Please Don't End

Mike took most of the last two weeks off. He's been diligently preparing for a hearing in January but he's been home with us and getting up early in the morning to prepare. This has allowed the kids extra time to play with him, and extra rest and a chance to catch up on a few things for me. I had huge expectations and only this week fully realized how exhausted my life has been over the last year. I was so tired this week I spent several half days in pajamas, literally barely doing anything. We survived on Christmas leftovers for three days and then I've put together simple, easy things that don't really involve cooking. It has been vacation to the max.

I managed to sort through everything in Ben's room and the guest room and unpack about six more boxes of books and throw out some old broken toys. I still haven't made it to Kyrie's room, nor to our room, which has at least 5 unpacked boxes in it.

Mike has hung things on the walls, assembled a book case, and tea table, purchased a car, helped friends move, and made it to the gym a couple of times.

My brother came back for another day and we each had some time with him which was a real treat. During this time Everleigh has broken a third tooth and number four is close behind. She has also mastered going UP the stairs, while we were looking the other way (four times now). Tonight I put the stair gate was up and the two older ones protested but my heart can't take any more. Down is a long, long ways. She likes to sit in her rocking chair, clutch her baby doll, and watch her Baby Einstein DVD. She smiles to say, "How cool am I?" She walks while holding on to one hand and it won't be long before she takes off full speed.

Monday is coming far too fast at this point and I'm seeing all the things I haven't done yet. This time was so needed, so precious. 2011 is around the corner and promises to hold more than we could dream or know.