Winning

I'm obviously winner of the world. I have all three kids asleep for naps, in one hotel room. Booyah.

And there is a new quote of the decade, soon to go up on the fridge at home. "It is better to cross the line and suffer the consequences, than to spend the rest of your life just standing and staring at the line."

I've been all about crossing lines and setting boundaries lately. And it feels really good, I've just got to tell ya. I've been telling the TRUTH about how I really FEEL, and it's liberating.

You should see our three stinkers in the pool. They absolutely love it! The next session of swim lasts thru mid June, and all three are taking lessons this time. Then we are going to take a break for a while, probably until fall. We bought our day passes for Great Wolf Lodge, and can't wait to take the kids back, but this time the outdoor water park should be open. We also are in the process of buying our season passes to Carowinds, and I know the kids will all love the water park this summer. I somehow still have plenty of vacation time left, even after taking leave for China, staying home with T for a while, and then her surgery. One place I can assure you we will be this summer is at my parents pool!!! I may not have any time off come September. We also want to get down to my aunts lake house and beach house some.

In between all of that, it's time for me to finally get in shape. I've now watched and trialed a cross fit class, and LOVE it. Once we get back home from Spring Break, I will do the six class foundations series, then I can start going to regular classes. We still have a family membership at the Y, so I went there last week to have all my measurements done. I wanted to know how many inches I lose/gain, and my body fat percentage. I will check them all again in three months. Interestingly enough, I've been thinking about how much fun it would be to take boxing lessons. I know- strange, right? But it would be!

With a full time job, and three young kiddos, there just aren't enough hours in the week. I think Eric may do cross fit with me, and we will have a babysitter while we go. We get pretty much zero time together, so I think that would be fun. And we are instituting a new monthly date night!

We should have Eric's student loan paid off in the next few months, and then we are down to just two debts we are working hard at paying off. The next is my student loan, and then we are tackling our home equity line of credit. Then we have to take a serious look at where we are going to live long term. A HUGE factor is if the kids win the lottery with magnet school assignment. That would make it harder to move out of the county. But, Eric's work is in Mooresville and Statesville, so that makes us want to move up to the lake. I am glad these decisions are a few years away, because they are hard ones.

Well, I hope you all (meaning Michelle) have enjoyed this little blog update. It is not often I'm in a quiet hotel room with three kids sleeping, and nothing else left to do.

For Michelle...

An update is in order. So here goes. Life is busy- very busy. Great, but busy. And at the end of the day, I'd simply rather sleep than blog. 3 kids three and under are quite busy. Did I mention our house is a little busy? The only reason I'm blogging tonight is because I'm at work. Love slow nights here! This is the biggest trauma center in NC, and some nights that is painfully obvious. Then there are nights like tonight, where we all get a little breather.

In any case, after the kiddos birthdays, January was pretty status quo. The boys went to school twice a week, and Tessa and I went to a bunch of doctor's appointments.

After we got home from China, Tessa had her first appointment with our pediatrician. She had a couple immunizations and a lot of blood drawn. We love our pediatrician, and he spent so much time with us that morning making a game plan. We've since seen a pediatric ENT twice, and had a hearing screen. The audiologist *thought* she had moderate hearing loss, but I seriously doubt it. She understands everything we say, and already says about 15 words. The ENT wasn't concerned either. We've seen a pediatric urologist after her abdominal ultrasound was done. He was not concerned with a mild kidney abnormality, and we'll see him back in 6 months. Since we are friends, he's just going to do an ultrasound himself at her next visit. If all is well, we'll be released from him. We've seen a pediatric opthamologist to evaluate a possible lazy eye, and she was diagnosed with mild strabismus in her left eye. That's just a weak eye, and can be fixed with patching the other eye. All of her blood work came back great, and that left us with her main issue, the "rectal stenosis". I knew with her first diaper change in China that her "anal stenosis" was something more complex. When we got home, I made an appt for her with my favorite pediatric surgeon, before we even saw our pediatrician for the referral.

We saw Dr. Bambini (pediatric surgeon) the beginning of January, and he said he thinks her original diagnosis was imperforate anus. She never had surgery, (we don't think), but will never know for sure. They did anal dilations for sure. I was so happy to have an official diagnosis. BUT, he through me for a loop. First off, he wanted an lumbar MRI to rule out a tethered cord. He also wanted a cardiac ECHO to rule out any heart defects. And, a contrast enema to evaluate the length of her colon. And the kicker was he said he was pretty sure she'd need a colostomy to let everything heal. And then another surgery 8 weeks later to reverse the colostomy. Oh.My.Goodness. I was one big ball of stress. She had to have anesthesia for the MRI, but it went great. And the results were negative for a tethered cord, although some other abnormalities did show up. Her ECHO showed a small defect, but nothing that will even need follow up. The contrast enema showed a beautiful colon:-)

We saw Dr. Bambini again the end of January, and got her surgery scheduled for February 15th. It was going to involve two days of clear liquids, and a bowel prep the day before surgery. I was not excited. About the prep, or the surgery. We were looking at 4-5 days in the hospital. Nothing to eat or drink, foley catheter, and central line for 3-4 days. Yuck!

