5.13.12

We went for the world's longest walk today. Not distance wise, just time wise. It took us twice as long as usual, stopping because Paige threw her cup, because Wyatt lost his hat, because Paige threw her soother, because it was too windy, because Paige threw her cup, because Wyatt wanted to walk, because Paige threw her soother...I think you get the idea.
Oh, and we saw a tractor.

5.12.12

Happy.

5.10.12

I am getting terrible at taking pictures again.  I suppose it would help if I took my memory card out of my computer.
The kids spent the whole day at daycare today, a test run for when I return to work on Monday.  I got to go clothes shopping (hmm...somehow ended up a size bigger than when I got pregnant, imagine that), had lunch alone, and went grocery shopping (zzzz....).  Paige apparently refused to nap for the entire day, and Wyatt got bit, but otherwise I think it was okay.  They each made me a painting for Mother's Day, which is awesome, because in his 2 years at the other daycare, he never brought anything home.  As you can see, Paige made me a flower (I'm assuming with some help), and Wyatt painted a slimy monster truck (and moon and sun) for me.  :D

5.8.12

We corralled the kids (as well as my niece and nephew) into the Research Station for pictures this afternoon.  As I expected, trying to get a group shot of kids ranging from age 11 months - 5 years was a joke.  Thankfully I got good shots of each kid to give to Josh's mom as a Mother's Day gift.
The last few days I've become increasingly anxious and depressed about my return to work on Monday.  There have been days where I have thought returning to work would be the best thing on the planet.  And it's not that I don't want to work.  I do.  I also am looking forward to some adult conversation during the day.  But still, I don't think I am prepared for this, and it's really beginning to sink in what an ordeal it will be for the kids to get used to being in daycare ALL day, 5 days a week.  I think Paige will adapt really well.  She loves other kids and seems to like being there.  I'm not sure about Wyatt.  I don't think he's warming up to the new daycare as well as I'd hoped.  He likes the women who run it, and it has only been a few weeks that he's gone (and only two afternoons a week) - but he still tells me he doesn't want to go, and looks downright devastated when I drop him off.  Each time he asks, "Will daddy pick me up in a little bit?  I only have to stay here a little while?"  That doesn't make me feel good.  I know at some point he has to get used to other kids and adapt to his surroundings, but do I have to push him into it at age 3?
I certainly cannot afford to stay home right now, but it's also almost not worth it for me to go back to work.  I have no choice but to work full time (like many other mothers out there, I'm sure) just so that I can bring home enough money to buy groceries and pay for daycare each week.  I haven't worked full time in over 3 years, and I have never had to juggle a full time job with 2 kids.  I wish there were a bit of a warm up so I'm not just throwing us all in head first.
Like my mother said, I have to remind myself that this is not forever.  This is just for "right now".  Hopefully I can find a happy medium soon.

5.7.12

I'm back! Got home from Calgary last night. It was far too short of a trip! It felt like just as we started to settle in, it was time to go. :( I often feel like I get the short end of the stick when it comes to visiting with my brother and his family. If I'm out there, it's a short trip. If they're out here, they stay 1 1/2 hours away, and we usually can't stay too long if we make the trip to my parents, with the kids needing to go to bed! Such is life with a young family I suppose.
I did have a good time though. Besides cuddling my new nephew and chasing my niece, I got to go to IKEA, check out Okotokes, eat a Crave cupcake (or two), experience why Google Maps should never be trusted, and I got to starfish in a queen bed all by myself. Oh yeah, and I got to drive the Deerfoot in pouring snow/slush/rain. Fun.
Thanks to FaceTime, I was able to visit with the kids and Josh once or twice a day, which really helped. The kids sure didn't seem to notice I was home today. :P

5.1.12

Hooray for May! A trip to Calgary, Paige's first birthday, my return to work...okay, not sure if that calls for celebration.
Paige surprises me every day with what she is capable of. Here she is trying to get food onto a fork. She combs her own hair, and I swear I saw her trying to hook up a trailer to one of Wyatt's toy semis. Smart cookie. And today she figured out how to drink from a straw, so we quickly figured out that whole bottle to cup transition in a few minutes.
It always bugs me a bit when people compare their kids (of course they are different! They're 2 separate people!), but it's getting harder not to with Paige and Wyatt. They could not be more different, honestly. I'm trying to think if one thing that has been similar...well, they both love to laugh and have the BEST laughs. I'd love to set them as ringtones. ;)

4.29.12

Well, my 30th has come and gone. Feels about the same as it did last week. Go figure.
I try not to have high expectations for my birthdays (or any holiday in which gifts are exchanged), I haven't even really celebrated my birthday in about 5 years. But with much urging, I planned something this year. My original plan fell through, too many people couldn't make it. My next plan was a simple dinner and drinks, which fell through too, because of people bailing at the last minute. One of those situations where you hate to be right. I'm trying not to dwell on it too much, but it certainly was an eye opener, and a lesson in appreciating those who are willing to make you a priority, even for just one night.
Josh was gone all weekend again, so we never really had a chance to celebrate together either. And most importantly, I didn't get a birthday sleep-in! Oh, the humanity!
I'll leave you with a card Wyatt (and I) made for me this morning. He was a little ripped that he didn't get to pick a card for me AND that Josh signed his name. Paint and sparkles. :)