The week is over!

This week we didn't have daycare since Leslie went to Mexico for her own spring break adventure. Samantha had preschool and Sofia started with a fever on Tuesday which finally broke early Thursday. Since I'm not currently working, it was an adventure to stay home with Sofia being ill. She did not appreciate having so much mommy time, especially sequestered in our home. I think the combination of not sleeping well from the fever, the constant runny nose, not seeing Leslie and her buds, and Sam being gone led to her extremely loud and long-lasting protests.

Yesterday we hosted a playgroup, which was fun! There were 9 kids running around the house and I personally managed to get a little validation and encouragement from the other moms. I was a bit overwhelmed and as I tried to get Sofie down for a nap, laundry switched, Sam settled down, etc. Once I got Sofie down, I said I was sorry to Sam if I was stressed and her reply put things into perspective to me. Sam looked at me and said, "Someday we'll both learn how to hold it together." It's enlightening when I get things that I say to her and she gives it right back!

Thankfully, Daddy and I got a little break from Nana and Papa as the girls went to their house last night. It is hard to express our gratitude to them as the occasional uninterrupted 7 hours of sleep has a wonderful restorative effect on the human psyche. The birds are singing, the sun is shining and it's a lovely day!



Here is a shot with Nana, Papa, Sam, Daddy, Mommy and Sofia... good times!

The stink is back

Daddy (being the boy that he is) has decided to indoctrinate Sam into the joys of toilet humor. He is the drama king about all things poop-related and constantly telling the girls about how much their poop stinks. At one point, I noticed Sam was becoming self-conscious about it so Daddy and I had a talk about how it can be mortifying for a little girl to stink, especially since she seemed to think it was just her. We had to have many discussions with her about how every one's poop stinks. (Notice the life lesson?) Since then we've returned to a degree of silliness about the subject.

One recent day...

Sam (giggling): "Does my poop stink?"
Dad (incredulous) "No, I think you lost your stink!"

She then decided to alert Nana and Papa about this sudden change with phone calls and updates. They of course reciprocated by asking if her stink had come back.

We have confirmation even with Daddy's allergies - the stink is back. Upon receiving the confirmation, Sam said, "Sofie's butt said, 'Here you go Sammy, you can have your stink back'". That is a direct quote from Sam that I'm sure we'll use to torture her when she's a teenager!

Mornings and changes

Now that I'm not working mornings have become much less stressful. I still need to be presentable, but I'm not gone the whole day so it's different. Daddy still helps to get the kids dressed, but I make breakfast for both girls and we start our day together. Now we walk to the car instead of me rushing them because punctuality was like an impossible dream with 2 small children. Basically, I'm much more relaxed. There is always a bright side and one example is that I'm able to contentedly sigh in the morning, grateful for my family instead of silently cursing the clock while trying to get everyone where they need to go.

Every morning Sam asks what I'm going to do now that I don't have an office to go to. I explain that I'm trying to find a new office and that it might take awhile. I tell her all the other things that I'm doing like cleaning up the yard (an entire season of Fonzie's left overs can be overwhelming), cooking (yikes, but no one has been harmed yet) and cleaning out closets, etc. She seems to be very curious about how things are changing and I'm trying to be the best example I can be on coping with change, staying calm and as sane as I can be!

Doesn't she look sweet? Sam is unbelievably bright and I am so proud of her!

On another note, Sofia slept in her crib all night! She woke up 3 times, but we didn't cave and bring her into our room. Daddy and I have discussed with Sam that Sofie may be crying a lot at night and if she wants to sleep elsewhere, she can. (She has elected to stay in her room.) I'm expecting an intense battle tonight, but if nothing else last night went well!

Aren't sleeping babies precious?

Here is to a restful night for all of us!

St. Louis visit

We took a mini-vacation to visit relatives in St. Louis and as usual had a great time! Sam started asking to see Antie and Uncie shortly after they came up for Sofia's 1st birthday last November and we were more than happy to accommodate her. We love them and miss them already!


This time we flew instead of driving. I think we were a little skittish at the thought of at least 7 hours in the car with Sofia. We didn't have any major issues flying down and had some delays returning. Sam is a champ and likes to fly. She knows the drill and listens pretty well. Sofia is an active toddler who doesn't appreciate the need to stay still. Luckily she slept more than she screamed each flight. Both Daddy and I were exhausted once we got home, but it was worth it!


The weather in St. Louis was gorgeous so we finally got some outside time! We went to parks, a puppet show followed by a carousel ride, enjoyed time with Uncle Bob and Aunt Sherry and their family and even managed to get to a Purim carnival! In other words, we just relaxed.



Here's a video of the girls playing with Brooke, a favorite playmate of Sam's whenever we're there.

As soon as Sofie was released at Antie and Uncie's house, she discovered the fireplace in the great room and tried to hide in it! Thankfully they still have lots of baby proofing items, so that was locked immediately. Their poor dog Sophie was a little confused by us talking to Sofie... well, we all were from time to time. The dogs handled our brood well though as always. Sam had a ball playing with them and both kids enjoyed the dog's kennel! Sam also learned the game of ping pong which was awesome!





Antie and Uncie: We love you so much!

Sam's reaction to Mommy not working

My position was eliminated from my company a few weeks ago. "Momma's office" is closing. Daddy and I haven't made any changes to the girl's routines yet, but we've explained that "Momma's office" is no longer the office I work at when she's at school. I told her that I go home to look for work and I spend my time job-hunting. She's 4, so she doesn't get it but it's sweet. Last week on the way to school, she asked if I was going home to look for a job. I think she's taking it literally, like I'll find a job under the couch or something. Sam has noticed a lot of changes in our house like me cooking dinner, making breakfast and doing the shopping. These were all Daddy's area when I was working. I try to talk about the adjustments we are making, but there are so many unknowns that it's difficult to articulate. The strangest thing about this so far is that I'm much busier than I was when I was working!

Sofie is oblivious as is expected for a toddler and is as cute as ever!