Sleep

Sorry for the lack of posting, I've been busy not sleeping and preparing for the holidays and our trip to Cancun. I will post again soon. I have lots of kiddo updates and vacation updates.

I had no idea that sleep would be so elusive as a parent. I have read countless books, magazines, and on-line articles. Friends, doctors, family, and random strangers have all tried to help me sort through my children's lack of sleep. Some people almost convinced me that Kayden would be a better sleeper than Keeley because they said you can't have two that are so bad. Those people were wrong. I had almost convinced myself that I was the problem. That somehow I was not doing a good enough job teaching the kids to sleep. That theory has two major flaws in it:

1. Keeley sleeps 12 hours at night and takes a 2 hour nap everyday with no problems whatsoever now (even through sister's screaming)
2. Kelly and I were in Cancun for 4.5 days and Kayden's sleep pattern was identical for Mom as they have been for me.

Apparently it is just my kids. Naps are a fight until they only are taking one and sleep at night becomes HORRENDOUS around the time they learn to crawl. Keeley started sleeping well again when she learned to walk fairly well. I can only hope that Kayden does the same, and that she walks early.

You might be wondering why I am posting at near midnight. It would be because my youngest is not sleeping. She started "singing to herself" at 9:40. That escalated to fairly worked up crying by 10:05. I spent 15 minutes trying to calm her down and get her to sleep - didn't work at all. Kelly tried for 20 minutes with the same lack of success. We then let her cry for 30 minutes. Hard, frantic crying. So loud and sad that I had to go in the bathroom and turn the fan on to drown it out. Kelly went in again got her calmed down, supposedly sleeping. That lasted almost 5 minutes. I then went in again figuring I might as well try to feed her since she wakes up at 12 or 1 to eat anyway. She ate a little and then just wanted to pull my hair. At 11:40 she was still not asleep and I no longer thought it was fun to have my hair pulled so we came out here.

She is now cruising around the study just as happy as can be. She's talking, blowing raspberries, and banging things on the floor. At some point I suppose she will get tired. Even still, she's so very cute.


My daughter at midnight.

Poppy

This was a hard Christmas without Daddy. Although, I think last year might have been more difficult because there was more sadness. This year, it was sad but also very surreal. Fortunately, we are blessed to have two angels that make us smile and keep us busy. I know that Daddy/Poppy has been around lately.

Before Kelly and I left for our trip, I spent a lot of time talking to the girls about what would happen. I told them Oma would come over to stay with them while we were gone and that Kendall and Angie would come visit. We talked about it a lot because Keeley is very much a child that needs to know what is happening and needs her routine. The day before we left, we were talking about it again and I told her that Oma was going to come over. She looked at me and thought for a second and then said "Pop". I said, that yes, I supposed Poppy might come too. She nodded.

The next day, Mom texted me while we were at the airport telling me that she and Keeley were dancing in the living room. Mom asked Keeley to tell Kayden who she was dancing with and Keeley said Oma and then Poppy.

It is so surreal to think that Daddy isn't here and it has been that way for almost one year. I am comforted to know that he is still here in spirit and that my girls are cultivating a relationship with him - even if I can't see it!

Pumping

One of the very first things I needed to do when we got back home was pump. Keeley saw my pump and heard me talking about it. She got it down and got all the pieces put together, plugged it in, and tried to make it work. She then asked for help and was very distressed that her tummy did not produce any milk!

While the parents are away...

...the girls will play. Here are some cute pictures Oma took while watching the girls. Thank you SO much Mom. We loved our trip!!!

Christmas Party

Keeley's friend Cali hosted a little Christmas get together for the girls. It was tons of fun. Cali, Kate, and Keeley played together for a little while. But, then the interested all turned to Kayden. Yes, all the big girls are under the table playing with the baby. Fortunately, Keeley doesn't care too much that all her friends are obsessed with her little sister.

Interesting...

Keeley got into her old clothes and pulled out two old pajama tops (12 month ones). She decided one could be a skirt. Then she went in Kayden's room and got one of her socks to complete the outfit.

Just know, this is not a battle that I plan on fighting anytime in the near future. Maybe you will get to see some fashion up close at a playdate sometime soon!

Breakfast for Penguin

Keeley is obsessed with "menguins" (penguins). I thought this was particularly adorable the other morning.

Taking Menguin and bib to the baby's chair.

Strapping him in with the bib.

Trying to do the bib and the straps to the chair at the same time.

Safety before cleanliness. The bib is temporarily abandoned.

Bib replaced and strapped in, Menguin is ready to eat. Keeley gets the food ready.

Of course she needed to sample the baby food before she fed Menguin.