Friday, December 4th, begins around 7:45, sometimes as early as 6:45, rarely as late as 8. Today, Arriah is the first awake. She is the most beautiful little alarm clock filling my ears with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". I guess it's time to get up. I Mission Impossible my way out of bed so Gavin doesn't wake up. Once I get into her room, I open the blinds to see what kind of day it is outside and let in some natural light. I'm still not ready to be fully awake so I snuggle up with her giant teddy bear on the floor as she proceeds to tell me about her dream she saw. Yes, saw. Apparently a dream is an animal type thing. I'm half convinced it's just the door handle on her door but it's hard to know for sure. Sometimes she's scared of it, sometimes it's nice to her. Trying to explain a dream to a 2 year old is harder than you would expect.
8:10 - Gavin wakes up. We greet him with "good morning" and snuggles. He's a happy boy. We all go back to Arriah's room for diaper changes and to get Arriah in her big girl underwear for the day. Might as well get her dressed too but I wouldn't dare even think about picking out her outfit or helping her put it on. She does it all by herself, of course.
8:20 - Both Mommy and Arriah go pee in our "big girl pottys" just like how the rest of the world starts their day. I decide to text my mom a picture of a bump Arriah has inside her lip. She's had it for a few days and I don't know what it is. My mom works for an endodontist so she she asks him and says she'll get back to me.
8:25 - Then it's time to turn on the Christmas lights on our Christmas tree ('tis the season) and so begins the daily struggle of what's for breakfast. She's not so much picky as she is 2. It's especially hard with little-to-no food in the house. Grocery shopping is on our To Do List for the day.
8:30 - While Gavin plays happily in his Exercauser, we turn on some Christmas music. Ya, we're pretty festive. Who the heck is Parson Brown and why do we care? Anyway, we decided on Honey Nut Cherrios for breakfast. She, of course, drinks milk with her cereal. I join her in a bowl of Cherrios and we share a banana. Gavin tries a bite of the banana but isnt' into it.
8:50 - Done with breakfast, quickly clean it up and attempt to get in the shower. Isn't that cute? As soon as I get to my room I realize I haven't made the bed yet, so I do that stopping midway through to remove a post-it note out of Gavin's mouth. Arriah loves to help with the final touch of throw pillows.
9am - Finally turning the shower on and getting in.
9:15 - Mason comes home from job #1. I'm done with the shower. Gavin cried the whole time and Arriah jumps on the bed the whole time even though she knows she's not suppose to do that. She finds a pack of Boogie Wipes and runs away with them with the intention of taking each one out one by one. I chase after her and while trying to get them away from me she accidentally head butts me in the mouth. Free lip fillers I guess?
9:20 - Mason and I start talking about work and I realize I have to call my dad. 20 minutes later I'm off the phone, have gotten dressed and brushed my hair still hoping to make it to the grocery store at some point today.
9:50 - Mason leaves for job #2... I love my hardworking man. I start the getting ready process. A few minutes of make up, then start to blow dry my hair but have to stop half way through because I'm not holding Gavin so he's crying and Arriah is all too quiet so I go check on her. She has put on 3 or 4 different pairs of pants... and leggings.
10:04 - Finally finished blow drying my hair. Now time to set up Arriah with Doc McStuffins so I can put Gavin down for a nap. He's tired and fussy. I guess we'll postpone going to the grocery store until a little later in the day. Big surprise but totally worth not having a fussy baby.
10:14 - Gavin falls asleep and I load my arms full of everything I could possibly need for the next hour and try to leave the room without waking him up. I go to the other bathroom to finish my make up only to notice Arriah has unrolled half the roll of toilet paper so she could wipe her own nose. Where are those Boogie Wipes when you need em?
10:20 - My mom's boss responds about what is on the inside of Arriah's lip. Apparently it's a plugged up minor mucous gland.
"Totally harmless. Usually they break open on their own. If it persists, she probably should see someone. It can be drained with a pin but Brittany shouldn't try it"
So there ya have it. In case you or anyone else you know has ever had one, now you know. I'll give it another day or two to see if anything changes on it's own. It doesn't seem to be bothering her at all and she's getting over a cold so my feeling is that it will go away.
