Week 1 Wrap Up

Mat went back to work this past Monday.  How many dads get to spend the whole first month at home with the new baby?  Huge help to me as I adjusted to becoming a mama of 2!  At first I think he was enjoying it, but soon realized he was ready to get back to some adult interaction.  I was kind of looking forward to some time on my own with them and mostly just beginning to get into a routine of what our day to day life would be like.  Well, week 1 has come and gone now, and we survived!  Of course, he and I are both sick now so maybe that says something?!?  Ha! 

I'm pretty fortunate.  Even with Mat back at work now, he's able to be home the first few hours of each morning, so that's a huge help.  I'm able to get up and get in the shower after Charlotte's last feeding (usually around 7AM), and he takes care of getting up with MJ, getting him dressed, and fed, etc.  He also has time for some play time with him before heading off to work.  It gives me just enough time to get myself together and get a little school work/grading done or a couple things picked up around the house.  Wonderful feeling to start the day off right!  Then, he's home a little after 5:30.  Getting dinner ready with a toddler at my feet and a fussy baby usually strapped to me is a bit challenging, but I'm sure I'll get better with time. 

Week 1 had its highs and lows, but for the most part I'd give it two thumbs up.  The highs included:  MJ deciding on Monday morning that he wanted to begin wearing underwear and going potty on his potty (not sure this is technically a high, but I'm trying to stay optimistic), getting out and about on my own with both kiddos-including play time at the mall, eating lunch, and running errands, picking up MJ from preschool for the first time since having Charlotte, a little alone time with Charlotte while MJ was at preschool, some alone time practicing MJ's letters and numbers while Charlotte was sleeping, keeping up with my grading, getting an hour and a half nap myself on day 1 (this never happened again), the couple times MJ and Charlotte were asleep at the same time, ringing in one of my favorite months (the month of LOVE), watching MJ's pride when he went on the potty, some wonderful first smiles from Charlotte, and just overall being with my kiddos.

The lows would be the two days that MJ didn't nap, the time MJ puked all over himself in the backseat of the car, trying to get him to go potty out in public, and in general just the times that I felt outnumbered and overwhelmed.

Like I said, all in all, not bad! Let the pictures and videos speak for themselves...

Say what?  You're leaving us both all alone with mom?! 

HEHE, have I got something good in store for you, mommy!

Started out as great fun!  Desperate to get out of the house, we went and got a special lunch and went to one of our favorite spots to watch trains.  MJ got to get out of his carseat and sit up front with me to eat while waiting for trains.  The bad part is, a single train never came, I put MJ back in his car seat and about 10 minutes later he puked all over...not once but twice.  A first I must say, and not so lovely.  Poor little guy! 

Seriously, mom.  I know you looooove Valentine's Day and all, but are you going to dress me in hearts every single day this month?  And, why is this bow on the side of my head? 

Yup, more hearts!



MJ practicing his numbers with me!


It's so wonderful to see these smiles!


Already such love for each other.  Gotta enjoy the innocence while I can!

Here's hoping for a great Week 2 as well (minus the yaking and with more napping)!  :)