Seeking Sleep...

Our house has been rather sleepless for the last few months. Our wonderfully sleeping baby took a turn when we went on vacation...then got sick- and has never come back from the dark side! My husband and I have found a daily routine of walking zombie for the past while...and we finally decided that we cannot do it any more! The thing is, it wasn't just T...it started with her- then she would generally wake Si up- who would then end up in bed with us as well. Sleepless nights, after nights, after nights.
I am sure many of you have seen the following photo before- and for those sans kids...there is truth in EVERY morsel of this depiction:

I love looking through magazines and finding photos depicting the sleeping family all cuddled closely...really!!!?? Who finds this comfortable!?
In our house...child wins every time. They continuously kick the crap out of my husband until he is forced out of our bed and into one of the kids beds...thankfully they are singles and not toddler beds- but yes, they do have guard rails. I am sure that spells comfort on many levels: Not to mention the waterproof mattress pad beneath to ensure no mess gets through from the kids- this is only a sweat producing, uncomfortable sleep pad for us adults.

Last week we threw our hands up and decided that we had to commence sleep training and find our sleep again! This is a favorite book- but unfortunately not one to read to the kids.

I think the icing on the cake was when T was asleep in our bed with us, and Kai came in feeling sick and proceeded to puke all over her- don't worry, she stayed sleeping. ;-)
So entered Helen Sands- our plan arrived Friday and our training commenced on Saturday.
Some crying was involved...along with one LONG night on Saturday...but something has happened already as we had a glimpse of the future last night- she slept through the night with one very brief sound at midnight...and we woke up more rested.
Here's to hoping we are on the right track!

Sleep Walking...

 A phenomenon that occurs in all parents. I feel like I have been doing a lot of this the past few nights.
If one sleeps great one of the other two won't...and then there are the nights when all 3 trade off. Then, add the colds that are in our house right now with every single kid and it spells = tired parents!

I have great progress to report with Si though!
We began sleep training her last Thursday as per Helen Sands plan formatted for us. She has taken to it like a charm. First night, she was up 4 times...but every time I returned her to her own bed. Second night, 3 times, third night...none! and since we have had a max of once through the nights.
We are so happy that the terrible sleeper in the house is now the good one!
With a bedtime routine, she knows bed time is coming...and with a timer on her lamp, she looks forward to the morning when the light turns on and she can come to mom and dads room. In fact, she was so excited, she made Kai jealous and we had to go get him one too.
Now, Kai and Si are both asleep by 8. Si by 7-730 and Kai 8.
We have a night again!!

I am so happy Helen is coming to our Moms Club in April as I think her ways really do work wonders. Whether you have a problem sleeper, napper...or even a great sleeper (it can change), its great to have some pointers on what to do!

I cant help but think, our change in parenting/discipline style has also aided in a much easier transition.

Now for these colds to leave our house so we can all get some proper sleep!

Snow Days...

How could you not love them! Breaking up our usual RAIN with snow and even sunshine...these past few days have been awesome!

The kids love getting outside. Walks in the snow, snowball fights...snow castles. They have been having a great time; and with enough layers, they have been staying warm allowing us to stay out for hours at a time! Lots of fresh air and fun moments.

You would think this would aid in sleep...but not with our kids!
Last night Si got to go for a sleepover at Gee-Gee's house (aka Grandma)...from this, we have officially ruled that Si is the bedtime problem. Kai will go to bed...and sleep in. It is his sister that adds to the enticement of playtime all night long...and she, being the early riser, then wakes him too. Last night, thanks to her overnight, even T slept for 8 STRAIGHT HOURS! Pure peace.
Now, our chore...getting Si to sleep!

Here are a few photos from snow days...

bundled and ready!

not impressed with the camera

staying warm...but can barely walk because of it.

Did you notice the hat...

Yes, he likes it. Yes, it's warm. Yes, his wife thinks he's a dork...but loves him anyway!

~Priceless~

I'm having Deja vu...

Daryl Hall

The Band Poison

;)

In a Pinch...

