Survival Mode: Off

After starting the year off on a positive note, the month of February really got away from me.

Our family has been slammed with all kinds of ick. Within the last month, our family has seen stomach flu, stuffy noses, pinkeye, ear infections, and even a nasty case of a parasitic illness. There have been lots of sleepless nights, cleaning up puke, and even an afternoon of mom being laid out on the bathroom floor.

Methinks there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel with spring around the corner. After weeks of being locked in survival mode, I feel like I can finally enjoy spending time with my children again.

They are both growing so fast, and I can’t believe my youngest will be a year old next month. Frankly, I am woefully unprepared to have a two-toddler house. I am already outgunned most days – I’m exhausted just thinking about having two littles blonde boys running around.

Little brother has developed a fun little habit of hysterically crying at the drop of a hat. And nothing – I mean nothing – will calm him down. We’re hoping this is a developmental milestone that passes quickly. As tiresome as his recent fits have been, his 1,000 megawatt smile more than makes up for it.

My oldest son is learning so much and, at times, shows maturity beyond his 2 years. This week I discovered that I can tell him to take a deep breath when he begins to get frustrated and he can start to calm himself down. It may not be 100% effective yet, but I’ll take a few less tantrums any day.

In my own realm, I have been chipping away at the novel I started last fall. I recently reached the halfway point and I have hopes to finalize the book late this summer. So while I haven’t been keeping up with my monthly blog posts, I have been exercising my creative muscles in other arenas. Perhaps, dear readers, there will be a chance to beta-read my story in the year ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates on life, writing and all things motherhood. As always, be humble, be grateful, and be nice to each other.