Whew, the holidays are finally over. Its been a busy (but fun) time for the Molletts. Pretty much every weekend in Dec we have had plans.
First week in Dec we went to the nursing home to visit Casey's grandma and to show her Willa (she had yet to meet her) and to give her her Christmas gift.
Second week in Dec I had that photo shoot for the hotel on Sat. On Sun of that week we had a birthday party for a friend's daughter we attended (was Eli's first party to be invited to!). We also exchanged our Christmas gifts with said friend.
Third week in Dec on Sat we had my Dad's family's get together. That Sun we went to my mom's church to watch my younger siblings in their church play and then to lunch with my whole family.
Christmas Weekend kicked off on Fri with me being sick (again!) And Casey having to take off work so I could go to the Dr and rest as Willa decided Thurs she wasn't going to sleep at all and I had no sleep. Then Fri night we went to the mother in law's house. This is where I found out I am very much a mother bear, even if I'm not protecting my cubs so to speak but just protecting family who I love.
So without going into detail (there's no point in it), something happened at my mother in laws after most of the guests had left. She was upset and needed back up so I jumped in and took it on myself to deal with the issue for her, and in the process having to confront someone. On the way home I told Casey I don't know WHERE I have gotten this conformational attitude from. Normally I avoid conflict unless I REALLY have to deal with it. But lately I have been very willing to address conflict. While I try to be nice about it and solve it in a peaceful manner I won't be pushed around either. Casey said he thinks that is because I'm a mother now and have protective instinct.
Sat we left town for Ashland MO where we spent Sat/Sun there with my dad and siblings and our step mom. It was fun and it was also a trial run, Eli does not do well when not in HIS bed. We figured 1 of us wouldn't get much sleep that night and if the other could sleep so that at least that person could drive home Sun evening that would be ok. We stayed at my sisters house on her living room floor. We took an air mattress and with the way her living room is set up we were able to block off a large section of it for where we slept and that way if Eli never laid down and went to sleep at least he was in a somewhat safe area and not about to wander around the house. I sat and rocked Willa in the recliner while Casey laid down. We tried to get Eli to lay down too but of course he was confused. Finally he climbed into my lap and soon fell asleep, so I was holding both sleeping babies in this recliner. Finally Casey got up and moved Eli to the mattress where he slept the rest of the night. Willa finally we were able to lay in her playpen and I was able to lay down. All in all it was a successful weekend. We were able to enjoy family and we had fun as well. This was a good Christmas, I love having the babies and this year was fun to see Eli's reaction to opening presents (he was still a tad to young last year) and his reaction to Santa this year which was to laugh at Papa for being dressed so silly. Although he wouldn't sit on his lap he did laugh at him and said "Papa". So now its time to get back to normal routine and look forward to next year!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Things get busy around here
Who would have thought things would be so busy around here? What with a 20mo old and a 3mo old things can get kinda crazy. We are however (at least myself and the kids) getting into a bit of a schedule. Willa has been doing well sleeping through the night (yay Willa!) She has a few nights here and there where she doesn't but for the most part she's pretty consistent. Since she's been consistent and she's getting to big for her bassinet we decided its time to put her in her room in her crib. First some changes..... I needed to stop using her crib to store her un folded laundry. I find it very difficult to find time to do laundry. Casey has been taking it down and starting it and I normally can go down and switch it and finish it but once it makes it upstairs it just kinda sits.... Till its used, or till its a small enough pile I can manage it and put it away. Of course then that starts the cycle all over again because well you know if the pile is small or used that means its all dirty again. Ha Oh my so much laundry for 4 people and 2 of them being so tiny! Its amazing!
I have been so busy lately I haven't had much time for computer other than to work. I haven't even shared on here something exciting that was happening! Probably all well and good seeing as how I needed to prepare and now I can share what happened as its all over with.
