Ten on Thursday?

All three kids in one picture !

1. Last week, Brent went to school with the littles for "Doughnuts with Dads Day."  They loved it.  They are doubly blessed because Granddaddy came to day two!

2.  I try to make sure we're outside a lot right now while the weather is nice.  Here they are having frozen play with ice on a warm day. (Just makes sense?)

 also, picnics!

4.  Here I am in my official soccer mom shirt.  (Brent has a Dad version).  B did a great job sticking with it and playing hard this week.  I love the Dragonflies. 

5.  We went to Open Streets OKC this weekend.  It was a street fair and family fun festival.  I think the focus was supposed to be on healthy lifestyles, but we mostly ate from food trucks and had awesome ice cream while strolling with our friends. 

6.  And we cleaned out the storm shelter, because it is spring in Oklahoma.  I will do a separate post soon on our preparations. 

7.  I went with B on his class' field trip to the Oklahoma Museum of Art. It was so beautiful.  His group did really well, but did make me pretty nervous in the exhibits full of incredible glass sculptures!

8.  Here are some quick looks at the home improvement projects I keep talking about.  They seem strangely hard to photograph.  Brent has been awesome with these. I know the end result is more important to me than it is to him, but we're getting there together. 

 9.  Lady M would live in this maxi dress from Old Navy if she could.  She has a white version too and prefers to wear them daily styled with different things underneath and on top.  I love every bit of it!

10.  Lady M and I joined a bunch of our friends in watching the Sooners win the MPSF Conference Championship for Men's Gymnastics.  They did an amazing job and we had a wonderful afternoon together!

This Weekend

This was a crazy busy weekend.  I want to run past the recap here so I don't forget.  I feel like we did so much:

Saturday
7 - Brent got up, fed and dressed the kids while I slept in a little.
8 - I got up and dressed.  We prepared everyone to go out and loaded up the paper recycling.
9 - Coffee and berry pie at Java Dave's using our Living Social coupon. Followed by Recycling
9:30 - Girls back to the house  - M to nap and me to making Vinyl banners with Uncle Able for his Bean Bag Boards.  Boys to haircuts.
11 - Everyone home and fun cookings, crafting and playing together.  Eventually Able leaves to go to get a haircut and go to the fair with Katie. (M wakes up around 11:30).
1- After lunch, B heads down for a nap and Brent goes to buy groceries.  M and I play outside with a lot of time coloring with chalk.
2- Lady M's naptime, grocery unloading, laundry and cleaning for us followed by a quick nap.
3:20 - I leave to attend the Nathan Blake Zumba Master Class at Crossroads Mall.  It last until 6:30!  (Keep in mind I've only done 45 minutes of Zumba in the prior three weeks and maybe two hours of exercise total.  Definitely not in peak form for such an long and high energy work out, but had an awesome time).
4 - Kids wake up and head to Grammy and Granddaddy's with Brent to watch the OU football game.
6:30 - I head home very tired and already sore, shower, and jump back in the car to join the game watching crew after much chatting with Tracie.
7:30-9:30 Game and kids watching plus some pizza for me before heading back home to the bedtime routine with very tired kids.
9:30-10:30 - Clean up, wrap-up and talk for us before an early bedtime and a nearly sleepless night for me for some reason--probably because my body was achy, but definitely not the rest I needed.

B Loves the Zoo!

