12 on the 12th December

This 12th day fell on a rather busy mommy day.

1 My day begins with getting kids dressed (since we are all on Hawaii time still we are LATE in the mornings and always rushing around! )

2 &3.  My babysitter for the girls fell through so I had to take them to Jackson's school to decorate gingerbread houses.  The girls LOVED all the candy right at their level.  Hallie was mostly distracted with my phone, but eventually the candy won over and it was hard to help Jackson much.  He didn't seem to mind and was just happy I was there.

4,5, &6  I took the girls to the Science center in Arlington.  Mariah was thrilled to be able to spot a snake (in a glass case) and frogs.  She kept yelling for me to look.  Hallie completed her entire Scavenger hunt and was very attentive to the details.  She has several girls her age in this playgroup/ward.  So we are excited for her friendships to develop.

7.  I am finally feeling like we are getting to know people, but am still feeling a little lonely.  I was gone for 4 weekends and no one called or missed me at all.  I didn't miss anything here, which makes it difficult to want to be here more.  I know I need to be here to improve friendships.  After the science center, all the moms took off within 1 hour.  I am use to just hanging around and enjoying mommy time.  Luckily, Abby stayed for a while and we got to talk and let the kids play in the leaves and the outdoors (the weather is gorgeous).   I am still hopeful that these friendships can develop into deeper relationships.   I waited to leave until too late (the other moms know how to not push their kids to the breaking point... not me!)  So Mariah threw a major tantrum.  Wish I'd gotten a photo of that!

8.  I met up at Dave's work for a minute and then went to get food for myself.  I got In'N Out and they asked if I wanted to eat it in the car and then proceeded to give me a lap food catcher and make it all ready to bite into!  It was delicious.

9.  Gas is SO cheap!  I paid $2.12/gal.  It is nice that it is more affordable, in a world where everything is getting more expensive.

10. After school, I took the kids to Costco to pick up some photos.  They loved playing with the toys that are out for Christmas, esp. this 'olaf'

11.  Dave and I went to "Torchy Tacos"  for dinner (the kids were there but don't like Mexican).  Dave loved it.  I knew he would!  It is fun to find new places to love.

12.  I spent the evening cutting our our Christmas cards, addressing envelopes and stuffing them.  It was a process to put it all together, but I love thinking about our friends through the different stages of life.  I sure miss many of them.  I hope these cards help us to stay in touch and keep our friendships

November 12 on the 12th

1. I woke up before the kids and started unpacking suitcases

2. and making Jackson a lunch.

3. I enjoyed the peaceful lit Christmas villiage Dave set up last weekend.  (it was SOOO cold this morning and this seemed to emit a warm glow)

 4. The kids and I flew home from our trip to Phoenix late, late last night so I let them sleep as late as possible.  This meant waking Jackson up at 7:45... just 15 mins before school started.  It was tough to eat breakfast.

5.Mariah and I got to eat breakfast just the two of us.  She didn't eat much, this is normal.  I think she is hungry most of her life.

6.  I couldn't figure out what to do with my day since Hallie wasn't even awake yet.  I was too cold to want to go anywhere, so I headed out in the garage to the treadmill.  I was really worried about Mariah getting on the treadmill, so I opened the car for her to play in.  Hallie found us (She woke up AFTER 9!!) and the girls played in the playroom while I finished my workout. I am trying to increase speed, and a treadmill pushes me to run at a specified speed.

7.  I had a mountain of laundry to fold and I had time to fold while my visiting teacher and I were visiting.  I'm glad to have these visits.

8. Hallie and I made homemade noodles for a chicken noodle soup on this bitterly cold day (in such a sharp contrast to beautiful, warm Mesa yesterday at the park).  She was very proud of her work.  She is fun to cook with.

9.  I menu planned for the week and made it simple by going for 100% soups.  Yum!  It is suppose to be cold all week.

10.  We shopped at Aldis before picking Jackson up from School. This store has a learning curve, but I am now enjoying the savings.

11.  After reading with me and doing his math homework, Jackson, all on his own completed this 'potion' experiment.  He did a great job.  He was so kind and loving and helpful all afternoon.  This is rare since the kids usually fight and annoy each other after school so much.  Knowing Dave wasn't coming home tonight made it so much easier to handle.

