4 days down...180 to go

Well, we've made it. We've survived my first week back to work and the girls' first full week in daycare. We're all exhausted, cranky, and in serious need of this three day weekend, but we're still here to tell about it.

No matter how much I tried to anticipate and plan for it, my body and brain had forgotten just how grueling back to school time is. The breakneck pace of life as a teacher takes some getting used to, and it's amazing how much life slows down when you are not in the classroom.

The girls are adjusting well, though Camryn isn't thrilled about being woken up by me each morning, and Aubrey must be feeling a little wary of it all because she clings to me like a baby koala each evening...there is no shaking her until bedtime.

I hope it gets easier. That we settle into a routine. That my 5:15 alarm eventually doesn't seem to come quite so early, and that I can find a way to be mentally present every day.

If not though, at least I work in a profession where there is a defined end to each year. It's not too early to count down to June is it?

Six months

Our sweet baby girl is six months old! She is growing like a weed, and accomplishing new things every day. Her latest feats include rolling across the length of the living room, and sitting up on her own. She is also loving her solid foods (not a single sour face has been made), and trying to communicate more and more with her "words." Although she has made it known that when she truly opposes something, that she can get quite fired up, she is still very happy, and takes every opportunity to laugh at us. (Little does she know---or maybe she does---how appropriate that is.)

G is for Grrrrrrrrrrowl

"No." Camryn stated for about the forty-seventh time that day.

"Camryn, please come here."
"No."
"Will you pick up your spoon?"
"No."
"Make a good choice. You don't want a time out, do you?" (In my best sing-songy voice.)
"No."
"Would you like peas or carrots with your lunch?"
"No."

And that was the last straw.

"I do not want to hear you say 'No' to me one more time! You may not talk to Mommy that way. Do you understand?"
"Grrrrrrrrrrrr," she growled back at me.

Um, okay. Not sure how to react. I guess that technically wasn't a "No." Can't really argue. Must instead try not to laugh, but just...can't...help...myself.

And we both explode in giggles.

Picture Day!

I love it when we manage to get a good photo of the two girls together. (Nevermind the bribery involving animal crackers that allowed it to be possible...)

Look who's sitting up

It's no secret that Aubrey likes to be "where the action is," which explains why she prefers to be held facing outward. She wants to be held, up high, and see what we see. Perhaps that's why she is so pleased with herself lately, since she's just realized that she can sit up! This is a much preferred vantage point, in her opinion, to laying on her back with a view of the ceiling, or even on her tummy, where she must strain her neck to see what everyone is doing. She is loving it!

Practicing the tripod sit

Playing with toys upright (with the Mom-insisted cushiony back up of the Boppy, just in case.)

"Camrynisms"

Kids say the darndest things, and Camryn is no exception. Here is a sampling of her recent quotes that have had us rolling:

* "Hey Mom, let's teach Aubrey to walk today, okay?"

* Mom: "What would you like for breakfast today, Camryn?"
Camryn (straight faced): "Leftovers."

* "Daddy, can I live with you forever?" (Awwww...)

* "Fee, Four, Five, Fum!" (Imitating the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk. Kind of.)

* With arms crossed: "This is serious! Daddy is not being a good listener to me!"

* When leaving Disneyland on our final day in Anaheim: "Bye-bye Diz!" Then turning to us to explain, "Some people call it Disneyland, and some people just call it Diz!"

* "I don't wanna get growd up, 'cause if I do, then there won't be any kids at your house!"

* (Supposed to be going to sleep, but crying out from bed instead.)
Camryn: "Mama!"
Mom: "What?"
Camryn" "I want you."
Mom: "Why do you want me?"
Camryn: "I want you cuz I yuv you so much." (How can I argue with this one?)

* "Dese strawberries are so cold! They are brrrring me!"

* Mom: "Camryn, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Camryn: "I don't want to be anyfing. I just want to be Camryn."
Mom: "Well, everybody has a job. Do you know what Mommy's job is?"
Camryn: "Cleaning dishes."

* (Holding my hand, and placing it next to her cheek):
"Mommy, I yuv you. I'm so yucky I have you."

Playgroup at the zoo

Despite freezing cold August temps, and a bit of drizzle, we enjoyed some time with our playgroup at the zoo this morning. A few of my teacher friends and I co-founded the "I'm a Teacher's Kid Summer Playgroup" (as I like to call it) a few years ago to protest the notion that only stay-at-home moms and their kids can enjoy this childhood tradition. Since then, we have continued to expand and enjoy each other's company weekly during our carefree summer months.

Though we dearly missed some of our friends today, most of us were in attendance, and we continued our annual tradition of taking a group photo at the zoo. It's so fun to watch these guys grow up together. As you can see, our numbers have grown, and many of the original few now have little brothers and sisters on their heels as well. We love our playgroup friends!

August 2008

June 2007

June 2006

Silly sisters

I love this picture. These two can always make each other smile, but today I happened to catch the pure, squeal-out-loud joy on Aubrey's face as her big sister entertained her. Gotta love it.