I need 30 hours- who decided 24 was the number?

Lately I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off and it SUCKS! I am either getting the boys ready whether that be feeding, bathing, clothing, entertaining, etc. Or trying to touch as many people as I can each day in the "business world". Or trying to make sure that my third child my dear husband is content and does not need deodorant, a prescription, a warm dinner, etc. Not to mention running to the post office, dry cleaners, Target for the preschool party snacks and Halloween costumes, visiting all the local colleges, donating plasma...blah, blah, blah. Look I am not looking for a pity party because I know that the rest of you mom's out there are just as busy but today is one of those days I need to let my hair down and VENT! My favorite is when my dear husband walks through the door and is exhausted from working (he does work hard) but because I am on the floor calmly playing with Alex or maybe even sitting and watching Oprah (the first time I have sat all day) that I can not be as tired as him. AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Poor Alex.

Erik and I are sleeping this morning, rather soundly I might add. You can feel it is just one of those days where you are going to want to stay snuggled in as long as possible. Good night of sleep, first snowfall of the year, and BOOM we hear a crash come from Alex's room. We both sit straight up, look at each other, and RUN like crazy to his room. There lies Alex wailing at the top of his lungs OUTSIDE of his crib. Alex is not even 9 months yet-3 days to go and he manages to fall or crawl out of his crib. What?

Thank God (literally) that he was okay. Erik and I brought him back to our cozy bed with us. I think we were all more scared than anything but we checked him over from head to toe and he seemed fine. Anthony never even attempted to crawl out of his crib until he was over a year, I want to say closer to a year and a half. Granted we probably lowered it before he had the opportunity but since it did not seem feasible that Alex's legs or arms could be long enough to get himself over so I was not yet concerned about lowering it. Once again my children proving me wrong when I thought I had it figured out. Needless to say Erik lowered it 6 inches and now I feel like I need to crawl in his crib to get him out. Let me tell you, not a cute sight to see.

Posting comments are frustrating me...

(AJ- I having been trying to leave comments on yours but it is not working...ughhhh...in response to AJ's Hot Topic- love that idea by the way).

Do I believe in spanking?
Depends on my patience.

Does it ever help?
No- Anthony could careless. Taking something of his that he deems "special" has worked the best for us. It is then his responsibility to earn it back or like he says,"Mom, I am trying to earn my pribileges (privileges) back. One day he kept slamming his door, I went and found Erik's electric screwdriver and removed the screws from his door one by one. He realized quickly that day how special his bedroom door was and what a priviledge it was to keep it.

Was I spanked?
Twice and I never repeated those actions. My sister on the other hand had countless wooden spoons broken on her bum and would taunt my mother by telling her it didn't hurt. I have vivid memories of my mom chasing my skinny little sister at my Great-Grandma Sveen's. Thinking back I must admit I am getting a good laugh out about it.

Do I judge those that do?
Never.

That is the beauty of parenthood, we are all individuals that are given the right to guide our little people as we see fit or feel. Compared to other cultures we are definitely the culture that leans towards using verbal vs physical reprimands to solve things. But at the end of the day it never makes me or Anthony feel better if he gets a swat on his way to his room. I hate to admit it but for me it just takes my anger to the next level.

On Thursday on Oprah, there was a female doctor that actually was a neurologist that specialized in brain development. She had a stroke and explained in the aftermath when she was calling for help she realized she should not understand the concept of language but knew help was coming because of the "tone" of the voice of her friend that she called for help. I think it is so interesting that in all of our day to day activities "tone" is what sets our day. You can say the exact same thing to a baby in two different tones and receive two completely different responses. So what I have been trying to put in perspective with Anthony is he feeds off of my tone. I choose whether it is going to be a good or bad day simply by my tone. But in retrospect he decides what type of day it is going to be with his tone and that is what I am trying (sometimes very unsuccessfully) to teach him.

Boys are gone, weekend update.

