Sunday

Today was another busy day for us! Sundays are long, but fun days! Today I was very busy. Usually with being co-director of the nursery during Sunday School I work on maintance type stuff and check on the classes. Today one of Colby's teachers though were out so I offered to work in his class. I enjoyed working with him but I think he acted out more with me in there. I was in Sunday School teacher from the time he was 8 months old until 2 1/2. I am so thankful he has other teachers now! Like I said I enjoyed being with him but I think he listens and learns better when mommy is not around. I think he enjoyed it though. He's been a little more clingy lately...I think he's trying to soak up the attention that his sister gets. I think he really liked having me in there. It was fun to see him interacting with the other children. I also had extended care today so I was really busy. Well I had signed up to work with either babies or older kids. I used to work with the toddlers but now that is a big class and it just wears me out so much and when i have to come home to my 2 I hate being exausted when I get home. The older ones are tiring too but not quite as physically demanding. We had 4 kids in our class today. We ended up taking them out on the playground. The toddler class went out there too. With both classes combined I think we had about 7 or 8 kids. It was busy! I got to visit with Tammy though who is Glenn Paul's mom. I feel like I am always in such a rush at church with the 2 kids I never get to talk to her so it was nice to visit with her some! Again I am thankful for the opportunity to serve. I realize what a blessing it is to have your kids be safe and happy while I sit in church so I know even though its tiring and I was with my own child that its a form of worship. Lindsay did great in her class...poor baby I think is exausted though. She had 2 full days. We did our usual lunch at McAlister's and both kids did really well. We came home and now they are both napping which is great for mommy! Now we are just very excited that Austin will be home with us for the next 3 days!

Max's Birthday Party

Today Colby and I had a really fun day together! We were invited to Max's 4th Birthday party at City Park. I am sure you have gathered by reading that Max is Colby's best buddy. They have been in preschool the last 2 years together. We also live close by and the boys hang out and carpool together! His mom did a small family party at City Park but she included Colby which I thought was so sweet. Colby was VERY excited about this special day. I knew it would be a long, busy day so we left Lindsay with my parents. I hate people don't see her out a lot but its just easier and more fun to focus on events like this with Colby. Plus I want them to always feel special and take them to their own events. So this was Colby's special day. We left our house before 9 am and dropped Lindsay off with my parents. We got to the park around 9:30. We found our friends. They were hanging out on the grassy lawn part of City Park across from Storyland. They went ahead and did cake & presents there. The kids had a blast running around in the grass and playing on the swings! After we got the party scene cleaned up we went in Storyland. The kids enjoyed running around. Colby is now learning the nursery rhymes and recognized most of them! He was reciting them also! His favorite part is still the firetruck though. This is where he spent most of his time! Once the ride part opened up the kids wanted to go there. Colby was very excited. He has only been to this part a couple times. Its also always been during Christmas when its SO crowded you can barely move. The kids all got wrist bands so they could ride everything as much as they wanted. We hit the train first. I was happy about this b/c we have tried to ride that train a couple times. Colby was a little antsy about waiting at first. Once we got on though he had a blast! He, Max, and Bella all rode in the very back on a row by themselves! Its so cute to see him getting bigger and doing things alone with friends. Its also bittersweet though! After the train Colby, Max, and Bella went to ride the little kid rides. I think they rode them all. Once again it was so cute to see him riding all these things with friends. He had rode a couple of them before but its been about a year and half! He was having the time of his life! We finally got them to slow down enough to eat lunch. Colby and I ate with Bella and her parents. They both had hotdogs and shared a thing of french fries! So adorable! After lunch they wanted to ride the carousel so we did that. Then I told Colby he could pick 1 more ride and then we were going to go home. It was approaching 1 by that time and I knew we needed to get back home and pick Lindsay up plus I knew he was getting tired! Well he chose the Ferris Wheel. I was shocked that he chose something so big! But he wanted to ride it! I remember loving this ride when I was his age. My dad used to take me to City Park when I was his age and we would always ride that! Well he LOVED it! He wasn't scared at all. He got the biggest kick out of it! It was special for me to share that with him something I did as a child and now reliving it with my own! After that we left to go home. It was a great party! I am so thankful for his friend Max and their family. They are such good people and fun to be around. I know Colby feels safe with them too and I would totally leave him with anyone of them if I ever needed to! Its nice to know people like that! Well poor Colby was so tired he sacked out in the car like the minute we got going. I knew he had to be exausted! Once we got to my parent's house though he woke up. We visited with them for awhile while Lindsay ate. It was nice getting to cool off for a bit. We came home and I put Lindsay int he swing to nap and turned on a show for Colby. I figured this way I could get a few house work things done and then relax myself! I was halfway done in the kitchen when Austin called and said he was on his way! So excited! It was good for him to get home early b/c I was exausted. He and Colby worked in the yard so it was nice to get that quiet time. We came in and ate pizza then he and Colby went back out to swim. After that it was baths and bedtime for the kids! We are all exausted tonight! It was a very fun, busy day but now mommy needs some sleep! We have another busy day ahead at church!

