The Office

Last week marked my official return to the working world. Lest I worry about how my children would handle the change, Max set me straight.

Mommy: "I have to go back to work tomorrow, sweetie."

Max: "Whoohoo! Now my Mimi can stay all day long."

Sigh. All the turmoil about whether I should or should not work, all the guilt about leaving two children, all the anxiety about juggling responsibilities....it was all for nought.

I was definitely more conflicted about going back to work this time. I have really enjoyed being home with Max and Sarah. I understand how quickly they move through each stage and I hate missing out on their daily activities. My agency seems to understand my hesitancy and are attempting to be as flexible as possible to meet my needs, including cutting back to only 2 days per week.

The first few days were a bit rocky, but we have survived being up all night (baby and me), blood loss (me), doctor visit before work (baby), and tears (me and baby). But there is no use crying over spilled milk....oh wait, that was me too.

My first client brought me great reassurance. As I walked into the waiting room for our appointment, her grandmother said, "See, I told you that your friend would be back!" and the child enveloped me in a giant hug. That hug reminded me of all the reasons why I work, and also helped me hold out until I could get home and squeeze my own babies.

Smile-A-Gram

Pictures that make me smile:

Two Alarm Fire

Help Wanted:

2 Experienced Firefighters

for Parker District Station 2

Must be able to operate large trucks.

The Applicants

Waiting in the station to be called to duty

Orientation to the truck

Suiting up with the other applicants

Climbing In

Loaded Up

Max at the Wheel

Ready to Go

Trial by Fire

Another successful day by Team FBCK.

Positions Filled.

Holding Strong

You will have my hand to hold always.

Thank you for eight years of holding tight.

Happy Anniversary!

Three Months

Dear Sarah,

I love the subtle shift that is occurring as you become more "Sarah" instead of just "Bay-bay", although it doesn't change what we call you! We can see that you are developing more personality with distinct likes (mirrors, fans, nose massage) and dislikes (getting dressed, remaining still). Your face lights up with beautiful smiles on a regular basis and you dissolve into giggles when you are tickled and gently prodded.

The past month has contained many oohs and aahhs over your cuteness. Mimi's friends hosted a Sip and See shower so your grandmother could show you off. You were a bit shy at first, but eventually warmed to the glow of compliments. Everyone, including the dentist, store clerks, and Auntie Beckers and Mama Nell, marvel over your perfect skin and rosy lips, and proclaim you to be a paragon of perfection. Since Mommy and Daddy also contribute by constantly calling you "pretty girl", I am concerned we are going to end up with a very vain little person.

Alas, your attempts to swallow your fist have been unsuccessful, but you continue to try to find your thumb to suck. You suck the pacifier so hard that it makes lines on your face. The transition to your crib went very smoothly and you sleep there for naps and during the night. Sometimes we know you are ready to sleep because you cry ferociously before conking out. Other times, you simply close your eyes while we are involved with other activities and are suddenly asleep. If needed, Daddy is the ultimate Sleep Doctor and always able to lull you to dreamland.

At night, Max helps give you a bath and picks out a few stories to read together. He insists on kissing you goodnight and turning on your fan. The swaddler has been cast as your enemy and you constantly try to escape. As soon as release occurs, you kick fiercely and wave your hands in victory! I promise we will stop using it when you promise to stop knocking your pacifier out during the middle of the night. You are asleep by 8 and I still wake you for the dream feed at 10. A sick visit to the doctor informed us that you are only 11 1/2 pounds, so we will keep this feeding for a little longer.

Baby girl, you are so good to us and I am so thankful to have you in our lives. I love discovering more and more about your sweet self each day!

Love, Mommy

Back on Track

After several difficult weeks, Max finally earned his reward for staying in the bed - a new 100 piece puzzle!

The nightly drama gradually decreased from hours of hopping out of the bed to 30 minutes to (almost) completely staying in his room. Now Max helps us read to Sarah and put her to bed before starting his own routine. His new bedtime is closer to 8:30. One good result of the mess was the birth of a a new tradition that I love - I stay in the bed with Max for a few minutes after Daddy says goodnight. We talk about our favorite parts of the day and if there is anything we would change. Then we discuss what he wants to dream about that night. His answers often surprise and delight me! Bedtime is still a 2 man job these days, but it finally seems as though we are passing through this stage or, as Max puts it, "I'm back on track!"

Patriotic Babes

Happy Fourth of July!

Sarah says, "Look out, the British are trying to capture me! Save the Baby!"