crazy kids

Mama bear

2012-02-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

I had the kind of moment today that made my heart drop and eyes tear up and anger surge all at the same time. My oldest boy, my sensitive, first-born, made-me-a-mom child told me his teacher yells at him all the time.
Is this the same teacher that told me he was "a joy" to have in class, that she never has to worry about him, that he is so kind and helpful and in the highest reading group?

Is my child lying?

It started with me looking at his behavior chart for the week at school. On Friday, he "got on yellow" for excessive talking and not following directions. When I asked him about it, he immediately started crying and saying "it's not my fault, Mrs ___always yells at me, I wasn't doing anything wrong, I wish she weren't my teacher."
Deep breath
Lecture about how we can't like everyone all the time and there are good and bad teachers who have good and bad days, just like us. In my head, my claws are out...
Talking about being an advocate and what that word means and how I will ALWAYS be his advocate and I will talk to his teacher on Monday. Coop replied "Can you do it before then because she will yell at me again before you talk to her?"
I want to cry and scream and spray paint mean things on her house and bite her for being mean to my baby.

Instead, I gather him in my arms and tell him I love him, that I will fix it for him, that he can always come to me for help or just to talk.
But CAN I fix it?

When you first look into your newborn's eyes, you know you will do anything to protect them. And now it begins. I can teach him to be nice, how to read, how to play baseball, how to do multiplication, but I cannot protect him from all the bad things that he will experience. It is a terrible feeling.

Wet head

2012-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

Harrison walked up to me with wet hands in his wet hair.

I deduced the following:
1. his hands and head are wet
2. he came from the bathroom
3. he can't reach the faucet in the bathroom

4. he thought it was funny

Toilet water head= not funny!

Travesty

2012-01-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me, know that I love to read. I have an ongoing HUGE list of books I want to read on my iPhone in my notes section. My book club peeps think its hilarious. I know I will never get through them all since I just keep adding more weekly but its nice to have there just in case I don't have something new to read (yeah, right!!)

Today, I went to put yet another book on the list that I read a review for and my list was....
GONE!!!!!
Really, its nowhere. I still have the list of my kids heights and weights and websites of the kind of loveseat I want in my living room but the most important notes are no longer there. How am I going to recreate this list?!! I'm having heart palpitations just thinking of it, and how on earth did I delete it??!! I'm blaming the baby for this one.

While I'm on depressing topics, I guess I should review my goals and how I'm doing with them.
Organization.
I've started in the kitchen and I really have cleaned all the drawers out and reorganized all of them. This weekend I'm working on the fridge and freezer. Its not perfect but it is sooo much better than it was. I get easily overwhelmed about how awful the rest of the house is so I'm trying to keep it to one area at a time. I may need to do little 15 minute "rescues" in the other rooms too. The timer thing has stopped so I need to restart that and also start with doable lists for the days and weeks. Also the electrician has not called back!!

Decorating
Hired a decorator and friend to help make a decision on a new rug in the kitchen, which will lead to new window treatments. Also hoping for a new kitchen table and chairs but hubby is blocking this one. the rug decision has taken longer than expected for various reasons, mostly because I can't MAKE A DECISION TO SAVE MY LIFE.

Chore Chart
Ideas but nothing yet. It is on my weekly list of things to do (see how well that's going?!)

Lose 10 pounds
Ummmmm, yeah. I've probably gained a couple. FAIL!!!

More homemade dinners
Meal planning is non existent so far but I have gathered several recipes that I would like to try and I did make a meal in the crockpot tonight that both big kids told me was good. It's a start!

grocery list

2012-01-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

Here is the grocery list I keep on the fridge. Looks pretty normal until you get down the page a little further....umm, what is that 6th item?!!

I had to ask the one who put it there, and then I found out that it said "regular chocolate". We could do so much with that, but I'll leave you to your own jokes. Love.her.

Girl scout cookie time

2012-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

It is my first year of selling Girl Scout cookies since I was a girl scout.
It is so cute how excited she is about the prospects. When I asked her what her goal should be she said," 100 boxes". When I pointed out that she had sold 40 already on the first day (thanks to me taking it to work) she upped it to 200...ambitious. She was also super mad that I wouldn't go out with her to go door to door selling because Harrison was sleeping and daddy wasn't home yet...The NERVE! WHY COULDN'T I JUST LEAVE HARRISON...he's SLEEPING, he's not going anywhere!!!

Then the cutest thing happened, she asked me if I wanted to buy any, daddy if he wanted to buy any (names recorded on the order sheet as "mom grill" and "dad grill"), and if Coop wanted to buy any. It was an interesting negotiation that went something like this:

Syd: would you like to buy some cookies? We have treefoils, cinnamints (thin mints), samoans (like the people from Samoa, or the cookie type samoas, take your pick), dooseedoos (do-si-dos), tagons (tagalongs) or Savannah smilies
Coop: ummm, ok. How much are they?
S: They are $3.50 for one box.
C: How much for 2?
S: I think $10
C: Oh, that's kind of a lot, I'll take 3 for $10 and I'll go get my money right now.

As I was on the floor laughing, he went up and took $10 out of his bank. I didn't realize he HAD $10 in his bank. I explained the multiples of $3.50 and he decided on 2 boxes. Syd recorded his name on the sheet and then started to write his address and phone number in, AS IF WE DON'T KNOW WHERE HE LIVES. so. cute!