A couple weeks ago I got a call from my Aunt who as you may or may not know is only 6yrs older then me. We are more like sisters then Niece and Aunt. Anyway her husband works for Intercontinental hotel Kansas City (on the plaza) for those of you who are not from around here the Plaza is a large outdoor shopping mall. Typically it has expensive stores and restaurants in it. Its always busy and its a big deal to a lot of people around here. This hotel is a 4 star hotel and FANCY. So anyway my Aunt calls me and says that Brian wants to know if I would be willing to be the portrait photographer for the hotel's employee event Breakfast With Santa. They were estimating about 500 people to be there and about half of those were kids. They were going to have Santa there and the kids could go sit on his lap, they wanted a photographer to take pictures of the kids on Santa's lap. The hotel also wanted to have print rights to the pictures so they could gift 1 4x6 to each person of their children with Santa. They were in a pinch and so finally my uncle suggested me, typically the hotel is careful about hiring a family member to do stuff. They didn't want someone that was just into photography as a hobby or someone with a point and shoot camera. They wanted someone professional. So my uncle suggested myself, showed them pictures I've done of their family and they agreed to let me do it. I was so excited! The hotel did allow me to offer print packages however didn't want me to pressure people into buying them as they wanted this to be a fun time for the families. We did offer packages but let people know that they would be getting 1 free 4x6 from the hotel and there was no pressure to buy. It was a GREAT experience for us. My sister who is 18 has started working with me as she can to learn photography. She did the talking to people, showing them their pictures when they were available on my computer and taking orders and getting people to sign waivers for me. At first it was a little nuts, she kept having to ask me questions and not sure how to handle stuff. But about half way through she really got into the swing of things and was working the crowd like a pro. I don't think they had as many people as they thought they were going to but it was still a good turn out. All week I was updating things on my website and learning how to add special stuff. Like paypal buttons so they can order online if they would like to and adding directions for ordering. I spent most of my computer time working on that, like while the kids were napping or attention engaged elsewhere. Of course there was a lot of work to do while Casey was home too.
After Saturday's big event I had some prints to order so I wanted to go ahead and get our Christmas cards done and ordered too. Since I have an account with a professional print lab I can order stuff for my family too and get good quality stuff. Last year and this year I've used them to print our Christmas cards, I design our card in a 5x7 format and then submit it for print. They come out really nice and have that professional touch but don't cost an arm and a leg. This is the 2nd Christmas in a row we have had an addition to our family. Its kinda fun! Its so fun to design a card and add that extra picture, ya know? Taking family pictures this year also presented of course an additional challenge. Thankfully we had sprung the $20.50 to get a wireless shutter release for my camera so I could just click the button when I thought both kids were half way cooperative. Soon Eli learned I was controlling the camera and wanted to do it himself. That was a good way of getting him to sit still and look at the camera, he would watchyay!!!" and clap his hands and giggle. Thus we had a string of images all in a row that looked like the exact same picture just with him moving up and down as he was bouncing around a bit on my knee. But they turned out pretty cute regardless!
This Christmas season seems busier then ever, with so many family to see we have set aside every weekend in Dec to visit family. We have something planned every weekend for the rest of the year! I like to stay busy, it gets me out of the house and gives me something to look forward to. It also allows me to sleep in some because it always seems like the kids decide to sleep late on Sat when Daddy has agreed to be the one to get up with them if they get up early. Isn't that sweet of them? Haha
And of course last but not least, the best part of the season is celebrating Jesus! I love this time of year and what it represents, giving gifts that people love and seeing their reactions is always the best part. I love it more then getting gifts myself. Of course this year if you ask me what I want for Christmas my answer is probably something that would make my life as a mommy of 2 young children easier. Was the same way with my Birthday, I REALLY wanted this new diaper bag, its sad I know but at least I can get the more expensive type stuff that way instead of us paying for it ourselves.
I have been so busy lately I haven't had much time for computer other than to work. I haven't even shared on here something exciting that was happening! Probably all well and good seeing as how I needed to prepare and now I can share what happened as its all over with.
