Camouflage

Can you spot the baby?

A trip to the dentist

(not my teeth)

I had my sixth month check up today, but it was probably 7 because I postponed it a little for the birth of Lily. I have had a history of pretty good oral health, with not much work. I had my first cavity when I was pregnant with Abby at the age of 29. My dentist caught it so early, that they didn't even had to numb or drill. She equated the tool they used to a sandblaster. I had my first "real" cavity about a year or so ago. With all the amazing technologies in the dental field, it was caught quite early, but it still had to be "drilled". My next appointment or two, they put watches on a couple of teeth, but they weren't bad enough to worry about yet. UNTIL TODAY. Ugh. The two that had watches on were bad enough to be officially cavities and there was a third too. They put a watch on another tooth, but I have decided to just have that one taken care of too, so that I can get them all over with. That makes FOUR cavities!!!!!!!! My hygenist said that they were all in spots that toothbrushes just can't reach, and it was simply a matter of time. I guess that should make me feel better, but it is still FOUR! I like my dentist, but I have to admit I'm not looking forward to spending two hours with him next Tuesday, OR paying him 500 and some odd dollars, after insurance. With that, I think I'll go eat some sticky, sugary candy.

Thoughts

Lily is now 7 weeks old, and I am learning some essential lessons. But, first let me set up why these lessons are important...

Our lives (Matt and mine) are crazy busy. We literally, between both of us, have something going on every work night. This includes 2 nights of classes for Matt, pilates for me, and Lenten study for both of us. I am home full time now, and before I was, I actually thought I'd have to work to get out of the house and stay busy. Ha. Between Preschool, dance class, Mom's group, doctor's appointments, trips to the libray, etc, etc., I am running constantly. Just this week alone, I have 3 different types of doctor's appointments to keep track of. I am very blessed to be married to Matt. He's very hands on, and we really share this parenting thing as much as we can. That said, he works full time and is taking two grad courses a sememster until he has his MBA. That leaves me covering most of the kid-stuff during the work week.

This last week, I think it caught up with me a little bit. I was overwelmed, and I needed a break. bad. ...and I realized that getting a break makes me love my children more and makes me a better mother. Matt held Lily for a couple hours Thursday evening after he got home from class. I was sitting right next to him, but I didn't have to respond to her every need like normal, and I swear that when I finally held her again before bed she was cuter and I felt like I could love her better. Even he noticed and commented that I seemed like a different mother after that break.

On Saturday night, we both got a break when we went to a party. We were only gone three hours, but it was an "adults only" party, which was what we needed. It just isn't the same when they are in the same house/building, like at church functions. We came home refreshed and ready to care for her better (and Abby- but let's be honest, Lily is the most work right now). Not to mention, we just simply had fun with friends.

All of these small lessons make me wonder why some parents feel like they shouldn't go places without their children. I wonder if they know that it makes them better parents when they get a break. I am really looking forward to when Lily gets a little older, and isn't completely dependent on me, and we can leave the girls for a night or two. I'm thinking a weekend trip to the beach with my husband sounds like a goal... Don't you?

A Direct Quote

Setting: Abby, sitting on the potty.

Abby: "Mommy, When I talk, my butt shakes."

Abby's Range

These pictures started out sweet. I put Lily down in Abby's bed when I woke Abby up from nap and she promptly fell asleep (is that all it takes?!?!). Abby was snuggling her and being so kind that I went to grab the camera. Then... here comes actress Abby. I swear the one where it looks like they are sleeping was how it started (and no, she isn't suffocating her), and then we got a full range of Abby's acting abilities. I'm feeling a little burnt out lately, so maybe gazing at these pictures will help.

Wordless Wednesday

Tummy Time

Lily's Tummy Time on Monday

Ewww!

We bought a new vacuum cleaner!  This comes after having it on our Wish List for over a year.  I bought our old one when we first were engaged to be married and at the time, it felt like I spent a fortune.  It was probably $100.  Not quite a Dyson-level price!  So, in the last year or so, it smells like something is burning if you vacuum more than one room at a time.  It was time to move on.

We decided that we did not think it was worth it to spend $500 (or anywhere close) on a vacuum.  I just don't think Dysons are worth that much cold, hard cash.  We went with a Bissell bagless upright.  Matt got it all put together this afternoon and started out by just vacuuming the playroom.  Based on what it vacuumed up, it was clear that our old vacuum hadn't been doing its job for quite a while.  Nasty.  I captured it on film to share with you.  This is only after vacuuming ONE ROOM!  After that, the whole house got vacuumed.  (Oh, and the bagless feature is awesome.)

My Exciting Friday Night

I'm not sure I was ever all that exciting, but this Friday night, I feel particularly non-exciting.  I just took these pictures to illustrate how "exciting" it is...

I got the Play Doh out for Abby.... 

who has refused to wear a normal shirt since her nap, and we gave in.

Lily is just hanging out and fussing quite a bit tonight, but I'm a little burnt out on holding her right now.

And Matt is on the treadmill. Is it Saturday yet?

Reading

Do you think Abby will be a reader?

This is what I saw when I went to get Abby up one morning this week. I expected her to be asleep, but no, she was "reading". She is obsessed with Magic Tree House books. I read them aloud to her at bedtime. When she "reads," she flips through all the pages, possibly making up stories (I guess), and looking at the pictures.   There is at least one picture per chapter, and she loves the characters.  I worry sometimes that the plot is a little over her head, but apparently, it doesn't matter to her.  When I told her she needed to get up and get dressed, she told me that she needed to finish the chapter!  So to my mom, apparently as she gets older, I'll just need to take her to the library to get some new library books to have an afternoon to myself?  Sound familiar?

Sweet Baby

"Sleep in Heavenly Peace..."

A Recommendation

I found the coolest new beauty "tool" this morning. I had heard of it on a morning show recently in a bit about makeup under $10. I knew that Target carried Opi nail polish, so I thought I'd check and see if they carried the Opi Nic's Sticks. They do! It is a nail polish pen, where you click the end to release polish and it is just like a nail polish brush. So easy! I am boring and bought the lightest color ever (6th from left in picture), but I thought it was super easy to put on without making mistakes. Not to mention, spilling isn't a concern. Love it!