Teeth

Why does it HURT so much for the little kids to get teeth? Mark's favorite thing to do over the past two weeks is shove his fist as far into his mouth as he can. I don't understand how he can enjoy that, I mean, come on, really? Fist in mouth?

But it provides him with much satisfaction...so, we let it be.

And the teeth are nowhere in sight...(insert HEAVY sigh).

What would you do?

So, Matthew has been on spring break the last two weeks and he spent a day at the park with Nanny (Joe's mom) and his cousin Meghan. While they were there, a helicopter started circling the area. A few moments later, a police car pulled in the parking lot. The officer approached Nanny and asked if they had seen a specific looking person. They said they hadn't and the officer explained that he had just tried to abduct a young girl in the neighborhood (my WORST nightmare). Nanny let him know that if they did see him, they would call the police.

So, she used this as a learning lesson for the kids and asked what they would do if a stranger tried to take them from a park, restroom, restaurant, etc. My son's response was (and THIS is why I love him), 'I would kick him in the nuts!'. He said it straight faced as could be.

I inquired about this story later when I got home from work, and again, he told me what he would do, not thinking twice about it. I asked where he learned to do something like this...he just said he didn't know.

I love my kid - I REALLY love my kid! He keeps me laughing...

Breakfast at Paradise

The boys walked to Paradise Bakery for breakfast this morning...I was working at the hospital. Here are pictures of Matthew and Mark while there...you can tell that Mark is just DYING to get that food in his mouth!

4-1/2 Months

Mark is now 4-1/2 months old...time is flying! We went to the doctor on Thursday night for the 4-month checkup. He is still somewhat of a square...meaning around the 50th %ile for everything. He's a little short for his age...but we are working on that! Not much we can do on that, must have gotten my family jeans in the height category!

Here's a recent family photo that we took...it doesn't really do Mark justice as far as his personality! Just one of those things that he doesn't photograph well.

This is the entire Reynolds family...lots of people! It was a beautiful day at the park so we enjoyed taking the time to play while getting photos taken.

Hopefully more to come soon!

Getting By

Sorry for being so out of touch. It's hard to find spare time to do anything lately...imagine that with a full-time job, husband and 2 kids.

There is absolutely no normalcy in our life right now - did I expect something different? Well, after having only one child for 7-1/2 years we were used to it...and had forgotten what it was like to not have it.

Bad days? Oh yeah, aplenty. Sometimes too many to think about. However, I can find absolute joy in two things that keep me going day to day right now...

and this one...from the past

Yep - that's big brother

I love them both and can't wait to spend my evenings and weekends with them. I lose my cool and have some really tough and stressful days (what mom doesn't). Working sucks...and I have been tempted many times to call in and say I can't come in because I am sick...or the baby is sick...but I can't. I mean, I could, but I don't. They are fine without me and being away is what makes me want to be with them so much when I get home from work.

And, best of all, Joe and I are still married...happily? Trying our darndest! Til next time...

I survived...

I should say our family survived my return to work. It was a long week, but it got a little easier each day. Here's a brief recap...

Monday - I did my best at work and didn't call my mom until after 1230pm - but had pretty much counted the minutes until that moment came. And then, 430pm couldn't come soon enough for me to head out the door and get home. Joe worked late so my mom hung around a little longer to help get through dinner, bath and then bed. It was a true blessing to have her helping hands a little longer...

Tuesday - The morning came earlier than normal because Mark was up at 445am and didn't really want to go back to sleep. So this was going to be a long day as I had to close at the hospital - oh well!! I was WIPED OUT by the time I got home. Joe worked a little later in the evening and Matthew was going to Nanny's for dinner. So, it ended up that we all arrived home at the same time - which caused a bit of chaos (in my mind). But we worked through it and I fell into bed around 9pm.

Wednesday - Mark was better and slept until about 6am when Oma came (my mom - aka day care). So, I was able to get on the treadmill in the morning and then get him before I got in the shower. Day went quicker - didn't call as often...waited for mom. She is now napping when Mark naps because it's a long day with him (the one who doesn't sleep). 430pm came quick and I was ready to be home...

Thursday - An even shorter day it seemed - and we are starting to settle into a routine (if you can have anything like that in your life before the kids are like...18). I got worked by the trainer right after work and Joe was working late so Oma stayed a little longer to help. It was great! We shared some chicken enchiladas after I got home...then bath, bottle and bed (at least we tried for bed - it took a while).

Friday - Came and went uneventfully. TGIF!!! And Oma agrees - it's been a long time since she has worked and she puts in long hours...but she is a God send and I truly don't know how I would be doing it without her. The day passed quickly and the family was all in the house by 5pm. Great dinner and quiet evening. Mark was put in his crib at 845pm and asleep by a little after 9pm...so was I!

And, our exercise ball has found a new purpose - Mark likes to be bounced to sleep! Yep, that's right. We now have an exercise ball in his room and we bounce up and down on it with him in our arms to get him resting and then down he goes in the crib...amazing! It doesn't work every time, but I feel like I am getting some exercise while trying it!

I will post some pictures later that my mom took this week - he is laughing, talking, and smiling more than ever! I am just glad she gets to share in these moments with him if I can't.

Return to Work

Yep - tomorrow is my first day back to work. Not sure how it will go, though I know Mark is in some of the most capable hands with my mother.

Stay tuned - I will post later this coming week to let you know how it goes!