And then there were four...

Sitting here on what I consider to be my last calm day of maternity leave at the bedroom desk while Maci drifts in and out of sleep watching Baby Einstein's Baby Mozart DVD.  Today is Dylan’s last day of daycare this week, so Friday through Sunday will consist of chasing two kids under the age of 1 ½ while Steve's working.  Next week, I rejoin corporate America.  Wow, five weeks flew by fast.  How is it that after so much time off, I still need a vacation?  Will my brain even function on Monday?  It sure doesn't now.  Here's to hoping...and lots of coffee.

Overall, I can’t complain.  While it’s definitely been over-stimulating around here, Maci is such a good baby.  She's sleeping well (all things considered) and usually voicing her squeaky opinion only for the basics: a bottle, diaper change or a lost paci.  Dylan has been great with her; either giving random kisses or ignoring her completely.  Only recently have we had a little resistance out of him which I attribute to normal toddler nuttiness.  As expected, my major task is finding balance.  Cue the internal battle of trying to give them both 100% of my time, while still being a good wife, keeping things up around the house, getting in some "me time" and being on top of my game at work...all on very little sleep.  I've accepted that this is impossible for any SuperMom and I'm comfortable with giving it my best shot.  Making mother/son and husband/wife dates a priority is a good start.  Dylan & I are off to the Children’s Museum next Saturday...just the two of us.    

Life, while more complicated, is more fulfilling now.  I’m so in love - Maci is amazing.  This little pink sassafrass fits right in around here.  I’ve been telling Steve how jealous I am of the dynamic of a close father-daughter relationship and I can’t wait to watch that unfold as she grows up.  She is one seriously lucky girl to have her dad and Dylan. 

I’ll close this out on a note of thanks to my husband for his support these last few years.  Life has been an unexpected rollercoaster since 2009:  pregnancy, the joy of our first son, nerve-wrecking hospitalizations, the ups and downs of being a first-time parent, finally feeling like we had parenting under control, discovering pregnancy #2 just as life seemed to regulate with one, and now we begin a new journey as a family of four.  I wouldn't change it for anything.  We sure aren’t perfect and we don’t always get it right the first time, but he’s been there every step of the way: good or bad.  Steve, I love you for that and I think these kids have it made with you in their life.  Whatever is up next, we got this.

Also, I LOVE this song.  What a great reminder for parents to cherish time with their children.  Darius Rucker is my new favorite!