Hello, Monday 4.22

Hello, blog. I've been silent for almost a month. A month of family travel (to Michigan for Easter), and business travel (2 weeks in Canada for Karl), and visitors of the family variety (Nana) and the friends that are family variety (Barb). I've missed taking the time to write, and I've not been the best blog reader either. Hoping to work on that.

Hello, Spring? It's been a long time coming in NE Wisconsin. It snowed yesterday. On April 21st. BUT, I just saw the 5 day and it looks like upper 40s and 50s. And...gasp...60 by the weekend?!? So help me Mother Nature, if this is just a tease, I don't know what I will do. My bulbs are trying hard to overcome the cold. And on the days when we get just a little bit of sunshine, I can hear the neighbors coming out to soak it up, even if we still have to be bundled. There's nothing quite like the sound of wagon wheels and trikes on the pavement. I'm reminded again why I love this place where we live.

Hello, teething. Sammy appears to be an underachiever in the teething department. By this age, big brother had a mouthful. Sammy? Has 2. But it's not for lack of trying. We are a house full of drool, and crabbies, and sleepless nights. I *think* we might be rewarded with a couple more top teeth in the next few days, but it's hard to get a good look in Sam's mouth unless he's screaming.

Hello, Netflix (Goodbye, Directv). We pulled the plug. No more dish. We probably could have done it months ago, honestly. It feels funny to say, after years working in news, but I just don't watch tv anymore. When the tv is on, it's most often some British or Canadian cartoon AJ has discovered on Netflix. In frequent rotation right now: Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Fun with Claude, and Peppa Pig. I blame these shows for the random lingo AJ has picked up of late. He told me last night that he needed to go to "the petrol station" because his truck was out of gas. He also requested Karl give him an "Ice lolly" for dessert. Crazy kid.

Hello, birthday countdowns. Sammy turns (gasp!) ONE in a month. AJ is six weeks away from FOUR! And in between those two is another birthday for this mama, which will be celebrated with brunch and bloody marys and good friends. Hard to believe my last birthday was spent in the hospital staring at a tiny little bundle of Sam. This year has flown by in a flurry of sleepless nights and juggling. So. much. juggling.