Life's a Beach

My posts seem to have a summery theme to them... Despite the fact that its the dead of winter. I will admit I do prefer being on maternity leave & having a newborn in the summer. Purely from the get out and walk around perspective. And the fact that everyone wants to touch and see newborns which has been far from fun during our recent flu epidemic.

I will say though Ella & Conor's own immunities will be most vulnerable during the summer which is far better than Claire who hit 6 months in the winter, plus 6-9 month olds are far more awake during the day than newborns so being able to go outside more when they're older will be nice... Sadly I won't be on maternity leave over the summer though!

Alas, today we hit a fun coffee shop where the wonderful barista wowed us with beautiful foam art & Claire awkwardly asked "is the person making my hot chocolate a man or a woman?" Kids keep you on your toes...

Then it was off to explore some open houses on the East side, Kirkland, Juanita and Holmes Point. Kirkland and Juanita were strike outs while Holmes Point could have potential. Claire liked the rocks and rock skipping at Denny Park on the point as I changed and fed her siblings. Alas we were compelled to head back over to where we are most comfortable and check out the West side a bit to satisfy Claire's desired open house quota for the day.

So it was over to Innis Arden for a mid 80's remodel and a trip through Blue Ridge & North Beach to drive by a couple that just came on the market.

The family has decided a view is key, beach would be a nice bonus if we can find affordable beach and likely Puget sound side will be our focus. So from Ballard to Edmonds along the water will be my focus.

Then it was off to Golden Gardens for a beautiful sunset, some serious play ground time and a wonderfully long stroll along the beach & waters edge. I do love salt water, seagulls, crisp early spring air, the Olympic mountains in the distance and the warm sun setting behind them... Beautiful!

Ella & Conor were fed, changed & enjoyed the cool fresh air to the point that we felt we could venture out for our first public dining experience. We let big sister pick where to go and surprise!!! Pies & Pints it was. And it was a rousing success!! We had dual babies sleeping the entire meal.

Then it was home for baths for all three kids, change into sleep-wear, feedings for Ella & Conor, then off to bed.

We're desperately trying to get Ella & Conor sleeping more at night so an evening routine has been established as well as consistent practices throughout the night by both Chris and I on our respective shifts.

They sleep well in their crib, the problem is they sleep well for 2-3 hours then they're up for more food. Then back down again for 2-3 hours. This might not seem that bad but when you're doing one at a time, by the time you've changed and fed the second one the first ones 2-3 hour stretch is now 1-2 hours at best, more likely 30-60 minutes :( then its time to start all over.

It will get better :)

Claire is off this whole next week, mid winter break. So I've got a number of play dates set up for her both here and at friends houses. Should be fun!

We created "Big Sister Day" which will occur 1 time per month and be a day where Claire rules our world for one entire day. This was in response to "why is being a big sister so hard" do big sister day in February is next weekend :)

Looking forward to that!