Rollerskating fun

Today we tried something new and exciting; Rollerskating! Derick, Darla, and I traveled to Auburn's Skate Connection to attend their tots time on Tuesdays. It was a very fun and inexpensive way to spend the morning. It took us a little while to get the right size skate for Derick, but once we did, he was really into it. Darla got to ride around in a stroller (which she really enjoyed-those lights are very interesting), and mommy got to skate too! All for $4! We met up with some friends for some cool drinks and then after the skate was over, lunch at McDonalds. Good times!

Dancing Fool

I had to share some cute shots of Derick. He loves to dance! Lately, he's figured out how to work the CD player in his room. Now he puts on his own music and has a dance party anytime he wants! Jeremy and I can recite to you the whole NoodleBug CD! Over the weekend, he appeared at a family gathering dressed (or should I say undressed) in his underpants, a ball cap, and his cousins high heeled shoes. He was ready for a dance party! I didn't get my camera out fast enough to catch him in this getup, but I do have some dancing shots from earlier this week. Enjoy my sweet dancing fool!

First Signs of Spring

It's March and it's been a cold spring so far.....but there are some wonderful signs that the earth is awakening. I've been watching the green leaves of my tulips and daffodils push upward, and I've even got a few daffodils blooming. The lilac bush and cherry tree have buds on the branches. And my favorite: the return of our family friend, Mr. Zippy! It's the Rufus Humming bird; one of our favorite birds to watch. After moving into our home years ago, we discovered the birds flying about the neighbors yard. I started putting out humming bird feeders and now they come back every year, in March. We also have attracted Anna's Hummers, which stay around all winter long. What makes the Rufus so fun is the noise that the males make when they zoom about. It's a loud buzzing that announces their arrival. And they are highly aggressive birds, chasing the Anna's hummers away. They take up posts in the trees around our yard and it's always fun to watch their antics. Oh, how pleased I am that spring is here. We are moving out of the darkness and into the light. Mother, I am filled with joy to walk beside you into the sun.

Sick little boy

So, the nasty bug that everyone has been talking about going around has struck our little man. He woke up this morning at 5:30, throwing up. Jeremy and I helped him through it, while his little tummy emptied itself, completely. It's such a helpless feeling to watch your child throw up. You know how awful it feels and that there's nothing you can do but be a comfort when it's over. He was so brave, and learned the signs that it was coming on, quickly. Even through all the yuckiness, he still managed to make me smile. At one point, I asked him if he was ok. He said, "I don't feel like saying much, right now." What a cutie, even sick! Derick didn't really nap much, and after some sips of Gatorade he started to feel better. Unfortunately, he got sick again this evening. I remember when I was sick, all I wanted to do was be near my loved ones. I'm guessing my son is similar because he finally just laid his head down on the couch and slept. I had to take a picture, because I don't get many opportunities to catch him sleeping! I hope he feels better soon.

Wacky Weather Day

There's a saying....."If you don't like the weather in the Northwest, just wait five minutes and it'll change." Today was one of those days. We started the day off with snow, moved to sideways rain, it hailed, then we had some sun breaks, back to rain, and ended the day with snow again! And throughout the whole day, the wind blustered and blew against the house. It was pretty crazy and fun to watch. It sure feels like winter around here, but I have hope, as I watch my tulips push their green leaves upward. We will warm up soon! We were watching Jeremy's nieces for the morning, so the house was full of energetic kids. It was great fun for Derick, who adores his older cousins. We played play dough, built train tracks, made cookies, and did a hail storm dance. It was a very nice indoor play day!

Something's still missing.....

Darla turns 4 months old this Friday (in three days) and life with her is getting lots better. She is ADORABLE when she's happy. Big smiles and the beginnings of a laugh are our rewards. She's blowing raspberries and enjoys being on the floor now, too. She goes to bed around 10pm (well, she did until Daylight Savings ended!) and will sleep for about 7 to 10 hours. Which is really nice for me. I'm getting more sleep and that makes me a better mom. I still get cranky when Derick doesn't take a rest, but I'm noticing he's starting to transition out of them. Some days, he'll sleep. Others, he won't. Quiet time is in effect at our house, either way, cuz mommy needs the break. And most days, a break is all I need.

But, there's still something missing. I think it's my self confidence that seems to have taken the biggest hit lately. I'm not sure why, but I'm struggling with some old mental tapes that I thought I'd put away for good, years ago. I know part of it is my physical body. I'm not loosing the baby weight as fast this time. And I don't like the way I look in the mirror. It's definitely time to really focus on the calories I'm putting in. But it's more than that. It's this feeling of loneliness in the midst of having lots of friends. It's this scattered feeling in the midst of getting alot more done than I was two months ago. It's this annoying questioning voice, and when it comes around, I start doubting myself and my self worth. Grrrrr. I know things will continue to get better. I'm just really ready to be past all this and back to my happy self again. Maybe all I need is a few date nights with my man and to hit the streets with my walking shoes, again. Rain or shine. Wanna join me?

Here's some fun pics from the last few days. We started bringing out more of the baby gear that's been in the attic. It sure makes our tiny living room feel even smaller. But, Darla is digging the Jumperoo. Derick likes it too....he enjoys interacting with her while she's in it. They are sooo cute to watch. He's very loving with her, and she's all big eyes for him.