You know you're a Mom when...

-you recite kid-movie lines in convo's with your husband.  on date night. 

-you wipe snotty noses with your bare hand. then wipe your hand on your own pants. (snot is nothing compared to the other bodily fuctions you come in contact with daily!)

-the pharmacy grabs your prescriptions when they see you Krogering...they don't even ask your name anymore.  in fact they ask you how Ty or Ace is doing and to see pictures if they aren't with me!

-your desktop calendar resembles a color coded rainbow for the "family calendar" so you can try to have some sort of order to your life.

-your favorite i-phone app's are baby flash cards and ifarted because, well...it's all about educating the kiddos.  and...making them laugh!

-your purse resembles a Mary Poppins' bag.  there's NO TELLING what you'll find in there.

-you haven't went to the bathroom by yourself in months unless you're at work

-you can't remember the last time you showered without 2 little curious eyes staring at you through the glass shower doors

-the only cardio you're guaranteed to fit in your day is the Hot Digity Dog Dance and the "All Aboard the Choo-Choo train" dance.

-you used to like expensive bling but now all you care about is cheap jewelry that has your kids name or picture on it!

-you become "Ty's Mama" or "Ace's Mama" not "Audrey".  And, that's okay. Actually, it's the best thing ever.

 

Ready for the WEEKend

The sooner this week is over the better!  That stomach bug that I mentioned before...yeah, well it's the devil.  For some reason, Ace is spitting up like crazy.  Again.  And, since we're on forumula #5 I'm not sure what the next step is.  Dr. says if he's "content and happy" zantac won't help.  Well, I'm not a big fan of a baby that smells like baby vomit.  At least he's wearing all of this clothes at least once...unlike Ty!
Ace started Daycare this last Monday, and I'm okay with it.  Never will we receive that dreaded phone call that they can't keep Ty or Ace each day.  We have a routine with them and it's really preparing them both for full day school (which Ty will start next year at a REAL elementary school!).  We miss Little House SO MUCH, but we know that Pleasant Grove is a great Christian pre-school/daycare for our boys.  The whole immune system building has to come some time or another and for us, the time is now!

Ty and Ace sharing Buzzy Woody's

I'm so home sick it's not even funny...Mama needs to get to Louisville STAT!  The UL vs. UK game is always Labor Day weekend and I'm counting down the days.  Ahhhhhhh, C-A-R-D-S CARDS!!!
What else, what else. 
Ummm...I've been washing/organzing/sorting Ace and Ty's closets a little (not much time with a house full of sickies and NO SLEEP for any of us!).  But, Houston, we have a problem!
Ace is 2 months older than Ty was as far as seasons go.  And, since Ty was fed (bottle fed) breastmilk for his first 4 months, he was smaller.  Needless to say, Ace is bigger, faster than Ty was.  So, all those cute little holiday outfits that may or may not were even worn 1 time, the matching coordinates outfits, and most importantly the 2 winter coats that are ADORABLE and Ty only wore like 1 time a piece...yeah, they're going to be too little.  BOOOOOO!  He is wearing 6-9 month sleepers now, and even those little feet are too small for Acey's big piggies! 

Ace...check out his ski's!

Ty is kind of in between sizes.  He's really a 4 (not 4t, 4) in pants.  Elastic waists work best, but I'm not a big fan of elastic waist pants unless they're Nike shorts or pants.  He needs the shirt length of a 5 (he's long- waisted like his Mama) but the length of the 4's in pants.  So, he's probably going to have quite a few baggy clothes this fall. 
My friend Megan owns Southern Flair Monogramming and I'm pretty sure I keep her in business.  Kidding.  She does awesome work for awesome prices.  I'll work on a post to share some of the goods she's made me.  I'm working on shopping bag #4 for her. Monogramming makes anything cuter...and these boys are only going to let me dress them for a little bit! 
Oh, and Ty's saying so many new things these days.  He's quite the talker and always has been...however now he's started saying "ooooohhhhh, that's awesome".  Or, "coooooooool, Mama".  My favorite is when we're shopping and he says, "oh Mama, I gotta have it".  Everything he says now is a sentence and he adds so much dramatization.  He also has begun to say the word "stupid" this week.  He's sat in time out at home 2 times for it, and we've asked school to do the same.  Little booger. 
I'm still trying to figure out this working, Mommy to 2 young boys, provide a healthy meal (ha) for supper each night, workout at least 5 days a week, thing that is called LIFE.  Sleep is so foreign to me these days.  I keep saying that's what weekends are for, but I don't have time then either. 
And, that's life as I know it for now...