"Totally harmless. Usually they break open on their own. If it persists, she probably should see someone. It can be drained with a pin but Brittany shouldn't try it"
So there ya have it. In case you or anyone else you know has ever had one, now you know. I'll give it another day or two to see if anything changes on it's own. It doesn't seem to be bothering her at all and she's getting over a cold so my feeling is that it will go away.
10:40 - I'm all done getting ready and Gavin is still sleeping so Mommy and Arriah get some 1 on 1 quality time. We read some books, sing some songs, and do some puzzles.
11:23 - My sweet boy is awake and happy! Quick diaper change for Gav and Miss Independent puts on her own Pull Up and shoes. We're trying to get out the door.
11:44 - Finally have everything loaded up. Everything being: Gavin buckled into his car seat with a blanket and pacifier. My shoes are on, I have my phone, purse, keys, diaper bag, water for me, and snacks and water for Arriah. Pfew, that's tiring just to think about. While getting into the car Arriah says "I'll protect you Gavin". What a good big sister! (Even if there is nothing to currently protect him from, it's the thought that counts).
11:49 - Finally drive away from the house. Only 26 minutes from wake up to exit. Not bad.
11:57 - Think to myself: "Two grocery stores with two kids under 3 in my future. I'm going to need some coffee."
12:09 - We park at Trader Joe's, grab a cart and put Arriah in the seat with snacks and her water. Put Gavin in the Ergo and as if I don't have enough to grab, don't forget your reusable bags! *shake my head* It was clearly not a mom who passed that law.
We don't get too crazy with shopping because I have forgotten to take the stroller out of my trunk so I have no place to put all the groceries. Good one Britt! Meanwhile, Arriah snuggles with cookies in the checkout line.
12:48 - Load everything and everyone back into the car. Off to Safeway. Naturally Gavin falls asleep like 3 minutes before we park.
1:05 - Mason calls me, he's home from job #2. Long day for the poor guy (he was up at 2:30am!). We park at Safeway and I decide to try the cart with the toy car on the front for the first time. It's huge but Arriah will probably love it and that means Gavin will be able to ride in the seat part which makes him happy. The seats are bigger on that cart and the buckle is broken so I guess I'll be holding him in the entire time. Ugh.
1:12 - After all the same prepping from the previous grocery trip we are finally heading into the store. The kids are basically angels the whole time. Gavin is smiling at any living thing that passes by and Arriah is making sure we don't crash with expert driving skills, even though we do once or twice. Oops! ;) We grab sandwiches at the deli for lunch so I don't have to make Mason and I something when we get home.
1:58 - Back to the car, everyone and everything loaded up yet again. Throw on some hand sanitizer and now finally going home.
2:05 - Make it home and get Arriah straight to the potty. She told me she had to pee at the store and I asked her to hold it. I think she did. Mason takes over from there so I can change Gavin's diaper, feed him and try for a nap. No such luck.
2:19 - Gavin is adorable. Awake... but adorable. At least he's in a good mood and now maybe I can hope for a double nap time? Mason is unloading the groceries (our deal is that I shop and he unloads and puts away) I set Miss Arriah up with some lunch while he puts groceries away and I help. Gavin plays happily on the floor as I scarf down my sandwich.
2:36 - Arriah's done with lunch, gets cleaned up and picks out some books for nap time. She chooses Honk if You Like Purple, Pond Buzz, and Llama, Llama, Red Pajama which quickly changes to Best Friends. It's a later nap time than usual but today, better late than never? That just means it's going to be a late night. Super dad over here, hangs out with Gav while I read books with the princess.
3:00 - Done reading with Arriah, go grab Gavin, quick diaper change for him and I just KNOW he's tired now so COME ON DOUBLE NAP TIME! Sure enough, a little breast milk, some "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and a few minutes of rocking and he's out by 3:18. FREEDOM! Well, Arriah is still talking to herself and reading books in her room but she'll be sleeping soon.
3:10 - Help myself to some lovingly snuggled cookies and watch Groundhog Day. Mason has a friend over and we all just hang out in the living room. I attempt to start working on my blog but only get about 4 words in.
4:00 - Gavin wakes up and
joins us in the living room. Now it's time for Gavin and Mommy 1 on 1 time! He immediately finds some sort of wrapper that was on the ground so I have to take that away from him mid-mouth shove. We decide on some tickle time with a dash of rolling around and standing up with Mommy's help.
joins us in the living room. Now it's time for Gavin and Mommy 1 on 1 time! He immediately finds some sort of wrapper that was on the ground so I have to take that away from him mid-mouth shove. We decide on some tickle time with a dash of rolling around and standing up with Mommy's help.