12. We ate home made chicken noodle soup and everyone was able to find a couple of things they liked from it.  (And I enjoyed all of it!)   The kids spent the evening doing 'crafts' and coloring while I cleaned up and played with Mariah.   Telling Jackson it was bedtime made all the good attitide he had all day disappear and his anger and frustration came pouring out and he ended up going to bed without the full routine.  He was really sad.  I was proud of myself for handling his tantrum with calm and peace and following through with consequences.

+ I didn't get a photo of Tasha and Kelly who came over to watch "The Fault in our Stars" with me after the kids were in bed.  We stayed up talking until midnight and I fully enjoyed having a little girls night.

As I reflect on this day, it really is just a day in the life of a mom, meals, laundry, cleaning, kids and more routines that aren't that exciting, but I had a fantastic day and spent time with my kids that I love.  It was a great, albeit mundane, day.

Sept 12 on 12th

 1. Our travel wall.  Almost done with decor
2, Current book, "Dad is Fat" funny and so relatable
3. In costco with the toys entertaining the girls
4. Maia LOVED this backpack and animal
5. Hallie's "Mommy school"
6. Played b-ball outside with the kids (It got COLD today!)
7. My chores today included tidying the play room
8. Getting Jackson home from school and getting a snack
9.  Taking the girls to the park for a play date
10.  Getting up late, set my schedule off
11. A Load of LAundry a day... keeps the crazies away?
12 Torchy Tacos.  Met some new friends/neighbors/members who live fairly close to me.  Happy to have friendly people around.

Honestly, this 12 on the 12th made me realize how empty and lonely I feel here in Texas.  It was a Friday, which is always more challenging because I am ready for the change of the weekend, but it can't come soon enough.  Today, we slept in until 7:30!!  Since school starts around 8, we were in a huge rush.  I felt so tired and sleepy even with sleeping in.  Jackson had hot lunch for the first time ever.  This started the whole day with a lack of motivation and I just felt TIRED.  Usually, I get up by 5 to run with people I met on Facebook or by 6 to workout or read scriptures.  This day just started wrong.  I definitely didn't want to do chores (and Friday is a 'light' cleaning day anyway) but I always do a load of laundry.   I tried to get up motivation to do school with Hallie,but since I didn't have anything specific planned in advance, I mostly spent the time looking for an activity to do and finding songs to teach when it is my turn for preschool next month. Hallie spent some time counting beads.  Like I said, I really had no motivation to do anything.  I had planned to meet a neighbor for the first time at Grapefest, but the rain kept us away.  She suggested meeting at a taco shop.  It was 15 mins always, so I thought it was a waste of a trip just for lunch.  I debated not even going, but I decided I was bored and needed to get out, hoping that raised my motivation for the day.  The tacos were pretty good.  I met a lady whose kids go to Jacksons school (Who is a member of the church).  So I was excited to meet some people who live near me who share my beliefs. Mariah stood up, and sat on the back of her high chair, immediately falling backwards.  I caught her leg as she went down inches before her head his the ground.  I felt lucky although it looked painful to be caught by the leg too.   Right after, my new neighbor/friend/member of the church was going to costco, so I thought I'd kill more time by getting samples.  I struck up a conversation with another mom who was letting her daughter play with the Christmas toys.  She found out within seconds that I was a Mormon and it turns out that she is friends with all the members that live just NORTH of me in the Colleyville stake, Keller 2nd ward.  I was so amazed that God helped me find a group of people who live around me through a non-member (who has a calling doing activity days!).     I was glad I went out, but then back at home felt the same non-motivation.  I read from my current book (Dad is fat) then got Jackson from school.  He has had no homework and so it has been nice after school to just relax.  Dave and I were planning on taking the kids bowling, but last minute the lanes were full.  I made dinner, but no one liked it so I ate alone and felt like a failure, even though I had tried to make a family meal.  We played basketball outside and talked to a neighbor for a minute.  I tried to plan a girls night, but apparently, last-minute deals don't work as well here, so no one came.  Dave and I watched a movie in the evening as he planned and prepared photos for our travel wall.

I wish this day fell a day earlier when I went running at 5 am, took the girls to the park, did school with Hallie, the kids painted and we visited a widow in our neighborhood as well as attending Jackson's curriculum night and watching BYU play while finishing Mariah's 1st year scrapbook.   Or maybe Saturday, when I ran 9.5 miles, grocery shopped for hours, cleaned house, prepped dinner, took Jackson to a birthday party, fed the missionaries and another family in the ward and finished the travel wall.  Much more entertaining and exciting and productive day, but none-the-less, such is my life.  Sometimes I am just boring and unmotivated.  Wish I could've gotten out of the funk.   There is so much I WANT to do and be, but sometimes I don't have motivation to do it, or feel paralyzed at what I should start with.