It's the weekend but...

we ain't doin' nothin'. 
We've got the sickies going on.  Oh yes, and it's NO FUN!
Thursday I left work early because I caught a stomach bug that was for the BIRDS.  OMG it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I lost 4 lbs. in 24 hours :)...but I wouldn't wish that on anyone.  YUCKness.  ALL the boys stayed and Nana and Pops so that we'd try to NOT infect them. 
Friday AM: 
Ty's eye was swollen shut with goop all over it.  He was also coughing so hard it sounded like an old man with emphazema.  Off to the Dr. he went (day #1 of no daycare for him).
He has pink eye, and ear infection, and an upper respiratory infection.  POOR BABY.  He keeps wanting to love on little Acey like usual but he just doesn't understand he can't do that. 
So, in addition to Todd working a camp all weekend (although it's now pouring down rain and he's still in bed because now, he too, feels like poo) and me having to work on Saturday morning, we have to keep Ty kind of quaratined. 
No birthday party for cute little Stella.
No pool.
No church.
No kisses for Ty Man.
Just a bunch of movies and hand washing. 
Happy weekend to us :)

Friday Funny: Backwards Dress

Did you just say to yourself "oh no she didn't"? 
Because yes.  Yes, I did.
Last Friday morning I was ON TIME for work.  I was EARLY actually.  I had about 30 min's to spare if I really wanted to. 
I had a cute kimono style dress on and I actually didn't even feel like a wreck when I left the house that morning.  I got Ty's hair all faux-hawk'd up because I actually was taking my time that morning.  We sang "I wanna be a Billionaire so freakin' bad..." and raised the roof on the drive to daycare.  The morning was good.
The drop off was fine too.  Ty whimpered a little, but nothing real bad.  He hugged on me and told me he loved me (which I totally wanted to just kiss on him for the entire day but life sucks and Mama's gotta work, right?).
I hopped back into my car, and as I was dancing in my seat to Califoria Girls I realized it.  My freakin' dress was on backwards.  OMG.  I laughed at myself for about 5 mintues before I tried to fanagle out of my seatbelt to get my arms out of the dress...while driving.
I get my arms out, and start twisting and finally got it all turned BACK around.  I had to get my arms BACK in and then my seatbelt on. 
By this point, I'm sweating.  My hair is a hot mess.
Wonder what the daycare teachers thought of me that morning.  More importantly, why in the heck did they not tell me!  Keyhole necks with drawstrings DO NOT go on your back.  Seriously. 
I've totally lost my marbles sometimes.  But, at least I can laugh at myself (and provide laughs for everyone else who saw me!)

Girlfriend Update

Cassy, or Cassie, or whatever the heck Ty is saying is wrong.  There is not a Cassy in school.  Either he has her name wrong or his girlfriend is imaginary.  He keeps saying "Mama, I want Cassy".  I asked what him and Cassy do and he says "pay" (play).  Hmmm...
And, his best friend is Easton, not Ethan. 
Cassy, who are you?  Is that a nickname or a "pet" name Ty gave you? 
Geez...Mama's need to know these things!

Meet Taryn...

