Preparations...

I'm sleepy, so sleepy. It was a good day at school- even though it was "Halloween" as we have no kids tomorrow. I was impressed by their self-control, though I know holding the party over their heads all day helped.
We've been spending the evening getting Brian a Halloween costume. Ethan wants him to be a bug- frustrating. How did we used to make costumes? We'll share pictures after tomorrow. Ethan has a party for his class at 3. Then we're off to Brian's work for a party there. After that, we're having some pumpkin shaped pizza and hanging out with Jess while we hand out candy. I suppose we'll take him to a couple of houses at some point. Busy...
We're trying to not wake Lucas up to eat tonight at 9:30. We'll see how long he sleeps then. If it's a disaster, we'll survive. As long as Ethan doesn't get up at 6 again...

2 Months Old!!

Well, I just spent the last two hours grading papers. My wonderful husband graded the worst of them. He deserves a medal. I am feeling a bit more caught up now. Today was a little rough- I was just exhausted by the end of the day. The boys and I went and got coffee so I'd have some energy to do the papers.
Lucas had a great day again as did Ethan. Someone must have taught Ethan the inevitable lesson that Halloween= candy. He was chanting "candy, candy, candy" in the car every time we passed some Halloween decoration. What a goof! He still insists he's going to be a monster. The thing is that he'll be in a lion costume. Brian likes to say that he's a monster dressed up as a lion. Very clever!
I caught a student running a business on office supplies out of her desk today. I emailed her mom so she could be sure to take a cut of the profits- I'm sure she gave her the stuff. I did think it was very innovative! Of course, it can't continue, but that's beside the point. This girl's got initiative!
Lucas turned 2 months today! All he wanted to do was eat- I cannot believe how much he's eaten today! Let's hope that means a great night ahead.

Survival...

I survived... The first day was somewhat awful, but today went really well. Lucas is doing great in his class and his big brother is checking in regularly. He slept really well last night- we all did - and I'm sure that helped a lot. My class is getting where I want them. I just had to start all over with routines and expectations. It shouldn't take long, but they are kind of high maintenance. There are a lot of great kids- lots of spirit!
Ethan was holding Lucas this morning and snuggling and kissing him. Lucas was smiling and chirping at him. Then Lucas reached up and hit Ethan in the face. Ethan pushed him away and say "I don't want it." He then refused to have anything to do with him. I thought it was funny.

A trip to the Corn Maze

We had a lot of fun yesterday! We started the day at a local coffee shop where we were entertained by a jazz keyboardist. He was great and Ethan loved it (as did I). Then we headed off to the Corn Maze. We walked the maze (Ethan loved trying to run away and pick which way to go), picked our pumpkins from the patch, jumped on the jumping pillow, rode a pony, and rode a "cow train". Ethan had a blast and we had fun watching. He says his favorite part was the pony. He had such a huge smile! Last night, I took Ethan to go see High School Musical 3. We both thoroughly enjoyed the other two and loved this one as well. Ethan clapped and danced along to the songs and cheered too. He was such a good boy and I was just overwhelmed by how grown-up he is! Time is just moving so fast.

Tomorrow is my first day back to work and Lucas' first day in daycare! Pray for us all!

8 Weeks!

8 weeks already! I cannot believe it!

Last Day....

Well, it's over. I spent my last day of maternity leave today. I'll miss laying around and snuggling with Lucas all day. I'll miss (though not as much, of course) the endless re-runs of NCIS and CSI Miami- I'm addicted to both. It's been fun- I loved having that time to bond, but in a way I'm ready to go back. I'm looking forward to seeing my kids and getting into the fifth grade curriculum. I took Ethan in to meet Lucas' teacher today- I think it'll be a good fit. She has a very calming presence. I'm sure I'll sob at some point on Monday and maybe a few days after that, but it'll get busy fast and before I know it - it'll be summer. That's one of the many benefits of teaching. I get to be a working mom for 9 months of the year and stay home the other 3. It makes a good balance for me.

