Crib Boot Camp

Way up there on my list of New Years Resolutions is to transition Arnold from the swing/bed in our room to his own room an crib.
He has been up every hour or two and I (we) need some sleep AND he could roll out of his swing any day now (surrounding it with pillows on the floor doesn't seem like the most responsible option).

So, night #1 - 2 hours in crib. He awoke at 9:30 pm and I gave up for the night. Night #2 (last night)- 2 hours on the front end (our bed in the middle) and almost 5 hours after putting him back at 2 am.

Of course, then there's the totally irrational anxiety of wondering if he is still breathing, etc. I think I'm going to buy a wireless webcam so I can see him ALL the time on my iPhone.

New Year... More sleep?

Tired Toddler

Maybe she has grown accustom to sleeping in this position.

Almost Home

After a nice Christmas in Alabama and another 14 hours on the road, we are almost home. Brad, again, drove the entire way. I got some sleep and dogs and Emma Claire and Arnold slept soundly - better than they do normally. Now they are awake and calm. Emma Claire says "I made it light in here" (the sun is up now).
We are loaded to the rim with the Santa goods. There is one packed away toy that spontaneously "yee-hawed" a number of times in the first hour of our drive. Thank goodness he went to sleep.
We had a good trip, but it is always good to be home sweet home. Wondering how much snow is in our driveway to dig through.
Looking forward to posting our photos maybe later today.

White Christmas in Alabama

The snow followed us to Alabama. What a surprise to wake up to a beautiful white Christmas morning!

Trash

We are nearing Alabama. About an hour and a half from home. Emma Claire and Arnold slept through the night (as did I). Brad drove the entire way.
I asked Emma Claire to look out the window of the car and tell me what looks different (getting at the lack of snow). Her response was "trash". Yes, there is way more litter here.

And... We're Off!

At last, shell on top of the wagon, kids - check, dogs - check (I actually did double check to make sure we had loaded the dogs). Headed South.
Emma Claire has been ready to go to Alabama since she woke up this morning. She got a new suitcase from santa's Minnesota drop off and was thrilled to pack it.
Since we started our trek at 7:15 tonight (one hour ago) she has asked multiple times "where is Alabama" - far, Emma Claire. As we drove out of the neighborhood, she pointed to each house, saying "that's not Alabama". She also said "I bet Rowie will have fishes"!
Arnold screamed for the first hour. Finally, both kids are sound asleep. Emma Claire said "I am so cozy, mama". Arnold looks pretty cozy, too, despite his objection to the situation at first. Sophie and Rudy, too, - cozy.
Listening to our book on CD, although I am going to get some sleep.

Junie B: Jingle Bell, Batman Smells

Brad and I took Emma Claire to her first play this Sunday at Hopkins Stages Theater. A performance of Junie B's Jungle Bells, Batman Smells.

I thought it was really cute. Junie B (I have since learned) is a book series about a 1st grader. The play was probably a little over Emma Claire's head (the kindergartners and above who are familiar with the books could appreciate it), but Emma Claire loved it anyway. She sat quietly most of the time and just watched. She did try to wiggle out of her seat once (because Tuna and Bean didn't have room...).

At the end, she kept asking to "come back again". I think we will do that.