Finally. They're asleep. Some nights bedtime is easier than others. Usually one of the toddler beasts will go down easily and the other will take a little more to be coaxed into a drift off to dreamland. The bedtime routine, mind you, my husband's hours normally make it so that I'm on my own for this part of the day (I'm pretty sure he does this on purpose).

So here's how things (are supposed to) go down.
Dinner, typically followed by dessert
A little bit of playtime, maybe a game or a movie.
Bath time
Snack
Teeth brushed
10-15 minutes after brushing teeth I start getting them into bed.

If you forget their cups..you'll be reminded..until you go and get them a drink. And can't forget to put a diaper on Aaron because he's potty trained during the day..but at night the flood gates open and God forbid that child is naked when it happens. Interesting tidbit..Aaron turned 2, and then decided he was going to potty train himself. I literally had nothing to do with it other than to assist him when he asked me to.

Now they're in their beds. Easy enough right? HA!
No.
They will wiggle. And squirm. Alexander will ask for criss cross applesauce.
Aaron will also ask for criss cross applesauce
Mom or dad will do this about 5 times and then stop.
If it's a night where Alexander isn't quite ready to fall asleep..he will ask for more criss cross applesauce. Sometimes they get random bursts of energy at bedtime, when this happens..there is no point in trying to get them to sleep at that exact moment because it isn't happening. Theyll run up and down the hallway a few times, giddy and laughing because they think they're getting away with something. And maybe because they're slap happy since it IS past bedtime at this point.
I've learned that it's easier to let them ease into bedtime. I keep the tv off, as few lights on as possible. If they aren't tired, there's no forcing them to go to bed. I never did cry it out with my kids. They want me there to fall asleep, that's how they're comfortable. Some nights I wish they would just get into bed and go to sleep on their own, but then I remember...this is the only time they'll ever be this little. I might be exhausted, they might drove me completely bonkers when I just want a minute of quiet and they're bouncing off the walls because they caught their 2nd hundredth wind. And then finally...finally..they drift off to sleep, and we tip toe out of the room. Do I stay up and get a few things done? Do I try and relax? Do i just go to bed? Such a conundrum.

It's quiet in the house now. I can hear the crickets outside. I'm sore. trying to get back into shape after having my fourth baby, having arthritis in my ankle and scoliosis in my spine...I hurt. Some days I wake up and feel like I'm 90. This is why I know I need to stay active. I keep moving even when it hurts. Yes, I need to see a doctor about it..will I? Maybe. Doctors and hospitals freak me out.

Speaking of doctors, tomorrow is Axels 4 month check up. I can't wait to see how much he's grown! Obviously..I see it. But I want to know the numbers and where he is on the scale. After not being able to nurse with Austin, I'm proud to have nursed Alexander and Aaron to 18 months, and I hope to nurse Axel that long if not longer.

Today was Austin's first day of school. He loves his teacher. Which is awesome. We have had some not so awesome experiences in years prior. I can't believe he's in 5th grade already. It amazes me how much he's grown. How quickly they all grow. I wish I could get back all the time I lost with him. When I was young and stupid and didn't know what it truly meant to be a mom. I love that enjoys doing things I find fun. Random dancing. Art. Science. And man oh man does that kid love cars. He can point out a corvette and tell you at least 5 things about it from a 1/4 mile away. (Ok maybe not that far. But the kid calls it 98% of the time.)

I'll bid you goodnight now...this post is insanely long and I don't mean to bore you.