Random Babbling

So, after reading a lot of my friends blogs and talking to different people, I really thought that having two kids would be hard. I wouldn't even use the word hard, but it is definitely different. Whereas before Addison would sit on the counter and help me make dinner, now we have to make dinner while Miranda is asleep, or wait for Carlos to get home. I used to think it was a pain getting Addison in and out of the car, well she can finally buckle the bottom clip of her carseat herself, which is pretty good considering it is really tough (that's a good thing...it's definitely secure)! Now we have the little Panda Bear to lug in and out of the car. And let me tell you, carrying her in and out of preschool is quite a chore. But, is it hard or stressful? Not at all. It is different though, because since they weren't both babies at the same time, I find myself on the go more with a baby than I might have if they were closer in age, and if Addison weren't in preschool. 

Of course, my biggest reason for having them further apart in age, and it was something that my aunt always told me that she enjoyed with her kids that have similar age differences, is that you always get one-on-one time with the baby. That is SO important to me. When you have a baby, and then have another baby right after, your first doesn't get the one-on-one time that they need. I think it is so important developmentally to have a parent there that can give them the attention and play with them, teach them, etc. Because Addison is older, she is now in preschool, and now I get that one-on-one time with Miranda while she is in school. Granted it is only 10 hours a week, most of which she sleeps (for now), but it is still time where I can give her my undivided attention (when she's actually awake). We literally have conversations and laugh the entire time! Addison had 3 1/2 yrs of my undivided attention, and she turned out pretty darn awesome. Even her teachers agree. Maybe that's why I love them. =) It's also why it's so baffling to me that some of the moms with small babies at the preschool (one in her class is just a week older than Miranda) are so quick to take their kids to preschool, and then drop off their babies at gym daycare. And yes, they have no shame in saying that they drop them off in gym daycare. Considering that the one girl only goes to school half day most of the time, that means that the baby is being watched by random people, when she could be bonding with her mom. Maybe it is my hormones talking, but it makes me so sad.  And honestly, I'd rather have some extra baby weight and spend time with my kids than to go to the gym and not even look good anyway. Lol!

A big milestone for us is that Addison was just left with a babysitter for the first time EVER!!! It only took 3 years and 10 months. Lol! We don't do date night. I am happy that Carlos likes to spend as much time with them as I do, so when we go out, it is always for family activities. There is never a need for a sitter. But, with Addison's parent night on Thursday, we couldn't take her, so one of the girls across the street came over and watched her. She's pretty young, but I felt totally safe considering that her parents were right across the street. And like one of Addison's teachers agreed, Addison could probably take care of herself!

On another note...the holidays are just around the corner!!! This means costumes, Halloween shirts, Thanksgiving outfits, and Christmas outfits for two girls! Eek!!! I was looking at the boys outfits and thinking of how much money we would save if it weren't for all of the darn little accessories that go along with the girls outfits. Lol! I am honestly trying to save money though, since we still have an INSANE amount of medical bills to pay thanks to the NICU (with the addition of Addison's preschool...great timing...lol), so I am not going totally extravagant with Christmas outfits this year. Don't get me wrong, we are still doing a fancy outfit and a casual outfit, but I am trying to really budget. For instance, I had gotten Miranda a cute I {heart} Santa shirt at Carter's for $1.50, and paired with $20 Christmas bloomers and polka dot legwarmers, it's the cutest outfit ever. Since the skirt from Addison's outfit last year still fits her, I am thinking about getting her an embroidered shirt with a cute saying to match. Woohoo, that's about $20-25 on each outfit, which is much cheaper than usual. And I just discovered that we have a black and white velvet and satin dress that Addison was never able to wear, and which still has the tags from Macy's, and I think it will fit Miranda perfect! That means I only need to buy Addison a Christmas dress, and they are set. Seriously???? AWESOME! Of course, I have bought them both little outfits to wear to December Nights and whatever other activities we do, but still, I'd say that I am actually saving quite a bit this year!

I am so excited for Fall! One week to go, although I think it will feel like Summer forever. In fact, I just had to go to Carter's and exchange a bunch of Miranda's clothes for a bigger size, since I don't think she'll be wearing long sleeves or fleece any time soon!

Is it sad that it's only 93 degrees today and we are excited??? About two more weeks until the Halloween stuff comes out, and until the pumpkin patches, corn maze, and air show. I don't see the heat letting up, but then again, I remember many times getting sunburnt at the air show! And if we do end up going, which we haven't missed a year yet, Panda Bear will NOT be going. Everyone knows my gripe about seeing babies, especially newborns at the air show.