2/7/12

Well, my daycare search isn't going too well. I'm not really hearing back from most of the in-home providers that I've been contacting, including the referrals I received from our interview last week. I tried contacting the last regular "center" in our area for information, but they won't provide any information over the phone. As if I'm going to waste the small amount of "extra" time we have checking out a center when we have no ideas what their rates or hours, etc. are. So, that's out. It's seriously giving me a headache.

Work went pretty fast today. Today was my break day from working out, so I hurried home, ate some dinner, and was off on a date night with the BFF. I scored some screening passes to "This Means War", with Reese Witherspoon, for tonight. It's always a good time when we get to hang out together, and she filled me on on lots of wedding planning details, which is exciting. Bonus, the movie was actually really good too! I'd highly recommend it...a little action for the guys, the right touch of girlyness for the girls and tons of funny moments. GREAT date movie!

I arrived home after the movie, to find that my little devils were still awake. Olivia was watching videos on the computer, and Christian was trying to get Amelia down. I rocked Amelia for a few minutes, and got her down (I think Christian was a little annoyed with me...LOL), spent a little time with Olivia, then put her down.

I was off to bed soon after. The girls still aren't feeling well, so I'm sure it will not be a silent night around here!

Here is a cute picture of Olivia tonight though. Her and her "stinky" blankie - the thing is disgusting, but she loves it, and she's had it since she was born. Gross.

2/6/12

HALLELUJAH!!!!

The day has come, FINALLY, it has come. The truck, is paid off. The truck, is 100% ours. NO MORE TRUCK PAYMENT. To top it off, we also paid off our [rather small] lines of credit. It feels SO good to finally accomplish our first big financial goal. Next up, the Visa. And that will officially be the end of our unsecured debt...hopefully forever! Ugh, it just feels so good, I'm seriously on top of the world right now! Unfortunately with the unexpected change in our daycare situation coming up, we aren't going to get the Visa paid off quite as soon as I had hoped, but, the plan has been adjusted already, and we're back in action!

Outside of that, it was just a standard day. Monday as usual at work, home to workout, dinner and all that jazz. The girls are not doing well at all. They are both miserable and had slight fevers tonight. PLEASE let this pass quickly!

We all bundled up on the couch under the blankets together tonight :)

2/5/12

Superbowl Sunday. My, this day has changed a lot for us. Basically since moving out on our own, we've held a big Superbowl party every year. We had all of our friends over, a big taco bar with tons of food, beer and drinks galore, and had so much fun hanging out with all of our friends. It was definitely something we looked forward to every year. This has changed drastically...actually, starting last year. We no longer host our party. It's just me, Christian, the girls and some kind of cheap take out. In some ways, it's perfect. I mean, there is no better company. In other ways, it's kind of a sad day. Remembering that "past life". Filled with a lot of people we don't even talk to anymore. People that have all taken different paths over the years. People we've had a "falling out" with for one reason or another. And, some people, that it's just plain hard to find time to get together. This whole thing weighed pretty heavy on my mind all day.

Really, today was a really productive day. Olivia's fever was nowhere to be found, but she did have some other, unfortunate, issues going on. After breakfast, we got right to our chores for the day. I started up laundry, washed our dishes (again, probably every dish we own), cleaned up the kitchen and did some general picking up. Christian cleaned the kitchen appliances and the entry way. It's SO nice being able to send the girls downstairs to play, and actually get some stuff done. Love it!

After cleaning and chores were done, Christian got ready, and was again off to help his friend out with his car. They are replacing the fuel pump in the car, so it was just the girls and me. We ate some lunch, and they were off for their naps. I spent nap time doing my workout, more laundry and just relaxing a little. Christian arrived home shortly after the girls woke up, and it was game time!

We cuddled up downstairs, watching the game, while the girls played in their room. We used the Davanni's voucher we'd gotten a few weeks ago (from them being so late with our order), so our dinner was basically free. However, they were again fairly late on delivery, my order was wrong and they forgot part of our order. So, we are officially done with Davanni's (delivery anyway).

The girls were right off to bed after the game, and I wasn't far behind. I watched "The Voice" premiere, and promptly fell asleep. Ready to start a new week...and, this week's goal, FIND A DAYCARE/PRE-SCHOOL! It will be done...