4:30 - Ok, time to start being productive. I guess I'll get up and start to clean up the kitchen and think about what's for dinner. Who am I kidding, it will be chicken like most other nights of the week. Maybe I'll whip up some cupcakes too. Those sound good. It's always easier without extra little hands all up in my business, though I love the cuteness of her help, she can sleep this one out. C'mon Gavin, to the kitchen we go... or on the floor near the kitchen at least.
4:50 - Still no sign of cupcakes. The kitchen is only slightly cleaner, where did 20 minutes go? Story of my life.
5:06 - Arriah is still sleeping but my spidey senses are tingling telling me that she will be up soon. A part of me hopes she will because now I'm looking a few hours in my future about how late this night will be. Yikes. I have officially started dinner though and, as expected, chicken. Dressed it up with some marinara sauce and grated mozzarella cheese on top. Sort of a chicken parm without the breading, or the parmesan... lol. I would have done it had I thought of it. Let's see, maybe I'll do roasted potatoes? A salad? Garlic bread? Eh, I'll wing it.
4:50 - Still no sign of cupcakes. The kitchen is only slightly cleaner, where did 20 minutes go? Story of my life.
5:06 - Arriah is still sleeping but my spidey senses are tingling telling me that she will be up soon. A part of me hopes she will because now I'm looking a few hours in my future about how late this night will be. Yikes. I have officially started dinner though and, as expected, chicken. Dressed it up with some marinara sauce and grated mozzarella cheese on top. Sort of a chicken parm without the breading, or the parmesan... lol. I would have done it had I thought of it. Let's see, maybe I'll do roasted potatoes? A salad? Garlic bread? Eh, I'll wing it.
5:37 - Everything takes twice as long and is twice as difficult because I'm fully cooking dinner with a baby in my arms. And he is a curious fella that is reaching and leaning for anything that sparkles. You know what sparkles? Knives. You know what I am needing to use for dinner? Knives. Those two things don't mix well. Ya, you guys get it. The struggle is real. On the plus side, my little love bug woke up from her nap 20 or so minutes ago and those cute little helping hands are right in the middle of everything just like I love (and hate) them to be. She's a great helper. How else are the noodles going to get stirred?
It is glaringly obvious that cupcakes are not happening tonight but I'm perfectly fine with that because I remember that I bought COOKIE BUTTER CHEESECAKE from Trader Joe's. Ya... I can't wait. It better be amazing, how could it not be? I'll let you guys know.
5:40 - Mommy: "Arriah, please don't hang on the refrigerator"
Arriah: "Ya, that's not a good idea"
5:41 - Mason and his friend are hanging out in the living room playing video games or something. He helps with Gavin as much as possible but nothing is as good as being held by mommy. Meanwhile, my arms might just break off.
5:43 - Arriah has on one rain boot and leggings. She asks for a snack because she can't bare to wait for dinner to be done so I cut her up a pear. When she's done she throws the entire bowl in the garbage.
5:48 - It's crunch time for dinner so I could use my hands back. Let's see if Gavin will take his last nap of the day.
6:01 - Success. Ya know? It's really worth it to take the extra few minutes to make sure the baby is really asleep. If you rush it, they will be up in 10 minutes, or he will at least. I also am feeling pretty happy that in a pitch black room I know when we've reached that point just by holding him. I don't need to see his eyes or hear his deep breath to know he's asleep. Maybe it's the lack of wiggles or coos but I also think mom just knows, and that feels good. Anyway, dinner time!
6:08 - "Arriah, please go put some pants on, we need to wear pants at the dinner table". Oh, the fun of potty training. I get Arriah her plate ready and blow on it until it's reached the perfect 98 degrees. Now, finally my turn.
6:30 - Gavin's awake just in time for dessert and, let-me-tell-you. This Cookie Butter Cheesecake is every bit as delicious as you would want it to be. I highly recommend it. Trader Joe's. $6.99. Go. Go now.
