Still doing well

Yesterday we had playgroup, so that took up most of the day.  Both kids slept in a little (6:45 and 7), so by the time we all had breakfast, got dressed, cleaned up, and put the snacks together, it was just before 10.  Carolyn acted a little weird during playgroup, she was more interested in sitting in my lap and/or eating snacks than playing.  Made me wonder if I should be putting her in preschool this year.  But it's been a while since she's been around a room full of kids, and she seemed pretty tired on top of it.  In the afternoon we just hung out, read some books and played with toys before dinner.
Today so far we've played at home, upstairs and in the basement as I had to work this morning.  Attempted to get James to nap in his crib, he only slept a little over an hour.  I'm praying that with time he'll get back to the 3 hours he was sleeping with me because he needs it.  But I am desperately going to need the time to work this fall.
I didn't get the full time position I applied for, I wasn't really qualified anyway.  So I will continue to work as much as possible part time, possibly finding in-person tutoring as well.  I'm considering putting up fliers at the grocery stores.  Will probably wait to see if Jon gets an interview at the latest job posting first.  This is all pretty frustrating and confusing.  We just want to provide for our family, without sticking the kids in day care.  But we may be headed in that direction if something doesn't give.
Jon has the kids at the park now and I'm waiting on a demo.  When does our break come?  We've been doing everything we can for so long and it just doesn't seem like anything is falling right financially.  I'm terrified of how this year's contract is going to look.

Beautiful day

Today was about as good as it gets.  Kids slept until about 6:30 and we all managed to get out of the house before 8:30!  We headed down to the park for a while.  When the kids stopped using the slides and swings, we headed back home.  We hung out in the front for a while, so I decided to pull some weeds.  I got all the prickly ones that I could find.  I'll have to go back and get the rest another day.  Then we came in and I had to work 10-12.  I only had 1 session during that time, but Jon took the kids in the basement to play just in case.  He brought them up around 11:30 for lunch and James fell asleep in his high chair.  He transferred to his crib for a little over an hour, which gave me a chance to eat lunch and relax.  Around 1 I took him into our room to finish his nap and he slept until almost 3!  Then Jon took Caroyln to the store and James and I played at home.  When they got home, we all shared popsicles out front.  Then came in for dinner and then bed.  Both kids went down pretty easily tonight, I think we tired them out with all the outside playing and attention.  Maybe that's the secret to a good night's rest!  I think we read Carolyn over 20 books today, not including nap and bed time stories.
And now I get a chance to relax, with the house opened up ready to cool off in the night air.  Tomorrow is playgroup here and I'm looking forward to it.  Carolyn will have some other kids to play with and I'll have some adults other than Jon to talk to.  Plus I get to finish the day with soccer.  Hopefully the weather holds out and it doesn't rain until the afternoon. 
Still haven't heard about the full time job, hopefully within the next 3 days...

Library and outside

Yesterday was the first day where I tried to juggle the kids and work (with Jon still home).  We went to the library in the morning and made it home for me to tutor at 11.  Carolyn is very excited about her new chapter books to read before bed.  After that hour of working, we had lunch, then naps.  James slept until 3:30, so we had a snack, watched Curious George, and Jon went out to cut the grass.  When he was done, we all went out.  At 5 I came in to get started on dinner and they followed soon after.
In all, it was a fairly relaxing day.  I worked last night 7-8:30 or so.  Until I hear back about the full time position, I have to keep working as much as possible.
Both kids slept better last night, perhaps from getting out of the house and being engaged all day.  Jon seems to be picking up on my saying yes more often as well.  So now the kids have 2 more engaged parents.
Today seems to be going well also, more tonight!

Sunday

Today went even better than yesterday.  Both kids slept a little later, so I wasn't up until 6:40.  Definitely a small victory in our house since we're usually up before 6.  It also meant both kids were in better moods, except that James appears to be getting his final 1yo molar in.
We read a book until everyone was up, then had breakfast together before a little while.  Then it was time to get the kids dressed and off to church.  Jon takes the kids to church so I can have some time alone, which I have been using to clean and workout.  So today I cleaned the table and floor beneath it and area around it.  It is nice to have a cleaner house as I work my way around it, organizing all the clutter.  I also picked up the kitchen counter as the day went on, so that's now cleaned off except the newspaper, which will go out tonight.
After lunch and a nap, we played until my dad came over.  He brought dinner, we had some dessert, then played for a while until it was time clean up and put the kids to bed.  It was a nice day overall and I wasn't on the computer much.  After the kids went down, I brought up "new" toys for the week.  So they'll have that as a surprise in the morning, along with some "new" books.  I have to work a few mornings, so it'll be good for them to have new things to play with.
Here's to hoping James can sleep tonight despite his teeth.  He's having trouble getting settled down already.  Poor little man.

Day 1

Last night was rough because there were bad storms - tons of lightning and thunder.  We lost power briefly, but nothing we really noticed.  Our neighbors across the street lost power and it was still out as of 1pm today.  James woke at 5 to nurse and then had trouble falling back asleep, but did around 5:30 and slept until 7:15!  Carolyn was up several times last night, and at 5:40 was pretty much up for the day.  We have to come up with a way for her to stay in bed, for all of us.  She's exhausted during the day and so are we.

I did well today staying away from the computer.  Checked everything when I first woke up, then stayed away until after 11 when I needed to check for additional hours for work.  Had nice morning with pancakes for breakfast, went for a run, and showered while Jon played with the kids.  He was staying away from the computer as well.  Then he cut his hair and showered while I played with the kids.  Then it was already time for lunch and naps.  This afternoon Jon lifted while I played with the kids.  Carolyn probably had 10 books read to her today and both kids seemed to have a good day.  I'm hoping tomorrow's weather will be nicer (not raining) so we can get outside.

Getting Started

I've been thinking lately that it seems we say no to our kids a lot lately. Between Jon and I, it's probably said dozens of times a day. And I'm realizing that a lot of the times it's said are selfish reasons. So I'm going to do my best to say yes whenever possible. We're talking about simple requests here... read me a book, play with me, take me to the park, or let's go outside.
We have to say no often to things that cost money, because there just isn't much extra. So I'm going to focus on saying yes to the simple things. And along the way, I'm going to seek out things to do in the area that are cheap (<$1/person) or free. This will mean library time, various parks when it's nice, open gyms that are free, playgroups at other houses or our own, and whatever else I can find. We'll do the occasional paid activity, but with gymnastics and other classes, not very often.
The big challenge for me seems to be the computer. I check my email at least a dozen times a day. And facebook, my moms' group site, personal email, coupon websites... it all adds up to wasted time. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue. So starting tomorrow, I'm going to try and not touch the computer when my children are awake, unless I'm scheduled to work or am looking up a recipe. Wish me luck!
If anyone reading this has ideas of what to do in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs, feel free to leave a message. I do try to stay within a 30 minute drive of our house.