We Survived the 7 Year Itch

Brian and I just returned from a two night long sabbatical. It wasn't quite as sabbatic as we would have hoped, but we very much enjoyed our time nonetheless. We saddled Nana and Papa with Todd and Hayley while we headed north to St. Petersburg Beach to spend two nights at a beachfront resort in honor of our 8 year anniversary. The beach was beautiful and the resort offered lots of amenities. It would be a great place to stay if you like nightlife. Unfortunately at this point in our lives, we don't. We like sleep. And so we had a rough first night as our room was right next door to a bar with a live outdoor band that played until 2am. Apparently our hotel neighbors must have been over enjoying the live band because they promptly arrived back at their room at 2:15am and brought the party with them. It was like spring break for those that are really too old to still being having a spring break. We did spend Saturday groggily relaxing in a beach cabana before heading to dinner where we both giddily discussed ditching the resort and heading back home to our OWN bed and sleeping in blissful silence. And so, being the rebels that we are, we checked out of the hotel at 8pm and made it back to our quiet, comfy bed by 10pm. I know, we STINK at vacation. Perhaps in another 8 years we'll attempt to vacation again. A HUGE thanks to Nana and Papa though! Despite our woes, we REALLY did enjoy the time away together. We had the longest uninterrupted conversation we've had in over two years and sleeping in this morning was absolutely fantastic.

Yesterday while we were away, Todd celebrated his 6 month birthday! Hard to believe we've had the little guy here with us for half a year already! We'll go to the doctor for stats and a checkup later this week, but for now here is his 6 month comparison picture with Hayley. How did this kid end up with so much hair when his sister had none???

mommyMuscle Races 4 the Cure

Hooray! I survived my first 6.2 miles on Saturday! And the good news is I'm ready to do it again, hopefully better. Brian decided he was going to run the 5k as well, so Friday night we dropped Todd and Hayley off at Nana and Papa's and we headed home for an early bedtime. We got up at 4:30am Saturday morning for a bowl of oatmeal and a banana (and lots of water). We were on the road to St. Petersburg by 5:30am and had no trouble getting parked. We were a little concerned because we'd heard that parking is a nightmare seeing as how 11,000 people turned out for the run/walk. My race started at 7:30am while the 5k didn't start until 8am so Brian headed off to register and I went to find my team, mommyMuscle. There were eight of us running the 10k and quite a few others running the 5k. It was a nice course along St. Petersburg Bay and throughout downtown St. Pete. I kept to a steady 10 minute pace throughout the race as I was really nervous about burning myself out. I'm not sure if it was the adrenaline of the race or not, but my "runner's high" which usually kicks in around mile four, never really happened so by the last mile I was ready to be done. My lesson of the day? Trust my Garmin, not the bystanders. Around 5.4 miles, people along the sidelines started yelling at us that the finish was just around the corner. I couldn't figure that out because my Garmin was saying that that we still had just under a mile, but I listened to the bystanders and picked up the pace only to REALLY regret it once I finally got around that corner and saw that indeed we had a good half mile left. I really had to push to get to the finish and was cursing myself for not trusting my faithful GPS. I think ultimately that last mile added a good minute or two to my total time.

Brian had a good race, although he'd probably disagree. He ran three eight minute miles. Show off! We had a good time and we're now officially "hooked." The winter is prime race season here in Florida and we're looking forward to creating some new PRs.

Half Step From Crazy

Although some would probably argue that I'm much closer than half a step.

We've been potty training in this house. I say "been" because this has "been" a LONG process. Of course I didn't expect it to be. Why? Because "my" child would instantly pick up this whole potty training bit and it never crossed my mind otherwise. Yep, add this to the Eating Crow list. So several months ago I attempted the whole "Potty Train in a Day" idea only to quickly discover that whole concept was just not created for Miss Hurricane. I mean obviously the author has never been formally introduced to Iron Will Roberts or he never would have proposed such a ridiculous idea. So I backed off the whole potty training thing and have decided to let my little natural disaster decide when she was ready to formally accomodate the call of nature. Of course I've dropped plenty of hints and opportunities along the way. I also dropped money on the video "Potty Power." And to this day I am cursing the very day I made this purchase. It is by far, Hayley's favorite video. She has to watch it everyday, which would be great if she actually started doing what the video told her to do. Unfortunately, Hayley thinks she has "Potty Power" just by watching the video and it has become her all-time favorite "dance" video. Nope, not quite the effect that I was going for. Of course I can see why it inspires her to to dance, what with it's catchy tunes like:

"I can do it myself I'm a big kid now, I can do it myself I've got POTTY POWER!!!"
AND
"What can you do when your sittin' on the potty, sittin' on the potty for awhile?"
and of course my all time favorite,
"Wipe Your Bottom" (the chorus of which I will spare you)

The thing I LOVE about this video is that these songs are guaranteed to stay in your head all day long!! And just how crazy has this whole process made me? Oh, just crazy enough to sign my not quite 6 month post-partum buns up to run a 10k.

