Not Much News

Hello. I haven't posted recently, I know!

Camila and Liv are no longer on the same nap schedule! OH NO! But both are doing very very well! (Each of them actually went down today with NO FUSSING - Holy Crap! --  its a damn good thing, too, as it is really hard to be in two places at once! LOL) And while I miss those couple hours to nap or catch up on chores... I am enjoying the one-on-one time with each of the girls.

Camila is very, very mobile. It keeps me running, but is fun for all of us. Except maybe Liv, who is acting more jealous these days. Camila is in the stages of new achievements every day (signs, teeth, crawling, standing, new sounds & games) that we are all very excited about - and I do my best to include Liv in these things: "Liv, Thank YOU for helping teach Camila a new sign!" But observing her behavior (when she thinks I'm not looking) I am reminded of a dog establishing dominance in the family/pack. She'll take toys away and then determine when/if to give it back or maybe whack the baby on the head with it. AAAGHH!!! Or show off in front of Camila "Can you do THIS?" and then balance on one foot or something, or even take food off her highchair tray! It's a constant challenge to balance their independent development, guide the course of their early friendship, and establish MY dominance as Alpha Momma!

Along these lines. Why am I surprised by the difficulty establishing "The Golden Rule" as part of the normal thought process? It seems like second nature; but, I guess, second nature is still second. Kind of like teaching good toilet habits; maybe? ((me, rolling my eyes - don't get me started.))

We've recently joined a local stay-at-home-mom's club. Which should provide more play activities and other support functions and community involvement opportunities. I'm excited.

We're (Jeff is) winning the battle against the varmint hordes for occupation of our hillside. We're reclaiming our landscaping back from the critter invasion - but now we're looking at a replacement phase. I can't believe we're going to have to buy & plant dozens of flowers, shrubs, and grasses - not to mention the irrigation parts! Damn rodents! Sheesh.

We're trying to get organized for the holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas.  It's an interesting exercise to realise that choices we make now will keep/establish (or not) traditions and memories for these special little people in our family now. Cool.