Saturday, May 12, 2012

Mother's Day Musings

I'm sitting quietly in my living room, in jeans and bare feet. Still feeling the warmth of the warm spring day even though it's already ten at night. Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Henry just gave a little cry from his crib; but thankfully he's learning how to soothe himself back to sleep.
We've just survived a couple of sleepless months in the Bauer house. Thanks to two tiny bottom teeth that have finally appeared, Henry, Andy and I have spent many a night right here in the recliner I'm sitting in at this moment.  Rocking, crying, rocking, crying. I don't dare think of the teeth that are yet to come. I'm pretty sure I've added a few crows feet and a third bag under each eye. What will my face look like by the time he gets all his teeth? Will I even be recognizable?
I had Andy take a picture of me and the kids today since it's Mother's Day and all. As I was downloading it onto the computer tonight, immediately, I was taken back to just a year ago. I was winding up the school year and packing up my classroom. I was HUGE! Little did I know that in just a couple of weeks I was going to be put on bed rest. And that a couple of weeks after that I was going to take my first, and hopefully, only ambulance ride to Roseville.
Year Ago Jen had no way of knowing that in just a little over a month she was going to have Henry. Tiny and strong. Year Ago Jen was holding a baby that fit entirely from under her chin to her breastbone. Year Ago Jen held a baby but did not feel like she was his mother. It was too surreal and out of body.
 It just hadn't sunk in.
Blink your eyes and 10 months have flown by. Henry is still tiny but he's healthy and a wiry little thing! His huge eyes literally melt me. He's cruising on the furniture and has even stood on his own for a few seconds. Take that Prematurity!! And his laugh....... love his laugh.
I have this amazing daughter who makes me laugh each day. She's the funniest, quirkiest person I know. She loves her little brother and helps me in so many ways. She's my sleeping buddy many nights while Andy is at work.
Yes, I'm tired. Yes, Henry has kept me up more nights in the last 2 months than Lily has her entire life. Yes, I wear jeans and formula stained shirts most day. Yes, I've watched Tangled about 17 hundred times because Lily loves it. Yes, my stomach very well may never return to it's former glory. But gosh darnet I'm incredibly blessed!!  I have two beautiful, HEALTHY, and loving kids and a kick butt husband.
I think the reason why I like the picture Andy took today so much was I saw something in my face that I don't always feel (because I'm selfish sometimes!)  but I did today and do most days. 
I looked content.
 So there's my Mother's Day musings. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day with your kids, your mother or with someone you love.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

What I'm Loving.......Coming Home

I just got back (at 12:30 this morning to be exact) from a week-long trip with the kids at my sister's in Colorado. I love to visit my sister and was excited for her and the family to spend time with my kids. She had only met Henry once, a few days after he was born. He was in his isolet so she didn't even get to hold him. Traveling alone with 2 kids, one being a squirming infant, is no picnic. Tales of my brave adventure are forthcoming. Right now I'm loving that when I came home the house was clean and my favorite flowers were sitting on the coffee table. Yup, my hubby is the bomb. Love you, Andy.