I should be sleeping

Both babes are asleep and I should be too, I am just as grouchy as they are when I don't get enough rest, but at the end of my first week by myself there's so much to process, like:

- How do I get all three of us out the door in under and hour?
- How do I get a 2 year old to stop jumping on the couch? (putting her in her room or time-out doesn't work, and I don't like either approach anyway)
- How do I keep from raising my voice (aka yelling) when the 2 year old won't listen, or I've just changed my fourth diaper in a row, or the kitchen gets torn apart to have the tile back splash put up? (Yes, there are still a few projects left to do on the project house. I try not to obsess over them, it's not good for me)
- Is there really nobody else to clean the bathrooms, and why is the new tile we just put in the shower moulding already?!

Honestly, it wasn't a horrible week. Scarlette and I had a few moments, but it's not like they lasted all day. It's just that it feels like things could get ugly if I don't figure out a way to engage Scarlette in a better way and get grip of myself. I already yell too much, sometimes I swear (and yes, Scarlette has said the f-word mimicking me), small things like a dirty kitchen floor can put me in a foul mood, and the list could go on...

I have a bunch of parenting books on hold at the library. Assuming I'll have time to read them, I'm hoping my parenting will be magically transformed....okay, if not transformed, at least I'll have some new ideas.

In the meantime, I have a goal for tomorrow. No yelling all morning. I'm starting small.

A heartfelt thank you

I've had a few spare moments with all the nursing that happens around here (which I am very grateful for because running after a two year old is tiring), and I've gotten some of my thank you cards I made pre-Sebastian and written a note or two.

You see, recovering from a C-section, which should really be called major stomach surgery but that's rant for another day, is not easy and takes a lot more time than recovering from a natural birth. It also means that the person recovering is not actually mobile for at least two, if not four, weeks and needs help with everything. Fortunately I had a number of helpers here for the last four weeks, and although I've written quite a few thank you cards, I wanted to express again how much I appreciated all of their help. Our little family could not have done it without them, and we are very grateful to have such kind and generous friends and family.

Thank you.

Flying solo

This is my first week with the babies by myself and I feel like I'm hanging on by a thread.

Scarlette is asserting her independence hourly, and while Sebastian still sleeps quite a bit, he is quickly becoming more aware and interested in his surroundings.

We actually made it to the store yesterday but I couldn't have done it without the friends I met there. (We planned to meet so one of us could watch the kids while the other shopped the bulk food isles. Bulk food bins, heaven for two year olds.)

All three of us made it home in one piece (we walked to the store). It just took me nursing Sebastian while Scarlette ate raw spaghetti noodles out of the grocery bag on the way home. I get the feeling this is what it's going to be like for awhile.

Knitters are a special bunch

I've heard that said a number of times, and I'm finding it to be so true.

The gals I knit with on Thursday nights down at the LYS wanted to throw me a baby shower. They all are in love with Scarlette (the girl has gotten quite her fair share of no longer needed shop samples and pairs of sock etc), and were just as excited to meet the new baby.

We decided on a post birth baby shower, so Sebastian and I spent Sunday afternoon with all the ladies. He got passed around numerous times while I opened gifts.

When I think of all of these ladies taking time (and yarn from their stash!) to make my little one handmade garments, I'm become overwhelmed with gratitude.

I think there is a whole lot of giving I'll be doing in the near future.

The two year old among us

Scarlette officially turned two last week. We celebrated at home with a new birthday crown, and apple pie.

She's been imitating me with Sebastian, so I also got her a doll she could "nurse" and take care of. It came from Clover Green Design, totally cute, and totally reasonably priced.

It's been so amazing to see my little baby turn into a little girl, amazing and unbelievable. Where did the time go? How is it that I have a little one that talks, and dresses herself, and rides a tricycle, and blows my mind everyday with each new thing she accomplishes?

Even little Sebastian is a month old already! I think this is what the old mothers mean when they say "Enjoy it, it goes by so quickly".

A little more cuteness

Some more pictures of the babies, by request...

The cutest knitwear model ever

Pebble vest

Baby Kimono

I'm totally biased, but how could you not agree?