November 19th, 2007

Most grateful moment of the day: We had a long night of wakefulness last night....Jack was up 3 times (finally came into bed with us at 2 a.m.) and Mallie was up 3 times- the 3rd time, Tommy had to get up with her and rock her for 1/2 hour. We were both very sleepy today. But after lunch, on the way home, Jack fell asleep for what turned out to be a 2 1/2 hour nap. And Mallie cried so hard the entire way home from lunch, that she tired herself out for a 3 hour 45 minute nap. THerefore, I helped myself to an almost 2 hour nap and felt like a million bucks this afternoon. I guess we only have Mallie to thank for this wonderful nap.

One thing I learned today: Sometimes it only takes one sentence out of someone's mouth to get a completely different view of a situation. There has been a nagging problem that I've been dealing with by getting annoyed and angry. A good friend helped me to see what the problem really is- and I feel above it now. I will not allow it to suck me in anymore and it feels liberating!!!

One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I had chiseled out a few minutes to read to Jack today. It's something I do almost everyday. When the day has ended and I realize I haven't done that, I look at all the unimportant things I did with my time and realize they all could have waited in line behind reading with him.

Best life tip: Floor washing is a constant issue in this house. I can equate it to my workout regimen- either I am gung-ho and wash it every single day......or I go weeks without washing it, to the point where I have to walk across the rug to scrape the crumbs and other goodies off of my feet. Lately, I've been the latter. Anyway, as I was scrubbing the kitchen floor tonight, I remembered the Martha Stewart philosophy for floor washing- which I plan to adopt because of its lack of intensity (surprisingly, from Martha!) She says a kitchen floor need not be washed more than once a week, if it is swept twice a day and spot cleaned upon necessity. I like it and MUST start doing it..... (This reminds me of the dream I had when I was pregnant with Jack. I was freaking out, in real life, that we weren't ready for a baby, due to our horrible house-keeping habits in our old double in Lakewood. My dream was very symbolic in that I was watching my baby crawling for the firt time. He was crawling toward me and I was so excited. But as he crawled past me, I saw that his little butt was covered with dust bunnies. I woke up with a new resolution to keep my floor spotless....which obviously did not last very long. Unfortunately, this dream has become a reality.

Biggest laugh of the day: After dinner, Jack appeared to have to go to the bathroom. Tommy noticed this, and asked him if he'd like to 'go poop on the potty', to which Jack responded, 'yes!'. So I was able to listen to them from downstairs. Jack sat on the potty for several minutes and Tommy kept asking him, "Are you going?" And Jack kept grunting and pushing and making a huge show of it. This was a gross, but very funny moment, especially hearing it from downstairs.

Best Tommy moment of the day: Tommy came home with a Christmas CD from the library after work today and started playing our Christmas collection tonight. He knows how much I love this music and I know I've forced it on him, but he's come to love it too. We're getting so excited for our first Christmas with 2 kids! The music certainly helps!!!

Best Jack moment of the day: We like watching Dancing with the stars on Monday nights. Jack likes observing it interactively- by dancing in the same way the 'stars' do it to the music. He really watches them and tries to copy their moves, running around our living room. It is always good entertainment (both the show and Jack). Tonight, Marie Osmond did the quick step with her partner. I was holding Mallie as he watched the first part of their dance intently. Then, he came over to me, and said 'Put baby right here" and pointed to the couch. So I put her down and he held out his hands to dance with me. It was the cutest thing. He saw them dancing together and realized he needed a partner to dance the perfect quick step. I was happy to oblige!!!

Best Mallie moment of the day: I heard Mallie laugh out loud today for the first time. It's still a little chuckle laugh, not a belly laugh yet. But definately more than a smile!!!! Tommy had her laying down on the floor and he was moving he arms like a cheerleader, up and down and out. She likes being roughed up a little bit- so she never would laugh with me because I am so careful with her! I think she's going to do great with her brother and 6 boy cousins. She'll hold her own!!!!