It's about that time...

So, I've been back at school for the workshop week, and while I felt like I was ready to be back to work all summer (Hey, I'm not going to lie; taking care of three small children is A LOT of work!), I have found the week to be a bit difficult. First, I'm not so ready to go the whole day without at least a cat nap; I guess that I'm going to really start taking bed time seriously around this joint. Second, I've had more 'kid' time, than 'adult' time this summer, so I wasted most of my work time talking to adults (in my defense, it's been three months, so there was a lot to catch up on in between our meetings) and third, I miss my kids! Stella has been a little fussy this week and has wanted me to hold her from the time I walk in the door until bedtime; this makes me sad. I know that it will all get easier once we get back into a routine, and the kids are back at daycare, but I always find this time to be such a transition. I also keep thinking about this time next year, when Sofia will be in school. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone!

We were fortunate this week to have GREAT help caring for the kids. We go to a school-year only daycare (great for saving money, not so great when school is not in session, but I am). I had two former students b-sit two days, our friend did one day and Justin took some vacation time (he doesn't think that it was much of a vacation--ahh...now he knows what I feel like!). My students are Sof's new HEROES! She loved them, and I loved them for making her so happy. They must have played incessantly with her, with the things that she LOVES to do (barbies, dress up), and it made my day to know that she was having so much fun when I couldn't be here. Most importantly, everything went well, and they behaved for the girls--to an extreme--I must get them over here more often if that's the case, especially because no one broke anything, bloodied anything or even had a bruise--there's more to this story, but it's really only meant for one reader, and I'll see if she gets that reference.

All right, off to bed. Justin is golfing one last time (which makes it a nice even three times that he's golfed all year!!), and I'll head to Winona to spend some time with Ariel and Nancy. I'm loving having her so close already!!

Ahh...the peace and quiet

Justin has been gone for the day and will not return until tomorrow, so I've had the kids all by myself today. We had a really good day, not very eventful, but not too many tantrums either; I consider this to be a good day! I brought them to McDonald's for lunch--a treat for them because they like the food and the happy meal toys, and a treat for me because I don't have any clean-up. Plus, I really enjoy the looks that I get from others; it's sort of like we are a circus act! I remember when I use to bring the Gauldin kids out and around when they were little, and I often remarked, "I'm just the babysitter!" And, I remember being happy that this was the case because they were a lot of work; today, I didn't feel that same joy because I knew that I was the one who was responsible for supper, bath and bedtime! I'm the mom! :) At least Nancy got some peace during the day back then! I did run into a good friend there who didn't have his family with him, so he played our 'dad' for a few moments by getting ketchup and ranch for me! This was a very helpful surprise!

After naps, we had some supper---I made it---and then I decided to take them out for ice cream. Stella had her first tastes, and she loved it! She's fitting right in with the family!

The night has gone well; it's a nice routine that we've got going, and the kiddos seem to settle into it very well; I've also learned that if I just sing everything that I need to say, our time together just flows so much better; not sure why that it is, but I'm going to keep doing it.

I have a friend who had brain surgery this week; the tumor is (thankfully!!) benign. She's got two young children at home, and it's made me stop and think a lot since I heard the news. It's so easy to get bogged down by little things in life; lots of little things happened today, but it's easier to let go when you're reminded about how it could be. I'm thankful that my friend is recovering, and I'm thankful that I got to spend time being joyful with my own kiddos today.

Too Much Time Has Gone By...

Wow! I can't believe that I haven't posted since Christmas; that should give you an idea about how busy life with three has been for us! Just when we think that we've got it all figured out, something happens...recently that has been Henry figuring out how to open up his doorknob! We spent several nights running up and down the steps placing him back in his bed until Justin finally turned the knob around. Henry doesn't like this, but he's figured it out, and he now knows that if he stays in his bed, we will even leave the door open. He woke up last night after about an hour of sleep, and when I went up there, he said, "Mommy, something scared me!" I was surprised by this because he's always been a good sleeper, without any lights on in his room. When do they figure out that there are things to be afraid of? Made me kind of sad.

Stella is a busy girl! She's learning how to do things much faster than her brother and sister did, but I think that this is because she is obsessed with them, and she's also a little afraid for her safety! Neither of the two understand that in order for her limbs to stay attached, they MUST STOP pulling on her! She's crawling all over and now pulling herself up on everything; we've even found her TWICE standing in her crib having a bit of a temper tantrum! I don't like this one bit because I'm a worrier, and I'm already envisioning her jumping out of her bed!

Sofia is just enjoying being a four year old! She's always wanting to show us everything that she can do 'all by herself' and asking us when she can go everywhere 'all by herself.' She's getting so big, and she's been a great big sister to Stella and starting to be nice to her brother. If I can get that figured out, life will be divine!

I go back to work in a week, with mixed feelings. Work is a break for me, but it will add some additional stress; I don't want to wish life away, but I am a big believer that next summer will be blissful with each of the kids having another year under their belts....me too!

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful day today just the four of us. We won't be able to say that for very much longer, so we'd better enjoy it for now!! Sofia woke us up at about 7:25 so that we could go and see if Santa ate his cookies and left anything for her and Henry. She was able to see that her stocking was full by the time that she rounded the stairs. She was so excited!! She got a Bratz doll from him which is what she really, really wanted! He also ate most of the cookies and carrots that she had left out for him.

After we went through Santa's gifts, she and Henry opened the presents from us. Henry got into it as he hit the last present, so lucky for him, big sister was there to help. We spent the day playing with the new toys and playing games together.

My parents will be coming tomorrow, and Justin's will be coming on Saturday. There's not much else for us to do as we sit and wait for Haakenson #5 to arrive.

Merry Christmas!!

Henry's First Haircut

Today Henry experienced the joys of being pampered! We went to a place in Rochester that was awesome called "Dude's and Diva's." Each station had its own television, and the ladies were well prepared for his attitude! It only took two suckers to get him to sit on Justin's lap, but it was a success in the end! Here is a picture where he is remotely cooperating. We got a really neat keepsake...well, $25 later anyway. Sofia also had her hair cut and has asked that we go back there when we need to get our hair cut again!

Almost break time

It would appear that I only write while I am on break, or break is nearing, but this is NOT the case. It will be soon though, as I hope that I'll have more free time once I start this whole maternity leave thing again!!

Like my students, I am hoping for a snow day tomorrow; we could always use a little more time off, and I know that I'll lose out on a few while I am on maternity leave if winter continues to be like it has been so far!

Justin is also hoping for one, for once in his life; his vacation started yesterday, and he had to bring Henry to his 18 month check-up. Our daycare mom was off today for some appts., and she called tonight to let us know that she would need to take tomorrow off as well!! He's getting a taste of what my 'vacation' days are like!! :) I'm enjoying it, but I would also enjoy being off with him tomorrow. It's always easier when we're both home. Don't ask me how we're going to handle three!!

So...enjoy the last few shopping and crazy days before the holiday, AND, most importantly, keep your fingers crossed for that SNOWDAY!!

Ballet

Here's Sofia at her first ballet recital. At first, I was bummed when we didn't get to go in and watch each week, but once we were in for the 'recital,' I figured out why moms and dads don't get to go in. Sofia spent a great deal of time waving at us, and telling her teacher that 'her legs were too tired,' but we finally got to see some dancing!! She was a natural!