Sleepless in St. Charles

Posted in General Life, Oh Baby by widdershins22

So I mentioned in my previous post that we are moving and that Shawn has been commuting on the weekends until we can sell the house and join him in Grand Rapids.

As you can imagine, this has been hard for Joe. It’s been most prominent in his sleep, or lack there of. He goes to bed at his normal bedtime of 8pm without any problems but has been waking up in the middle of the night yelling for me. Sometimes I can get him back to sleep after a quick trip to the bathroom, others he is up for hours. He freaks out if I am not in the room with him and I usually end up using my mom-ninga skills to sneak out of the room. He’s been consistently waking up at least once a night since November, when Shawn started with the commute. He’s now getting worse where he’s been up twice (or three times) a night. Out if sheer exhaustion, I’ve been having him come into my bed. This is something I have never done, unless sick, and I don’t want to make it a habit. (No offense to co-sleepers, just not my thing.)

I’m at my wits end trying to figure out how to help Joey, but I’m at a loss. He’s also exhibiting some other changes in behavior such as clinginess and anxiety when realizing I’m not close (such as when I run upstairs to grab the laundry or something.)

I’m really struggling with getting no sleep. I think I actually slept more when he was an infant! It’s making me less patient with him and adding to the stress of solo-parenting while putting the house on the market. Any suggestions (and good sleeping mojo) would be so greatly appreciated.

31Jan2016

On the move . . . .again

Posted in All About Me, General Life, Noble County Gold, Oh Baby by widdershins22

So, there has been a lot going on behind the scenes around here.

Shawn took a new position in November that’s in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has been living there during the week and coming home on weekends. We’ve been trying to adjust and see if this could work long term, but it’s really too much for us to handle.

The stress on Shawn and myself is difficult, but it’s hardest on Joe. He misses his dad terribly and it is affecting his sleep and made him very clingy/nervous. Up to this point, he has been flourishing here and it pains me to see him struggle with it.

This has made us decide to sell the house and move so we can all be together. We’re so sad to leave our home, especially after all the work we put into it, not to mention our neighbors, friends and community that we quickly have grown to love. It’s even more heartbreaking to leave our family. I haven’t lived this close to my parents and siblings since I was in high school, and it’s been wonderful to have them be such a large part of our lives again. Joe’s had the blessing of having my parents around (even living with them for a time) and I know it will be difficult to not be so close.

We just finished having some painting done and placed the house on the market this weekend. I dearly hope it sells quickly, I want this transition to be as quick and painless as possible.

I’m optimistic that we will create a wonderful life in Grand Rapids. It’s a great community and reminds me of Madison, which we dearly loved. I’m looking forward to all of us being together again as well. Honestly, it doesn’t matter where Team Colley hangs our hats, along as we are with each other.

28Mar2015

Happy Birthday

Posted in General Life, Noble County Gold, Uncategorized by widdershins22

Happy Birthday, Shawn. You are the most amazing husband and father I could ever hope for. Thank you for sharing this amazing life with me. You are, and will always be, my true north. I love you.

2Mar2015

March for Babies 2015

Posted in General Life, Noble County Gold, Oh Baby by widdershins22

I’m excited to say that Shawn, Joey, and I will be walking in the March of Dimes’ March for Babies again this year. As you know, we walked in Columbus each year to commemorate the twins, celebrate Joey, and help fund a cause near to our hearts.

Since we weren’t able to participate last year due to our move, I’m really looking forward to this year’s walk. We will be joining the Fox Valley March for Babies walk that goes on here in St. Charles on Saturday, May 2nd. I’m hoping that many of you will be able to walk with us this year, or lend your support in other ways. If you’d like to register to walk with us, or donate towards our team goal, please click here. If you would like to create your own team, or find a walk in your area, please visit www.marchforbabies.org .

In addition, I will also be donating 100% of my commissions from Stella & Dot towards our team goal from now through May 2nd. So, if you’d already looking to spruce up your Spring wardrobe, or want to purchase something special for Easter Baskets or Mother’s Day, please consider shopping with me or being a hostess.

16Feb2015

Dreaming . . .

Posted in General Life by widdershins22

I have to tell you, I am beyond tired of this cold weather. Although it has not been quite as brutal as last year, I’m ready to throw in the towel. . . . or grab a beach towel and head south. As I sit here shivering in my shearling-lined slippers and clutching my cup of coffee for warmth, I can’t stop dreaming about warm beaches, playing in the sand with the little guy, and sipping something a little more frosty and tropical. Unfortunately, we are able to get away right now, so I guess I’ll just have to settle for throwing another quilt on my lap and snuggle up with Joe to watch Thomas and Friends.

7Jan2015

Snuggled in

Posted in General Life by widdershins22

The new year brought us frigid temps outside, so we’re doing our best to stay warm and cozy indoors. I hope everyone is doing the same and praying for those who might need shelter from these dangerously freezing temps.

31Dec2014

Goodbye to 2014

Posted in General Life by widdershins22

This past year has been one of movement, transition, and adjustment. We moved from Columbus, to my parents in Yorkville, and finally to St. Charles.

Things we rough for Team Colley with all of the changes, but we weathered the storm. Mostly with the help and support of our families. We couldn’t have made it through without you.

We were sad to leave friends behind (again) in Columbus, but happy to be close to family for the first time in many years.

We are happy that despite the turmoil, everyone is healthy, happy and safe at home. Here’s to a New Year, one full of new joys and adventures . . . But maybe a little less movement.

18Dec2014

Lights All Aglow

Posted in General Life, Oh Baby by widdershins22

Baking cookies, visiting Santa, decorating the tree, finding “Jerry the Elf” each morning . . . .all of these things have been so much more fun with Joe this year. He’s still not 100% sure what its all about, but he seems to be full of enthusiasm and delights in everything having to do with Christmas. I’m still looking forward to taking him to see the lights and decorations one night, taking him to church and singing Christmas carols, and taking him sledding (weather permitting). Oh, and of course, seeing his face on Christmas morning.

17Nov2014

Organize!

Posted in Geekery, General Life by widdershins22

Sometimes the littlest thing in life bring you happiness. I am a list maker, a planner, a scheduler of all things. I usually have multiple to-do lists going on -both written and mental- and hell hath no fury like (ahem) someone who’s grocery list has been tampered with. Just ask Shawn.

Most people use their smartphones to keep their schedules and calendars, but I have found that I am much more organized and aware of things when having a physical planner to write things down. Oh, I still use my iCal, but its more of a supplemental tool. The more ways I can keep track of things, the better.

A friend of mine who shares my ~~obsession~~ fondness for organization mentioned how much she loved her Erin Condren life planner. I’ve never heard of the company before, but after a little research I found that she has an amazing following for her products. Desperate to find a better system than a pile of post-its, note book paper, and note pads, I decided to place an order.

I received my planner in late September (EC had an option to add the remaining months of 2014 to the 2015 calendar!) and I have to say that it was love at first sight. Plenty of room to make my lists, week my monthly and weekly schedules, track my Stella & Dot business, etc. I’ve been using washi tape to help highlight certain dates/appointments and it makes things much easier to track, not to mention way cuter to look at.

I also took my friend’s suggestion and bought these pens. OMG these are the best pens on the planet! They are ERASABLE! No smearing, or teared up paper either. Gel pens and erase!! I’m never buying another pen again. EVER!

What do you use to keep things organized? Do you prefer paper or having it all on your computer or smartphone? I’d love to hear how you handle keeping a handle on things.