it's been a while...

I cannot believe I haven't posted on this blog since November, but if you knew how crazy my life has been lately you would understand why. Being a Mommy to two darling children is the most rewarding job in the world. Although at times it can seem like the most difficult. Let me explain a little by recapping my experience at Target* the evening before last...

The kids and I headed out to pick up a few items at our local Target* and then meet my Mom for dinner at our favorite country cooking restaurant. Jackson had been upset for quite some time so I decided to change his diaper while we were in the store because it was freezing outside and I didn't want to change him in the back of the truck. As most of you know I have a real phobia about public restrooms. I laid a blanket down in the shopping cart and begun changing him. To my surprise he was soaked in poop from his chest all the way down to his socks. Remember now that I am in the middle of the store with Tristyn, alone. I began stripping him down and trying to find a place for the pooh soaked clothing while rushing to clean him off before he started peeing everywhere. I had nowhere to put the dirty clothes or dirty wipes for that matter so I just shoved them to the back of the cart and finished cleaning him up. By this point he was happy as can be because he had gotten out of those dirty duds. About that time Tristyn had obviously smelled her brothers mess and began gagging herself. I told her to turn away and check out the toys in the isle that we were on but she wanted nothing to do with that. Shortly thereafter she began spitting up into the cart and on top of Jackson. Now I not only had an infant without clothing but also a puking toddler! I quickly rummaged through the diaper bag desperately searching for another set of clothes for my currently naked child before anyone comes along and wonders what the heck I'm doing with a naked baby in a shopping cart! Of course I had not packed a clean set of clothing so off to the baby department I went to find something for him to wear. I wrapped him up in a blanket and put him back into the car seat and ran up to the front to checkout. Luckily the cashier was nice enough to give me a few extra bags to put the dirty clothes and dirty diapers in. After bagging up the mess I started laughing at myself about the ordeal I just suffered through and thought about how I must write this down to tell the children when they are older. I looked over at Tristyn and noticed that her socks are missing and with it being so cold outside there was no way I was taking her out barefoot. Off I went to search the entire store for a single neon green monkey sock with pink hearts. I just happened to find it in the baby department laying on the floor. Now do you understand why I cannot find the time to blog? I cannot even go to the store alone without participating in a fiasco!

Life with a toddler and a newborn has kept me on my toes to say the least. I have learned how to juggle everyday life and the importance of waking up extra early just to be able to clean house and wash dishes. Time to myself or with my husband for that matter is currently non-existent and missed greatly. I have suffered from lack of sleep for the past 11 weeks and seem to be coping well. An occasional nap is always on the schedule if the children will allow it. I must say that I am very surprised with myself in that I have dealt with such a major change so well. With Josh working so much lately at times I feel like a single Mother because I am always alone with the two of them. Whenever I have someone with me to help a lending hand it makes things so much easier.

our trip to the Georgia Aquarium in January

Tristyn turned 2 years old on January 17th, we celebrated with a mexican dinner with my Dad and stepmom who were in town. We had Tris' birthday party the weekend before and had a great turn out. The theme was barnyard animals because Tristyn really loves cows and sheep. Her cake was beautiful and very tasty., I was highly impressed with it. Of course she got a ton of gifts and was completely spoiled by everyone. Within the past few months since Jackson has been around Tris has really begun to blossom. Her speech has developed amazingly and her listening skills have improved. She can currently count to 3 which as been a difficult task. We have been working for weeks and weeks and she still gets them out of order. She normally counts 1, 2, 3, FIVE! She can now name most of the colors with the exception of blue, black and white; only because we haven't worked on those yet. She loves to learn but never gives an immediate response to what I am teaching her. If we are in the car and I count to her she will scream at me as if she's saying "I already know how to count Mom!" but minutes later I will hear her back there quietly counting to herself. She is quite independent these days. Her temper has really flared up since Jackson has arrived and she has turned 2. The girl knows how to throw a fit and does it quite well. When it comes to getting something that she wants she is relentless. She minds her father very well though.

Tris' 2nd birthday

Tristyn fractured her tibia 2 weeks ago at a local inflatable jump zone. She was jumping with her uncle and came down too hard on her right leg. We did not suspect a break until the following day because she was happily playing and acting like herself once we got home that evening. The next day she still would not completely walk on it so I took her to the Pediatrician and they sent me to Children's Healthcare for x-rays. Once they found the fracture the nurse put Tris' leg into a splint until we could see a children's orthopaedic doctor the following day. They quickly put her into a neon pink cast which she has adapted well to. She goes in to have it removed this Monday, thank goodness.

Tristyn with the splint

Tristyn loves to eat these days. I call her "my little carnivore" because she loves meat and will eat any kind you set in front of her. She still loves her fruits and veggies though and I am thankful for that. She still only weighs 24 pounds but she looks healthy. Hopefully she will start putting on more weight after this cold bypasses her. Yesterday I took her to the doctor so they could check out her cough and the Dr. put Tris on an inhaler and antibiotics for a double ear infection. I swear we have spent so much money on health care lately! I know it will only get worse as the kiddies get older.

On to Jackson...he is currently 10 weeks old and weighs 11 pounds. He is still breastfeeding wonderfully and eats like clockwork every 3 hours during the day. Last night he finally slept longer and only got up once after his 11:30pm feeding. He has a cough that he caught from his sissy and it is driving him crazy. Today he has been extremely crabby and clingy so as I type this he is in the Baby Bjorn carrier on my chest. The sling and Bjorn carrier seem to be the only way I can get things done around the house with him. He is very much a mommas boy, but I love it. I have a feeling that he is that way because of the closeness of breastfeeding but it could just be his personality, or that I spoil him too much. I'm sure it is the latter of those! The only times he gets fussy is if he's tired or his tummy is hurting from gas. We use the gripe water with him and it works miracles, always seems to calm him down and puts him in the mood for a nice long nap. He smiles all of the time and has finally started cooing. He sleeps in the bed with Josh and I just for the sheer convenience of night feedings. I have been working on naps in the crib which he has done several times but he much prefers our bed. Speaking of beds and to totally jump off subject, Tristyn has been sleeping her in queen size bed in her own room for several months now. We are all extremely proud of her. Back to "Jacksie" as Tristyn would say. He adores his sister and just marvels at her while she talks to him and makes silly sounds in his face. He is so intrigued by her ways. It is so much fun having him around. Josh and I cannot get over how darling he is. Every time we look at him he just melts our heart. It is amazing how fast I fall in love all over again every time he smiles at me.

Jackson McClain ~ 9 weeks

Josh and I are both doing well. He is working many hours the past month or so. We do not get to see him very much during the week so on weekends we spend every second together as a family. He is doing well at work and actually enjoys being there most times. I have been alright staying at home but am often bored of doing housework so often. I am still trying to find a good routine for the kids and I in the evenings, nothing has stuck yet. Once more I am on the road to hopeful weight loss these days. I still cannot find time to exercise but I'm working on it. I tried the other day and had to stop every 5 minutes to pull Tristyn off of the treadmill or to put Jackson's paci back into his mouth. I am sure that soon enough I will find a way to work everything into my day. I know it takes time.

I'm out of time for now...until next time I leave you with a picture of my growing boy.