Well, it all went SO much better than expected!!! Her surgery itself, an anorectal reconstruction, went awesome, and there was no need for a colostomy. We were SO shocked. He was over 90% sure he'd do one, so we just couldn't believe it when he came out of the OR after just 3 hours. The next few days in the hospital were tiring, but honestly just fine. We had GREAT care, and were very pleased with our entire experience. But nonetheless, we are happy it's behind us. My parents were very gracious and took the boys for 5 days while we were in the hospital with Tessa, and got her settled in at home.

That pretty much sums up February! March has been nice with some warmer temps, and we have enjoyed lots of time outside. And plenty of time with crafts and paints. It amazes me how much these three LOVE painting. Tessa has started childcare on Tuesday mornings at church, when I go to my women's lifegroup. It's been nice b/c she gets time to play with other kids, and I get some Mommy time. Plus, she cries when I leave which is a GREAT sign when it comes to attachment.

Drake has been SERIOUSLY and MAJORLY attached to me since we traveled to China. He refuses to sleep in his bed, and doesn't want me to EVER leave the house. Even if I just go for a five minute errand, he wants to come with me. He has a new teacher at swim school, and is now screaming at his lessons. He also used to love playing at our neighbors, but is now hesitant to go visit. I am so flattered that he loves and wants his Mommy, but he is seriously like a barnacle. I know that this is also just a phase, and will pass. But any positive thoughts you could send our way would be great for our sweet boy. He LOVES his sister, and is upset she can't go in his class at school, or to swim lesson with him. He also climbs in her bed every night to give her a big kiss goodnight. So sweet! Despite his drama, he is doing well at school. One of his teachers just got home from China today (from picking up her new daughter!!!), but the other one told me last week that he's doing great and talking all the time now. He used to be shy and quiet, but I guess that's over. I love getting there a minute or two early and watching him sit sweetly in the circle for whatever circle time activity they are doing.

Eli is my sweet little baby, but GEEZ is that kid head strong and stubborn!!! He's been like that since birth, so I don't know why it surprises me anymore. He hates getting his diaper changed, hates putting clothes on, and hates his sister to take his toys. He LOVES daddy's tools, and being outside. He also loves popsicles. Like, really loves them. I quit buying them and just started buying frozen fruit and making them myself, with fruit and juice. They all like to help make them, and really love when they are done. Eli is finally starting to get along better with his sister. They play together well *most* of the time, but still do fight over toys frequently. He has pretty much quit biting. YAY!!! Eli talks up a storm, and has the cutest little voice. I was just talking with his teachers about how much him and his classmates have grown since September. It's truly amazing.

That's a recap on our three crazy kiddos. Overall, life is great. We are busy, but I am learning to let everything but the essentials GO. If they are fed and safe, the rest is details;-)

We have Eli's birthday coming up, and a trip to Charleston during their spring break. Plus two nights to visit my parents, and family pictures. Exciting! I will try to put some pics up, but don't hold your breath.

Eli- My big boy!

I can't believe our BABY has gone and grown up on us! We just celebrated 19 months with him:-)

At his 18 month check up, he was 18 lbs 14 oz (less than 5th percentile), 30.25 inches(5th percentile), and a head circumference of 18 inches, also 5th percentile.

His stats follow right in his big brothers footsteps! Eric was a small child, so I guess our boys are just taking after their Daddy. Dr. Dorsey, our fabulous pediatrician, says they are just fine, but they get to stay on whole milk, and have all the butter they want! Which they enjoy- they love butter!

Eli is becoming a little chatterbox. He loves to say bye, baby, all done, no, mama, dada, and lots of other words. He is so cute leaving school everyday, he has to wave and say "bye" to his teachers numerous times. Eli is at our church's preschool every Tuesday and Thursday, and LOVES it. He goes right on in his room to his teachers, which is so opposite from Drake. He'll walk right in, and start playing and eating. It's kinda funny he's so social and happy there, b/c we jokingly say that Eli simply doesn't like people. He's actually just quite attached to

me and Eric, except at school.

We have a great time playing at Mommy and me gymnastics on Ssturday mornings, and we are starting swim lessons in January. I want him to be comfortable in the water by next summer, since my parents now have a pool.