I'm baaaack, goals, and other random life things

2012-01-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

Made it through the holidays intact. I have read that if you write your goals down, you are more likely to achieve them. So here goes!!
1. Get my house organized.
I know I say this every year but this year I really mean it and I've started with the hardest area...my desk in the kitchen. I read the book "Eat that Frog" or some such crazy title and it has really gotten me motivated to take on my hardest/most bang for your buck tasks first. I also am a crazy organizational blog follower. If only I could do as they do! I am also following a blog that is issuing a 52 week organizational challenge and that is helpful.
Some things I have already incorporated in my day to help achieve this goal:
a. I set a timer to do things (mostly 30 minutes max) and I have to stay on task for that entire time.
b. Make of list of daily and weekly goals (before bed every night)
c. Take one area at a time...kitchen first. Now, if only the contractor/electrician would call me back, then I would be really happy!!

2 Get my house decorated. This goes along with #1 but I'm frustrated going to other people's houses and seeing their nice decor. We have lived here 5 years and the only thing redone has been carpet in one room (thanks to the cat who likes to pee there) and the powder room (which I said would be the FIRST thing that would go when we bought the place...4.5 years later, I really did get it done)

3. Have some sort of chore chart thing for the kids...still considering this. Should it be related to allowance (they don't get any at this point) or just as a privilege of living here. As we like to say in this house, "This is not a democracy".

4. Lose 10 pounds. I have no one to blame but myself for this. I eat like crap and don't work out. I am still considering what my plans are for this to be achieved. Maybe join a gym, personal training, or just stop drinking so much Pepsi (no, couldn't do that last one...). Maybe just use that shake weight that my hubby got me for Christmas (really, not joking!)

5. Make more meals for the family/menu plan. This won't be too hard as I make about 2-3 meals a YEAR right now. I'm trying to avoid last minute problems when kids have activities late and trying to eat better. I am very thankful that Eric cooks almost every night and loves doing so but I think it may be time to suck it up and help. Crockpot meals are the first to be researched. If anyone actually reads this, send me a favorite (and easy) recipe of yours, crockpot or not.

I think those goals are not so different than most other peoples but I am making a plan for each one of them. I have already been working on the top 2 and hopefully will share my achievements as I go.

I also received a wonderful gift of a macbook from the hubs. I'm still trying to figure it out...my mail isn't being forwarded to the cloud and other little things. I may have to break down and pay $50/hour for someone to sit down with me to help. Again, see #1 above, its amazing what I can accomplish in 30 minutes or an hour of concentrating on just one thing.

Ready, set.....go!
Happy 2012!!

out of the dark ages

2012-01-07T13:15:00.001-08:00

Quickly blogging away on my new Christmas present from the hubby, a MacBook air!! Now if I could only figure the thing out. Need.serious.help. Trying to figure out how to get my pictures on here. It is a sloooooow learning curve.
My other gift...

wait for it...

Shake weight!!!

Jealous?!!

Last day of school

2011-07-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

So sad for the last day of school.
More because they will be out of school for 3 months and need to be entertained than being sad that they are a year older but such is life.
Field day, fun times. oh, except for the pouring down rain. I got there for lunch and to watch the festivities from there. The rain had cleared, my kids both ate together in syd's classroom.

then Syd did the basketball shoot...granny shot style

She's so cute!

Then it stopped raining so they went back outside. Coop participated in the 1/4 mile run

Sydney in the egg race:

After the rewards ceremony, I took them to Crappleby's for sundaes where Syd proceded to tell the hostess "my mom doesn't like to eat here".

vaca pictures

2011-07-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

After the hospital epidsode, we had a good time and actually saw sea tutles while snorkeling. Harrison loved the water...

One night the boys wore their matching cigar shirts...how cute are they?!

Syd turned 6 while we were there and got to pick out a fancy cake...

And then my baby started walking!

Did you hear about our vacation?

2011-07-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try to be better at the updating thing.
Ahhhh, vacation. Love those words. This year we went with the entire family to St Kitts. Never been there before so it was a new adventure and this was the first time Harry flew. It was a nice time until Harrison started wheezing and coughing like crazy one night. I was worried so we called the doctor on call for the hotel and he came and looked and listened to him and said that we should go to the hospital for a breathing treatment or two, he would call ahead to let them know we were coming.
The cab driver told us that the hospital had been "recently renovated" so I wasn't thinking it would be as bad as I thought...well, it was worse. We went to the ER and sat in beach chairs in the "asthma center" to get his treatments. It was hot and horrible and he cried the entire time. Eric asked if we could get something for him to drink and they said "you have to provide it yourself" so Eric went in search of something that would rehydrate him. After sitting in the ER for 5 hours and receiving 3 breathing treatments, they determined that we should stay the night and he needed more throughout the night. They led us to the children's ward...

rows of beds and cribs lined up with a folding chair next to each one (for the parent) and NO AIR CONDITIONING. I thought I would cry.

Immediately nurse Ratchett came up and made us sign something saying that we agreed with the rules of the ward which included only one parent could stay and a bunch of other ridiculousness. Not only did he get breathing treatments every 3 hours, we were also supposed to keep the oxygen on him by nasal cannula...uh, yeah, right! He was a sweaty mess within 5 minutes and so were we. It was grody to the max! We gave him bottle and continued to try to get fluids in him. Nurse bitchy bitch told us "you can't use that bottle, you can only use hospital-issued bottles" because ""we can't be totally sure how you cleaned yours". Are You Shitting Me?!! We are sweat buckets and brought out own beverages and you're concerned about our bottle?! Eric lost it and finally BB said "you can take this up with the charge nurse in the morning" (this was around 1:30 in the morning. To which I said "bring it!"

The next 8 hours were hell. Breathing treaments, sweat, and a fan from the 50s that wasn't helpful. One of the worst nights of my life. Around 8 a.m. Harrison looked much better and the doctor came around and we indicated that we would like to go home. She walked away and about 5 minutes later a phlebotomist came to draw H's blood. Eric lost it again and demanded to talk to the doctor. She finally came back and said "well we should get some bloodwork and maybe a chest xray to see if there is anything else going on". I said "if you were worried, it should have been done last night in the ER, we want to go home."
We signed out AMA, but not before they asked if we would like to give H a bath.

