Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Changes

Well, so far 2011 has been a crazy year, to say the least. In January I gained a nephew and lost a grandmother. What a rollercoaster of emotions! It has been a rough time, but we're thankful for the sweet new baby!

The kids were sick a lot, and Jay's schedule was always changing. Winter seemed never-ending.

It seems like things might finally be settling down though. Last month, Jay started working 2nd shift, and we started the kids in part-time daycare instead of full days. Jay is home with them in the mornings, and takes them in to daycare around 11:15. This gives him a couple hours of downtime before work (he works 3-11:30pm). The kids spend the afternoon at daycare, and I pick them up after work (by 4:15) and then have them in the evenings on my own. So far it's been working out pretty well. The downside is that Jay and I don't really see each other during the week. The upsides are that the kids get to see us both (sometimes before they wouldn't see Jay all week depending on his schedule), and we are saving quite a bit in daycare costs. It's been very strange not having to get them ready every morning before work. Kind of nice to be able to 'sleep in' a bit, and still get to work on time or earlier than I used to! We see this as a temporary situation, but so far, so good!

I've been attempting to lose a few pounds. I never lost all of my pregnancy weight after having Mara. I gained a bit less with EJ and it came off without me really doing much...but then I was still holding on to the weight from Mara. It's a slow process, but I'm hopeful I can get it off and be a bit more healthy. Before my wedding, I had lost weight doing Weight Watchers, but I don't have the time or money to do that program, so I'm attempting to just count calories on my own, and get some quick workouts in when I can. Hopefully I can stay motivated!

My baby boy turned ONE on March 16th. I can't believe how fast his first year went! He is such a little BOY now. He is running around, climbing, babbling, pointing, waving, and eating us out of house and home! He switched from bottle to cup and formula to milk without batting an eye, which was SO different from the war Mara started with us over that transition! He loves eating and loves pushing cars and trucks around. He is starting to really like reading books with us too. He is still quite a drama queen about things though. He's more needy than Mara was. She was always very independent. EJ needs more reassurance that we're there, and has been known to throw himself on the ground crying if he feels like we're not giving him what he needs at any given moment! But his grin could melt icebergs! He's a sweetheart.

Mara is almost three and driving us nuts. I say that with love, but it's true! She questions everything, pushes EJ around, and refuses to nap at daycare. She's also hilarious and smart. Too smart for her own good, most of the time. She keeps us on our toes, for sure. She loves playing outside and reading books, and is also a big fan of cars and trucks. She loves arts and crafts. And fruit snacks. ;)

It seems like winter is finally winding down (knock on wood!) and I'm hopeful that spring and summer with be calm and quiet times for our family! Well, calm and quiet might be too much to ask...

1 comment:

Andrea said...

Now that you've given us an update (finally!), I hope this means you're going to continue posting!! =-)