Staycation, part uno

As I knew I would, I am very much enjoying my staycation.  I plan to take a week off like this a few times a year- in the spring, summer, and between Christmas and New Years.  I love having a good chunk of time with the kids.  Claire and Max are certainly enjoying it too.  Each night Claire asks, "Are you going to stay home with me tomorrow too?!?!".  Tuesday morning she said to me, "Mom, are you happy you're home with me?  I'm happy you're home. I love you so much". 

My staycation officially started last Friday.  We had a family lunch date at Noodles. 

My mom took Monday off and Cindy (my Godmother) and Jessica (her daughter, and practically my sister growing up) came over for lunch, along with Jessica's sweet kids, Rose and James.  

I think Claire is so stylish and adorable.  (taken on my cell phone :)).  

We've had lots of fun together.  We've belly laughed and giggled many times, each day.  I love how silly me, Claire and Max are together.  When my children grow up, I want them to say they grew up in a home that was joyful. Laughter does a body good. 

Claire got her hair  v cut Tuesday afternoon.  She wasn't too sure about it at first but quickly warmed  up. She said, "I want to still have long hair!".  

This is how Wednesday started out.  It was great before it was not.  Then it became the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  We made a trip to the Plymouth Target that morning (for like my millionth time this week....long story), where the kids were great.  Then we made a special stop at Panera for a breakfast treat, where they were less-than-ideal.  They both started falling asleep on the way home but I successfully kept them awake.  Once they had lunch and it was naptime, I realized that "The Operation" was in big trouble. 

It was Claire versus Mommy- a battle of the wits.  She cried for nearly three hours and never did take a nap.  To say I was angry is an understatement.  Several times I had to just walk away and collect myself.  Giving the paci back was never an option.  

I always want to follow through on my word and teach my children that no means no, but I'm continually learning that I have to only provide ultimatums for which I can indeed follow through.  I told Claire we'd play at the park with Katie and Parker and have a shake and french fries (hey, it's staycation and it's a budget friendly one, with a few splurges) if she took a nap.  The entire way to the park she said, "But why are we going to the park, honey? I didn't take a nap.  Why are we going then?".  Sigh. 

Enjoying a shake and fries with Parker at Culvers.  Max was uncharacteristically naughty and threw a tantrum, so we had to go outside to eat.  Two things I learned at Culvers on Wednesday.  1) A lot of old people like to eat dinner at 3:30PM at Culvers, and 2) said old people have no problem staring at you when your toddler is unhappy.  Regardless, it was so wonderful to spend time with Katie and Parker! 

Claire cried for quite awhile again at bedtime last night. I told Josh I couldn't take another minute of it and went to yoga with Rachel.  Chatting with Rachel and yoga-ing was exactly what this weary mommy needed! 

This morning I was thankful for this promise, on which my feet stand firm.

Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

This morning we played and did some house organization before going to the mall.  I tried keeping Max awake on the way home but no dice. 

Thankfully, Claire took a good nap today.  She protested for awhile but nothing like yesterday.  Of course, Max was awake the entire time she slept so Mama didn't get a break, but I was so grateful that she slept (thank you Jesus!).

Max is ridiculously adorable in his spaceship jammies. Note he's holding a purse. 

Ticked that big sister took the purse. 

Phew. All is right in his world again. 

This afternoon we had a playdate at Sara's house with Lauren and Jake.  I was so happy that Allison came and brought her 12 day old daughter, Kennedy, for her first playdate!  Max loves babies- it's a good thing he has two cousins on the way.  

Baby Kennedy is so precious.  Just love her! 

Allison looks amazing for 12 days post-partum and she moves around like she didn't just give birth to an 8 1/2 pound baby. 

Kennedy fit right into the playdate scene.  Baby girl, this is what your future holds.  Take it all in. 

Whenever Max is on a playdate, he seeks out the play kitchen.  He LOVES playing with play kitchens.   Love my sweet boy. 

I am so enjoying my week off with them and will be terribly sad to return to work.  I hug and kiss them all day and tell them how happy I am to be with them (more on this soon, and how Claire and I have the same love language :)).  Max has some new words this week and it's fun to hear him come up with them.  Some of his new words this week include: Mass (Max), mouth, sticker, bite, Josh, apple (which he calls grapes, strawberries or apples).  

Tomorrow is my last day off before the weekend. We're going to the zoo in the morning with Ashley and Melissa and their children.  I could get used to this kind of life!