Lately

<< There's a good chance this post doesn't look the way I want it to because I'm publishing it from my phone app, instead of my laptop, due to computer problems :( but there's also a good chance many of you are viewing the mobile version anyway... So carry on! I shall edit later... >>

We just dropped Matthew off at the airport and he is back to work for another week. I am currently sitting in our truck, typing this as a note on my iPhone, because both girls are napping in the backseat. It sucks that his flight is right around Halle's nap time because she almost always falls asleep on the drive back from the airport. I made the mistake last drop off day of waking her after a 10 minute car snooze in attempt to go inside and put her down in her crib. Apparently the quick siesta was all she needed that day because normal nap time didn't happen.

So today I am taking advantage of this break! Both girls asleep. And stuck in the car. The perfect setup to make time for writing. Which can be hard to prioritize when you have limited down time and chores to do. But this is me "choosing time." One of my goals I want this blog to inspire. Making time for me or for something I enjoy.

So here's a little look at our past week when Matthew was off because I don't know where the time went...

We picked him up Thursday morning and had a low key day at home. He had just gotten off night shifts so he napped during the day. When the girls went to bed we decided to have a drink. Which turned in to a few drinks (& junk food snacking, for me,) and late night chats. We talked about all kinds of plans and fun, random things. We facetimed friends. We laughed. It was so fun! It felt like a date. And also seemed like forever since we had done something like that. And I think that's why it was so good.

I could have stayed up (& drank more wine) except that I really couldn't have because unfortunately I had to fast for routine blood work the next morning. Bummer.

We decided we would make a habit of this kind of evening when Matthew gets off from a week of night shifts. It is always a challenge because he wants to sleep in the day and is then awake all night. This throws him off from normal sleep times for his whole week off which can really suck. Having a couple drinks together did the trick of keeping him up that first night so that he could have a proper sleep and get up at a decent time the next day. It made his week off so much better than trying to play catch up sleep and napping all the time!

On Friday we spent the afternoon together at the lake sliding and playing at the playground. It was a beautiful day but, unfortunately, the warm weather made the ice unsuitable for skating. We are hoping to get Halle on skates before the winter is over!

Saturday morning we did a little shopping. Matthew and Halle did their thing while Autumn and I hit up Target for their store closing sales. I am sad to see them go! Always enjoy their festive items, home decor and sales. In the mean time their closing deals helped me score some make up I was in need of at 30% off!

After that we went to Earls for lunch. Their feature Thai coconut carrot soup - delish!

*** note: this is when Halle woke up from sleeping in the car while I was typing this. I need to work on this drop off day car sleep gamble... ***

Saturday night was Mom's Night Out! I met up with some of the ladies from my mommy group. To be honest since the babies turned one we have been spending almost as much time together, just us moms, as we have for play dates. And these girls have become some of my greatest friends here in Calgary! Which makes them more than just a "mommy group" :) I'm so grateful to have met them and joined their gang when we moved here.

We met up at Amy's house and had intended to go bowling at National, but we were later heading downtown than planned. We ended up at Craft Beer Market and had a blast! The last time we had a mom's night out for drinks, I was pregnant... I actually suggested this night out so that we could enjoy some bevvys together before everyone else ends up pregnant and they're the sober ones at the party ;)

Apparently Matthew had a bit of a rough go with Autumn while I was out. She had been sleeping when I left so I hadn't nursed her since a couple hours before. Luckily she takes pumped milk in a bottle fine! Although she probably woke up thinking where the heck is mom?! He did manage to get them both in bed and they both slept through the night! Woop woop!

I was up early Sunday morning but lucked in to going back to bed after feeding Autumn and having breakfast. Then I had another late morning breakfast of pizza as to properly enjoy my hangover ;) and cuddled up on the couch while Autumn napped and Matthew took Halle swimming. (Thank you, daddy!)

Eventually I decided to seize the day and make the best of it by getting a shower and attempting to do something... But the downtime was nice while it lasted.

We spent some more time together as a family on Monday and took Halle to Play-A-Latte. Then I enjoyed my *guilty pleasure night* by watching The Bachelor and eating sweet treats :) Tuesday, Matthew went skiing. And before we knew it, it's Wednesday again and he's back to work.

Another week of solo parenting. Although I don't mind it that much because we are finally getting our groove and routine. But it still gets lonely and we always miss him, especially Loki.

There's a lot to look forward to this week to keep us busy though. Like hosting a Valentine's party this weekend and warmer temperatures in the forecast! Yippee!

Hope you are all having a great week :)

Thanks for reading xo

*** another note: I managed to get Halle inside and down in her crib after waking up in the truck. Then I finished typing this. She's still awake, just resting. But not crying. (We have a video monitor.) Sometimes "quiet time" is just as good as a nap even though it leaves me feeling somewhat guilty... That's a story for another day, I suppose! At least she got a half hour car snooze this time. ***

*** annnnd side note: (because I can't resist) My sister got a new puppy this week! Meet Cole. Another husky in the fam. And now I have puppy fever ;) Can't wait for Loki to have a buddy during our next visit home!! ***