Eli obviously is too young to understand what it means to be getting a new sister, but is SO sweet kissing her picture every night. My heart is aching about leaving my sweet boys for two weeks. It is literally making me nauseated if I think about it too much, so I try not to.

Eli is super active and agile, and must do every.single.thing his big brother does. It's super duper cute. I can see them becoming friends, and it's simply adorable.

The boys

Let's mark this down in the history books. DRAKE IS POTTY TRAINED!!!!! I hope he doesn't regress now that I've typed this. Today was day three in underwear, and he's only had two accidents. Both were just a little bit of poop. He's getting there, and I'm thrilled!

Eli took his first step last week! He is getting braver and letting go of stuff, but only takes about one step before plopping down on his bottom. He's drooling like crazy, so I hope some teeth are about to pop through.

Drake has been super heavy with the hugs and kisses lately, and we are all eating it up.

Eli has a smile that lights up the space around him, and makes us all smile.

We are so blessed.

Week in Review

No pics, so I'll apologize in advance:-)

Another busy week around here, working and just livin' life.

Eric almost has the playset finished, and the boys are going to love it. They already love the swings and glider!

We have a fun birthday party tomorrow for the boys friend Reese- she is one, and we are excited to celebrate.

The possible gov't shutdown is freaking me out, b/c I'm worried it will slow down the processing of our application to immigration.

Drake is having his first sleep over tonight! He's stayed with grandparents before, but never with friends. He is over at Marley and Aidan's, and I miss him even though he is just across the street. At least my sweet baby is just across the hall in his crib.

I bought a some bedding for Tessa's room today. It's SO cute. I just want our sweet girl home.

The weather has been fabulous, and we are looking forward to a fun weekend outside!

What's going on with us...

Busy times at the Kirsch home! I really hope to blog about the actual Disney part of our Disney trip, but I've been going to bed at 8pm the last couple of nights. We worked outside a good bit this weekend, and now I'm working Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. The good news is I'm off Wednesday- Saturday! The better news? Eric's parents will be here! Which means A LOT will be accomplished around our house! We had the sliding glass door replaced downstairs, and gorgeous french doors put in. They are so pretty, but still need to be painted. There is a lot of yard work to do, and I'm capable of doing most of it myself, but need someone to entertain the kiddos. Can you say Oma? (Oma is what the kids call Eric's Mom- it's German for Grandma.)

The biggest and most important thing that we are doing is having a playset built! Eric and his dad are quite handy; his dad especially. I'm so excited to finally have an outdoor playset for the boys, so we don't always have to walk to the park to swing and slide. The biggest part of their visit is that Eli's birthday party is Saturday:-) I can't wait to celebrate the first year of my sweet boys life. I love that lil' stinker with all of my heart. To be so skinny, he sure is squishable.

We have our last homestudy visit this week, with our social worker. I will give her the last of our papers required for that, and I'm hoping to get the homestudy back on next Monday. It will go straight to BAAS (our adoption agency that is FABULOUS) via overnight UPS. BAAS stands for Bay Area Adoption Services. So, how did we end up with an agency in California? Well, two of my friends at work are adopting right now, and are using this agency. I've heard great things, so we decided to use them as well.

Anyways, it takes about two weeks for our agency to review the homestudy, then we can send in something called an I800A. This goes to US Immigration (USCIS), and they approve us to bring a foreign child into the country. That part is about a two month wait right now, so I'm really hoping it speeds up. I want my girl home before Christmas, so even DAYS matter!!! So, I'm praying for a quick homestudy approval by our agency, and a quick USCIS approval! Their average is 45-60 days, and I'm hoping for 40. Nothing wrong with hoping and praying! Once our I800A is approved, we can send our dossier to China. Once that is in, it's about 4.5 months to travel.

So, this week's prayer requests related to our sweet Tessa:

1. She is safe, loved, fed, and warm.

2. The USCIS wait is closer to 30 days, than the 45-60.

3. St. Thomas quickly sends our marriage certificate.

In other news, the American Academy of Pediatrics made an announcement today that they are changing child restraint recommendations. Most importantly, they are recommending kids stay rear facing until AT LEAST two years old. I've been on that soap box a while now, but I'm hoping more people start to listen now that the AAP recommends it. Cramped legs are better than broken necks. I'm just sayin'.

All the things we've been up to....

Here are a few things I've been meaning to share:

Eric and I are in a 9 week bible study at church, called Two Becoming One. In short, it's a bible study all about marriage. There are five couples, including us, taking it, and one couple that leads it. The couple that leads it took the class many years ago, and now lead it at least once a year. They said it so strongly transformed their marriage, that they love to share it with others. We've only done one week so far, but I've enjoyed it. Eric seems to enjoy it as well, but I can't really speak for him.