Here are some pictures of the girls...looks like they are getting into the football spirit :)

2/4/12

Well, the day finally came. The big play room reveal. It was hard to wait, I think Christian and I were far more excited about it than the girls, but sill, it was exciting. We did all sit down for breakfast before rushing downstairs though :)

The girls loved the room. I think they were pretty overwhelmed. Most of the toys we have, Amelia has never even seen they've been packed away for so long. They just went from one toy, one drawer, one shelf to another. Touching, and emptying, everything. It was pretty funny watching them discover everything. Definitely make sit all worth it.

After spending a little time playing and hanging out, Christian got ready and was heading out to pick up our photo prints from last week's session, and to help his friend replace his car's spark plugs. The girls and I ate lunch, and they went down for their nice, long nap, while I caught up on some TV and computer time. I LOVE having the house to myself!

The rest of the night was pretty quiet, except...after her nap, Olivia seemed to have developed a fever, out of nowhere. After dinner, hanging out, and baths, Amelia went off to bed, and Olivia rested on the couch with us. She ended up falling asleep watching TV...we woke her up, and her fever was up to 102.8. We sent her off to bed, fingers crossed that she would sleep it off and be good as new in the morning.

Christian and I were both pretty exhausted...my grand plans of watching a couple movies quickly disappeared. I started looking for a few more daycare options, we'll see what comes of that. And, we started discussing our next home project. Which will be finishing the basement decorating. We'll be recarpeting the living area and hallway, putting up a "Friend and Family" photo area in the hallway, finishing the kids' photo area, and our "love" photo area, moving the coffee table back upstairs and going on a search for an oversized storage ottoman, which will hold all of the movies we haven't watched yet. And, of course, finishing the princess play area. That's really all we have planned, so it shouldn't take TOO much time, And, other than the carpet, it should be a fairly cheap "remodel".

Here are some pics of the play room.

2/3/12

Today was a long day, but a pretty darn good one. Starting with my weekly weigh-in, and me being down 2.2lbs. YAY!!

Christian and I were both off work today because the girls had a morning full of appointments. First up, the dentist. Olivia had her "lap visit" with the dentist around 15 months old, so today was her 2nd visit, her first time "in the chair". They asked us the usual questions, checked out her teeth, and said they couldn't be any more perfect. She never did a pacifier, we've never put her to bed with a bottle/cup, brushed since she got teeth, and she was off the bottle at 12 months. They said she has virtually no risk, so they don't need to see her for another year. But, recommended every 6 months just to keep her used to going. The visit is free, so we'll be sticking to the 6 month visits. The dentist gave her a little token after her checkup, and she was able to go pick a prize from their toy machine, which was really cute

Amelia's 1st dental visit was up next. It worked out well...she watched Olivia's entire appointment, and as soon as Olivia got out of the chair, she started climbing in. So, she skipped right over the "lap visit" and had a regular chair check up. Her teeth look great too...we've followed the same "rules" with her, other than she minimally used a pacifier until 6 months old, and was on the bottle until a little over 13 months. Otherwise, her routine has been great too.

Next up, we were off for medical check ups. There was supposed to be quite a gap between our appointments, but their pediatrician had some cancellations, so we were able to get right in. YAY. Olivia was up first again. She's all caught up on her vaccinations and bloodwork, until she's 5, so none of that horribleness for her. Her heart murmur was barely audible, which is SUPER great news. She weighs 32lbs, in the 61% for weight, and up 4lbs in the last year. She is 38.25" tall, in the 72% for height, and up 2.75" in the last year. She was right on track developmentally, and checked out perfectly.

Amelia was up next. She had to get one vaccination, and is done with shots now until she's 5. Her shot made her pretty crabby the rest of the day, but she did well with it. She weighs 23lbs8ozs, in the 29%, and up 1lb since her 15 month appointment. She is 31" tall, in the 28%, and up .75" from her 15 month appointment. She's still on the smaller side, but growing great, and doing MUCH better weight wise than in the past. Such a huge relief!

So, appointments were done, and the girls did great. We stopped into Candyland since it was right down the road, and the girls had never been. I just love it there, and the girls thought it was pretty cool. We each picked out a goodie to bring home, and were on our way. We picked up some lunch, ate, and the girls were off to nap. While they napped, Christian was off to exchange the curtain rod to replace the one I bought, that does not actually fit our window, while I did my workout. Once he arrived home, we hung the curtains, and the decorating was finally DONE! I started unpacking all of the toys so we could fill the room up and officially be done with the play room.

