Solitude

Was it so wrong to have really enjoyed myself last weekend?  Shawn did me a HUGE favor and took the kids to his parents' house, giving me some time all to myself for a couple of days.  (Yes, I have a good husband.)  I've never spent a night away from John Michael, so that also means I've never had night of totally uninterrupted sleep in at least thirteen months.  

So how did I spend my time alone?  Well, I slept until 8:30. . . that's when my dogs woke me up to let them outside.  I took an undisturbed bath in the middle of the day.  I went to the movies and devoured nearly an entire bag of popcorn all by myself.  I laid in the bed and watched television without any feelings of guilt.  I didn't have to pick up the first toy, or clean one dish the entire weekend.  Basically, I was a total bum.

But it can't go without saying that I did miss my husband and children.  I called them several times throughout the forty-eight hours I had to myself.  When I woke up Sunday morning, I felt that twinge of emptiness that's only felt when I'm missing my loved ones - like a subtle aching in my chest that throbs less subtly the longer they've been away.  So, I welcomed them home with open arms and a clear head - the latter of which did not last very long upon their return!  :)

My Little Musical Prodigy?

I can't seem to keep John Michael away from my piano.  In fact, as long as any type of music is playing, the little man is gyrating his hips and clapping his hands with a big grin on his face.  This morning, I finally gave into his demands and sat him on the piano bench, giving him full control of the ivories.  He looked right at home, but just way to tiny to be there!  Who knows?  Maybe I have the next Chopin or Beethoven on my hands?

Caroline's Fifth Birthday Party

On November 9th, my baby girl turned five years old!  We celebrated her birthday at Pump It Up, or as Caroline refers to it, "The Big Jump Place."  It was such a blessing to see how loved this little girl is with all of the children and families in attendance. . . her classmates, friends from our Bible study group, neighborhood kids, and of course her beloved cousins were all there to help Caroline celebrate another year!  I was honestly amazed at how many people came, and I'm very grateful to everyone's thoughtfulness.  

Thanks also to our family who celebrated with Caroline at other times during the birthday weekend!  

Trick or Treat

Caroline and John Michael had a great time trick or treating with their cousins, Grace and Molly this year for Halloween.  We began a tradition a few years ago with my sister Tracy's family, where they come to our house, we order pizza, then we stroll around the neighborhood while the kids go door to door, collecting as much candy as their little buckets can hold.  After everyone is worn out or too cold - whichever comes first - we head back to the house and sprawl out on the living room floor, digging into our favorite candy.  This trick-or-treat night was like all the others we've shared. . . quite a blast!!

Mishap on a Trampoline

Caroline ended up with her first set of stitches the other day when playtime went awry at a friend's house.  Apparently, a group of kids were jumping on the trampoline together when Caroline's chin landed squarely on top of a little boy's head.  The result was a rather large, bloody gash on the bottom of her chin.

Since it was late in the day, all "regular" pediatric clinics were closed, of course, so Shawn took her to the MEA, and three hours later, they emerged with four stitches, a weepy little girl, and an exhausted daddy.  (I stayed home with the baby because the last thing he needed us to do was to expose him to a germ-infested waiting room with as sick as he's been lately!)  Shawn said that Caroline was SO brave.  The only time she cried was when they gave her the "stinging" medicine, as she called it.  

After all of the medical mishaps in our family this year, I've learned that children are a lot more resilient than we give them credit for! 

Phelps Impersonator

It's been many years since Shawn and I have been to a "grown-up" Halloween party, and this year we had the opportunity to go to one at the Fairburn's house.  We spent weeks in advance deliberating about what our costumes would be.  We wanted to be fun and creative. . . something fresh and current.  Finally, after a lot of brainstorming and collaboration with friends and family members, we decided Shawn would make a great Michael Phelps (10 years later), and I could go as his #1 fan.  

So Shawn donned a pair of long speedo pants, a swim cap with Phelps' name and American flag, goggles, and eight gold medals.  I just wore a lot of makeup, an I Love Phelps shirt, and a feather boa, and stood by him all night.  Needless to say, he won first place in the costume contest, and we had a blast!

John Michael's First Birthday Party

We celebrated John Michael's first birthday at our house on October 18.  It was a very small gathering of family to this fete - nothing too elaborate, seeing as he won't remember any of it years down the road!  The house was decorated in light blue and brown colors, and the dining room table had a centerpiece chronicling JM's first year, month by month in photos, with all of his "firsts" listed on place cards for the guests to view.  JM dug into his first chocolate birthday cake with no hesitation, and he seemed to savor every bite!  When it was time to open presents, he actually paid more attention to each gift than I really expected him to. . . he just calmly sat there and watched as each gift was opened and smiled at each one!  

Once the first birthday formalities were out of the way, the adults broke out the Rock Band Wii game, and the "real" party started.  (Thanks to Shawn's brothers, Stephen and Jason, everyone took turns at the drums, guitar, and microphone!)  So, fun was had by all at John Michael's first birthday celebration.