Sunday
8 - M wakes up late, but screaming.  I am on-deck so I haul my sore body out and we play for awhile before the boys join us for breakfast.  The star attraction is Ginger banana chip bread/muffins (some of which we took to Grammy the night before).
9 - Made soup for Wii/Crop and cleaned while kids played in and out with toys and iPad.
10 - M goes to sleep, I start to work on my Me The Abridged Version album, making several annoying cutting errors while the boys play iPad together and finish getting ready for the party.  I worked on thank you notes for the scholarship donations. (Thanks to all that have donated, sent cards, flowers, food, etc.  We so appreciate it!)  We also chat with the Wainrights/Palfreymans off and on in the morning and decide to enjoy the beautiful weather at the zoo so the boys packed for that outing as well.
12 - M wakes up.  Everyone gets sunscreen, drinks and shoes and we're off to the Zoo!
1 - Zoo time!  We spent most of our time in the kids zoo, but also saw the rhinos, dear, condors, and pygmy hippo as well as assorted birds.  The kids zoo is awesome, particularly the wading and petting areas.  M was a champ about petting the goats.  So adorable
3 - Back home for the Wii/Crop party.  Just a little set-up and then a late lunch and games.  Amazingly at this Wii/Crop we did for once primarily scrapbook and play Wii.  It was a slightly smaller gathering, but kind of nice to actually get to talk to everyone. I was the only one really scrapbooking, but Chrissie had her crocheting and Jennie helped me along.
4- M naps while the party swirls around her.
5 - The ladies (including M) took a trip to Michaels around for more crafting supplies (see cutting error above). Back at the house the boys put Molly to sleep (on the floor??) and continue with the Wii soccer.  When we return from the store it was time  for more snacks, kid wrangling, crafting, etc...
7:15ish - everyone heads home and we launch into cleanup + bedtime routines to get everyone promptly into bed by 8.  8 - I go back to work on the project a bit more, chat with Gavin and then time to blog and relax into the evening while Brent grades papers.

Such a whirl and an amazing mix of fun.  Thank you to all that made this a fun weekend.  We hope to see you again soon!

This Week: Saturday Journaling

Friday Night/Saturday Morning marked Maggie's first time to only wake up once in the night. (Hooray!) She went to sleep a bit later than usual and woke up at 3:30 and 8am! It was pretty spectacular. As my cold has not improved it was very nice to get the extra rest.

8-11am: We had sort of a slow start to the day. I got up at 8am with M and by the time I was feeding her B had found us. He, of course, was off to find Daddy shortly thereafter. We hung around doing laundry, feeding kids, changing clothes, taking showers, etc while we got ready for the requisite Target trip. We combined our shopping and coffee rituals and more or less had breakfast at the Starbucks in Target --- not too healthy, but tasty! We bought a few things for Sunday's Wii/Crop party and some basic household essentials. It managed to take us quite awhile, but everyone did well. Miss M even managed the trip in a stroller (rather than sling/carrier) which was a first.

11-1pm: We fed the kiddos, played games and unpacked groceries. I had crafts time with B for awhile which was fun. This time we played with stamps. The Colorado Dotters sent him some and we had a good time stamping funny colored dinosaurs and other creatures all over. I cleaned up the stamps a bit and they are set for next time. We also introduced B to his recently created "craft bag" which lives near my craft stuff and has the things we use for his crafts whenever he wants them. B also helped me make Chex Mix for the party the next day. Then, we moved on to books and puzzles before heading to a quick lunch and nap so he would be at least a little rested before heading over to visit Grammy.

2-8:30pm: We went to Brent's parents' house to watch the game (no cable here). It is actually a pretty great arrangement as B has lots of fun things to play with, Grammy gets to play with both kids, and they have an awesome TV set up so Brent and I get to watch the game while we wrangle kids and visit. His games included building towers, the train table, and swords with Daddy. Oddly, his new touchdown dance appears to be trying to stand on his head. Not sure why, but very cute. We also had BBQ, during which B informed us that he likes beef (Grandpa smiles). I think he liked the strawberry ice cream more, but who am I to say?

M was a bit fussier this time and B was a bit solitary, but all went well. As you recall, M is not a fan of the carseat experience so we were calming her down as the game ended (With a victory for the Sooners over the Baylor Bears) which prolonged our stay. Then, B had to have a bath with Grammy (He likes her, the tub, and the bubbles!) By this time, M was still fussing a bit and it was almost time for Granddaddy to get home from the game so we waited around. B got to play swords and balloons with Granddaddy to top off the evening. M only fussed the last two miles of the trip home so we considered that a success. Everyone was very tired when we got home, but happy.