Once the girls woke up from their naps, we ate a quick dinner, and were off on our in-home daycare interview. Again, we really loved the place. It was a husband and wife, that have been doing it forever, and they have 3 kids (one in school, and one part time in school). The house was great, their plan and daily routine sounded great. They go on a ton of field trips, especially in the summer. I got a really good vibe from them, and really loved it. There were, again, a few downfalls. She is pregnant (and they insist this is their last), but that means a short closing when the baby is born, and it's a little worrisome about them having a newborn (their own on top of that) in the facility, but they had a good plan for dealing with it. Also, they're in the process of trying to sell their house, and move. They should be moving closer to us, which is nice, but things are kind of scaled back while their house is staged, and then we'll have to worry about the move. Again, they did have a plan though. The BIG issue, and really, in the end, my only hang up, is their hours. They are only open 7:30-5:00. Christian and I both work 7:00-4:30. I would have to go back to working 5 8's a week, drop them off, work 8:00-4:30 then bust mu butt to get there on time to pick them up by 5:00. It just wouldn't work out. I'm so frustrated. This would really be the perfect place for us, and I love it, but we can't make the hours work. UGH!

After the interview, we were home to eat a real dinner. The girls were off to bed shortly after, and Christian and I officially finished the play room. The toys are in, set up and ready to be destroyed! Can't wait to show the girls in the morning :)

Here are some pictures from our day.

2/2/12

Today was a much better day! It was my Friday at work, so that is always a good start to the day. And, work ended up flying, so YAY for that.

I left work a tad early to pick the girls up, and meet Christian at KinderCare for our tour. We both really loved it. The director was super nice, and we met a lot of the teachers. The girls had so much fun exploring and playing with the kids that were still there. We learned about their general activities and how the center works. We were big fans. There were a few downfalls though. For one, they NEVER leave the center. No field trips or anything like that. I really want them to be able to get out and have some fun during the day once in a while. It's also super expensive, especially for full time (we're not sure if we're doing 3 days, or the full 5 days yet), and I'm not sure we'd ever be able to afford full time there. And, they do naptime with all of the lights on, right there in the middle of the room, and even Amelia would be on a cot. That seemed strange to me, and I have a hard time believing that they would actually nap in that atmosphere.

Christian was a fan though. He really wants to do the 3-day...my mom and I would keep watching them Friday's, and his mom once a week. I want them full time. We'll see what happens. Tomorrow is our in-home interview, so we'll at least have a comparison basis at that point.

I didn't get a chance to take a picture today. So, here is a comparison. The girls a year ago today, and just recently. They change so fast :)

2/1/12

Wow, can you believe it's February already?! I think our non-existent winter plays a big role in my disbelief, but I swear, it was JUST Christmas, and now it's already February. Crazy.

Today was NOT a good day. At all. Christian called me bright and early, after getting a call from his mom, telling me that the girls had torn down their venetian blinds this morning. She was really upset about it, and has been pretty stressed out with the girls lately period. Not that I blame her. I was pretty livid with them when I found out, and right away started my daycare search. The girls definitely need daycare...they need structure, routine, learning, activities, the chance to get out and explore, they need to spend time with other kids and get some variety in their life. So, I know it's good for them. I just hate the idea of looking, and who knows what the cost is going to look like.

As the day went on, I got more and more upset about the situation...but, upset with my in-laws more than anything. When I arrived home, Christian called, letting me know the blinds were completely broken, un-fixable, and that "it looks like we're going to have to replace them". Now, I was seriously living about it, especially after talking to my mom and some friends and having them help me realize that this situation was completely out of control. We pay my in-laws GOOD money to watch the girls. WATCH them. I've always been upset about what we pay them...I mean, these are their grandchildren, and they're getting the opportunity to do something most grandparents would kill for...but I get over that for the comfort and flexibility of our situation. But, the ONE time they break something over there, in 3 years, after ALL of the money we've paid them, we're supposed to pay to replace it? Obviously the girls were left on their own for a substantial amount of time in order to do that much damage (which, you know was NOT a quiet activity), so how is that our fault?

So, my day was spent researching and looking for daycares. I looked into a few centers, and a few in-home daycares. I will only go with an in-home daycare if they have a decent number of kids, and they carry out a pre-school curriculum as part of their schedule. It's hard to find in-homes...most of them I was finding were stay at home mom's looking to make some extra money. Not what I'm looking for, in the least bit. So frustrating.

In the end, I had a few exchanges with KinderCare, and I did find an in-home that I'm really interested in. I'm in the process of setting up tours/interviews with them, so we'll see what happens.