Taryn Pike.  That's who "T" was when I met her.  We were sophomores in college and we lived in the same sweet Suite in Petrik Hall at good ol' Bellarmine College.  She was a cheerleader (WAS) and I was a basketball player.  And, from what I hear she was a darn good cheerleader.  She was a competitive gymnast growing up actually.  She wasn't cheering anymore when we met (maybe that's why became such good friends...KIDDING).  Anyhow, Taryn and I quickly became friends.  We lived in a co-ed dorm at a Catholic college.  Oh yes.  Those were the days :)  I played basketball and in case you didn't know, basketball players like to have fun :) 
Anyhow, Taryn and I TOTALLY hit if off.  Partying turned into movie nights, which turned into heart to hearts, which turned into shopping sprees at TJMaxx, which turned to late night snacks of foods we swore to each other we wouldn't eat, which turned into pretty much being together all the time. 
College Days unfortunately had to end and we had to grow up.  We graduated from Bellarmine University and then...Taryn was adventurous.  She went to Cali for an acting workshop.  And, I moved to Owensboro, Kentucky.  What in the HECK was I thinkin'?  I started graduate school because I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life (and I coached basketball at Brescia University).  She came home, was madly in love with Ricky, and they got engaged.  I had met Todd, but it was still "new" and I was all "I will NEVER live in Owensboro, Kentucky for the rest of my life". 
Haha...God was laughing at me.  Look where that got me?
Anyhow, T and Ricky got married, I was her Maid of Honor and she really wanted me to catch her bouquet.  I didn't (well, maybe I did, but seriously I was totally in denial about this whole "if I marry Todd I'm realllly going to have to live in Owensboro" deal).  Actually, the morning AFTER her wedding I had to leave Louisville at like 6am to drive to Owensboro to take my last final of my Master's program ever.  And, it took me 45 freaking minutes to complete it.  I was LIVID.  My professor told me "it wouldn't be fair to let me take the final before anyone else.".  Whatever.
Meanwhile, Todd and were getting more serious, and more serious.  T was getting more serious about wanting a baby.  I got engaged, call her while she's vacationing in Hawaii, and she does cartwheels on the beach for me :)  She gets prego and I celebrate with a glass of wine for her!
She's then my co-Matron of Honor:

Audrey and Taryn (she's 5 months prego)

