Teething

Teething has got to be one of the worst stages for a baby to go through.  Unfortunately we were spoiled with Mallory and her teeth came in effortlessly and without much fussing.  Jaclyn is not the case.  I feel so bad for my baby when she has trouble sleeping because those darn teeth are moving and pushing to come through.  Right now she is trying to cut her upper centers and they are coming at the same time (something I am thankful for), but this is causing some extra pain and discomfort for her and there isn't a whole lot I can do.  She isn't really into chewing on things other than her fingers, so I can't even give her a teething ring that has been chilled to help.  She had a mild fever yesterday, and even though I know it is due to teeth I can just tell she is out of sorts and not feeling like herself.  So, darn teeth please come in so my baby feels better and we can get back on sleep schedule.  I do love it though when babies are first getting teeth and they smile.  It is some of the cutest smiles you'll find on a baby I think!!!

It was officially spring yesterday.  We have been feeling spring for a couple of weeks now.  That is okay I'll take the lovely weather.  I love being able to take the girls outside to play and run around.  They love playing outside so much.  We have already gotten the yard mowed and the garden cleaned out and ready for tilling today.  Now it's inside for naps then back outside to keep getting things ready for spring and summer.  I am so grateful for this outstanding weather and being able to open all the windows to let in the fresh air.  There isn't much better than waking up in the morning and being able to open them all because it is already in the 60's.  It's great sleeping weather too.  We had both the windows open in the bedroom last night and had a nice cool breeze blowing in.  Being a stay at home mom has many advantages and I keep finding them the longer I am home with my babies.  My newest discovery is actually having the desire and ambition to pick some things up that needed moved outside and not just bypassing them for another day.  Love my babies and my life!  I hope everyone gets the opportunity to go out and enjoy this gorgeous day that has been given to us!

It's Time!!!!!!!!

The time has come for March Madness!  This is by far one of the best weeks of the year for me.  I love all the basketball that will be on TV in the upcoming weeks, and all the competition that is brings.  Many disagree with me, and that is fine, but for those of you out there that enjoy basketball, or any sport really you know how I feel.  It's so exciting and fun to see.  We really do enjoy following the teams and watching all the support they give one another, the buzzer beater shots, and all the fans.  It is truly an energetic atmosphere that is contagious in my opinion.  Thank goodness my little one likes to watch some basketball, but I'm gonna guess that we will have to watch some Mickey Mouse all morning each day so that Mommy can watch some basketball when it is time.  But that is okay.  Mickey is fun to watch too.  Plus it is supposed to be GORGEOUS out this week.  Time to get the bike down and the cart.  We may have to take a couple bike rides:)  I'm starting to get the spring itch!  All things that this March Madness brings with it.  I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!!!  To all of you that fill out brackets for money, or just for fun........Good Luck!!!!  And enjoy the best month of basketball of the year!!!!

Kiddos.....

Call me weird, protective, spoiled, whatever.  I HATE leaving my kids.  It doesn't matter if it's for a quick trip up town to get something, to going away for a couple of days.  I know I have a different perspective on parenting and child-rearing than many people do, but it works for me, and our family.  The best part is my husband agrees and feels the same about leaving our kids behind......WE DON'T do it.  Our belief is very much that we wanted these children so we're taking them with us, and keeping them with us as long as we're "cool" enough to do so in their eyes.  I cherish every moment with my girls and will with any other children we're blessed to have.  Don't get me wrong that Derek and I enjoy time together alone, but we're secure enough in ourselves and our relationship with each other that we know there will be tons of time to do things together as we get older, but the time that our babies are little and growing will not last.  Now don't sit there saying Roshelle you're crazy and judging people based on their needs.  I'm not.  I'm just voicing my opinion and my belief.  If your situation makes it so you need to leave your kids, or you enjoy leaving them, so be it, but it's not our parenting style and never will be.  Derek and I can honestly say that we feel our kids are happier and all around more independent because we're with them.  They have the security of knowing that Mommy  and Daddy Love them, and will be there no matter when.  Day, middle of the night.  This thought process I believe allows them to "just be kids" and enjoy living.  They don't have fears at all that we won't be there.  Some people ask me don't they drive you crazy?  My answer to that is No.  Sure we have moments, if I'm having a bad day, or they are, but 98% of the time they make me laugh, and don't drive me crazy at all.  This I honestly feel goes along with the fact that the day I became a mom, I learned and knew exactly what God's plan and purpose was for me.  That is to be the best wife, and mom I can be.  I truly value my marriage and strive to take care of my husband.  I also do everything I can to be a great mommy for my girls.  From the day I had Mallory I said that if I'm not succeeding at being a good wife and mommy, then something has to give so that I can focus on being better at it.  It's my job (but one that I take seriously, and light-hearted)  I love taking care of my family more than anything and when I had my kids my life became complete.  I'm the luckiest girl in the world.  I not only married my Best Friend and confidant, but together we have created two gorgeous girls and a life we both love.