SURVIVAL OF THE STRONG: March 2009

Just some random thoughts for the day:

Today is a beautiful 65 degree day... the second one of the season and I think it's possible that this incredibly long winter is finally on its way out. The kids have been outside playing all day and it feels so good to have fresh air in the house and hear the sounds of outside again.

I think I heard "Mom!", "Mommy", or "Mama!" at least 200 times before 9:00 a.m. today.

I know I'll "miss this time", but I think that's just what people say when they don't have to say "What?" and "Yes, Calah?" 200 times before 9:00 a.m. any longer.

I have about 8 weeks left until I am officially done with my first year of nursing school. This time went by so incredibly fast and I'm thankful that the kids adjusted well to the change, that they stayed mostly healthy this winter, and that I have a very reliable babysitter who is here basically whenever I need her.

Jacob has made the full switch to big people food and loves feeding himself. Hard to believe only 3 more weeks before we're rid of formula FOREVER. That alone will save us about $125 per month. I will also be glad when I have an extra shelf for sippy cups because they are apparently angry about their cramped living space and attack me every time I open the cabinet. Bottles have been such a part of our everyday life for the past 2 years, it will be weird when putting them together won't be a part of my day anymore. One less thing to do, hooray!

Hannah and Jacob will have a joint birthday party on April 11th to celebrate their 5th and 1st birthdays. We figured it will mostly be a party for Hannah since Jacob doesn't know that difference and he will have his own cake/decorations. This year we are having Reptile Rampage come to the house. They bring around 12 endangered animals and Hannah gets to help the caretaker show everyone the animals. There are huge snakes, lizards, etc. For an extra $100 the kids can ride on the back of an enormous tortoise.... since we don't want to actually charge people to come to the party, we're going to be skipping that.

Jacob's breathing seems to be much better since his last upper respiratory infection has cleared. I'm really hoping the wheezing is just a reaction to colds and not something we are going to have to worry about turning into asthma later in his life.

Obviously the economy has slowed and with Jon working in investment sales, it has directly affected his company. There were lay-offs a few weeks ago and thankfully, Jon was not affected. However, as a result, he has taken on more work, even though he really isn't being compensated for it yet. Hopefully, things will turn around soon, but I really can't finish school fast enough.

I really really really hate the wallpaper in my kitchen. It bothers me every single minute of every single day. I would take it down, but then I would have to paint which would involve picking a color and I can't quite figure out what color would go with my cream colored cabinets and then I would have to paint the hideous dark paneling as well, but not white because my cabinets are cream and its this never ending circle in indecision and disgust.

I also hate the broken chairs in our kitchen which never look clean, lose parts of themselves daily and feel as though they will collapse at any minute. I really want a breakfast nook but can't afford one right now and that frustrates me so I have no choice but to write about it. I guess I should be thankful I have a table, blah blah blah.

We had a meeting for Hannah's kindergarten next year and Jon and I were the youngest in the room by at least 10 years. At first we thought it was maybe because people were there with their youngest children but we later found out that most of them were just starting out with their oldests! People really are waiting so much longer to have kids. I just can't imagine just starting out in my 40s. When I'm 45, Hannah will be 20!

We have officially dodged the minivan, at least for the time being. All 3 kids still fit in the Honda even though the are all forward-facing now. This is a small victory as A) We couldn't afford to buy a new car even if they didn't fit and B) conforming to the suburban minivan standard would certainly suffocate what remains of my carefree, independent soul. I am certain I would rather strap all 3 of them to my bicycle and ride through 3 feet of snow in the middle of Chicago winter if it meant that I would not have to drive the identity-sucking device that is a minivan.

Please Note: If you drive a minivan, I think that is fine. I do see the positive side to owning one. Kind of like the positive side to losing one foot is that you would not need to find both shoes anymore.

Hannah has been in the backyard alone, happily making mud soup for the past hour. Spring is a wonderful time of year!