Wacky Wednesday Pics

Mommy did something that Daddy never does...I put Marissa's hair up before going to the sitter's.  Danny usually gets Marissa ready on the mornings that I have to work while I get Dylan ready.  He doesn't do hair, I'm lucky if he even brushes her hair before we leave the house.  Fun fact: Something else that Daddy doesn't normally do...is put her shirt on backwards!  I accidentally put Marissa's shirt on backwards this morning.  I didn't noticed until we got to the sitter's.  She laughed and said, "well at least her hair is up!" 

This little guy didn't want to be put down, so he helped me cook dinner.

So proud of herself doing her puzzle!  And sneeking her hand on my mouse while she "works."

Apparently Tarzan lives at our house.  Dylan woke up with his pajamas halfway off.  

It's been an interesting week without Daddy home...only one week to go!

Passing the Time

With Danny being gone, I've had a lot of time on my hands.  Not exactly a lot of "free" time...but a lot of time.  The kids are keeping me busy.  I must say that when 7 o'clock rolls around, I'm ready to get them in their pajamas and in to bed.  I am go, go, go...all day long!

I have managed to take a few pictures of the kids while Danny has been gone.  Dylan of course hammed it up for the camera, Marissa not so much.  She is a tough one to capture.

Of course Teddy had to make an appearance!

Dylan is trying to give kisses now.  He will lean in and practically lick your face when you ask for a kiss. 

He is too much!

My crazy little girl. At least she was looking at the camera. 

I sent a few pictures to Danny and his response was..."did you get one of them both looking at the camera at the same time?"

Ha, ha, ha, ha....HA!  He's funny!  Clearly he has never tried taking pictures of these two by himself. 

4 of 12

We're on day 4 of 14...it feels like an eternity.  Okay, not really but I seriously can't wait for my husband to be home.

The day after Danny left, we got a small snow storm so I ended up staying home on a day that I normally work.  I had to take my truck to the shop because the front axle was leaking.  Then I found out that I will likely be on furlough come next week.  Of course everything has to go wrong when he isn't here.

So the babies and I have spent a lot of time these past few days in our PJ's...snacking...and staying inside where it's warm.  We're finally seeing some winter weather and winter temperatures.  Hello 14 degree low!

Dylan was snacking on a chocolate covered pretzel.  He had it everywhere!

And this little guy has been pushing the shopping cart all around the house.  Today he took THREE WHOLE STEPS all by himself!  I was so proud and excited for him!  I'm just sorry that Danny missed it. 

Every morning Marissa wakes up and says "I go jump on Daddy."  It breaks my heart to tell her that Daddy isn't home.  She's actually doing really well with him being away, though.  Overall she has been well behaved and she has talked to Danny on the phone a few times.  

Every year my dad and his two brothers get together for their annual birthday luncheon.  They all have birthdays in either January or February so they like to get together and celebrate.  Two years ago we went to Ruby Tuesday's in Warrenton.  I drove Marissa and myself, got lost on the way thanks to GPS, was running low on gas and when we finally made it to the restaurant Marissa was cranky and didn't want to be there.  She was only about 6 months old at the time.  Last year we went to Applebee's a little closer to home so Danny and I brought both kids with us.  It took forever to get our food and again Marissa was not in the mood to sit in a high chair.  Basically, what I'm getting at is every year it is pretty much a disaster when we come.  Today, my dad invited us back to Ruby Tuesday's and on a whim I decided I would pack up the kids and drive an hour and fifteen minutes by myself to go to lunch, right in the middle of nap time.  I was prepared for it to be a disaster but much to my surprise the kids were angels and loved seeing Mimi, PupPup and Uncle Fuzz.  Marissa did make 5 trips to the bathroom in our 2 hour stay, but she was very well behaved so I didn't complain!  It was nice to get out of the house and break up the monotony of being home all day long.  