So, I've always gotten Ethan to let me cut his toenails by promising that he can cut mine when I'm done. He always fumbles around banging into my toes, but could never figure them out- or at least didn't have the fine motor skills required. Not so much anymore. He just about took off several of my toes- he can work it all right! His focus was admirable, but I don't think we'll be doing that again! Learned my lesson for sure.

Thank You Lord for Antibiotics!

I'm feeling much better and we have fixed the heater! Well, kind of. Turns out you have to get the air ducts and all cleaned every now and then. After 4 years, they were apparently pretty nasty. Hopefully this will also help with our utility bills and allergies. It's pricey, so we can only hope.

We went for a little walk around the cul-de-sac today. Doesn't Brian look great with the Snugli?! I think it's adorable. Ethan rode his trike all the way around BY HIMSELF! We used to have to push- no more! Today was just a great day. I think parenting is an absolute roller coaster. We always watch Jon and Kate Plus 8 and laugh at how mean the parents are to each other. I can totally see that happening. With just two we are totally short-tempered. We've made schedules, routines, and responsibility lists for all of us and I think that will help. Ethan loves his bed time list. We showed him tonight- it has each of the things he needs to do before bedtime with a clip art. He kept going back to "read" what to do next. I was impressed!

A Pain in the .....

Mastitis, ugh.... I think this was worse than childbirth! Okay, maybe not, but last night was awful! Today I feel a little bit better, but then we realized our furnace is broken- sheesh... I'm waiting for bad thing number 3 to appear at any moment! 2 more days of maternity leave and I have to spend them in pain. Oh well, at least my boys are adorable!

Some WA Highlights!

Fun with Nana

Carving a pumpkin and roasting the seeds....

Lucas' first visit to Campagna's...

E & L's first ferry ride!

Sleepy!

The pictures will have to wait another day- I'm exhausted! But I did want to share this face with you- kind of skeptical I think. I went to the doc today for my postpartum check. Funny thing was that I was there yesterday- that's when my appointment was originally, but I went to the wrong office and missed it. Karma got me- I had to wait for an hour because my doc had a delivery. Figures.... That just started my exhausting day. I really didn't do much, but somehow I'm more tired. Can you believe I go back to work in less than a week- argh! I'm excited and terrified all in one...

We did survive!

Despite several tantrums (the worst of which was when Upa had to leave), we made it back alive. We were quite the spectacle, Ethan laying flat on the floor screaming "UPA", Lucas in the snugli rooting around and snorting, and me looking utterly exasperated. I have to say though that there were several wonderful people (sent from God, I am sure) who helped us. Ethan was in an awful mood, but like usual would be nice for other people. On the plane, we met the most wonderful couple who held Lucas the entire time- wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! I'll post the pictures tomorrow, but the one above is of Ethan and Upa as they finished their pumpkin- so fun!

My favorite moment today- this morning Ethan was getting ready for daycare and Brian told him that in a week Lucas would be coming with him. Ethan got really excited and then tried to pick him up and said, "Come on Lucas, let's go!" We told him it wasn't yet- not 'till next week and he threw a fit. It was just adorable- he wants to have his brother with him. I'm sure that won't last forever, but it was so sweet.

Adventures!

Here is a picture of us in front of the "Baboo" tree in my parents' yard!

My parents bought their grandchildren the prettiest potty I've ever seen! It's bright pink and Ethan loves using it! He has used it many many times and even has Mickey Mouse use it every time too! He just seems so old all of a sudden!

We are having a great time, though Ethan sure does get crazy at times! Last night we attempted to go out to pizza and it was quite the adventure. I can laugh now, but between the dirty diaper explosion, the screaming baby, and Ethan trying to escape while shouting at the baby at the table next to us, it was intense. We all did get some good pizza though and decided a movie was in order when we got home.

