Oh January

January is normally one of my two least favorite months of the year, second only to February. I just don't like the cold. That's really the only reason. March can be cold sure, but at least there's hope by then. But this January hasn't been bad at all. We've had some cold days, but nothing (SO FAR) like it can normally be.

We have spend the whole month trying to get ready for school to start I feel. The first part was spent prepping classes and organizing from Christmas- which honestly, is STILL going on... School started the middle part of the month and there are ALWAYS things that you kinda forget have to be done during the first few weeks, so I always feel a little like I'm drowning, but I'm to the point now that I feel I have my head above water.

The kids have an adjustment to me being back in school as well. They go from being home with me every day to being woken up in the morning, rushed to eat, get dressed, get in the car, and then off to school, which they LOVE, for the day. Then when I get home with them I normally have more work to do from home. It's kinda sad. I always think, well, at least I am HOME with them, but really, I kinda think that may be more frustrating to them than being with a sitter. At least the sitter gives them ALL their attention...

C has had a hard few weeks and I feel that my being so busy has something to do with it. He ALWAYS has a hard first 3 months of a new age. EVERY YEAR he feels older and fights for independence. I'm yet to figure out what he needs this year. Of course it always takes about three months and we are only one month in. But I am thinking REALLY hard about what it could be this year that "does it" for him because he's bigger and meaner this year. The other day, my sweet baby gave me the MEANEST scowl EVER and slammed the door in my face. WOW! Last year the trick was giving him access to his own drinks. Seriously. I put his cups low and taught him how to use the fridge water and we had no problems. He was able to meet his own basic needs. So far this year I've tried letting him dress by himself for school, he doesn't WANT to do that, I've been letting him not wear a pull-up, he still pees, I tell him it's his responsibility to keep his playroom clean, na, apparently the things I want him to do are NOT on HIS list...So, I'm living with a ticking bomb most days... But we will work through it. We always do...Luckily when he is minding and being sweet, he is SO sweet and cute. Good thing, because being ignored by your child REALLY tests your patience. REALLY. TEST. YOUR. PATIENCE. In fact, it may be the most frustrating thing I've ever been a part of. Wanting someone to just mind you and not run in front of a car... Is that really so much to ask???

Lyla is just trucking along. Talking away, acting all sweet, still being shy of others and mostly as serious as ever. I still can ONLY get her silly CHEESE face when I ask for a smile. Most people on facebook must think she's silly looking b/c if she smiles it's all goofy haha. She has been moved to her "big girl" bed, however, the funniest thing is she lays in it, says night night, then she crawls down, opens her door and goes to sleep by her gate. Even if we are walking by her room she just watches and falls asleep. We move her to her bed before we go to sleep and she stays there all night long. SO funny! And sweet. She also is showing interest in what she wears. Like last night, she wanted her leg warmers on with her night gown. I guess you need things covered when you plan on sleeping on the floor... Her favorite thing to do is to give high fives on both hands, she say "haya" then asks for a kiss then says "bye bye".

Overall, January has been good. We have started daily routines to keep me focusd on them.... Movie Mondays, Crafty Tuesdays, Gymnastics Wednesdays, Pink Swirl Thursdays, Family Movie Night Fridays and PLAYDATES (A BIG HIT), Saturdays have mostly been spent with one parent or the other due to Freshman Seminar and duck hunting season, Sunday's church and Sushi Sunday.

I almost forgot about the highlight of my month! J has decided to run at least a 10K with me this spring!!! And due to the nice weather, we have even been able to do some runs with the kids in their stroller and then go to the park after. I have really really really enjoyed having this physical activity time with my family and the chance to share something I love so much with my husband. I'm just convinced everyone will love running if they give it a chance. So, after this weekends long run, J will be half way to a 10K. So exciting!

That's all for now! Gotta clean up for playdate at our house.