Some things I've learned in the past couple weeks

1. For me, having more than one child = a race against time. Example: Okay, Tessa is enjoying fruit snacks and a drink in the kitchen. I've just finished changing Cole, and Cole is calm and happy on the changing table. Strap that kid in, I've got 5 minutes to brush my teeth, make my bed, and put some laundry away. Run!(Cole's baby acne was in its height of glory here, so thank heavens for Biore strips and Benzoil Peroxide because it's finally clearing up. ;) if you know me at all, you know I'm kidding, so please keep the tsking to a minimum.)

2. I don't like it when good friends move far away. I understand it happens, but I don't have to like it.

3. A 56 oz. bag of peanut M&M's may very well be one of the best/dangerous gifts I've ever been given. It doesn't matter where I hide it. I still know where it is.

4. Funny details are still my favorite. Even though we decided to officially celebrate my 30th a week later because of the bar exam, Jake still bought me flowers on my actual birthday. Awwww. They were very pretty, but my favorite thing about them was the birthday pick that said "ppy Birthday". Jake said the lady at the store was very sweet and intensely helpful as she insisted on making the arrangement extra special by adding a birthday pick. She didn't notice it was busted, and Jake wanted to keep it that way since he knew I'd think it was funny.

5. I DO function better with a list in hand.

6. Although Cole hasn't smiled at us yet, I do see some definite, easy-to-read faces that he makes. The first is always directed at me, but I'm not sure why. I call it the "Woman, are you insane?" face. I'm not kidding. That's really what it looks like he wants say when I'm trying to entertain him. The second expression I've only seen when Tessa is coming at him or cuddling with him. I call this one the "Please let me live through this" face.

The very best, though, is when he laughs in his sleep. I love it. I'm excited for when he deems us funny enough to share it when he's awake.

7. My feet are indeed a half size bigger than they were less than seven months ago. That's creepy. I have asked around, and there are actually a lot of women who have had their feet grow bigger after pregnancy. This isn't width, folks, this is length. Someone explained that when bearing that weight, your feet spread to make up for it or something. Now, I know I whined PLENTY about it, but if you saw my feet prior to and right after Cole's birth, it would make sense that my tarsals and metatarsals were floating around in foot bags of liquid. Now they are rearranged and bigger. Creepy, I tell you. There are a couple pairs of shoes that I refuse to give up, so if you see my toes hanging over the edge of my shoes, keep it to yourself, please.

Now, I'm wondering...can your knuckles get any bigger after pregnancy? I still can't get my wedding rings on, and it's driving me nuts. I'll give it more time...., but... :(

8. I saw a ton of advertisements for this new fall TV show called Glee. I kept thinking, "Good grief. Talk about building up the expectations for a program they've only shown the premier for. I want to see what all the fuss is about, but it can't possibly live up to its advertising." So, I finally sat down to watch the premier online with Jake the other night. I loved it. I've had Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" in my head since then. I thought it was adorable. I'll get over mourning Samantha Who? and adore these characters instead. I hope that the other episodes can live up to the first.

9. I keep relearning some of the same life lessons because I haven't quite gotten the point. At least I can recognize that and try harder.

10. My daughter is waaaaaay better at freaking out about bugs than I am.

Soon after this picture, a fly buzzed around her head and tried to land on her. She screamed in horror and flew at me, limbs a flailin' to protect her.