Well, The Cat's Out Of The Bag.

That's right. Come end of March, Claire will have someone else to play with, and I'm sure Bells is grateful. Or maybe terrified that there will now be two monsters trying to claim her whiskers as prizes.

Everyone was getting suspicious with my constant, extremely picky snacking and numerous bathroom runs. I actually wanted to keep it a secret until right before we found out what we're cooking, but I'm already in the pudgy stage and now I can snack during church without shame. I was getting some pretty concerned looks when I pulled out my entire bag of cheeze-its a couple weeks ago.

While I'm finally adjusting to the shock of the kiddos being barely 16 months apart, we are thrilled with the news. I'm already plotting how to redecorate the nursery for two and where to move furniture.

This pregnancy is already completely different from the first. I'm still very very bossy about food in our house and Ross is coping beautifully. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful, supportive husband, though I'm sure he'd appreciate a sandwich or a home cooked dinner sometime soon.

Back To School.

Fall semester started today. Summer went by so fast, but I think Ross was ready for school to begin. I'm excited for him, though I am going to miss our lazy evenings together. Claire wasn't too sure about this whole school idea, either.

I love fall. I can't wait to break out my scarves, sweaters, and boots! Bring on the cold!

All Poor Claire Wants To Do Is Get The Kitty.

I feel like a terrible mom for sitting and watching this happen, but it was just too hilarious to not get on video! While Claire can't crawl, she actually is quite mobile. She is an excellent scooter. It doesn't matter where she starts, she will ALWAYS end at the family computer. I tried covering it with a blanket so it was "gone", but Belle just thought it was a fun hideout. All poor Claire wanted to do was play with the kitty.

That's What I'm Talking About, House!

There's something empowering about mopped floors, 5,000 loads of laundry folded and put away, the trash and diaper pails emptied, and the scent of pine-sol in ever room of your house.

What's more empowering is that I got it all done before 9:30, all while Claire was awake. That's what I'm talking about, house!

It could just be because I slept exceptionally well last night, or it might have been the diet coke I popped open at 7:00 this morning, but I love cleaning days.

And now I get to spend the afternoon playing with these sweet cheeks.

A Cold Hard Truth.

I cannot sew. It's rather embarrassing really. I spent the past couple days making myself a dress. When I tried it on, I laughed so hard I might have cried. It's truly truly ghastly, though I wore it for a few hours just because I made it.

I even picked up Ross from work in it. I gave him a warning beforehand and let him know it was the ugliest thing I had ever worn. My wonderful husband didn't even laugh at me, though the look on his face was priceless.

"Well, at least it's good practice, right?"

I love him.

And I plan on sticking to baby blankets and replacing buttons. I'll leave my wardrobe to the outlet mall.

What Sunday Evenings Are For.

I have heard wonderful comments regarding a particular Miss Manners book. I looked at our local library's catalogue and saw it was available. I scooped Claire up and checked it out as fast as I could.

I must say, I have adored every word of this charming book. Ross has even read a bit of it and said that there are "a lot of good things in there".

"...As dear Erasmus said, 'It is part of the highest civility if, while never erring yourself, you ignore the errors of others.' Miss Manners prefers to believe that everyone means well, and that if anyone seems to be doing something wrong, it is probably not from intent, but from forgetfulness, busyness, absence of mind, or illness. Miss Manners may be mistaken in this now and again, but she leads a happier life for believing it."

This book truly has been a delightful gem. It has been an edifying, while comical read and I am looking forward to picking up another of Miss Manners' works this week.

"Children have two styles of dress these days. One, which consists of velvet dresses for girls and velvet suits for boys, is worn only to performances of The Nutcracker. The other, which consists of rags, is worn for everything else life has to offer. Miss Manners does not condone this..."

I cannot wait to see what Miss Manners' Guide to Rearing Perfect Children has in store for me.

Home Decor 101.

Since Ross and I were married, up until a little after Claire joined our family, I have loved decorating our home. I was very particular about it, controlling even. When Ross came home from work or school and would put his keys on the kitchen counter instead of on the designated key holder, I would honestly be stressed out.

When the young men would come to collect fast offerings, they would comment on how "modern and cool" our home was, yet also "cozy." I took a lot of pride in our "modern, cool, yet cozy" home.

Since then though, I have relaxed and calmed down a significant amount Our home decor currently consists of cheerios strewn about the floor.


And mountains of laundry amid the valley of Claire's toys which are almost never in her toy box. Of course some cheerios are mixed in there somewhere.


And I really gotta say I love every bit of it, down to the last cheerio and teething ring; though I can't wait for the money fairy to come back around and leave a little present so I can start more home projects.

Our Kitten Is Really A Dog.

No, really Not only does she beg for food, but she thinks it's ok to jump on the counter and eat food there. She licks the plates clean and has no problem eating out of the sink. She's been INSANE. It's like having another kid. I don't have to feed or change her, but as far as destruction goes, we have a baby and a toddler living in our home.

Anyway, last night I was already in bed when Ross was brushing his teeth. I heard a plink and then the cat running out of our room as fast as she could.

Ross: Do you beat the cat when she drinks out of the toilet? I took one look at her and when she saw she was caught, she booked it out of here.

Note: I do not beat the cat, but she DOES get in trouble when I catch her doing things she's not supposed to. Like eating my breakfast while I help Claire or drinking out of the toilet.

Stupid cat.