Some Down Time?

See that's Erika laughing at me when I told her Mommy needs some down time! I am always so busy and going and going that I really really need a nice break. This morning Erika was up from 3:30 - 5:30 and I could barely keep my eyes open. On top of that I have a cold which is getting worse because of the lack of sleep.
In the mean time, Erika is becoming quite the little Mommy. Rocking her baby to sleep, feeding her the bottle, giving kisses and sometimes she evn shares her paci with her baby! The cradle that my mother gave her is perfect. The other night I was able to fit three dolls all tucked in for night night. I loved playing dolls...and still do.
So after Erika finally went to sleep at 5:30 this morning, she then slept till about 9:00 which was really nice. I forced myself to get up at 8:30 so that I could take a shower and get ready for the day. I spoon fed her breakfast in the tub - yogurt and some pear strawberry granola baby food.
Giving her baby kisses. After getting Erika ready from the bath, we hit the road to finish up our Christmas shopping. The stores were mobbed! Like crazy. We went to a gift shop and to Kohl's. The gift shop was fine but Kohl's, the line was practically out the door. Erika did good and I am almost finished. Just have a few more things to get for Nicole - my friend Sharon's daughter.
When we came home Erika had a quick lunch and then took a nap. I had some much needed laundry folding to do and gifts to wrap. It is sad to say but I am looking forward to when this is officially over. I am totally exhausted. I do enjoy giving gifts but it is so much more of a challenge having a toddler now to care for too.After Erika woke up from her nap, we went over to Michelle's to take care of Riley. Michelle will be coming home late tomorrow night and so we will go to take care of him one more time tomorrow night. Erika and I have been having fun caring for him. Michelle only lives about 5 minutes away so it really isn't a big deal at all.
I think that Erika will be so excited when they return home because every time we go in the house she is looking for Belle and Michelle. Today she had the whole routine down pretty good and was pretty much indicating to me what to do as far as feeding and letting him out.
There is Erika eating some goldfish crackers and Riley hoping and praying that Erika will drop one...just one! He is such a sweet dog and he looks at you with these sad eyes that say "feed me feed me."
Erika testing out the magnetic letters on Miss. Michelle's fridge. I get a kick out of how at home Erika is there!
Riley still hoping and praying for a crumb to drop! Look, he stuck his tongue out at me for the picture. BOYS!
Erika sitting comfy on the couch and borrowing Belle's very special blanket.

Erika trying Elmo's paci! YUCK!