The Looong Week

Well this week hasn't been bad...just LONG! Austin went back to work on Monday and he isn't off until either Sunday or Monday of this coming week so that's a long stretch that I pretty much have to play single mom to 2 small children. The kids have been good so I can't complain and I know Austin is working hard so that I can stay home and be a mommy so not really complaining its just been a tiring week. We are back in full gear of school and regular activities. Colby went to school Monday. Lindsay and I just always come home after dropping him off. Its easier to get stuff done during that time. Plus until she can sit up in shopping carts or walk I feel bad running errands since she spends about an hour in her carseat with just getting Colby to school. We leave at 8:30 and we get home around 9:30 if we don't make any stops. I enjoy the time to just focus on her and housework. Austin got home around 8 that night which made for a long day for this momma but like I said the kids were good so we managed. I just hate that we don't see Austin much on weeks like this. He was able to bathe and put Colby to bed that night which helps. Plus Colby misses him so much!
Tuesday my parents picked up Colby. They like to spend 1 day a week with him anyway but it also really helps me out. I usually do it on my grocery shopping days. He doesn't really enjoy grocery shopping with me anymore anyway. Its also a good day for me to get housework done and just relax. They took him to McDonald's for breakfast then to the park, flower shop, and the levee. They then played at their house until late that afternoon. He usually doesn't take naps over there anymore so he comes back good and tired. I am glad he gets a special day like that too b/c right now with Lindsay being on a pretty strict eating every 3 hours and napping schedule its hard for me to take him as many places as we used to. He got home around 4:45 then we pretty much waited on Austin to get home. I feel bad b/c 2 nights in a row I feel like I have given Colby a crappy dinner. He ate mac n cheese Monday night with pudding then last night he had "alphabet soup" and yogurt. I guess there are worse things but I hate to cook a big meal when Austin works late. Its cold by the time he gets home plus then we have to stay up cleaning up the mess so I usually cook something simple for Colby then Austin picks up dinner for the 2 of us on the way home. Its not the best situation but its what works right now. I once again did the bathing for Lindsay and putting her to bed but Austin was home in time to help with Colby which is a HUGE help!
 (Wednesday) Colby had school again. Once again Lindsay and I came home. This afternoon after their naps we will probably walk and enjoy the pretty weather. We are praying Austin gets home earlier. This way maybe we can atleast eat as a family....not sure I will cook unless he leaves before 6 or we can maybe even go out to eat like last week. The kids have been great this week. I think Colby can tell when I am stressed and need his help so he has been a big boy. Lindsay did not nap at all yesterday. I tried putting her down twice. I was able to get a few minutes of quiet time and then after Colby woke from his nap we took our snack outside which he loves! It was nice to have a few quiet moments with him. She was soon awake though so we had to come in. We didn't end up going for a walk and now I wish we had b/c I feel like that always helps our moods! We were all grumpy by the time Austin got home which wasn't until 7. I was stressed with Lindsay not napping...I was stressed b/c I feel like poor Colby has been looking for his daddy to play with him all week...I have had to feed him crap well week! Once again he ate mac n cheese for dinner and once again we ate dinner from a bag! I hate this and I hate this type of life! Its ok one or two times a week but 3 days in a row is too much from me. Plus he only had 1 day off the week before and then his last 2 days off we spent traveling! I think we are all just ready for a break! I hate when we don't have family time. Plus his 14 hour work days are 14 hour work days for me as a single mom and its hard work!
Thursday we didn't have much planned. I try to have one low key day a week. We did have to run to Target though and get 2 b-day presents for parties Colby is invited to Saturday. Since we will be staying home most of the day I feel like it will be another long day. I am praying hard that Austin will come home early so that it will give Colby some extra attention and playtime. I feel bad that I can't pay as much attention or play outside like he likes me to with Lindsay. Right now with her schedule we have to stay indoors more and it stinks it really does! I am grateful for my time at home though and even these stinky days though! I love spending time with them. Even when I am in a bad mood they usually do something that makes me smile or laugh and I love that! Well the kids took ok naps...Lindsay slept from about 11:30 until 1:30...I woke Colby up around 1:45 just b/c I figured he had been asleep since noon and since Lindsay was up he might as well join the fun! Well we played for a bit inside then we took a walk. Walks are like my sanity saver! It gets out the house...Colby loves exploring the neighborhood and seeing certain "landmarks" and Lindsay loves just looking around in the stroller. She seems to like her walks like brother. Its funny b/c we have been walking for 3 1/2 years and Colby knows every house and vehicle around our block! After our walk we came back in to cool off. I felt bad b/c Colby watched a lot of tv today...I mean in the scheme of things he doesn't watch much tv at all especially when we are busy but today with being home mostly and having to stay inside more with Lindsay I let him watch several shows. I feel like his brain starts to turn to mush though so we finally turned off the tv and went back to his room to play and color. He seemed to enjoy that 1 on 1 attention! Finally around 4:45 Austin called and said he was on his way home! I was so thankful! I feel like these last 3 days have been so long I felt the need for family time. He came home we cooked spaghetti! I was so ready for a homemade meal and for us to sit at the table. I hate when we eat so much takeout and eat in the den in front the tv...I think thats ok once or twice a week but I hate when it becomes a nightly event! So it was nice to have a real dinner. After dinner Colby wanted to swim in our little pool so Austin took him out. He has needed some extra attention this week and tonight I feel like he got it. I feel so bad when Austin works a lot b/c Colby takes it really hard. He is such a daddy's boy these days that he is so sad when Austin isn't here. Especially when he works long hours like this week so it was good for them to get some bonding time. I cleaned up the kitchen and rocked Lindsay. It was good to have some quiet. Now looking forward to watching tv and unwinding now that the kids are in bed! Tomorrow Colby has school so it will basically be me bringing him to school then coming home and hanging out with Lindsay then him coming home. I am hoping Austin will be home before 6 again and we can have some more family time since he works all weekend!

