Going to bed... Sophie 10 weeks

Ahh, getting to bed. Such a challenge every night. Things seem to go well throughout the day, one child is napping while the other is awake. Or usually only one is upset or crying and just because they fell, or their hungry, or they want mommy. Easy fixes. But then comes the evening. Somehow the evening from about 530 to 9 is just a rush against the clock. Everyone gets crabbier and grouchier by evening time. Sophie becomes a little more demanding and is awake more. She likes to tank up before bed, so her nursing increases. Jack is tired from the day, so he begins to get a little more grouchy. Hes the busiest child I think EVER, so he is constantly into things. Mom and Dad are exhausted from chasing children and working, and our patience seems to wear. Jack is getting into the tupperware for the umptienth time, and I am putting it back for the million and one time. I am struggling to make dinner. Sophie is on and off crying. I am making green beans and boiling potatoes... and then stop to nurse Soph. Daddy chases Jack and they play baseball. And then they play basketball. And then the ball goes under the couch. When Jack can't get it with his bat- Daddy! Daddy! Get the ball. But of course he just points under the couch and says, "uh huh!" since there are no words really yet. Back to the stove for Mommy. Stop Jack from eating dog food for the millionth time. Jack bites Daddy. Time out. 1 minute on the clock. He gets up. No- you need to sit. He gets up. No- you need to sit. I check the potatoes and the green beans, make hamburger patties, nurse Sophie. Jack you can get up. He smirks, and leans in for the hug that he knows is coming. I think thats the only part he knows. We carry everything out and have dinner outside. Peace and quiet for about 10 minutes. Success. Jack is back in a good mood. Then we walk. Walking can go good or bad as you read in my previous post. But either way, tension continues to rise. Jack never walks the way we want, making the walk take longer. Sometimes he throws a tantrum, wearing the patience even lower. Then the bugs start to bite- agh! so annoying. Hurry, hurry home! Tonight, I am slinging Sophie and Daddy is carrying Jack and the train. The dogs are annoying and won't walk straight. Ellie is being OCD and wants to walk a different way than the family. We finally make it home. Make the bottles, grab the diapers, grab the pjs, grab the towels and get the kids in the tub. Jack splashes the whole bathroom and pours water on Soph. No Jack!! We get the kids out, they shiver. Hurry, hurry to dry them off and get diapers on them before they pee on the bed. Seems like we can't get it done quick enough. Always a race against the clock to get them to bed by ... ah... say 9ish. Then the lights are out and the fan is on... time for some spongebob and relaxing. OH, but not yet. I nurse Sophie on the bed as Jack rolls around, kicks me in the back, hits Sophie on the stomach stating "Cry" over and over. (That's what he calls her) Yes Jack, that's Cry. Kick, hit, scratch my back. Ugh. Isn't this kid tired after walking a mile?! Seriously. Patience is lower, and lower. Please go to bed Jack. Rolls around more and pesters the dogs. Hits them and they growl. Then they jump down and run away. Have to get the dogs... they aren't allow to sleep alone or more problems will ensue. And then......... silence. All that craziness, I can't believe we make it. And then beauty. A sleeping toddler curled up in my arms, and a beautiful baby girl suckling on my breast. Such a wonderful and beautiful family all laying in bed together. So peaceful. And I relax...... and love the moment. Ah, how I love going to bed. :)