Our lives....what our "new"normal is

I am extremely proud of how we have handled this new routine we have created. With me being back to work now for 2 months it's crazy to say that yes it is possible to get two kids out of the house dressed, packed and ready for school by 6:45 am 😁! What I had beleived would be the impossible is actually much easier than I imagined. Let me clarify; it sucks waking up at 5 am to get ready before the kiddos wake up. It should also be against the law to pull the littles out of bed when it's dark and cold to get ready but some how we make it work. Are some mornings hectic? Yes! Somedays are such a rush that it's a miracle we get anywhere on time. Then there are most mornings where it just works. This is the most organized and functional we have ever been over the last 10+ years of our lives together. I have a great amount of appreciation for my partner in this crazy life. Without his help in running this household....picking up the kids, starting dinner and lunches for the next day I would not be able to continue the job that I love. I've said it once and I'll say it again working makes me a better mother and wife. Feeling good about my career outside of the home helps me to feel satisfied and accomplished with what I do for my family. Thank you to my husband for continuing to remind me that I am a good  mom because I do work and it's ok to actually enjoy it and not feel guilty. 

Now it is Monday nite...after a beautiful long weekend. The kids are asleep.... for now (teething has ruined our nites), the lunches are packed, bottles are made and clothes are set out for tomorrow. This is our new normal. Dare I say it feels good? Two months ago if you would have asked how I felt about going back to work I honestly didn't think I would even last two weeks. Yet here we are two months later and I will admit that we are doing just fine. 

A few pics from our jam packed weekend 

Happy Valentines Day ❤️

Dr apt Friday...follow up for RSV ( save that for another blog post) and 6 month shots. Poor baby 😢

Hey Mommy this looks like me 💛

6 months and 1st tooth is breaking through 💙

Loves to dress himself 

Mid February and it feels like spring ☀️

A letter to my boys as we enter the new year

2013 was a special year for us. It brought us excitement, love, joy and a few bumps along the way. It has been by far the most rewarding and joyous years of my life. Why? Because I feel whole, I feel complete. I am so thankful for who my boys have made me........I feel so lucky to be Abel and Niko's mommy. 

Dear Abel,

As I write this you are now sound asleep after a long day of playing. You are such an energetic 4 year old ! As you always say a big boy now that you are not 3. I disagree as to when you became a big boy. It wasn't turning 4 that made you a big boy it was becoming a big brother that really helped shape who you are today. You see just 5 short months ago you were the baby of the family. It's been so special to watch you grow into such a caring and loving big brother. You love your little brother Niko so much it brings happy tears to my eyes. I was so lucky to spend a whole month at home with you before brother came and then another 4 months home with you and brother together. I never knew being a mom could be so much fun, everyday you would wake up and come to my room and climb into bed to snuggle. This is one of my favorite things about our "home days" together. We had a lot of fun times this past year even before brother came into our life. Last year was your first trip to Disneyland! You had an amazing time , we spent 3 days playing with all the Disney friends, going on rides and watching shows. It was my favorite vacation we have had so far. You also learned that mommy had a baby in her tummy, you loved to rub my belly and  talk to your baby brother. I will never forget how proud you looked when you came to the hospital to meet your brother Niko for the first time. Walking in the door you came running to "your baby" all smiles. Soon after you looked at mommy and said "mommy you look so beautiful in your dress" years from now you will understand how special that moment was for me. Thank you for being so sweet. Abel, it wasn't always fun when we had school days. I would be so sad when I took you to school and you cried and cried when I dropped you off. I think you wanted to stay home and play with your brother, but the truth is you have so much fun at school. In December right before Christmas and your 4th birthday your new school was built. It made me feel so good when you didn't cry anymore at drop off. I hope that you continue to love your new school and as your brother and you start full time tomorrow I hope that you help him love it as much as you do. You have grown up right before my eyes! I wish you could stay this little forever but I know there is much more fun to be had as you grow. I am amazed at how smart and creative you have become. You are an amazing singer and dancer as well as baseball player. You have many talents I enjoy watching so much. Some of my favorite moments with you are just listening to what you have to say about your day or how you love your family and friends. I love you my little buddy more than words can say! You have such a big heart don't ever change that. Happy New Year!

Dear Nikolas,

Wow what a year you and I had together! You are the light in my life I didn't know I needed. You have made our family whole and you have given your brother Abel a gift that is so special. You gave him a partner, a life long friend, you made Abel a big brother. For that I am thankful. I am so happy to know that you two share a bond that even I will never understand. Even at the tiny age of 5 months I see the love and joy that Abel gives you. You are always looking for him, it's as though you knew who he was before you were even born. The time that I have spent at home with you has been the best 5 months of my life. Being the 2nd baby it has been easier to know what to expect not to mention you are so content. You are a very happy and healthy baby...this is such a blessing as your big brother struggled with being sick a lot and that made mommy worry everyday. You have eased my mind thank you for that! Now that is not to say you and I didn't have our struggles. When you were in my tummy it was a very difficult time......I was at the doctors a lot and we always thought you would be born too early. We were so thankful that you came when you did and you were a big happy boy! Being a bigger baby we have less to worry about we were so thankful that you were so healthy! With you I have enjoyed the little milestones that babies accomplish. If grown ups had the determination that babies do people would be far more successful in life. Niko at 4 1/2 months you are now rolling over. It took so much hard work on your part but know you are a pro! While you have successfully rolled over your now determined to move. You look like a little inch worm trying to scoot forward. Keep working kiddo you will have it in no time. Soon you will be chasing Abel all over the house. As I write this I think about the fact you are starting a new chapter in your life. Tomorrow you are starting school with Abel. It makes me happy that you and your brother will be together. He promises to check on you in the baby room. You are going to be spending a lot of time with Ms LaLa. She is very special to us as she also took care of Abel when he was a baby. This makes me feel good about where you will be but nothing makes me feel good about leaving you. You have been mine to care for these last 5 months and I am so thankful for the bond that we have created. Your smile and innocence touches my heart like nothing else can. Partly because I know you will soon become a big boy and you won't need mommy to do everything for you. For now I want you to stay this little as I am loving every moment of it. I wish we could stay home forever together but it's time for us to start this chapter together. I know you are going to love Ms LaLa and your school and I will look forward to our "home days" and appreciate the time we do get together. Pretty soon it will be summer and you will get to experience how much fun staying home with daddy will be. Ask Abel he knows.  I love you "little guy" and I look forward to a Happy Healthy new year for you.