Beer Please!

Today we met with our photographer to get baby photos of Preston, some family shots, and a few pics of just the kids. I don't know what I was thinking when I thought everything would go smoothly....

It started off with me running late because I couldn't keep the house straightened for our cleaning lady because tornado Bennett was in full force destroying all in her path. When I finally got everyone outside and in the car I couldn't tighten Bennett's carseat straps. I had evidently pulled them out too far the last time, so they weren't tightening correctly. Steve walked me through it over the phone, and then we finally arrived at her studio, 5 minutes late. Of course neither child was in the mood to be photographed (though they were both in good moods when we left the house), so it took all that I had to exercise my patience. Now all I have to do is pray that she worked some miracles and got a few good ones between the tears, drool and sweat (mine of course).

On our way home I ran through McDonald's for a quick lunch for Bennett and me. You see I had foolishly scheduled both kids' doctor's appointments for 1pm today (during Bennett's naptime). What WAS I thinking??? So we got home and ate, I fed Preston and then we headed back out. Today was Preston's 2 month check-up and Bennett's 18 month (hard to believe how time flies)! Preston weighs 13 lbs 6 oz (90th percentile) and is 23 inches long (75th percentile), while Bennett weighed in at 24 lbs 9 oz and was 32 inches long (50th percentile for both)! Preston is hitting all of his 2 month milestones: tracking objects, smiling, he has found his hands, coos, and is finally sleeping a little longer at night (4-6 hours). Bennett is doing well too and can identify most body parts, point to almost any animal that you name, can speak over 20 words, runs, feeds herself (sometimes even with silverwear) and can follow commands (when she wants to). So, according to our pediatrician we should be very happy. However, after they each got their vaccination and were both crying...I was ready to get out of there in a hurry and get home and have a beer!

Of course I promised Steve that I would never drink during the day, so I had to wait until he got home from work to crack open my corona light. Phew.... I guess in the future, I will have to act like an old person and only schedule one major thing a day. You know how they say they are busy all day because they have a 30 minute dentist appointment? I guess that is how I will have to be too!

More Changes

This week was another big week for us. I decided to resign from my job and my career that I have had for the past 12 years. It wasn't easy, but I know it was the right decision. Since being at home with my children this maternity leave, things have changed for me. I have loved the time I have spent with my children, and I have realized that the time with them is more valuable than any career. So I pulled the trigger on Tuesday.

This week seems like maternity leave still (since I was only back at work for one day), but I know it will seem more and more like my new job as the weeks pass. I look forward to the daily challenges of running this family and making sure that everything goes smoothly. However, I do plan to work part-time. In fact I have already spoken to a company about doing work from home. I will keep you posted as that develops.

In the meantime, Bennett and I did a little bonding yesterday. After her morning shower, I decided to give her a pedicure. Surprisingly she sat down long enough for me to clip and paint her toenails (and wait for them to dry). She watched patiently while I did the first foot, but grew a little bored with the second foot. Though it wasn't a perfect paint job (since her nails are so small), it is still cute.

Halloween 2008!

I hope you all enjoyed your Halloween. This has always been a fun holiday for me, and one that ranks in my top five. However, having young children makes it SOOO much better (like most things in my life now). Before going out Friday, we took a short video of the kids in their costumes.





I know I might be a little prejudice here, but have you ever seen anything so stinking cute as my little monkey and her banana-dressed brother? I don't know about you, but I think Preston is the cutest little banana of any bunch! Bennett honestly is this sweet every time she holds Pres, and I pray that it lasts.



After a few photos, we headed out for a little trick or treating with both kids and Spencer. It was a gorgeous Fall night, clear and slightly cool. Bennett had a great time sticking out her bag and then peering inside to see what was dropped in. She didn't get afraid, and thoroughly loved the people watching.








One of my friends lives a couple of streets over and was hosting an open house, so we walked over. She lives on a street that blocks off all traffic and is just packed with children trick or treating. All of the families on the street really get into Halloween, decorating their homes, having parties and some even setting up haunted houses. The parents load their wagons with adult beverages, and the kids enjoy their candy (fun for the whole family)!



There were hundreds of children on the street (possibly over a thousand). I had no idea that it would be that crowded, because if I had I would have left Spencer at home! See all of kids around Bennett in the photo below, isn't it crazy?

The chaos of the street party made us depart to a less crowded street where we could actually talk and not get bumped into by people. We finally met up with Steve's brother, Louis, Michelle and John Michael at our friend Max's house. He had every Halloween blow-up possible in his yard, and a big M&M character stuffed with Halloween candy that he was distributing to the kids. Bennett loved the M&M (as you can see), so Louis helped her reach in for some candy of her own.

We had intentions of returning home to pass out candy ourselves, but our evening out lasted longer than we anticipated, and we didn't get home until almost 9 pm (way after Bennett's bedtime). Since we are fairly strict about Bennett eating candy, she only was able to sample two pieces of candy (M&Ms and sweet tarts). Fortunately the lack of sugar made it easy for her to fall asleep that night. Me, on the other hand, chowed on all of my favorites in her bag. I have no control with sweets, so I have to get rid of it (or else I will eat it all)! Did I say how much I like Halloween?

Bennett's Halloween Parade

Friday morning Bennett's Mother Day Out program invited all of the kids to attend their Halloween parade and party (even if you don't typically go on Fridays). So, I dropped Bennett off in her costume so she could get ready to parade around with the other kids. Steve and I didn't want to miss it, so we were there too with our camcorder and camera. Unfortunately many of my photos didn't turn out because of the lighting and movement, so we included this short video.

It really was quite sweet seeing all of the children in their costumes. Some were crying, and some were happy. Of course, many of the older kids ran to the bleachers once they caught sight of their parents, so there was mild chaos. Bennett's class and the younger ones were all in mega strollers, so they had no choice but to ride around. Bennett initially was just taking it all in, looking around with her mouth hanging open. However, then she spotted her daddy who was recording the event (and standing), and her face just lit up when he waved to her. It was so darn cute! I just love the fact that she is a huge daddy's girl!

Our Lil Pumpkins

We have been trying to teach Bennett how to say "Trick or Treat" but since it is a little too hard for her (though she tries), we have taught her to say "Boo!" instead. That is what she is saying in this first photo.





























It is hard to believe this lil pumpkin is already 6 weeks old and I have to return to work next week. He is unfortunately not sleeping through the night yet, not even close. In fact to help him we decided to give him one formula bottle at 10-11 pm to fill his belly, although it doesn't seem to be working. In fact, he has become more fussy this past week or so. He really prefers to be held so we are trying to break him of this. At this age Bennett had just started sleeping through the night, so we certainly have a different baby on our hands.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Tonight we headed to the Mizerany's for Big Lou's belated birthday celebration. On the way over, Bennett sported her new sunglasses. She loves them and wore them inside their house for the first 15 minutes (she has become quite the ham).

We all enjoyed a great dinner, and of course...cake and ice cream!