I've created a bedtime monster

I really thought we'd be dealing with Luke's issues at this stage in the game but he's our "easy" one right now; Ben is the tough one. We haven't really made any headway in the sleeping department. Last night was not so good. I sat in the chair with him from 7:15-8:45. He fell asleep twice in my arms but each time I put him in the crib he would wake up wailing. Dave finally brought him upstairs and I didn't end up putting him to bed until about 10:00. Then he was up at 11:30 crying. Came into our bed, tossing and turning until 2:30 at which point I brought him to the couch so Dave could sleep at least a couple hours before his work day began. He finally fell back asleep at 3:30 and slept until about 6:30. It feels like nights with a newborn again. So, I have to change my approach. At nap time today we practiced going to sleep in the crib instead of in mom's arms. It makes me sad because I've loved so many of those times rocking him to sleep but we just can't live like this. I need to get some rest so that I have some patience and energy during the day as I take care of these two.

It's funny how life's priorities shift back to the basics in this toddler phase. Pretty much all I'm dealing with is sleep, food, and safety. It feels pointless at times... like I'm not accomplishing much with my time. But I think it's just the nature of the beast, or in this case, beasts. Two of them, to be exact. 

Praying for wisdom and patience. Read James 1 today. Lots of good thoughts about wisdom and patience. How much I need God's help; by myself I am quite foolish and impatient. 

Luke is continuing to thrive, it would seem. He's a snuggle bug which I love. He continues to eat lots and sleep well. I love hearing the way he pronounces "chicken" and "cheese." He and Ben seem to be learning English together. They encourage the other one to talk. My favorites lately are when they say "Choo Choooo" (sounds like "Doo Doooo") for trains and when Ben says "Hi Luke" (Luke also sounds like "Doo"). Ben loves music, which he calls "Baa Baa." As soon as you get in the car or he sees an iPhone or you sit down for bedtime, he asks for music. During the 3-second pause between Pandora songs or during radio commercials, he says "Baa Baa." He's not the most patient child in the world.

When they get out of their high chairs, it's a full dismount. They hold mom's hand and their brother's hand and jump off the chair on the count of three. They think it's great.

Luke continues to be mommy's helper (sort of). The other day I asked him to get me a diaper for Ben, not really thinking he would, but he marched off to my diaper stash and brought me the whole bag. Once I removed one, he returned the bag to where it belongs without even being asked.

Thankfully Ben has not had anymore allergic reactions. His digestion still seems messed up, but I'm not sure if it's related. We have an appointment at the end of the month with the allergist. For now, we'll keep giving him the Zyrtec and always travel with our Benadryl and epipens.

We are so excited because one of Luke's buddies from his orphanage in Ethiopia is going to be coming home to Colorado soon! His mom Nicole lives in Colorado Springs and she just passed her court date today in Addis. We can't wait for these two friends to be reunited!!