Talk about unexpected gifts! Today my secret swap package arrived! On a mommy forum I frequent, we participated in a secret swap with another mum. Today my goodies arrived and I couldn't be more tickled! Fancy pens, lavender aromatherapy, picture frames, vanilla candles, a photo brag book, a pretty notebook and TWO lipglosses! Thank you, Amanda and daughter Kyla! :) :)

our pensive boy.

unexpected gifts

In the last two days I've been showered by unexpected gifts. Yesterday my sister in law brought me two funky handbags (cute couture knockoffs) from Thailand! Whee! Today I got a package from Amazon on my doorstep - my oneday other sister in law Sophie mailed me a book she enjoyed and wanted me to have ! Awww! And today I also got an email from author Ann Douglas saying that she was putting into the mail for me copies of her two soon to be published books on sleep and meals that I sat on an "expert" mummy panel for. What an unexpected perk - I hadn't expected copies! Ann's a great author - I already have her pregnancy, baby and toddler parenting books as staples in my reference library. And if you haven't checked out her blog, please do. I admire her very much.

So, its been a good day! Despite Ethan being a bit of a terror this Monday (I wont go into details) but its a soon to be forgotten memory because I've just poured my first glass of wine for the evening, 3 minutes early. Not too bad for a Monday.

In desperate need of a bang trim, some lipgloss, and bed.

Today's been a good day. E's down with a cold and is going at half steam, which is probably why I don't feel too exhausted. Tomorrow will be a different day, especially if he's feeling really lousy. I've got to keep my strength up! Jude's doing well. Tomorrow he's four months old. Where has the time gone? Its hard to believe its been more than three months since he was a frail, helpless little being in the hospital, fighting for his life. Now he's a robust, laughing and smiling imp with meaty thighs and a hearty appetite. He's also *this close* to rolling over - such a squirmy guy! He's my gentle, sweetest little man.

We've had a pretty silly evening here at Casa McIntyre - hey, its Saturday night, baybeeee! This is a picture of Ethan laughing hysterically at my dancing to Justin Timberlake. Though, really, his face should be one of awe, his hands furiously taking notes on my STYLE. With capitals! Its been a fun day - it always is when the four of us are together. Its when we're all the most filled with silly glee. And for that, I say, "Rock On".

Nothing to report, except TGIF, TG for naps (E just went down) and thank god for wine. And cute babies. Except for when they're teething, like this one. *sigh*

And a picture of my other child, the climbing orangutang scaling the furniture. I'm sure there's no coincidence that Ethan refused a nap today too. Lucky, lucky me. I hope T brings home some wine for me tonight!!!

Constantly smiling and now laughing at his silly mum, here's Judie today.

Still getting the hang of the whole bed-sleeping thing. But, so far so good! Hope to get the crib moved in to Jude's room by the weekend so he can reach his own milestone and leave the bassinet in our room (read: horray for turning on the lamp and finally reading in bed at night!).

Ethan slept in his big boy "mattress" last night for the first time! The bed we ordered wont arrive for a week or so, so we practiced on the mattress and he did great! I hope I have the same success during naptime today. He still sees the mattress as a jumping toy more than anything right now, but its a start! Such a big boy! And check out his groovy new quilt set - surfer madras! Party on, dude!

I took Judie and Ethan to my place of employment (its hard to say that without feeling a stabbing pain in my temple) today before an appointment in town - to see some of my colleagues (the ones I like). They all oohed and aahhed over the adorableness of both boys, making me feel good (and having them notice I'm 20 lbs lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight was nice too). Both boys were on their best behaviour - Ethan was actually SHY which is hilarious and so unlike him. Jude just smiled at all the girls. He's learned quickly. Apart from that, nothing to report other than its time for bed. Ahh sweet slumber. Jude was up half the night last night - lets hope for better sleep tonight! *cross fingers*.

I'm so glad the weekend is here - its been a bit of a rough one with Troy away for most of the week (single-parenting 2 littlest ones is TOUGH). Nothing planned in the days ahead, but hopefully we'll get some walks in, some french-toast eaten, some muffins made, and some books with MOONS in them read over and over and over. I'd also like to pick up a book and read a chapter or two. Oh, to dream.