It's a long one

I've decided lately I like being a homebody. Maybe it's just because it's a busy time of year, lots of traveling, makes me appreciate and enjoy the time we have at home. More so, because my energy level has been down for about the last month now. Not sure why exactly. Maybe hormones adjusing from weaning Gwyn, Winter, busyness, or maybe just a combination of it all. I'm having to be very realistic as to what I can accomplish and I've been surprisingly OK with lowering my expectations. Especially since I've been spending time observing in Owasso. I'm generally a people pleaser and obsess about getting little things done. Not so much these days. I can definitely attribute motherhood for helping me let go of those traits! Yay! Unfortunately, as a result, my blog is suffering from scarce updating, sorry.

Today and yesterday were good days with the babes and I. Wonderfully exhausting rather than terribly exhausting. I say that because the week leading up to yesterday and today have been difficult with Wilder. He has been emotional and very demanding. Comes with the age I suppose. Getting back into his routine this week has been good for him...he's been much nicer :) We've had lots of time to play, get our Christmas decorations out and not have to go anywhere. Even though I am physically tired from taking care of them at the same time I feel refreshed. Ready to face all that lies ahead in the next few weeks! I think I can, I think I can!

First, a few random updates.
Wildman:
-loves movies and TV right now. Current favorites are The Lion King, Fox and the Hound, and The Junglebook....not crazy about this but I'm trying to roll with it for now. He is still interested in many other activities so not seeing it as a problem at this point.
-Still refers to himself as Wilder (pronounced Wier) instead of I. Actually he doesn't use any pronouns at all.
-We are no where close to being potty trained. Still trying to be patient. He is not interested at all except for an occasional pee in the potty for an M&M about once every other day. I've been showing him big boy underwear, "see how soft these are Wilder? Wilder if you use the potty you don't have to have your diaper changed" (which he hates) "Diapers are for babies" None of it working!
-Has a love/hate relationship with his sister. Plenty of pushing down, steeling toys, kissing and hugging all in the same day.
-He is finally getting out his "just want mommy" stage, this is helpful at bedime!

Gwynny bear:
Of the two if feels like she is the one growing at rapid speed right now. Intellectually and physically. She is going to be a confident and determined young lady. Traits that I'm glad she possess, we just have our work cut out for us! Its wonderful to watch but also a bit sad for me to let go of her as a baby. I love her the size she is now, she still fits so nicely in my lap and arms. Can she please not get any bigger? She always has a smile and a kiss to give away. (she's still in her sweet stage!) She has found her independence and I think she likes it. She is way less dependent on me to fall asleep at bedtime now. Especially since we stopped nursing about 3 weeks ago.

Tonight we went to Spaghetti Warehouse (buy one get one free!). I set her up in her high chair with a plate in front of her with spaghetti and she sat there and ate it like a big girl. I guess I was overall amazed at how good she was (meaning no crying and didn't try to climb on the table) because of how tired she was. Only a 30 min nap all day. Anyway, she has to have a utensil in one hand while she eats with the opposite hand. Occasionally she would try to stab a bite with the fork but doesn't quite have the motor skills for that yet. Oh, and the babbling! We figured out that she has a sound that is similar to the question "What is that?" She is constantly pointing at things and saying tisdat? Pretty cute. And speaking of the lack of naps- Why is it that she will take 2 two hour naps for Lynda but will maybe get an hour in when she is at home with me? Arg.

I find myself constantly wanting to take pictures and capture how cute they are right now. It's like a wave of panic comes over me that they'll grow up too fast and I won't remember the details. On the other hand I don't want to miss moments because I'm scrambling to find my camera either. More reason to slow down and enjoy the details right!

And of a few things Christmas:
I love Christmas decorations. Especially vintage decorations. I could go bananas if I had the moolah! (ok, anything vintage. side note: while shopping in Eureka what did I come home with? a vintage wall clock for $12 from an antique store of all things). Last year I went to the store Vintage Holiday on 11th street and found a few treasures after Christmas including tree toppers and bulbs. Anyway, the silver tree in the pics is only 4.5ft and it is my tree that we usually put up in addition to our big green one. (it's not Blake's favorite, plus it's a little Charlie Brownish) Our big green one may not make it out of the garage at all this year. I think it's on it's last limb. So maybe we'll get a bargain after Christmas on a white tree which is Blake and I's compromise between green and silver! Of my favorite decorations this year is a ceramic tree that Blake's grandmother gave me. (pictured) I love it. I wanted to buy one at Vintage Holiday last year but couldn't afford it. Oh yes, good things do come to those who wait. Gwyn and Wilder have both loved taking the lights in and out of the holes. On my wishlist: I'm keeping my eyes out for the perfect December advent calendar. I think the kids would love one next year. Oh, and a nativity scene.

And, I'm a sucker for Christmas music. All kinds. From cheesy classics to Hymns. I've been trying to sing Oh Holy Night to Gwyn at bedtime but only know the chorus so I just keep humming the tune. So I thought I'd look up the lyrics, I'll share, what a pretty song:

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
'Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth

The thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices
For yonder brings a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees
Oh, hear the angel's voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night,
Oh night divine
Oh Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Oh
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt His worth
The thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices
For yonder brings a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O, hear the angel's voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine
O night,
O night divine

The nativity just captures my imagination. How can something so simple be so tremendous? I can't wait to meet Mary in heaven. (and Jesus too of course:)

Anyway, hope everyone is getting over the colds that are going around. I thought we were in the clear but Wilder came down with the crud again yesterday, yuck.

Nite Nite!