22 weeks today...over half-way there! And with the summer in full swing I think the time is going to fly; at least the next few months.
I am sitting here enjoying some family time; lots of laughs as our 3 year-old is keeping us fully entertained.
I had a few hours of "nesting" this afternoon. I couldn't take the chaos of our kitchen cupboards so had to re-organized while the kids were supposed to be having their naps. I say supposed to have been napping because they both weren't really wanting to sleep. God forbid their naps end anytime soon; My couple hours of peace in the afternoon are much appreciated!
Si is so over her converted crib/toddler bed that she much prefers sharing Kai's bed with him. And so, on occasion, with or without our knowing, she climbs into bed with him to sleep. This happened today for nap-time; however, sleeping was not taking place...playing, hitting, and then biting was taking place. Kai was so generously sharing his bed with his sister, and in return, she bit him. Back she went to her bed, door closed so she couldn't get out...and finally asleep.

Her second birthday is in September. Little does she know, her wish list consists of a big girl bed. Not only is she ready for it, we also need the crib come November. No point in having two cribs!

Anyways, back to some family time on this beautiful summer's Sunday afternoon. Ryan is finally giving our BBQ a much needed, long awaited, clean...and then BBQ chicken Santa Fe Salad is on the menu for tonight.

One last note- I made an amazing dinner last night. Not to be too conceded or anything ;-) It is from my new In A Pinch Cookbook my mom gave to me. It has some amazing and pretty quick recipes.

I made a wasabi-panko encrusted Halibut, Spicy Green Beans and a Basil Aioli. This cookbook is amazing and our dinner was even better!!

Sticky Fingers...

Yesterday was a long day. From poop and cranky kids starting the day, to Si learning how to continuously climb out of her crib to end it. It was a long one...one that maybe in a few more days I will be able to laugh about.
As for today, so far, I think it is going a lot better. As Ryan is leaving for work, we both turn around to see Si's finger up Kai's nose. Yep, that's right; Si was picking Kai's nose for him. And the gong show at our house begins.
Today, amongst a few work and personal appointments, I have a few stops to make.
1) to get diaper covers @ the suggestion of another mom. Maybe this will help the no-poop brigade!?
2) to get a crib cover...in case the suggestion of turning the high part of the crib to the front doesn't hold her in.
I am not being defeated by a pack of monkeys tonight! Or today for that matter!

Time to organize and get these booger-fingered kids to grandmas house for a few hours of my own sanity today.

Happy Thursday!

While They Are Sleeping

While they are sleeping is the one time in the day i can count on at least 1 hour for myself.

Well, i guess i wouldn't always consider this self time as i am usually doing laundry, cleaning, doing bills, running a household, but at least its quiet!

I have now decided to take some of this time for me. To sit down here and to write.

I am surprised with every minute of life these days. It seems that just as you begin to get one area sorted out or feeling more positively about certain outcomes, there is another worry, sadness, stress, whatever waiting for you. Is this called life!? I guess so!! Although many of these lessons aren't seen at the time we experience them, there has got to be a reason for them all in something...i hope!

Currently i feel myself struggling to find a sense of self and direction in my world of marriage and motherhood. With Kai now 2.5 and Sienna 1, i feel it's my time to discover the ever-ending question of "who am i" and "what do i want." I know who i am in the form of wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend...but who am i in this life that evolves around me and what makes me happy in the everyday? Before our two amazing kids were born i ventured in a few different career paths 1) realtor 2) photographer.

 I truly LOVE these both but find myself questioning whether these are paths i want to take as career and whether i CAN take these as career while still raising our kids. I need time away from the house and kids; i am sure this is something that every mother can relate to! I need it for my own sanity!

So what is the next great place!? Work! I know, a little crazy some might think, but this introduces a new place of "adult time", sense of identity, and knowing that i have the ability to contribute to my family on a financial level as well.

So here i am, stuck with the overall question of "what do i see myself doing."

I am sure a question most have asked of themselves thru life...but when do you see the light at the end of the tunnel clearly?