So stinkin' cute

I know that she should not be able to do this at her age but it is so cute!

Christmas Morning

We had a great Christmas this year. Reece was really into Santa, the cookies, reindeer food, counting down the days, and our family elf, Nate. We talked Christmas Eve about not coming downstairs until the sun was up so that we didn't see Santa. Looking back, I wish I had made some exceptions.

I sat all night wondering what the girls reactions would be Christmas morning. Would this be the year for a scream of excitement? Not so much. Reece came down the stairs and into our room like normal and announced that Santa had come in a calm voice. I rolled over and see that she was semi naked standing in panties only. Chad asked "Where are your clothes?" Answer, "Well I tee-teed in my bed last night. I didn't want to see Santa so I changed clothes, put on new panties, and made myself a pallet in my room". This is where I was torn. Do I laugh because it was so honest? Does my heart break because I was the reason why she didn't want to come down? Do I beam with pride because my 4 year old fixed her own problem in the middle of the night? It was a little of all three.

We all went upstairs to get Addison along with a night gown for Reece and on Reece's bedroom floor was her pallet. A pillow from her bed. A blanket on the ground. Another blanket to cover up with. We ripped off the sheets, sprayed the bed, and we down to have Christmas.

That story will come up at her graduation party for sure.

In case you were wondering...

"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of s**t."

Miss Independent

I am here again comparing by kids. I know you are not suppose to but we are talking complete opposites. I knew that once we hit 2 years old, the changes kick in at rapid speed. The shift to become more independent and less baby like are almost over night. Addison is so much more independent than Reece is today.

I remember coming home with Addison from the hospital and how Reece grew-up over night. Let me be honest, it happened the morning Reece came to the hospital to meet Addison. She went from being my baby to this little girl. I don't know if I was in a pregnancy trance for 6 months and missed her growing or if I simply slept through it.

So here we are two years later and I am more aware than ever that Addison is no longer a baby. She is talking so much and has such an independent nature. She puts on her own shoes (I still do Reece's in the morning - don't get me started, she can do it). She wants to put her pants on by herself. She is constantly say, "Me, Me, Me!" I need to get her a little t-shirt that says, "On my own". It's like her little motto,

I can see some conversations happening much sooner with Addison than with Reece. Here is what I am dreading:

I can walk myself to school.
I can stay by myself at the house - I don't need a sitter.
I can cook dinner tonight. Don't worry about dinner Mom. (I can't wait for this one!!! Not dreading it at all)
I'm driving to the football game in Houston.
I'm moving out of this house! You are making me crazy! I'll be fine with my crappy job and broken down car. I don't need you.

I know we are years away but I do see a behavior plan in my near future.

Not so perfect parent

Last night I was filling the tub for the girls bath. The poor things have my very dry skin. I thought that I would just add a little baby oil to the water to help moisturize a little like when they were babies. I immediately realized my mistake and drained the water. There was no way I could wash and rinse their hair with baby oil in the water.

Refilled the bath tub and went about the evening. After drying the girls hair, it noticed that it was still "greasy" looking, you guessed it, from the left over baby oil in the tub. So this morning, each girl got a special shampoo "like at the hair salon" in the kitchen sink. Their hair is much improved. I, on the other hand, am still without make-up and in my lounge clothes.

**This moment was brought to you by the first part of my "Not so Perfect Parent" segments.

Side note: Anyone want to clean my tub today?

Please, please just sleep

Addison has a good old fashion cold with a great ear infection. I can sympathizes with her. I had ear infections all the time growing up and have even had a few while living here as an adult. They suck. That is just all there is to it. But I think there is more to Addison's poor sleeping pattern.

My cousin and his wife have a handsome little boy, Braden, that is a few weeks younger than Addison. Monica and I are lucky to have each other and compare the two kids. Not in a competitive nature, but more in a "SHE/HE IS NOT SLEEPING" compare. So come to find out Braden is not sleeping either. Both of the kids will sleep for a couple of days then not sleep for a couple of weeks.

Addison woke up some time during the night (sorry Chad, never heard her). I know this because I rolled over and Chad was not in bed, for a long time. They both came down around 4:30 this morning and she was ready to go for the day. Like wide awake - hungry, change diaper, milk, cartoons, tissue (runny nose and eyes). So it is now 9:00 a.m. and she is still going strong. I am going to give it until 9:30. It will be time for more pain medicine and off to nap she will go. That's my plan for this morning anyway.

Here is my extended plan.

Monica and Braden will move down here for a couple of months until all of the molars are cut on both kids and we have passed through the cold and flu season. They could enjoy the better weather. (They live outside of Vancouver, Canada). Monica and I would swap nights getting up with the kids. Then when the other mom wakes up for the day, she can take over the kids for a little bit as the first mom catches a little sleep.

I know it sounds great,right Will it happen? Sadly not this year. But this is my little dream. My little way to make it better in my head. I think the sinus pressure is starting to effect me.