Life With Loopy

Even though Ollie woke up at 4:30 this morning, today was way better than yesterday. For one thing Daddy and I made it to bed at a reasonable hour, anticipating an early wake-up call. Secondly, Daddy took care of Ollie so I could stay in bed! Although this was exceptionally sweet, he had ulterior motives. He knows how loopy I get when I don't sleep enough for more than one night in a row, and I'm certain he didn't want to deal with that mess.

Today's training was in Oakley so I didn't have to travel quite as far. Grammie arrived around 7:00 and she had an arm load of clothes from her latest consignment shop run. Once again Ollie woke up just as I was gathering my things to head out. I helped prep his breakfast, then gave him a big smooch as I ran out the door. Things went well at work and I'm getting excited about having a job that seems to work perfectly with my schedule and such. It almost seems to good to be true, but I really think it's not.

The most challenging thing about working is leaving that sweet little face in the morning. He's always in such a good mood after a long night's rest and the bonding that happens while feeding prunes, reading, and singing is priceless. Thankfully, my schedule will allow me to spend 2 or 3 weekday mornings with him, and I'm really grateful. I guess finding that balance between work and home is challenging, but I know that working will help keep me sane, and most importantly able me to carry on an adult level conversation. Or make that adolescent since I've probably never managed to advance past that anyway.

I got home around 1:45 and after making a couple of phone calls and folding some towels I walked to Grammie's to pick up my sweetie. They were under the gazebo in the most comfy chair on the deck. Ollie was sound asleep and Grammie looked so relaxed I thought she might join him any second. If only I would have remembered to take my camera with me.

Once Daddy got home, he made dinner! Like I said, I think he's hedging his bets to try and keep me from going loopy, but I'll take whatever I can get. And honestly, Ollie was really teethy fussy (not that you could tell from this picture) and the only way to cope with that is teamwork.

Ollie fell asleep in his swing while we ate and this made it a real challenge to get him into the bath tub without having a meltdown. Much like me, he does not do well with being awakened and forced to do something too quickly. So, we had to walk the tightrope of time between wake-up-fussy and hungry-fussy. Let's just say we almost succeeded.

I'm off work tomorrow and looking forward to the forecasted 80 degree weather. Maybe I'll even take an afternoon nap with my little man.

Early Bird Gets the...Worm?

I guess Ollie didn't want me to be late for work today, so he made sure I was up really early. Like 3:00 AM early. Why is it when I really need sleep he always manages to have issues? Daddy got up with him first, since he knew that I had a big day ahead of me, but the boys just were not being quiet enough for me to sleep. I dragged myself out of bed to assist (see right) and sent Daddy packing. I begged and pleaded with Ollie to go back to sleep, but he just cried and fussed without regard for my feelings. Babies really are selfish, aren't they? But, I guess I would be too if I could do nothing for myself or even communicate my needs effectively.

Finally, he went back to sleep around 4:15, but I decided staying up just made more sense. Besides, 1/2 hour of sleep wasn't going to make or break my day. I took a long, hot shower and folded some laundry before heading upstairs to play backup alarm for Daddy. Somewhat funny/interesting side note: Daddy made his lunch sandwich before going to bed and he forgot to put it in the refrigerator, so he had to make another sandwich this morning or risk food poisoning. I'm not sure which option he chose, although he is still standing upright. I guess he made the right decision.

Grammie arrived at 6:25 (full face and fixed hair, I might add) since I had to drive to Cincinnati-Dayton Road and be there by 7:45. As soon as I was grabbing my things to dart out the door, Ollie started squeaking. Somehow he managed to soak his sleeper and the crib sheets (see the look on his face). Thanks to Grammie I didn't have to deal with this, but I can't imagine what happened in just over 2 hours of sleep. Add to To-Do List: Buy Overnight Diapers.

It's tons of fun driving 40 miles in rush hour traffic with 3-1/2 hours sleep. Work went well and I really feel like I learned a lot, but sleep deprivation started to take it's toll. I spent 4 hours in Wal-mart and the one thing I needed (Overnight Diapers) they were out of in Ollie's size. This is the story of my life! Silly little annoyances that really are not that big of a deal in the big scheme of things, but are just enough to almost put a person over the edge. So, after being in a Wal-mart all morning, I had to stop at Alexandria Wal-mart on the way home for the stupid diapers and of course some prunes for good measure. This turned out to be a good idea because Grammie reported that it may be a smart move to serve some for dinner (to Ollie, not me).

Teeth have been an issue since I picked the little guy up from Grammie's house. I know how much of a pain in the behind I was when my wisdom teeth were coming in, so I have sympathy. However, it's really hard to keep up the energy needed to entertain a crabby baby with practically no sleep. We're really going through quite a little rough patch, aren't we? Such is life.

I'd love to say I'm off to bed, but since it's only 5:30 it'll probably be a couple more hours. Sweet dreams.

Peachy Keen

We started off the morning as heathens and skipped church. My back was still bothering me and I knew we had a hectic afternoon ahead of us (listen to my rationalization) so we decided to loaf around the house instead. Daddy and Ollie hung out on the couch watching truck pulling on ESPN. I opted for relaxing in the basement with Betsy and Petunia.

Ollie, Grandma, and I went to a jewelry party at Krista's house this afternoon. As soon as we sat down the little guy managed to spit up most of the peaches that he ate for lunch all over my shirt and jeans. Nothing smells quite like peachy vomit. Funny thing is, it didn't really bother me that much, especially considering I used to have a strict policy that nobody vomit alone in my presence. Look what motherhood has done to me; I don't even recognize myself anymore.

Since he didn't fall asleep in the car like I had planned, Ollie managed to weasel out of his afternoon nap. Of course we always pay the price when we deviate from the schedule, so he started getting fussy while Aunt Debbie held him. After spending more than I planned on a very pretty necklace, Grandma and Ollie headed for Grant's Lick while I was off to Sableux. Even though I had to smell my peachy clothes, I could not have been happier to be having my hair done. Nothing feels better than covering up 6" roots.

After stopping at the grocery store (we needed more prunes), I hurried home to meet the boys for dinner. We scarfed down our food so we would have time to give Ollie a bath before the 7:30 hunger cries started. I packed his bag for tomorrow while Daddy fed the evening bottle. Ollie was so tired that he moaned while I sang him his lullaby and said his prayers. I think he was asleep in 10 seconds flat.

Tomorrow I start field training for the new job and I have to travel to Cincinnati-Dayton Road. I have to be up at 5:00 am, so I'm heading to bed soon. And I can't wait to change out of these stinky clothes.