And, then she has Ethan.  What a doll.  OMG.  Dark eyes, dark hair.  Model Baby.  And, smart too!  I actually remember her visiting my house and taking a shower.  She said, "Ethan will be fine, here are his diapers and stuff".  I know that I looked at her with a blank star and she knew what was coming before I could say it.  "Taryn, I can't change poopy diapers.  I may get sick".  She laughed at me with that..."just wait" sarcasm.
Anyhow, she got prego again VERY quickly.  I got prego with Ty (she, again, did cartwheels for me I think).  And then came Aiden...11 months AFTER Ethan.  Yes, she's SUPER-MOM.  Taryn went to the hospital with Aiden in the middle of a snow-storm.  It was TERRIBLE weather (they even closed downthe interstate!).  I was getting labor update texts from her and from Ricky, and my pregnant, exhausted self was so happy when she called me late that night.  I remember laying on the couch and she was giving me all the details of what was going on and I told her before we got off the phone to "call me or text me as soon as he gets here...I don't care what time it is".  I remember looking at my phone in the middle of the night and there was nothing.  I woke up to go to work, and there was nothing.  Hmmm....
I called Ricky.  No answer. 
I texted "??????????????????"
Nothing. 
I was seriously about to drive myself crazy at work.  I was blaming it on cell phone service sucking due to the weather.  Phone lines and towers had ice damage so that must've been it.  I thought. 
My work closed early that day, and Todd picked me up.  He knew I was worried about Taryn so we both started calling from our phones.  Ricky ended up calling me back and I knew in the sound of his voice that something was wrong.  The phone was cutting up really bad, but I heard "he's okay, but he has Apert's Syndrome".  My heart immediately felt like it weighted 500 pounds.  I didn't know what Apert's was, but I was devastated.  I didn't want Ricky to know I was crying, but I heard his voice crack and I lost it.  I asked how Taryn was, and he said she was doing great and that she was going to call me soon.  The phone disconnected due to bad service.  Aperts?  What is that?  Todd and I got home and I went to the computer to check what it was.  It wasn't long after that Taryn called me.  God, that girl is so strong. 
She was afraid to tell me because she didn't want me to worry about MY baby.  She didn't want to get me upset or for me to question the health of Ty even more than the normal pregnant mother does. 
I cannot imagine the emotions that she felt that day.  She has told me Aiden's birth story over, and over.  How she was so numb and it was so surreal that they actually had a baby with a condition that even some of the medical staff hadn't even seen before.  Yet, she was worried about MY feelings and ME getting so worked up over MY baby.  That's T though...always thinking of others and always wanting everyone else to feel good.  God I'm lucky to have her as my friend, but seriously.  There was no need at all for her to think of me when her heart was just ripped to shreds.
Check out their version of the birth story:  Super-Aiden
Luckily, I was able to visit Aiden on day 5 in the NICU in Louisville.  Taryn and Ricky prepped me for what I was going to see (a room full of tiny, tiny babies literally fighting for life).  Ricky and I talked before I even saw Taryn and all he kept telling me was how strong Taryn had been.  I saw Taryn and of course, I immediately started crying.  I wanted to hold it together so bad, but I couldn't.  My heart was broken for her.  But when I saw Aiden, I didn't see the little boy who looked different.  I saw Taryn and Ricky's baby.  I saw Ethan's baby brother.  I saw the little boy who they'd prayed for and that T and I JUST KNEW would be best friends because their Mama's are. 
Taryn gently held his hands and showed me where it looked like a mitten made of skin was covering his toes and fingers.  She calmly told me in medical terms that I couldn't hardly pronounce, what the next steps were for Aiden.  She was so confident and "together".  As usual.
Taryn has a blog that is so incredible.  She posts funny stories of what her kids have done.  She posts pictures of her adorable little boys and her family.  And, she keeps it real.  She discusses her real life struggle to keep it together, emotionally, for herself.  Taryn is an awesome writer and public speaker and through this blog, she has shared her highs and lows.  And, I honestly can say that now, she is the happiest that I have ever seen her.  Her plans are to write a book to educate people on Apert's syndrome so other Mom's won't be shocked like her.  She wants to tell everyone who will ever be in her shoes one day that "it will be okay" because just look at her family!
Aiden is absolutely THE most precious little boy ever. He literally lights up any room he walks into. His belly laughs and smile seriously make your heart melt. I think he gets that from his Mama!  He truly is their Little Fire !
Since babyhood began in our lives we've been able to get the boys together a few times (but not nearly enough) over the last several years. 

Ty, T's Ethan, Aiden, and Ethan (my nephew)

Living 2 hours away with 4 kids under 3 makes get togethers challenging sometimes.  But, when we are together it's absolutely awesome.  Honestly, at this age, it's even more awesome when the Daddy's have the boys and T and I get to do some Mama stuff like TJMaxx trips and sit poolside.
In the next few months Taryn and her boys will be heading to Austin, TX for hopefully a no-more-than 5 year move.  I'm so happy that everythng is falling into place for them there.  However, I'm sad that our 2 hour drive to see each other will be turning into a 2.5 hour plane ride.  I'm booking my first trip there for January as soon as they close on their house...and Mama's going alone.
I've been coaching T on how to talk "Texas" cause she is a Northern Kentucky girl.  NK accents are kind of like Michigan accents.  She doesn't say even say "ya'll!"...yet! 
Watch out Austin, Audrey and Taryn (omg and we're both going to be doing our "year long" 30th bday celebration for ourselves!) are back.  Neither of us are pregnant (for now) and we may just have to check out this college town to see how we can hang these days.  Yee-haw!

Newsflash: A Girlfriend Already?

Ty has a girlfriend.  Did he ask my permission?  Did I review her resume?  Have I met her parents?  Oh, he is soooo grounded. 
Kidding.  Sort of.
Last week, he told me that his best friend was "Esan" at school.  That's Ethan in Ty talk so I thought he was talking about his partner in crime...his cousin Ethan.
Well, today he told me it was "scull Esan" (school Ethan).  And, Todd told me that when he picked him up a little girl waved and got up to say in a little 2 year old flirty way, "ByeBye Ty". 
Of course, Todd was all giving him high-5's for making his moves in JUST 1 week of being there. 
So, now it is my mission in daily drop off duty to find out more about "Cassy". 
I'm totally screening his class tomorrow morning.
Is sharing or swapping pacy's like kissing when your 2?
Wonder if they sleep next to each other during naptime?
Wonder if they teeter totter together on the playground?
Crack me up, Ty has a girlfriend that Mama didn't pick out.
And, I'm not really sure what to think of it!