8:30-9:30pm - We put the very tired kids to bed, finished some cleaning, and I headed to bed early as I was losing my voice from this cold. Brent mopped the floor for me (such a great hubby) and talked to Erik briefly before joining me. It was a good, relaxing day and a nice close to a busy week.

Filling in the Blanks

Looking at the week's journaling there are some gaps in our days that I should probably fill in for historical purposes:

Brent's Day - Brent leaves for OSSM between 7:30 and 8am. He teaches one section of genetics to primarily seniors each day starting at 10 or 10:30 depending on the day. He eats lunch in the OSSM cafeteria around 11:30 and every now and again we join him there. The remainder of the day involves meetings, talking to students, arranging mentorships for the mentorship program, grading, planning, and normal staff duties. On Tuesdays and Thursdays he also drives students to mentorships and back. Normally, he leaves for home around 5pm or so. Monday evenings he goes back in to be available from 8-10pm during study hall. Each day someone from each department is there to help the students with their homework, answer questions, etc. This is, of course, the very short form version, but it gives you the general sense of the day.

Brendan's MDO day - Each day has common elements. We get a list at the beginning of each month with what they are working on that month. For October the list included: Fall, letters C & D, Numbers 1-10 and counting, triangles, the color orange and the fruit of the spirit is peace. They work on math by counting and sorting objects. In group time they sing songs, dance to music and work on listening and following directions. Each day has arts and crafts time including painting with brushes, finger painting, coloring, gluing and cutting. They have come up with some incredibly cute projects so far! Twice a month everyone goes to chapel. They also have recess outside or in the gym, lunchtime, snacktime and naptime.

Each day, B takes a backpack with a spare change of clothes, his blanket and sippy cup. I pack him a lunch in his Lightning McQueen lunch bag with a variety of things (still looking for ideas that are nut-free and don't need re-heating or refrigeration). The parents each bring snacks for the class once a month. At the end of each day, we get a little written report and usually some of his art to bring home. (Samples of art from last month and the report are pictured here). The report tells us what they did, what his mood was, if he slept, how much he ate, and other little tidbits about his day.He is so delightfully excited to see me when I pick him up these days. He just seem so happy and excited. I usually get a big hug and one time he escaped the room and came running down the hall into my arms which was awesome!

Otherwise, I think this week's journaling is a pretty good look at our activities when I'm not working. When I am working, the afternoon nap time, and MDO is work time with occasional other morning meetings. I also usually do a little work in the evening either GW or Drexel. Saturday will be a glimpse at a pretty normal fall weekend day for us and a good close to the week. Am I missing anything? Anything you think I'll want to have a record of when I look back at this in later years? Thanks for reading along with the HEAVY postings this week and thanks for your ongoing help and kindness.

This Week: Friday Journaling

Ah Friday, somehow with all the rain it feels like a long week. Here is our next-to-last daily installment of our activities:

M was on about the same schedule as the last few days. Ultimately, she woke up at 5ish and then again at 8:30 or so which was a lovely late start. Our alarm didn't go off so Brent didn't wake up until 7:20 which was pretty lovely and B came in to wake me up about 8am just as Brent was about to head out. B and I played for awhile before I could convince him that we all needed our daytime clothes and breakfast before heading out to the dentist. M, of course, woke up somewhere in the midst of making breakfast, but we did all get dressed, fed and out the door by 9:15 or so.

9:15-11am - Dropped off B at Kidzstreet. Went easily, which is always a blessing. Then, M and I headed to the dentist. She got pretty worked up in the car so we calmed down in the parking lot a bit as we were early. Had my first appointment with the new dentist while the staff enjoyed holding and watching M. Not good news -- looks like I'll have a couple visits in my future including my first crown! (So sad, have I mentioned how I don't like going to the dentist?) Anyway, then quickly back to get B and home. M slept some so it the trip back went pretty well.

