When you're feeling blue....

We have been a house of sick boys for several weeks now.  So in between answering to 'Mommy, Mommy, I need.....' or bouncing my 10 month old around the house....I decided to add some color to my life to brighten my day.

A little pink always helps:)  Charlie was happy to comply by picking out this cute place mat & plate at Target.  Along with our shiny red flower on the kitchen window...

And some pretty yellow from our lemon tree out the front door....

Add that to a few open windows on this pretty day....it all makes me just a little bit happy in the blueness of breathing treatments, canceled plans, crappy naps & wiping noses.

History made...

"Barack Obama...He's MY president too!!!"

from the mouth of  3 1/2 year old Charlie at play group this afternoon, talking with his friends Rebecca & Timothy.  Everything must be 'mine too'!!!  At least he got the point of the day...I think.

They're growin up California....

Charlie looks like the start of a beach bum...okay a very preppy beach bum, but still.  We are hoping for the best of many worlds for our sons.  The grounding of the midwest, adventure & simplicity of the European lifestyle and the fresh 'take on the world' spirit of California.

A bit of regression...

Here's our new strategy to give Charlie some play time away from Max.  We've been having Max play in his crib but he's more of a mover and shaker these days.  Charlie thought it sounded fun to take his turn playing in the crib! 

Have to say Max looks a little confused but pleased with the switch!

$.99 saves the day

I have always said that Charlie redeems himself at the end of the day.  He's an action packed little boy, always has been, never one to nap well but WOW was he amazing at going to bed and sleeping all night.  Sadly I have to say WAS....We've had quite a time of things the last few months.  Up every couple of hours, many excuses, many fears, sharing a room with baby brother compounds the issue.  We have tried many things....but I think my $.99 find at Ikea may be one of the surest answers.  Since we added this somewhat bright (in my opinion) string of star lights to Charlie & Max's room, they have both slept better.  Charlie has been more willing to go to bed, stay in bed and return to bed.  Can't say we're in the redemption stage again yet, but there is finally some hope in this very tired Mama's life.

It's so nice to know that hope (and more sleep) lies around the most unexpected corners.

Addendum.... Monday morning after writing the above post Sunday night....It must be the laws of blogging.  Once you blog about something that's a success, it doesn't work.  We had a crazy night of many ups and downs from both boys.  Sigh.  I guess I may need to spend more than $.99 to 'save the day.'

A Simple Christmas

This is what I really needed this year....a simple Christmas.  And there were so many moments which were just that.  I loved seeing Charlie enjoying the season, having fun with his Grammie Merkel making cookies, doing crafts, eating nothing but sugar...what's better in life?  I also loved my Mom's gift to me of a box of mementos my Grandpa had saved over my 36 years of life.   Notes I'd written, cards, a lock of my hair and also some of the things that were SO my Grandpa, his harmonica, toothpicks, chapstick.  It was the best present I could have been given. As this was Max's first Christmas I just tried to soak in the cuddles and kisses with him.  There is something about a first Christmas with a little boy.  So much to savor and appreciate this year....