Acey-3 months

Another month has passed.  Ace Man is officially a 3 month old.  The days have literally FLOWN by.  I look like feel like it was just yesterday that I was pregnant.  Why do all these babies have to grow up so stinkin' fast? 

Ace-3 months-Facebook Onesie

Check out the little rolls Squirt has.  He is solid as a rock (and 15.8 pounds as of a week ago).  He's also "almost" 25 inches according to the girl at the research place where is he weighed and measured monthly (well, was.  That'll stop after he's 4 months old because we quit the study.  Ace didn't like their formula so we've switched formulas since then.  4 times actually!). 
Let's see...what is Squirt doing nowadays?
Well, he slept for 7.5 hours straight.  Finally!  YAHOO!!!  Ummm...SMILE!!!  Alot.  And giggle.  And, flirt.  And, follow Mama around the room like a hawk.  And, make Daddy jealous when you want to cuddle with me and smother your sweet little face in my collarbone.  No really, he loves Daddy too. 
We try to do tummy time 3 times per day for 10 minutes at a time.  Sometimes are better than others, but he's totally a back sleeper like your Big Bro and your Mama.
Speaking of Big Bro...Ty Baby...yeah, he LOVES his Little Brother.  Just today, Todd and I watched Ty sit next to Ace's bouncy seat for nearly half and hour talking to him and pointing out things.  He showed him all his Buzzy Woodies (slight obsession you think?...he refers to ANYTHING Toy Story as his "buzzy woodies") and told him all the names.  He was so gentle too.  He didn't even stick Mickey Mouses' hand up Ace's nose and make it bleed (like he did last week) and then yell for Mom and say, "Mama, ohhhhh Toooooodlessssssssss!".  Oh Acey, Ty and you will be a dangerous duo I'm predicting!  But, that my friend, calls for paybacks.  A nose bleed at 2 months old?  (Although I should take the blame.  I went to the bathroom for seriously 1 minute.  1 minute.  I came back to a bloody nose.  Should have known!)
Anyhow, Ace is in 6 month clothing (today I washed a ridiculous amount of outfits and took inventory of what I needed (which really is what I want for him, not need).  Many one piece outfits are leaning towards 9 months.  His shoe size is really a 6-12 month size now but we live in KY.  We don't do shoes.  KIDDING...we just don't bother when it's oh, 105 degrees and the heat index is 120 as it has been here recently.
We're starting to push for some 6 oz. bottles to try to eliminate some feedings but rarely does it happen when he finishes all of it.  We've swapped to a new formula this last week (again) and it seems to help with the amount of times we're feeding him.  He is still a spitter-upper, but then again, so was Ty.  Who knows.  Daycare starts in 1 week.  I'm pretty sure that'll be a harder day on Mama than him.  Something about an infant in a nursery with 10 kids and 2 workers.  UGH.
Oh, and this week (yes, this week MOM) Ace will be in his own room, and his own crib.  He has been sleeping in a cradle in our room but it's time.  As soon as Todd figures out where we're mounting the video camera he'll be in there.  When is this baby monitor watching thing going to end anyway?  With both boys upstairs probably never (because I will so be the Mom who will NOT let her boys have girls upstairs in their family room without a video camera on them!!!).
Acey, we love you baby boy.  You really are a handsome Little Man, and you totally know how to melt hearts with your adoable smile.  Keep talkin' away baby because we LOVE to listen to you!  Thank you for brightening our day, everyday, and thank you God for our two precious gifts...Ty and Ace.  We love you!

