Keeping Busy

The week before a big test in Medical School can be grueling, for Tanner, me and the babies. I try to find ways to help those weeks go by as fast as they can. So when a group of my friends decided to go to St Louis for a day trip I was more than happy to jump on board.

There were 3 cars, 7 adults (2 of them pregnant, one very pregnant) and 10 children. It was a party. We decided on St Louis because it has an amazing free zoo, and an amazing frozen custard place. Doesn't get much better than that!

The kids did really well on the way there even though Chet had several meltdowns (but I was expecting that and he really doesn't like to disappoint me). We drove around the zoo for what felt like hours looking for a parking space because we wanted this trip to be free free, meaning no paid parking. We found a spot just before I had a complete breakdown and created my own parking spot by slamming into cars...phew.

The weather was amazing. It almost got uncomfortably hot, but I did not complain. It would have been very ungrateful of me after all the complaining I have done about the bitterly freezing cold.

The kiddos, minus 3, looking at the groundhogs 

Eden was so sweet and held Mariah's hand all the way through the butterfly exhibit. 

Showing me the monkeys 

Mariah had so much fun looking at all the different animals. She didn't have one meltdown and fell asleep without a fuss. I got a lot of good looks walking around with her wide-open mouth, snoring state. The girl can sleep hard. 

I don't think Chet had too much fun. Maybe it was because before we even started a bird pooped right on his face, I know that would put me in a bad mood. He had quite a few meltdowns and wanted to be held or nursed most of the time. I nursed him 4 times in a 6 hour period...the boy was thirsty.  

I love how Mariah is holding onto the stroller passed out. Way too much fun for that girl. 

After the zoo we decided the smartest thing to do for dinner would be drive through. Then we stopped real quick at the legendary Ted Drewes frozen custard. Even though Chet screamed the whole time we were there I really enjoyed myself...that tells you how good their frozen custard is.

The drive home was pretty relaxing, mainly because Chet slept the whole way. Even though for about an hour of the trip either Collette or I had to reach back and hold Mariah's hand so she wouldn't cry. It was that or singing songs the whole time and although I'm sure Collette enjoyed my wonderful voice I just didn't have the stamina to sing for the next two hours. So the hand-holding was a better option for me and probably a relief for Collette.

It's amazing how much longer a road trip can take when you have diaper changes, potty breaks, a nursing baby and several breakdowns. But what is also amazing is how two moms can talk away while there is chaos going on in the background (Collette and I are truly gifted).

The next morning we woke up to snow...it almost seemed like the day before that was filled with sunscreen, and sweat was just a dream. Dear, dear Kirksville, how you love to bring us back to reality.

I love the friends I have made here and will remember our crazy, exhausting trips with so much fondness. Yay for Medical School!

My 6 Month Old...

Chet boy is 6 months! And it is breaking my heart a little. I am always wishing he was a little older on the tough days and now I'm really regretting those wishes. It is all happening way too fast. Here are some updates on my little squeeze:

• He's sleeping much better! Glory Glory Hallelujah! He usually only wakes up two times in the night to eat and then goes right back to bed. It's amazing how a little sleep can make you love your child that much more. 
• He's a sympathetic crier. He just can't hold back the tears when his sister starts crying (or maybe it's her scream/cry that gets him going. Can't blame him, it is quite distressing.)
• He loves to lift his legs up and slam them down as hard as he can. When he does it in his crib I can hear the thumps all over the house. It makes me smile. 
• He's sitting up like a champ but hasn't quite mastered the art of rolling over yet. 
• The poor boy just got his fourth ear infection, but thankfully we caught it early so he wasn't in too much pain. He is now a pro at spitting out his antibiotics (he can't stand the stuff). 
• Tried his first food and didn't like it one bit. After all his practice with the antibiotics he had no problem spitting it all out. 
• Still is Mariah's biggest fan. He gets so excited whenever she gives him the least bit of attention. 
• He has developed quite the banshee scream. He does it when he's happy and when he's mad. I'm not a big fan of it. Especially at two in the morning when I'm trying to quietly feed him. Little stinker. 
• I'm his favorite...and not just when he is hungry! But he really loves his Daddy. He eats up any attention Tanner can give him. 

Happy that I'm not trying to feed him nasty stuff anymore. 

My good Friend Chauntelle took this photo and I love it so much!