They led us to a small room and pointed us to a baby bathtub..."oh, wait, we need to clean it out". I watched them clean it out and then they gave us The bar of soap...the one used by everyone else before us. We didn't care, we were wondering if we would fit into the tub. Oh, and then, "would he like breakfast?"...oh, NOW you provide food...

WTF?!

Toast, ham?, a few scraps of lettuce, a tomato and tea. For breakfast. No thanks.

Finally we left, and went to pay our bill..., I thought they should be paying US but we finally paid the entire bill...wait for it..

....$265.

Soccer Syd

2011-04-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

OK, here is the deal with soccer. I hate it. It's boring and boring and did I mention, boring?! Anyhoo, I have never encouraged soccer in our house. Luckily, my hubby feels the same way. Coop did it one time and cried almost every game and his team only scored 1 goal the ENTIRE SEASON. I don't think I would want to do it again either. So when Syd said she wanted to do it, I smiled and said ok.

I was working during the first practice last week. Apparently it was cold and rainy but Syd loved every minute of it. The next day was her first game...10:00 Saturday morning. Again, it was cold and rainy and windy. I thought it was horrible! Guess what, Syd loved every minute of it, even if she was freezing. Here she is in the goalie shirt/dress. She even scored a goal...now what am I going to do?!! Guess I'll get my knitting and reading done.

the boys in the bath

2011-04-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

I love that my kids want to get in the bath with Harrison. They fight over it. I think they secretly love to play with his bath toys but I don't care. We currently just put him directly in the tub with a little water, although he still likes to be in his own tub and the seat. Here is Coop showing Harry how his new tub toy works.

I LOVE little butts!

Belated birthday gifts

2011-03-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Harrison was so excited to find these new toys to play with courtesy of our dog. I wonder if that was her idea of a birthday present...better late than never I guess

Oh Happy Day!!

2011-03-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

This was lunch on the big guy's birthday...after we visited the surgeon and he was cleared to eat solid foods again. We also visited our friends in labor and delivery and SICU while we were at the hospital. After he had a nap, the grandparents came over and we celebrated!

part 3, OR and beyond

2011-03-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is the third part in a series of three posts. See the first part here and the second part here

I am incredibly aware of my surroundings at this point. I am looking around in the OR while they put a sort of balloon inside the uterus and blow it up to try to stop the bleeding. Now another doctor has been called in as well, one that I work with all the time. I see my co workers running around. I look at CRNA C and say "please don't let me die", I know I am circling the drain. The attending anesthesiologist appears and starts calling for blood, to send some now and keep sending it. Not only am I O neg blood type, but I also apparently have some strange antibodies and so the blood bank didn't want to release any blood for me. Later I learned anesthesia called blood bank and said, "if you don't send us blood, this patient is going to die on the table". They sent the blood.

At this point my doctor says "I would really like you to see your son grow up so I'm going to have to take your uterus, the bleeding won't stop". I was crying and agreeing. The last thing I remember is C attempting to place an art line and thinking "this is going to hurt" and also her asking "does she have a pulse?!" I thought that was a bit strange as I obviously DID, I was looking right at her and aware (I guess I wasn't as aware as I thought, or at all)...fading out...

I awoke to voices, tube in my throat, unable to talk, not really sure what happened. I was in the ICU and stayed there for 3 days. All in all, I had had 11 units of blood and my blood loss was more than most people have in their bodies total. It is a scary number...so high that when people hear it they don't believe it.

I am a miracle!

Here I am finally getting to hold my son after 2 days. What a crazy, happy feeling.

part 2, the birth

2011-03-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is the second of a three parter... see the first part here

When we got to labor and delivery, I started crying. I had made it at least this far but I wanted to be sure my baby was ok. It was a tense moment when they put the fetal monitor on. Everything seemed ok.....huge relief. My doctor had left St Lukes and made it to Toledo Hospital before the ambulance. I guess he was kind of worried too. He broke my water immediately and put internal monitors in. "Geez, his hands are huge" I remember thinking. I was already 4 cm. It seemed as though the bleeding slowed. I started to relax a little though I was still having periods of feeling yucky. I kept saying "I'm not doing so good. The doctor encouraged me to get an epidural soon since bleeding makes the uterus contract a lot more. Of course, being my stubborn self, I said I didn't need one now, I was doing just fine. Well, it was more like my nurse, S called out to have anesthesia paged and I said "no, don't do that, I'm not ready". A few minutes later when the contractions started in earnest, I remembered the pain and coupled with the fact that I was already feeling pretty lousy, I called out for the epidural.

While we were waiting, my mom showed up (she has not seen any of her 7 other grandchildren born) and I convinced S to take off the crappy polish job I had on my toes. Obviously I was feeling a little better.

Since I was working earlier that day, when they called for the epidural the nurse told him "it's Margery" to which he replied "well, have her sit the patient up" to which S replied "she IS the patient". He came in and placed the epidural and all was well for about 10 minutes (it could have been longer or shorter, who the hell knows at that point). Knowledge was not my friend that night. Unfortunately, as an L&D nurse, I knew the consequences of everything that was happening. At this point, all the medical staff had left my room and it was relatively quiet. I could hear the fetal monitor and then I heard the heart rate in the 50s (it may have been lower or higher, again, I just know it was bad) for a couple minutes and no one was coming in so I used the call light "I need someone to come in here" and here is where everything went south (more south than it already was). Epidural + large blood loss= crappy blood pressure = baby heart rate in the toilet. The heart rate had been down for about 10 minutes which in labor and delivery land means you need to go change your pants now.

