Happy Halloween!

Hubs flew to Hong Kong first thing. Chase put on her costume when she awoke; she picked out the Ling Ling the Chinese Panda. Super cute!















We then went to the airport and picked-up Nana Cris, who flew out for Halloween(and to keep me company - Hubs has been gone a lot lately). From the airport we made a quick trip to Whole Foods and then on to Boo at the Zoo (the Denver Zoo is mobbed every year by kids and parents in full costume - they give out candy, have crafts, etc.) The best part is seeing everyone in costume.



























We met up with some friends, Chloe & Cooper...



























Picked-up some candy, did some crafts ...













































And then it was home for a quick dinner...













And then off to trick-or-treat!



















Oh and all the candy, too!



















And then Chase and Madoc stayed-up, waiting for the bigger, older kids to come to the door. All in all, it was a wonderful day. But we missed DADDY!

My Little Food Critic & More

I made Chili Con Carne with cheddar biscuits for dinner tonight. Chase tasted the buscuits and told me "Mom, you put too much cheese in these. They taste like Play Dough. Next time, don't put so much cheese in them."

Yesterday, I wrote the name of one of Chase's friends on a piece of paper. Chase took a pen and wrote "Linus" right next to it. I said, "Chase, I never knew you knew how to write."

"Oh Mom," she said. "I've known how to do this for a long time in my head."

Tie A Ribbon

Chase was getting really upset with me, because she wanted me to wake her up and snuggle with her at night. Truth is, I do sneak into her room after I put Madoc to sleep and give her a little cuddle, but she is never awake, in fact she is so asleep she doesn't even realize I am there.

So I told her I would tie a ribbon to her bed after I came to check on her. So far, it's working like a charm. She wakes up, sees the ribbon and is a happy girl. Now I just have to remember to tie it...

Madoc At 10 Months

Wow. I seriously can't believe Mads is 10 months. Things are getting easier, and harder. Still battling various things that cause sleep deprivation - she's had a cough for the past two weeks - this following the appearance of her four top teeth. But even though night is rough, she is such a little angel, and such a pleasure to be around. She gives me strength when Chase is having a tantrum, just as Chase gives me strength when Mads starts shrieking.

Mads and Chase are really enjoying their time together now. Just this week, they took a bath together for the first time and both LOVED it. Lots of happy shrieking, smiles, splashes. And Mads already has a voice - she really lets you know if she wants something, or is unhappy about something. For example, this morning I was taking a shower and she started crying and didn't stop until I made a bath and put her in. She has also taken to eating at the same table as Chase. She stands right next to her and I put a plate down that has what Chase has and they happily nibble together. Tonight, they raced each other up the stairs. Madoc laughed the entire time. And then cried when she got to the top because the fun was over. It's brilliant. So beautiful.

And I love how cuddly Mads has become. She just curls right up and puts her head on my chest, or in my arms. Speaking of which, I've started telling Chase the Cuddle Chronicles, which I should turn into a book someday - each night I tell her a short story about when we used to snuggle together, and I tell her a story about the country we were in at the time, and what we used to do, and always end with her cuddling right next to us. I think she understands why we need to cuddle Madoc so much but it doesn't make it any easier.

The girls are my life. I spend every waking moment with them. Terrified I will miss something and that I will never be able to get this time back. But I'm realizing more and more that I need time for me. Time to regenerate; I'm pretty warn out. When Mads finally starts sleeping through the night (oh please, oh please let it be soon), I will make a point of getting a little time to myself every day, even if I have to wake up before the girls do (so as not to miss anything). I need it to be a better mom and a better wife.

And to my dear husband who has been so supportive throughout - thank you, thank you, thank you.

Chase And Madoc

Chase said to me, "Madoc wants to know why I can do so many things she can't do." Cute.

She also told me, "Mommy, you're the best. You're the best, Mommy." I usually dislike it when she repeats herself over and over again, but I really loved it that time.

Am I Bad

Wow. I have really slowed down on the blogging. Maybe it's because I'm FRIGGIN exhausted these days. Yes, that's it. Will I ever sleep again?

Poor Hubby!

Here is the picture of Hubs' arm. Poor guy!

Long Time, No Post

No time. That's why. Madoc has been teething nonstop for the past month - she just had her four front teeth poke through her little gums a couple days ago. She hasn't been sleeping. Neither have I.

Madoc can now say "Mama" and "Dada." She can also say something close to doggy. She dances to music. Shakes her head to everything. It's hilarious. She chases Chase around the house. The girls are really beginning to enjoy each other. It is wonderful to see.

Hubs broke his wrist. Had surgery. Six pins. Doctor says it will take about 10 weeks to heal. We've gotten through one week, and it's pretty hard for both of us. He has to keep it elevated. And I can't count on him like I used to to help around the house and with the kids. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

Chase is using new words, phrases. She is beginning to speak more like an adult, less like a child. She loves school. She loves her friends. She played at school from 11:30 - 4:30 (I picked her up at 3:15 and we stayed on in the playground with a couple friends until almost 5 pm). And she didn't want to leave. Not even then. She is such a social little lady.

Other than that, there are a couple things in the hopper that could really change our lives - again - but until any of it becomes a reality, it's best for the moment to enjoy the present. I have a feeling we are in for big change.

Halloween

Chase told me she wants to be a "spooky carrot" for Halloween. I asked her what Madoc should be - she said, "a spooky watermelon."

You Look Like A...

Yesterday Chase told Madoc she looked like a goat. Today, Chase told her she looked like a chicken. Nice.