****************** (Means I'm totally gonna change subjects on ya!)

Eli is growing up before our eyes. He finally weaned himself from breastfeeding, at 1o months old. It was still shy of my one year goal, but I was thrilled he self weaned early. It had been almost THREE straight years that I've either been pregnant or breastfeeding, or both. And let me just tell you folks, I am happy to have my body back, all to myself! So, since he weaned, that meant sweet thing finally got to go with his big brother on a trip to the grandparents! That means I actually got some sleep last week. For TWO nights! It was amazing. I slept 13 straight hours one night. And could've done more if I wasn't starving, haha. I only got up for food, then went back to sleep for 3 more hours. Don't judge. I know you are jealous ;-)

Apparently Eli just did fine, without me or Fran. He's quite attached to the both of us, and has never cared for his Grandma. Well let me just tell you, he's seen the good life now. When we met in Columbia to pick him up, Fran grabbed him for some snuggles, and then he reached back for Grandma. Rotten already apparently! The grandparents strike again.

The kicker? Eric's parents will be here in March, and I can only imagine what new level of spoiled they will have my kids at!

*********************

I've known since I was a teenager I wanted to adopt child(ren) one day. I knew I wanted biological children, and I knew I wanted to adopt children. I love to read, and always have. As a teenager I read a book that discussed the lack of value for girls in China, and how many were abandoned. From that moment on, I always said I wanted to adopt a baby girl from China. Fast forward 15 years, and I'm crazy busy with my two boys, and the list to adopt from China is a good five years long. Craziness! But I've known for a while now that our family isn't complete. I don't have words to eloquently describe it, but there is someone, or maybe even more than one child, still missing from our family. So easy fix, get pregnant again, right? Absolutely not. Not an option. I have zero desire to house another human. Add to that the millions of orphans in this world who need a Mommy and Daddy, and having another bio child just isn't on our list of options.

That brings us back to adoption. I don't want to do a domestic adoption, because I'd want it to be completely closed, and that's hard to find. Most birth moms want open or semi open, from what I've read, and I know I couldn't handle that. Domestic adoption is also more expensive. BTW, domestic means from here in the US.

International adoption is an entirely new world to me, but I've been doing a ton of reading over the last six months. It's really been weighing on my mind the last 3 months. Each country has different requirements and different processes. China still tugs at my heartstrings, and they have a special needs list of children that really calls to me. What does all this mean? I don't know. I'm waiting for what I want, to be on track with what Eric wants, and for both of us to be on track with what God wants. That's THREE of us that need to get in sync! The long and short of this is simply to say, that if you are the praying type, please pray that God's plan for our family be revealed to us. We know there is a plan, we are just waiting for God to let Eric and I in on all the details......

Until next time,

Peace and love,

Family Update

We've been keeping busy around here with work and fun! I worked last wed, thurs, and fri, and now I have FOUR days off. Next time I'm complaining about working a 16 hour shift once a week, remind me that I frequently have long stretches off of work.

Saturday morning I took the boys to an event at church, and then that night we had supper club with our besties. This was our second month, and supper club has turned out to be quite the success! We all love it! Today we had a little celebration for Fran's birthday, and her actual birthday is tomorrow. Happy Birthday, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 73 degrees, so we have a trip planned to a park in the afternoon.

I've started a new book, called "ME: The me I want to be." It's really good, and goes along with a video and discussion series that a lot of people at our church are doing. In a nutshell, it's about becoming God's best version of myself. It's really interesting so far!

Where we left off...

...Our birthdays? Eric and I had a nice night away in Asheville to celebrate our birthdays. As fate would have it, I was awake at 5:30 trying to figure out why no one was crying to nurse, and if I was late for work. But then we had an amazing day and lunch at the Grove Park spa. Heaven!

I can't really think of anything in November except Thanksgiving. I know we were super busy, but right this second I just can't remember with what.

I've been so busy planning Disney (March), Drake's birthday (Jan), and Christmas (you know when that is). So busy that I haven't made time for blogging. It's just so much darn easier post photos and updates on facebook, that I'm a big slacker here!

Yep, we are alive!

Just so you all can rest easy, we all are fine and dandy! Sometimes I just get too busy living life to blog about it. But maybe, just maybe, I'll finish my decorating soon and post some Christmas pictures soon. I've got the playroom decorating finished, and the den/mantle. If it ever quits raining, we'll go get our tree and do the living room:-)

The kids are great. Drake is talking up a storm, and Eli is army crawling all over the house.