At home, I called Brent and then back to the dentist to do some re-scheduling to times where Brent could cover as can't take M to these longer appointments really. B watched some of The Incredibles while I worked out the logistics. Next up was lunch for B and Miss Maggie, during which Erik called and we discovered my cell phone was at the dentist. So back we all went.

11-1:45pm - We went back to the dentist, and popped in to pick up my phone. Then we stopped by St. John's in Edmond to fill out our "official" member paperwork. Although I've been going off and on since last November I neglected to fill out the paperwork so M probably won't be baptized until March (when we've been members 6 months... ugghhh). Anyway, back in the car again for our trip home with the by then necessary Sonic stop for lunch as I was starving which is not a good place to be. At home, I ate while M napped and B played with Thomas. B and I went outside and kicked the ball around for awhile to wear him out a bit as he just didn't seem sleepy yet. I think I finally put him down around 1:45 or so and it still took awhile for him to fall asleep.

1:45-5pm - Internet time + feeding and snuggling with M. Also chore time as we missed them in the morning so cleaned the bathrooms, swept, did laundry and dishes and de-cluttered just a bit. Tried to not be depressed about dentist situation and waited for Tracie to drop by. Brent headed home around 5 and Tracie arrived to chat around that time.

• 

5-9pm - I spent this time chatting with Tracie and playing/feeding/snuggling M. We caught up on all sorts of things and M was very happy. She loved Tracie and gave her lots of adorable little girl smiles and giggles. The boys played and watched a bit of Nemo. We had homemade chili for dinner and told tales of the day. It was very relaxed and a lot of fun. Tracie and I have been friends forever and we have long since learned to how to have a wonderful time just talking and being together. Thanks for a great evening Tracie! Brent had B in bed just after 8:30 or so and after some final moments with Tracie she headed home and we headed off to internet time with M and then on to bed.

Love Thursday: Parenting Together

It is a rainy, quiet day here in OK. A good day for reflection and thanks. Today, I'm feeling so blessed and loved to be parenting with Brent. We are a match of complementary styles. We met very early in life and have been together for more than a decade. In that time, we've faced all that life has thrown us together. We've grown up and made our careers, own home and our own little family. I love the journeys we've shared and am loving this phase too. Simple little things like holding hands while we hold our children and shared knowing glances that give us the strength to continue when we're tired or frustrated. We draw strength from quiet "I Love Yous" in the night as we take our turns with M. Brent finds me interesting links that keep me thinking and I update him on the day here.

We have much different personalities in many ways and different styles, but we "get" each other and feed off each other. I think our children will be better for it. We are each strength for the other and our family is much stronger as a result. Being a parent is a big step in a relationship and a huge life-long responsibility and blessing. It should not be entered lightly, but we've never doubted the other and delight in sharing this challenge and wonderful together. That is my Love this Thursday.

This Week: Thursday Journaling

It has been a pretty quiet day on the home front. I think the gloomy rain may be part of it.M slept from probably 9ish til 2ish and then woke at 4 and 6:30. I slept with her from 6:30 until 8:30 or so when my (work) Blackberry started ringing incessantly. Allegedly someone was calling accidentally, but that seems hard to do over and over... Oh well. M and I were then up! B, I suspect was awake shortly thereafter, but chose to stay in his room for a long time. M spit up down my back which is very rare so after some changing I just sat and watched her smile, kick and coo for awhile rather than running around trying to do chores. Eventually she needed breakfast so we did a little internet browsing while she ate and eventually convinced big Bro to join us. By the time everyone was in their daytime clothes and awake it was after 10! Talk about a lazy day.

