Back to work

I am very tired so I’m going to write this blog in a quick list format.

• Went back to work Thursday after 8 weeks off. But I’m only working 2 days a week and some hours from home. It was really good to be back. Even though it is super busy and kinda frantic it still seems like a lighter task that raising two human beings. But it is so tiring!!! I love seeing my coworkers. We’ve had lots of laughs already.
• I’ve actually arrived early at work each day. I am so concentrated on leaving the house on time and getting all three of us ready, that I’m earlier than I ever was – and I’m just getting up at 7:30. That is not bad at all.
• Ella developed a rash and bumps after dinner Thursday night. And as the night progressed more patches appeared. Steve ran her to Redimed while I stayed with the baby. The doctor said it was a hives reaction, from something internal. They were gone the next day. We’ve been trying to figure out what she would have eaten out of the ordinary that day, but can’t come up with much.
• We got Ella in to the preschool we LOVED. And we got the Monday, Wednesday schedule that works great with my work schedule. We are so happy. This place had such good philosophies and was structured but super fun and Ella really wanted to join in the activities when we toured the place. Steve arrived nearly an hour early for the open house and was fifth in line. I had no idea preschool was so cutthroat. Luckily I was able to take off early from work to pick up the girls.
• I’m so glad Steve hasn’t had to travel for his job since the baby has come. We definitely are both needed these days! He does have one coming up though …
• Eva’s sleep is still a mixed bag. Sometimes good – with a feeding around 1 or 2 a.m and a feeding around 5:30, but sometimes she’ll be up for an hour or two in between. I’m trying not to wish this time away … but man, it’s so much more fun when I’m rested.
• OK, speaking of rest, good night!

In the groove

We’ve had a great last couple of days. I think the key is being busy and getting out of the house everyday. I think Ella is at an age where she really needs more stimulation than she gets at home. And I can tell she’s happier too, because she behaves better.

Yesterday we went to storytime at Barnes and Noble, then to a toddler area and lunch. Lots of moms showed up so I had a lot of company and there were a lot of little girls Ella ran and ran with. Today we went to another storytime at the library and Ella was really good. Once she reached over a lady to get a book and said “Excuse me.” The lady couldn’t believe her good manners. I was so proud of her!

During storytime Ella sits right up front and talks more than anyone else. I think she is one of the older ones – it’s for 2-year-olds and she is nearly 3. Anyway, today the teacher read a book about a dog who got a ball for Christmas then asked the kids if any of them got a ball for Christmas. Ella said “No, I did not! Because I am not a dog!”

I went to the gym last night and I am a bit sore. I love it though. Now that I have two kids it’s hard to get any “me” time, so it’s nice to just go out and do something by myself. And all the cardio machines have their own tvs. So I can watch the show I want. Uninterrupted. I did a half hour on the bike just so I could finish watching The Office. Who knew that was the motivation I needed.

Well, I go back to work this week. I’m not dreading it as much as I did with Ella because this time I’m working way less hours, so I’ll still have lots of time with the girls. And they’ll have fun with the other kids. It is more work getting all three of us ready in the morning though. I think I’m going to need like 2 hours to feed them and get us all dressed.

Well, I better get to it … nearly time to get dinner ready.

Good day and nights

Ella just woke up from her nap and Eva is sleeping, but I’ll try to whip out a quick update.

Went to my sister’s work today for a visit at her new office and a quick lunch. Had a fabulous time and had fun talking to her coworkers (hi Stacy!). Stacy assured me that in just 19 years my baby should be sleeping like a log. Wow. And Ella was given all sorts of treats from people she visited, mostly candy, but one embossed seal from a man who didn’t have any. Funny. She liked it though.

Next we headed to Chic Fil A, which is great for kids with their little playroom. And hello, their chicken is delicious. And as Sara pointed out, it’s delightful how they always say “My pleasure” when serving you.

Now we’re home and I was just thinking about how the last two nights of good sleep has given me a whole new happy perspective and I am PRAYING that Eva starts sleeping good every night. Last night I was only up 1 1/2 times and the night before: 0. AWESOME. So, please cross your fingers for me.

P.S. My mom got me a vacuum for my birthday yesterday. I wanted a second one for the upstairs of my house and I am utterly thrilled about it. Is that weird? Or just sad?

What makes me feel better after rough nights with a newborn and a crabby 3-year-old?

New shoes! I bought this Nine West pair today, but in a khaki sorta color. My only regret is that I also didn’t get a pair in black. They’re even cuter in person.