Here I am!

Yes, I'm still here. Just too tired to muster up a blog post and upload photos. Maybe soon...

A little (but big) update

Oh my, I've been a little MIA! However, it's been for good reason. We've been super busy between these sweet boys of ours, and working.

As far as working, Eric and I have both been working a LOT. However, we only have $2K left to pay on our Pilot, so it's been worth it. We've also paid for our plane tix to California, for our friend's wedding in October. Eric's business is going fabulously, so we are thrilled all the way around.

These boys---B.U.S.Y. Having them not quite 15 months apart is definitely hard on the front end. Everyone who's done this tells me I'll appreciate it later. I'm pumped. I can't wait until they play independently in the back yard, while I drink wine on the deck. I also would love to only have one in diapers. I've heard that cloth diapered kids potty train earlier, but I've also been hearing that boys are HARD. Two girls I work with said their boys didn't potty train until 3 1/2. So, who knows. I've thought about getting a little potty for him to start testing the waters.

Drake is signing more often. That's good, b/c he just isn't a big talker. He says some words, but more often whines and points. It's kinda funny though, because if he really wants to say something, he does with no problem. His physical development is off the charts. He may be small, but the kid is like a monkey! He runs, he climbs, he dances; he is just everywhere!!! On another note, his separation anxiety is off.the.charts. He does NOT like being apart from Mommy or Daddy.

Eli needs to just slow his little self down! He has two teeth, and rolls over. I mean, seriously? My sweet cuddlebug isn't even five months yet, and is growing up before my eyes. He loves to smile and laugh, and play with a few certain toys. He's obsessed with Sophie the giraffe! It amazes me how social Eli is.

A couple of months ago, Eric and I did some talking about childcare, the childcare budget, and our need for help around our house. We decided that the best solution to many of our issues/needs was an au pair. I've posted about some of that here, and the final update is that OUR AU PAIR IS HERE! AND WE LOVE HER!!! Can I just tell you how excited I am? Her name is Fran, and she's from Brazil. Her English is really good; better than I expected. Portugese is her native language, but she speaks some Spanish and German as well. She came to us from a family in Idaho, where she'd been for about a month and a half. I won't get into all the details, but she's in a much better situation here than she was there. She is very sweet and loving to the boys, which is the most important thing. She is also a super clean and neat freak. I can seriously appreciate her OCD. With all that said, Eric and I aren't completely crazy. Our nanny cams should be here any day, and we'll be able to watch live feed online, or on our iphones. That was my one requirement of Eric, to arrange that.

Fran and I applied for her social security card today, and we have to get her driver's license next. She has an international drivers license (whatever the heck that is), but it's recommended she get a NC one. Eric is in charge of helping her complete her college application, and there is a "short semester" from October to December. She has to take 6 credit hours in the year she's here. If we continue to love her to pieces, she can extend her stay for up to a total of two years in the US. She'd have to continue her college classes in the second year.

So, that's a quick update on us. I'm sure there are a million spelling and grammatical errors. Sorry, but the Bachelor Pad is calling.

A Sunday night update

Our au pair was supposed to arrive this week, but her visa didn't come through. I can only trust that God knew something we didn't....so we are searching again. We are in contact with a girl who is with a family in Idaho. However, she's unhappy in their extremely small town, and her host family agrees she'd be happier elsewhere. I spoke with her host mom today, who had nothing but great things to say. Including that she's really sad to be losing her! So, hopefully her loss will be our gain. Her name is Fran, and she's from Brazil. Hopefully we'll know something for sure in the next couple of days.

Eli's thighs are oh.so.ticklish. And I love it. I harass him frequently, all to naw on those juicy thighs and get a laugh!

Drake has some serious separation anxiety. Especially at church. Which has me really worried, because he starts playschool there in a month. One more month until I have to leave my baby twice a week, for three and a half hours. But for playschool, he'll have the same teachers and classmates, so I'm hoping it gets easier for him over time.

No pics tonight, since I haven't taken any recent ones. If I only had 30 hours in a day!

My Growing Boys

Eli was three months old this past week! And Drake will be 18 months on Monday! Can someone please tell me how this happened?

Eli's personality is really shining through. I can't tell you how much Eric and I just swoon when he smiles and coos at us. And on the days he giggles when we clean his neck rolls? Well, we are just beside ourselves on those days. It's like an orchestra playing, or angels singing. Just absolute beauty. We are three months strong on breastfeeding, and I mean STRONG. This kid hates the bottle. He'll deal with it when I'm at work, but only after holding out a while. He has to be super hungry to eat from a bottle. I'm hoping his aversion to bottles, and my supply (which is better than with Drake), means we'll make it to at least a year breastfeeding. Yes, at LEAST. I'd totally go longer if my kids want to. I believe in self weaning.