I'm really not certain how I ended up registered for the 10k. The race is actually the Race for the Cure that is taking place in St. Petersburg this Saturday. As many of you know, I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha in college. Yep, like totally, I was a sorority girl. Our philanthropy was the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. And being the dutiful Zeta that I am (because you know, once a Zeta, always a Zeta), I didn't think twice about planning to participate... in the 5k that is. This is the first year they are holding a 10k race in St. Pete though and I've been training with a running group and somehow got convinced that I would be ready to take on 6.2 miles. And so one evening in a momentary lapse of judgement I registered myself for the 10k. The good news is that the race course is just minutes from Bayfront Hospital, which is the main trauma hospital in this area, so I should be in good hands.

But really, I "think" I'm ready. Over the past two months, I've been running. A lot. But it's been beneficial and I've learned a lot in the past two months of training. Here are just a few of the things I've discovered:

- I HATE sprints, fartleks, and anything associated with speedwork.
- My body is capable of a lot more than my mind thinks it is capable of.
- Asphalt really does provide a lot more cushion than cement.
- Pushing two kids in a double stroller provides an incredible arm workout.
- I have no desire to take my workouts "up a notch" by pushing a triple jogging stroller.
- Hydration DOES matter.
- Running in Florida means that just because there is not a cloud in sight does not mean that you won't be caught in a torrential downpour at mile 2.
- Todd and Hayley think it is TONS of fun to get "wained" on.
- Changing the battery in an Ipod requires the precision of a brain surgeon and the patience of a Saint.
- I would not make a good brain surgeon or a good Saint.
- I am mood-alteringly addicted to endorphins.
- Todd and Hayley enjoy our daily runs as much as I do my endorphins.
- Chloe? She's not really a "running" type of dog.
- Summers in Florida? They are hot.
- I must be crazy.

If I'm still alive after Saturday morning, I'll post a race report.

Don't Mess With Mommy!

The frog returned... it seemed to take Todd by surprise.


My little guy is O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with getting around any way possible. Since he was a newborn, I've considered that he may be part monkey because this little boy forms a death grip on anything he comes in contact with. Literally, it takes both my hands to unclench his fists from my shirts. Todd has been rolling for about two months now, but in the past few weeks it has become his mission to roll virtually every waking minute. He tries to roll when I'm holding him, he rolls sitting in his bouncy chair, he rolls all over the great room, he rolls when I'm trying to change his diaper. It's the latter that has become a problem, at least for me. Poopy diapers are bad enough. A squirmy 6 month old trying to roll around in poopy diaper is absolutely where I draw the line. And so like any good Mommy, I give my little boy a warning as I flip him over to his back again. But he's like his sister and so he again tests the waters. "Todd, you must not roll until I get this diaper back on you," I say, as I flip him again. Immediately, the third offense occurs and as any Mom knows, in order for discipline to be effective you must follow through with your threats.

He really didn't think I was serious about posting half naked pictures of him on the Internet. Hopefully this has been an effective lesson for him.

Mommy's Hero

Somehow a big, green frog found it's way into our house (this is Florida after all). Good thing my big, tough son was here to protect his Mommy. (You know I'm really not looking forward to the day when he thinks it's funny to TORMENT his Mommy with frogs.)

"Don't worry Mommy, I've got the situation under control!"


"Take that Frog. Who's the tough guy now?"


"There Mommy! I showed Frog who's boss and he won't be bothering you anytime soon!"

Shopping online is going to be tough...

...considering the fact that I'm pretty sure we have now been blacklisted by UPS. I LOVE to shop online. I find super deals and nothing tickles me more than to save money. It's rare that I buy anything in a bricks and mortar store anymore and if I do it's because I've done the research and know that it can't be bought cheaper any other way. But thanks to my two year old, I'm incredibly worried that one of my favorite pasttimes may have a new layer of complexity.

