or I could just take care of things now

 DRUM ROLE PLEASE...

at exactly 10:57 tonight, APRIL 15th, I completed our taxes YET AGAIN.

AND I WAS 1099'd!!!!!!, had to figure out a 982, and am still panicking over a 1099-S I'm not sure should have gone somewhere other than where I put it.

IS THERE NO END TO MY MANY SKILLS AND ABILITIES?!

...No, really.

I feel a strong need for more appreciation over here.  I'm handling way too much I think.  Too much.  I need to hear something like, 

"Your interpretation of Maslow's Self-Actualization in his Hierarchy of needs 

as it relates to personal and private spirituality is spot on Nicole."

-or-

"Wow, I didn't realize that when I had all my babies on welfare, you had to go to work and leave your babies behind so you could pay your medical $$$ bills.  I think I'll go off welfare now."

So that's not going to happen.  Instead, how about that VIOLET? 

Isn't she the bees' knees?

Yep- I'm going to need a bit more uplifting etc.  Valentines might work"

 In my line of profession, I'm just not going to receive a significant amount of validation. 
Chubby Baby helps.
Mother's Day might too.
...or I could just take care of things now:

"Holy smokes Nicole- I didn't know you could read TAX CODE 

and come out on the other end of it alive!"

-and-

"Seriously? Have the 6-year-olds dance AROUND cowboys hats?!  GENUIS!"

subject in observance finds a new and defiant way to protest

As luck would have it, the day Annie turned 2 also became the day she was oh so terrible. Usher in the terrible twos with a defiant nap refuser.  Over 3 hours of me trying to get her to sleep and twice I walked in to discover she had stripped down to her birthday suit!

As long as I didn't make her take a nap, she was a darling birthday girl.

She loved her new birthday outfit and was so excited for birthday photos.

 

A few days ago Annie said she wanted cupcakes (like the ones on her pj's).

Luckily (or lazily) the banners from Meg's bridal shower way back in May have remain intact.  I added our family Party pendent and Happy Birthday pendent, pulled out Annie's birthday posters, and WALLA, instant party decore!  Annie loved looking at her baby photos but she kept saying that most of them are Violet.

 

Annie invited Megan, Taylor, Mark, and Kell to watch her open presents.  It was a small birthday affair.

 Annie was most thrilled with a few new clothing items from Ma Indy (Grandma Cindy).  We were sad none of her grandparents could attend.

Mom and Annie open the big one.  It was difficult holding her off on this one all day. Three seconds after she woke up, she had opened 2 of her little presents so I had to lift all of her gifts way up high until her official party that night.

And the very next day...This is what Annie is doing right now on our back porch.   She is soaking wet and loving life.  The only problem is she keeps climbing up into the basin and trying to slide down the mini water slide.

 

 Of course I can't leave you without a Violet update.  Here she is today during a rare moment when she was awake.  She is doing so much better since I eliminated dairy (ug) and it has only been 2 days.  I did, however, eat no less than 3 of Annie's cupcakes so this respite may end.  Still fussy but not like before.  I do have a feeling it's going to be another all-nighter with her day-long nap today.  Wish us luck.  I need to make it to church tomorrow now that I am finally feeling normal.  It is just so tempting to stay home during that time since it is the only time Violet usually sleeps well and I can send Annie away with Q.  I can't believe I've come to this.

I just want to snuggle this little bundle all day!  Hmm- A few last weeks or freedom.  I think I will.