and we're back!

It seems a little strange that with the exception of checking my Facebook and email here and there over the last few weeks, my fingers have been largely absent from this keyboard for quite a while now. The Drama Queen and I took a two-week trip up north to Ontario, Canada, to visit my favorite (okay, only!) sister and her husband and of course their darling newborn Delaney Hope. We had a wonderful time, as you can see by the smiles in the photos below:

We talked, laughed, ate, read books, watched movies, shopped, and even worked out a trip to see Niagara Falls. It was a great way for me to spend time with my girl, even if her little body seemed to take up most of the bed every night! During the trip, she cultivated a love for the Nintendo DS, playing it on the plane and throughout our vacation weeks. I have come to realize that this new love will be very advantageous for me - "You can't play your DS until your room is clean" etc. :)

It was also fantastic to see my little sister as a mom. She has confidence and a natural "mommyness" to her that was wonderful to see.

And now, finally we are back in the States and trying to get back into our normal routine. Next week, school starts - preschool for the Drama Queen, special preschool for the Beast, and teaching Spanish for me. I can't wait!

I also can't wait to hop around my favorite blogs and catch up on all the latest news and funny stories. I missed you all.

Happy Monday!

Breakfast with Babies

We are all sitting around the breakfast table munching our cornflakes and drinking our juice (and momma's "grown-up juice"). The Spud sits to my left in his IKEA high chair, eating the fastest. He should probably not be sitting in a high chair any more, since he's practically two years old now, but let's face it. It's the only restraining device for that crazy child I have left! The Beast is also sitting to my left, more obsessed with the decorative bowl of potpourri and candles on the table than his cornflakes. The Drama Queen is to my right, busy rearranging the cornflakes in the bowl until they meet with her satisfaction.

However, this sunny morning more guests have joined us at the breakfast table than usual. Lying on the chair next to the Drama Queen is Mary, a sweet, perpetually happy baby doll dressed in a snug shirt and way-too-big diaper. A few cornflakes nestled on her cheeks indicate that her "mommy" has attempted to feed her breakfast. The Beast's guest of honor is Buzz Lightyear, haphazardly tucked under his elbow. It's a good thing Buzz is so accustomed to space flight, as he has propelled to the ground several times now. By now, the Spud is on his second bowl of cornflakes. He has not forgotten his Leo (of Little Einsteins fame) however; Leo is firmly clutched in the Spud's sticky hands and does not need to worry about unexpected space flights. The Spud will never let him go!

The interesting thing is that Momma has a hard and fast rule: "No toys at the table." It has been rigidly enforced for years now. But when the Drama Queen pleaded, "Momma, Mary's not a toy; she's my baby!" "Yeah, Momma, these are our babies, " the others chimed in.

How could I say no to that? And I must say, they are doing a phenomenal job taking care of their "babies." :)

Enjoy taking care of your babies, little ones, and not so little ones today! And don't forget to join in on the fun tomorrow for "Found It Friday." The inspiration for tomorrow's Found It Friday is "summer picnic." I look forward to seeing all of your lovely finds, especially in time for a 4th of July picnic this weekend! My "Found It Friday" post will be up by midnight PST tonight so you will have plenty of time to create your post and link up. Thanks!

Wordless Wednesday - The Big Reveal

some dear friends who are expecting a baby this summer had a gender reveal party this past week. We all (including the happy couple!) found out that they are having a girl! when he cut into the surprise cake. So fun!

more wordless fun at 5 Minutes for Mom...

This New Thing called Motivation

So, I have been suddenly seized this week with an intense desire to get my home super organized, to be better at daily schedules, and to get my general life in order.  No small task indeed!  I figured that since I was already doing ALL that, I might as well catch up on my blog and begin posting more regularly to it.  :)  We shall see...

Apparently a lot has happened in my life since I last posted.  I am now juggling three small children and the housework, so it is safe to assume that my life has gotten a lot crazier.  Gabi Sue is now almost three years old. Not only is she potty training, but she is also learning to talk back to her mother.  Of course we are encouraging the former and retraining in the latter!  She is constantly amazing me with her life observations and sharp memory.  David is at 19 months a bruiser.  I call him my "chunky monkey" because his is just that - a chubby troublemaker!  Never before have I encountered a child that could get into so much mischief and then try to charm his way out of trouble.  Michael is still figuring out life, as he is only three months old and would love to be constantly attached to his mother.  Life is good!

People always told me that adding number three would be a lot easier than adding number two, but I am not so sure about that.  I only have two arms after all!  Naturally the hardest thing is giving each child the attention they need every day.  Oh that , and keeping them all on the same scehdule!  Right now they are supposed to be napping.  David, bless his little heart, is sound asleep.  Gabi issinging at the top of her lungs some song she must have learned at library storytime, and Michael is crying for his mommy.  

So, gotta go.  I have dinner to make and a baby to soothe.  

- Jeanette