A Lesson in Patience

In case anyone is actually reading this and cares...we are surviving here. I am learning a lot about myself this week. I have learned that I absolutly HATE waking up in the middle of the night a hundred times. Actually, I really even hate waking up more than once. I need my sleep and need sleep to feel like I can function like a normal mommy! Ella has been sleeping terrible. She is teething, and I am sure she senses my tension during the middle of the night. I have also learned more about being a patient mom. I also know about myself that I am sometimes quick to snap in the evening when I am tired, or the girls have exhausted every last nerve I have. I am learning/trying to stay calm, and let the dozen potty trips roll off my back. There are so many things that the girls do that just aren't worth getting upset over or making a fuss about. The girls have had to take on a few more responsibilites for themselves and I know that for them it has been a challenge as well. Addison has really stepped up and is trying to be a big helper. I am trying to constantly let her know how proud I am of her, and how much she is helping me.

The middle of the night has been the toughest so far since Tony has been gone. I know lots of people whose spouses travel for extended periods of time, but when it is the 1st time it has ever happened to you and your family; you sort of have no idea how you are going to handle things. So, I am coping...treading lightly with the girls and praying each and every day for more strength, both physically and emotionally and really praying for more patience. I know God will only give me what He knows I can handle, I just wish he didn't trust me with so much!!

The girls are doing okay with Tony being gone. They ask me EVERY day when he will be home and they talk to him at least twice during the day. Olivia is probably the one who is struggling the most. She just does not understand why he isn't here when she goes to bed and still isn't home when she wakes up in the morning. She asks about him a lot; wants to know what he is doing, why he is doing it, when he is coming home and then reasks all the same questions over and over again!

Tony, we love you and miss you lots! I hope and pray that you are learning a lot and are ready for this new adventure when he get home. I also hope you are ready for me to check myself into a hotel for some R&R!!! I will post some pictures tomorrow!

Happy St.Patrick's Day

We Miss You Daddy

Hi Daddy! We are being good girls and listening to mommy. We miss you lots and miss reading books with you and you putting us to bed at night time. Mommy doesn't do it like you do!!

Tony is out of town for 2 weeks for his new job. He has resigned from the college and is now working for Northwestern Mutal Financial Network...so if you need some life insurance or anything, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE call him!! This is a huge leap of faith! We need lots of prayers over the next several months as he learns the business and goes through the "learning period". At the end of the 75 day learning period, he sits down with the boss and discusses whether or not Tony has a future in the business!! He is in Des Moine, Iowa to start his learning. This is the longest he has ever been away from the girls and the longest I have been with the girls by myself. A test of wills if you ask me! Theirs and ours!! :) One night down, and we survived!!

Tony, the girls have asked about you almost EVERY minute, that is no exaggeration either. Liv misses you putting her bed and does not understand why you can't be here and I can't feed Ella while you are putting them to bed. I just don't do it like you do I guess. Bedtime takes a wee bit longer because I don't sit with them and make sure they are asleep, or fall asleep with them...I got Ella chomping at the bit to eat! Needless to say, we miss you very much!

I am having trouble loading the pictures...will try tomorrow! We love you!

Ella and Olivia got to spend Saturday with Mamo and Bampo. Mamo took this picture of Ella roaming the living room floor and rolled right up to Raggedy Ann!! Mommy took Addison out to lunch, shopping and to a baby shower!! They had such a great time and really enjoyed the bonding time. It was a long week for Kerry at work and dealing with some other things, so she was really excited to spend Saturday with just Addison. Addison was of course spoiled and got some goodies while shopping...like tap shoes!!!! She taps all around the kitchen now! No pictures though, sorry!