Lucas is sleeping really well here and I'm happy about that! It's hard doing nights by myself! We go home tomorrow, sadly, though we're excited to see Brian. We do love an airplane ride! Keep your fingers crossed- this airport is much bigger!

We survived!

Well, despite Ethan shouting 3-2-1 blast off over and over on the plane and announcing to everyone that he was pooping, it went well. Probably would have been better had I not been in the middle of a bunch of business men. I did see a few ear plugs- not sure if they were there before we came on or as a result. Lucas just wanted to eat the whole time, but did sleep on the way up and the way down. Ethan saved most of his tricks for after dinner tonight- chasing Upa with a pillow, shouting and singing while playing the piano, and practicing the word "NO!" What a charmer....
Lucas is full of smiles for his Upa and Uma tonight. Fun! Brian and Ethan got to talk over the webcam. I'm excited because I'll be able to see if he's getting any chores done while we're gone. So far, so good!

Can you believe it?!

Lucas slept 8 hours last night! We felt almost human when we got up this morning! It was so great! Anyway, he then ate every two hours today, but I'll take it! Tomorrow we (Ethan, Lucas, and myself) are flying to WA. It could be a disaster, but keep your fingers crossed!
Did I tell you Lucas has succumbed to the evil baby acne? It's so sad- I don't know how I'm going to get through puberty!
Here's a clip from our Birthday Party for Morgan (absentee, of course...) Note that Ethan tries so hard to be selfless, but loses it for a bit....

Happy Birthday Morgan!

Today is our niece, Morgan's 3rd birthday! Look how much she's grown!

Morgan Age 0

Morgan Age 1

Morgan Age 2

Morgan Age 3

We wish you a very happy birthday Morgan! We wish we were there to celebrate, but we'll have some pumpkin muffins and hot cocoa tonight and "cheers" to you! We love you and can't wait to see you! - Auntie Katie, Uncle Brian, Ethan and Lucas

Eat, Eat, Eat Some More

Lucas and I both seemed to eat all day! I think we've definitely hit the 6 week growth spurt. So much for a schedule... And you know, I have to say the one having the worst time adjusting to one more in the family is Kenya (our dog). She is being awful! Grr! I came home after the chiropractor to trash emptied out all over the floor. Gross!

Jess and I went to the Happiest Baby on the Block class at the hospital tonight. It was all great information and we came home with a DVD. We're going to schedule a time for Brian and Todd to watch it. I think it's great information and empowering as a parent of a newborn- helps you not to lose your mind! Of course, after all the great soothing practice, Lucas screamed bloody murder on the way home. Turns out no amount of soothing helps when you're starving (he had eaten an hour earlier). This child! It too shall pass- I know it.
Tomorrow is packing day and praying that our trip this weekend will go well!

Fat Cheeks

Our little chipmunk....

He really is filling out! Brian said he was smiling tonight, but I think it was more of a smirk- to which Brian agreed. I take the boys to WA this weekend and that's where Ethan had many of his "firsts", so I fully expect to get a big gummy grin there- though without Brian there it would be a little sad....

Ethan wanted to show you his backpack.

He was nuts tonight, but we had fun making muffins together. He had a lot of fun talking to his cousin Morgan for the first time on the webcam. She was a little shy, but I can see the future and it's filled with the two of them giggling over the net. My biggest hope is that at Thanksmas Morgan and Ethan won't be as shy- And that Ethan won't pull her hair all the time like last Christmas. Sorry Morgan, but red hair is a novelty to him!

Growth Spurt?

