Lately...

"I will get back in my single mom routine, I will get back in my single mom routine,  I will get back in my single mom routine"  Isn't it true when you say something three times while clicking your heels it will come true?  The two weeks with Chris back home was perfect.  Although that isn't reality all the time and I know it won't be perfect when he's home for good I do know that we all need each other.  Kennedy is a daddy's girl and she was elated with the time they had together.  Marissa warmed up to him right away and he got a taste of her little personality.  As for me.  I felt whole and was so grateful for an additional adult under the roof.  Our relationship bond and ability to communicate has come so far since we were young, dumb and dating and since we got married.  Chris and I are like wine and cheese.  We seem to get finer with age :)

I look forward to watching the girls nurture their relationship and have FUN together!  Here they are being silly through the glass door.  

 Kennedy and I at the zoo...I need to make more time for just the two of us.  She knows we're short someone at home and has to be far more responsible than a three year-old should be.  

Chris and Shannon went to KC....

Well, Chris's two week R&R came and went SO quickly.  I have yet to actually post some of the fun stories and pictures from our fantastic two weeks.  Stay tuned....but in the mean time I do have one picture from our four day trip to KC while Chris was home.  This is it...this is all I have sadly (although it cracks me up). 

Here is Chris and his first taste of a cold beer since December.  I'd like to say that huge grin is for his pure joy of being away with his wife but I'm certain it was the Guinness. 

She's on the move....

I couldn't get two videos in one post and had to share Marissa's other exciting news...she is CRAWLING...watch out world.  Here she comes and she's going to get into everything!  I never had to put those annoying cabinet locks on with Kennedy but I may be giving all my drawers and cabinets an overhaul with Marissa.  Maybe not...but she sure is curious!  Fortunately she likes to be with Kennedy and I so that helps me keep tabs on her.  It's amazing how much BETTER and FASTER she has gotten in a week since I caught this with my camera.

Macaroni and Cheese!

Marissa is eating people food and loving it!  She's finally figured out how to hold the sippy cup high enough to drink.  Here we are at dinner the other night having some gourmet macaroni and cheese (Kennedy's favorite meal).  I'll apologize in advance for my chatter but hopefully you'll enjoy Kennedy's comments...enjoy!

Wishbone

I have so many pictures to share but no time to download off my camera and actually make it happen...!  Maybe this weekend.  Just maybe.

We had a whirl wind weekend!  The girls and I took off at 7am Saturday for Kansas City to visit my girlfriend and her family overnight.  By 9am Sunday we were back on the road headed home.  We had a ton of fun but what a quick trip!  Kennedy played with three little boys and Mary Alice and I enjoyed massages and some shopping at Crate & Barrel.  We need that store in Omaha.

Last night before bed I grabbed the dried up wishbone from our Easter turkey dinner.  I told Kennedy we needed to break the wishbone and make a wish. I had to explain what a wishbone was and how we each needed to hold a piece, make a wish then pull them apart.  She closed her eyes and said "I wish my daddy was home to play with me."  It was like the wind got knocked out of me and I couldn't breathe.  What a kid.  I was thinking a new Barbie or something but rather she wanted daddy. 

Thirteen days and counting until he waits to catch a flight out of that place.  I'll enjoy every second of his two weeks at home and not take a single moment for granted.

Preschool Conference

I had Kennedy's spring preschool conference yesterday and she has progressed since the one last fall.  Our little lady can count to 39 and recognizes all the capital letters.  She can identify about three quarters of the lower case letters and has mastered shapes and colors.  It's amazing to me how grown up she is becoming.  I've said before how thankful I am for her adult-like conversations around the house and her pure enthusiasm for everything.  That was echoed by her teachers as well.  Kennedy tends to play alone but doing activities that have a lot of children around.  They said her favorite play stations include the dress-up area, lego table, puzzle and reading areas and music.  Mrs. Englert said when they get out the musical instruments Kennedy can't contain her excitement. 
On a day they were learning the number three Mrs. Hankins had the kids break into small groups of three.  They were told each group would take turns picking three items in the classroom then bring them to Mrs. Hankins and talk about the number.  Kennedy sat there intently watching the process.  She then stood up, grabbed three bears and walked over to Mrs. Hankins and said "here's my three bears, can I just go play now?"  Mrs. Hankins said all she could do was giggle.  Why would Kennedy just sit there waiting when she clearly understood the expectation and what to do in order to finish and then go back to playing.  Mrs. Hankins said she'll be a sales person's worst nightmare.  That's our girl!
We've signed her up for the four/five year-old class next year which is three days per week but still 9am - 11:15am.  She can't wait!

Lately...

Lately it's been rough.  I don't know if I'm starting to let my guard down a little more because Chris's two week R&R is actually within reach now or if it's just a little pothole in the road of deployment.  I am feeling less in control of my emotions and indulge in moments of a Running family pity party every so often.  I don't feel like I'm giving the girls enough attention and/or equal attention and they are missing out on how it should be at home with two parents.  We stick to our schedule and they don't know the difference but I do.  About forty more days until Chris leaves Afghanistan for his R&R but who's counting...

Enough about that and let's talk about the fun times we are having around here!

 Marissa had diaper rash so she borrowed some of Kennedy's panties and they fit!  Oh, and she peed on the carpet.  I was too busy giggling at how cute she was in panties I didn't get a towel for her to lay on fast enough!

 If I was a gambler I'd bet that little sister will be bigger than big sister some day.

 Playing in the laundry baskets

 She makes this face and then breaths loud and fast out of her nose.  It's priceless.

 Day trip to Lincoln to visit Jenny and her kids.  Marissa hung in the stroller at the park.

Burying her hands and feet!

Our first dinner on the deck this spring!