Ah, sleep. I could write volumes on the many aspects of how it has affected my life.
I could discuss how I miss it, especially now having two kids with irregular sleeping habits. I don't think I have ever felt "caught up" on my sleep since I turned 12.
I remember how I used to have a Sunday nap ritual; snuggled in my bed, regardless of the season, and slumbering in my down comforter until Sunday dinner would wake me.
I love sleeping in Royal's arms, he's so comfy and I feel super protected.
Nowadays sleep is something that I plan into my day. Not just for myself, but for naptime (at least for Grant as Lucy has refused to nap anymore.) And oh the joy of having 2 kids asleep at the same time. I almost don't know what to do once it happens.
But the two items I wanted to share are these:
1) Lucy's Magical Adventures in Sleeping. This is my daughter. She is a wild sleeper.
When I was little my mom told me I curled into a ball like a kitten when I slept. This is NOT Lucy. She randomly flails about in her sleep like an epileptic octopus. She also migrates. It is common when we check on her to find her OUT of her bed. Once I found her wedged between the two sidebars that are 2 1/2 feet apart. She doesn't seem to be too affected by it as she can sleep through the movement and the relocation each night. What a sweetie.
2) Putting a baby to sleep. Have you ever noticed how rewarding it is to get a baby to sleep? That whole expression of "sleeping like a baby" is something I truly wish I could achieve.
When you have the ability to hold and rock a sweet little thing to sleep, and to see the peace in their face; its inspiring. It's as if they are saying, "I Trust You." I love to smell their little hair and kiss their soft foreheads and let them touch my cheek. I try to take a couple selfish holds and hugs from my sleeping babies, just to feel a bit of heaven. It will always be one of my favorite things of motherhood.
ginormous bag of math papers and spelling lists in addition to your computer, purse, lunch, and any other scholastic project at hand, you just have to give a bit. By this time I felt pretty set for the day if I had earrings AND a necklace on. Not to mention that I now had 1 child and my lack of energy was apparent in my limited hairstyles.
Okay, so now I have arrived at: Stay at Home mom. The phrase along can conjure a wide array of images that we all know too well. For me it turned into the mismatched, leftover, overused, underutilized outfits of yesteryear. I am trying to reinvent my style while still being frugal and functional. By now I have two categories of outfits: 1)Going out of the house and 2) Staying in. I think it's self explanatory. Although I do now have a little more time for hairstyles and jewelry, my focus is on purchasing anything that will survive spit-up on one shoulder and boogies on the other. 2 words: Machine Washable.
When I remember those things, I realize that it is Christmas that helps us get there. And so THAT is why I love Christmas so much, and perhaps that is why I feel so somber when the day comes to an end. I think it really helps me appreciate those little things in my life better, and so that is why. . .I am already looking forward to next year.
Royal: Still (thankfully) has his job at his school. We are so grateful that he is able to be in a job that he truly enjoys, and that it provides for us to be happy and healthy. He is still the Elders Quorum President although our ward's EQ was split, so now he dutifully serves those with last names ending in I-Z. Each month he also surprises me with some new facial growth carved into creative design. He is truly a wonderful husband and a super-duper excellent dad!
Da'nelle: I quit my teaching job (see previous posts if you would like) in August and started doing some side jobs to help me stay at home with "the kids." (It's so fun to say it plurally!) I have learned the tremendous joys and struggles of being at home all day. I mean, honestly, where DOES the time go? But regardless of the trivial things there is absolutely NO place I would rather be than at home taking care and teaching and loving our two sweet children. P.S. Isn't this cow picture AWESOME! This is what motherhood is all about!
Lucy: Almost 3, and we know it. She took a turn this year when Grant came and she realized that she was no longer the center of the universe. She is sweet and precocious and capable of so much. It has been hard for me to see her as a little girl and no longer as my baby. She knows pretty much all her letters and can count to 12. She is adventurous and learning to be careful-we have had no concussions this year! We just love her!
When I was little my mom told me I curled into a ball like a kitten when I slept. This is NOT Lucy. She randomly flails about in her sleep like an epileptic octopus. She also migrates. It is common when we check on her to find her OUT of her bed. Once I found her wedged between the two sidebars that are 2 1/2 feet apart. She doesn't seem to be too affected by it as she can sleep through the movement and the relocation each night. What a sweetie.
When you have the ability to hold and rock a sweet little thing to sleep, and to see the peace in their face; its inspiring. It's as if they are saying, "I Trust You." I love to smell their little hair and kiss their soft foreheads and let them touch my cheek. I try to take a couple selfish holds and hugs from my sleeping babies, just to feel a bit of heaven. It will always be one of my favorite things of motherhood.