Don't tell Danny...tonight I hit up Danny's keg and am enjoying a well deserved ice cold, fresh, hoppy, something or other IPA.  This whole single parenting thing is serious business.  I'm so glad that I don't normally have to do it on my own.  I am so thankful that I have a soul mate, a best friend and a wonderful father for my children.  Counting down the days until February 5th!

Little Gymnast

We signed Marissa up for her first gymnastics class today! The classes don't start until April but since the class only holds 10 children I didn't want to miss the sign up. My parents gave us money for her for Christmas to put towards dance classes, swim lessons or whatever kind of extracurricular activity we wanted to do with her. When I saw the tots gymnastics class at the local citizens center I thought she would have a lot of fun with it. I took the kids to open gym a few weeks ago and she seemed to like playing on the mats, balance beams and trampoline. I can't wait for her first class. I hope she is as excited as I am. Danny is pretty excited for it as well, which is just too cute!

Date Night

This is what most of our date nights look like...

Unfortunately, we missed Costco closing. We did make it to Total Wine and made some returns at Kohl's and Lowe's, though. I wanted to go to Olive Garden but the wait was 45 minutes long. So we went for sushi instead. I love simple date nights!

Big Girl Bed

On January 9th we transitioned Marissa's crib into a toddler bed.  The transition was surprisingly smooth.  She wasn't trying to climb out of her crib but we thought she might be ready for a big girl bed.  I know some parents make a big reveal with a new bed and really play up the "big kid" thing, but Marissa actually helped Daddy unscrew her crib and put the safety rail up.  Once the bed was together she immediately jumped right in and tried it out for size.

Doesn't she look thrilled?

Giving Teddy some kisses

Of course she had to jump on the bed to test it out. 

::Sniff, sniff:: She looks so grown up. :(

All tucked in and ready for her first night in her new bed.

She only got up a few times the first night.  She is used to sleeping on a mat at daycare, so she had an idea of what to do.  The next morning she did come out of her room a little earlier than when she normally wakes up.  Luckily, I was already awake and heard her come out.  We decided to put a child safety knob on the inside of her door so that she can't wander about the house while we are sleeping.  While we've done a pretty good job at baby proofing the house, I still don't feel comfortable with her roaming around without us knowing.  

She is also waking at least once in the night to go potty, so I think she is getting close to being ready for underwear at bedtime.  She is growing up so fast.  My little girl is not so little anymore. 

Drowning My Sorrows

We found out yesterday that Danny has to go on travel for work.  This will be the longest time he has been away from us.  He will leave Monday morning and won't be back until February 5th (which means he also misses Superbowl with us).  Normally when he travels he gets to at least be home on the weekends, but not this time.  I know we will make due and everything will be fine; I just really wish he didn't have to go.  I guess I got a little spoiled by him not traveling recently.  I hope that the kids sleep well while he's gone and that I can get us all up and ready on the days I have to work.  I may make a trip back home to see my parents and some friends, weather permitting.  And I will be sure to stock up on frozen pizzas, popcorn and wine for myself.  I never feel like cooking when Danny is gone, it's just not the same making a full dinner when he isn't home to enjoy it.

The kids will keep me plenty busy but it still gets a little lonely in the evenings after they go to bed.  Hopefully I can attend some Mom group events while he is gone to help break up the monotony.  I think keeping ourselves busy will be the best way to cope with missing Danny.  

So while I don't want to wish my life away...here's to hoping the next 2.5 weeks go by quickly!  Yuma, take care of my husband and send him home safely.

New Kitchen Lighting

For Christmas, Danny got me new kitchen pendant lights (I know, I know...I'm weird and like that sort of thing as a gift).  After cutting 3 feet off the wire and a little help from my brother, we have new lights!  I am wanting to create some roman shades for the kitchen, but I'm at a total loss of what color would match our kitchen best.  This isn't the best picture, but here's my new lights all set up!  Excuse the mess, I was preparing for Dylan's 1st Birthday party. ;)

I saw this fabric at the store and it kind of drew me in, but Danny wasn't quite convinced. This picture doesn't truly depict the colors, they were a little more muted, but I ended up not getting anything because I'm too indecisive waiting to find the perfect match.

