Questions

I returned home from my short trip to N.C. and was greeted enthusiastically by my girls. Bronwen gave me lots of hugs and kisses and then inquired: "Mama, would you like a beer?" I totally approve of T.J.'s hospitality training.

He told me that earlier she had asked him who Mrs. Ippi was. Or, he said, it could have been Miss Assippi. He told me he wasn't sure how to answer her.

Jan 6

I am panicking a little about my travel arrangements. Not only am I leaving my sweet girls and T.J. behind, but also will travel when the weather is less than cooperative. I depart from Baton Rouge tomorrow morning, it's currently raining, and the low tonight is 20 degrees. At least I will know ahead of time if my flight is delayed/canceled.

Bronwen has of late been crying for me in the middle of the night. No explanation, just crying until I get her back into bed. Last night she started up around 11. I went in, put her in bed, and the following transpired:

Me: What is wrong?
B: I don't know.
Me: Why are you crying?
B: Because I wanted you to come.
Me: Why?
B: Because I like you.
Me: Well you will like me more if I get some sleep.

And she didn't get up for the rest of the night! I hope she is okay when I am gone. She and I have such a routine down; intellectually I know she will survive, but I also remember the horrible feeling of really missing my mom.

Granny

For those of you who don't know, my grandmother passed away on Monday afternoon. Jana and I have many great memories of her, but my favorites include her care packages, going to visit her in Detroit, and going to see her daily when she and I lived in Shelby. Never have I seen her smile wider than when she got to meet Bronwen. She was so afraid to hold her!I am going up to Shelby for the funeral this Saturday. I have no idea how I will leave my girls, but I am certain it is better that they stay home.

On a happier note, Lila went in for her 9-month check up yesterday. She is weighing in at 20 pounds, 12 ounces, and is 28.5 inches tall. I can't believe how big she has gotten!
Since the weather has been so frigid lately, I went ahead and gave Bronwen a robe I bought for her. It's a 4T size, but I think it fits perfectly. She loves it! In fact, it's 11 this morning, and she is wearing it over her clothes. Of course, I have mine on too.

January 3

It's been a long weekend, with Lila and Bronwen waking throughout the night, performing their covert sleep deprivation experiments on me. So far I think I have been performing well, but I really need to get them settled. Lila is finally over her runny nose, or has at the very least turned the corner, and last night Bronwen discovered that I am not the only one who will come to her when called, much to her dismay. We had a long conversation tonight about how she needs to sleep until the sun is up, so I hope this will be effective tonight.

Lila was sleeping well today, so likewise, I hope it bodes well for this evening. I am an optimist.

Bronwen received two games for Christmas and loves them. She wants to play them all day long--she must get this from T.J., because I am not an enthusiastic participant in games. I am trying, and I do play with her when she asks.

T.J. brewed beer tonight. I got Lila to bed, and T.J. took care of Bronwen, up to the point where she needed to actually go into her bed; he had to fiddle with something concerning his brew. Bronwen started crying in her room, and I told T.J. to get her to bed...I heard her say to him, "No, no, you need to brew beer."

He agreed.
In the meantime, Lila's new favorite activity is checking out the goings on outside. Must have been something funny...

I Didn't Crop Jana

A second look...closer in age :-)

It's all in the eyes...

Thanks to my sister for posting this pic on her FB page--I am sorry for cropping you out, Sister, but your cuteness would have detracted from my purpose.

Is it just me, or does Lila remind you of someone?

January 1

It seems 2010 decided to start off with quite a bang--involving Lila and Bronwen tag-team crying last night to the point where I basically got little to no sleep. I have no idea what was bothering Bronwen; she just kept waking up crying for me. When I asked her what was wrong, I just got a tearful, "I don't know." I realized around 3:30 that she could still hear fireworks, and I wonder if that didn't upset and confuse her.

We had to get up early for church, and I figured today would be rough. T.J.'s sister invited us all to her house, and I knew I wasn't going to make it. I was just too tired. T.J. went and took Bronwen, and I managed to be incredibly productive. I think it had to do with the fact that T.J. gave me real coffee this morning instead of my usual unleaded.

I cleaned the bathrooms, got super glue off the floor (don't ask), did all the laundry, vacuumed the carpets, cleaned the kitchen, reorganized the books in Lila's room by age, genre, and author, took down some Christmas decorations, and straightened the girls' rooms. I didn't get to nap, but Lila went down for a nice, long nap, so I got to rest for a little while.

T.J. and Bronwen arrived home, and Bronwen was tired and a little cranky. She did manage to perk up a bit when she saw the basket of clean clothes, putting a pair of my underwear around her neck, and running through the house yelling, "Look at me! I'm panty girl!" I really have no idea...but I am fairly certain she gets that silliness from me. (Jana: remember Ninja socks?)

I wrote how Lila is like Cookie Monster--here is proof:



And now, another installment of "What are you doing, Little Mouse?"


I think I am going to crash early tonight! Hopefully everyone will sleep well, including me.