A LOT of people started coming in the room. The doctor came in and told me to push and eventually pulled the baby out with a vacuum. He was born at 0255 on March 15th. The NICU team was there and unbeknownst to me, the crash cart (for me) was outside the door. I kept bleeding. My mom describes it as "like a faucet", Eric said he wasn't looking down there and he couldn't see the blood but that he could hear it. Anesthesia came into the room and another CRNA C started shouting orders. I kept saying "I'm not doing very well". I just kept thinking, let's get this placenta out and get things stablized here. And then I hear "that's a nice shiny uterus" and I said "is my uterus OUTSIDE my body right now?!" and not one of my co workers answered me. I looked around and they all had a deer-in-the-headlights look. This is another time I said "oh, shit". I remember a lot of shouting orders and movement and I'm crying and bleeding. This is not looking good for me. I'm going to be one of those people that die in childbirth. Finally we head for the OR to try some other things.

As they roll me out of the room I look at Eric and say "please take care of my babies", I knew there was a strong possibility that I may not come back.

to be continued...

Happy Birthday Harrison! part 1

2011-03-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Can you even believe it?! I am so grateful for this year. It has been a crazy year.

I am finally ready to talk about the birth. You will find interesting coincidences throughout the story, without which I would not be here.

Just some background, Cooper was a c sections after I pushed for over 3 hours. Sydney was a VBAC and was 1.5 lbs bigger than Coop. The plan for this, my third, pregnancy was that I would have a successful VBAC just like with Sydney. We had moved back to Toledo since Syd was born so I picked a practice that had midwives that I liked. I wasn't in love with the doctor in the practice but that was not a big deal to me since I was pretty sure I wouldn't be needing him.

I found out at my first ultrasound that this baby had cleft lip and palate. I also found out I was already 26 weeks, 4 more weeks than my dates. The MFM doc suggested we have chromosomal studies done and that I should deliver at Toledo not Flower. (coincidence #1) It was a lot to take in. I decided it was a good idea to go to Toledo and I was happy since I worked there anyway.

March 14, 2010 I worked labor and delivery from 11a-7p. I was 36 weeks pregnant and just starting to get a little nervous for labor that I hoped would come in another 3 weeks. The baby's room was not ready and my mind set wasn't either.

In bed that night Eric and I were considering doing some "boom chicka bow wow" when I started bleeding, significant bleeding, enough to make me really scared bleeding, and I don't freak out about ANYTHING. I sat on the toilet and called the midwife, my mom, my neighbor, and the hospital. Eric wanted to call 911 right away but I wouldn't let him. The midwife told me to go to St Lukes where their back up doctor was doing 24 hr call. I said no (good decision/coincidence #2). I told them I was going to Toledo Hospital. When I talked to the charge nurse, M, she told me to call 911. I said no. ((see, in labor and delivery we usually make fun of people who take the squad in since it is usually because a. they have no transportation (even though all their friends and family show up about 5 minutes later) b. 99.9% of the time it is not something that warrants an ambulance ride (such as a cold, vaginal discharge or contractions every 20 minutes since an hour ago) c. they're stupid)) I didn't fit into any of those categories but more to the point, I just wanted Eric to put me in the car and take me. I was assuming that would be faster. I said "let's go now".

I stood up to walk and immediately felt woozy. That is how much blood I had already lost. I am not exaggerating when I say, it was pouring out of me and it hadn't stopped, huge clots, scary stuff. Eric was beside himself. I laid down on the floor and told Eric to get me some towels and a shirt (I was naked), oh and go ahead and call 911. He said "I already did", smart man. He brought me the bathroom towels (white, of course) and my t-shirt that says "knitting is knotty". Thanks, hon.

My neighbor, an ICU nurse came over. She later told me she was pretty scared that I was not going to make it. By this time I was feeling really bad and starting throwing up from being so lightheaded and I was still bleeding. I started to get really concerned. I had no idea how the baby was and I knew I was in trouble and I wasn't even at the hospital yet. There was nothing to be done until I got there so at this point I just wanted to GO NOW. Luckily the paramedics showed up about then.

They started 2 IVs and I begged them to take me to Toledo Hospital since I knew Flower was probably closer. By the time they were taking me down the stairs, my mom was there and lots of neighbors were hanging around. The kids never woke up which was a total blessing, Coop probably would have needed therapy for life. They loaded me up and we were off. I had periods of feeling ok and then I would be nauseas and lightheaded again. I asked if I was still bleeding and they said yes. I was very scared about the baby and when I asked if they had a Doppler to listen to the heartbeat, they said no. I hadn't felt any movement since this all started and I was terrified something awful was happening to the kiddo as well as me.

Long ambulance ride to the hospital...

to be continued...

11 months ago

2011-02-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

My baby boy turned 11 months and I just can't get over how quickly it all went. I know, I know, everyone says that but I distinctly remember with Coop as an infant thinking "he's only 4 weeks old" and not being able to wait until he was old enough to smile, play, not poop in his pants, go to fun mommy and me classes, etc. Now, he's 7 and talking back like it's his job.

Harrison really is just delightful, that is the best way to describe it.

Because I'm ready to go through everything that happened that fateful night, I am going to tell his birth story in several parts and hopefully get it done before his birthday next month.

Life is so short and so precious, I really am trying to be "present" as much as possible.

This week has been so hard. The neighbor that I blogged about 2 years ago saying "I'm so scared" when she found out she had cancer, died on Friday morning. She was 40 and left behind a 3 and 6 year old. I really feel honored to know her and have her in my life. She was a remarkable person. Rest in Peace Becky

its been awhile

2010-08-17T19:09:00.001-07:00

OK, I realized I've been a little busy. Since the last time I blogged I almost died giving birth, had a baby BOY with a cleft lip and palate and he had his surgery this week to repair the lip and nose. I've been a little busy to say the least. Hoping to get back to this since having three kids is a lot busier than I thought, especially when one of them doesn't sleep through the night or still have his own room at 5 months of age.

