A week without Dad

Less than 36 hours after we got home from Hawaii, Matt was back out the door and on his way to DC for work. The girls and I made it through the week (barely), but the lack of sleep and jet lag were pretty painful to deal with. A week later, Ella is still on Hawaii time - she goes to bed after 9 pm and wants to sleep until 7:30 - this would be fine except work and school don't have that schedule! Madi just wants to cuddle all of the time and when she isn't cuddling she is yelling, crying, and telling us "I don't love you anymore." It hurts. Shockingly I got through the week with only two bottles of wine!
Matt got to spend a day exploring DC and I had a Mom's night with the two of my three neighborhood moms and their kiddos. I love how just having someone else's kids in the house helps the time pass for my kids so much faster! Sadly, none of the moms could share my wine as they are all pregnant (this is the second round of these women having kids together, crazy). I was very happy to have Matt home on Sunday . . and I celebrated by leaving him alone with the kids while I went to book club and then did some work! This week has been much easier with Matt and I both home and the kids finally beginning to get back on a San Diego time schedule.

Night time activities are getting calmer - iPad and coloring

Sweater from Abu

Being Elsa in red capes

Tea in Old Town

All ready

Yum! - Why is small food always so good?

Ella is beginning to speak so well! She is trying to use sentences and clearly communicate what she wants or thinks. Ella's two favorite ideas are still "naked girl" and "snack" but she is also starting to repeat other sentences, especially things Madi says to her. Madi is obsessed with Christmas right now. She was chomping at the bit to decorate the house and only wants to listen to Christmas songs in the car. I can't decide if I love how excited Madi is about the holiday or if it just adding to my stress. I am also beginning to wonder if Ella is going to hate Christmas as they get older since Madi is so obsessed with it and Ella's birthday is tied to the holiday time.