Well- Lucas woke up early this morning and that put me in a stinky mood. It was only about 30 minutes before I usually get up, but I was sleepy! Then he ate about every 2 hours today. I know they're supposed to have a growth spurt about this time, so maybe that's it. Hopefully his nightime routine won't change!
This morning at church we heard a bunch of testimonies from people who have been affected by cancer. Some of the stories were really sad and some were really encouraging- such a nasty disease. Anyhow, several people in our church are involved in running for cancer events- raising money for research. I really do love how involved our church is with all aspects of the community. I think that it shows our faith so much more than only focusing on "religious" things.
Ethan was really funny at dinner. Every few minutes he would ask, "Yummy, Guys?" They must ask them that at daycare. We were laughing really hard- very cute. I made a bunch of dinners to freeze again tonight. It's amazing how much I enjoy cooking when I'm not trying to get it done by a certain time, or with munchkins crawling all over me. It's fun and even relaxing! I can only do it so stress-free when Brian's here to help, though.
We got to webcam-chat with Nana (my mom's mom) today. What fun! Ethan especially liked showing off his new backpack and his big-boy undies. It was great to see her. Afterwards, we got my brother and family's webcam working and Ethan was enthralled by his uncle. Very cute. I can't wait to talk to my niece- she was in bed. Speaking of bed, off I go- here's hoping for a very long time!

Rafiki means friend!

We had such a great time today! First of all, Lucas slept like a pro last night- no problems! We got up and out and met our friends, the Coates family, at an indoor playground- Rafiki. The boys played and played and played some more. At first, they stuck to the train table, but once they discovered the strollers and then the cars, they were off. Actually, I think they may have played with everything there.

The rest of us sat around on the big comfy couches and played with the babies while we sipped coffee. It was so nice to chat with someone in our same situation. The older boys and the babies are within two weeks of each other. It makes a special bond! Little Addison (four weeks old) is just the cutest, snuggliest little girl. It's fun to see a girl in the mix- though listening to the birthday party of 8 year old girls screeching as they ran around, maybe I'm glad for two boys....

Tonight Brian and Lucas are over at JJ's watching the football game. Ethan is in bed and I am loving the quiet. I'm going to play on the computer and then turn in early- with no sound machine blasting in the background!!!! I miss quiet sleep! Remind me never to live next to a waterfall.

Lucas is back to eating well- though he had yet to have any formula as of when Brian left for JJs- interesting. He seems happy though- and the Pepcid seems to be working well. Good news! Sorry for writing a novel!

Some Movies We've Collected

We take a lot of video, but Brian has to help me figure them to upload, so here they are for the last couple of weeks. They're not all overly exciting, but they are kind of fun. Don't forget to scroll down to the music and pause it.

Here is Ethan reading the Monster Book to me that Angie got him a couple of weeks ago.

This was Ethan and Brian reading before bed. They couldn't agree on one book to read so they each read their own.

Here's Ethan playing Dance, Dance, Revolution at Rafiki.

This was on the way home from Rafiki. The boy was exhausted but trying desperately to eat.

That last one is my favorite. It was so funny!

Eat, boy, eat!

I don't know why, but the boy will not eat! I can only theorize (which I realize I do far too much), but my guess would be that the reflux was so bad the last couple of days that he doesn't want to for fear of the pain. He just started his new meds which cost a fortune! Okay, not a fortune, but twice as much as the Zantac! If it works, it's worth it. Other than that we had a good day. Lucas and I caught up on NCIS and napped together this afternoon. We went and picked Ethan up and he told us how to get back home. When it's time to turn he says, "Turn around mommy, turn around." The first time he said that I pulled into a parking lot and did a u-turn for fun. Well, I thought it was fun- he got upset and looked at me like I was a moron. Turns out he just doesn't understand the difference between turn and turn around.
Ethan and I gave Lucas a bath tonight. Ethan just liked playing in the water, but that works. He cleaned Lucas' feet and poured water on his belly. Afterward, Ethan found (by playing with the mouse) some music my cousin Max made and he and Brian rocked out. Very fun!

