Day 374 | Sleep Tracking

I need sleep. My body now seems permanently programmed to wake up a billion times a night since being catapulted out of my normal routine since having Robbe. Since being pregnant with Robbe, now that I think of it. I should have seen that as a warning sign, I guess. He's sleeping fine now, though, in case you're curious.

After failed attempts to try obvious sleep aids (ear plugs, no caffeine, melatonin, white noise, etc), I decided to kick it up a notch and ask for a Fitbit for Mother's Day. Basically, it's a glorified pedometer but, and this is the important function, it tracks sleep! I know it has its limitations, but for the most part I want to know if I'm really awake for as long as I think I am or if my mind is playing tricks on me. And once that is identified, if I can notice any patterns that appear.

After the first night (see chart above), the verdict is still out. According to the report this morning, I was awake five times (in one night!) and was in a state of restlessness 21 times (whoa.). That sounds about right to me. 

We'll see what tonight brings...

Day 373 | Happiest of Mother's Day

We're busy celebrating the total joy of being a mom today around here but I needed to take a second to give necessary kudos to four unbelievable moms that I've been lucky enough to grow up with.

1. My mom, obviously. I'm one of the lucky ones here. I call the same woman my mom and my best friend. Her knowledge, independence, work ethic, compassion for others, and no nonsense demeanor have always been, and continue to be, an inspiration to me. She's one of the strongest people I know and I'm lucky every single day that I got to grow up with such an amazing role model in every sense of the phrase.

2. & 3. My grandmas. I'll lump them into one just because it feels right. Although I've had two very different relationships with these women (one was local, one was not), they have always been examples of how to foster a happy family life. In two very different situations, they managed to raise children who genuinely enjoy spending time together and have developed a sense of family that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. That's all I can dream of doing for my babies.

4. My mother in-law. She may not have been someone I grew up with (except for the last 13+ years, that is), but she raised my perfect soul mate and for that I'm eternally grateful. Her empathy, generosity, and optimism never cease to amaze me. I couldn't have asked for a better family to fall into.

Day 372 | Saturday Stroll

Despite the debilitating back pain I have (thanks, two babies still in cribs), we managed to motivate ourselves and, more surprisingly, convince Chase we should go for a post-dinner walk tonight. He still doesn't really understand when we don't have an answer to, "where we walkin' to?"

Day 371 | Lunch with Daddy

The boys and I headed down to the Hill this morning. We had fun at a park we used to visit all the time, did some train watching at Union Station like the old times, and enjoyed lunch in Chris's office while watching more trains.

I still miss the Hill...

Day 370 | Official Baby Model

Ever since Chase was a wee baby, we knew he had the potential to be a baby model (like all parents think). Today this thought became a reality, though.

We got Chase's school pictures back and included in the photo envelope (aside from the best photo ever) was a letter stating his was "one of the better school portraits we have done this year" and they want to use his photo for publicity next year. See? He's going to be famous! There's a definite possibility that this letter is included in all the envelopes but I choose not to believe that. :)

Day 369 | Walking

I realized I haven't given an update on Robbe's walking status since he's taken off. He started committing to walking back at the end of March but it took a few more weeks before he made the total transition. But as of mid-April, the appeal clicked and he's walking about 95% of the time now--just dropping to hands and knees when he really really wants something (and he needs to beat his brother to that something).

There's really nothing cuter than a little early-walker. He sticks his belly out, holds his hands up high, and takes the sweetest little stutter-steps. Oh, and there are a few tumbles thrown in there, too.

My opinion about having spring babies being the best continues to hold up: walking in time for playground season? Woohoo!

Day 368 | Chase Mart

Chase has really been honing his customer service skills at Chase Mart (his grocery store, obviously) since his birthday.

Grandpa Paul and Uncle Brian would be so proud. He's going to be ready to take his own shift at the store when we're back Wisconsin this summer. Even down to the "Welcome to Chase Mart," "Is there anything I can help you find," and "Thank you for shopping."

Special note: Thanks to Uncle Brian and Aunt Tera for the great cash register birthday gift!

Day 367 | Kitchen Helper

This is the scene in my kitchen not only every day, but several times a day. Whenever I'm in meal prep mode, Robbe goes into emptying, I mean, rearranging the cupboards mode. It's really helpful (can you sense the sarcasm?).

At least it keeps him entertained. 

Day 366 | Solo Time

Chris was sweet enough to take the kiddos on a "Boys Day" adventure this morning so I had some quality solo time. Woohoo!

My choice of activities? Long, quiet walks, people watching while knitting, and lunch all by myself.  Intermixed with all that? Listening to the Serial podcast (so good!). I'm already 9 episodes into the 12 episode series. It's addicting. I've managed to listen to all 9 episodes in three days but only because I ducked out during nap yesterday to grocery shop (with earphones in) and cleaned the house (with earphones in) on top of this glorious baby-free morning.

The real question is how long it'll take for me to get through the last three. I'm guessing next weekend.

Day 365 | Elephants

Today could not have been more gorgeous. We took full advantage of this happy surprise by heading to the National Zoo (along with the rest of the city!).

Robbe got to meet his favorite animal up close: the elephant. He was over-flowing with excitement the entire time. And kept bellowing like an elephant for the time we were around them. So sweet.

Day 364 | One Whole Year

The boys and I frolicking this morning at the National Arboretum.

It's been a year. One whole year of blogging. Our life is at the same time unrecognizable and exactly the same. In celebration of my accomplishment (it's a pretty big deal that I managed to keep this up), I'm posting my top eleven favorite blog posts from the past year.

But first, I'm going to start the tradition of posting last year's blog post from this date as a throwback: Capitol Play Time. See any resemblances to today's photo? My idea of recreating the scene from last year. I promise this won't become a tradition!

And now the best of the best blog posts, in my opinion and in no particular order:

1. Playing Tourist
2. Depicting Motherhood
3. Happy Father's Day
4. Sunday Shopping
5. Feeling Nostalgic
6. It's Nice to See
7. Favorite Things Tees
8. Homemade Baby Food
9. Toddler Travel Tips
10. Books for the Babies
11. On Being a Stay at Home Mom

And just to warn you, there might be some changes coming to the blog. I'm still throwing around some ideas in my head. Stay tuned.