12 on the 12th August

1. My day started with an early morning run.  I've been getting bac in shape and running almost daily.  It is always hard to get it shape again, but it is worth it and I've enjoyed the stress release.

2.  We're official Texans with the texas plates!  It is so strange to see it on my car, but I guess it is reality now

3.  We went to the American Airlines museum.  There is a Lego castle exhibit on display right now.  The kids loved building and building.  My kids like to show me every couple of blocks.

4. Mariah went up the steps and down this slide a million times.  She also pushed a stroller all around which means mom following behind keeping her and everyone around her safe.

5.We invited and met friends from our new ward at the museum.  We took another boy that is around Jackson's age because he was worried he wouldn't have friends there.  We are excited to meet more people around here.

6. We ate lunch outside (in the shade).  It is HOT out, but the inside buildings are so cold we could handle it for a few minutes.  The kids love playing in rocks and sand.

7. We got a treat in our lunch of cheetos.  A favorite food of mine

8. We are decorating our bathroom in "beach house" theme.  I love the style and colors.  I love getting a hot shower every day and will enjoy looking at this.
 
9.  I took a nap during quiet time. The kids were remarkable quiet and didn't disturb me and for 45 mins I enjoy a cat nap.   Jackson read an entire Magic Treehouse book.  So proud of him.
 This is our new bedding we got.  I like it, but not love it.   I am always so hesitant to commit to something because I feel like it limits me.  I wished I found something I loved, but not to be, YET!

10. We ate dinner in the closet just to have a change of pace.  We hid from Daddy after I called him to dinner so he couldn't find us for a while.

 11. Mariah is so loving to me and gives me hugs and kisses throughout the day.

 12.  Our family played "Life" the card game.  My kids love games, but Daddy... not -so -much.  He is a good sport mostly. 

12 on the 12th July

Jacksons Birthday!! From Left to Right
1. Jackson officially turned 6 today.  We had a birthday party before we left Mesa, so it was a bit anti climatic, but we tried to make it fun while still trying to accomplish a lot of unpacking on our first Saturday in our new home. He got a magicians costume, a Magic treehouse book, Spot it Jr Game, a soccer outfit and a lego set. 
2. I got a new vacuum for my birthday and bought it used it for the first time today.  It really sucked and I love it!
3.  Hallie got me a jewelry organizer.  It is the first time I can see my jewelry and maybe I will wear them more frequently.
4.The guest room closet is being used as a storage closet.  There are no storage closets in the house and I am wondering what we will do once we get another kid... cross that bridge when we get to it I guess.
5.  We set up the kids room and it feel good to have at least one room with matching furniture, bedding and a bit of decor.  I love the colors.
6. We went through boses in the garage and I am so hesitant to throw away old memorable things.  I took a picture so I could 'have' this forever.  I remember making it with my best friend in High School, Kristen
7. Dave is a really hard worker.  Even in the blazing heat and humidity, he organized the garage and the boxes so we could make sure we werent missing any inside boxes.
8. Hallie 'ran into' this kid and we kept calling for Hallie and this kid would respond.  Turns out his name is Ali and he thought we were talking to him.
9.  Jackson chose McDonalds for his birthday meal, mostly because they give out beenie babies in the happy meal and he is obsessed with collecting them.  He was thrilled to get another one and to play with Hallie with them.
10. Mariah toddling around and being cute.  I love watching her.
11.  Getting some sonic at happy hour.  Moving into a new house means not being prepared with meals and food so we've had to go out a lot more.
12.  Jackson with his new beenie baby (called beenie boos by him).  He loves playing these with Hallie.  He is a good brother.

12 photos on the 12th of June

The kids and I were at the Shields Family reunion.  We missed Daddy, but were surrounded by family.

1.       All 13 of my parents grandkids were together for the first time.  It was totally chaotic with 13 kids under 5 and only the moms there.  Luckily, my mom and Dad were amazing to hold babies, tend, wake up early, take kids around, etc.  They are such amazing grandparents.  Constantly serving the kids and the moms in turn.

2.       Jackson and Dayton made Marshmallow guns and had a huge fight (Hunger Games style)

3.       Hallie has so many girl cousins right around her age.  Afton, Eden (2^nd cousin) and Lizzy (2^nd cousin)

4.       The swingset was a favorite of the kids.  It was tall, so the kids could go high, but constantly needed pushing.  UnderDogs were the favorite.

