Play Date with Sienna Mae

This face sums up how I was anticipating the morning would go.  Kaitlyn and her little sis Sienna Mae are buddies of Caden and and Sadie, both the toddlers and the babies are only a few weeks apart in age, and once a week Stacy and I swap the babies so we can go to Toddler Group.  Usually Laura provides a much needed helping hand in juggling the 3 kids but today she was in New York so I was on my own.

Much to my surprise, everyone did great.  It was a morning void of tears and I even got the chance to snap some pics.

Sometimes It's Just Not Mommy's Day

Just so we can look back and remember that everything wasn't always all smiles - lets talk about today, shall we?  Casey is out of town for work and it's been pouring off and on all day.  Today was also the Christmas potluck at Toddler Group so Casey, Caden, and I spent a few hours last night baking pumpkin muffins with a cream cheese filling and cinnamon-sugar coconut topping (mmm, they were yummy).  The day started off well enough - Caden was even a real gentleman getting in the car and heading off to Stacey's house to drop-off Sadie.  It's when we left and I clipped Stacy's car while backing out (doh!) that things started to go downhill.  Toddler group itself was great - we had lots of good food and Caden made his first ornament.

Once we got back to Stacy's and we spent some time chatting (and assessing the damage) Caden decided that he did not want to leave.  Thus began what ended up being a 45 minute fit all the way home and into what should have been nap time.  Somehow, amongst all the screaming, Sadie actually managed to fall asleep in the car!  Miracle of miracles, she went back to sleep when I got her to the crib.  It's amazing how different these two are - Caden would never transfer to the crib after he fell asleep.

Finally, we resorted to calling Daddy and he was able to talk Caden down from the ledge.  From that point on both kids took mercy on me and slept for about 2 1/2 hours.  I was able to chug some coffee for the nerves relax and prepare for the eternal struggle that is putting on Caden's pajamas and brushing his teeth.  Luckily, Caden spied some Thomas PJs when we were out buying Sadie a baptism dress yesterday and that was enough to get us through.  He loves the PJs so much that he is currently looking at himself in the window and dancing.

On the plus side, I did get to play around a little more with my camera after nap time.

Look at those sweet little toes.

What a happy little girl...totally unaware that her brother is raising hell in the next room.  Happy 5 month birthday Sadie Belle.

Christmas Tree Hunting

Last weekend we got our Christmas tree - probably the earliest we've ever gotten this done!  We bundled up before heading out.

Then we headed to Home Depot and Caden helped us pick out the perfect tree.  He especially liked the part where they cut off the bottom and stuffed it into a big net.

Finally it was time to go home and decorate.  We're still sticking to the shatter-proof ornaments this year (due to Caden already redecorating a few times) but we did put Caden's and Sadie's 2010 ornaments from Grandma and Grandpa Morgan up near the top.

Later that weekend Casey came up with a new building toy for Caden.  He did surprisingly well with the little screw driver.  He is really starting to enjoy role playing lately.  This week he's spent lots of time feeding and reading to his stuffed doggie and giving him kisses when he falls down and gets hurt.  Caden also looked out into the backyard a few days ago, spotted a bird, and named him Ted.

And last but not least - here's the first pic from my new fancy camera!  I haven't had time yet to really learn how to use it but I'm thrilled with how it does in low light.  This was taken after dark with no flash and only a small table lamp and the Christmas tree lights on.  You can see why we call her Spike!