Kiss the Pretty Girl

Every night Danny and I try to put Marissa to bed together (as long as Danny isn't traveling).  We have a little routine; one gives a bath, one dresses her, the other brushes teeth, etc. etc. Once she is all set and ready for bed, we let her "kiss the pretty girl" in the mirror on her wall.  She gets so excited to kiss the pretty girl.  Sure, we may be making her a little conceited, or maybe we are making her into a confident, beautiful little girl.  Time will tell...but that's besides the point.  She loves kissing the pretty girl.  She puckers up her little lips and smooches the pretty girl in the mirror.  Then she gives me and Daddy each a kiss.  We lie her in her bed, and put two blankets on her, tell her sweet dreams and I love you's before turning out the lights.  One day I will miss these moments.  I will miss her innocence and girly, toddler laughter.  I will miss tucking her in and wishing her sweet dreams.  

Dylan's night time routine still consists of me nursing him and then putting him to bed while Danny keeps Marissa occupied and somewhat quiet.  I can't wait to see what kind of routine he comes up with and what kind of memories we make.

I guess sometimes you never outgrow those rituals from growing up.  Danny tucks me in every night and gives me a good night kiss.  Ever since we started dating and still to this day, he tucks me in.  It's something I look forward to each night and I can't sleep until it's done.  He's so good to me.

2012 In Review & Bringing in the New Year

So much happened in 2012, it will honestly be a hard year to beat.  We started the year with a new baby to bring home from the hospital.  I was fortunate enough to get three months off for maternity leave and soak up as much time as I could with my two babies.

After my maternity leave was up, Danny and I discussed me going part time at work.  We decided that we could financially afford for me to go part time and that spending these precious years with my children is more important than money.  We have the rest of our lives to make money, but our babies are only this little for such a short time.  So I went back to work, three days a week.

The days and months flew by.  Marissa went from our little toddler to a little girl with so much sass and personality.  Before we knew it she was celebrating her 2nd birthday, speaking in sentences, potty trained and melting our hearts every day.  When we decided to start our family, I knew I would love my children, but I never understood the magnitude of love that I would have until I held her in my arms.  I also learned in 2012 that love does not divide when you have more than one child, it grows.

As the summer came to an end, it felt like the year was flashing before our eyes.  My birthday came and went, then Danny's birthday and Halloween. I took Marissa on her first "Trick-or-Treating" excursion, just the two of us.  

We celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary with a week long trip to St. Maarten.  It was beautiful!  We got one on one time as husband and wife with no children, no bedtime routines, no waking up early to feed the baby and freedom to do whatever our hearts desired.  We had so much fun together.  A mom at my mom's group said she thinks her and her husband would have ran out of things to talk about after a week away from the kids.  It was really nice to nurture our marriage and while we may not have spent the entire time talking, we found plenty to keep us entertained. 

Once we got back from our trip the holidays were rapidly approaching.  Dylan had his first Thanksgiving dinner, full of sweet potatoes, green beans, turkey and even a little pumpkin pie.  Dylan also celebrated his first Christmas as an outside baby and even enjoyed opening a few presents.  Before the New Year, our sweet boy celebrated his very first birthday and tasted cake for the very first time!

On New Year's Eve we headed to Richmond with some friends and stayed with my best friend, Cierra.  We started the night off with tequila and champagne, so it was a pretty good night.  

Erin, Cierra & I

I haven't really set any resolutions yet.  So I will try to be a better wife, mother, daughter and friend.  I will try to focus on the friendships that bring me happiness.  I will try to craft more, read more and maybe drink more wine. ;) I want to treat each day like it is my last.  I want to be thankful for what I have and find the good in all people.  I want to be true to myself and stand up for what I believe, even if it means walking away.  

P.S. It only took me 3 tries to write this post...so maybe I should vow to be a better blogger.