Outside Play, Sleep, and a School Dance

The weather has finally been pretty nice!  (I hate saying that, as today it is supposed to rain all day).  But overall, we've had more good days than bad in the last week or two and have been able to get outside.  I bought this shirt a year or two ago for Morgan because I thought it was adorable.  He was happy to wear it and says he's going to wear it to Kings Island soon to get his picture taken with Linus. 

Speaking of Kings Island, we are making the kids work for their passes.  Going to bed at night has gotten RIDICULOUS at our house.  Both kids want us to (actually me most of the time) to lay with them until they fall asleep, which we (I) have been doing.  It usually takes an hour of laying there to get both asleep, and while I admit I've enjoyed the time to read on my Kindle, I always fall asleep and thus never get time to hang out with Nate in the evenings.  So, we created Operation Take Back the Night.  We created a chart on our kitchen chalkboard and every time one of them goes to bed without us laying there with them, they get to fill in one of the circles.  There are 18 of them in a line, which means 9 nights of going to sleep without crying and without Mommy laying there.  At the end, are the words "KI" and the right to earn their passes.  Last night was night one, and it was so much more peaceful (for me).  Tessa totally bought into it and went right to bed.  Bullseye!  Morgan cried a bit, but after one quick check-in and turning on a hallway light, he got in bed and actually fell asleep.  We considered it a success.  (And really, necessary, at this point- we're going to have a baby in a matter of days!)

 Tessa had her second soccer practice on Monday night and enjoyed it a little more this time since it was warmer out.  I think if she had more girls on her team, she might like it even more.  Regardless, I think it is good for her to give it a try and to get some physical exercise on Monday evenings (and at games on Saturdays).  They are both still doing Wednesday gymnastics, which is hands-down the favorite.

 And one of Morgan in the backyard.  The past two days it has been over 80 and this kid has still wanted to wear pants and a jacket.  Hopefully he'll learn to appreciate shorts and t-shirts in the coming months or he's going to be awfully hot!

 Last but not least, a photo of Tessa with two of her friends from the Kids r Kids dance on Friday night.  These are two of her best friends!  We love Kids r Kids and all the fun activities they plan, but are seeking alternative care for next year, probably a nanny.  We've found one potential candidate who is coming to interview on Monday evening and meet the kids.  Hoping it works out, as three kids in daycare is a tough pill to swallow financially (and the thought of getting them out the door in the morning is fairly terrifying too).

Baby Nolan is still on the inside.  At my appointment on Monday, my doctor thought it was time to schedule an induction.  After two early babies, I never thought  I'd hear those words.  But next Wednesday, 4/17 it is, unless of course, he decides to make an appearance before then!