Friday afternoon I was cleaning up the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Of course Hayley was at the door in a split second and started yelling, "Mommy, a boy." It was definitely loud enough for the "boy" to hear. By the time I got to the door, the UPS man was almost back to his truck and I opened the door to pick up my package. One of our neighbors was also out for a stroll on the sidewalk in front of our house. Before I could get back inside, Chatty Cathy followed me out onto the porch and started frantically waving and yelling, "Goo bye dump truck." Only as you know, dump truck sounds like dumb #%@*. Mortified, I tried to get her back into the house as quickly as possible which only made her even more determined to make sure the "dump truck" heard her yelling "good bye." I'm absolutely certain that our neighbor heard her. I'll have some coffee and cold beverages ready for when child services shows up this week. Most importantly though, is how do I make amends with UPS? I've thought about writing an apology letter and trying to explain to our nice delivery man that "we" do not think he is a "dump truck." But I'd absolutely hate for him to have actually not have heard the flurry of Hayley obscenities and then be offended when I inform him of what he missed. This parenting business IS stressful!

Daddy had to emcee a retirement ceremony on Friday (unfortunately it wasn't his), so he had his dress uniform on and we were able to get a picture with Hayley. Too bad Little Todd had already gone to bed for the evening or I would have had all my favorites in one picture... my favorite man in uniform, my favorite cussing daughter, and my favorite little baby boy!

Twinkle, Twinkle

Here's one guy I WOULD NOT kick out of my bed for eating crackers! Todd, Hayley and I had breakfast with a good (and patient) friend this morning. On the car ride home, Hayley began singing. She's been singing for several weeks now, but I've never been able to figure out exactly WHAT she was singing. However, it was very clear today... a familiar tune at last! (Don't mind the vacuum, ladders, and utter MESS in our house. Brian and I started a home improvement project last weekend that is carring over into this coming weekend. After all, a home improvement project wouldn't be a true Roberts' home project if it didn't take longer and cost more than originally planned!)

Saggy Pants

There has been a lot of talk in the news about cities cracking down and banning saggy pants. I'm all for these bans, because after all, I've never been real excited about the prospect of explaining to my young children why a grown man has his pants around his ankles. As we sat in the Denver airport, waiting for our plane last week, we watched one of these "fashion forward" gentlemen (I use that term loosely) walk by. Hayley turned to Brian and in a loud voice said, "Wook Dad-dy... awww, poo poo pants (as she pointed at the fashion offender)." Guess I won't need to explain that to her after all...

Back to the Grind

It's been the usual eventful week and Hayley excitedly went back to preschool on Tuesday. She's definitely enjoying her two days a week there and seems so much more grown up each time I pick her up. She's earned stamps for being good and seems to understand the order and structure of school now.

I've mentioned before that Hayley is a quick study. She pretty well takes in whatever I tell her on the first go round. Now whether she does what I ask is a whole other issue, but I am sure she "gets it." We have bedtime rules that Hayley will recite before each nap (more like non-nap) and bedtime.
1.) Don't kick the wall
2.) Don't pick your border (those lovely animals that Brian and I spent HOURS pasting to her wall... gone! Little stinker!)
3.) Stay in bed, close your eyes and go to sleep.
4.) Love your Mommy and Daddy
I usually have to go in and tell her at least once a naptime to stop kicking the walls. And when I go into tell her that I usually see a flash of light as she yells, "Oh, no" and bolts across the room to her bed with a handful of picked off border. Yep, she gets it. She's just a rebel.

So apparently in her mind Hayley has created school time rules that she has begun reciting on the way to school each day. In the car I will ask her what she thinks she will do at school for the day. I usually offer up:
1.) Going outside and playing on the playground
2.) Singing songs
3.) Saying the Pledge of Allegiance
It's at this point that Hayley takes over with:
4.) "Obey" (Yes, Hayley, easier said than done I know. At least her heart is in the right place!)
5.) "No kwyin' boys." (Those darn little boys... they just can't follow the "No Kwyin' in Preschool" rule.)

Speaking of boys... Todd is one step closer to becoming a man. Upon our return from Denver, Todd took it upon himself to drop his dreamfeed. I think all the "what a little chunk" comments must have gotten to him. So, we now say goodnight to our big boy at 6pm and don't see him again until 7am the next morning. It's freeing to be able to go to bed whenever we feel like it. Because Brian and I? We like to be spontaneous, to live on the edge... you know, bed at 8:30pm one night and (gasp) 11pm the next! (Gosh, times sure have changed!) But, it's kind of sad to say goodbye to another baby stage, especially this time around when we know how fast our little boy will change.

