I got up at 6am and left the house while everyone slept to go with Mom and Katie on a bus trip to New York City. I was hesistant to go becuase I didn't want to leave David alone with the kids for a whole day, mostly becuase I just miss spending the time with them since I don't feel I get enough time with them. However, I decided to go and enjoy the time with Mom and Katie, and visiting my favorite city in the country.

We had a great time in the city. We saw a lot and endured the Christmas crowds. Our packed day included Top of the Rock, the Tree, sight seeing on Fifth Avenue, then over to Lexington, down to Eataly, further down to SoHo for some shopping and street vendors, dinner at an old favorite pub - Puck Fair - and finally a return trip to Time Square where I fought with a vendor who tried to rip me off before loading the bus and heading back home.

I made it home just before midnight and found David happily holding down the fort. Apparently they had a great Daddy day without tears. Daddy took Ellie for dance class, ran some errands, shopped for himself, got treats at Starbucks, had healthy meals, did lots of playing and even topped the day off with a nice long bubble bath in the big tub. Daddy is a great Daddy and husband for letting me have my day!

What kind of sound was it?

This morning I was complaining that Max had me up 3 times to replace/find his pacifier for him and that he's really pushing his luck. David, who (at least pretended) to sleep through every call replies innocently, "Really, what kind of sound was he making?" As if.... My reply, "Well, funny you should ask. He stated in clear concise English - Mother, would you so kindly come into my bedroom, locate my pacifier and place it back in my mouth please." What kind of sound did he think Max was making at one year old, apparently, he was looking for a quiet wine which would explain why he had slept through it all. LOL

That sign says....

We were walking around the West End of Glasgow on Monday late monring to see the flat where Daddy grew up.

Daddy's was on the top floor.

This is Grampa's house.

As we were leaving Wilton street and walking back down the hill I pointed to the little corner store David used to frequent as a kid for his treats and explained to Ellie that was where Daddy used to buy his ice cream a lot. She didn't really see what I was pointing to, so I drew her attention to a read sign outside. She then caught on and said, "Maybe I could buy some ice cream from there sometime too."

I said, "Go tell Daddy what you'd like to do."

She turns around, runs back up the hill to David and says, "Daddy, that red sign says 'Buy Ice Cream Here Now!'"

Even that cute, David didn't take her in for ice cream.... we kept the tour moving.

Next we went to see where Grampa lives when he's not traveling abroad - which has been everywhere Ellie's seen him. I like Bob's place and the big window out front. We took some photos there.

We were then off to walk by the river and see the mill. David tracked through some of his favorite places to play. Ellie enjoyed playing and lots of running. Max did good in the stoller with a stop on a swing.

When we were walking down there I explained to Ellie this is where Daddy used to play. I then asked, "What do you think Daddy used to do with Uncle Dolan down here when they played?" Ellie looked around and responded, "Smell the pretty flowers." Everyone got a kick out of this.

As we were driving to the West End, we passed a Subway sandwich shop. Ellie says, "Mommy, I want a cheese sandwich with peppers, pickles and tomatoes from Subway for lunch. So, for lunch, we walked to find a Subway. When we found one Ellie announced "Hummmmmm, I smell Subway!" She enjoyed her sandwich - the entire 6 inch double cheese sub.

After lunch we went to Kelvin Grove Park where Daddy used to play. Ellie wanted to try to super big cool slide near the skate park. It wasn't easy getting up.

We proceeded to the kiddie park, which has changed completely since Daddy was little, but we had a little fun anyway. Max slept.

The west end is nice and it's good for the kids to see where David grew up. Hopefully during the next trip they will understand it a bit btter.

Time in York meeting the Gray's

We spent Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning in York with Alan, Julie, Anna and Lisa.

Ellie is very taken by Alan. He took her to her first park -real American style park with slides and swings -since leaving home. This was greatly appreciated by Ellie.

Both kids were exhausted Monday night and Ellie didn't make the late diner. Ellie actally told me at about 7:30pm, she was tired and wanted me to put her to bed now. She's never told me this before except when she was sick. She had her own big bed to sleep in and her own room. I think she enjoyed not listening to Max snoring, which she had commented on keeping her awake while in Oxford.