Eli is enjoying his swing a lot, but has started spending lots more time on his activity mat. Drake lived on his activity mat at this age, but it's harder with Eli. We simply can't put him on it and turn our heads for one second, b/c there is no telling what Drake will do. Like offer him a goldfish cracker. I couldn't make this crap up if I tried folks. Drake is getting better though, so Eli has been joining him on the activity mat with toys. He loves the light up singing star. He loves to roll up on his side, but his chunky lil' arms stop him from rolling over. I think he's gonna be my lazy baby. He's so content just chilling out, that I don't think he'll crawl or walk early like Drake. Eli gives new meaning to the word mellow. I love my stinker.

Now, Drake. How on earth is my baby a year and a half old??? And how is it that he's my big boy, instead of my baby? I truly don't know. Other parents try to warn you how fast they grow up, and it really is true. It seems to happen overnight. Drake's obsession is being outside. It's all he wants, and he will throw a fit until you take him out. There is nothing in particular out there that he wants; he just likes to walk around and explore. He loves to head out on our neighborhood greenway and go to the park. He's a climbin', slidin', swingin' fool. He is in love with airplanes and birds. He talks and jabbers away, and is really intense sometimes in trying to relay something. He gets so mad and frustrated when he doesn't know how to express something. I'll be thrilled when he can talk in sentences and phrases, b/c I think his frustration level will decrease.

Drake's kisses are to die for. He has started making the "smooch" sound when he gives them, and I'm in love. There isn't much in this world I enjoy more than a big kiss from my big boy.

We start swim lessons week after next. It's only 4 lessons, for a month on Tuesday mornings. It's more of a time for us to spend together, and play in the waterpark afterwards. And we can take what they show us, and practice later when we go swimming with Daddy. He starts his preschool (AKA "playschool") the day after Labor Day, and I'm excited for him. I know it's definitely going to be an adjustment. No morning nap is gonna make him a bear in the evenings. I'm excited for him to make little friends, and have a few hours a week that are structured and planned out. We've started time out here, using the pack and play....and it WORKS! Hallelujah!

Well, the boy are beckoning to tell me nap time is over, so I g/g!

Au Pairs

So..... Eric and I are completely busy and overwhelmed, ALL the time. Two kids under two is no joke. Especially when it's combined with working full time. And even more so when your husband works 80-100 hour weeks. Now let me be clear, and say that I'm thrilled my husband is working so hard; his business is going quite well. However, arranging childcare is a JOB in itself for me. Every day, I have to think...is it me, Eric, the nanny, my neighbor, or my Mom that will be taking care of the boys. Planning each month is so stressful. And just when I get it figured out, Eric changes something. Which means I have to scramble to rearrange. I am TIRED OF IT. Plus, when I am here, I feel like I do nothing put pick up and clean up. Having two kids in cloth diapers puts an enormous strain on laundry. I want more time to enjoy my children- I want to rock Eli and play on the floor with Drake.

Okay, I'm finished whining.

Eric and I have taken into account all the above factors, and decided that we need to do something before we (meaning I) lose our sanity. It was time to reevaluate childcare. Daycare is out. None accommodate the hours we work. It would be nice and simple if there was a place that opened at 6am, and allowed only three days a week. But none do.
We love our nanny, but for the hours we want/need someone a week, the cost is out of control.
We considered just paying an agency to find us a fulltime nanny that we'd pay by the week, but it didn't compare to our last option.

An au pair!!! I had honestly never considered this, because I've never felt like we've need so much help to warrant having someone live with us. Well let me just tell you, we definitely could use that help now. Since I'm just back to work, everyone is of course asking about the boys/how they are/who's watching them/etc. When chatting with one coworker this past week, she mentioned that her family had au pairs when her children were young. Then after further conversation, it turns out that quite a few of my coworkers have had au pairs. I heard lots of positive things, and decided to investigate. And I liked what I read.

I always thought it would be cool (as a high school student) to either be an exchange student, or have my family host one. That didn't happen, but I always thought it would be fun and interesting. See, an au pair is essentially an exchange student, but they take care of your kids for room & board, plus a weekly stipend. There are pretty strict guidelines regarding their duties and hours, all mandated by the Department of State. They have to be between 18-26, and they have to take 6 hours of college credit while they are here. They can't work more than 45 hours a week or ten hours a day. They come for one year, and you have the option to extend up to one year after that. Au pair is French for "on par", meaning you bring this young woman into your home and treat her as a member of the family. Kinda like a much older sister or aunt for your kids. They are not a maid, and they are not slave labor.

