T.G.I.F.

As I write this from my "home office," the fence guys are installing the gate on the driveway. This is the gate we were supposed to get about a month ago. Along with the fence we were supposed to get about two months ago. But I am not bitter. I am looking forward to a weekend that does not include chasing Leo or the dog down the driveway. I am trying to muster up the courage to ask the fence company for a discount. I am not good with haggling or confrontations but this whole experience has been downright ridiculous. I feel that we are owed something. I know, doesn't everyone?

Oh and I am off work today. We get what it called "summer Fridays" two times a month from June to August. Not bad, I admit. A four day work week is so humane. I wish it would catch on in this country.

It is not yet noon and already I have shopped for groceries for the week, returned a skirt at Target that I didn't need, and cleaned out the shed (there was an unfortunate incident involving squirrels and a large bag of bird seed. Don't ask). I know that I should try to just chill for a few minutes but it's tempting to try to do a million things when I have time alone without the kids. Free time is so precious. Ellie is at daycare and Leo is at school. And no I don't feel guilty. But I do feel the need to be productive.

Thank goodness the humidity has broken. It is simply gorgeous today. Even this gray sky loving Pacific Northwest native can appreciate some sun.

Happy weekend to all.

Leo = Rooster

When did Leo start to feel it was necessary to wake at dawn? To be our in-home rooster? Gah! I am OVER it. I thought kids were supposed to sleep later as they got older. I thought maybe Ellie's 5 a.m.-ish wake-ups were waking Leo, but no. For this morning Ellie didn't make a peep at her usual time but Leo, well Leo woke me with a start. At 5:30 a.m. And did I mention I have the day off today? So I was all set to let us all sleep in. Until the decadent hour of maybe 7 a.m.

My rooster son had other ideas.

How on earth can a person so small have so much energy at such an early hour? There was Leo stuffing the pillows in the laundry hamper. There was Leo slamming all the doors and turning on lights. There was Leo pushing the bedroom rug under the bed. And there I was, fumbling for the remote, trying to see the "On Demand" prompts on the television, without my glasses. Please Dora, please, help me out.

I suppose getting an early start to the day has its advantages. So far today I have shopped for the week (am excited to finally make gazpacho!), bought an electric pump for the blow-up pool my friend Stephanie bought us (it's supposed to be humid and in the 90s this weekend), made the bed (never do this on week days!) and eaten a terrific junk food lunch (I am too embarassed to admit but let's just most days I have salad for lunch). Not today. Next up: baking cookies for the kids' daycare family picnic tonight. And yes, I am home, alone. No kids. Thus explains the unusual productivity.

Three day weekends rule.

Oh the glamour of Saturday night

Partner is out tonight and I am home with wet hair and a pile of laundry aching to be folded and two (for the moment) sleeping children. Ellie has a habit of going down and then waking up just when I want to go to sleep. Oh well. I should enjoy the peace while I have it.
I feel such a sense of urgency when they are asleep, like there is so much I should DO. Instead I surf mindlessly on the web and read and reread Bloggers "how to post a photo" directions to no avail--I am smart, why don't I get it? I really want to show you guys my adorable children!!!

Today was lovely. I would have loved to have posted photos of Leo feeding the goats and sheep at the zoo, and of Ellie, looking so grown up in the Maclaren stroller, having graduated from her carseat/Snap N Go stroller deal. Can I also just mention what a melow little joy she is? Such a happy, happy baby. Leo did really well at the zoo too. The last time we went to the zoo was on Halloween and I can see the difference in him even from then--he follows directions so much better and is just not so all over the place. It was almost mild today--spring is visible. I even saw lupine and some hostas in the yard, eaking their little heads out. I wish I had more time and money for gardening.

Oh, and the Big East Coast City we are near? That would be NYC. I didn't mean to be too mysterious.
Now who can help me post pictures. I am following the directions but it just loads and loads forever. So frustrating!