Whoa, I know you're saying, back up...I will start from the beginning, but not tonight. I'm tired and the bean is sleeping beside me.

telling the kids

2009-12-19T18:55:00.001-08:00

Forgot to write that I told the kids about the baby 2 weeks ago. It was all very humerous! LOTS of questions from Coop including, "how did the doctor know it was in there?", "how did YOU know it was in there?" and most importantly "does daddy know?"
Sydney seems more intent in what we should name it...Pumpkin for a girl and Bowser for a boy (thanks to Mariocart for that one). Coop asked me yesterday if it was a boy if we could name it Jesus...strange since we hardly ever go to church, it must be the season. He also likes to pat my tummy and say in this high-pitched voice "hi baby, I'm your big brother". It's cute but I'm sure the kid is thinking "that doesn't really sound like a boy". Sydney likes to lift my shirt in places that that is not appropriate, mainly the middle of Target and at preschool drop-off. She also likes to give my tummy raspberries. I have no idea what the kid thinks of that!

Cooper is very concerned that we need to hurry up and buy diapers. I'm in no hurry at all to go down that road again.

the little things

2009-12-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

I am feeling lots of kicking and movement and it makes me sad that this will be my last baby. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm done and more to the point, Eric will divorce me if there is another, but at the same time I find myself thinking "this is the last time I'll be 19 weeks pregnant..."etc. Of course when I was saying "this is the last time I"ll be 10 weeks pregnant and puking and feeling like shit" I was much more relieved.

Personally I think I'm further along than I really am and I have 3 valid reasons for thinking it; a. pregnancy test positive before even missing a period, b. feeling movment waaay too early, like 13-14 weeks and c. measuring about 4 weeks ahead. My midwife agrees. So until I get an ultrasound in January, I won't know for sure if I'm 20 weeks today or 24, like I think I am. All of this is to say, it doesn't really matter but I'll be done sooner and able to meet this little one. My new nephew is making me so excited. Everytime I look at his pictures, I feel as if I could lactate.

land of the living

2009-11-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back and finally feeling like bloggging again. This past month, oh who am I kidding, 2 months have been pretty stressful. #3 baby is on its way. I thought it was a great idea until I actually took the pee on the stick test...then I wasn't so sure. You'd think I would be, the amount of back and forth I went through, but once that nausea hit, I was backpedaling.

The first month, as per my usual, found me never far away from a bathroom or plastic bag or a bed. My poor kids watched waaaaay too much TV, well, more than usual. That is the hardest part of it all, having to take care of the kids. The second month was more of a psychological battle. Depression hit really hard and I was in bed all. the. time. Even a shower seemed like too much work. I really started to feel sorry for my husband as well as my kids.

Finally I am feeling better in every way. I still have hard days but for the most part, things are looking up. Now I have to move on to figuring out where this little one will sleep, and start the Christmas shopping. Add to the fact that my husband is gone all this week, hopefully we will all survive. I'll let you know.

Too bad the first day is followed by all the rest

2009-09-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

My firstborn started kindergarten last week. He was ready, I was ready. I had talked about it so much I think he was sick of me "yes, mom, I'm excited to ride the bus, yes, I'm happy that I'm finally going to regular school, now please stop TALKING ABOUT IT".
I wasn't one of "those" moms, I didn't follow the bus to school to take pictures of him getting off it. The teacher said the parent's wouldn't be able to come into the classroom so what was the point. Someone suggested that I would want those pictures of him getting off the bus at school for my scrapbook....HAHAHAHAHA. How 'bout I work on his baby book! I've heard of these scrapbook things, they sound kind of scary and way too much work...I'd rather take a nap.

Anyhoo, first day went off without a hitch. He was up WAY before he needed to be, dressed, fed, etc and wanting to go wait for the bus about 20 minutes before it was scheduled to show. Keep in mind that our driveway is all of 20 feet long, not a long hike to the bus stop, not like when I was growing up and we often had to run down the 1/4 mile driveway while the bus driver patiently waited (thanks George), unless you were my older sister and much too cool to RUN like a maniac for the bus that was in no danger of leaving before it picked us up. I digress, but the memories are good. Remind me to tell you our complex system for determining who boarded the bus first.

2nd day...lots of screaming, crying and backtalk. I am proud to say that I pulled a dad when I said "you get dressed or I'll HELP you get dressed and I guarantee you won't like that". He chose (loosely) help and I thought that would be the end of it. Nope, he don't learn too good!

3rd through 5th days were fair but today was plain awful again.
I think we'll try a reward system but this whole thing is ridiculous. He is acting like such an asshole...and believe me, that is the correct word. He must do 3 things when he gets up: get dressed, eat breakfast and brush his teeth. Most kids who aren't assholes could do those all in 15 minutes TOPS, but for some reason mine cannot. Apparently he thinks there are additional tasks assigned to him, such as rolling around his bedroom floor naked wailing "I don't want to get dressed, I'm tired", and playing with the cat, and stomping downstairs screaming "I don't love you". However, these tasks are not expected of him so he is really making things worse for himself. It is entertaining for the others in the household but annoying!
I'll keep you updated on how the next week goes.

Bleh

2009-08-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Not feeling so hot right now...it's like some weird inertia that I have. I'm sluggish when I wake up and I don't want to get out of bed. I could lay around the couch all day, somedays its close to noon before I'm out of my jammies. I need a new routine (I guess "new" implies that I already have one, so I'll just take "a" routine). Also need to get back on the dreadmill, that may help.

