2013 :: week 17

One of Lauren's favorite spots to hang out is at the bottom of our stairs. Its been a favorite hangout of hers for awhile, but she really stepped up her game while we were in Boston. Sunday afternoon we couldn't find her and then there she was, just sitting on the bottom step. I am not as careful about keeping the gate up as I used to be because she usually isn't interested in climbing up the stairs. Also of note, Sunday was her first day in the nursery and she did great!

Monday night we had our friends the Tanzies over for dinner. After we ate the kids played in the basement for a bit. Will is really into "hiding" right now, and the kids hid between our storage. The Tanzies are some of the first friends we made when we moved here and it is sad for us to see them go, but exciting for them.

Lauren got her 18 month shots this week. Usually her shots don't seem to bother her too much, but this time they did. She was fine so long as she was nestled in my lap. It was a bit of a gray day with lots of drizzle and Will wanted to go outside. Usually I don't let him go outside by himself, but since Lauren needed me indoors I decided it was okay to let him out as long as I could see him from the window. It was kind of funny watching his hooded figure move around the backyard. I'm so grateful for our big windows that allow to me to keep an eye on him while keeping Lauren cozy.

Half eaten bowls of cereal aren't really worth remembering, except for the fact that they are becoming annoyingly common. Lauren used to be such a great eater. Now I am struggling to get her to eat much of anything. It is really frustrating because I try to adapt the meals I plan to her dietary restrictions, but when she won't eat it TJ and I are stuck eating the bland food (Will hasn't been eating most of the things I make for years).

For some reason library fines don't motivate me to return materials on time. But I'm turning over a new leaf and I've kept my fine balance steady at $0.00 for over a month now.

On Friday I took the kids to the local children's museum. Will asked me to put a "W" on his cheek, then decided that I need the "ill" on mine. We had a fun time, but every time we go I end up getting annoyed at other parents. I know my parenting skills have room for improvement, but I do my best to keep an eye on my kids when were are in public and not let them run amuck.

Saturday night we went on an impromtu date to the Royals game. Our friends had extra tickets and invited us to come with them. It's amazing how much less stressful it is doing things without kids. We could talk, pay attention to the game, and didn't have to lug around snacks, diapers and wipes. I love my kids, but it is fun to get out once in awhile.