10-12:30- We made our breakfast together as well as some tea (B seems to like making it more than drinking it, of course. M took her first nap around 10:30 or so, but kept it short. I did some chores and then watched a little bit of Nemo with B. Then off to "play" in his room. This morning featured trains, blocks, books, puzzles, "checkers" (Connect Four), Candy Land (just playing with the pieces, not the actual game), a call from Aunt Audra, etc. M joined us for much of this and would generally sit on my lap watching.I wandered off to find some water and B proposed a race. However, he was distracted by our shower and decided he needed to play in the shower more. So, M napped a bit while he played, and I decluttered the bathroom, and did the basic cleaning. Of course, the nap was short lived so didn't get that much done, but its something. Had to pry B out of the shower, but he did manage some of the re-dressing himself and it was time for lunch

12:30ish-1:40. We made lunch for him (Nutella, raisin bread, banana, bagel, and raisins by the time he was done) and more sweet potato and cinnamon for me. M rested in her swing after her lunch time feast. B ran around outside with his football as the sky threatened rain and M and I had lunch inside. We listened to his entire tunes CD and he did some dancing/running for me. All, very cute. Then off went all the lights, we took off his shoes and headed to bed for his nap and thankfully he went down easily today.

1:40-5pm M took some cat naps in the sling or with me and for brief periods in her bed, have to remember that infants don't take 3 hour naps like sweet B, but she was relatively good. I checked out Audra's pics and did some blog work. Then, gave in and decided maybe I'd try napping with M as well, but not sure I succeeded.
5-6:30pm - Brent called to say he was leaving but it took three times as long as normal due to all the crashes in the pouring rain. It was time to feed M again. She was up about long enough to have half her bottle, and then time to find B and get ready for the evening. After a long nap, he was a bit droopy, but in good spirits.6-9pm - Made quick dinner while I tried to determine if Tracie and I's movie plans would work (they didn't with more rain complications). Then made Chili for tomorrow as it feels like Chili weather as the crew watched a movie and snuggled (ok, M was a bit fussier than that). Time for M's bath carefully documented here as I didn't have many other pics today. Then a bit more bottle and bed for the little lady and a bath for B. Then the normal wind down to night night.9- Brent and I wrap up the day together online as usual and look forward to Friday.

Wednesday Journaling + Maggie Stats

Wednesday was a little wearing for me. Here's the rough sketch:

M had a tough time falling asleep so Brent didn't get to bed until midnight and was back up with her around 2, I think. I got up with her around 6 and then again at 7 for some snuggling while Brent got ready for work. She fell back asleep just as he left while I made lunch for B who woke up full of energy.

From 7:45-9:30 - Is pretty much the same as Tuesday, we put on our "day time clothes" have breakfast (smoothies, strawberries, cereal, milk, etc...). I start dishes and laundry while B watches a few minutes of Peter Pan. B snuggles with lil' Miss M, and I try to make sure we're all packed for MDO and the Dr. Apt. We're out the door by 9:20. Drop off goes strangely badly at MDO for no apparent reason. Sad tears:(

9:30-10:15 - Maggie and I do a quick run through Target for fall clothes for B as his jacket is just pathetically short in the arms. I talk to Audra while I try to remember why I'm there. Then its back in the car and a drive over to her Dr. Apt.

10:15-12pm - Yes, we were really at the Doctor this long. It was crazy busy there today. We spent a lot of time waiting at different phases and our regular nurse Stephanie was out and the subs were much less organized. Miss M handled it well. Her stats were:

Weight: 14lbs - 99th percentile
Height: 24in - 95th percentile
Head: 41cm (why is this the only one in metric I wonder?)

She had three shots and a oral vaccine. She did pretty well overall. The nurse forgot the third shot initially and had to come back which didn't go over very well. The Doctor and I had a fascinating chat about H1N1. I've said it before - I really like this guy and that he takes the time to fully explain things. I know this is probably why he's always running late, but it is nice that he takes the time. Overall, M is healthy and fine. She was fussy pretty much the rest of the day which was hard.

