Sun, what sun???

Strangely enough, after my last post, the weather turned rainy.  Yes, in the NW we expect rain, but this is ridiculous.  It's almost Memorial Day weekend and it's rained every day for over a week.  Luckily, we are expecting decent weather for the most of the holiday weekend.

I jinxed myself by mentioning that I was sleeping in my own bed.  Things went downhill in a big way.  We have a super duper cuddle bug on our hands.  I shouldn't complain because I help enforce it a lot of times.  Nap?  Sure, I'll take one with you, little guy.  Middle of the night feedings are the worst.  I don't have the strength to put him back into bed after he's done eating and burping (a good 20+ minute process).  My goal now is to get him used to sleeping by himself, no matter what he's in (swing, co-sleeper, or bouncy/rocking chair).  After that, I think he will do a lot better in his crib or the pack-n-play.  He's our last baby, so I'm not in a huge hurry to get this sleeping thing figured out.  I know it won't last forever and eventually, I will be in my own bed.  Until then, I will try to put a positive spin on this situation by enjoying the cuddles and baby nuzzles as much as I can.

Bennett is showing some major interest in the potty again.  We have finally upped the bribes to stickers and quarters.  He gets one of each if he tries to go potty and two of each if he actually goes.  We all get so excited when he pees.

Bennett has always been pretty verbal, but these last two weeks, he has turned into the biggest chatterbox.  I am not kidding when I say he talks a lot.  He discusses what is happening in a movie, book, or something he sees while we're out and about.  "What's that?" is his favorite phrase.  He loves to explain things and how things work together.  I love it.  I find it hilarious when I can't understand something and he looks at me like I'm crazy.  "Duh, mom, can't you understand me?".  Eventually, I catch on to what he's trying to say and we're all happy, but it's funny to see his logic.

This week, Justin went back to work.  I have had the kiddos to myself for 2 days this week and still consider myself sane.  Bennett is enjoying watching movies and Thomas DVDs and playing with his cars and trains.  Today, we spent a lot of time doing "art", which included markers, sponge paints, and water colors.  He really enjoys any form of art, which is wonderful.  Next week, Bennett will go back to his 4 days a week at daycare.  He is hesitant to be dropped off, but as soon as he is occupied with something fun, he forgets that I am there.  No emotional drop-offs, thankfully.

8 more weeks until I have to return to work and I'm dreading it already.  I know Nolan will be safe, but I'm not ready to head back into the real world.  I won't dwell on that, instead focusing on the fact that I have 8 weeks to enjoy my new little man and spend more time with my big guys.

Here are some of our newest pictures:

One month old!

Getting close to smiling.

Bennett enjoying art time

Some left handed water color action.