A couple weeks ago I got a call from my Aunt who as you may or may not know is only 6yrs older then me. We are more like sisters then Niece and Aunt. Anyway her husband works for Intercontinental hotel Kansas City (on the plaza) for those of you who are not from around here the Plaza is a large outdoor shopping mall. Typically it has expensive stores and restaurants in it. Its always busy and its a big deal to a lot of people around here. This hotel is a 4 star hotel and FANCY. So anyway my Aunt calls me and says that Brian wants to know if I would be willing to be the portrait photographer for the hotel's employee event Breakfast With Santa. They were estimating about 500 people to be there and about half of those were kids. They were going to have Santa there and the kids could go sit on his lap, they wanted a photographer to take pictures of the kids on Santa's lap. The hotel also wanted to have print rights to the pictures so they could gift 1 4x6 to each person of their children with Santa. They were in a pinch and so finally my uncle suggested me, typically the hotel is careful about hiring a family member to do stuff. They didn't want someone that was just into photography as a hobby or someone with a point and shoot camera. They wanted someone professional. So my uncle suggested myself, showed them pictures I've done of their family and they agreed to let me do it. I was so excited! The hotel did allow me to offer print packages however didn't want me to pressure people into buying them as they wanted this to be a fun time for the families. We did offer packages but let people know that they would be getting 1 free 4x6 from the hotel and there was no pressure to buy. It was a GREAT experience for us. My sister who is 18 has started working with me as she can to learn photography. She did the talking to people, showing them their pictures when they were available on my computer and taking orders and getting people to sign waivers for me. At first it was a little nuts, she kept having to ask me questions and not sure how to handle stuff. But about half way through she really got into the swing of things and was working the crowd like a pro. I don't think they had as many people as they thought they were going to but it was still a good turn out. All week I was updating things on my website and learning how to add special stuff. Like paypal buttons so they can order online if they would like to and adding directions for ordering. I spent most of my computer time working on that, like while the kids were napping or attention engaged elsewhere. Of course there was a lot of work to do while Casey was home too.
After Saturday's big event I had some prints to order so I wanted to go ahead and get our Christmas cards done and ordered too. Since I have an account with a professional print lab I can order stuff for my family too and get good quality stuff. Last year and this year I've used them to print our Christmas cards, I design our card in a 5x7 format and then submit it for print. They come out really nice and have that professional touch but don't cost an arm and a leg. This is the 2nd Christmas in a row we have had an addition to our family. Its kinda fun! Its so fun to design a card and add that extra picture, ya know? Taking family pictures this year also presented of course an additional challenge. Thankfully we had sprung the $20.50 to get a wireless shutter release for my camera so I could just click the button when I thought both kids were half way cooperative. Soon Eli learned I was controlling the camera and wanted to do it himself. That was a good way of getting him to sit still and look at the camera, he would watchyay!!!" and clap his hands and giggle. Thus we had a string of images all in a row that looked like the exact same picture just with him moving up and down as he was bouncing around a bit on my knee. But they turned out pretty cute regardless!
This Christmas season seems busier then ever, with so many family to see we have set aside every weekend in Dec to visit family. We have something planned every weekend for the rest of the year! I like to stay busy, it gets me out of the house and gives me something to look forward to. It also allows me to sleep in some because it always seems like the kids decide to sleep late on Sat when Daddy has agreed to be the one to get up with them if they get up early. Isn't that sweet of them? Haha
And of course last but not least, the best part of the season is celebrating Jesus! I love this time of year and what it represents, giving gifts that people love and seeing their reactions is always the best part. I love it more then getting gifts myself. Of course this year if you ask me what I want for Christmas my answer is probably something that would make my life as a mommy of 2 young children easier. Was the same way with my Birthday, I REALLY wanted this new diaper bag, its sad I know but at least I can get the more expensive type stuff that way instead of us paying for it ourselves.
Friday, December 2, 2011
I am woman hear me roar!!!!!! meow
So today started out kinda crazy, Eli has been sick and is being treated for a sinus infection. Willa last night had trouble keeping her sinuses clear even with the help of the "boogie bulb" and saline drops.