6:46 - Me, Mason, Mason's friend, Uncle Bunny (aka Brad) and Arriah are BS'ing at the dinner table until the Sharks game starts. Go Sharks. I better make quick work of the messy kitchen so I can actually watch the game. I get distracted by taking out all the garbage in the house and decide that if the kids go down at a decent hour (not likely) I might try to meet my friend at the gym.
7:07 - "Arriah, please don't play with that."
7:10 - "Arriah, please don't jump on the couch"
7:12 - "Arriah, please don't jump on the bed"
This is why it takes me until 7:25 to even get to the kitchen. So much for "quick work" eh? Meanwhile, Mason's friend has left and he has fallen asleep in his chair. How he sleeps with all the banging of dishes and fussing of children, I don't know. Oh wait, yes I do. He's been up and working since the middle of the night. Duh Britt. Poor guy.
8:18 - Finally finish cleaning the kitchen with no lack of struggles from the children. Mason has made his way to bed because he has to do it all over again tomorrow. PJ and diaper time for Arriah and Gavin. We brush Arriah's teeth and mid toothpaste I realize my foot is wet. Yup... It's pee. While cleaning it up I'm just hoping it's Arriah's. Gavin's calling out "mama, mama" on the floor. Melts my heart.
8:23 - Ok, story time. I tell myself "I'm almost there... I'm almost there." Arriah reads us Scuffy the Tugboat while I feed Gavin.
8:38 - Done with books, she's been good today so I'll let her watch the Beauty and the Beast music video on YouTube while she lays in her bed. Gavin is rolling around on the floor and catches a second wind of energy. Oh goodie.
9:05 - Gym is not looking too promising but I'm not surprised. It was a nice thought. Gavin and I are watching the Sharks game (they're losing, also not too promising). Please go to sleep soon Gavin. He's being very wiggly so I set him down on the kitchen floor for one second and he falls on his face and starts to cry. He's sad, I feel horrible.
9:15 - Someone's starting to get tired. Don't get too excited, he's fooled you before. I have come to terms with the fact that the gym is not happening but on the bright side, more time for laundry or picking up six billion toys off the living room floor or blogging. Gavin is most of the way asleep. Against my better judgement, I sit down and he wakes up. Why did I do that? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
9:32 - I lay Gavin down in his bassinet and I realize I've had to pee for more than an hour. #momlife Shark's game is over; we lose to the Ducks. It's starting to get quiet in this house. I hear the faint sound of Arriah reading and talking to herself in her room through the monitor (that's what a late nap gets ya). Elf is on TV so I choose that tonight but usually this is where I Keep Up With the Kardashian's or get lost in the world of Shonda Rhymes. Grey's Anatomy and Scandal are my jam. Sometimes I turn on The Ellen Show with the intention of a light giggle in the background while I get stuff done around the house and I end up sanding in the middle of the living room for an hour every dang time.
9:48 - Fighting off the urge to snack. No eating after 9, that's my rule. I still hear Arriah faintly in her room but it's becoming quieter and quieter with longer stretches in between. She's on her way out but my goodness I can't believe she's still awake.
9:54 - *Silence*... Everyone's asleep but me. I'm in the recliner on my computer (working on this monster of a blog) and the creepiest toy of all time that growls when you move it starts making noise. Ew.
Most nights my goal is to be in bed by 10-10:30. That's not happening tonight. I also consider myself lucky that Gavin has stayed asleep. More often than not he wakes up a few times before I get there and needs to be fed or rocked back to sleep.
When the time has finally come for my day to end, I do a security check and make sure all the doors are locked and the lights are off. I sneak into Arriah's room to remove all the books she has covered herself in and cover her back up with her blankets that she has kicked off. Once I'm in our room, I check on Gavin, ok he's good. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and pull the covers of the bed up so that only my face is showing. I have to get ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Gavin wakes up just as I crawl in but with a few snuggles, he's back in his bassinet. He'll probably join me in bed sometime after Daddy leaves for work.
Today was a good day. I had coffee today so my patience was able to sustain what may have otherwise sent me over the edge. That's not always the case but good day or bad, cooperative kids or grumps, I'm blessed. Those are my last thoughts as I go to sleep. I'm so thankful for my beautiful family and the food we were able to buy. I'm thankful for my husband who works SO incredibly hard 6 days a week, 2 of which are double days, and the fact we have a roof over our heads, reliable cars and our health. So many people don't so I try not take them for granted.
Good night world.
