Not much has been happening here recently, just normal life. This usually consists of JJ waking up too early and I end up feeding him in bed, but at least he's sleeping through the night. He just got his first tooth so maybe its to do with that. Anyway, then Oli's up an hour later. And when he's up everybody's up. You know how normally it takes a little time to wake up in the mornings? Not Oli, as soon as his eyes open he is UP. Running around, playing with toys, being usual Oli. I love this about him, but sometimes hate it, especially when I have to deal with his loudness in the mornings because those who know me know I am NOT a morning person. I could sleep in every day until 11am easy, probably noon. If Tim doesn't have a busy day or lots of assignments due, sometimes he let's me sleep in a little with JJ which is SO nice. So on the days when Tim has to leave pronto it's Toy Story on for Oli until mum is fully with it. Bad parenting? Probably. I'm afraid I'm not the kind of mum who is up and ready before everybody else, maybe one day! JJ is usually up about an hour later from his morning nap. If I'm really good I'll be dressed by then, maybe hair done but probably not. Pick up toys, feed JJ. By 10 or 11am we're all ready to get out. Kids dressed, fight with Oli to get shoes and socks on. JJ is car seat, crying. We're out! Usually meeting friends at the park, trip to Walmart or run some errands. Lots of parks in Lubbock, we rotate playing at different ones. Oli loves the ones with SAND. Which means me saying "Don't throw sand" a million times and lots of time outs. Other times its "Don't throw rocks." JJ sitting on my lap all cute while I chat with other mum's about who knows what, our labour experiences, how hard our toddlers are, and how much we miss Cafe Rio (most are from Utah/Arizona areas). By noon JJ and I are ready to go home, fight with Oli to leave and get into the car. Come home for pb&j/grapes/apples/crisps/gogurts. JJ takes a nap (usually). On the days he won't take a nap I feel like I want to cry! So JJ either napping or in jungle gym until he crys and then holding him while I get stuff done. Oli plays around, gets a few time outs and quite a few "NO's" for going in the fridge/knocking down all the DVD's/pulling out all his clothes etc. Mum trys to clean up, laundry, dishes, etc. Sometimes Oli helps. JJ awake by about 2pm, we're all ready to go out again. Oli rides his bike around the parking lot, mum and JJ follow behind him. Afternoon's usually full of playing outside, or arranged activities inside for Oli, like colouring or play dough etc. By 4pm I am DONE! Need a break, when is Tim coming home. I keep checking the clock! Sometimes he is done by 4, on the bad days he's done by 6. What shall I make for dinner? Let's eat out. Tim gets home, burst of new energy for mum. Happy he can hold JJ and entertain Oli. JJ takes a late nap. Clean up some more, watch TV, Oli runs around, a few more "NO's" for knocking over JJ who is cutely sitting in the middle of the carpet grabbing Oli's toys. 7pm: Oli in pajamas and usually a bath. Read endless books with Oli (his way of getting out of going to bed). Then finally, Oli gets into bed. Tears! Sometimes he goes easy, sometimes he really does NOT go easy. Followed by a lot of "Daddy's" and "I need Milk's" Oli has either fallen asleep on the ground or sometimes in his bed. Feed JJ, wrap him up, pack n play in mummy and daddy's room. He usually falls asleep pretty fast, sometimes not, I really don't enjoy those nights when we listen to crying baby for a while. Lots of rocking and singing. JJ asleep. About 9pm. Kids asleep. Tim sits at the desk and writes a paper or studies. On the best nights no homework just a movie and diet dr pepper and food that is bad for you. 11pm or so: move JJ into the living room (trying not to wake him up!) head on pillow, talk for a while. Tell Tim the funny/cute/naughty things Oli and JJ did that day. Asleep!
