These are The Days of Our Lives

I'm finally getting into a groove with my two kids! Yeah, it's still really difficult at times, but it's starting to become "normal." This is my life now, and even though every day is different and brings new challenges, I am so grateful for these two amazing creatures!

Ella continues to go to Miss Linda's house every Tuesday and Thursday. On those days, Nathan and I get some alone time to bond. I probably kiss his cheeks a hundred times or more! I also tend to do my errands on those days...it's much easier carting around one kid at Target. Nathan's sleep is improving, but it's still not great. He goes to bed between 10:00 and 11:00pm, and for two nights in a row, slept for 4 hours straight, and the next night, 3 hours straight. Then he was up every 2 hours until he was up for good for the day. However, last night he was up every 2 hours. I didn't get the 3-4 hours in the beginning. Darn. He seems to fall asleep about 2 hours after he gets up for the day, but sometimes not. I'm hoping in the next few weeks, we'll get on a better schedule...before I go back to work. Speaking of work, I took Nathan into work last week to "show him off." :) It was nice to see my co-workers and talk to my supervisor about my return. I will start back on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009. I will be working Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 hour days, not 10 like originally planned. I also got a flu shot while at the hospital. My arm hurt for 3 days! But...I am NOT getting sick again!

Ella is learning so much every day. She is able to recite the ABCs all by herself. It's the cutest thing to hear. She also said to Joe and I, "I wish you a merry Christmas." I wonder if they're singing Christmas carols at Miss Linda's? Ella is being much more gentle with Nathan. She loves to give him hugs and kisses, and asks to hold him. She is definately 2 years old however. I tell her to stop doing something, and she looks right at me and does it again. She also has this horrible habit of saying "HUH?" whenever you ask her a question. It is so much fun being able to do activities with her and have conversations with her. I try to do some sort of art project or craft on the days she is home with me. We made Turkeys for Thanksgiving by tracing her hands and feet, and just last night made reindeer with traced hands and feet also.

I was lacking motivation to put up Christmas decorations this year, but I did it anyways, and I'm glad I did. It makes the house look festive and puts me in the holiday spirit. Joe and Ella went to get a Christmas tree over the weekend, and after much adjusting, the tree is somewhat straight. I put all the lights on last night but still need to work on hanging the ornaments. I also have been playing Christmas carols on the piano, which has been fun and brings back memories. My parents will be coming to Wisconsin on December 17th and leaving their car here. Then they will drive back to Michigan with the kids and I in the van on the 19th. Joe will drive their car back to Michigan on the 23rd to join us. Then, Joe, the kids, and I will drive our van back to Wisconsin on the 28th. I am so looking forward to seeing family and friends, many who have not met Nathan yet. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!