Yeah, the kids are up at the butt crack of dawn, I just feel myself groaning "nooooooo" when I hear them waking up. Is it bad that they watch 2 hours of TV before I even make it downstairs?!

county fair

2009-08-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

went to the county fair today...it comes in a close second to Cedar Point in people watching. Again, with the neck tattoos. Tats everywhere and most of these same people had small children. Nice role models!
Funniest quote today... we were walking through the animal areas and looking at them all. We got to the pigs and some of them had names on their pens (I would've named mine "tasty bacon" but noone asked me). One was named "Tubby" and Syd kept asking me to repeat it. When her brother and cousin finally caught up to us she said "this one is named 'bath' ". Cuteness reigns.

While we were checking out the animals, she spent almost the entire time with her fingers clamping her nose shut...just wandering around like that.

Cedar Point

2009-07-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

It would be alright if other people weren't there.
We took the annual family trip to CP. Last year we spent the night at the Breakers but it was pretty expensive for a crappy hotel room that smelled like Friday's so this time we decided just to go for the day.

We didn't get there until 1 because, well, we had to have McDonalds before we even entered the park. So finally we arrive...we ride all the kiddy rides and little Syd rode the biggest roller coaster she could, the one that Coop wanted nothing to do with. On the way down the big hill, she looked at me and said "I'm not scared, I'm brave!". I also rode the ferris wheel with her...even when my hands were all sweaty at the very top, she kept LEANING OUT to see what was going on at the beach. Coop continues to play it safe, preferring he rides that go around and around in a circle. I figure in about 5 more years, Syd and I will have season passes and go every chance we get for all the big roller coasters. Can't wait!

The real fun of CP, as anyone who has ever been there knows, is the people watching. Oh Lord, today didn't disappoint. Of course there were the usual sweaty, stinky people and those whose seemingly only shower in the past week was their ride on Thunder Canyon. Those are par for the course.
Neck tattoos were big today, and teenagers who brought their baby in a stroller with all their friends, and and I actually saw someone's ass cheeks hanging out of their swimsuit? skirt? something? Suffice it to say, this was not someone who would be in the running for nice ass cheeks..in fact, I felt a little nauseous looking at it and was sooo bummed that I didn't bring my phone so I could shoot a pic of it so everyone could have the same pleasure I did.
Eric and I agreed we felt like we needed to gain 50 pounds, get matching neck and back tats, get a loan at Check Into Cash and show up at Rent a Center to get us some new furniture and a big screen TV too while we're at it. Really we just felt like showering with lots of soap and even that can't get rid of the images that are seared into our brains until we return next time for a refill.

wdw kill me now

2009-06-30T20:05:00.001-07:00

No posts lately since I'm trying to plan my first Disney trip. OMFG, why didn't anyone tell me how insane it all is?!! Which park, what day, what to eat, when, with a character or two, WHAT THE HELL? Who thinks this is a good idea...or is it someones sick idea of a fun time for mom...as if I don't have enough to do without all these details.

Yeah, I'm sure it will be fun and all but geesh, this is crazy.

I have to get back at it now..

best mom

2009-06-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

How do they know when I am about to lose it on them?!
After having a fit for 20 minutes, Cooper then turned around and told me "you're a really great mom"
Then Sydney said "yeah, you're the best mom I ever had"

Happy Bloody Father's Day

2009-06-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

I asked the kids to make Father's Day cards for daddy. Coop immediately chose green paper and started to put a picture of a golf course. He likes to watch the golf channel and look at daddy's gof magazines and design courses. Srsly!! His card was 4 holes he designed and the front says I heart you dad.
Sydney starts out with drawing a picture of Cooper with bloody eyes (I'm not making this up) and when I asked why Coop had bloody eyes, she answered "because he had a meltdown" (duh!! I can't believe I even asked that stupid question, the answer was so obvious, right?!)
Should I be concerned?

does this child make me look old?

2009-06-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

My firstborn turns 6 today. Wasn't I JUST pregnant with him?! We are spending the evening at a Mud Hens game with 3 of his friends. MUCH better than the 15 kids running around my yard last week for the 2nd born's party.
I made the cake to look like a baseball, it's actually pretty good, if I do say so myself (and I just did). This is one of those days that I wish I could just stop time. Kids are fun and funny, not much on the calendar except to make the cake and, oh yes, no one getting any older (me included).

pictures

2009-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Proud mom:
check out this blog of a local photographer who took some pics of Sydney. ISn't she CUTE!!??
http://kimfordhamphotography.com/blog/

still 4

2009-06-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Sydney asked me today "mom, am I still 4?". Apparently the birthday party wasn't a dead give away.
Then: "when I wake up tomorrow, will I be 5?" No, but it will feel like it to me.

baby grows up

2009-06-03T18:28:00.001-07:00

My little girl turned 4 today. I only cried a little. I can't believe how fast the last year went. When I told her she wasn't my baby anymore, she said "mom, stop saying that, I'm a big girl, I don't wear diapers anymore". She is just so cute and I did almost lose it when Coop got up this morning and went right to Syd and gave her a hug and kiss and said "Happy birthday Sydney, I love you" (with no prompting from me).

Then there was the party...I don't like little kid parties, I'm just going to put that out there. I don't like giving them or actually going to them. It WAS supposed to be a waterslide/slip n slide/water theme party but wouldn't you know it, it was 60 and cold and rainy. I had to call everyone I knew to give me ideas for alternative party suggestions. Not easy since I had around 14 4 year olds. Yuck! 2hours can be such an eternity, don't you think? Oh, Oh...AND my favors didn't arrive in time. Eric said "I guess $15 doesn't seem like too much to pay for expedited shipping NOW, does it?" I"m sure they'll arrive tomorrow, just in time to be sent right back.
I kind of felt sorry for the Fed Ex guy today when he brought another shipment (we get them daily for Eric's work) and it wasn't the favors...I apologized to him ok?!