Tomorrow we are going back to Rafiki to meet our friends, the Coates'. Ethan is very excited to see Peyton and threw a fit when he went to bed because he thought we could go tonight. We're still working on "tomorrow" and what that means. The whole delayed gratification thing isn't really developmentally appropriate- I keep forgetting....
Well, I'm off to bed. I just dumped a whole bottle of pumped milk on the floor and I'm ticked. That stuff is precious! Luckily Lucas could care less what he's drinking. He actually drank a whole bottle now. Let's hope for good sleeps!

Energy, where?

I'm tired tonight. Lucas slept like a champ last night, but we had a busy day! I ended up taking him to the doc to check the dosage on the Zantac- thought that might be the reason for his fussies. He is now just shy of 11 pounds, my little tank! He is also now 23 inches with a 15.5 in head. He's definitely growing! It's good to know I can do something right! We switched his meds to Pepcid, but it had to be ordered, so we'll start it tomorrow. Otherwise, he's a healthy boy!
Ethan is cracking me up. He has become so snuggly- I love it! He used to be a strictly daddy's boy and lately has wanted more time with me. I can't help but love it! He's just growing up so fast. Too fast! I know the day is coming when I miss hearing the question, "What's that Mommy" 45 times on the 7 minute drive from daycare. Brian just told me that he was driving to daycare and Ethan started yelling to go the other way. Turned out Brian was going the wrong direction. He is stinkin' smart! Hopefully this way Brian won't ever take us all the way across Pennsylvania going the wrong direction again!
Brian and I are enjoying all the NBC Thursday night shows. Lucas just got a little fussy, so Brian's holed up in the bathroom with him, hoping the fan with lull him to sleep. He likes his sound machine, but there's something about the bathroom that just flicks a switch in his brain. Scary! I guess we all have our quirks. On to the SNL special!

Just Kidding

This is a picture Ethan and I took, playing with the new webcam. Very fun! Don't notice all the junk lying around in the background.... Remember, I just had a baby.

Last night? Fabulous! Today- fabulous! This evening- awful! I don't know what is up with Lucas, but he has been really fussy since Ethan went to bed. That's the hardest time because I'm exhausted by that time, but he is so needy! We think it's gas, so naturally I'm trying to figure out what I ate that could be causing it. Who knows- maybe it's nothing at all. Anyway, hopefully he'll pass out here pretty quick and we'll see him again at 2. That seems to be the routine- a 2 am feeding and then squirmy at about 6 and up at 7. Of course, since it's in writing it'll all get messed up tonight. Babies work that way, you know? Oh my, I am going to say that it's a gas issue because I can hear him all the way over here. Oh, you'll be happy to know we now have a dirty diaper. Hopefully this was the problem and we can move on!

Ethan had a couple of cute moments today. First, when Brian dropped him off at daycare, Ethan wanted to shut the door. Brian told him, "Daddy already shut the door." Ethan looked at him and said, "Daddy, you're smart." Very funny! Then tonight at dinner he looked over at Brian and told him to shut up. Then he turned around and said, "Just kidding." Don't know where he got that one from, but we may need to work on that. He just seems to get smarter by the day - it's crazy. I don't think I'm ready for him to grow up. Is that normal?

Again?

So all you potty training experts... Ethan loves to go in his potty- but he has to go every 5 minutes for around 20 minutes and then he's done for awhile... how do we get him to stay there until he's done? Dinnertime is exhausting... As soon as we get the potty emptied and sit back down, it's "potty!!!" and then we start all over! He did pretty well this evening except he peed all over Brian's computer chair. Oops.... The boy is a fountain- he never runs out!

