screaming, a decision, peace, then not so much

This morning, I grabbed my camera, and followed the girls around and recorded as they cried at different things. I'd post it, but 1) my house was super messy, and 2) you don't really want to hear them scream and cry that long. They are torturing each other, and in so doing, are torturing me too. I'm waiting waiting for the day when Aimee won't see a cup and immediately dump it out regardless of what's in it, or where it is. I'm waiting for the day when Katie will not turn into a limp noodle when I ask her to do something. I'm waiting for when Aimee will eat a meal and less than half of it will end up on the floor, on a regular basis. I'm fairly confident those things will happen. I'm also confident that torturing each other won't stop any time soon.

I'm okay with that. (As long as they occasionally get along. Or go hang out at friend's houses to give me a break.)

Today, Jon went and got his hair cut. While he was gone the above mentioned screaming/crying/torture ensued. After the kids were fed/changed/put in their rooms, I confessed to Jon that I was totally done. I don't want any more kids. He confessed the same. Then he pointed out that Aimee is older than Katie was when Aimee was born. (Did you follow that? I had to have him repeat it.) So we have officially dodged the bullet that is another kid two years apart from the last one. I could cry I'm so relieved. If it weren't totally sacrilegious, I would worship my IUD. I would marry it. I would probably not have its babies though. (I have to draw the line somewhere!)

We are totally done.

Then we talked about maybe in 2-3 years from now we'd think about it.

So obviously nothing permanent has been decided, but I felt such a profound peace when I declared I didn't want any more, and Jon said the same. It's right for us, for now.

After that, the day went much better. Katie was kind of charming when she was supposed to be having quiet time, so she got to hang out with me instead.

We tried to get her to name a Barbie. Her babies are all named baby, dolls are all named dolly, etc. So we tried to get her to name the Mariposa Barbie. Then she remembered that her name was Mariposa! So we got her to name the boy fairy. After like 20 minutes of suggesting names, she picked Jared. It's the first thing she's named! It was fun.

Then I went in Aimee's room, and she had taken off her diaper. And she was stinky.

So the peace was short-lived, but still, it was there. And I'm grateful for it, because all that crap about enjoying the moments is totally true.

Now, for another perspective on not being ready for more kids, go read An Announcement on my friend Morgan's blog. She is awesome, you won't be sorry!

And special thanks to my mom and Jon's mom who have watched my kids a lot recently. I don't think they will ever know how much I appreciate it.

Also, special thanks to the girl scouts outside of Fred Meyer that allowed me to buy their Samoas. Sweet sweet Samoas.