Finally, an update!

Okay, I know it's been a ridiculously long time since my last post, I hope you understand since I am back at work now. The schedule and hours are insane, and keeping everything and everyone organized has been a huge challenge, but I think we're going to make it through this hurdle! The boys are being troopers, and certainly letting us know when it's all too much; unfortunately there have been a few times we have not been able to change the plan for them. This past week, only my second week back, I had student-led/parent-teacher conferences and was away two nights in a row (not good). But, I also took today off for a doctor's appointment for Owen (pesky ear infection, beginning second round of antibiotics, just to be sure) and we visited with Grammy and Nanny (grandmother & great-grandmother) and went out to lunch. It turns out, it was a snow day anyway! so I won't loose a sick day. Owen has finally broken 20 lbs.! I know, still so small, but he really is growing! Since he's been with us (just over 3 months) he has grown nearly 3 inches taller! He is going to daycare now 2-3 days a week and is doing quite well there. The other days he's with Grammy who is spoiling him rotten, but also getting to see some of his recent, typical 2 1/2 year old behaviors. Sam & Charlie are doing okay with the new schedule, although they are not listening to the morning babysitter as much as we or she would like. She's a sweet college student who comes at 6:30am-8:30am , so I can't really be too hard on her for not being tougher. Each of the boys has had one pretty terrible day at preschool, luckily that seems to be subsiding. I think the hardest part on Daddy is probably the extra work (he already does a lot!) and losing two afternoons a week on the jobsite. Of course the upside is more bonding time with the boys. Mommy is facing several new challenges, the most difficult of which is leaving a child behind saying "Mommy, no work!" or the first time Owen cried (real tears) when I left him at daycare. Staying up late doing laundry, packing lunches and backpacks is a breeze compared to that.

We have had several new fun firsts - like the first Thanksgiving, first snow and first girlfriend (Sam)! Owen spent his first night away (at Grammy's, GeeGee was in Florida), we met Santa Claus for the first time - at another first - the preschool Christmas production - where Sam & Charlie were the only kids who did not stay in line or for that matter on the stage! I would like to say Owen has taken his first steps without assistance, but it hasn't happened yet. However, he is cruising! Climbing up on everything (chairs, couch, on top of the desk, and the bunk bed ladder- which has now been removed). He walks holding on to things and with only one finger, but hasn't taken that first solo step! Any day we think!

Photos are:
Owen & Mommy at Thanksgiving (forgot the booster seat - rookie parent mistake)
Sam & Charlie with Uncle Willy (yes, I also noticed the knife in Charlie's hand - danger!)
Hanging with the cousins on the bunk bed - from left Owen, Charlie, Sophie, Joey, Sam
First snow! Sam (red) and Charlie (blue) love it!
Preschool Christmas show - Sam (yellow) & Charlie (blue)
Owen with "big boy outfit" and fancy new boots
Sam & his special friend: "my Hailey"
Owen & Daddy - first snow!
Uncle Allan & the older boys
3 boys in a box - it now contains all their winter clothes, boots, shoes, etc.) - notice names on shirts