Lucas got a bath today and actually enjoyed it- nice! His eyes are still nasty- clogged tear ducts.. I'm hoping they'll clear soon. He slept so well last night I'm just crossing my fingers. He slept from 10-2 and then until 6, but didn't get up until 7. Beautiful! He is a good boy- he's almost put himself on a bit of a schedule. Not a nice even one as the experts tote- but a schedule all the same. I was even able to cook and freeze a couple of dinners today. We haven't eaten out in 10 days- it's a new record!
I got to see a friend of mine, Joanie, today- who I used to teach with. It was fun to catch up- reminds me that there is more to me than just my "mommy" role. It's easy to get lost inside all the responsibilities and forget that there is more to me.
Before I pass out for the night- a heartwarming habit. Every day, for about the last week, when I go to get Ethan out of the car after daycare, he pretends to go to sleep. That way I have to pull him out and hug him for a bit. He likes the snuggle, I guess- and I certainly do. I hold on because I know in another few minutes he'll be yelling, screaming, banging, throwing, or spilling (half a bottle of syrup on Monday, thank you very much). So we snuggle and I store up all the good feelings to get through the disasters yet to come. Not that it keeps me from muttering under my breath.....
P.S.- for those of you wondering- Brian never noticed my haircut. I finally lost it at 10 last night and made a comment. He had no idea. Then he thought I did it when I took Ethan instead of during the day... now he's trying to kiss up- good luck!

Haircuts Anyone?

I don't really know how to describe today. It seemed to be over in a flash- kind of a whirlwind. I sit here, covered in spit up and eye goobers from our little monster. We think he might have spit out all the Zantac this morning. Whatever the reason, from about 6:30 on, he was a screamer. I finally got him to go to sleep. I'm just hoping he doesn't wake up still upset! He'd been a little fussy all evening, so it very well could have been the dreaded reflux!
Tomorrow I will post a picture of Ethan's new haircut, and mine as well. I went during the day and then took Ethan tonight. Funniest part is, Brian has yet to notice my haircut. I took off quite a bit, so you'd think it was obvious.... Ethan was so good for his- just sat there as quiet as could be. As we left, he tugged on my pants and quietly said "candy?" (they usually give him one when he's done.) I told him they must not have any this time and he said, "okay" and just looked kind of sad. I just thought it was adorable- he didn't cry or demand any, just accepted it. So, of course, my bleeding heart took him over to McD's for ice cream. What can I say- I'm a sucker for cute boys! I'm off to take a shower and wash the spit-up stink off of me. Hopefully Lucas will feel better when he wakes up for his last feed- keep your fingers crossed!

Go Potty Go!

Ethan loves wearing his big-boy undies and loves going in his potty! He must have gone 6 times during dinner. The boy is talented! We had a good day- Church was great and we loved seeing our friends, Summer, Brandon, Payton, and Addie. Ethan and Payton had a great time running all over the sanctuary after the service. And we all enjoyed comparing stories of our 2 and a half year olds and newborns. It is so fun to watch them grow together!
We picked up a freezer for the garage on our way home. This way, we can have frozen meals and Brian can have his gigantic box of waffles. He's been deprived for too long! Hopefully this will also help us go a little longer between grocery visits. I can't seem to leave Costco without spending a fortune, so the less I go, the better!
Ethan loved talking to all his grandparents and his Auntie Angie on the webcam today. It's so easy, I can't believe it! I think it'll be a great way to keep in touch with our families. It's hard not to feel kind of disconnected, so hopefully this will help.
This week should be business as usual. Not too much going on. Hopefully Lucas will start to kind of follow a schedule, but I know, I shouldn't count on it. I can hope, can't I?! 3 more weeks at home. Hopefully I'll be able to finish all the NCIS and CSI shows I have taped! Hard Work!

Exhaustion!

We had such a great day today- but we are now completely exhausted. All we can hope is that Lucas sleeps well so we can too! We started our day by going to a new coffee shop. They had toys there, but Ethan just liked walking around and putting his "coffees" on all the different tables. Luckily it was pretty empty. We worked on our Christmas lists and enjoyed listening to Lucas cooing.

Later, we bought and hooked up our webcam (we bought it and one for Ethan's cousin Morgan, so they can talk to each other) and spent much of the day figuring it out. We did manage to talk to several people and they could see us, but we have yet to chat with someone else who has theirs hooked up. Hopefully tomorrow we can get that accomplished with my parents. Morgan's will be arriving in the next week or so and then we'll be experts so they can chat.

