whining, crying, and snot...oh my

Tonight is one of those nights that after the kids are both asleep I feel almost giddy with excitement. I tiptoe around in the silence smiling, making myself tea, getting out the chocolate, planning the next few hours that will be ALL TO MYSELF. I capitalize that because that is how exciting it is, =). Don't get me wrong, I love time with my children, but on those days that are hard the after bedtime silence is so golden.

me, giddy with the golden silence (plus broken glasses fixed making me happy)

This weekend the kids were sick. Snot out the yin yang, coughing, whining at an all time high, fighting and crying that gets on your last nerve. Why do we need to dump out all the straws on the floor? who taught you to spit chocolate milk? you pick to watch wonder pets again for the millionth episode? (I finally agreed with myself that sick days call for as much tv as requested). short cry filled naps, chunks of nighttime sleep interrupted by fevers and chills...and on and on. Sickness is hard. You feel so bad for you little ones and want them to feel better, but it is so exhausting to be constantly needed and taking care of others, even more so when they are ill. With no break, the patience grows so thin with no time to regroup. Parenting requires so much patience.

Luckily there were a few breaks where g and I could come back together, talk strategy, and each have a short break. And there was lots and lots of coffee drinking. It's amazing how these experience leave me thinking, "you just have no idea how hard it is until you've been though it" and you are almost instantly bonded to all the other parents out there. I'm so thankful that I have family and friends who can understand and offer support through texting, phone calls, and play dates. It is the support that gets you through, but man you have to dig deep. And I know that we don't really have it hard compared to some with medical issues, etc. I remind myself- be grateful for the things that are going well in your life. and I add...but get support for those that are challenging.

Thank goodness that the hard days are dispersed with a whole bunch of days that are easier.

Despite the challenging weekend, we had some good times at home (!) staying warm and snuggly...and with permissive parenting allowing all day tv watching and all day paci use the kids probably enjoyed it too. =)

Yeah for relaxed Sunday morning moments

hooray for fresh air

trying to capture white birds flying to warmer weather, unable with iphone, but still a cool pic

yes I'm grumpy.

what up, paci mouth?

enjoying the view from inside

 still grumpy

When the kids are grumpy, if they find something that keeps them busy and happy for a while, I'm all about it. Even if it involves using up a giant piece of floss. 15 minutes of happiness w/ no crying? priceless!

this cool mom?

hmmm...wonder where he learned this?

partners in crime

Kids with snot and pen marks on their faces? yup...that's us!

Proof that I asked Izzy to get tissue to blow their noses, =)

loves to play princess

ooohh batteries!

the bed head hug...but look...both smiling!!

 New pjs make everything better

whoopsie poops

here ya go dad...lick?!

Rounding out the weekend with a game of toss.  Who doesn't love that? 

(pictures by daddy)

Wheew... I'm exhausted again. 

Fingers crossed for an event-less night

Night all!