So this week, well, last two months for that matter have been really crazy. Two months ago, I lost Liam from my daycare because his dad lost his job. A week ago I found out that Zenna will be leaving our daycare and moving to a center. It's been such a loss for me, basically losing my whole job in six weeks and having to start from scratch.

I do have a new little boy named Max, who is just the most delightful 10-month-old in the world. We call him Maximillian a lot, since that's his full name (there are just so many nicknames from that!). But like Chris said, lightning can't strike four times, and it's taking a lot more work to find someone to watch this time.

I've been putting all my leftover energy into my art, sketching a lot for my children's book, and today searching in the 'artists' section on Craigslist. I already have one woman who wants me to design a robot tattoo for her, and a fundraiser through the Audobon Society of Portland, where artists paint/create/arrange a 6" x 6" canvas for charity. I'm really excited about both, because I think I'm much more of an artist than I ever gave myself credit for, and eventually I would love to be able to do it for a living, or at least a small living on the side. Plus, if these things go well, I'll have some examples for a portfolio.

Anyway, I'll definitely post the final products on my blog when they're finished.  You can see more about the fundraiser here ... http://www.audubonportland.org/support-us/fundraising-events/waf/sixbysix

P.S. We have some wicked awesome records now ... Iron and Wine, Simon and Garfunkel, U2, and The National .....

So I had an interview for a job last night, and I think it went really well. The really cool thing is, I will be increasing my hours with one child, but essentially I'll be working more like 8-6 instead of 6 am to 5, so actually I'll be working less hours! I'm kind of nervous, I have to wait to hear back even though I think she really liked our daycare.

Also, I don't know if I blogged about this earlier, but I'm illustrating/writing a children's book with Chris. I've thought about becoming a nurse, but with two small children I can't drop what I'm doing and go to school, so I need a good place to put my extra energy! Daycare is a fantastic job, but after nine hours I'm usually very ready for some kind of a break/other things to think about. I would tell you what the book is about and show pictures, but it being the internet and all, I don't want my ideas stolen.

Oh, and Addie's birthday was amazing! We celebrated it as a family, and it was so satisfying to do all the nice things I knew would make her happy. We had streamers and balloons all around the house, a sign on the wall, a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting, candles, presents! and a trip to the community center pool near our house, which is basically a mini water park with a river, fountains, and water slide.

ta ta for now! More later!