my coffee buddy

Every Tuesday and Thursday we have 2 hours of Mommy and Claire time. I would love to say we attend Mommy and Me class or some other enriching activity, but much of it is spent at Target and Starbucks.

so abby

I had to buy these shoes for Abby because they are just so totally her- loud and glittery and likely to hurt you. She is currently sleeping with them on.

distance

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. In the case of me and my kids even the anticipation of distance makes my heart grow fonder. Today I brought them to spend the day with my parents for no particular reason other than my parents like seeing them and they like seeing my parents, which left me with a whole day to myself for no particular reason. As we drove to my parents I just could not get over how wonderful they are. How cute Abby looked in her favorite glittery headband. How adorable Claire's voice is when she says "Gank you, Abby" I love that she often addresses Abby by name - "No, Abby", "Yes, Abby", "This way, Abby". So precious. Even the sound of them munching away on crackers in harmony in the back seat was nice. I do not often reach this state of wonder and oneness with my kids. I wish I knew how to find it and incorporate it into our daily life but instead it sneaks up and surprises me at moments like this.

things I am grateful for

8) I got the opportunity to be the mother of these two beautiful babies. Almost makes me want to do it again....

bad day, bad mommy

Today is bad day. It is windy, snowy and 20 degrees outside. We are stuck inside with nothing in particular to do but get on each others nerves. If I was a better mother I would be organizing fun craft or baking projects or maybe even bundling the kids up to play out in the snow. I do not want to do any of these things. I can not bear to do any of these things. I also can not bear to read the same Elmo book again or dress and undress the same dolls. I want to read my new photography book. I want to play on my computer. I want my kids to play nicely without needing things from me. The little demands are constant and today I just can not take it. So I yell at my kids for being kids. For throwing things and needing things and generally doing the things that kids do. Bad mommy.

things I am grateful for

7) The Library. Since wandering into Borders and wandering out with $100 worth of books and magazines is no longer in the budget.

dreaming of summer

Despite the fact that it is snowy and 20 degrees out, summer is in full swing at our local Target. This includes the return of the gigantic bin of rubber balls that my kids are incapable of passing without instantly dissolving in frantic crys. Because we have no balls at home. Not a single one.

I did take this opportunity to buy Abby some new bathing suits since she out grew hers last August, when of course there were none in stores. She was so excited that she put it on immediately and wore it around the house the entire day, with a matching headband of course. Otherwise it would have just looked weird.

things I am grateful for

6) Long naps

we are going to the super bowl!!!

GO PATS!!!!!!!!

another afternoon of stellar parenting

Abby emerged from her afternoon nap dressed like this:



Claire woke up asking for Oma Chips (orange cheese puffs feed to both kids in large quantities by their beloved grandma). And yes, she is still in her pajamas at 2 in the afternoon

things I am grateful for

I read that people who keep lists of things they are grateful for are generally happier than those that do not. Since I tend to have trouble remembering all that I have to be thankful for amid the daily chaos and moments of Mommy rage, I thought I would give this a try for the new year. Here is my list:

1) My husband, who is my friend, lover and biggest supporter

2) Our two healthy, beautiful girls

3) Grandma, Grandpa, Oma, Opa and Nana

4) Friends that I do not have to clean or change out of my pajamas for

5) Coffee

To be continued....

pre school progress

My just turned 4 year old daughter attends preschool two mornings a week. Today she got a progress report rating her behavior on a four point scale in a number of important categories such as "can make shapes with play dough". Apparently she is "consistently" displaying most of these behaviors but is not "accomplished" in any of them. Should I be worried? If she is behind her peers in "working with glue" is she doomed to a life of failure? Seriously?!? All this time I thought she was there so I could get a few hours of peace. Yet still, I anxiously read the report and sit here wondering about it's implications. A small glimpse into what the school world will be like I suppose.

this is abby

Abby was born by c-section after 18 hours of labor. She was wedged face up and sideways in the birth canal. In the video of her birth you can hear the doctors say "... had to be born her own way..... this one is going to be a type A personality...."

Things have not changed so much with Abby in the last four years. She is bubbly, energetic and determined to do things her way. This involves frequent stand-offs, melt downs and lots of time spent naked or in princess costumes.

this is claire

This is my sweet Claire. She is the happiest, most easy going baby I know. She asks to take naps when she is tired. When she was just a year old and cruising around the house she actually listened when I told her 'No'. When she gets really mad and rebels she does wild things like take off her socks- socks off! nudie piggies!

She totally gets this wild side from her father.

More About Me

My name is Beth. I am a hip single girl... who became a globe trotting wife... who then became a working mom... who then became a suburban stay at home mom... who is now a mom and business owner.

I live outside Boston with my husband and two girls, who are smart, sassy and a constant source of inspiration.

This blog is my side of the story.