5.       Hallie and Afton (only 2 months apart).  I hope my kids are close with their cousins like I feel to mine

6.       Jackson and Grant were the youngest 2 on the hike to Stuart Falls.  They did pretty good despite some falls.  I think it was 4 miles (not the 2 miles I was originally told).   Jackson was hungry by the end.  He had 2 rocks that were his ‘power’ and ‘energy’.

7.       Jackson and I are getting along much better lately.  I make a concerted effort to spend special one-on-one time for at least 10 mins each day.  Jackson looks forward to this time and I enjoy spending time with him. 

8.       Grandma Louine is to thank for the many family members at this reunion.  She had 9 children who like to get together as often as possible.  She is amazing to know everyone’s names and little details about their personality and life.  She worries about and prays about all of her grandkids.  She is amazing.  (and Mariah cried when anyone held her except mom)

9.       Jackson, Dayton and Grant waiting their turn on the slip and slide.  They had so much fun together.  Mostly, they played in Grandpa’s tent trailer. 

10.   Mariah did warm up to Gma Ahlstrom, but only when mom wasn’t around.  I hope Bree and Mariah are good friends. Mariah has an infected finger (her fingernail was pulled up as a door closed on it).  I worried all day about taking her to a dr. or not.

11.   We had a skit night in which my family made up new words to several pop songs.  Jackson loved it and has been making up new words to songs ever since.   The shields are quirky and like to make fun of each other for the quirks.  It was a funny night.

12.   Aunt MaryAnn did Hallie’s hair and she looked so cute.  She is so happy and sweet.  She loves to tell people what she likes about their outfit, hair or jewelry.  She is aware of lots of ‘girly’ things around her.

Dave was super busy working and with only a little reception I hardly got to talk to him at all.  All we talked about was extending our closing date on our house 2 days so we could get the power of attorney done.

12 on the 12th May

11.      We woke up this morning with my parents still in Town.  Shane and Kim came for the weekend and we had a great time playing, swimming, going to Organ Stop, cooking and being together.  They left and my parent stuck around for Tyler’s graduation and to see more of baby Alyssa.  Grandpa sure loves his grandkids and despite Mariah’s constant pushing away, he still tries to persuade her to like him.  Grandpa has been having severe pain in his lower back and despite lots of doctor visits hasn’t been able to figure out what it is.  We are all really worried about him and praying for his health

2.    

   Jackson had his Kindergarten graduation and Grandma and Gpa came to support him.  Gma is staying for 5 days to watch you while I go to Dallas with Dad to search for a house for us.  She is so loving to the grandkids.  She is active and physical with them.  She takes them to parks and plays rough and horsey.  She is patient and attentive.  She is a wonderful Grandma.

3.       I spent much of the day emailing realtors, property managers, lenders and other people to get ready for our house hunting trip.  I really an anxious about finding the right house in the right neighborhood and price range.  I am nervous about getting approved for a loan, getting a realtor to have full time attention to us, etc.  I am a normally anxious and nervous person, so when big changes come it really makes me have anxiety.

4.       Our beloved swing set.  We’ve had this a little over a year and the kids and neighborhood kids love this thing.  We are sad we are selling it and have to leave it behind.  The kids love to play mom and dad and rocket and other various games on it. 

5.       Hallie is cuddling with the new bear Jackson made at his field trip.  She learned to buckle herself in the car seat (Hallelujah!) and is still wearing her pretty pink dress, although not so often since I’ve found some suitable alternatives. 

6.       Jackson and his teacher Mrs. DeMarco.  She had a baby a few weeks ago so saying goodbye was a bit anti-climatic, but she came back to say goodbye to the kids for graduation.

7.       Daddy’s been traveling for work a lot and he was leaving again today, so he likes to spend time cuddling and kissing his kids before he goes.  He is a great daddy to them.

8.       More kisses from Daddy to Hallie at Jackson’s graduation

9.       Mariah looking at me from her car seat.  She is much too big for this, but it is still so convenient that I have a hard time moving her.

10.   Our family at Graduation.  I sure love my smiley kids and my happy family.  We are so glad to be going together to a new place.  At least I know we can have happiness together!

11.   Jackson and a few of the kids in his class.  We only got to know couple of kids outside of class.  Ava lived right around the corner from us, but unfortunately, never really got together.  We babysat Wyatt a couple of times.  And went to 3-4 birthday parties for school friends.  Jackson liked school and friends and he seemed to be well liked by others when I would go visit, but none that he feels is a best friend. 