Eric and I are really excited. I'm actually super pumped. I never thought I'd be keen on someone living in our house, but our guest room is quite tucked away and private in the basement. Our family room and office are also down there, but everything else is upstairs. I'm optimistic and hopeful about this process, and I hope it's a positive one for us. I've spent LOTS of time this week reviewing files. I've narrowed it down to two girls- one from Mexico and one from Peru. We hope to do some phone and skype interviews soon. Once we match with someone, it takes about 4-6 weeks to get them here. Apparently it totally depends on how slow the embassy is in their country. I'm ready for someone to get here tomorrow!!! But, we'll muddle through July, and look forward to having an extra pair of hands around here soon.

The Boys

I wish I had time to tell you all just how amazing my boys are. However, I have less than 24 hours to unpack, do laundry, clean up, and repack. Oh yeah, and get to the airport and fly to Buffalo. So, in short...

Eli is smiling, cooing, and laughing. I can't tell you how much those three things warm my heart. He is so strong, and loves to hold his head up to look all around. He's such a social little thing now. He also rolls up onto his side. That darn arm his stopping him from making it over to his tummy.

Drake does something new every single day. I am in utter amazement what a sponge his little mind is. He gives you five, and knows all the motions to patty cake. You should see him "roll them up" and "throw them in the pan". Absolute cuteness like you'd never believe. His kisses have changed from a big sloppy open mouthed atrocity to cute little pecks with the "smooch" sound. Again, pure love. I can't even begin to tell you all the things/words he says, b/c he truly is saying something new each day. Such a little chatterbox we have on our hands.

Sorry I don't have time for more! I've been at the beach all week for a conference, with the boys and my Mom. I am beyond fortunate to have a Mom who selflessly gives of her time, to me and my kiddos. She really is the best. If there is anyone on this planet who can't see that, then it's their loss.

Stream of consciousness.....

My first week back to work was great! The boys did fine; Eli is figuring out this whole bottle thing just like Dr. Dorsey told us he would. I LOVE our nannies. We have a mother/daughter team through our agency, (same as before Eli was born), and we've had the mom Sherylee all this week. She is beyond amazing, and I have no qualms at all leaving my boys with her. Plus, she is one cleaning machine! I didn't even ask her yesterday, but she unloaded/reloaded the dishwasher and washed diapers. That sure was nice to come home to.

I really do enjoy my job. It is refreshing to be out of the house three days a week, and use my brain. Gotta put that hard earned (and expensive) Masters degree to work! We had big news at work this week regarding how we are paid, and the reviews have been mixed according to who you ask. But for me and my family, the change was a fabulous thing. Plus, I'm 4 months into a project at work, and after I complete six months of it, I can apply for advancement. Which, comes with a pay raise. Another big yahoo!!!

We are going to get our car paid off by the end of the year, so that goal for 2010 will be met. Plus, we've quadrupled what we were paying each month on my student loan. I love me some Dave Ramsey, and I feel like Eric are making very smart decisions regarding our budget and debt. When I get frustrated, I just remind myself to look at our student loans as an investment, rather than just a debt.

I am attending a conference next week at the beach, staying once again at my Aunt's beach house. My Mom is coming to help with the boys, and my Dad will even make it a couple of days b/t his working. More SUN! And Drake of course loves the ocean and beach. I can't wait for more time playing in the waves with him. Unfortunately Daddy has to stay behind to work.

We are taking Drake to the waterpark at the Y today, so we've gotta get going...

So busy!

The beach was BEYOND a blast last week, but there was no internet~hence no updates or photos. I got home with the boys late Thursday night, and yesterday Eric's cousins were in town for the night. We don't get to see them but every few years, so it was great to spend time with them! Today one of my best friends from grad school is going to be in town, and us along with our other two best girlfriends (all from anesthesia school) are spending the day and night together. (Can't wait for my pedi!)
Monday, I go back to work~~BOO!!! So, with all that said, I'm not sure when I'll have time to do a good blog post with photos and updates on my sweet boys. Eli is great, but still not liking bottles. Drake is his normal cool kid self, but tantrums are on the rise. He also has now said okay, dog, all done, bird, and he signs all done as well. They are so much fun, despite being so much work. We leave for the beach again next weekend, but this time minus Daddy. :-( After that, it's off to Buffalo for a few days. We get back to normal the end of June, with Mommy and Daddy both working full time. We are fortunate enough to work out our schedules so that we only need our nanny on Wednesdays, so that's good for the boys. Lots of time with the parental units!
That's all I have time for now...

The Boys

So, quick update time. We've had a busy week, and we head out of town tomorrow.