Todd is 5 MONTHS old today! Here is his comparison picture to Hayley at 5 months. Don't mind his hair. The wind and humidity that we're receiving as a result of Hurricane Ike has wreaked havoc on Todd's hair. What's a guy to do?

Denver Trip

We just returned from an all too short trip to Denver. We had a wonderful visit and two very successful plane rides. In fact, I was complimented in the airport and on the plane by several people on how well behaved my children were. Moi???? Hurricane??? Don't worry, I won't get overconfident. I'm pretty sure a completely mortifying, public tantrum is right around the corner. My little girl likes to be sure to keep me well grounded.

The Guys (and Hayley... fitting)


G-Grams and Todd (G-Grams is 90 years old! Have I got great genes to look forward to or what???)


Apparently Todd crossed Hayley's imaginary line on the couch!


A trip to the Denver Zoo


Hayley had the best view in the house of all the animals!


Hayley and Grandpa on the zoo train


Todd was worn out after the zoo


Obviously, Todd had hair issues in CO. Get this kid some product!


Mimi and company


Getting ready to return home


Apparently the Mile High City agreed with Little Todd as he FINALLY cut those two bottom teeth that have been giving him fits for weeks now. He's now moved on to seeming incredibly bothered by his two bottom side incisors where his gums are swollen. Poor little guy. Hayley never seemed bothered by any teething and one day a tooth just magically appeared. Apparently Todd is bearing the brunt of pain for them both.

The kids are resting up today. They were happy to be back home in their own beds and were worn out from traveling, but definitely miss the activity and people at Mimi and Grandpa's house.

Politics?? In our house? Nah!!!!

She's wise beyond her years...

Preschool - Day 2

Hayley seemed excited enough to be strapping on her backpack again this morning and I worked HARD yesterday to make her take a nap so she wouldn't be overtired today. I felt good as we had an uneventful drive to school and Hayley seemed to be in a good mood so I was optimistic that today she would wow Ms. Colleen and Ms. Nicole with her angelic qualities. When we got to her classroom, her teachers had prepared a First Day souvenier for all the children and placed it in their cubbies. Sweet, isn't it?


I'm thinking "this" probably is what Ms. Colleen and Ms. Nicole were thinking would have been more appropriate.




And POOF! There went my confidence and my optimism for the day. Nothing like a little reminder of what my Hurricane is capable of to make me hit my knees, humble myself to God, and pray for mercy.

Pick up for Sprouts is between 12:10 and 12:25pm. On the first day of preschool, I arrived at about 12:15pm as I didn't want to seem like that maniacal parent that was ready to swoop in and rescue my child at 12:09pm. You know, I was playing it cool, like Todd and I had a big morning out on the town. But when I arrived at 12:15pm, Hayley was THE LAST child still in the classroom. I felt bad and I'm sure by that point Ms. Colleen and Ms. Nicole were ready for Hayley's mommy to arrive. I brushed it off as the first day and that's why everyone picked their child up at the strike of 12:10pm. So today, I played it cool again arriving at 12:15pm. Once again, Hayley was the last child left in class. Don't these parents have places to go and people to see in the mornings??

Fortunately when I arrived, Hayley's teachers told me she had a good day. She didn't throw any fits when they transitioned activities and didn't display her will the way she had last Thursday. She was smiling and happy and I didn't see an ounce of tear stain on her face. I was instantly relieved. That was until Ms. Nicole mentioned, "Hayley really liked her snack today." (Uh, oh... I was hoping to let the wrath of Hayley's appetite go unnoticed until September when the kids started staying for lunch.) She said that she and Ms. Colleen were utterly shocked when Hayley wolfed down her snack before the little boys next to her had even taken a bite of theirs. They said that Hayley is the tiniest child in the class so they figured she'd just play with her food and not really eat. Little did they know, eating is SERIOUS business in Hayley's book. You don't mess around. And so Hayley took it upon herself to begin teaching those little boys one of life's lessons... you snooze you loose fellas! After snarfing down her own graham cracker, Hayley went after her neighbors'. Ms. Colleen and Ms. Nicole explained to her that the napkin is her own space and they replinished her napkin with more snacks. I did let them know that Hayley is a strong eater and that I did feed her a big breakfast (3 eggs, a cup of yogurt, a piece of toast, and raspberries to be exact) and they said it was no big deal. But... don't worry fellow moms, day 2 and between my child consistently being the last to be picked up and the fact that it looks like I only feed her once a week I'm pretty sure I'm out of the running for the Sprouts Mother of the Year award.

