random ramblings.

• My Shingles rash is pretty much gone. The area is still a bit sensitive, but I think that will fade in time. We shall see.
• Harper has been excessively needy lately. It is driving me mad - meaning that I have been using poor coping mechanisms (eating too much/overeating) to numb myself and escape her constant need for attention. The fussing/whining/crying drives me insane. They are noises that I do not handle well. I love her to death (don't get me wrong), but her dependence on me wears me out sometimes! It is one thing I do not enjoy about babies/young children. I am hoping the phase will pass soon. It sortove comes in waves and right now she needs me a lot. But in general, I cannot wait for her to be more independent and less clingy. I know I need to "buck up" and handle it better - and I try. But sometimes it just gets to me and wears me out. I need a break and if I can't get one (for whatever reason) then I resort to food to escape (this is something that I am working on with my therapist - I am well-aware that I have a problem that needs to be addressed and "fixed").
• Another thing that wears me out about Miss Harper Grace - the girl doesn't sleep much. She sleeps well - just not a lot. She sleeps from about 7:30pm-7am and then takes one 1.5-hour nap during the day. It's the relatively short, one nap that gets to me. I "need" a longer break (for myself) during the day, but I'm not getting it. I had thought her brother didn't need much sleep, but she is even "worse." It amazes me.
• Harper is smart. Seriously. She says a lot of words - at least 50. She knows what she wants and she expresses herself quite well. She can run and climb. She tells us when she is tired and wants to take a nap/go to bed (she tells us "night night" at which point she needs and expects us to put her to bed immediately). She appropriately answers questions with a "yes" or "no" - by either saying those words or nodding her head. Overall, she just really impresses me.
• I can't send pictures from my iPhone to people via text messages (unless they have an "older phone"). It is so frustrating and I don't know why it won't work - it used to work.
• I have been working hard at securing homes for the Junior League's Winter Dreams Tour of Homes. So far, I essentially have two (of the eight homes) confirmed. Not too shabby! If anyone has a recommendation PLEASE let me know!
• Last week we went down to Jacksonville, Arkansas for three nights. It was essentially our summer stay there (to visit friends and family). It was fun, but not a "vacation" - meaning that it wasn't all that relaxing. Travelling with kids is not relaxing - in my opinion. It's a lot of work! This upcoming weekend, Randy and I are going on an actual vacation. We are going to St. Louis, Missouri for the weekend to relax and also see a concert (the group 'fun').
• Hayden starts the summer program at First School today. He is going to stay until 2:30pm - something he has never done before (I have always picked him up at noon prior to now, because he doesn't nap). Staying until 2:30pm will require him to rest/nap. We will see how it goes. He is going to have to do it once he starts Kindergarten in the Fall, so I thought why not start now? Also (and the real reason he is staying until 2:30pm), the noon pick-up time doesn't work well with Harper's nap. So all around this should work well - I hope.  
• I bought myself a new purse to use once I no longer have to use my diaper bag - I am hoping that will be in about a year (give or take a few months). I am so excited about it. I got it on zulily.com for a GREAT deal (I paid about $100 including shipping when it retails for $270). It's a Nino Bossi handbag if anyone is wondering.