Friday Funnies: Big Boy Undies

On my last Friday off before going back to work (8/6/10), I decided to give big boy undies a try.  I'd been meaning to all summer, but time got away.  Wonder how or why???
Anyhow, Ty HAS used the big boy potty too many times to count.  But, he's only pooed 1 time and we have to ask him to go.  He'll tell us he has to but it's usually too late to run to the potty.
So, he gets none other than his "buzzy woody's" = Toy Story Undies.

walkin' to the backyard...love this picture

And, we go outside because frankly, Mama doesn't want to clean up poo and pee accidents indoors.
It was about 4,832 degrees and the sun was blazin'.  I made him wear his swimmy shoes to play with some water toys.  He wanted to wear these:

boots and undies...I know we live in KY but seriously?

I told him to tell me if he had to potty and he'd get his stinkin' peepee candy (if Daddy hadn't eaten in all!)  After about 30 min's playing in water toys, I started watering the flowers.  It takes over an hour to water all the plants and pick the veggies in the garden but Ty LOVES it.  Like, I'm wondering if child labor laws are broken if he's got that on his chore list next summer as a 3 year old. 
Anyhow, 1.5 hours of NO accidents, no nothing.  Honestly, I wanted him to do SOMETHING to maybe feel how icky it felt.  No such luck.  Probably just some funky stares from neighbors, but hey.  This potty training deal is no joke.  I'm thinking daycare needs to give a guarantee that you child will be potty trained by a certain date.  Like 2. 
And, now that I've shared my adorable little chunky legged boy in his buzzy woodies, how about this precious face:

almost 3 months...sweet baby Acey

OMG I won something!!!

Winning for me typically only happened when I had a ball in my hand.  I was on a team, wearing a uniform, and I can't EVER remember playing for a losing (or bad) team.  I am VERY lucky.
However, I'm not lucky when it comes to winning "stuff".  Money, gambling, raffles, giveaways.  Yes, giveaways. 
So, I follow this blog:  The McMommy Chronicles
You should too.  If you don't, you're missing some absolutely hysterical belly laughs. 
She posted a giveaway from:  Lulu and the Peanuts
And I won. 
Actually, I was at the gym and I saw an email that said "please contact us, you have won" and it was past the due date.  I called Taryn and she looked it up for me because my phone was taking years (she got me hooked to this blog) and yes, I was posted on the website!
So, I now am a proud owner of this:

Long Sleeve Gray T-Shirt

It's adorable, excellent quality, PERSONALIZED, and cute.  Ty needs one too now.  Maybe Mama needs something too. 
Irony:  McMommy lives in Florida.  Ms. LuLu lives in Ft. Mitchell, KY which is about 5 minutes where Taryn is from (and about an hour and a half from my hometown of Louisville).
Maybe this is the start to my new lucky streak. 
Powerball anyone?

I may not have all the answers.

So, Ty likes animals.  He loves them actually.  Books too.  In fact about 75% of the time we spend together is reading books and talking about what animals are on the pages.  Or, walking around the house acting out or making animal noises.  Ty says the animal, and Mama does it.  Pretty site I tell ya!
Anyhow, what freakin' sound does a giraffe make? 
He stumps me on that every.single.time.  And, he has this look like, "Mama, helloooooo...that is NOT what a giraffe does."
Or, why does my child have to use the pot naked.  He strips down to NOTHING every.single.time. he sits on that little froggy potty.  Socks too.  Where in the world does he get that from?
Not to mention Acey...
I can't seem to master the sleep schedule or the BEST formula for him yet.  It's trial and error (and prayers too).  He can't tell me what he wants...if his belly aches, if he's just trying to poo.  We're on forumula #3 now...with a ped. call tomorrow to see what we should do about his massive spit up.
This week has been a crazy week so far.  An emotional crazy-train in fact.  There have been many answered prayers, and alot to look forward to.  Some bittersweet happenings, some things we're hopeful for, and some things we've prayed for.  Life.is.good.  And, we're ending this week with a fun concert this Saturday...with great friends and the boys will be with Nana and Pop-Pop. 
Todd and I are still getting the hang of time management with 2 babies now that I'm working.  It's only been a few days, but it's challenging.  Ty needs 2 breathing treatments each day.  The boys are in 2 different locations each day so we have to coordinate drop off's/pick up's.  Bath nights seem to take all night.  Laundry is folded just not in the closets yet.  EVERYTHING that can be done the night before is.  Exercise is non-existant and I look like I've got Acey's boppy pillow under my shirt.  I'd love to exercise but when and the world am I going to do that?
But, we'll survive.  Because we have each other.
We may not have mastered Acey's schedule yet.  Or, be able answer all the questions Ty asks.  Or, have a perfectly picked up house with perfectly oranized kitchen cubbies (oh, my cubbies have been jam packed since the day we moved in) and closets.  But, we have us. 
Life is chaotic.  It's challenging.  But, it's oh, so fun.
No one said it was easy...but it's worth it.  It's more than worth it. 
What would I do without these 3 boys that have rocked my world in the most awesome way possible?

