1 + 4 = Tired

(((Yawn))) I'm tired. I've been forcing early morning workouts lately. I'm not bragging. Just reminding myself that I am doing this when I re-read it again someday. It's totally worth it to get up and get that out of the way first thing (especially when I have time to shower too). But I won't lie; I'm beat at the end of the day. But then again, that may be all about these boys I am chasing around. One and Four are no joke.

I have to say, Nathan as a four year old (as tiring as he can be) has been better than threes. He is suddenly so grown up! I met with his preschool teacher a few weeks ago and of course he got stunning golden reviews (like at Gigi's!). I told Miss Christy (his teacher) that it sounds like a totally different kid. This is not unusual. I decided to force my little golden child to do more of the things he does at school and he's been doing more on his own. This can be good and bad but mostly good.

For starters, Nathan enjoys the shower more than a bath lately. He will go into our shower, start it, get in and wash himself. Occasionally he will even get out on his own without threats and warnings. He has been getting up to pee at night (accompanied by random cries and squeals but let's focus on the good stuff here). When I was told he is totally wiping his own butt at school I put my foot down at home and guess what - the kid is a good butt wiper. (One down, one to go) He can get dressed on his own, gets water from the fridge, and sometimes his own snacks (which is where it can be less a good thing). The other day Leo must have told him to get him some tea (perhaps joking?) and then I found Nathan at the fridge, glass mug in hand, filling it with water to start some tea. (Yes, countertop climbing was involved here) We went for a walk today and Nathan was determined to cross the street on his own, assuring me he could look both ways (which he did non-stop the whole way across the street). He can turn the TV on and off. Put on his shoes and socks. Clicks in his own seat belt. He is quite the independent child when he wants to be. And thank goodness. Because the other one is obviously not.

Benny on the other hand is all over the place. A busy, climbing, curious, expressive little person. He is a copy cat (which is tough when big bro can do it all). He is a runner. He would be a weeble wobble, but really the kid does fall. All the time. His head is developing that tough shell that Nathan has though. His bumps and bruises heal quickly and he is easy to distract for the most part. Think food. The kid is non-stop. He is really funny. He knows when he is being silly or bad and giggles and runs away. He loves to climb on the bench in my office and look out the window. He plays with the shoes by the front and often tries to put them on. He continues to sleep well at night, though we are challenged with one nap or two. None is never an option. Benny is whiny for sure. But like I said, food or mommy is likely to cure him. Or Nathan. He is always laughing at the things Nathan does, even when I'm trying to get Nathan to stop the annoying thing that Benny is laughing at.

Right now it's hard to do things with them. Nathan wants to go, go, go and so does Benny. But Benny can't go without me. But Nathan has already taken off while I'm putting on shoes, changing a diaper, preparing a bag, etc. I feel like I'm often behind trying to keep up. I try to go out and do things with them but this is often stressful. Then again, being at home often is too. Demand after demand, mess after mess. The witching hour is often my breaking point and I sometimes really can't wait for Benny to be entertained by TV as easily as Nathan is. By dinnertime I need that virtual babysitter help! By bedtime I'm cooked.

As hectic as it all is, of course it's all good. I get out to enjoy friends often and so does Leo. Tonight he is out playing poker and Uncle Matt has gone along with him. That means a little Jen-Time. A book? A movie? Maybe early bed time!

Revolving Door

How is it the middle of April and how do I cover what I have missed when I didn't even know I missed it? Well, let's back track. Today is a beautiful spring day. I mean gorgeous! Except for the pollen. That stuff is nasty and we are at the thick of it. But that soon will dissolve in the spring rains and we will have the wonderful spring colors left behind. (And cicadas apparently. That's a whole other thing to look forward to. Ick!) Despite the pollen it was a nice morning to get up, dressed and do some family photos. My wonderful friend Carrie did them for us and even though I asked for a couple different various shots, I'm really hoping to just get one good one. Just one! It's not a lot to ask until you have a family of your own that squirms, runs, and does whatever they want.

This past week was back to our usual - play dates, preschool, stuff around the house. I am thankful for routine since the previous week was anything but. Since Nathan was off school for a week and my mother was taking a trip up to NY, we decided last minute to go with her. Until very last minute when we had a terrible night of sleep and I developed chills, fever, aches and a cough overnight. That did it for me and I decided it was best to not go. We were all disappointed and Nathan begged to go to Pop's house all week after that. But being in the car and then caring for the boys alone would not have been ideal.

Just when we were getting used to not going, Joanne's mother passed and I was suddenly planning to go to NY after all for the services. Poor Leo was prepared for a week alone and then he was stuck with two boys over the weekend. I was only gone a mere 36 hours though (the longest of my life!) and they survived. Super Daddy had it covered and I was able to be with family. I flew up and drove back with my mom. I was glad for the chance to pay my respects and even a little time without the boys. but I was super glad to be home. (11 hours in the car. So. Not. Fun.) That entire week was boring, uncertain, painful and unusual. I'm glad it is behind us. My only regret is that our anniversary went by without much fanfare. But Leo knows I love him and how wonderful the last six years have been. We'll have to make up for it next year!

Before that we were dealing with a very cold March and trying to pass time inside. It has since changed, as I mentioned, and we spent lots of time outside this week, much of it in water. The small pool and sprinkler have already been set up in the front a few times this week and I expect the rest of the summer to be similar. Nathan loves the water and spent hours playing with the hose the other day. He rarely stays interested in anything for long so this is a wonderful discovery! Benny was not as interested and was rather annoyed when I tried to get him involved in water play. He likes to put rocks and chalk and whatever else he can find, in and out of buckets and bowls. I don't know how this will turn out when the pool opens. It's always a new adventure with each changing season and each changing stage for the boys. It keeps me on my toes, that is for certain.

This week G'pa Truck, Kerri and boys were here for a visit. And friend Mario came down for a day to hang too. It's a revolving door I tell ya!