12.   Every night I say to my kids “I love you today, I love you tomorrow, I love you forever!” and I found this jewelry in an ad on the airplane.  I 

12 on the 12th April

a snapshot (or 12) of my life on a Saturday, April 12.

1. Dave helped Jackson make paper airplanes (my attempt was a complete failure... spacial understanding is a major weakness of mine).  Jackson was thrilled all day to play and fly planes created at 'his' hands.  We love having Daddy home all day on Saturdays!

2. Bath time.  These kids act like they hate baths then they get in an love it.  It only takes me getting one kid in before they all want a piece of the action.  They really do hate being 'cold' after the bath though.

3. I took Jackson to a friend in his school class' birthday party.  The kids got wet, had a big bouncy slide and watched "frozen".  It was nice to get to know a few parents of Jacksons friends, but mostly I felt like I wasted 3 hours that I wanted to be doing other things.

4.  I came home to re-realize that I married the best guy.  He spent the 3 hours I was out chit-chatting and being bored at the party, doing my cleaning to -do list.  The house was spotless!  Amazing feeling!  I am so lucky to have him! I ended up feel like I didn't know what to do with myself for the next few hours!

5.  Today's game was Guess Who?  The kids love games and that is my go-to when things are getting out of control and I have time to spend with them.

6. Hallie got new Jelly shoes (as did Mariah) Summer season has officially begun.  She was fun to take shopping the other day because she really likes shoes and trying them on was heaven for her!

7. Mariah... this ended up being the first of 4 baths today.  She was sick and with it coming out boths ends.  So sad, and yet she is still a happy loveable sweet-heart.  Laundry and changing sheets was common today.  She is taking 3-10 steps consistently now and it wont be long until she is walking (I am done with the crawling stage... she is ruining her shoes, getting so dirty and crawling on her summer dresses... I want her to walk!)

8.  Jackson found this book in my 'gift' closet and begged... and I caved.  I really didn't think he could read it since it seems to be written for 10 year old boys, but he LOVES a challenge so he read several sections (thus the paper airplanes) and now he is convinced I am buying arrowheads to make a bow and arrow....

9.  We got a babysitter and headed out to dinner with many friends in our ward/neighborhood.  We ate at Souper Salad and were the youngest people there by 30 years.  So funny!  I really enjoy my friends here and had a great time playing with them and my husband.   I over ate as always, but luckily it didn't affect my run later :)

10.  After dinner we went to North Scottsdale for the Blacklight Run.  Before the race we decked out in glow gear.  We walked a long way to the start line and waited even longer to start the race.  We were in the very last wave and started running at 8:30.  Nearly everyone on the course was walking (slowly) so it was an obstacle course to dodge people, trees, bushes, holes all in the dark with bright lights shining in your eyes periodically.  It was fun to keep a fast pace with Dave.

11. We don't go out together enough.  Dave would rather go alone the two of us and I am always up for big groups... so this night was all about my preferences.  He was a great sport and had fun... even when I wanted to go dancing.

12.  We ended up covered from head to toe in glow powder that shone in the black lights.  We danced a bit and enjoyed being with friends.  Such a fun night, we came home exhausted and dirty.  It was fun to have a multi-colored shower :)

12 on 12th March

1. Jackson is on spring break, so we are having a bunch of fun with him.  He rode his bike to the park while I ran the girls in the double stroller.  We are loving the weather right now, although I can feel it getting a bit hotter... summer is coming!  I loved watching my big boy peddle his heart out ahead of my racing to the park.

2.  Mariah is officially into the mess making stage.  She loved opening cupboards and drawers and pulling everything out!

3. reading books.  We went to the library yesterday.  Jackson has already read 2 chapter books (2nd grade level) and Hallie has turned through the pictures of all 33 books.  These kids love books.  I try to read to them at nap time since bedtime has gotten so long we tend not to read then.

4.  Dave working on the laptop.  It seems he works almost every night from home.  He is a hard worker and has too much to do right now.  The Merger is coming up and keeping him busy.

5.  Jackson loves to play with Mariah.  We let him be the horse tonight and she giggled as she rode on his back.

6. We made Chex muddy buddies for a snack.  Jackson loves to read the back of the cereal boxes and all the chex boxes have recipes.  It was my first time so it was fun to share it with the kids.  Jackson is able to do so much of the work, so it is nice to actually feel that we are doing it together.

