Dylan Come Back!

It wasn't his longest trip away from us. Nothing really awful happened. In fact, a lot of very good things happened. But I am spent. My throat hurts, my baby woke me up 7 times last night, and that thing the news wants us to believe was a "meteor" (ummm, missile? I'd even believe UFO over asteroid) shook my house at 4am the morning before, leaving me adequately spooked. We get Dylan home tonight for a quick one-nighter before he goes again, but I'll take what I can get!

Tuesday was our regular day. It was a long and hot day, but we fared okay. On Wednesday, I had the best of intentions to bring Gavin to his first movie in the theater. And then everyone had simultaneous meltdowns for 45 minutes in the morning, and I just wasn't having it. So I loaded my screaming animals into the car and just drove before everyone's mental state continued to decline and someone got hurt. I couldn't deal. My mom was planning to take Graham, and I updated her that she'd be keeping both of my delightful boys while I took a therapeutic shopping trip to Costco, TJs and Target. No movie for G. And you know what? He was totally pleasant for the whole time at my parents' house. He even took a nap. He may have peed the bed during said nap...but that was no biggie.

Adventures in eating

Graham took over Dylan's seat at the table while he was away

Oatmeal face!

Gavin's "lizard basket." The lizard phase isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

I left them alone for an inordinately long time while I did laundry and came back to Gavin playing "This Little Piggy" with Graham's toes.

Thursday was an early start for me (ahem, "meteor") and also for Gavin, who thought it wise to wake up at 4:30. He had an 8:30 post-surgery follow-up at the ophthalmologist, and I was a nervous wreck that my animals would be unmanageable and that I just wasn't going to be okay. God must've known to take mercy on me because Gavin was happy and cooperative, and Graham held it together for 40 of our 50 minute wait in the front carrier. The doctor informed us that Gavin's eyes looked good, and we'll be back to follow up again next month to assess the cross-eyed situation. His eyes are already starting to uncross, and the doctor thinks they'll be fine. He doesn't have to fix many of these types of surgeries, but sometimes he does. Anyway, I'll keep my hopes high. Things certainly started to turn around at this appointment and only got better. Graham paid a visit to Nonna once again while G was at Dawn's. I cashed in a massage gift card, and it was perfectly heavenly. Then I hit the gym and showered up before loading up G2 and grabbing G. Jess and the boys came home with us, and it was the perfect way to spend the last part of the day!

Now it is Friday, and we have plans to go nowhere. Gavin is having a "commando in PJs all day" kind of day, and Graham finally let me put him down for a nap in his crib. I've taken care of a few chores, but for now, I'm kicking back with my computer. Because I do what I want. Days at home make for very long days, but so far we are doing better than average. Before we know it, we'll be reunited with Dylan and eating donuts in celebration. Too bad that wasn't happening today, being that it is National Donut Day and all. We could have saved like $1.75 in free donuts. Sheesh.

Thank heavens for the help and company of family! I'd be in a world of hurt if I were alone in this. I read a book where this lady confessed that toddlers, in general, were very draining to her. She was much more energized by older kids and teenagers. To that I say, I feel you, sister. I love my boys with all that I've got, but I feel our future seasons of life may be a little less chaotic.