Sleepy Sheep

It's official, I'm tired. I am what I call a 'sleepy sheep'. My son woke me at 6.30am, but was easily comforted again by his pacifier. Then he woke me at 7.30 and although my eyes were open, my brain was still snoring. It has been all day. My eyes are heavy and there isn't enough caffeine in the world to keep me alert enough to sit through a conversation. Man I miss my pillow.

Little one is just as grumpy and fragile today. It's a clash of the titans, who can moan and scream the loudest. I moan and grizzle, he wails and screams. I want to be left alone, he wants to be held - Constantly. I need my space, he needs my space too. And so do the dogs. And so does the outside world. Hubby will be home from the office shortly and he'll more than likely jump on the band wagon also.

Still, we live to fight another day (as well as our alarm clocks) and that's what really matters. Hopefully tomorrow the little dude and I will be full of energy, ready to go. Until then, as my Mom used to say as she turned out the lights, 'Don't let the bed bugs bite!

Christmas Cheer

I belong to a Mom's group in my local town and I love it. I thoroughly recommend it for all Moms who are looking for a support network. I've made some great friends and experienced some things that I never would have considered doing on my own. I've also learned a lot about life in America and the cultural differences between parenting here and back in the UK. (I have to say, I did avoid the Trunk or Treat at Halloween, as I fear the idea of kids and candy in the same sentence!) My confidence grows every time I meet these incredible people and I feel so privileged to know them.

Somebody from the group set up a 'secret Santa' exchange on-line and each week we receive a small gift from our 'Santa Mom'. I however, have two Mutts that have a bad chewing habit (they are still puppies and training is in progress) and when I looked out of my living room window yesterday to check on them while they were in the yard, I caught one of them chewing on a shiny red ribbon. I was so upset.

Luckily, it turned out OK, I received my gift in the mail today, but I can't shake the feeling of disappointment I had when I thought the dogs had destroyed my gift. Why? Because I am so grateful that somebody has put their time, love and thought into helping me feel more at home at Christmas time. So whoever that Mom is, I just want to say thank you. I feel like it's Christmas eve and I'm waiting for Santa to come all over again. It's been a long time since I've felt that way! You've truly made my Christmas and I appreciate you. Happy Holidays!

Are We Nearly There Yet?

Nearly. Very Nearly. I can see the determination in his eyes, his wanting to gain his independence. My son is learning to crawl. We have the Superman-doing-the-front-crawl position down pat, but the ability to propel himself forwards isn't quite there. He's very much like his father though, determined and stubborn. So I'm guessing it'll be any day now. Better start moving my china up to higher ground. . .

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love the cheesy Christmas music, wrapping presents, writing Christmas cards and decorating the tree. I love the food that comes with Christmas and I really wish I'd never discovered that Santa didn't exist. But this year's mammoth wrapping session didn't quite go according to plan. I surrounded myself in presents which I'd put into neat piles so I knew who they were for. I'd gathered my materials ready for use. 'Rocking Around The Christmas Tree' was blaring from the stereo and I had a cup of tea at the ready to help me keep my energy levels up. Lovely. I also had little one, rolling all over the floor trying to help. Paper was getting ripped, presents were getting drooled on, dogs were chewing on little one's stocking fillers. Not so lovely.

Isn't it funny how as little people (and puppies) grow and develop, so do our traditions. I can't wait for him to be old enough to understand the holidays, but at the same time, I can't bear the thought that he's growing up too quickly.

Life lesson #2: Take life as it comes.

If I think of the future, I'm missing the now. If I think of him crawling, I'm frantically moving things out of his way. It's just the way it goes.