Random thoughts....

I have so much to blog about, but quite honestly by the time the kids are in bed at night, it's all I can do to keep my eyes open for one more minute. So, clearly my blogging time is non-existent. BUT, I promise that'll change!

Since I haven't blogged in ages, here are some random thoughts from the past week.

1. Andrew is still nocturnal -- he's up all night long, and by the time 4:00 am hits, any short 15 minute catnaps are out of the question. He's WIIIIDE awake and ready to party!!

2. Remember the "wonderful" advice -- rest when your baby rests??? Whoever gave such wonderful advice, clearly didn't have a three year old boy at home. Oh, how nice it'd be to have a little nap during the day, but it just doesn't happen, and it's fine. I must say, it's really nice to have some alone time with Caleb... just to focus on him without him having to compete for my attention with Andrew.

3. So far, Katherine and Caleb have been so wonderful with Andrew. They love to help out -- getting little things for him, singing to him when he cries and always kissing the top of his head. It makes it so much easier on all of us when there aren't jealously (and thus discipline) issues.

4. We're full swing into Halloween mode around here!! Yesterday we carved pumpkins and I roasted the seeds. The kids had a blast pulling out the pumpkin guts and are so proud of their creations. Matt bought special pumpkin candles, and lit them last night. Katherine and Caleb were just giddy!! Gotta love it!!

I must admit, any holiday is infinitely more fun when you can observe it through the eyes of your child. Watching them enjoy every little detail really makes you appreciate each moment, and want to make it as special as possible for them. Their eyes just light up with excitement, and their world is instantly magical. Oh, how I love it all. I love watching them experiencing it all.... watching their wonder... watching them as if it were the first time any of us had experienced it, and in many ways, it is the first time for all of us....

5. Katherine has decided that she wants to be Shawn Johnson for Halloween and nothing else will do. I've been looking all over for the *perfect* leotard, but haven't found anything close -- it has to be long sleeve, a solid color (preferably red or blue), made out of the traditional shiny material -- ie no velour/velvet and doesn't have a goofy skirt attached or legs in it. I've scoured the Internet and looked at local shops, but didn't find anything.... until today. Danyel -- you're going to die, but I bought her this leotard, and she's over the moon excited. Keep in mind, not only is this her Halloween costume, but she can actually wear it for at least TWO seasons. Oh, and she loves it, so how could I resist??? Right, I really couldn't!

Oh, and a little funny -- while were were looking at leotards, I pulled the one we bought down and asked Katherine what she thought. We both instantly fell in love, but Katherine had one concern...

K: Mommy, where's the bra that comes with this?
Me: UUUMMM, leotards aren't sold with bras. (I'm sure I gave her a what are talking about kind of took, as I heard snickers and laughter behind us)
K: Well, what will I put in the top then?
Me: What????
K: You know Mommy, what can I put in my chest so that I look like Shawn?
Me: Nothing honey. You don't need anything in your shirt. (Oh, my goodness... my 5 year old is already thinking of stuffing her shirt with stuff so that she has a chest. Heaven help us all......)
K: How will I get it to stick out then? You know... like yours and Shawn's?
Me: UUUUUMMM, it won't be sticking out, girlfriend!

6. Last night, Matt and I had our first date night since Andrew was born. We found the most wonderful babysitter, Mary Claire (who happens to be Isaac's girlfriend's little sister) and the kids LOVED her. Shockingly enough, Katherine actually asked me this morning when she could come back. Always a good sign!! We had planned to go to Bonefish Grill as I've been craving a pomegranate martini, but since the wait was 45 minute we went to a local place that we LOOOOVE. We had a relaxing evening, with real conversation and as a bonus, Andrew slept the entire time. Yea, we brought him along, but I didn't want to leave him with a new sitter, or any sitter for that matter yet.

7. As soon as the kids wake up from their nap, we're headed over to my parent's house for dinner. Matt is heading out tonight with some of the neighbor guys for a Metallica concert -- Troy happened to get a box suite, so he invited the whole 'hood to join him. I'm sure you can see me beaming with pride! Metallica -- you've got to be kidding me! UUUUGH! Anyway, the kids and I are going to hang out at my parent's house, so we're looking forward to that.

8. Speaking of looking forward to something -- tomorrow Katherine doesn't have school. Oh, Happy Day!! I'm so excited! I can't wait to have her with us for the whole day! I told her she could pick anything she wanted to do, so we're headed to the Playground for Kids in Ankeny. Morgan (my sister's little girl) is spending the night with my parents tonight, so my mom and Morgan will come too. I'm sooo looking forward to it!