Finding Our New Routine During Maternity Leave

Mom and Molly were here for their last full day on Monday and Clint was back to work/Maci back to normal school hours.  Even though Clint was back to work on Monday, he made time in his day to come to Mr Connor's 2 week Doctor check up.  It went great and the best news was that he was up to 7lbs 8oz which meant he is not only back to birth weight (what they want by this apt) but he was up another 4oz.  My happiest moment about this is that he shouldn't have to go back to that germy Dr office in the dead of winter until his 2 month apt - Yay!

Mom, Molly and I laid around the rest of the day and finished some laundry so they could pack back clean clothes vs having to deal with it back home.  After having our final meal together, the gals enjoyed the kick off to the new bachelor and while we forced Clint to join us for the show, I can't say he enjoyed the experience :)  Mr Connor gave a small smile when the crazy chick showed up with the big rose on her head! Ha

Tuesday was a sad day!  Maci got all ready for school and said her goodbyes but fortunately she didn't seem to fully understand that they were leaving while she was at school or it could have been UGLY.  Instead she was really excited to show Grandma and Molly her Minnie Mouse outfit.

Around 11a Molly, Mom, Connor and I were off on the drive to the airport.  Of course there were many tears at the drop off lane but that also fortunately forced us to have a quicker goodbye - it was just so nice to have them hanging out with us!  Maci adored her time with both of them and I so appreciated all the help with bottles, diapers etc.  We can't wait to see them again soon!

Connor and I napped after the sad morning

I love having Maci and Clint come home from work right now.  I am usually on the chaise chair in the living room and Maci runs in saying "HI Mommy, Where are you?!"  She is so excited to see me. However, on Tuesday she kept going in the guest bedroom asking where Molly and Grandma were - so heart breaking.  I cried a bit again at bath time and Maci sweetly said "you miss your mommy?  They will come back soon"  Such a sweetie at times!

After Bath for M we had some cutie sibling moments

The rest of the week was fairly uneventful with Connor and I attempting to find our own new routine.  I am so fortunate that right now he really only has 1 middle of the night feeding.  He usually eats around 9 or 10p, wakes between 1-2a and then eats again around 6a which is when Clint/Maci are getting up for school work so while I am tired, it is working.  

One Morning M wanted to show C how to use the Jungle Mat :)

 M making storm clouds during art time for this month's weather theme

 We finally have snow in Minnesota

 Cutie Bootie with his buddy the elephant pacifier 

 Fun Gift from Auntie Christie

 Hey Buddy

 Maci at ~5 months and Connor 2.5 weeks

I see some similarities but mainly the mean mugs they are giving the camera

 More Snow Fun with Preschool Pals!

Friday - We had a visitor on Friday for lunch.  My boss, Lauren, brought me some punch pizza and much needed adult convo.  Connor was a good little dude while she was here and mainly slept which allowed for a peaceful conversation.

I love fiddling with his baby hair

Mohawk

Clint and Maci got home and we did our usual pizza order and Clint headed out to snow plow the driveway.  Once dinner was over we binge watched our new favorite Netflix original "making a murderer"  It is like watching a train wreck and we can't look away.  We have 2 episodes left as of Sunday afternoon and I can't wait for football to end now so I can finish it :)

Saturday - It got bitterly cold here in MN as of Saturday.  Due to this and Connor's young age, we decided to send Clint and Maci to gym class while Connor and I hung at home.  Clint and Maci brought home bagels but it was sad we missed out on brunch yet again this week - we will be back soon.  Maci then rented Tangled and we had an early afternoon family movie time.  Afterward, our neighbors the Settingsgard's came over to meet Connor and dropped off a sweet gift card.  They are due with their son (2nd child) in 2 weeks.  Their first, Nora, is about 6 months younger than Maci and quite the pal on the backyard swingset in the summer :)  We LOVE our neighborhood!

What a Doll?!

A fast friendship is forming with this Elephant 

Maci and I then took on the bitter cold and got the grocery done for the week before settling in for the Bengals game.  I honestly can't even talk about this game yet and it may be a while before I can - this lose hurts, BAD!  We will leave it at that and now that my 2nd favorite team (Vikings) also just blew it - I am starting to think I need to pick a new sport.  UGH

 Attempting to Settle Down 

Sunday - It is COLD here and anyone watching the Vikings game today saw that.  I have fortunately not left the house all day but just being in the unfinished part of the basement makes me want to cry.  Fortunately all errands are done for the weekend and I finished laundry yesterday so no reason to leave the house or go in that part of the basement :)  We just finished watching the sad Vikings loss and now will check out the Packer/Redskins game that neither of us could really care about.  I am looking forward to watching the Golden Globes tonight and seeing what crazy things Ricky Gervais is going to say about so many pompous celebrities.  

While football didn't go my way, I keep reminding myself of what really matters in life!  We are so grateful for all the blessings we have.  Connor is a wonderful baby, Clint and I have settled in as parents/spouses and Maci told me this morning (unprompted) "you are the BEST mom!"  I mean seriously I about melted right there and then encouraged her to tell dad the same!  Life is Good!

Looking forward to a week of cuddles with my 3 week old and avoiding all the cold weather hitting this week!  We hope you all have a great week as well!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C