tales from the sales: Back to life, Back to reality!

I keep thinking of that eighties song...Back to Life...Back to Reality, which pretty much summed up the week!

I was worried how the week would end but knew it had to be better than the way it began! Evan came down Thursday night with a stomach bug just in time. Alex had only been home 40 minutes from business trip all week in California before Evan got sick. I felt terrible thinking it was something I cooked, but we soon knew it wasn't my culinary expertise. Saturday night Alex came ill and Sunday morning I had it. Luckily, Emery never got the nasty bug.

Tuesday was my first day back to work and we did great. I didn't sleep well the night before and was oh so tired waking up, but by the end of the week it seemed normal! Now I just have to work in my workouts before the kids wake up. I thought this would be easy to do, but no matter what time I wake up one of them is soon to follow...beginning to think I should just stay in bed as long as possible!

getting ready to go to my 1st day at Apple Lane

Emery did great her first day and it was easier than I expected. For one thing, she's not old enough to know the difference like Evan who was 1 when I went back. Secondly, it wasn't a new job so I was more excited to go back to see everyone. Third, I'd done it before! It didn't keep me from crying (I had packed extra tissues) Alex was great and took Evan to his daycare so I'd have enough time and not feel rushed. It felt good to be ready early and just get to play with the kids and not run around...I'm sure it won't be long before that habit returns ...but the moments together and the relief of arriving on time is well worth the sacrifice of an extra 20 minutes of sleep! Some people who know me...may be surprised that I'd relinquish any amount of sleep...but for my children I'd do anything!

I had so much anticipation Tuesday afternoon I could hardly contain myself. I couldn't get to pick up Emery fast enough and the commute is no more than 7 minutes with traffic (which is usually just a snow plow, semi or street sweeper!) Emery and I went to bed very early that night as she took about 4 catnaps rather than her long naps. I was nervous again Wednesday morning, but only because I was taking both kids to separate places, had a meeting and it was very very cold...bitter cold ( the high was 2 and with the wind it was about 12 below or so). We all did great and suddenly we were back to life!

Our daycare is great and we love it...however, there are two locations. Evan attends the main site, but the infants (under 15 months) are all at the Community College location which is much smaller. Evan could go there too, but his class would be mixed with all ages (3-5 years) rather than just 2-3 year olds. I thought I would mind, but it's nice having the babies in a smaller location (less germs!).

dressed for beach day (he insisted on wearing the bathing suit underneath too!)

Work was great and nice to be welcomed by my coworkers and members! Life is good...now let's get some warm weather! We hoped that beach day would help cure the winter blues, but all was forgotten once you add a hat, mittens, coat and step outside!

Evan has continued to do great with the potty and gets "special treats" when he's gone a certain # of days without accidents. We took him to Walmart to pick a toy out and check out things for his 3rd birthday! He picked out a mini-monster truck that has Superman logo and cape. He calls it the Super Duper Monster Truck and corrects you if you call it Superman. He learned Emery's full name a few days ago at dinner and got it perfectly correct on his own last night! He was dancing around naked before bath (as he usually does) and inspecting all his boyd parts. He's in a stage where he knows Emery and I are girls and Daddy & him are boys. He was showing Alex his belly button & said "See Daddy we have two belly buttons", he continued to other parts of the body...until he looked down and said "See Daddy we have two ...of these things" (let's just say he was talking about the berries of his twig and berries!)" Alex laughed hysterically and said he looked so confused --was it that he didn't know what to call them, or just realized they were there!

Oh, the joys of boys!!

He finally got a haircut yesterday. I love his curls, but his hair is really fine and the cold, dry weather doesn't make for the cute curls he gets in the summer. I know they'll grow back, but he still looks cute and grown up!! I can't believe we are having a 3rd birthday party in just a few weeks!

this 'do is called "The Little Einstein"

Alex ran out early this morning and grabbed some donuts to enjoy on a lazy Sunday morning. He opened the box for Evan to choose and Evan was in complete shock....he just couldn't decide and touched every one of them! Of course, he chose the messiest one --powdered sugar, and it was so cute watching him eat it. He took a bite and said "mmm I like it" do you like these too Daddy? What kind do you have...I want to try...mmm. Mommy you should have the strawberry one...mmm can I try? Mmm.....about 30 minutes later he wanted another on of those things Daddy. Mommy what are they called...oh ...oh yeah donuts...please can I have another white one?! priceless.