Monday, February 20, 2006

THIRTY!!

It is very hard to believe that 30 years ago today I entered this world. It has been a great birthday. My little Jack slept through the night for the first time last night, so I was able to sleep from 11:30 until 5:00! I love that kid. And then Hayley decided to take a morning nap for TWO hours this morning as well as her afternoon nap. My mom got to come today too! I don't know who was more excited. . . my mom, Hayley or me! She brought one of her infamous carrot cakes (yummy!) and she brought me several new outfits for my transitional stage of post-pregnancy body. (Such a LOVELY stage.) Tra is taking me to dinner tonight while Nana watches the kiddos. Should be a great evening! I'm looking forward to my 30's. I think they'll be some of the hardest, yet most rewarding years of my life.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Frustrated. . .

It is very difficult to meet everyone's needs right now. I think it's normal to feel this way, but I'm feeling a little inadequate when it comes to being a wife AND a parent. They are both full time jobs and if I'm doing a good job with one I feel like I'm not with the other. How I WISH I were perfect with both. It makes me realize how much I need the Lord because I really couldn't do this on my own. I am very thankful to have such a wonderful husband and 2 precious children---even though at times it wears me out.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Who Needs Sleep Anyway??

Well, I survived my first day with Hayley and Jack and me---just the 3 of us. Nana left on Saturday morning and of course Saturday night Hayley was up throughout the night with a high fever and a cough and runny nose. And when I say "runny" that really doesn't describe it accurately. I don't understand how a little nose like that can contain SO much snot! Yuck. So I've officially been initiated into motherhood---up throughout the night with a newborn who is hungry AND with sick big sister. Might as well start the craziness immediately and forget the "smooth" transition. Although as nervous as I was to be alone with them by myself yesterday, it went surprisingly well. Not only were we alone, but we went on our first outing together by ourselves to take Hayley to the doctor. I'm carrying her in one arm and Jack's carrier in the other. I wondered how that would work, but it does! I'm hoping Hayley is feeling better today.

Poor Tra---he gets home and by the time we get Hayley down and Jack fed, I'm OUT on the couch. I make it through the day without being completely exhausted, but by the end of the day I'm worthless. I miss my husband! I might sleep in our bed for 2-3 hours at night. I know this is just a short phase in the big scheme of things and before I know it I'll be back in my own bed again and off the couch in the living room. He is so wonderful. He not only helps with Hayley giving her baths and getting her ready for bed, but he cleans up the kitchen, picks up toys, tupperware, etc. that Hayley scatters throughout the house during the day, takes out the trash, holds his little boy and tries to give me opportunites to rest. I adore him and don't tell him enough how thankful I am for him and for all he does around here AND for working so that I can be home with our precious kiddos. That's another thing---he leaves for work around 6:00 each morning so that he can get home to help out by 5:30ish.

Well, here we go with day 2 of just the kids and mom. I hear Hayley waking up---doesn't sound happy this morning. My mom sent me this quote the other day and I LOVE it:

I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour--his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear--is that moment when he has to work his heart out in a good cause and he's exhausted on the field of battle. -- Vince Lombardi

What a BLESSING to be a tired, exhausted mama!