Space

Have you ever craved space? Space to be yourself, observe others, or just to breath.

The last couple of days have been like that for me.

Grace is very mobile now. As a result, no place is sacred. She almost crawls into the shower with me, follows me to the bathroom, or just has to be held while I am doing other things (she is getting a new tooth and is needy at the moment).

Caroline seems to require just as much attention. She is so curious and inquisitive (which I mostly love) that she has become my shadow during the day. She wants to know who I am talking to, why I am doing something, or she too needs to be held.

As with most things, I like to be there and do all those things for my girls. But, I am feeling a bit suffocated and need some space. Even as I write, I have a partner on my chair asking what I am doing and when she gets to play a game.

I know I will forget these annoyances when I look back at our time together at home. And I will cherish that I was able to choose to be here with them. But for right now, in this moment, I just would like to have some time to myself.

Maybe tomorrow??

1st Birthday

Today is my baby's first birthday. Grace is now one. I am so excited for her.

It has been a busy year and we cannot believe how fast it has gone. It has gone much more quickly this time.

Grace is a happy baby and a pleasure to parent. Now that may all change as she becomes more independent. But for the moment, she likes to cuddle and has learned to give hugs.

Last night she even took her first steps. As much as I look forward to the milestones, it is a bit sad to see my baby get so big.

Happy Birthday Grace!!! We love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doing what they shouldn't

I woke up this morning and got to watch a little of the news. Which does not happen often in the morning, due to the fact Playhouse Disney is on. I was really disappointed with the lead story on Today. The Democratic Candidates for President are already fight among themselves.

Apparantly, Clinton and Obama are exchanging words on how the other plays dirty and cannot be trusted. Basically, it is a war over money. Since this is going to be a painfully long campaign, it will likely come down to which candidates can raise the most money. (Which that in and of itself is too sad to discuss)

Can the Democrats never learn? All this in-fighting and negativity is just what the Republicans are hoping for. And they must be elated to see it starting so early. Things during a campaign never get nicer, mud just flies higher and stronger.

Since it is going to be such a long campaign and so many people want the job, maybe they could just agree to promote themselves for a while. Save the attacking for later. As it is, I really do not know anyone well enough to tell who is lying and who is telling the truth. Even for a political junky, this is too much too soon. And it is too bad that even our political system has become a slave to those who control the almighty dollar.

Lessons

Caroline and Kris just got done taking swimming lessons. They started out great, but they did not end so well. She loves to swim and was excited everyday there was lessons.

But her mom and dad learned a lesson too. Next time, schedule the lessons earlier if possible.

We thought we were so smart. The lessons were a little late (6:55 - 7:25). But Kris would not have to rush home from work, we could eat supper, she could have her lesson then get home and into bed.

It was another thing that looked great on paper but not so hot in application. It was just too late. She was so tired by the time she left that she did not often make it through the lesson without a meltdown.

Well, she learned some swimming basics and we learned to be smarter schedulers. I guess we are all slaves to time clocks at least some of the time.

Attention

Did you ever notice that the best thing about holidays is the attention you get/give? It goes beyond the things given. It is better than the places visited. It is just really nice to focus on the person or people that are really important to you.

Even a night out that requires a lot of work, ends up being regenerative.

The attention ends up reminding us about how important we are to others. And that even when the everyday stresses divert our attention to other things. Deep down, the most important things are still getting attention even if you cannot see it.

Happy Valentine's Day

We are wishing all of you a great Valentine's Day.

Use today as an excuse to dwell on your love. If you give it the time, you will realize how it is more important than all the other things you need to get done. At least, that is how we feel here.

What is it?

What is it that is making me feel so stir crazy?

Is it because it has been so cold outside? It is really no fun to go out when it is -14 without the wind chill. But it is even worse to go out with kids and it is so cold. I am so tired of bundling them up and there is still plenty of time left in the winter.

Is it because the kids are still sick and cannot seem to get better? I am tired of complaining about the kids being sick but I seem stuck. At least now Grace is on her second round of antibiotics and they seem to be working. Now we need to find the right trick for Caroline and we will be set. My new mantra is "someday I will not have sick kids anymore." I must believe that it will be true.

Whatever it is, I am looking forward to this mood changing and changing soon. And I have so say, I am sure those around me feel the same way.

Presidential Politics

What a long campiagn this is going to be. I enjoy politics and campaigning but even I think that it is a lot already. The next president is not going to be elected for awhile and we are already trying to predict the winner.

It would be nice to be able to learn about these people as intended instead of listening to the media tell us who is winning. Polls are nice, but maybe they could wait until things have been established a bit.

I also think that we put to much of a negative spin on opinions that change over time. Now, there is a difference between changing your mind and flip-flopping. Changing your mind can happen over time and with study and guidance. There are many things is life that once we learned more about a topice we form a new opinion. It changes and grows and over time it may be different than when we began.

Why is this bad? I think that it show maturity and openness to the viewpoints of others. That does not mean you are dependant on others for your thoughts but that you can listen to all the possibilities and make an informed choice.

I hope that we can pick someone who is open to things. A President cannot possibly know everything. They must depend on others and make good choices; even if somtimes they have to be educated guesses.

Super Powers

Caroline and I must have super powers. We have the ability to chanel electricity.

Caroline hair has decided to permanently stand on end. She has a hard time blending in with regular society.

I on the other hand can destroy things with my touch. I can touch most anything in the house and give it a zap. Last night the phone stepped out of line and I gave it a good shock. It no longer works.

The criminals should beware. Once we have learned how to control our powers, we will start to fight crime. Until then. we may destroy our house. ;-)

I'm in Business

It's official. I am in business. I have set up the website and am ready to take some orders.

So, here it is. Pass it on to your friends. I am hoping for success that I can handle.

http://www.funandfurryhats.com

Isn't it interesting

Isn't it interesting what you do when someone you care for is going through something you cannot help with much. With Kris having his surgery today, I feel a bit helpless. There really is not much that I can do to make him feel better.




So what am I doing? I am cooking and baking. He is going to have a good supper and dessert. Who knows if he will even want to eat. But if he does, there will be good food for him.


I find it interesting what a person does to keep busy when they feel a little helpless.

Good and Bad

Well, tomorrow is a big day at our house. Kris is going in for a vasectomy.

It is definitely the right decision. We both feel that way. We may have more kids but no more pregnancies. They are just a little too risky for us.

But when we look at our kids, we are a little sad about that part of our lives being done. It seemed to have gone so quickly. There really is not anything like it. I will miss all the firsts.

But the good thing about kids, there always seems to be more firsts right around the corner, many that you are not even expecting.

So even though it is the right decision, it is not a fun one; especially for Kris.