Tuesday morning we went into town around 10 am to see the city. First stop was a coffee shope for a lattee and a treat. Ellie had double fudge cake. She was supposed to share it with Mommy, but I think she got the biggest part of this treat. Max was exhausted and had to be evacuated from the shop. Once I got him onto my back into the Ergo, he passed out quickly and slept nearly an hour and a half. When he finally woke, he gave me a big smile to say Thanks Mom, I'm better now.

We enjoyed the shops and picking out some fun things. Our favorite shop was Octopus. it's the most colorful fun shop I've seen in a while. The kids each got a treat and so did Mommy (and Daddy) for the new exercise room.

This is the York Winstor Church. We wondered about a bit and Ellie said a prayer for "Mary and Vonita since they are in Heaven together."

We had a family photo in front of the Church.

Uncle Alan gave Ellie rides to help her through not getting to ride in the stroller. Ellie enjoyed it.

The Shambles... well named, but full of the fun shops I enjoyed.

We briefly looked on the Ouse River.

We took the kids back to the house around 1pm for lunch. Then they took naps and stayed with Lisa while Alan took us into town for a very nice lunch at The Living Room. We also had a little time to do a bit more shopping - but really just pick up a few gifts. I think that York's downtown is really cute. For the size of the city and the things available - little unique boutiques and all the cafes, it appears bigger then they say it is. I somewhat thought a little of Dublin when walkign around. That is a compliment to any city coming from me.

The kids were good for Lisa and no one crying when I returned. Good job Lisa! that's not easy considering the state Max has been in - not feeling well and having horrible diaper rash - thanks to the antibiotic that isn't working for him.

Tuesday night Ellie made it to the big dinner with the adults - nearly. At about 8:30 I found her lying on the floor exhausted after hours playing with Anna. Anna was great with Ellie. Ellie loved playing with Anna for hours - drawing, making paper airplanes and just messing around. Anna gave Ellie a few bracelts on Wednesday morning before leaving. She has been cherishing them.

Dinner was lovely again for the adults. Julie and Alan are fabluous cooks and the family is great company.

We had a caravan to the train station in the morning - Julie and Alan split us up and carted us to the station. I had just enough time to get a coffee and the kids travel ready with fresh diapers and potty breaks. We came running back to find Alan and David loading everything onto the train. It was a rushed fair well, but once in our seats, Ellie yelled Bye Alan and Julie so loudly about 5 times that everyone on the car was ready to turn around and say good bye too!

We are greatful for the chance to meet everyone (well - Julie, Ellie and Max it was meeting) and David to see them again. The hostpitality was fabulous. It's great putting faces and personalities with the names. We all had a great time. Now on to Stirling....

Oxford days

The third day of the trip involved more walking, eating, naping, drinking and a little sight seeing. In the morning we took a walk through the big gardens of the Christ's Church. We got to watch the crew teams practice, a swan attempt to fly - and fail as Ellie likes to say - he couldn't get off the ground either, and enjoy more sight seeing in the city of Oxford.

Check out that complicated gate we had to get through to get into this park. Not fun with a stroller.

This would be more impressive if the leaves had come out. The tree has grown up around "the house."

Ellie's watching the crew teams as they prepare for take off. They were pretty fast.

Ellie wanted to get closer to the ducks and geese then Mommy and Daddy were comfortable with.

Ellie wanted a picture with Max and the ducks.

We got the kids proper afternoon naps, which was great. During naps, I took a quick jaunt out to the local market to get Ellie some vegetables, sicne she is picky and hadn't had any for 3 days. I also made a stop at the local Boots to pick up a few things. There's nothing like shopping in a drug store in a new place to make you feel like you are not the brightest bulb in the closet. But, after some time, mission accomplished.

After naps we met my friends Linda and Alan for a little touring of the Natural History Museum and some dinner. Ellie enjoyed seeing the stuffed and preserved animals as well as the dinosaurs.

