I've taken the pledge.

A good friend of mine brought my attention to this.

I think it's fantastic.  As much as I am a judgey McJudgerson (and I am, but really, who isn't) I firmly believe that as long as a mom loves her children with all her heart, puts them first, and basically does anything she can to make them happy, healthy and know they are loved, she is a good mom. 

I enjoy reading other mom's blogs and I hope that more people find mine and enjoy reading it as well.

The best, most rewarding, most fantastic and most awesome job in the world?  Being a mom.

Better!

Mags woke up only twice last night.  SCHEDULES PEOPLE.  I am telling you.

Poor PJ is having nightmares.  I sooo wish I could get them to stop.  I wonder what he's dreaming about.  It's not like we let him watch scary things. 

PJ also gave himself a black eye yesterday.  Tried to climb up on the ottoman at the sitter's (which she has moved SEVERAL times) and he fell.  Nice shiner.  Good thing his two year pics were Sunday. :)  My little guy is going to be a total bruiser.  I can just tell.

Schedules.

So PJ's never been a stickler for his schedule.  He always adjusted pretty well.

Miss Maggie?  SCHEDULE.  SCHEDULE.  SCHEDULE.

My baby girl has taken to playing in her crib, which is absolutely adorable, and she smiles and laughs and has fun.  It is absolutely awesome -- except at 2 a.m.

Or 4 a.m.

Yes, last night was our niece's birthday so Maggie's evening schedule was off.  This meant when she woke up to eat (which she's been doing three times a night lately, girl best be growing, okay??) when I put her down she started playing.  With her seahorse, with her binky, turning on her back to look at her mobile, back to her belly, etc.  This happened BOTH times she woke at 2 and 4 a.m.  GOOD TIMES.

I think this happened also because Saturday night we had a birthday party in Plainfield so her schedule was also off.  She is going to be on schedule pretty much for the next oh, I don't know 2 weeks!!  Mama is tired this morning.

PJ is still having bad dreams -- at least, that's all I can guess it is.  He wakes up SCREAMING, and terrified, and all he wants is me and hugs.  So that's what he gets.  I hope he gets through that stage soon, I feel so bad for him.

As mentioned in the post below, my little guy had his TWO YEAR PICTURES yesterday.

PJ IS GOING TO BE TWO YEARS OLD IN 15 DAYS.

My kids have Irish names! Help us win!

okay, so my kick ass friend Katie Ryan (http://www.katieryanphotography.com/) takes awesome pictures of my kids, and she's giving away a FREE session for whoever gets the most likes for her on FB.

SO go here https://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=10150113661495699&id=88609235698

and LIKE PJ's two year pics, and then LIKE Katie Ryan Photography on FB.  I mean, because don't you want to see more ADORABLE pics of my kids??

DONCHA??

Well, I've been kind of an asshole.

To my husband.  Although I don't think it's as severe as he thinks, what it comes down to is I have been hurting his feelings.  Alot, and although not intentionally, he has made it quite clear the things I do or don't do that hurt his feelings and or upset him, and truth be told, I haven't been the best at trying to stop or start doing these things.

Of course, he does things or doesn't do things that I don't like too.  He says he wouldn't do some of them if I didn't act like one of the things above, which is probably true.  The rest he claims he sees no reason to change if I can't change some stuff for him.  Also probably true.

So here I go. Here I go on the quest to be sugar, spice and everything nice and pretty much be so sickeningly sweet he is happy.  Because he's my best friend.  And the love of my life, and if that's what it takes, that's what I'll do.

Sleeping loves.

There's something amazing about bedtime.

There's something to be said about nursing your baby to sleep, and watch him or her look at you, smile, and stop eating, just because he or she wants to smile at you.  And you smile back, because their smile melts your heart.  Then once your little happiness has eaten till their heart is content, gently lift them up and place them on your shoulder, where if you are lucky, you'll hear the blissful sigh of contentness that comes from the fact they know they are safe, loved, and happy.  You kiss their head, place them in the crib, say good night, and quietly leave the room.

There's something to be said about your almost two year old putting their head down on your lap, or maybe just leaning against your arm, as you wind down the day watching an age-appropriate movie or tv show just before they go to bed.  And when their head is in your lap, you run your fingers through their hair, or just make gentle circles on their back, so they know they are safe, loved and happy.  And then when the program is over, or bedtime is near, you pick up your toddler, who is now half your size, and they rest their head on your shoulder.  Not quite asleep, but happy to be there.  And you take them to their room, kiss them good night, and place them in bed, and start to sing.  The songs you've sang since they were just a tiny newborn and weren't quite ready to be out of your arms.  The songs that even though your voice might be terrible, they love to hear.  You sing them several times, quieter each time, until eventually you trail off and quietly leave the room.

The moment the head goes on my shoulder to the moment I leave the room are some of the most special moments of my day.  I cherish every bedtime because someday soon I will no longer be needed in bedtime.

I love you Patrick John and Maggie Marie.  There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.  Thank you for making everything in my world brighter.

Quote of the day

It's the simple things in life that mean the most.  It's not where you live, or what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes.  There's no dollar sign on peace of mind, this I've come to know.  - Zac Brown Band