The cutest part of the day was when Sydney's friend from preschool, Alex came and she ran right to him and then just held his hand. I didn't have a camera at that moment but I swear it happened.

bedtime

2009-05-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

rant begin:
Do you think the kids can sense that I want them to hurry up and go to sleep so I can do my own stuff?!!
Bedtime is becoming ridiculous. I know they are tired, I know they should be in bed by 8 but there is just too much yelling and tears involved (mostly mine, the kids are too busy trying to sneak another angle on how to stay up 5 MORE MINUTES).
There has to be a better way. I don't want to sit in Syd's room until she falls asleep... that is bad for so many reasons, mainly that I don't know how long it will take and if I have something that I really need to do, that is the night when she is up for an hour or longer. Plus, that's not allowing her to put herself to sleep, PLUS when she wakes up in the middle of the night she freaks out because I'm still not right next to her PLUS PLUS I don't have the patience.

Part of the problem is that Eric puts them to bed several nights a week when I'm working. Of course he says that he NEVER has any problems with them, they go to bed fine for him. GRRRRR
I am so damn frustrated and I lose it on them which doesn't help my chances for another child, I know but I can't help it.
JUST. GO.TO.BED.AND.STAY. THERE.

rant finished

bartering

2009-05-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

overheard 1 minute ago:
Cooper: Sydney, if you give me one diaper, I'll give you 2 quarters
Sydney: ok
Cooper: if you give me 2 diapers, I'll give you one penny and 2 quarters

seems fair, right?!

my little mouse

2009-05-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Syd has seen Ratatouille one too many times. Today she only wanted cheese for lunch saying that "mice only eat cheese". When I told her that I don't think they are really picky and I'm sure mice would eat turkey too, she had a fit. Then she said "mom, why are you calling me Sydney, my name is mouse".

soccer

2009-05-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

so I believe that I should expose my kids to as many different opportunities and sports as possible so they can make the decision which one they really like. Apparently, soccer is not for Coop. Luckily, the season is only 5 weeks but MAN, those were 5 tremendously painful, long and grueling 5 weeks. I'm pretty sure he cried in every game. They had 7 games and only scored one goal TOTAL... one lowly goal for the entire season. I would be so frustrated but the funny thing is that they actually didn't seem to mind. When the ball DID come their way, they weren't quite sure what to do with it so they just kind of looked at it until the other team came and swooped it away.

I think my absolute favorite moment was when a player on Coop's team was put in to be goalie (they switch around) and as the ball came to him he did this thing with his fingers, like waving toward the ball...he was trying to put a spell on the ball or catch it with his Spiderman net I later found out. It was fricking hilarious. By the way, it didn't work.

hello worm

2009-05-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

My mother is a great gardener ( and I didn't inherit the gene apparently). While she is on vaca this week, we have been put in charge of keeping her 30 worms alive (for those of you who don't know...worm poop is GREAt fertilizer...duh!). It seems an easy task...keep them fed, in their bucket and covered so they don't get sunlight. I could do without this assignment but mom and dad took the kids for 5 days last week while Eric and I vacationed our asses off in Mexico (please no more swine comments...yes I ate prosciutto AND bacon AND I mixed with the locals and no flu symptoms yet) so I guess this is the least I could do.

I have been surprised (ok, maybe not really) to find that Syd loves them and wants to play with them. She gets a few out in the morning and puts them on the newspaper and plays with them and talks to them. They have conversations and when I walk up to her she says "touch them mom!...JUST TOUCH THEM...look, they're pooping!" I have to persuade her to put them back in the bucket so we can repeat this in another few hours. Eric said that when he came downstairs this morning, she asked him to take the lid off. He came back about 20 minutes later and she was having a little show with them. It is so funny!

daddy's birthday

2009-04-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

The kids are so funny when it is their parent's birthdays. Last year, Coop was laying in bed with me one morning and I said "tomorrow is my birthday" and he quietly whispered "can I be invited, mom?" . So. Cute.

Tomorrow is Eric's b-day and all week we have been counting down, since the kids have it written on their calendars. Today Syd said "tomorrow is daddy's birthday and he's going to get a jump house" ( like Syd's last birthday). I texted Eric and told him about about this new development...then Syd said "I hope I'm invited". To them, birthday means party. To us, its just another year older and a day of eating cake and feeling fat and bad about it the next day. Good times!

Candy Girl

2009-04-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Poor Syd, she is so deprived. Her most recent quote is "I didn't have any _____ today". It started with vitamins. When I would get my vitamins out in the morning, the shaking of the bottle would remind her that she hadn't had hers yet today....so "I didn't have any vitamins today". Of course, she not QUITE correct on her today vs yesterday vs 2 minutes ago time frame. Because, if I shake the bottle again, she will look right at me and say "I didn't have my viatmin today" WHILE SHE IS CHEWING THE ONE I JUST GAVE HER. Ok you get the point.

She also has a problem with candy, as in, I'm pretty sure she's addicted to the stuff. She will hide behind a chair and unwrap a piece of candy that she found and quickly eat it before someone finds out. She hasn't, however, figured out that she needs to throw the wrappers away. She's not that stealth yet. Which reminds me of the story of how I brought home an advent calendar, the kind that everyday you open a door. After she figured out there was chocolate behind every door, I found her under the piano opening and eating EVERY door for the entire month. Sorry Jesus!

