Tuesday, April 22, 2014

dear vacation,

Dear Vacation, 

warm, sunny days, with a salty breeze

slow mornings with leisurely strolls to our favorite breakfast spot

walks in the palm tree lined neighborhood

hours spent relaxing and playing on the warm sand

splashes of clear salty water

family photos

reading my new books during nap time

many stroller/wagon rides

lots of yummy food

one, or two... who am I kidding... or more visits to my favorite little shops

priceless memories with my little men

That's what I am hoping out of my time with you. I can't wait to see you. 

Love,

a momma in desperate need of time at the beach



Monday, April 21, 2014

momma mondays: it's a... gender reveal!

It's a girl!

I knew things would be different this time around. After all, it has to be quite a bit different with just one baby. Having two boys the first time I got pregnant was honestly quite a shock. I didn't know what on earth to do with one boy, much less two! While I still have a lot to learn as these little men grow, I wouldn't change or trade them for anything... even two little girls. 

When I found out I was pregnant again, of course I thought I'd love a little girl, but I pretty much banked on it being another boy. And, strangely enough, I was okay with that. I think after having these two little guys, I couldn't imagine anything different being any better! 

They have the best hearts, the sweetest personalities, the kindest smiles and are so incredibly filled with love! A boy or a girl like them would make me happy. It really didn't matter. I am awfully happy it is a girl, but part of me can't even imagine that she could be any more darling than my little men.

We all are so happy and are awaiting her big arrival later this summer! The boys will be great big brothers and are already learning to say, "baby" when they see one! Baby girl, we all love you already!




Monday, April 14, 2014

momma mondays: mom life

The majority of my life so far I have spent just worrying about myself. Not that I tried to have my life revolve around myself, but it was always focused on my school work, my job, my to do list, etc. Now that I am a mom, life has tremendously changed. It has changed drastically even from life as a new wife. When you get married, you still focus on the needs of your life, but add on your spouses as well. Then, when you add little ones to the mix, everything changes! Your to do list goes after their needs. Your wishful fun errands take a major backseat to the errands that need to be done for the kiddos. The freedom to shower whenever you please becomes the hopes that you even get a shower in. Finding the parking space closest to your destination now becomes the one closest to the shopping carts, because you can't leave two little men in an unattended car. Life changes. In big ways and in small. And I don't mind it. Our days get hectic, tiring, and stressful, but they are always filled with joy.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

exhaustion

I've recently said to the Hubs that I think mommas should be allowed to get tired, but not exhausted... or cranky, for that matter. The boys have decided naps are pretty much a thing of the past and are very overrated. They sometimes take one long nap (1 hr), but for the most part, they are power naps, and boy do they fill them with more power! They have a really fluctuating wake up schedule in the morning too. I wish it was more consistent so I could plan my strategy a bit more, but I guess it is part of their strategy to keep me on my toes a bit more! Yesterday was a long, difficult day in our house. At about 2/2:30 I felt like I just couldn't keep going and had to close my eyes, but being that I had two loose toddlers, that wasn't happening. I let them watch a little extra tv to keep them quiet, but that doesn't last long. I was desperate. The day progressed and I just kept pushing along. Once bedtime (for me) came, I just kept thinking and praying that they would sleep, and a little later. I just needed one night of a good night's rest without a crazy early wake up.

And, what do you think happened? My wake up came earlier than even before, 12:30. I heard my little man, who happens to be sick, crying. I had no idea what time it is, but I knew I hadn't been asleep for long. I woke up the Hubs, which is not an easy thing to do, and asked him if he could just go get him back to sleep for me. He kindly dragged himself out of the bed and went to check on our little man. It wasn't long before I heard little man numero dos start crying and that is when I felt like crying. This couldn't be happening. Shortly after I heard quiet and I was thanking the Good Lord!! Aaahhh, a peaceful night's rest ahead of me? Nope. Before I knew it, I was sleeping with three cute guys... make that four. The dog was in the bed too. The reason for that quiet was they were in their Papi's arms on their way to see Momma. I just didn't have any energy in me to get them back to sleep in their own beds. I didn't care that shortly later I would end up with my head resting on my nightstand, my hips balancing on the doggie steps and my feet and calves hanging onto the bed for dear life. I just cared that there were no screaming tears (from them or me) and we would soon be sleeping... hoping again for a peaceful night's rest.

Scratch that thought. I was up constantly with one boy or the other. At one point our little worm of a sleeper was at the bottom of our bed half on the bed, half on the bench. I heard little mouse squeaks coming from a place that shouldn't have been and that's when I saw him there, wide awake. I don't know if he squirmed down there or he was trying to get off the bed. Either way, I brought him back for more cuddles, to then find the dog sprawled out on the pillow my little man and I were sharing. I thought that it was never going to end. Once one boy got settled, the next would start up with something.

And then finally, after catching some winks with my head resting on my nightstand, my hips balancing on the doggie steps and my feet and calves hanging onto the bed for dear life, we had an early wake up call at 5 something with one little guy having a night terror that I couldn't seem to stop forever and another little guy who woke startled by the screams. At about ten to six, the three of us headed out to start the day.

Even though I am even more exhausted today than I was yesterday, I know God will some how give me the grace and strength to go on. I don't understand His ways sometimes. It wouldn't be that hard to let me get a little rest, but I guess He has other ideas. I'm hoping I can be strong and joyful throughout this day and not fall asleep in some corner, praying no body sees me.

Do you have any tips for more energy, getting your littles and yourself more sleep, or any help for this exhausted momma? If they'd watch tv for hours straight, I'd be tempted to just put something on so I could catch a rest, but they are too active for that.