My new "normal" and my little fuss pot.

Last week was the first full week of school for Conner and Alaina and it hit me one day while loading the dryer that this is my new normal. The next five years, FIVE YEARS, will be Zane and I at home with the bigger kids at school. One one hand I feel such joy looking forward to the five years, knowing how fun they can be, but on the other hand, I feel like taking a nap just thinking about it. : ) 

A certain little baby has been quite fussy lately. While he has had some content moments like this one where he was fascinated with his hand,

and this one, where he layed on his playmat for the first time,

he often quickly starts to do this,

 and would much rather do this than anythig else:

Laying on a tummy with his pacifier is by far his favorite position, especially when he is fussy. Can't say that I blame him if you get to do it with Mommy a lot during the day and then Alaina in the afternoon,

and the Conner in the evening.

Our afternoon ritual when coming home from school has been for Alaina, Zane and I to watch the Olympics together. While Alaina never really "watches" the Olympics (she sings, dances and does gymnastics while I watch), she did lay with Zane today and enjoy some track and field with me.

After quality time with her brother, Alaina went up for quiet time. This has always been a struggle for her because as an extrovert, being alone is practically torture, so quiet time is typically spent with her asking 47 times how much longer she has to stay in her room. She is doing better however, and typically comes downstairs to share what she has been doing. Today I was graced with beautiful piece of artwork that she was quite proud of. If only she knew that I throw them out how much I cherished them. 

Another new "normal" that we are getting used to is nightly homework. Gone are the days when Conner could have his afternoons and evenings to himself, and he has decided that his "homework" time is right after dinner. Tonight he was a little distracted by a certain someone. : )