So much to say - post coming soon!

Stay tuned.

Another moment with Mattie

Ready for a long weekend

It's not just Tuesday...right? I feel like it should be at least Thursday! This has been a tough week so far. Mattie has been having some serious trouble sleeping the past couple of nights. We get her to sleep but she wakes up every couple of hours crying. Initially we thought she wasn't feeling well but now the worry is creeping in that she's having nightmares...maybe about her accident. I truly hope not. I'm really hoping it's none of the above - that it's really because I slept in the same room with her when we stayed at my parent's this weekend and she quickly got used to the company. It's 11:35 now and so far (knock on wood) all is quiet. For both our sakes I hope she can sleep through the night. She rebounds a little better from sleep disruptions that this old lady does. Whew! Momma needs hours of sleep that come in a row, not 90 minute increments.
On a lighter note, it's that time of year again. Once our anniversary comes around it triggers the start of birthday season in the Doolin house. It reminds me that Mattie, Bobby and Gabriel all have birthdays to honor in slightly more than a thirty day span. Add to that Halloween (costume planning is a big deal around here) and more family birthdays and this is a busy time of year.  Luckily this year the kids have already told me what they want to be for Halloween, now I just have to make it happen. Wish me luck!
All is still quiet so I'm going to try to sleep while I can.
Love to all!
ACD

Kisses

Father Daughter

Parent Stuff - Episode 1

These days I might be a little overly sensitive when it comes to my kids. Wait, who am I kidding?! I've always been overly sensitive about my kids. It's just been intensified over the past couple of weeks. Anyway, there are little things that make you shed a happy tear or break your heart just a little. Not in a bad way, it's just something small that reminds you that your little ones are always in the process of growing up and needing you just a little less.  Here are a few that come to mind for me lately. If you want to share some, feel free to do so in the comments. I always like this better when there's class participation. 

• When it comes to Disney movies, The Little Mermaid is a favorite of mine and Bobby's. Maybe it's because it was released not long after we became a couple (yes, there were movies way back then!). At the time, I thought "My daughter will love this movie someday, too. We'll watch it together". Fast forward 20+ years and little Mattie now LOVES The Little Mermaid. She named her baby doll Flounder (I just let it go) and talks about it a lot. Over the past couple of days I've caught her singing the songs. This brings a tear of happiness to my eye, says the person who actually owns the soundtrack! I'm sure you understand but it's just one of those moments that is special to me. She's been asking me to sing with her and I think it's the coolest thing EVER!!

• The kids can get to Netflix on the Wii without me...and navigate to and start the movie/show of their choice. This falls into the "heart breaks a little" category. Shouldn't they need me for that type of stuff a little bit longer?
• When your babies start telling you, "No Mommy, I'll do it myself." This is a combo moment - so proud of them but heart also breaks a little. That whole "need me" thing again.
• Both Gabriel and Mattie are now recognizing their great grandparents who have passed. I love that they will know them but sad that it's only in pictures and the stories we'll tell. It was a special moment when Mattie picked up a picture of my paternal grandmother (for whom she is named) and said, "Mommy, is this Granny Mattie?" Oh how they would have loved one another. *tear
• And then Gabriel asks, "Mommy, can you hold me?" and I can forget for a little while longer that they are growing up so quickly.

Just one of those crazy things

I'm not sure how other people react when they go through something traumatic. Unfortunately, we've been through our fair share and I've learned something about myself. My pre-existing control issues kick into high gear. Why, you ask? Well, based on my amateur self-analysis, I think it's because I don't do well in situations where I know I have no control. So if I can't control a particular situation, I focus my (nervous) energy on things I can control. I tend to go into a cleaning and organizing frenzy...in a big way.  This evening I've organized the laundry room (I caught up the laundry in the process) and I also organized Gabriel's train stuff. Trust me, he has a lot to organize. Of course, I'll be getting back to the wallpaper soon enough. All in good time...