She even got to pet a stuffed Cheta.

Max found touching the Trex head funny for some reason.

The kids were really good at Dinner. We went to a place Bob recommended called Quad. The food was okay. They place was nice. We were there for nearly two hours. Ellie colored. She also got to have a bowl of Ice Cream with chocolate sauce becuase she finally ate well. She liked their brick oven pizza and the fresh yellow pepers I had cut up to bring with us.

Max played in his stroller with the toys hanging from it for a while. He ate well, drank his bottle and was pleasant. I was again so proud of them. Linda also complimented me many times on how well behaved Ellie was!

It was another relaxing day.

We couldn't find her pants

Ellie is in her 3rd week of swim lessons. She's enjoying them. She's taking a bit of a refresher course, one that allows us to be in the water with her. She hasn't really done a lot of swimming in her life, so this is a good way to help her get comfortable with swimming. She really likes to be in the water. Even though swimming in the winter isn't always condusive to staying healthy (at least it wasn't for Ellie the first time we tried this, we figured we'd give it a go.)

Class falls during Max's morning nap, so someone has to stay home. I have taken her to class the first two weeks while David stayed home with Max. Today was Daddy's turn to take Ellie. (I got to stay home and have a morning nap with Max!)

When they come through the door after class Ellie stands up against the wall and announces to me that her legs are cold. I say what? David announces, "We couldn't find her pants."

Me, "Her underwear, or actual pants?" (I'm thinking, underwear are small, I could see how those may get lost...)

David, "Her pants. They dissapeared while we were in the pool."

My oh my, I can only imagine.

So, to keep Ellie warm, Daddy wrapped her in his jacket and carried her to and from the car. Good improvising David! It was about 25 or 30 degrees tops this morning!

When are you thinking Max will sleep in his own bed?

I had a much harder time getting Max to sleep when he came home from the hostpital then I did with Ellie. Perhaps I was spoiled with Ellie. Ellie knew it was nighttime and once we did get her to sleep, she always gave me a good stretch of 5 or 6 hours of sleep. This is a lifesaving blessing (for both mom and baby) with a new born. Max was not this way. For the first month, he thought that nighttime was about 6am - 3pm. This is not good when you have a todler who also wants your attention.

Max and I struggled through the first few weeks and quickly developed into a pattern of him sleeping in the bed with me. This was the best way for me to pretend to get a nights sleep, becuase although he was still up alot, I would roll over to tend him and try to stay asleep. There was a brief period when he was about 2.5 months old where I had him transitioned to his crib and sleeping there nearly through the night, untill he developed a bad cough which had me running to him multiple times in the night in a panic. He quickly landed himself back in the bed with David and I, and honestly hasn't left since.

I have grown to love having him snuggled beside me. He snuggles his head right up against my pillow and me at night. He reaches over to touch me to just know that I am there. He's my little snuggle buddy and I am enjoying this. It's especially helpful to have this snuggle time at night to help with the guilt of being away from him all day. (Mom's shouldn't have to work until kids are 5 - I like FRANCE or SWEEDEN or whichever country this is the case in).

Max is now 7.5 months. I keep making up little milestones to say when I will transition him to his crib. First it was when he was better, then it was when he could put his own pacifier in, then it was when he was warmer in the night...

The other night when heading to bed David asks innocently, "So, when are you thinking Max might start sleeping in his own bed? Anytime soon?"

My response, "When he's one maybe...."

I don't think David was impressed, but I am honestly not ready to give up these snuggles. Max is growing so fast. I swear this year has been a big blur. Part of this is still holding on and realizing Max may be my last little baby. They are both special, and if there is a 3rd or 4th they will be too. But I just don't want to rush the milestones we are enjoying.

I think I feel okay to allow this to persist in a way I never thought I would thanks to some final words of wisdom from my favorite Great Aunt Vonita. One of the last conversations we had was when she asked me how was Max sleeping at night. I replied "Well Vonita, I have to admit, he's sleeping with me right now, so he's doing great." She said, "Don't feel guilty Julie. Just enjoy it!"

Thanks Vonita!