Heart breaker

Sitting down to write something this afternoon as both of my children are napping.... such a tremendous feat!  I have been working diligently on Nan's schedule and she is now a consistent afternoon napper (like her brother) and it has been a game changer.  The past month has been difficult with B gone during the weeks and then back on the weekends... mostly because it has rocked Berkley's world.  I have to say this week is starting off much better than last week...as we decided not to talk about Brandon leaving for the week.  On Monday, we did the normal "daddy is leaving for work" routine and that has seemed to help.

I think I am a planner and I definitely need to feel in control of my life (who doesn't?), but my son takes that to a new level. Maybe it is a phase?  Maybe it is because he is two?  But maybe it is just genetic.  Every morning Berkley asks me first thing "what we doing today, mama?"  He needs to know the routine.  He needs to know what to expect.  He needs to know things are going to be the same.  There is comfort in all of that.... and right now, Berkley is craving it.  Berkley loves to hear that he is going to preschool some mornings or going to the park in the afternoon... yes, because they are fun, but I think mostly because he feels safe at those places and that in turn makes him happy.  One other thing about Berkley from last night.... I was nursing Nan and Berkley was watching Curious George.  After I finished nursing N, I came in at the end of the show... I asked him if he wanted to cuddle and he did (lucky me).  As we were laying there, he looked up at me and said, "you beautiful, mama."  He is a heart breaker - that boy.  I love him.

Pics of Nan and Berkley watching the Hoos play basketball on Saturday with their daddy.

Can you spot the real baby?  Playing with his sissy this morning in his "big boy crib."

Naked cooking.  A regularly occurring activity in our house.

Playing trains before lunch.

Popsicles after lunch.

12 weeks!

My sweet Nan is 12 weeks old!  I am going to admit that the first 3 months after a baby are tough - little sleep and your body is recovering... but they are also a very sweet time in many respects.  I finally feel like N and I are opening our eyes and waking up after our foggy last three months... just in time for spring!  Have I mentioned that Nan is the sweetest yet?  Below are a few pics from tonight before the kiddos went to sleep.  Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.  B is home tomorrow (!!) and hopefully we'll get some QT with the family.  xo

Lucky One

Brandon is off again for work and every time Berks sees a plane he says it's "daddy's plane."  This morning he wanted to wear his pjs to school because "daddy put them on."  Berkley is in a major daddy phase and I don't blame the boy.... daddy is pretty awesome and (sadly) a rare commodity around this house.

I am the lucky one... lucky in many ways - but right now I feel lucky to have such a tremendous brother who lives in Richmond.  I am pretty sure I could not get along without him.  Carter is especially helpful when B is gone and a daily fixture around our house.... I would also like to point out that he makes a mean gimlet in Brandon's absence.  A few pics from tonight (right after he exercised Henry and right before he put Berkley to bed.)  Love you, CDS.

Some pictures from a lazy morning in Richmond.  The snow is beginning to melt and it is a wet, muddy mess outside.  Berkley and I had a "cleaning party" this morning.  When I suggested the idea, Berkley asked whether there would be cupcakes at this party.  Love that kid!  We didn't have the ingredients for cupcakes so we had mugs of hot chocolate instead.  Happy Monday!  xo

Sisters....only sisters can fight hard one minute and be best friends the next.  Only sisters can tell you that you look fat in an outfit.  Only sisters can understand what you are feeling before you say it..... and I am lucky that I have the best sister in the world.  Love you Elizabeth Anne Boswell, but you will always be Bessie B to me.

A few pics from yesterday and this morning.  Daddy will be home in ONE day!

We love you!

Brandon is gone this week for work.... and we miss him dearly!  Berkley is at an age where he needs to know what is happening.  For example, if I get a sitter - I always tell Berkley ahead of time so he can mentally prepare and especially so if a sitter is getting him up from a nap.  Since Brandon is gone this week - last night he told him he'd be in New Jersey for work which prompted Berkley to do the usual "you don't leave, Daddy" or "you stay home with Booky" routine that we are accustomed to... but is totally heart wrenching.  This morning Berkley at 6:30 started screaming for daddy.  Brandon went into his room and Berkley said, "you back from New Jersey?"  That kid has a memory.  After a traumatic goodbye and morning in general- we managed to get past the fact that daddy was gone for the week... it helped that there was a valentine's party at school and that we received a care packaged today with plenty of valentine treats.  Tonight - sissy was crying and Berkley said, "don't worry sissy - I'm not going to New Jersey."  A few pics from today.  Happy Valentine's Day to everyone and especially my husband .  We miss you!