It's the Little Things

It's the little things in life that make me happy...

• a 3-hour nap from Shorty
• twins cuddling in bed watching movies during said 3-hour nap
• the smell of bleach in my kitchen

Bliss.

Oh, and let me add:

• the gym + child care
• an actual shower + child care (still at gym)
• cereal for dinner

Evening Bliss.

Name that Tune!

Shorty has been singing to himself nonstop lately. It's usually the same song. Let's see if you can figure out what his favorite ditty is.

Video #1: (he keeps getting distracted and saying "cheese" for the camera, but it's a pretty good rendition)

Video #2: (he's pretty busy in this one, but singing the whole time)

Did you figure it out?

Here We Go...

So.

I am now one of "those women."

Those women whose husbands are out of town on business as many nights as they are at home.

At least temporarily.

Just to fill in those of you (I'm estimating 2 of the 5 of you who read this blog) who don't know our big news for 2011: we are moving to Phoenix.

Arizona.

There was talk at Thanksgiving of a possible promotion with relocation for the hubby, and a few weeks later the offer letter finally came with a start date of January 1.

eek.

That had me pretty freaked out. His company gives you NO TIME to process what is happening and the thought that the holidays were mere days away and that as soon as they were done we would be moving had me pretty shaken up.

Then I found out that the company would put our house on the market for us and buy it after 6 months if it hasn't already sold. In the meantime they would pay for B to fly back and forth from Denver to Phoenix on a weekly basis so that he would have 3-4 days there & 3-4 days here.

This was a great relief to me.

Until yesterday, when it suddenly hit me that he was packing to leave me alone. ALONE. with my 3 little monsters, er, munchkins.

So, now all I have to do is survive the week without his help at night...

Christmas (take 2 & 3)

Christmas part 2 came to us after a LONG drive from Denver to the Lou. Leaving at 3a.m. is perfect for the twins. They sleep a good 3-4 hours at the beginning of the trip and then another hour or so after lunch and we arrive just in time for dinner & bed. Shorty is not quite as fond of going back to sleep, but he is in a zone for at least 2 hours. So it works.

The boys (and the rest of us) were inundated -- by my parents -- with enough gifts that they didn't even know what to do with themselves after a while. Buzz and Woody made appearances in the form of stuffed toys, blankets, books, and movies. Everything Buzz belongs to Mr. N, who keeps repeating, "Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!" while Woody is Mr. W's favorite by far, and even has to be tucked into bed with the little man every night.

Christmas part 3 required another drive, nearly as long as the first. *barf* But involved lots of aunt, uncle, and cousin fun! N & his cousin Kayleigh are born buddies -- perfect playmates. Neither one has ever known a stranger. N's philosophy is "I'm here to play; tell me what to do." Kayleigh's is "Let me tell you the best way to play." She's going to get him into a lot of trouble one of these days! W had a great time, too & was able to remember cousins he hasn't seen in half a year just at the mention of names.

Me: We're going to cousin Drew's house. We love cousin Drew.
W: Yes. (PINTER PAUSE) He scary.

I found it hard not to laugh. W did eventually warm up to my cousin, but it took some doing. Shorty, on the other hand, is not fond of parties or strangers (and my family is strange). On top of that, he had a head cold that was making him extra-irritable. He napped in the corner for a while and then insisted on being held with a binky in his mouth and a blankie over his head for the rest of the evening.

As always, we followed up with karaoke & the LONG return trip to St. Louis.

Not looking forward to the rest of the drive back to the Rocky Mts.

Christmas (take 1)

We had our first round of Christmases this past weekend, hosted by my fabulous mother-in-law. She always puts on a great feast & the kiddos LOVE her & all her energy. Here are a few favorite quotes from the day:

(in the car heading to Grandma's house)
W: That present for Auntie Jo?
N: NO! It Jesus' birthday! That present for Jesus!

(relaxing at Grandma's house)
N: (points to Auntie's pregnant belly) That's Baby Cousin.
Auntie: Yes, it is.
N: (looking very concerned) He too big. He has to come out now.

(opening a Thomas tent & tunnel from Auntie & Uncle)
W: (hands on his cheeks, Macaulay Culkin style) OH MY! OH MY! OH MY!