What day is it???

 

OOOPS!  Looks like I am a day late with this post! I’m not sure why, but for the last week, I have had no clue what day of the week it was! Perhaps it was because I’m on Christmas break from work or maybe, it had something to do with the two-year-old and the two-month old who just went back home this week!

WHEW! I have forgotten that I’m not a young Mom anymore and I have no experience with being a Mom to two kids…so I have to admit, it was exhausting. But I absolutely enjoyed every minute of being CeCe to my two boys!!

Katie & Anthony arrived with the boys on Thursday afternoon. After seven hours in the car, you can imagine how Gabriel was ready to roll and Adrian was just wide eyed and wondering “what the hell?”

We had planned an early Christmas with them so under the tree was full of gifts and McDonalds was on the menu!

We started with the gifts and Gabriel was so excited with the packages…squealing and shaking boxes. I realized that this could have been a bit overwhelming for him…like “Where to start!” but he handled it well. He opened boxes that were wrapped and had dollar bills in them. He opened toys, clothes, and ornaments. So many things and he was very helpful putting the wrapping paper into the trash pile as well has giving the bows to his Dad to stick on his head!

Shortly after that, the four of them headed to their hotel. The next morning, Anthony left for his brother’s wedding in California, and I moved into the hotel with Katie for a few days. We went back and forth between the Residence Inn and Marcellino Manor multiple times. Gabriel had lots to play with and Adrian just went with the flow. He seemed very content in the arms of Betty Boop most of the time. It was a joy to watch Mom holding him and keeping him warm with her blanket. This was just what we had hoped for when they planned the visit.

It’s not easy to keep a two-year-old content in a confined space and there were moments of unhappiness for Gabriel not getting his way, but overall, it was a great five days in Louisville and as tired as I was, sharing time with Katie and the kids meant so much to me.

Our ride back to Pittsburgh on Tuesday wasn’t bad…just long. There was a time when “screen time” was limited, but on a long car ride with a two-year-old who doesn’t enjoy the ride, the tablet with Cars or Sesame Street playing is an exception to the “screen time” rule. It is a must! Oh…and the snack bag! I felt like one big Cheeto-ball by the time we arrived in Pittsburgh.

I drove back yesterday (Wednesday) and my trip was uneventful. I thought about the past few days and things I learned…

*My Christmas expectations for Gabriel were a little high. I thought this would be an exciting year for him, but his excitement was hit & miss. He loved his gifts, but he really didn’t get it. And, that’s okay.

*Plans to go to Mega Cavern to see the lights and watch Gabriel’s amazement, did not happen. He hates the car..why put him through the agony of waiting in a line of cars especially when he doesn’t exactly get it? In fact, making too many plans for a two-year-old is a mistake. So, playing with water and trucks and paper airplanes is just fine.

*Managing two “babies” is tough alone. I know people do it all the time, but it’s a handful. So glad I could be Katie’s helper for a few days. She was treated to a mani/pedi and a breakfast with friends…without kiddos.  *As the parent of an only child, I didn’t have a lot of experience to offer!!

*We should never beat ourselves up because we can’t get the perfect picture. I have several in various states of chaos and I love every one of them!

*Gifts are fun, but being together is more fun! However, I was treated to a beautiful CeCe locket and I was one happy gal! (Picture included!)

*Christmas cards can go out anytime..right?

So, as I sign off today, I will look forward to a little less chaos for a Christmas with the folks! There are still lots of gifts under the tree and there will be some Facetime fun on Christmas Day. I’ll enjoy a pajama day (new ones of course!) tomorrow as we won’t have a lot of cooking (another McDonalds Christmas Eve!). Oh…and there will be lots of Christmas Cheer as in vodka & special holiday drinks!

Wishing all of you the Merriest Christmas and a HEALTHY Happy New Year!  Love to all!!