Eli will be 2 months old on Sunday! Crazy isn't it? He had a checkup yesterday, and weighs 10 pounds, 8 ounces!!!!! Kid has gained over 4 pounds in less than two months. The beauty of breastmilk! It really is the best. He is in the 25th percentile, which is miraculous for any kid of ours. He is 22.5 inches long, which is the 40th percentile. Again, just crazy. He is sleeping great, 5-6 hours at a time. He nurses somewhere betweeen 3 and 5am, then is back down till around 6-7 am. I can totally handle one feeding a night, especially if it keep my milk supply up, and we make it to at least a year breastfeeding.

Drake is hilarious these days. He's obsessed with birds and planes, and is constantly pointing/looking up to the sky. He says uh-oh constantly. He says all done when he's ready to get out of his high chair, and it's super cute.

Hopefully I'll get some pics up next week from the beach, depending on our internet connection. Anyway, gotta go, packing is calling....

Update on my boys!

Drake turned 16 months five days ago! Where has the time gone? I swear that kid was just born yesterday. He is more of a joy everyday, and yet he is more of a pain every day. He is MOST definitely a toddler, and is becoming more defiant and headstrong. He has learned to bite, which is a MAJOR issue for me. Unfortunately, he hasn't done it to Eric or myself, just his cousin. We are waiting for him to do it to us, and start some major discipline for it. I really have no idea where to start for discipline. Neither Eric or I are big fans of spanking; we prefer gentle discipline and positive reinforcement. However, that's nice and all, but we've never parented or disciplined before. What we theoretically prefer may or may not work for our kids. We'll start with the redirection, positive reinforcement, and time outs first. I guess we'll see where those get us.

Drake has become a lot more whiny. However, I wonder if he's not getting enough sleep some days. If his naps aren't long enough, we can definitely tell! I tell him "Whining gets you nothing", but he looks at me like I'm crazy. His comprehension is getting better, he often understands what I'm telling him. (Listening is another story). His speech is improving as well. He's recently added the words "bird", and "hey" to his vocabulary. The "hey" is accompanied by a big arm wave. He is constantly looking up when we are outside, and gets super excited by either birds or airplanes.

We got a letter last week that told us Drake officially got the spot at the preschool we wanted him in. It's the one at our church, right at the front of our neighborhood. He'll be going on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 until 1pm. I guess that means he'll transition that morning nap out. I sure feel sorry for his teachers! He's going to be a major crankbutt. I hope he enjoys it. He quits crying within 1-2 minutes when we leave him on Sunday mornings, so I hope he'll be just as good when we leave him for preschool. I'll be able to take him and pick him up on Tuesdays, Eric will take him on Thursdays, and I'll pick him up on Thursdays. We are excited to have our schedule all worked out!

Now, on to an update on sweet Mr. Eli. He will be SIX weeks old tomorrow!!! Seriously? He is such a good baby. He only fusses when he's gassy, and Mylicon usually fixes that. Along with a good burp or toot. He is taking a little bit out of a bottle, but he still isn't doing it easily. Or happily. I'm gonna call his pediatrician about it Wednesday, and discuss it with him. I just don't know if he's big enough to go by the "when he gets hungry enough he'll eat" method. I mean, I go back to work in less than a month, so he's got to figure it out eventually. As a mom who believes in demand feeding, and meeting a baby's every cry and need, this is hard for me. But, I HAVE to work, so it's not done out of laziness or something else.

He's been giving me social smiles for a few days, and today he gave Eric a big smile while I was gone with Drake. Eric was so happy and proud to tell me about it when I got home. His head strength is also getting a lot better. It's amazing how someone so tiny can hold that big head up for so long. On another super exciting note- his horrible diaper rash/excoriation is better! We've been sitting him up in the Boppy, on the baby einstein play mat. He seems to like looking around and checking it all out.

We have a busy week planned, which simply means we have something planned each day. And even the smallest trip is an adventure with my two boys. Tomorrow we are going on a tour at Drake's future preschool in the morning. And in the afternoon, Eli and I are heading to my postpartum checkup. I can't wait to see my midwife Tina and catch up. On Wednesday I'm taking both boys to the mall and meet up with my friend Melissa. She had her daughter Reese about a week after Eli arrived. We are both excited to get out of the house and catch up, even if it is while pushing strollers around the mall. Thursday there is a La Leche League meeting not too terribly far away, and I hope to make it to that. I've never been to one, so I hope it's what I expect. On Friday, we are heading to Florence for the night. I've got a baby shower on Saturday morning for a cousin, and then we'll head back home Saturday evening/night.

Well, I think that's enough of an update for now. Peace out!