Are you as busy and stressed out as I am?

I'm looking for a social network. One where we are all busy, stressed out, and not afraid to say it. One where we don't judge because you only stayed home half the day when your kids were sick. One where you packed those sick kids up and brought them to work for just a little bit because you are COMPLETELY out of vacation/sick/personal leave due to cold and flu season.

I'm looking for a friend who doesn't stay home with their kids. And who doesn't hang out with people who do. They are few and far between for me now. I find myself saying things to stay at home moms who quip right back about their relaxed lifestyle. I get it...I just don't want it.

I'm tired, pretty much all the time. I'm afraid I'm going to lose my job because my kids are sick again and I'm convinced I don't do enough for them. I'm afraid I'll never get promoted. And I need a friend who is just as busy and stressed out as I am...any takers?

12:30 to 2 a.m.

This is the time that really makes you a mom I think. The times when you're up convinced you will teach your child to sleep through the night and stop feeding so often. You know he doesn't need it and after discussions with your doctor the time to stop it is now. Its only at 2 am that you read the news you would normally skip, or write on your blog. But its times like this that create "war stories" for the future. You share these moments with all moms.
With our first son we ended up using the Ferber method when he was a year old. He never slept through the night before then and it was wearing on us. He was typically up twice a night on average. Our second was a great sleeper at first but the more his routine is messed with the worse it becomes. He began sleeping through the night at 8 weeks old. Then a trip to his grandparents ruined it. Once he was finally sleeping through the night again the Thanksgiving holiday was hosted at our house and he had to sleep in his pack n play...ruined it. Now, he's up once a night every night and tonight he's up a few times already. His father fed him while we were visiting family so he would go back to sleep. Now he thinks he can just eat all night long. So, we're back to the Ferber method. 5 minutes, then 10, then 15....it makes for a long night but its quiet right now...maybe it will work for us again?

The holidays

I always work myself up for the holidays. I happen to think my birthday is the most important day of the year. Christmas is second to that only because it means I get to see everyone I love (usually) and I get the day off. This year was special as we got to show off our newest addition Maxwell to our family. Its also the last time we will likely see our family for quite awhile as we only travel every other year.
And it was a let down. I'm not trying to be a bummer here but it was. Traveling with 2 kids on an airplane was ok. Getting there wasn't too bad. But keeping up with different time zones, new sleep schedules, or not sleeping at all was terrible. Add in the fact that I had to live out of a suitcase for 2 weeks and it got worse. Plus, all my old friends were missing in action. We all emailed and talked big about meeting up for coffee or something but when it came time I made phone calls, sent emails, and not one showed up. In fact, the one friend I did see I had to drop in on. Its not always like this but perhaps this year we have officially begun growing apart. Maybe next year we won't even bother emailing...if this is the case how will we plan our 10 year reunion?!?
Anyway, the kids enjoyed it. We took 2 extra suitcases home full of gifts and our house is overwhelmed with toys again. They loved playing with family, spending extra time with mom and dad and seeing new friends. It was worth it for them. It always will be in the end right?
On another note a good friend gave birth to a beautiful baby girl Dec. 27th...welcome to the world Erin!