4 Month Comparisons

Trip to Hattiesburg/Shelbi's B-day Party

Well we have had a good weekend....we made a whirlwind trip to Hattiesburg. Our niece Shelbi had her 8th birthday party yesterday. We always try to go to Hattiesburg in April so we are there around her birthday. The last few years we haven't been able to make her party though. This year we really wanted to try and go since Colby is older and LOVES birthday parties and hanging out with his cousins. Our original plan was to leave Friday when Colby got out of school and come back Sunday morning. That way we would have had a pretty good visit there. It ended up being cut short b/c Austin couldn't get off work Friday. We left early Saturday morning. Both kids did great in the car on the way up there. We only had to make one stop about halfway there b/c Lindsay had a dirty diaper! Once we got to Hattiesburg we went to the apartment to unload our stuff and feed Lindsay before heading out to the party. This year they were hosting the party at their trailer. They don't live there its just an extra place for them on a piece of land. It ended up being a good place for a party though b/c there was more room then in their house. They brought lots of outdoor toys for the big kids to play with. The hardest part about the whole party thing is that it fell right during Lindsay's naptime. She naps from 11:30-2:30 daily. She also takes 2-3 other catnaps during the day but that is her big solid nap. I hated to mess it up especially since she has been napping so great lately. But we knew Colby would have fun and he can easily skip naps now so on we went. I hated I missed out on most of Colby's experiences at the party and the party itself. When we got there Lindsay had fallen asleep in the car but woken up as soon as we got there. I tried to keep her awake until atleast we ate lunch but she was already restless. I tried rocking her but she wouldn't get still with everyone and everything around. Wendi told me there was another rocker in a back room so I brought her back there. She fought it for awhile but finally fell asleep. I couldn't put her down though b/c she would wake up and I would rather he get a solid nap and hold her then try and put her down and her wake up cranky and mad. It wasn't a good nap though since she was in my arms. She would wake up crying and then go back to sleep several times. Finally around 2 when she woke up I decided to go ahead and join the party. At this point I was anxious to see Colby play some so I turned her over to MawMaw to feed her and went outside to watch Colby. His favorite thing was riding their mini 4-wheelers around. There were about 8 other kids at the party. Most of them were girls: a 12 year old, 8 year old, 7 1/2 year old, two 5 year olds, Colby (3 1/2) another 3 year old, and 2 other babies besides Lindsay. I think Colby enjoyed the other kids as well. The other moms and babies also stayed in so I visited with them some. It was hard dealing with Lindsay there b/c there wasn't a good place to put her down other then the back bedroom. I took her back there a couple times just to let her stretch and move around. She is not big on being held and honestly I was tired of carrying her around. We finally left around 3:30. We knew Colby would not be ready to leave then but Lindsay was so tired and we needed to get her back to the apartment. We asked Austin's parents to bring Colby home when they left. He was very excited to stay out there awhile longer. They were probably there a full hour after we left. I think it meant a lot to his family to spend more one on one time with him. Now that he's older we will probably do more like that especially while Lindsay is still so young. If we had not had her with us we would have just stayed a long time with Colby but having a baby means we are tied to feeding/nap schedules. We got back to the apartment and put Lindsay in her bed...I didn't think she would sleep but atleast it would give her some alone time...I think after being around a very stimulating environment like that and being held babies need a cool down time. She didn't sleep and was still very cranky. Well after she ate she finally passed out and I was able to even lay her down in her bed while we ate. Austin's parents brought Colby back to the apartment so we picked up sandwhiches and ate in. We knew the kids would be too tired to drag anywhere else that night. Soon after dinner it was bathtime. Since this was just our 2nd trip traveling with both kids we had never put them in a room together. The first trip we made Lindsay was only 6 weeks old and still waking up in the middle of the night....now that she is a full night sleeper we felt it would be ok to put her and Colby in a room together. I was a little worried how it would go that they might keep each other up but they did great. Lindsay slept a full 12 hours and Colby went to bed around 8:15 and slept until 