We arrived home just in time for Hayley to swallow down an entire pb&j sandwich, large banana, milk, and grapes.

We're headed to Colorado next week. I sure hope Mimi gets the memo to stock the fridge!

Sunday Night Fever

We spent our afternoon today working on Hayley's first homework assignment. Dare I say that I was completely unprepared for homework in preschool, much less homework on the first day!! I'm feeling a little uneasy... I sure do hope this is "A" work.

Working on her creation!


The finished product... Tah dah!


Of course Todd did what he usually does and supervised his sister.


Todd Travolta in Sunday Night Fever... I know, the resemblance is uncanny!

Hayley's First Day of Preschool

Little Miss Hayley was rearing to go for her first official day of Preschool this morning.


Her new backpack


Powering up with a good breakfast


Todd was very supportive of Hayley's new endeavor


Heading to the car


Daddy walking Hayley into the school


A quick stop for a picture with Mommy and Todd


Getting settled in her classroom




She seemed a little overwhelmed when we first got there and I have to admit, it was VERY overwhelming with all the children and parents trying to take video and pictures of their little ones. In typical Hayley fashion though, she wanted nothing to do with us once she got to the classroom and didn't even notice when we left. My child has never displayed even an ounce of separation anxiety which can be tough on a parent's confidence. I mean, I "think" she likes me??!! Guess she's just more of the independent type.

When I picked Hayley up at noon, she looked hungry and tired. Her teacher told me that they played with shaving cream, had circle time, outside time, and an overall GOOD time! I got Hayley back out to the car and we were half way home before she finally opened her mouth to say anything. I asked her if she had fun and she said, "my goodness." Then she uttered something I couldn't understand and exasperatingly said "oh, my goodness." My goodness? That has been Hayley's quip du jour lately. Yesterday I was running the food processor and Hayley came out of her room with her hands on her hips and exclaimed to me, "my goodness." When we arrived at preschool this morning and Hayley saw all the parents and children (and chaos) she said, "oh, my goodness." The fun thing is the expression she uses when she says it. So, I'm guessing that her day was fun, full, and a bit overwhelming. She's now in her room taking a siesta... a rarity for Hayley lately. Yes, I think we're definitely going to like preschool!

I think I'm gonna need some chocolate to get me through this.

There's going to be some extra moisture around these parts and flooding is quite possible. No, I'm not referring to Hurricane Fay, but I am referring to a hurricane. MY little hurricane. I think I am a certified lunatic.

I have been SO excited for Hayley to begin preschool. I have WONDERFUL memories of preschool. To this day I can tell you that David and Matthew were my two best friends and we played Dukes of Hazzard nearly every day. I fondly remember the school administrator, Mrs. Christianson, who used to call me her little sunshine. I can remember the best tasting peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that the lunch lady used to make for all of us. I can remember all the fun crafts and activities that I so loved to do, especially finger painting with pudding. I remember being chosen to play Goldilocks in our preschool play Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Obviously, my acting career did not go any further.

It's not easy to find preschools here for children that are two, but it's all these great memories that I have from my preschool days that have encouraged me to do all I can to find a place that I feel Hayley can have some of the same experiences. My social butterfly NEEDS to be around other kids. She loves to learn and she needs to be stimulated. While preschool is intended to be just for Hayley right now, Todd also needs some one on one time with just his Mommy.

I've had Hayley on the Sprouts waiting list since before she could walk. I love the school, she seems completely comfortable there and I've heard nothing but great things from other parents. In fact, I've really been looking forward to having a couple hours twice a week to just bond with my little boy. So why is it that for the past three days I've been in tears just thinking about dropping my little doll off for school on Thursday?

The 2008 Roberts' Olympic Games

We spent the weekend hosting our own Olympic Games. Inspired by Michael Phelps, little Todd decided to take up swimming. Obviously, Todd does not quite have the same metabolism as Mr. Phelps. In fact, I'm concerned that by the looks of things, I may need to start shopping for a "Bro" for little T.R. before long.

"Maybe I'll take up diving."

"On second thought, perhaps I'll give speed boat racing a shot."


It should come as no surprise that Hayley prefers to compete in track. Sprints, to be exact. She was definitely enthused after watching some of the women's hurdles and decided to create her own indoor track out of my kitchen.