All in all, it was a long, emotional, stressful day. Tomorrow can only get better! Here is a picture of Chuy, the freeze baby. It cracks me up (on this dreadful day).

1/31/12

Today started off on a REALLY bad note, all around. I have to get up and going so early, that I really depend on Christian to help me get the girls up and loaded in the car. He ALWAYS waits until the last possible minute to get up and help me, which in the end, really doesn't help me much at all. I get so frustrated, and I'm SO sick of being late to work every day. I think he was pretty well aware that I was upset this morning, but I don't know what to say or do to get him to realize that I need him to actually get up and help me.

Then, I was off to work, and the first e-mail I opened up was a promotion announcement for one of the other people in our office. I just had to roll my eyes, and it was SO frustrating. It's a person that I don't really like a ton to begin with, but it was not just your run of the mill promotion - she jumped several classifications, above just about everybody else in the office on top of it. I couldn't believe it. Of course, this person is in the accounting section, which, as I've said in the past, pretty much is the only area that matters in our office anymore. So, it wasn't a huge surprise really, I guess.

The day got a bit better as the day went on. My friend forwarded me a Groupon notice for today...Pump it Up, where we had Olivia's birthday party, was a Groupon today, so I snatched that one up. Later, I found a Heart Rate/Calorie Burn monitor on another daily deal site for super cheap, and ordered one of those. I can't wait to find out what I really burn, especially when I do my videos.

We've also realized that we do, indeed, need to just re-carpet the basement. The smell is already starting to come back up, and I just can't stand it anymore. It sucks! But, we'll see what happens. Hopefully we can find something reasonable. We did receive our state tax return today, so that's a bright light in the day. I'm guessing we'll have to adjust our debt payoff plans A TAD, but we'll see what I come up with.

The evening was pretty low key. I got my walk in at work, did my workout tonight, and stayed within my calories. Still pushing along! The girls were OK tonight. A little rowdy, but a nice long bath was good for them. They both love taking baths, so it's one thing to make them happy. Speaking of, here is Amelia, my cute little water bug :)

1/30/12

Monday, again. And, I definitely had a case of the Monday's today. Work seemed to drag on. Hopefully not a sign of the week to come.

After work, I stopped into Walmart to pick up a few more things for the play room...curtains, a curtain rod, a little storage unit and some photo prints. Then, home to work out, make dinner, eat with the fam and relax the night away. Very quiet night for us, which was perfect and always necessary.

The diet and exercise has been going well. I got my walk in at work today, and my video workout when I got home. I've been watching what I eat, and bringing my breakfasts and lunches into work, keeping myself on track. It's been great, and I do feel like I'm starting to feel better, and look a little better, already. Hopefully I'll get some better results this week, and that always motivates me even more!

Here is a picture of my little cheeser tonight. Gosh, I just love that face to pieces!

1/29/12

Today was another fairly low key day. A much cleaner start to the day, thank goodness!

We spent the morning just hanging out, playing and relaxing. The girls were doing pretty good today...nothing other than the standard toddler fights to break up.

After naps, we split up for a bit. Christian and Olivia took our neighbors snowblower over to his parents house to his dad could take a look at it (when, we have NO snow, NONE in the forecast, and she lives in a townhouse and shouldn't have a snowblower anyway). They hung out there, did that and ate dinner. Meanwhile, Amelia and I were of to Target to do our weekly shopping. We picked up our groceries and some goodies and just spent some time there.

Amelia and I had some time at home to ourselves while we waited for the rest of the house to get home. We put the groceries away (Amelia was a HUGE help, even though she sounded like she was having a hernia every time she picked up a bag), ate some dinner and got ready for bed. Chaos ensued for a while once the rest of the house got home. Amelia quickly got tired and crabby, and was off to bed. Olivia sat and watched a movie, while Christian and I took to the play room again. Tonight we hung some shelves I bought.

I'd spent the day doing laundry on and off. As we were hanging shelves, the draining tub sounded EXTRA loud, and just not right. I went to check it out, and sure enough, the wash tub had overflowed and there was water EVERYWHERE. I couldn't believe it. So, our hopefully early night turned out to be VERY long as we cleaned up that mess. Seriously, always something. Of course, upon realizing what was happening, Christian was quick to blame me - surely I MUST have done something. While examining the tub, he pulled up a cleaning rag, that had fallen in and covered the drain.....that HE had left on the tub. He was quick to shut up after that. I LOVE moments like that. LOL

Here is a picture of our lazy animals today. Lazy Sunday for all :)