Kauai 2018 and some Mommy things

*Note: I wrote this blog while on a plan ride to Kauai in FEBRUARY. I'm clearly bad at updating this blog.*

I can’t apologize enough for the lack of blog updates lately, however, I’m hoping that if you’ve been following me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ve received your fair share of D family updates (specifically, Buggy and Cubby). Now that Cubby is 18 months (now 20 months since drafting this blog) old, I can tell you that it’s been beyond of a whirlwind experience adjusting to 2 kids, as well as a new career (if you can call almost 3 years new). I’m feeling an overwhelming amount of expectation to attend every meeting at work, arrive early and work late hours from home, while also managing to be at every school function for the kids, craft treats for their classes, volunteer, help with homework, get them to bed before 8pm, and then trying to spend quality time with my husband before bed, all while maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude. Totally realistic, right? [Insert rolling eye emoji here.] There aren’t enough hours in the day. The reality is, I may or may not get less than half of that list accomplished and even when I do, I question the quality at which I did it all. My adjustment to all of this has taken far longer than I had imagined and/or hoped. Every day is a constant struggle to make it to anything, rushing through work, to school pick-up, to home, with very minimal time to breathe in between. Most days, I find myself praying that I caught everything I needed to hear at a meeting, that I’ll get a lunch hour to eat rather than running errands, that I can fight the 1.5 hour commute each way, that my kids will be in an awesome mood when I pick them up after a long day at school, that they can wait for dinner, and that the bedtime routine will run smoothly. I’m in constant prayer mode, friends. I’m constantly praying for the strength to stay awake, to stay positive, and to remember that despite all of the above, I. AM. SO. BLESSED. My kids are healthy, my husband is supportive, and that taking on part of my old boss’ responsibilities is the next step in my career (one that I’ve been preparing for, for 10 years).

So now, I’m sitting on a half empty plane, on my way to Kauai and I’ve finally found time to update all of you, who have remained so loyal to my non-updated blog. Buggy and I are on our way to Kauai with my cousin, aunt, uncle, mom, and dad to celebrate said cousin’s graduation from grad school and passing of her boards. God willing, at some point soon, she will have a job and be paying off student loans like the rest of us. I’m looking forward to getting some restful sleep, in hopes of feeling rejuvenated when I come back to reality in 5 few days. (Dad is currently staying home because he has a ton of work to do and Cubby stayed behind because I just could not fathom being on a 5 hour plane ride with a 4 year old-sized 18 month old that I can barely physically handle.)

Updates

Buggy

Big sister is skating through first grade. She transferred to a new school for first grade and after a bump or two, she’s completely adjusted and is skating through in every subject. While she’s great at Language/English, her math skills are amazing. She’s learning to take timed exams at school weekly and has taken it upon herself to time herself during homework. 16 problems in 4 minutes. (They get 10 minutes for 12 problems on their exams.) She’s taking after dad in the math department and this mom is so amazed (because we all know how awesome I am at math). She’s become the most physical version of herself to date, which has caught us completely off guard. She’s bouncing off the walls, running, jumping off of furniture, and dancing all night. She has a new appreciation (not love) for P.E. and now manages to have some fun getting dirty.

Cubby

This gentle giant is slowly losing his gentleness—physically, anyway. He’s now constantly running, spinning, climbing, and jumping (kind of) and is always looking for new ways to worry his parents. He loves noise—screaming, pounding on walls and shaking cabinets. His favorite past time is pulling his sister’s hair. His verbal skills are on point. While his vocabulary is skyrocketing, the only word we seem to hear lately is “No.” He loves to see what reaction he can get from people so more often than not, his response to anything is “No.” While he’s physically not-so-gentle anymore, he is still a lover of cuddles, kisses, and saying “I love you.” His gentle voice melts your heart. He’s a lover of all things having to do with dad—wrestling, bedtime stories, and pushing dad’s buttons.

Dad/Hubby

Hubby is doing great. He’s keeping busy at work and holding on his fair share (if not more) of Logan duties. Because of his strength, he’s the only one capable of holding down Logan during a diaper change, taking him down the stairs with all school supplies and his own work bag, and garbage in hand. He’s Cubby’s wresting and cuddling partner. He’s Buggy’s hair stylist if mom is already at work that morning and while there’s still some professional development in the braid department that needs to occur (per Buggy), his ponytails are on point. Dad has really stepped up to the plate as a father and I am so proud of him. To top it off, he’s also my sounding board when it comes to all things about my life.