7.  Hallie's playgroup.  I love that she has friends she loves to be with weekly.  Today she ran around singing and doing the moves to "Let it go".

8.  The night ended with me packing for a camping trip in Houston with our cousins.  I hope we are able to get there and get home without incident :)

9.   LAST month on the 12th I had a pic of life... Well, Jackson talked me into it again today.  He set it all up and wanted to be the banker.  Luckily, about half way through Mariah had a melt down and we counted our fortunes early :)  Jackson knows I am a sucker for games.  I love that he can actually PLAY many games.  Yesterday he seriously KILLED me in ticket to ride.  Smart kiddo!

10. Mariah still takes 2 naps which means we are home between 9-10:30 and sometime in the afternoon.  I love that she is happy and content even if we push her naps around a bit, but I also love that I don't have to worry about timing since I don't have to get Jackson from school.  It makes it easy to do 2 naps.  Hallie and I take a quiet time during her second nap and frequently I even get a nap!

11.  writing in the kids journals.  I still try to write daily in Hallie and Mariahs journals.  I have started writing monthly on my personal journal blog about Jackson.  I hope the kids value these someday.  I certainly like going back and reading them (especially when comparing kids at different stages.)

12. I didn't get 12 photos today.  I WISH I had a photo of Dave playing "rough" with the kids.  The kids love it and I love the sound of happiness and fun in the house.  Mariah always tries to get involved too now.  Tonight she threw fits when Hallie took her toy she was playing with.  She is getting more fiesty, curious and strong minded.

12 of 12 February

This happen to fall on a VERY sick day for me.  The past 2 weeks the whole family has been sick, so this seemed appropriate, but I definitely didn't take pics of me this day.

1. Netti pot:  I'd never heard of this before a facebook plea for help with my sinus'.  I went and bought this immediately.  I'm not sure it worked since I couldn't even get it to flow at all.  I was way too clogged up.  At 8:30 am, my friend shopped by to give me oils to use on my sinus' and in the pot.  This seemed to help things flow a little better.  I'm so blessed with good friends.
2. A book to read: My friend borrowed my car yesterday and checked me out my book on reserve.  I finished it in one day... lots of time to sit and lay around means lots of time to read.  This friend also gave me a head massage to relieve some pain.  SO sweet! I'm so blessed with good friends.
3. Usually I am really on top of the kitchen mess.  A messy kitchen shows how awful I am feeling.  Another friend dropped off some medicine late last night and offered to do my dishes.  I was embarrassed and said no, but all day I wished I would've let her because the mess was overwhelming, disgusting and a cause for more headache.  I'm so blessed with good friends.
4.  Hallie decided to wear the top and skirt I made her last week.  She looked so cute.  Too bad no one saw her and too bad I was too sick to do her hair.
5. My bed... at least it was made right? I took 2 naps today!  First when Mariah was sleeping I gave Hallie the leap pad, the kindle AND the ipod and slept.  Then all 3 of us slept during 2nd nap.  I was still tired all afternoon.  I guess I really needed it.
6.  My kids got to watch TV and get their own snacks (cereal)
7.  Jackson talked me into a game of life which was torture for my headache.  He was good enough to pick up all the toys on the floor to 'earn' playing time with me.
8.  What happens when kids get their own snacks.  I hate stepping on cereal on the floor.  Big pet peeve!  My cousin brought over dinner so I didn't have to cook.  This was a LIFESAVER!  I loved a hot meal without having to go through the pain of preparing it!  I'm so blessed with good friends.
9.  Mariah.  Thankfully she is feeling better.  I couldn't smell her stinky diapers, so I caused a bit of a diaper rash, but besides that she's been so pleasant and happy.  I didn't breast feed at all today.  Low milk supply and feeling crappy I just didn't want someone sucking the little life I had out of me.
10. Sleep time. Luckily Dave got home right at bedtime to help out.   I love that Jackson falls asleep reading books every night.
11.   Usually Hallie is up for much longer than Jackson, especially on days she takes a nap.  Everyone in the house was asleep before Hallie tonight.  She stays in her bed reading and singing until she falls asleep.
12. Sweet Mariah sleeping.  She is not sleeping through the night yet, getting sick for me and her meant waking up with her.  Usually she is up around 3 or 4 and again at 5 or 6.  She goes right back to sleep after eating a bit.  Hopefully, by 1-year-old she WILL be sleeping through the night.