When Mom Is Sick

I haven't felt the greatest this week, and today, I finally gave in to the sickness for a couple of hours and attempted to lay down on the couch while the children watched a movie. Ezra and Elliott refused to leave me alone, though, and how could I say no to two cute boys who wanted to cuddle their mom? I didn't get to relax very much, but I sure did feel loved.

Eliza Update

Eliza is my little helper. She has been helping since the twins were babies, and she continues to help me with small chores on a daily basis. She happily runs to get me diapers and wipes, plays with Ezra and Elliott and keeps them happy while I clean or cook dinner, and helps me pick up toys at the end of every day. She loves one on one attention, which can sometimes be tricky with two younger siblings. I'm trying to make sure she gets the individual time she so desperately wants each day. We usually end up playing a game, coloring a picture, or simply reading a book together before she falls asleep. Nathan and I both know it's incredibly important to her.

Some of her favorite things from the last few days include: Playing with Ruby and baby Jane,

coloring outside with friends,

swim classes,  

and falling asleep with all of her books.

She's also still taking dance classes and is currently excited about her next recital in May. She keeps talking about it, even though it is months away! I love her enthusiasm about everything and her determination to enjoy each day to the fullest. This girl is happiest when she is constantly busy, so she definitely keeps me moving :)

Nap Time is Over

Since we transitioned the boys from cribs to toddler beds, there have been no naps in our household. I'm going a little crazy over here. Those two hours were precious and allowed me to get basic chores done and sometimes just sit without feeling like I am being pulled in a million different directions. It was also the one time of the day that I feel like I can interact with Eliza on an individual level and give her the direct attention she needs.

I've tried and tried to get them to stay in their room, but they cannot be contained. They scream, run around, pull their drawers out of the dresser, and jump on each other constantly. So yes, nap time is not going to happen. Nathan and I have separated the cribs and plan on getting real toddler beds that might get the boys excited about sleeping. I'm crossing my fingers that we can find a solution that works!

The night time routine has also changed. The boys can't sleep with their beds pushed together because they are just too crazy, but they really want to sleep together. Sadly, there isn't enough room for two boys on one toddler bed. The beds are separate again, and I know I am going to miss the pictures like this:

Nathan and I keep telling each other that it will get better. Ezra and Elliott use to run to their cribs at night and essentially put themselves to bed. They slept through the night, they never cried, and they enjoyed their naptime. Now that they have tasted the freedom of being out of their beds, I know our lives are going to be very different. Maybe they'll start napping again? Maybe bedtime won't be so crazy?

I can hope!

A Perfect Day

Some days, I am out playing with the kids and suddenly realize that Utah is beautiful and that we are lucky to live here. Today was definitely one of those days. The kids were kicking a ball in wide open field, the sun was shining, and the mountains looked beautiful. 

I miss South Carolina often, but I really do love living here. 

One Enormous Crib

When we pushed the two converted toddler beds together, we ended up with one giant crib. Ezra and Elliott have loved it the past couple of nights, but I am not sure it is going to work.

They are staying up later, giggling one moment and then screaming the next, and refusing to take naps. Nathan and I have had to go into their room and separate them countless times because one of the boys has tackled the other or has stolen a blanket. I think it's adorable that they want to sleep beside one another, but logistically speaking, it isn't working.

We'll give it a few more days before we give up the idea entirely, but, in the meantime, I really miss naps. I wonder if they will ever nap again!

Sunday Favorites

I love these two people (and these pictures) so much that I can hardly stand it!

Cosleeping Woes

For the past few night, Ezra and Elliott have snuggled together on the same bed. Last night, snuggling apparently didn't go too well.

 Sleeping on the carpet probably wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but it sure did give Elliott some crazy carpet-hair in the morning!

Nathan has decided that we should maybe push the two beds together and create a giant bed for the babies to share. We'll see how this idea goes.