12-2:15: I spent most of the time trying to get M to be calm and comfy. Lots of rocking, snuggling, etc and just a little internet browsing while we wandered. I also had a short call with my work as they are still working up to next weeks' big board meeting. Then off to pick up B - didn't feel like much of a break today.

2:15-5pm: Picked up B and took some pics at MDO for this project. He is pictured here with his teacher, Ms. Vonda. Then home for an afternoon snack and a little more Peter Pan. I serve on t NACUA's NACUA Notes Editorial Board and attended that teleconference for an hour or so with the phone on mute/speaker phone as M slept in her sling, B snacked and watched some TV. M woke up hungry and fussy again and off went the TV for book time and some tunes. B and I made some popcorn and did some playing. He got in trouble and had some time out. M fell asleep in her swing briefly and Brent headed home.

5-8:15pm: M remained fussy and needed lots of attention. B was tired and rocked over into silly. He also played football with Brent as well as keep the balloon off the floor, Wii, and some random games they made up with cars. They read The Very Hungry Caterpillar again as we participated in the Jumpstart Reading project. The boys had some sandwiches for dinner as I wasn't feeling so great and neither was M. More fun and then I gave be a shower (no clue why he randomly wanted a shower). B bathed M and then we began the wind-down to sleep. Except B wanted to dance to tunes which largely involved running in circles so not so much a wind down. We had to go gather the whole crew and have Brent read "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, what do you hear?" With that, both kids are asleep.

8:15 -? I journal the day and process the pictures while we watch The Daily Show and the Colbert Report online and then head to bed hoping M sleeps, but worrying she may not with her vaccines today....

How is Mr. B?

We've been talking a lot about infants and Miss M of late so it feels like time for some general updates on B. He is now about 32+ months, but I think we're past counting in months so let's just call it 2 1/2. He is approximately 40lbs and 40inches (this is a car seat milestone if nothing else as one can transition to a booster). He is, at long last, wearing 3T pants. When we put him in his 2T pants on the first cool days it is clear he's had a growth spurt this summer. His arms have grown too as his old jackets are just too short in the sleeves.

Today, he got a new Oklahoma jacket and several pairs of proper pants so we're nearing all set on his fall clothes. We have trouble with pants though as he is a bit, ahem, thick in the middle versus how long his legs are so only some brands work properly. He has some adorable cargo pants that look just like Brent's and fit well too. He wears 4T shirts which are on the edge of big, but probably about right to last through winter.

Currently, he tries to pick out all his clothes each day. If given his choice, he would wear his Halloween shirt, Oklahoma hoodie, or his robot shirt every day. These things do have to be washed, however, so he has to be persuaded to wear something else which can be a bit of a struggle. He is very good at undressing himself, but doesn't seem too inclined to dress by himself. We've discovered, he "can" do most of it and are trying to encourage him to do it more himself.

Potty training--- hmm, don't really want to discuss this. He was in an awesome place pre-M, and not so much now. Seems we'll be re-learning again soon.

Food - is back to eating a lot most of the time after a summer of little food. He loves "circle cheese" (Babybell) and Laughing Cow if he can get them (who doesn't?) and is experimenting with frozen fruit as a frequent snack. Of course, his favorite snack is just dubbed "apricot" which is Apricot Archer's Farm Organic Fruit Strips from Target. They taste roughly like dehydrated jam. I try to console myself by remembering they are at least fruit and don't have High Fructose Corn Syrup so that's something...

Favorite Books: Loves books about outer space, particularly The Magic School Bus Lost In The Solar System and Mars Needs Moms. We are also reading Miss Spider's Tea Party a lot and the Bluebird's Nest book again as well as the occasional Dr. Seuss and Eric Carlye. I love that he will "read" books to us more these days. It is great!

