Desperately Seeking Sunshine

Lately, to keep Kaitlyn entertained while driving we pretend we're on a roller coaster and really play up all the hills (ups and downs) and curvy roads. She thinks it's great fun to go 'weeeeee' as we 'fly' through the roads. It's actually pretty cute. But as I sit here and reflect, I have to say that life has been a bit of a roller coaster ride around here. This last month has really been a challenge. It's been one of highs and lows and trying to remember how good we really have it even when it seems, well downright depressing.

HIGHS:
We had a sleepover with Ms. Emily a couple weeks ago. Kaitlyn was soooo stinkin' excited and my heart melted when I peeked in at night and saw both of them asleep and snuggled together.

We actually got an adult evening out with Jen and Chris. I can't remember the last time we had adult time. So fantastically wonderful. We headed to Harmon Brewery and threw back a few beers and enjoyed lots of laughter. I didn't even have to bring stickers, markers, books and no need to ask for a kid menu. Wahooey!

I'm really blessed with all the time I get to spend with Kaitlyn. She's saying and doing the funniest things. The potty chats are the best, and the poopy and pee talk is stuff that seriously can't be made up but I'll spare you the specifics. Oh, the joy of the uninhibited 2-year old.

Some of my favorite conversations lately that are blog worthy:
'No Mommy, I don't want my stuffed doggy, I want an ACTUAL one! Let's go get an actual one NOW!'
'Yes, we can sit here but in the meantime let's play ball'.
'I can hardly wait!'
And one that really cracked me up as we were going down a big hill, 'Hold on, Grammy Jill'...in a very concerned tone. I must say it sounded like she was judging my driving skills. LOL!

And my favorite from today:
Kaitlyn and Ryan were out driving around the neighborhood without me.
Kaitlyn: How are we going to get home?
Ryan: I know how to get home.
Kaitlyn: Oh, we're lost (very sad tone used)
Ryan: We're not lost
Kaitlyn: I really miss Mommy

LOWS:
The weather for sure! I truly think I have a bit of SAD (seasonal affect disorder) and the constant grey and rain has been very wearing. The two times the sun has come out over the last several months, I was out basking in it in hopes of soaking in some happiness.

Flu and cold bugs have been loving our house. I was sick at least three times this winter, once ending up at the doctor for antibiotics. Ryan has had ongoing sinus issues for 2 months now and finally went to get antibiotics. Funny enough, Kaitlyn has escaped most of what we've been dealing with. Thank goodness for that!

And the thing I'm most sad to write about...we just found out that our wonderful, creative, caring nanny, Karen, will be leaving us. We're thrilled for her as she pursues other interests but we are so incredibly sad to be losing her. She's been with us since Kaitlyn was 6 months old. She will truly be missed!!! It really breaks my heart to even think about this. Her ideas and her insights have made me a better Mom for sure. And I can't even imagine how we're going to find a replacement. But I keep telling myself that life is about change and I need to embrace it (yes, and then I also recognize how full of crap I am - lol!).

Here's hoping that the sun comes out and life is happy!