Willa and I wake at 7:30, I feed her, change her and realize she's worse then last night. I used the "boogie bulb" and do some more of the little noses. I tried calling her Dr to see if she can get her in but after trying to get a hold of them even after 9am I was unable to I figure I'll just go ahead and have her seen at College Park and pay out of pocket. So we take her to see Casey's Dr (mine was out of the office as was her husband). Her appointment was at 10 which it was 9:15 when I made the appointment and I still had to get Eli up, dressed and fix him a sippy cup (give him his meds) and give him some nilla wafers in a bowel to take with him.... I know breakfast of champions but he's on a nilla wafer kick and only wants to eat those and I'm not going to fight him today. LOL
I get both kids loaded in the car, I get us to the Dr's office just in time and Dr T is quick to see us and write an RX for little Willa who now too has a sinus infection. Dr T sends the RX electronically to CVS. Now this one takes FOREVER so I figure I have something I need to pick up at best buy that I ordered online last night for store pick up. I just got asked to be the portrait photographer for a local hotel's employee "breakfast with Santa" where they are expecting somewhere around 500 people. I am figuring I'll be VERY busy taking orders for prints and such so I want to have a way of when I take the picture having it come up right away on my lap top. Who knew there was this thing called "Eye-Fi" its a memory card that can transmit the images via wi-fi to the computer. It can even upload the images onto other websites! SO COOL! I'm gonna give it a try! So since I'm out I am going to pick up my new camera accessory and then grab lunch and then pick up the RX before coming home. Now this is me with 2 kids under the age of 2 out in public alone. I have Willa in her travel system which is her car seat sits inside her stroller. I have her little cozy cover on her car seat to keep her warm. I get the stroller out of the trunk, get her in her car seat out of the car and put them in the stroller. Then I wheel them over to the other side of the car where I park the stroller and get Eli out. While holding his hand I lock the car up and then with my other free hand I push the stroller.... Not very easy to do! So I make it into the store finally, the LP (loss prevention guy) has been watching us from inside and says with a look of amusement and at the same time amazement at my abilities if I need any help. How nice of him! But I say "no I think I've got it" with a very tired laugh. I know I'm just going to the service desk to pick up my little camera memory card how hard can it be right?
So we get to the service desk, we have to navigate those dumb rope things mind you with a stroller and holding a 19mo olds hand cause you know as soon as I let go he's gone! I am headed towards the area of the service desk that is the only place someone is standing at not paying attention to signs. I make the tight u-turn to get there and tell him I have an order to pick up...... He points back the other way to the other end of the counter and says "Store pick up is over there". Great now I have to turn the stroller in a TIGHT spot while holding said 19mo old hand and I still don't seen anyone that might be helping me. Seriously I think this dude just wanted to see if I could do it! Ok granted there was a sign that said "store pick up" but who notices that little sign? Even if it is big and has flashing neon lights really you expect me to read it? Anyway, I make it down to the end of the counter and look around for someone to help me..... Some guy in the back is on a computer and doesn't even look up. I look back at the other guy to see him deliberately looking around like he's waiting for someone else to need his assistance and then after a few seconds as if I had JUST walked up he walks over and says "Can I help you???" Seriously? So I totally have that scene from "Meet the Parents" where Ben Stillers character is going back home after breaking up with his girlfriend. You know he's standing at the airport, its dead and the stewardess announced boarding for rows such and such and he stands up and walks over and she looks at his ticket and says "Oh I'm sorry sir..... We're not boarding your row yet please step back" and yet there is no one around! Then after a few seconds she announces they are now boarding ALL rows. Blinks at him and then welcomes him with a smile that you just want to smack off her face. Yes folks thatsHaha At least 1 gets marks for customer service. The sad thing is I was going to tell them I wanted to let the manager know that the LP guy was so helpful. But then I forgot about it for the idiot working behind the counter. Sides not like he would have given me the time of day to do so.... Hum maybe I should call the store and compliment the LP guy after all. :)
What I do find funny is that when I am out in public like this alone with the two kids, lots of people look at me and the kids and smile really big. I'm sure a lot are thinking "man she's got her hands full" but more often then not they are looking more at Eli and they smile, they wave some even talk to him. I think its because he's such a good boy! I mean seriously in todays world there are so many kids his age that are not behaved at all and are not being watched like they should. They are just being allowed to run a muck, I think a lot of people appreciate how hard it is to get 2 kids out by myself but even more so how well behaved (and cute) he is in public. So while I am extremely exhausted this week I do love my little family to death and wouldn't trade it for all the rest and sleep in the world.
