One more day...

It's been nearly 12 days since Mike left to Virginia for training and I've been on my own with two kids. This has probably been one of the hardest challenges I've faced as a parent and well, maybe in life!

I have so much respect for single parents/military families/spouses that travel a ton. I know compared to them, I shouldn't complain. But this is my blog so bare with me. Both kiddos are in daycare three days a week and thankfully Mike's parents helped me out. But barely getting sleep, then having to make breakfast, feed Milo, get out the door, work, pick them up, make dinner,  get them to bed and then start the whole process over, is mentally and physically exhausting.

Well let's just say it gets old. On the non-daycare days my sanity is challenged with Collin (aka boundless energy boy). When Mike's home, I can relax when he gets back from work. I don't mind making dinner. When it's just me though, it takes every ounce of energy to compel myself to make a home cooked meal. It's also discouraging when Collin turns up his nose at almost anything that's not a hot dog or a nugget. I'm starting to do the "eat it or starve" mantra because I'm just sick of it and tired. Going out to eat isn't exactly fun with two either.

On top of it, our house has been like a dust storm as the contractor finishes up so we can list our house. Then of course, Milo got sick. Although he's feeling better now, he seems to be in the reverse pattern of waking up several times at night which is making me feel like a zombie again. Collin wakes up when the sun rises (530 am or so), it doesn't matter how dark his room is, or how often I tell him not to get up until there's at least a 6 on his clock.

I'm far from a perfect parent. There have been times I snapped and yelled at Collin ending in lots of tears. There has been way more ipad watching than what is recommended. Pat on the back for not physically hurting him, seriously. The fact that both kids are adorable and Collin gives me cute lines and sloppy kisses helps.

I know Mike is not having a blast in the middle of nowhere, Virginia where his only food options are Applebees or Chili's and he's studying complicated computer forensics with a test for certification. At the same time, I don't hold lots of sympathy for him because compared to being ALONE with two kids, studying and sleeping without being waken at night, doesn't sound so bad.

And now, because why not, I'm feeling crappy and hoping coconut water, vitamin C and zinc do some magic. But there is only one. more. day.

Happy 4 Months

Poor Milo hasn't had it easy the last few weeks. Collin loves his baby brother and with that love comes four year old snot sharing and sloppy kisses. Topping that off with daycare, our little baby has basically had back to back illnesses, including cough, ear infection and impetigo.  I took him in a few days ago to the doctor when he was crying inconsolably and just seemed miserable. Pretty unusual for our happy little guy. The doctor diagnosed it as and, foot and mouth disease which basically means  a nasty virus that causes fever and sores on the hands, feet and most annoying, the mouth. The sores are probably pretty painful and for once Milo refused to eat. There's no treatment except Tylenol to relieve the discomfort. And lucky Mike got to miss out as he's been out of town on training. 

Last night was rough with Milo waking up in pain every couple hours, but  today Milo seems to be feeling much better and the sores don't look nearly as bad. He ate like he was starving and is starting to act like his old self. Tonight, I'm hoping everyone gets more rest and we can avoid more sicknesses for a while! 

At four months, Milo's favorite pastime is to show off his rolling ability. He loves to hang out on the floor on his tummy, pulling at toys and sucking on his fingers. He's rolled from his tummy to his back a few times but it seems accidental. I'm sure he'll figure it out soon. 

He also lunges forward like he's ready to propel (but we're not ready for you to crawl yet Milo!) We don't plan on baby proofing this house again and are hopeful it'll sell before we have to worry about that. 

However now that we're entering the oral fixation-everything-goes-in-the-mouth-stage, it's getting crucial to make sure Collin't tiny toys and legos don't end up near Milo's reach. He also loves to babble and we have quite a lot of conversations going. He gives wide mouth smiles and loves to watch his big brother act crazy. 

He's still a pretty happy, easygoing baby. And for the most part (except for when he's sick!) he's starting to sleep much better, which means I don't feel like a zombie anymore, yay!