6:45. Even his getting up a few times didn't seem to bother her. I still didn't sleep well I guess worrying about the 2 of them. Well we were up early with Colby climbing in our bed at 6:45 so we went ahead and started getting dressed and packed up. We knew we wanted to head home early so that we would have a full day back at home. Austin has to go back to work for a full week. We left the apartment by 9. Both kids were once again excellent in the car. Colby watched Cars 2 on the way home and Lindsay slept and played. Once we got home we unpacked and ate lunch and all took naps. Lindsay didn't sleep great though. We got out this afternoon and all took a family walk now we are looking forward to some family time hanging out tonight before we crank up another week! Looks like we have a busy week coming up but it'll be fun!

A Run Down of our Week

So this week we have gotton back into a routine somewhat. We were anxious to get back to real life after Colby being out of school for a week and a half and spending that ENTIRE time sick with the flu! Well Austin was off Monday so we started off the week on a great note! Colby went back to school. His friend Max came over early that morning to ride with us. Colby enjoyed eating a pancake breakfast with his best friend and then riding to school with him. He loved having someone to play with before heading out to school. Austin stayed home with Lindsay so I was able to concentrate on the big boys! After coming home I just hung out with Lindsay then Austin went back to pick Colby up at noon. We ate lunch then everyone took great naps! We are all still a little tired after getting over the flu! That afternoon we just spent time as a family which was wonderful!
Tuesday my parents came to pick up Colby and spend the day with him. They usually do this once a week especially when our house cleaner comes. It helps me out not having 2 kids around while she is trying to work especially Colby who pretty much messes up as she cleans. Plus I had to go to Target and I try to avoid taking both on errands unless I have to. So Lindsay and I got out and went to Target. She has been so sweet lately! She's the easy child! After Target I just came home and worked on some housework and things on the computer. It was nice to have the break from Colby but I always miss him.
Wednesday Colby had his field trip to the zoo which I already blogged about. We had such a great time. That night we ate out at Trashy Mexican. I feel like we have been going out more lately. We used to never go out at night when Colby was a baby. It seemed so hard back then but honestly Lindsay is so much easier then her bro. Its Colby we have issues with. She just sits in the carrier and looks around. Even though its work going out with them both its easier then messing up the kitchen some nights so we make the best of it!
Thursday I had a hair appt. I had this scheduled last week while Colby was out of school but had to cancel since we were all sick. It had been since January that I had a cut and highlite. I was glad to have some "me" time. It was refreshing to get away with no kids! My parents came over to watch them both at our house. I am so thankful for in town grandparents! There is no way I could have brought either with me! I was there 2 hours! I enjoyed visiting with the hairdresser and just enjoying not having to take care of a little one for the moment! We all rested this afternoon then Austin came home early so we could take Colby to see the big ships in town for Navy Week. He's been wanting to do this all week and we figured today would be the only chance. It was going to be tough though with everyone's schedules but we were determined to make it work. He came home early and we all got dressed to go. We made plans to ride the ferry and see the boats from there then ride back home. It would have been nice to get on the boats but we knew that was not feasible with Lindsay. Plus at that time of evening we knew it had to be quick. Well we got to the ferry and waited about 45 minutes before getting on. Right when we were about to get on the ferry we were rear ended in line. So aggravating! The lady was so mean about it too! So we never made it to the boats. Colby handled it well and we parked and walked him up to the levee but you couldn't see much. So we spent 2 hours in line and all that to have to rush home pick up food and hurry in to put 2 kids to bed. Not fun but at the same time no how blessed we are. No one was hurt the van was hardly damaged and we have 2 healthy kids! I hate though that Colby didn't get to experience that but there will be other "cool" things for him to do in his lifetime! So that's our week...tomorrow Colby goes to school. I plan to come home with Lindsay I feel like we have been out a lot this week so I am looking forward to some quiet time at home. Then we will pack up for our 1 night trip to Hattiesburg this weekend!