Just the 4 of us...Ace (2 weeks), Ty (23 months)

08.09.10...D-Day

Yesterday was the day...Mama went back to work AND Ty started daycare school.  School is SO much cooler than daycare ya know. 
My Dad and Ethan came Sunday night so Dad could keep Acey for us.  (for 2 weeks Acey will be with Nana or our old babysitter...no openings and it's working out so Mama didn't have a total meltdown :)
Last night we grilled burgers and ate our veggies, all the boys went to the park on the golf cart so Mama could clean up and pack Ty's school bag, we all had a movie night in the basement, and we ended with baths.  And, Ty didn't go to bed until 10pm.  The night before school.  What kind of Mama am I?

Acey woke up 3 times on Sunday night...wonder if he sensed the "stress" his Mama was having.  I slept like poo.  And, Ty woke us up at 5:45.

But, sleep aside, the day was as good as it could be.  Ty cried pretty hard after he realized Mama was leaving this morning.  But, he quit very quickly and had an awesome day.  He got a good report:

Ty's Daily Sheet-LOVE this :)

And, he was in the best mood last night and tonight after he got home.  Maybe it's because when I dropped him off he was the only boy.  (although Daddy picked him up and he was playing with the boys whom arrived later this morning).

We were told that Ty was the "helper" of the class and he's very mature for his age.  They told us he talks very clear for his age too.  Of course, Todd and I were very proud of that!  We're very lucky that we put him in Little House at 18 months because we think that really helped him get accustomed to structured learning at a very young age.  And, I'd like to think this summer he learned alot with books, and simple activities we did such as saying colors of EVERYTHING we did.  All day long.  And, counting.  All day long.  And, singing learning songs.  Anyhow, we were very proud.

So, Dad kept Acey and I was totally fine leaving him with Paw.  They visited my Great-Uncle's farm in Ohio County.  Ethan was sad to leave and he said, "Papaw, I have 1 more vitamin left so that means we're staying one more night with Aunt Audie and Uncle Pop's house".  Sweet boy.  Paw bought us pizza (the perfect 1st day of being back to work and not cooking kind of night meal).  And, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that Paw was officially worn out.  Paw works hard...but retirement requires him to nap in the afternoon...and he didn't get his nap!

Best Quote of the Day: 
Dad:  Hey Aud, how much water do you put in these bottles?  I need another and you didn't fill up enough. 
Me:  Well, 5 oz. bottles equals 5 oz. of water.  The directions on the formula say how much, but it's 2 and a half scoops.  And, the divider in the diaper bag has it all measured out if you don't have your glasses on.
Dad:  Okay.  Order the pizza and I'll pick it up.
Me:  What kind do you want?
Dad:  Ummm (as I can hear water running and Acey whining...Dad was obviously getting flustered).  I don't really, well, I just can't get him to shut up.
Me:  Shut up?  Did you just tell me you couldn't get my 12 week old baby to shut up?
Dad:  Oh, well...I mean...I didn't mean shut up.  He's just hungry and I'm...
Me:  Did you really just tell me that you want my kid to shut up.
Dad:  You know what I mean....I mean, I didn't say that, well, my bad. 

