Reality Check

I've been home for 8 weeks now with these two lovely kiddos. I am sleep deprived, often covered in spit-up and only half way through my to-do list. Yet somehow it is time for me to return to work.

Maternity leave with 2 young ones was drastically different for me. Keeping up with the two of them made me look back on my time with Claire as a cake walk. It sure didn't feel like it at the time.

I really tried to focus on being present and enjoy this time, as I knew it was temporary. It's hard to ignore the urge to clean something in the house or check my email or even look at Facebook when I could sneak it. But I did my best to save those activities for downtime when both kids were sleeping. As many parents know, that's not all that often, hence my half done to-do list.

I'm typing this post with Kyle sleeping on my lap, a technique I have perfected over the last 8 weeks:) But today it feels especially nice to have the extra snuggle time. Here are some photo highlights from last week.

We got another big snow, which justified buying boots and snowpants for Claire this year (I was beginning to wonder). Kyle napped while we played in the backyard.

We visited Nana at work so I could shoe shop:) It was a successful trip

We had dance parties in our "princess," as Claire calls it. And she had one last romp in her (old) crib.

We bundled up for a walkAnd bought a balloon at the store after listening to a song called "Balloons Make Me Happy"
Kyle wore pink pajamas because I hadn't done the laundry yet. I think he looks handsome:)
All in all, a good week. Wish me luck tomorrow. I'm sure going to miss these two.

Practice makes Perfect

Lucian has really been concentrating on his photography and learning lighting and retouching techniques. It's been cool to discuss all of these things together, and I think it will help me direct photographers I work with professionally.

He shot a few photos of Claire while they played on the swing set the other day. And on Sunday, we did a session at his office on a black sweep. Both kids were super fussy and difficult and we left feeling frazzled and unsure we captured anything worthwhile. But upon reviewing the images, there are so many great shots! Kids are unpredictable, so I'm glad we can do this as often as we'd like.

Claire in her "princess" pouting about something

We pulled out all the stops, including M&Ms & Justin Bieber music

Claire in my shoes

Me and my babes:)

Be My Valentine

Getting ready for Valentine's Day with Claire this year was so much fun. I thought it would be enjoyable for us to make cookies for the kids at daycare. We had a great time playing with the dough and pouring sugar on them. But I think Claire's favorite part was eating the dough.

Taste-testing

When Lucian dropped her off this morning, everyone wanted their cookie right away. I think they were a big hit.

I also had her make Valentines for Daddy and Spencer. When we were done, she asked "What about Valentines for my friends, Mom?" How could I say no? We whipped up some Valentines for the kids at daycare and sent those for her to hand out today too. We had a great day baking and crafting together. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Little Moments

My sister stopped by yesterday and asked what I did over the weekend. I swear there was never a dull moment, but I couldn't think of what I did other than make it to a hair appt. (the longest I have been away from the kids in 6 weeks). When I look at the photos on my phone, suddenly I remember some highlights. There are these little moments every day where Claire and I discover something fun to do or she says something really sweet or smart or reads me a book from memory and I realize how lucky I am to have this time with my babies. In between naps and errands and diapers we have little moments every day. And they are great.

Kyle napping with his duck

Another batch of cookies:)

Testing out our new double stroller

Getting the mail and paying in the snowPlaying Guitar Hero with the whole family

Life at Home

I am starting to get my head above water. I forgot what the sleep deprivation from caring for a newborn makes you feel like. When Claire was a baby I fantasized about staying at a hotel for a full night's sleep. Those visions have returned.
Kyle had his one month check-up last week. He is doing well and gaining weight. Here are his stats:
Weight: 11lb. 2.5oz. (90%)
Length: 22" (75%)
Head Circumference: 39cm (95%)

We are making the most of our days at home having tea parties, dancing in our princess dresses, making cookies and hanging out. I'm sad that I only have a few more weeks home with the kids and at other times I long for my quiet office.



Claire loves being a big sister and continues to hug, kiss and help out with Kyle.
Aunt Mimi visited on Sunday and we took advantage of the unusually warm Feb. weather. Claire had a great time playing with her on the swing set.

Claire loves to pretend she is catching the bus to go to school. Yesterday she packed up her backpack, put on her boots and grabbed the iPad to head out. Too cute, and a little too real... she looks old enough to go!