Summer

Oops.  It was an entire season ago that I last wrote...

Let's see.  Life has been a bit of a whirlwind, so I will try to remember everything.  In May, Tom lost his job.  He had known for a while that the day would eventually come, but it was a big punch to our stomachs nonetheless.  He negotiated some terms for his departure, and was able to secure some pay so that we weren't left out to dry.  It was tense around here- we bought our "forever" house with 2 incomes.  We have 2 children that we need to provide basic needs for.  We need them both to be in daycare so that I can work and so that Tom can find work... It seemed very daunting.  Fortunately, Tom found another job and started 1 day after his pay ended from Cars.  He is now gainfully employed and things don't seem so dim anymore.  He has a strenuous training schedule that takes him on the road for the next 5 weeks, which leaves this girl as a single mom.  To make things more complicated, I also work on the road so managing our schedules has been a bit of a nightmare.  Somehow it will work out, as it always does.  Tom and I have experienced more in our 20's than most people experience by 50, if ever.  I keep saying that maybe we are getting all the gunk out of the way early in our lives so that we can just coast and relax later- we'll see if that holds any truth as time goes on.  :)

Michael is keeping us on our toes.  Everyone mentions the "terrible twos," but why does no one mention the threes?  Holy smokes- attitude, sass, opinions, and knowing exactly which buttons to push to make parents the most frustrated.  Overall he is a great kid, with more love and kindness that I could have ever imagined, but those days when he decides to be a stinker, he makes them count!  He is loving our neighborhood with all of its offerings- parks, splash pad, and his new friends, Parker and Callan.  Its times when he is out running around with the neighborhood kids that I sit back and think of all the struggles we have had.  This is why.  So that we can give our children this life and these opportunities. 

He just completed his first sports season- the Woodbury PeeWee 3's.  3 weeks of soccer and t-ball combined.  It was adorable to watch, and if he doesn't love sports, I hope he learns to love being involved in something.  I think his skills lie more in soccer than in t-ball, but we will see where the wind blows him. 

Sam is wonderful.  6 months old and a hoot to be around.  He currently thinks that he tells the world's funniest jokes, and is a very happy baby.  He is on the move, rolling around and I feel that crawling is not far away.  It is crazy to think that soon the baby gates will be back up.  Where is the time going?!

We Baptized him two weeks ago and it was a wonderful day filled with love, laughter and friendship.  We could not be more blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives, who welcome our children into their lives as well, with open arms.  I hope that our children grow up knowing how loved they are, and never for a moment take it for granted. 

As for Tom and I.  Now that a job is secured, it is time for us to relax a bit.  We are headed to Vegas with some friends and we are so excited.  While being in the desert in the middle of August might not be ideal, it will be nice to get away with some friends, enjoy their company, and forget about the stresses of life for 3 days.  Not long after, we are on our family vacation at the cabin.  Tom won't be able to go the entire week, but is hoping to make a couple of days up there so that we can all unwind together as a family. 

Spring?

Could it be?!  Is it really Spring?  I feel like every time we get excited about Spring in our house, it snows again.  I am cautiously optimistic these days. 

Michael celebrated his 3rd Birthday and everything went off without a hitch.  He tells us weekly that "being 3 is really hard."  He is very into reading, figuring out puzzles, and cooking.  He is also an amazing helper for his little brother.  He had his check up and he is as healthy as can be.  He is 3 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 36 pounds.  Based on the projections (and the size of his feet) we can expect him to be somewhere around 6 feet 1 inch when he is fully grown.   I guess he really does take after his Daddy. 

Sam is also doing great.  He is finally starting to fill out, and is making up for all of the spitting up and puking that he is doing.  He is such a happy baby, and is only crying these days if he is hungry or tired.  He has doubled his weight and grown a few inches.  He took his first round of shots like a champ! Sam even gave us our first real taste at a normal sleep schedule and slept from 8pm - 4am last night.  These two children are nothing short of amazing and I am so blessed to have them in my life. 

As summer approaches, we are finding our calendar is already starting to fill up.  It is amazing how quickly time flies, and I feel like it speeds up even more now with children involved. 

Easter 2014

Brothers

Mall of America- Michael didn't like this ride by the end...

What's up?

Back to the Grind

Well, here we are.  The first day back in the workforce for me.  Sam is now 10 weeks old- 10 weeks.  How on Earth did that happen?!  He is becoming more and more interactive every day and I just LOVE seeing his smile that shows off his one dimple.  I could kiss his chubby little cheeks all day long and never get tired of them. I have always known that I am not meant to be a Stay At Home Mom- I just don't posses the creativity to keep Michael entertained and the patience to keep a cool head all the time.  That being said, I have a whole new appreciation for Stay At Home Moms and Daycare Providers.  These last 10 weeks have been so nice to be home with both my kiddos, but also a real challenge.  I have come to realize that I am not "Super Mom" and that is 100% okay.  Not having the creative juices for activities that stimulate my busy (almost) 3 year was hard on me, to feel like he was bored all the time while home. But, I had to keep reminding myself that I was not only recovering from major surgery, I was trying to juggle the balancing act of now having 2 children.  Needless to say, we all survived, and I think we all even managed to still like each other!  ;)  Thank goodness for Pinterest and the Internet to keep the toddler activities rolling!

Michael has been so amazing as a big brother.  I always knew in the back of my mind that he would be, but it is so amazing to witness.  He is always concerned about what Sam is up to, giving him hugs and kisses, and making sure that all of his needs are met.  It melts my heart.  I hope that they grow into being the best of friends as time goes on. 

I can't believe that this weekend we will be celebrating his 3rd birthday.  Wait, what?!  3rd?  Yikes.  Are Tom and I old enough to have a 3 year old?  What a blessing he has been to our lives.  I can't wait to celebrate with him and have our nearest and dearest along as well. 

Stay tuned for more stats on these kids, as we have their checkups coming up this week and next!