I spent the afternoon/evening cooking. I've decided to make as many frozen meals as I can in the next few weeks so when I go to work, we've got lots here. I don't want to fall into the fast food trap, so I've made my own! Thanks to Brian's mom, Lois, for giving me the idea. I made 2 mac and cheese, 2 chicken noodle, 2 chicken chili, 1 pork stir fry, and 1 chicken stir fry. I also made shepherd's pie for dinner. It was actually a lot easier to do it this way. It was probably cheaper too, because I bought ingredients in bulk. We're running out of freezer space, but I bet I can fit more.

Ethan wore his big-boy underwear today for the first time (at home, after his nap). In 6 hours, we had 2 accidents, and he successfully used the potty probably 15 or so times. We are so proud! We just brought his little potty into the dining room (gross, I know), and he ran every time he had to go. We didn't even remind him that often, he just knew himself. He's growing up!

Letters

The highlight of my day was Ethan taking a bath with the new set of foam letters that someone gave me at the baby shower. He was "writing" all sorts of words and "reading" them to me. We also sang the ABCs at the top of our lungs a few times and just enjoyed each other. It was a good moment for us. He is adorable sometimes!
Lucas decided to eat randomly today- I don't even know what his deal was. He also was spitting up everywhere. A bad day for the reflux. We did have fun though, chatting with Michelle, and we even went on a walk. It felt good to be out in fresh air talking to an adult!
This weekend, my goal is just to enjoy each other. I'm also hoping to get out the announcements- Brian did a great job with them. Hopefully the monkey will sleep a long time tonight- keep your fingers crossed!

Victory!

5 and a half hours last night! We actually slept for 5 of that- straight! If that isn't victory, I don't know what is! Hallelujah!

Oh My....

You would think that I would know by now that babies don't follow a schedule. Yesterday was so great- I kind of assumed we'd do the same today. No sirree.... After waking up every couple of hours last night- today was just random. Then when I picked up Ethan, it was so bad. He was full of it from the minute he left his classroom. He actually ran off through the front door. Then he climbed all over the inside of the car while I put Lucas in, screamed the whole way home, and threw a few different tantrums throughout the evening.


But then, I did get some very nice hugs, and Lucas is in a milk-induced coma on Brian. I love his little rolls. We got him a sound machine today. I'm getting tired of the bathroom fan. This will be right next to him while he sleeps, so hopefully it will help him stay asleep.

So overall, not a great day, but my boys are all so cute, how can I complain? Hopefully we'll get some sleep tonight- and I'm taking Lucas over to Michelle's to hang out tomorrow for a little adult interaction.

Party!

What a fun baby shower! One of my partners threw it and did a great job. I couldn't believe how many cute things we got considering I only worked there two weeks so far! We got a lot of great outfits, gift cards, bath stuff, diapers, frames, books, and all sorts of baby goods. What nice people! The food was great too- I do love a good potluck! Lucas let everyone pass him around and was quiet as could be in his swaddle. It really does work! I cannot believe how easy he was today. He'd eat, play for another half hour and then I'd swaddle him, (or put him in his car seat when we went for a walk) and he went right to sleep and slept 2 hours. I woke him up and we repeated it all. This is the life! He's snoozing now in his bouncer while Brian and JJ root on the Blue and Orange.

Ethan was super excited to get a package in the mail from his Auntie Angie. Below is a picture of him reading me the book she sent. It's about monsters and counting- perfect! I had another picture of him to post, but then I realized he had things sticking out of his nose, so that'll have to wait. We do have video of him reading the book, but Brian has to help with that, so it'll have to wait.

I'm starting to lose track of the days of the week, but I don't think we have anything going on tomorrow. I might go spend some of these gift cards...