Todd's Dreamfeed

One of our favorite times with both Hayley and Todd has been their dreamfeed. With Hayley, it was the only time that we got to just hold and snuggle her without her screaming at us to be put down. With our snuggler Todd, it's just some extra time to examine all the features of his cute little face and give him some additional love. Dreamfeeds have been a very successful undertaking in our house. Apparently both of our children have the ability to eat while sleeping. If Todd follows in Hayley's footsteps, he's going to be a good eater and my grocery bill is going to be atrocious.

Before bed, we ALWAYS take a bath

Perhaps it is time for bigger pjs

What a life

Todd at 4 Months

Hayley and I took Todd to the pediatrician today for his four month checkup. My big boy weighed in at 14 pounds, 8 ounces and 26 inches long which puts him at about 50% for weight and 75% for length. He seems SO big to me that I was surprised that he didn't weigh more. Of course after having Hayley who has been such a skinny little peanut, any baby with a roll or two seems huge to me. Todd got a clean bill of health and we were on our way.

Hayley and Todd, each at 4 months


On Saturday we attended a third birthday party for our good friend Luke. Hayley had a ball. She LOVES to play at Luke's house because Luke has cars and trucks and all sorts of things that little girls dream about... well, at least OUR little girl.

Coloring Lightning McQueen

Another party animal

The toy of the day... the race track!

Going Bald and Eating Crow

I haven't posted in awhile because I've been busy pulling my hair out. Literally. Suprisingly (and somewhat debatable), Hayley is not the cause of my hair loss as I get to chalk this lovely symptom up once again to pregnancy hormones. I'm not sure if it is because this was my second pregnancy, or because I had a boy, but every pregnancy symptom was magnified in comparison to my pregnancy with Hayley. So of course, this lovely post-partum shedding is twice as bad as after I had Hayley. It looks like two blond gorillas had a cage fight in my shower every morning and at this rate I figure I'll look like Mr. Clean's long lost twin (minus the shiny floors) by the end of the month. Don't get me wrong... I love, love, LOVE Todd and Hayley. However, I'm really just not at all a fan of the whole process of getting them here.

I've spent the past week wracking my brain about appropriate discipline methods to use with Hayley. Perhaps I should have thought about this BEFORE I had children, but back then I was too smart to ever believe that "my" child would ever need to be disciplined beyond a timeout. You know, "my" child will NEVER throw a screaming fit in public. "My" child will never run around out of control. "My" child will never tell me "NO" in a bratty voice. But now? Now my life pretty much consists of eating crow (when I'm not pulling my hair out). That child you hear throwing an absolute tantrum on aisle 2 and whose mother must have absolutely no control? That would be me. Two is such a lovely age and I'm sure in twenty years I'll see some poor soul who once knew everything too but now has a screaming toddler and I'll snicker, knowing that I did my time. But right now, my wounds are fresh and that doesn't comfort me much and it certainly doesn't solve my two year old's discipline problems. Right now I'm relying on Amazon.com for that. Instead of sitting back and getting the chance to read something that "I" would like to read before bed each night, I will now begin reading "1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children" and "Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Child." My book report will be forthcoming.

Cautiously Optimistic

I think the earth must have fallen off it's axis. BOTH of my children are currently napping and my non-napping almost fourth month old took a TWO hour nap this morning. Now I won't go so far as to say that my sanity is returning, because even if my little angels took perfect naps everyday I would not consider myself sane, but I sure am a much happier mommy with two napping children. And to what do I owe these sudden naps? With Todd, it's just plain good fortune and perhaps getting out of whatever crazy baby stage he was going through. But Hayley? That's taken more than a little snake charming on my part. After constantly catching Hayley out of bed with two or three shirts around her neck and swimming in a pile of books, I've accepted that it is necessary to hide every possible thing Hayley could find interesting during naptime. Don't get me wrong. I'm thrilled over her love of books, but the 3pm grouch is going to be the death of me if I don't get this child back in a napping habit.

Speaking of books... I'd like to publicly thank my good friend Alisson for sending Hayley the book "Puppy Love" for Hayley's birthday. It has definitely contributed to Hayley's obsession with dogs and has quickly become one of Hayley's favorite reads as she talks about "Puppy Wuv" constantly. Especially when we are out in public and she sees a dog. She yells, "Wook Mommy, a puppy. Awww... puppy wuv!" Nevermind the quizzical look I get from the dogs' owners, I think Chloe must have sent out a doggy S.O.S. because the dogs get the look on their face like, "no way am I going near that child."

Nothing wrong with a little child labor to wear her out!