I don't want to forget

So many things.

Sometimes I forget to stop and notice.

My first Mother's Day as a mom of TWO! (Still feels crazy to write TWO.)

I don't want to forget...

How Carson's tiny blond hairs feel when I rub my cheek on his head.

The way Leila looks at us for approval after she acts silly or grown up.

That Carson's fingers are either poking him in the eye, clawing at my chest, or curled up tight with his thumb curled between his fingers.

Milk drunk.

Leila is beginning to play more by herself. Play-dough, coloring, water painting, and markers entertain her for longer than I am use to.

That her sense of matching clothes is developing. She often takes the concept quite literally.

Carson's old man forehead wrinkles, just like Leila had.

The adorable conversations Leila has with her friends.

I don't want to forget.

Soon things will change again.

The Great List {5.20.13}

It's Monday, the sun is shining, my house is in decent order, and it's been about a month since my last Great List...

Fun at Sea World yesterday

1. Work. It's great! It is keeping me sane and insane at the same time. I LOVE my job. I am savoring every last day until summer vacation and unemployment begins again. Teaching in California is tough these days, especially in my district where budget cuts keep impacting the classroom. Keeping my head high though and hoping for the best next year. This part-time gig is perfect for our family right now.

2. Local fun. Living in San Diego is nothing but awesome. Sure it may get over 80 at the beach for a week in the summer and tourists take over my town for a few months, but the local fun makes up for it. We have Sea World, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and the beach just minutes from our home. One of my favorite things to do is play tourist in my own town. Makes it seem like we are on vacation too!

3. Getting my groove back. I am finding time to exercise and it has really improved my outlook in general. Personally, exercise is my number one mood booster. Making it my priority helps keep me happy. So what if I have to pause the DVD 3-4 times to get Carson to go back to sleep at least the workout is getting done eventually.

4. Friends. We are so lucky to have play-dates almost everyday that I am not working. Leila needs it and so do I. (Carson could care less at this point, but when he's ready he has a BFF waiting!) The ladies I call friends are supportive, relaxed, understanding, funny, and just as crazy as me.

Ahhhhh. That felt good. No Great List doesn't mean nothing great happened, it just means life has taken over for the time being. I hope your week rocks!

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

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Carson's second month

Days with Carson are just what you'd expect as a mom of a two month old. Some are easier than others.  Some seem to repeat themselves. Some seem too short and some too long. But all of them are filled with love.

Alert!

Blowing bubbles

Carson is just under 10 lbs at two months old. He's a tiny little guy. He just outgrew newborn sized diapers and has been wearing 0-3/ 3 month clothing for a few weeks now. Some of the bottoms are too big on him around the waist but the newborn ones are too short.

Eating: He's nursing every 2.5-3 hours during the day until bedtime. While I'm at work he takes 4 oz bottles of pumped milk just as often. He's a spitter-upper (Is that a real word?) especially after a bottle. Carson is waking up twice at night to nurse, around 1 am- 2 am and again around 5 am. We go back to sleep after both wakings except on work days I usually have to get moving right away.

Activities: He's into his play mat and is especially fond of the changing table. Something catches his eye there and makes him smile and talk. He prefers tummy time on the Bobby and is really getting strong. I've seen him kick around so hard that he scoots to the edge of the blanket.

Sleeping: During the day Carson sleeps mostly in the Ergo. It's a guaranteed long-enough nap. Luckily he loves it because we are on the go a lot. Carson's been getting swaddled and rocked to sleep at bedtime by me. Lately he's been getting increasingly more difficult to put to sleep. Lauren, my sleep coach friend, suggested starting his bedtime routine earlier by 15 minutes. Carson and Leila now have the same 7:45 bedtime. Jeff does the bedtime routine with Leila and I take Carson. (How does someone with three kids work that out?!) Jeff and I both go to bed early too!

Carson is a sweet easy going guy so far. He has been the perfect addition to our family!

Lately

It's been all about change around here.

Just the other day this butterfly princess turned me into a frog, a lion, and a tiger.

I went back to work two weeks ago. I love it. I love working part time, the time alone, the time to do what I'm passionate about. Knowing that it is only two days per week and only until the end of the school year, makes the pumping and less sleep bearable. This is the idea job for me right now and I hope it works out in my favor for next year.

Jeff has been home with the kids one day while I work and my father in law babysits the other day. Too bad for them, they don't have the secret weapon that always works to make Carson happy. They are working it though! I know Leila loves hanging out with her Daddy and Poppy.   

I've been holding myself accountable for what I eat. I'm nursing Carson so I am not super strict with my calorie intake. I noticed a big dip in my supply after three days of too few calories. Slowly, slowly, slowly this baby weight will come off. 

I am trying to squeeze in exercise when I can. Some days I have to get real creative.(I am currently doing sumo squats while Carson is strapped in the Ergo carrier.) My sister, a few friends, and I will be running a 5K this summer. It's the same 5K I ran two years ago, after a way too long hiatus. I am in much better shape after this pregnancy, but my endurance is shot. The Couch to 5K program is awesome and is what got me back into running after having Leila. 

Leila  seems to be getting use to the fact that Carson is here to stay. She's been taking a bit more interest in him lately. She'll help out with bath time, reach out to touch him, and suggests we sing to him when he cries. Loudly. When she asks where he is in the morning, it's just the cutest!

Carson is spending more time awake and alert. He'll be two months old next week. I think he's pretty easy going right now.

Lately the sun has been shining and the weather has been great! Hope you all enjoy a lovely Mother's Day. I know I am looking forward to my gifts. I asked for time to run, alone. I plan on getting a pedicure and later walking to a local spot for a light dinner and drinks with the family. Happy Mother's Day!