Colby's Field Trip to the Zoo

Colby had another field trip this week. This was by far his biggest field trip! His preschool went to the zoo! This week they are studying about the Zoo at school so how appropriate that they went! Colby has enjoyed telling me about animals all week and was so excited to go! He has been wanting to go back to the zoo since we last visited in January. This was something I had hoped to do with him last week so I was so excited Monday when I learned their field trip would be today. We all met up at the school first. We dropped Lindsay off at my parent's house for the day. I have been wanting to take her too and we probably will when Austin is off but I wanted this day to be about Colby. I know I would have been really distracted with her. We met at school and decided who would ride with who. I didn't have to take anyone with me this time but we all caravaned over to the zoo together. We got there a little early so we had to wait in line...we were with all his friends though so that was ok. Once we got in we got all the kids together and the teachers told us the game plan. They wanted the kids to see the typical "zoo" animals: elephants, bears, tigers, lions, giraffes, zebras, etc. So that is what we did! We started with the elephants which all the kids loved! Colby really didn't care about the other animals! He was a little antsy b/c we didn't do the usual stuff...well usually when we go to the zoo we let him choose what he wants to do. He finally got with it by the time we headed to see the giraffes. He really loved running around Monkey Hill with his friends. I loved watching them...so carefree and having so much fun! I thought all the kids really behaved well considering. It was a long morning and I was tired so I know those kids had to be tired b/c we walked a LONG way. He like always really enjoyed about the last hour. It seems like it always takes him about an hour to get with the program and start having fun and that's how it was today. I loved seeing the little interactions between his friends. I am so thankful for a wonderful school, teacher, and classmates. So far his 2 years of preschool have been amazing! This is my prayer for him through life that he will always love school and learning! At the end of the trip they had an animal cracker and water break. I think the kids were worn out! When they started leaving some kids were going back to school and others were staying at the zoo or going home. Colby asked me if we could ride the carousel. I couldn't tell him no especially not knowing when we might get back. He was so happy about that! After that I told him that was it and we would go eat lunch. We chose to eat at McAlister's since that is our "usual" stop on the way home. He did really well...he's always so polite when he and I go out alone. We even ran into some of his friends there! It was a great day! I really enjoyed the time alone with him. I will always treasure these school outtings and so thankful I can attend them. I know what its like to be the teacher and how much you appreciate involved parents. After lunch we picked up Lindsay and came home to rest. I think all 3 of us were exausted. Colby took about a 20 min snooze in the car so he never did nap again at home but I did make him lay down and rest just to give me a break!

Tonight when Austin got off work we went to Trashy Mexican for dinner. I enjoy going out the 4 of us. Lindsay did great she's so much easier then her bro right now. He was mean the first half of dinner and Austin had to take him to the bathroom. I think he was hungry b/c he improved after eating. He's just such a handful right now. I keep telling myself this too shall pass. But right now I feel like 3 is the hardest age! We pray every day for the right ways to deal with him and get through this stage. I just want him to grow up to love the Lord and be a gentleman. Well we are looking forward to the rest of the week. So happy to be well again and enjoying life!