Willa and I wake at 7:30, I feed her, change her and realize she's worse then last night. I used the "boogie bulb" and do some more of the little noses. I tried calling her Dr to see if she can get her in but after trying to get a hold of them even after 9am I was unable to I figure I'll just go ahead and have her seen at College Park and pay out of pocket. So we take her to see Casey's Dr (mine was out of the office as was her husband). Her appointment was at 10 which it was 9:15 when I made the appointment and I still had to get Eli up, dressed and fix him a sippy cup (give him his meds) and give him some nilla wafers in a bowel to take with him.... I know breakfast of champions but he's on a nilla wafer kick and only wants to eat those and I'm not going to fight him today. LOL
I get both kids loaded in the car, I get us to the Dr's office just in time and Dr T is quick to see us and write an RX for little Willa who now too has a sinus infection. Dr T sends the RX electronically to CVS. Now this one takes FOREVER so I figure I have something I need to pick up at best buy that I ordered online last night for store pick up. I just got asked to be the portrait photographer for a local hotel's employee "breakfast with Santa" where they are expecting somewhere around 500 people. I am figuring I'll be VERY busy taking orders for prints and such so I want to have a way of when I take the picture having it come up right away on my lap top. Who knew there was this thing called "Eye-Fi" its a memory card that can transmit the images via wi-fi to the computer. It can even upload the images onto other websites! SO COOL! I'm gonna give it a try! So since I'm out I am going to pick up my new camera accessory and then grab lunch and then pick up the RX before coming home. Now this is me with 2 kids under the age of 2 out in public alone. I have Willa in her travel system which is her car seat sits inside her stroller. I have her little cozy cover on her car seat to keep her warm. I get the stroller out of the trunk, get her in her car seat out of the car and put them in the stroller. Then I wheel them over to the other side of the car where I park the stroller and get Eli out. While holding his hand I lock the car up and then with my other free hand I push the stroller.... Not very easy to do! So I make it into the store finally, the LP (loss prevention guy) has been watching us from inside and says with a look of amusement and at the same time amazement at my abilities if I need any help. How nice of him! But I say "no I think I've got it" with a very tired laugh. I know I'm just going to the service desk to pick up my little camera memory card how hard can it be right?
So we get to the service desk, we have to navigate those dumb rope things mind you with a stroller and holding a 19mo olds hand cause you know as soon as I let go he's gone! I am headed towards the area of the service desk that is the only place someone is standing at not paying attention to signs. I make the tight u-turn to get there and tell him I have an order to pick up...... He points back the other way to the other end of the counter and says "Store pick up is over there". Great now I have to turn the stroller in a TIGHT spot while holding said 19mo old hand and I still don't seen anyone that might be helping me. Seriously I think this dude just wanted to see if I could do it! Ok granted there was a sign that said "store pick up" but who notices that little sign? Even if it is big and has flashing neon lights really you expect me to read it? Anyway, I make it down to the end of the counter and look around for someone to help me..... Some guy in the back is on a computer and doesn't even look up. I look back at the other guy to see him deliberately looking around like he's waiting for someone else to need his assistance and then after a few seconds as if I had JUST walked up he walks over and says "Can I help you???" Seriously? So I totally have that scene from "Meet the Parents" where Ben Stillers character is going back home after breaking up with his girlfriend. You know he's standing at the airport, its dead and the stewardess announced boarding for rows such and such and he stands up and walks over and she looks at his ticket and says "Oh I'm sorry sir..... We're not boarding your row yet please step back" and yet there is no one around! Then after a few seconds she announces they are now boarding ALL rows. Blinks at him and then welcomes him with a smile that you just want to smack off her face. Yes folks thatsHaha At least 1 gets marks for customer service. The sad thing is I was going to tell them I wanted to let the manager know that the LP guy was so helpful. But then I forgot about it for the idiot working behind the counter. Sides not like he would have given me the time of day to do so.... Hum maybe I should call the store and compliment the LP guy after all. :)
What I do find funny is that when I am out in public like this alone with the two kids, lots of people look at me and the kids and smile really big. I'm sure a lot are thinking "man she's got her hands full" but more often then not they are looking more at Eli and they smile, they wave some even talk to him. I think its because he's such a good boy! I mean seriously in todays world there are so many kids his age that are not behaved at all and are not being watched like they should. They are just being allowed to run a muck, I think a lot of people appreciate how hard it is to get 2 kids out by myself but even more so how well behaved (and cute) he is in public. So while I am extremely exhausted this week I do love my little family to death and wouldn't trade it for all the rest and sleep in the world.
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