Favorite Sayings: He knows fascinatingly random things he likes to tell me, like "Samuri Jack is pretend" just in case I didn't know and X movie isn't scary (which makes me wonder if it perhaps is.... When asked why something is (ex. why he can't/won't do X) he will say "Because the Sun is out." Should you protest that the sun isn't out, he may tell you it is just on the other side of the planet... Apparently, he's been listening to some of our answers to his many "Why" questions. He is also frequently asking/telling me to "remember" things. Of course, he's also informing us he wants to do many things himself.

Favorite Activities: As you can see from this week's journaling he likes to hit/kick/play with balls of all sizes, listen to books, dance to "tunes" (and sometimes sing along), watch movies, play on the computer, and cook with me. He claims to like crafts, but seems to see that as a school rather than home activity.

One of my favorite things are the fascinating conversations we can have now. Sometimes it resembles that old "who's on first" gag, but it is pretty amazing to see all the development between B's stage and M's. He is also becoming much more helpful with basic chores like clearing the table or taking things to the trash or sink. Now, almost all the time I just ask and he does it without protest. It is such a leap from a year ago in that sense. He even tells me when I'm making a mess, as clearly I should know better!

We're very lucky to have a sweet, happy loveable little guy. True, he definitely has his moody, bossy, tough moments, but I think it is getting more even and we're settling in to life as a really cool big bro.

Tuesday Journaling

Tuesday at a Glance: This was a bit more typical, if rainy, day.

M finally fell asleep for good around 10pm and only woke at 2:30 and 6:45 (which might actually be morning) and then slept again until 8:15. This new development is awesome. B woke up when Brent left around 7:45.

8-10am - Breakfast of various toast and PB combos + milk and banana. This time of day is usually heavy on chores. Today, included first load of laundry, starting dishwasher, starting dinner in the crockpot and general tidying as well as getting everyone into their "day time" clothes. During some of this B was watching Little Mermaid, and helping at other times. We also had Tower Building and our first round of books for the morning, but that might have been earlier.

10-11am: Reading Miss Spider's Tea Party prompted us to have our own Tea time - B and I made tea and had a cookie while Miss M enjoyed her swing. After M headed to a nap B and I played outside kicking balls and running around in the rain. I took lots of pictures of our normal setting.

11am-12pm: Computer time for B. He played with Tux Paint for about 25 minutes and PBS Kids PLAY most of the remainder. Baby M, had a bottle, lounged in her Boppy and snuggled with me as I checked in with my e-mail for the first time.

12-1pm: Lunch! B was very excited about the prospect of Tuna and crackers which of course must be enjoyed al fresco. We added in some baby carrots, milk and "round cheese" (aka Babybell). Then comes free time - this was mainly me doing the dishes and moving clothes to the dryer with M in the bjorn while B played by himself a little. Then, we swung and spun in circles, ran around to "tunes" and read a couple stories (Fairy Colors, Miss Spider's Tea Party , and Peek-A Who?, in preparation for naptime.

1-5ish Naptime: B had a hard time getting to sleep. An hour in, we had to talk about it and read another story (Mommy's Best Kisses). He tried again and I finally had success. This made nap time a it longer as he wasn't really sleeping for a long time. M had a hard time too. She had one quick nap, a bottle, some fussiness and then finally a bit better nap herself. During this time, I'm usually skimming twitter, google reader and FB off and on as I rock, sway and feed little ones. Often includes a quick chat with Brent, Gavin and sometimes others on Googlechat as well if I have a free hand.

5-8pm - A lot happens in this section. Brent got home and reported that he is much sicker (we all have colds with the possible exception of Maggie. Brent and B work on waking up, and put on warm clothes to toss the football around for awhile outside. M eats and hangs out with me. Then, it is time to finish up super while the boys watch a little more movie. We have dinner which includes a lot of convincing B to sit and eat, but we're making progress. Then on to lots of playing with M, bath time, more stories and putting the kids to bed.

8- Some internet time while me make sure they are really down then off to get some rest for our respective colds.