Another Week Gone By

Life is going on as it goes on. We are staying busy doing things around the house and keeping the children entertained best to our ability. Aunt CeeCee made another visit this week, in on Sunday and out on Wednesday. We always have a great time with her in the house. An adult around me all the time to talk to, oh how I love to talk. Tuesday I decided that Noelle needed a trip to the McDonald's Play Place, which was a HUGE hit, good thinking Mom. In the beginning Charlotte and I took turns (Charlotte doing way more than I) climbing through the maze with her and sliding down the big slide. By the end Noelle was climbing up, and going through all the different obstacles with only a little bit of coxing. On the way home Noelle told us "I ready for nap!". What a great way to tire out a two year old.

Tom and I were able to go out on another Date Night. Both of us thoroughly enjoy spending some time alone, gazing into each other's eyes. Oh wait, we are married, that ship has sailed! Anyways, it is so wonderful to just have a conversation without constant interruptions, no tugging on my leg or a high pitched voice saying/shrieking "Mommy Bear..." or "Daddy boy..." (those are our new names). We find that most of the time we end up telling stories about the children, but hey, I guess that is what happens when you become parents. There is no escape from them and honestly I would never want it any other way.

I have noticed that our little Noelle has been experiencing a run of tantrums. Some days I get by with only a weak one and then other days are filled with one after another. She is two, so I guess it's normal, but boy does it take it's toll on a Mother. Patience, sweet patience, is the one thing I strive to keep in my focus as I try and deal. After her time out is over she runs into my arms and says in a voice that can only be describes as eeyore-esque, "I so sorry Mommy Bear". All is then forgotten and we move on. Thinking about it as I write, I guess the tantrums are not that bad and very short lived. Max is doing great. Gaining chub on a daily basis. He has officially "woken up" to the world. He spends a great deal more time kicking his legs, cooing, squealing, and laughing. He's enchanting to watch. Noelle is great entertainment for him and I find myself sitting back and truly enjoying the brother-sister love connection that is growing stronger and stronger. Some days the connection is a bit more connected than Max likes and I quickly jump in before tears begin to flow. My favorite is when Noelle looks intently and proclaims, "Baby Max real real cute!". The ever so wonderful phrase "I lub my brodder" melts my heart too.

This week we are headed up to Traverse City for Easter. That also means it will be our first away trip with both children. I'm not too enthusiastic about the long drive and will spend most of the week trying to get every detail in order before we leave. In my mind if I prepare for the worst (a five hour drive with two screaming babies, no sleep, a very fussy Maximilian, Noelle throwing multiple tantrums) I will be able to handle anything that is thrown my way.