Erik came and picked up the boys. Thank you Erik! Regardless, this weekend was so much fun! The Heer's came from Minneapolis and it was soooo great to see them. We always have a blast with them. Friday we all actually met downtown at Rooter's. All the children were being watched by grandparents or sitters so we decided to hit the town. We even went out at 9 PM, can you believe it, that is when most of us are saying our prayers and turning in for the day. It was Erik and I, Bill and AJ, Jess and her husband Dan, Brian and Kris. Erik cut out early because he was not feeling well, I on the other hand was feeling like a rock star. After Rooter's we headed to Sport's Bar, apparently I wanted Bill to revisit his college days and got in a fight with some college kids that I unfortunately picked- classy I know. Bill was the adult of the situation and quickly cleared things up. Thanks Bill! Next day what a completely different story. Very quiet! I made up some food, everyone came over, and we watched Palin on SNL. Thought she was pretty funny but I am still supporting the Democrats. Sunday I made an awesome pork roast, Brian made apple crisp for the first time (my grandma's recipe), and the kids played until they nearly dropped. Rob and Missy joined us on Sunday and I am really glad that they made the decision to move back. They are a lot of fun to hang out with, someone has finally managed to ground our Rob. He even helped with dishes and would not stop wrestling with Anthony until I made poor Anthony forfeit and go brush his teeth. Rob and Missy are getting married in March and since we were finally invited I am hoping we will be able to join in the festivities. Should be a good time! After visiting Playa Del Carmen I would love for Erik and the boys to check it out. So that is our weekend. Other than that my mom popped in with some new pj's for the boys (thanks mom!), Anthony immediately put them on. My sister bought a new well deserved car (nice choice Faith). I fell in love with Laila and want me a fresh baby, AJ wouldn't let me keep her (no fair). She is one gorgeous little girl, they are very lucky. But at the end of the day aren't we all. Peace!

Hard at Work, harder than ever.

so as i am typing this i am bouncing alex on my knee and typing with one hand. the balancing act is not exactly how i pictured it, ughhhh!

Fun pics of our weekend...

Anthony growing like a weed!

Alex just might be the happiest baby ever!

View of our office- Michael's desk and storage.

My desk.

The boys picking out pumpkins.

We had a busy weekend. My parents came to visit us for the weekend. On Friday we just hung out and relaxed. I took my dad to the office on Friday night and quickly realized that I did not have the right key to get in so we decided that since the OB was right across the street we had to go and contribute to the economy. Have to keep the breweries going. It was nice to just hang out with him one on one. I am very similar to my dad and I love to just BS with him. Erik was able to catch up with my mom and Faith. When we got home we had some pizza and played Wii. It is hilarious to watch my parents get into it as much as us.

On Saturday Michael and I started to move into the office. It feels really good to have a work space. It is a relief just to have a place to collect my thoughts without so many distractions. Last night when I went home I also felt that I was able to focus on the boys and be in the moment with them without a million thoughts racing through my head.

After Michael and I accomplished what we could on Saturday I headed to the pumpkin patch with the boys, my mom, and sister. My mom is such a good grandma, very patient with the boys and it is very important to her that they are just having fun, enjoying life. I love that about her. Even though I was tired and crabby Saturday she was patient with me as well. I guess once a mother, always a mother. Saturday night we had the usual influx of Capouch's over for a BBQ. It ended up being a lot of fun. The whole crew played Rockband, even thought most of my aunts and uncles did not know any of the songs. They are going to write in and request a 70's version.

Sunday my parents departed. Erik helped me bring more things to the office, his parents came and checked it out. Erik and I were able to have a lunch date. 

Overall a great weekend but super busy. Never ending!! But I would not trade it for the world.

I am an adult.

Today was one of those days where I was faced with making decisions all day long. I at the end of the day realized that I am seriously growing up. Every circumstance that approached I made the adult decision and was responsible. I know this may sound odd considering I am 30 years old but I don't care. No judging.

Time to Celebrate!

The business is moving along great. We made our first official deposit yesterday. I visited about 35 local businesses today with information regarding our services. We also found out that we are moving into our office this Friday. It is all a bit overwhelming but also VERY EXCITING!