My first days at work...

Have been great -- it's certainly different showing up for work and knowing that no one will puke on me or wipe their nose on my pants. Well, because that would be weird.

This is my first week and although I miss my kids dreadfully (have I ever mentioned that Cole gives the BEST cuddles?) it's been a smooth transition. I don't think the younglings have noticed too too much. On my second day of work when I asked Zoe if she missed me, she told me "No, I not miss you. Daddy play with me". Um, lady, I don't know if you remember this, but I played with you too. I have the videos to prove it. Maybe I'll show them to you. Right now.

The thought of starting work didn't stress me out. The knowledge that RJ was watching the kids didn't stress me out. The only worry I have is that my kids will be running around town in uncoordinating outfits. RJ likes to "experiment"... and it takes a lot of energy some days to resist the "Omigod, NO. You kidding me with that combination?" reaction. They should have buttons that you can pin on your kid "I dressed myself!" and "Daddy dressed me today!" and maybe even "Warning: This kid may explode at any time".

On a completely different note, I just realized that Zoe needs to sleep with an army of animals and items. She has Bubba (her blankie). Tuli bear. Wolfie. Cole Polar Bear. And the most recent addition is that now Cole Polar Bear has his own Bubba. Oh good gravy. This list is getting out of control -- the risk of misplacing one is too great!

So, RJ and I have already had a couple "days off". I am working Monday to Thursday with Fridays off and both the kids are in daycare on Fridays, so they are true blue authentic we-can-do-what-we-want days off. Do we do whatever we want? You ask. Run around naked or drink cocktails all day? (because I guess that's what I remember about my life before kids? haha) Nope, so far we've run errands. We've gone on our lunch dates but it's always smack dab in the middle of a lengthy list of to-buys. I imagine our Fridays to be relaxing and tranquil, but they've turned into "just how many things can we get done before we pick up the kids?". This behaviour must be stopped! I'm hoping we've got it all our of our system and we'll now be able to take 'er easy.

Ok, choppy post but that's all for now.

Hope all is well with you! Sleep tight...

The Zoe Chronicles - 3 years and one month

Dear Zoe,

Well, that month went by fast. Really, is it already the 11th of the month?

We have so much to celebrate -- and we successfully made it through the party season (Cole's, yours, and Daddy's birthdays). Daddy is now at home to take care of you younglings, and I will be starting work in a couple of days. We've had 2 weeks together as a family and it's been relaxing (since nothing on our to-do list gone to-done) and fun.

You like rules. If we misbehave or break a rule, you are sure to remind us:
* no eating or drinking in the car (poor Daddy can't have his coffee)
* no sitting on the tables
* that's too loud, use an inside voice Mommy! (ok, I can admit it, I can get excitable)
* no chewing on books (she'll tell Cole)

Your animals have started to talk. In a really high pitched sweet voice. And, they're very polite. Cole Polar Bear once said to you, after you gave him your favourite blankie, "I like Bubba, thank you Zoe".

But, this also means that Cole Polar Bear has been blamed for a couple of "misbehavings" too. Like, one time you told me that Cole Polar Bear hit Cole. I think it was probably you that gave him a nudge, but there you have it... And, one time in the car, you said "Don't push me over Cole Polar Bear, me not like it!". It seems we may have one of those troublesome polar bears. He must have been brought up on the wrong side of the North Pole.

You're a master at getting toys away from Cole. If he's playing with something that you want, you'll find another of his fave toys and distract and coax him into giving it up... with the trade. I guess since it's win-win, and you're very diplomatic about it, he doesn't even know what hit him.

I've said this before, but you are such funny one. You are going to have people in stitches your whole life. Some of them may even vomit from laughing so hard... that's when you really know you're a funny one...

Love you little lady,
Mommy and Daddy
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