Care Bears, Clothes, and Crying

I had the opportunity to go shopping with my mom yesterday and look at whatever I wanted. The day started out rocky, as my mom was 2-3 hours later than expected - she didn't show up until 1:00 and usually, Fuss's naptime is around 1:30 (thankfully, she had slept in very late that morning and didn't need to go down as early as usual). But mom carried the baby around in her arms the whole time I was looking at shoes and clothes, so he was happy. I got a couple of new fall outfits that I'm psyched about, but she talked me into spending twice what I was planning to, so Daddy Fuss and I are discussing what, if anything, needs to go back to the store. But I'm kinda thrilled about getting some new fall clothes (fall is my favorite time of year for fashion. I should really live some place where there is - on average - more than 10 days of fall weather). I was hoping to find some silver heels to go with my black dress for my step-brothers' weddings and some silver earrings, but I didn't find anything in those categories that I loved, so... I was unsuccessful in that department. A trip to the mall is in my future, I think.

Daddy Fuss was reminding me of all the options on our Netflix On Demand for Fuss's viewing choices last night. Unfortunately, this morning when I showed her the options, she chose a Care Bear movie instead of one of the other, more educational (and less annoying) options, but I suppose we'll manage.

The last few days, the Little Man has been very fussy. He's having some pretty bad gas problems, so I know that is contributing, but in addition, he seems to just want to be held all the time. I was given a Moby wrap for him and I am psyched to use it, but he doesn't seem to like it long-term. I wonder if I am doing something wrong, since I would assume that the combination of being on me and being all cozy like that would make him happier, but not so much. I just want him to stop crying, poor little guy. But I cannot spend every hour of every day carrying him! I have things to do and another child to care for, so I have to come up with a viable option and SOON!

Our nights have been better the last 2 nights - he's going to sleep at least a little easier/faster after his 2am feeding, which is making mommy happier, so that's a good thing. He seems to like to lean on his side a bit when sleeping, so I've been using the hospital technique of rolling a receiving blanket up and propping him up slightly from behind. It works like magic.

Just wait

I feel like I am constantly telling one of my kids to wait. Fuss wants a snack or a refill on her juice? You need to wait until your brother is done eating. The Little Man starts screaming because he's hungry? Just wait until I'm done with your sister's diaper change. There is only one of me, I only have 2 hands and I can only do so much at one time.

How on earth do parents of multiples handle it?

I feel like the little man gets the short end of the stick - he eats and we cuddle, but then when he's done I have to put him down to do something for his sister, get some housework done, go to the bathroom, etc. I know I snuggled with Fuss a lot more at this age - but that was also motivated by the thought that I was going to back to work in a couple of months and my lack of motivation for housework at that point in my life. (Now that I know what it's like to have a relatively clean house, I like it!)

I'm getting better at balancing every day life, but I feel like one or both of my kids is always getting shafted somehow. Please tell me this gets better.

10 on Tuesday - playing catch up

Apparently, I posted last week's 10 on Tuesday. Now I have to do todays...

1. Growing up, what was one favorite item that you had to have with you at all times?
My mom jokes that I was a fan of the 3 Bs. Binkie, baby, and blankey. When I was older and had long outgrown binkies, etc. it was a book (so apparently, still with the B theme)

2. Being an adult, what is one favorite item that you have to have with you at all times, and what happens if you do not have it with you? Do you lose your sanity or just go back home to get it?
Either my cell phone or another book. I strongly believe in the philosophy "always carry a book." I don't usually go back for the book, but I usually will for the phone.

3. Where is your favorite place to be to just hide away from everything and breathe for a moment?
Currently, my new bedroom. It's my haven.

4. What is your favorite thing about your partner? (If you don’t have a partner, then someone who is very close and will always be in your life)
I don't have one favorite thing - he's awesome overall. I love that he loves to help people (especially me) and that he is generous and usually pretty calm, even in a crisis. I love his sense of humor. He can always make me laugh.

5. What is your favorite thing about your job? (If you don’t have a job, then what is your favorite thing that you do during your day?)
That I get to be with my kids.

6. What is your favorite lesson that your parents taught you growing up? Looking back, is it something that you want to use to teach your children when they reach that age?
Probably how to handle money (my dad) - but I abandoned some of what he taught me when I was in college and that is what got me into trouble.

7. What is your favorite song, that will always bring a smile to your face and make you think of something happy?
It's not my favorite song, but "So Happy Together" always makes me smile and makes me happy. Also "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"

8. What is your favorite things about being an American? (If you're not American, what are you proud of in regards to your country)
Freedom of religion. I love that I don't have to defend my desire to go to church (or not), etc.

9. What is your favorite meal that reminds you of being a child?
Ravioli? My mom's bread crumb chicken, maybe

10. Name 3 things that other people would say are their favorite thing about you.
I have no idea. I'm guessing my hair, my voice (singing) and - no idea. I'm obviously not that interesting.