Acey, Paw OBVIOUSLY was trying to sneak in a nap.  Sorry Dude.  (hahah..Dad, I'm kidding)

Best MOMent of the 1st Day:
Well, it was actually the worst part but it made us laugh AFTERwards.  There was mouse at work.  I haven't moved that fast since sprinting down the court in college.  OMG it was hairy and had a tail and I about lost it.  My heart was pounding and I screamed so freakin' loud.  I'm STILL petrified to go back in the breakroom or the bathroom.  Ugh, I hate those things!

Worst part of the 1st Day:
Leaving Ty Babes.  He clinged on to me like a little monkey. 
It's been a fun summer.  It was priceless.  We had so much fun together and I will never, ever forget it.  Ty really grew up alot since Acey was born until today.  And yes, absense made my heart grow fonder!

Work...
Well, work was work.  It seemed like I never left.  Although, I do have alot of refreshing to do and alot of trainings to complete.  It was much better than I expected...but I still had a lump in my throat all day.
Will it REALLY be the last time I'll be off in the summer with my boys?
Will I REALLY be paying someone to watch my kids for me all.day.long forever?

So much guilt...
But, I'm not the only Mama who ever went back to work.  So, I'll learn to deal.  I hope. 

D-Day is Approaching...

Daycare. 
Ugh.
The sound of that word makes me want to vomit.  I guess I need to get over it though because that's where Ty will be going 5 freakin' days a week starting Monday. 
I don't like the thought of so many kids all swarmed up in the same building so they can share all kinds of icky germs and drink out of the same sippy cups and all get sick at the same time so we're spending more time in the ped's office than we have to already with 2 little boys. 
I also don't like the fact that he'll be there from like 7:45-nearly 6pm each day.  Or, that I'll be working those hours pretty soon.  Oh, and lets go ahead and add some additional Saturday hours every month too.
Can you sense my excitement? 

Last weekday of Mama's Maternity Leave

 At least Ty can TELL me things about daycare though.  You know, keep Mama hooked up with the daycare gossip.  He can tell me what kind of slop they're going to serve and which kid poo'd their pants that day.  Ace, on the other hand...lets not even go there.  10 babies for 2 workers.  That's like 2 people have quints.  Ugh.
Thank GOD they don't have any openings for 2 more weeks after Ty starts so I can get used to the daycare thing.  Granted, he'll have his own little crib once he's there and I can bring his own toys/decor for it if we choose (and what kind of parent wouldn't do that?)  But, 10 babies for 2 workers? 
We had to say tearful goodbye's to Ty's preschool teacher a few weeks ago as the summer session ended.  I REALLY want him to go this next year but it just doesn't make sense to send him to a seperate preschool and then transport him across town to his daycare on our lunches.  Little House was the absolute best thing we've chosen for him thus far.  He can count to 10 (and will repeat higher numbers with help).  He'll say anything (yes, and by anything I mean words that a 2 year old SHOULDN'T be saying).  He knows most colors, shapes, animals, and animal noises.  He sings along to songs, dances ALOT, and you can actually have a conversation with him.  He gets "stuff" like, "Ty, can you help Mommy and find Acey's Paci?".  THe list goes on...
We just saw such an increase in his knowledge/mannerisms/everything good since January.  And, he LOVED school.  Like really, really LOVED it. 
So, now we have to convince him this is a new "school".  Maybe I need convincing too.  Although, considering we took him for a visit this last week and he threw a mini-fit over having to leave and not play with the animals I'm thinking that may be a good thing.
I've researched, checked references, thought about the best long-term plan for US and this Christian Curriculum Daycare/Preschool is what we've decided on.  It's in an old elementary school so there is a gym and he can run and play and they won't have tv's on all day and it just makes the most sense for us. 
Ugh. 
I just wish I felt more comfortable with it.

Chicks Dig Me

I'm working on the Disney World update...but in the meantime, check out this cute little squirt.  He's gettin' all chunky and filled out...

Ace Man-2 months