Back at Work

So yeah, that's my new office.  Hot damn.  And today I spent the whole day there while someone else took care of my kids, and we all survived.  This transition has been a bitch.

Hunger Strike

About 18 months ago I thought, "I'm home all day, why the heck aren't I making bread?"  So, I started, and for the last year and a half the kids have eaten homemade bread pretty much exclusively.

But, I start a new job tomorrow and something had to give.  So I bought a loaf of grocery store bread...and found this in Ellie's lunch bag when she got home from school today:  

The sad remains of a turkey-cheese sandwich.  As a form of protest, it's pretty effective.

Sisters

She complains that feeding the cat is too hard, but she's always ready to help her sister with a bottle.

Hate Mail

Ellie made me this sweet card while she was in "time-out" today.  It's my second favorite card ever.

Teeth!

Not only does Mira have TWO, but one of Ellie's is loose!  I can't handle that at all.

Last Week

Today is Monday.  The first day of my last week as a stay-at-home mom.  I thought about taking the kids out of school one day and doing something super special, but now I'm inclined just to make it the best "normal" week I can.  I want to focus on the things I'm going to miss, like giving Ellie a welcome home hug when she gets off the bus, and snuggling Mira all day long, but also the things I'm not...like the daily struggle that is getting everyone in their jackets and into the car for the morning ride to school.  I'm trying to "be in the moment" and just let myself feel my feelings and remember that everything is going to be okay.  

On a lighter note, we went to P's birthday party this weekend, and played with Legos.  Gabe is now fully obsessed.

Family Portrait and a Life Update

Ellie drew this picture yesterday and I just adore it.  I love that I'm holding Mira, and that "Dabby" has the longest legs ever.  I love that she labeled herself "Ellie" but signed it "Love Eleanor..."  I love the sun, and the sky, and just the whole damned thing.  It's my new favorite family portrait ever.

And a quick general life update.  The whole job thing is moving forward.  We hired a (hopefully) fantastic nanny.  She'll start in the middle of March and I spend a few days training her before taking my first official commute in to the city.  Now that I know who's going to be taking care of the kids, I'm SLIGHTLY calmer about the whole thing.  I still wake up sometimes at 2am not at all sure if this is really happening, and if it really should be happening, but in general, I'm doing better. 

And you know this picture is going up in my cubicle.

Gabey's Big Day

A huge thank you to Josh for taking photos!

Gabe sat here, quietly eating his cake, until all the other kids had gone back to playing, and the party staff was sweeping around him.  The boy loves his cake.