Going back to work when we just had Sophia was a natural transition from having our first kid, to getting life back on a roll. We made it work. And it seemed pretty easy. There were two adults, and one baby, so there was always someone to stop what they were doing and tend to her every need. But now, with two kids, things have gotten exponentially more difficult. :) But not in a "We can't do this!" kind of way. More like a "Now I get why (fill in the name of your perpetually late family member here) is ALWAYS late" :) Always.
Now the day is longer. We wake up at 5, shower, maybe sneak in 1/2 cup of coffee while putting make up on, drying hair, and getting dressed. Then Sophia is up. She doesn't wake up as happy and chipper as her mom. No, she's more like her dad. She likes to take her time waking up, and getting dressed, and doing her hair, and picking out her snack. And arguing over what color vitamin she had yesterday, and what shoes she wants to wear to school that day. And if she should wear pink socks like the ones we picked out the night before, or orange ones. No, wait. The orange ones will NOT match. So blue it is. If we're lucky, then Ryland is just starting to stir awake. Which means we need to fix him a bottle and feed him. And hopefully he doesn't have a diaper explosion like yesterday. Because then we're changing clothes again, before work. Pack up the diaper bag, make sure the lunch bags get ice packs, grab our waters, my school bag. And my purse. Carry all of this, and Ryland out to the car. That's right, one trip! And we're off. On days where we time it perfectly, which are few and far between, I am leaving with Ryland the same time Matthew is leaving with Sophia. We both have a drop off, and take a deep breath. Off to work. 8 hours later, head home, and the never ending movement continues. It's a wonder I haven't worked off the baby weight yet. Oh wait, let's be honest here...Take-out happens more than it ever has. (Horrible, I know...) There are snacks, and more bottles, and diapers, and laundry. Oh Laundry. The never-ending chore! Dinner, packing of lunches for the next day, dishes, bedtime baths, story & songs. And Sophia's in bed. If we're lucky, it's not 9pm yet!
Where does the time go? It's so easy to lose track of. And how do families fit homework in? Are we going to survive once the kids start school? Or will I be "that" mom...the kind that is the teacher, but her kids still don't manage to get all of their homework done?
The balance is the hardest part. It's so easy to make it look like we have it all together. But if you come to our house on any given weeknight, I can't gaurantee that the dishes were done. Or the dishwasher emptied. And there may be a pile of clothes in my hallway, waiting to be the next laundry load.
But, we are all loved. We are all happy. and things get done. Just not on the time table I may expect of myself...But if I've taken some time in the evening to spend time building Lego's with Sophia, or helping Ryland roll, and actually having a conversation with Matthew, then I feel full. I feel refreshed; Like I can take this all on again the next day. And that makes it all worth it.
Quick Updates on the Fam:
Matthew:
GRADUATION!!! Yep! Matthew finished his Master's Degree! We are so proud of him and how hard he worked to get through his classes. And he finally is finished! In the midst of end of school year stuff, and yard projects, and going back to work, Sue and I planned a surprise party to celebrate his big accomplishment. I don't know how we ever pulled it off, as he always knows when something is up, but we did! And it was great!
He's also been busy in the yard this month. The Back-Back is taking on it's intended dream: a play-yard! The sod is down, the curb is in. Matthew's been busy!
Matthew was also offered a full time position: His 6 month contract led its way into a full time position, after many prayers. Matthew was offered a full time position with Oracle that will begin in July! We are so thankful that he loves his new job, he's home earlier than when he worked in town, and he's been brought on full time! MANY answered Prayers.
Katie:
Summer is here. Not only is school done, but I'm done in 1st grade too. After many contributing factors were considered, I decided to make a move. And back to 6th grade I go!
I'm LOVING my time at home (I know, it's only day 3!) with both Sophia and Ryland!
Sophia:
Sophia will be at home with me all summer, as opposed to going to preschool part-time. She is so eager to learn right now. We are working on her letter names, she knows all her colors, how to count to 20-teen, and will be taking private swim lessons in the next couple weeks. We've been going swimming over at Grandpa Whit and Grandma Sue's house every couple of days, and she does great with her floaties on. We're just really hoping she can become an independent swimmer and gain some confidence in the water alone.
Ryland:
Our growing boy. Growing so much and so fast. We have his 4 month appointment on Monday and I am so anxious to see how much he weighs. We are used to our petite little Sophia. Who was always tall on the height charts and low on the weight charts. Ryland however, is a bigger boy. He keeps down 99% of his food, and every oz sticks to his bones. In comparison, we looked at Sophia's baby book and his last weight (at 3 1/2 months) was 6 oz more than what Sophia weighed at 5 months! It won't be long before he's bigger than his big sister if he keeps up this growing pattern! He finally found the strength to move all of his body and he's rolling over. A celebration, and a challenge. Now nap-time is a struggle, as he flops over, wiggles out of his swaddle-wrap, and lays there laughing and squealing for help! He's a HAPPY boy. All of the time. Well, unless he's hungry. But honestly, he smiles and talks more than any baby I've ever been around. Just a constant chatter box when he's not napping. We love it!
Ryland's first book from an online book exchange! :)
First time he didn't cry and scream in the bath. It took about 3 months! :)
Our sleepy Big Sis. She is such a great sister.
Ryland's best bud. We've named him Patches. He LOVES this dog! It's adorable!
Sophia and Mommy cuddles
Thought maybe Ryland had an ear infection.
Poor boy just wasn't himself. But luckily, no ear infection!
Sophia and Daddy at Mini-Golf on our Miranda Memorial Day Weekend trip
Ryland wrapped up. He loves to be held against our chest, and will fall asleep almost instantly.
My Favorite Pictures. Nothing better than a walk through the Redwoods.
Big Boy, starting to try out holding his own bottle.
Our Cool Dude.
Sophia's first harvest from her garden. She grew dinner this night. Green beans!
Our creative little artist.
From dirt, to lawn. Messy job!
Little Miss likes to pick out her own outfits. I pick my battles.
Our Happy Kiddos
Last day of school; Popsicles in the grass.
Sibling cuddles. They have my heart.
Happy kids on the 1st day of summer!
Floor time. Loving his precious little face.
Our boy is growing. And Sophia is a proud Sister.
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