Which brings me to Easter...Syd got up around 6:30 and I convinced her to stay in bed another half hour just with the threat of the Easter bunny possibly still being here. Finally she got up, found her basket and started stuffing in the candy. I tried a new strategy today...just let her have as much as she wants and when she's done, THEN take it away and dole it out 1 piece at a time, as we usually do. So she eats for awhile and when she's done I take it away.
Half hour later...I shit you not: "I didn't have any candy today"

I attribute it to the candy coma she must have been in because surely she is not that dumb.

Debby Downer

2009-04-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

So the kids have the entire week off of school and we havento plans to do anything. I tried to pick up a lot of hours at work but then I was just annoyed that I was working a lot and pissed at the staffing as usual.
Today was not a good day. I was annoyed and pissed off in general and that was compounded by 2 different worrisome/stressful events that are happening to people that I am close to. Domestic violence and Cancer...maybe the two worst words ever. I am just so sad today. I am an emotional person anyway so when I went to visit said friend with the newly diagnosed "c" word, I turned into a puddle. Especially since as soon as I got in the door she grabbed me and hugged me hard while we both started crying and she whispered "I'm so scared". Even now my eyes are welling up thinking of it.
The other situation makes me sad and very angry too, especially since I am related to her. I feel helpless. I don't want to be a downer but this is my life today and I need to get it out...

On the other hand, Coop knew that I was sad and came right up to me and said "I love you, mom and I'll love you forever...even when I'm 16".

That smell

2009-04-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Poor Cooper! I heard him tonight while he was laying in bed...heaving. Eric ran him to the bathroom but Coop said he was "scared" to throw up in the toilet so it went everywhere else...tub #1. 30 minutes later I hear it again but this time it was all over the carpet all the way to the bathroom. tub #2. laundry load #2. Everytime he pukes he tries to "catch" it in his hands. This grosses me out to no end.
Eric says "aren't you a nurse...don't you deal with this stuff everyday?" well, yeah but we don't feed our patients chicken and noodles for this very reason AND I get to LEAVE when my shifts over. here, I just have to smell it for days!
He is so pitiful when he throws up, it breaks my heart. I just hope Syd doesn't end up with the same thing...she REALLY doesn't understand.
anyone know of a great carpet cleaner? We need one on speed dial

letters from Syd

2009-04-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sydney is constantly scribbling things, taking up entire pieces of paper, and then giving them to people or wanting to send them to friends. When I ask what it says, she never disappoints. Today I received a small piece of paper.
me: what does this say?
Syd: dear mom, I love you, you can chase me now and then chase me again.

she is so cute I can't stand it

Sharing bag

2009-03-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

So at preschool, they take turns bringing home the "sharing bag". Everyone gets a turn with it and it usually involves doing something like writing things you like to do with your family or providing pictures of said family or etc. I actually dread hearing those words "mommy, I got the sharing bag today"...especially since I have to act all excited and happy about running to the drugstore to print off a picture at midnight.

Sydney surprised me today. When I pick her up from school, the first thing she does(as usual), before we even leave the building, is to get into her bag and show me what she painted/drew/wrote/tried to pass off as a painting/drawing/writing, oh and also to show me the snack that she didn't eat.
Today, you guessed it, the sharing bag. "How wonderful" I said while actually thinking "great, I have 2 days to do whatever that tag says I have to do and I've got shit to do today and we're going out to dinner tonight and I'm working tomorrow, I hope its not too complicated or I may just have to be the first mom to send her kid to school without the sharing bag and try to make up some excuse as to why it didn't get done and hope she doesn't notice and start crying and trying to make me feel like an even worse mother"
The assignment was to find things in the shape of a square. Immediately, my mind starts running..."square, square, I can't think of ANYTHING in the shape of a square" . The panic starts...I throw it out there to the other moms hoping they'll throw me a bone. They come through "piece of bread, block".
As soon as we get home, Syd is off like a shot and within 1 minute she is back filling the bag with square things...square legos, square books, and a square box
Genius!! I only hope its the same during all those science fairs in her future.

dirty words

2009-03-18T14:38:00.001-07:00

Oh, to get through the day without the words "poop" and "butt" being uttered!! And everytime, followed by 5 seconds of laughter or giggling Every. Single. Time. You would think that it gets old after awhile but it just continues. I've tried ignoring it, I've tried punishment, I've tried telling them what my parents always told me..."that's bathroom talk"...Guess what?! they go into the bathroom and say "poop" and "butt" over and over (always with the requisite laughter afterwards).
Oh, it doesn't have to be them saying it, it can be anyone and not even in the correct context. "Clean your room, but I don't want you just throwing everything in the closet" will also garner the laughter.
Someday, in the not too distant future, I see the dirtier words for those two things being said and I will look back on these days and wish for them back.

love

2009-03-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Unprovoked, Cooper said to me "I love daddy the most but I still love you, mom". Oh, thanks.

I didn't do it!

2009-03-12T19:45:00.001-07:00

Tonight after the tub and story, I helped Sydney mark off another day on her calendar. This is a running joke since as soon as she turns the page to the new month, she marks off everyday in it. What is she marking off the days to anyway?? Her next date? Anyway, right next to the calendar, I noticed some beautiful artwork ON THE WALL. I have been a mom for 5.5 years and this is my first experience with original wall art. I said "Did you do this?" (I know, stupid question, but I didn't have much else) and she said "no, I'm not talking to you right now". She is pretty funny when she gets in trouble, she'll say things like "I don't love you anymore" or "I don't want to be your friend now"...like she's punishing me. I really should take a picture of the art because it is her version of a person, you know, huge head, stick legs and alien-looking eyes.

Earlier in the week Syd insisted in writing a letter to a friend of hers from school. (thanks preschool for sending out valentines this year, now she wants to send something everyday). Anyhoo, she scribbled on paper and as she did so she narrated what she was saying "dear Elanora, you are my best friend, I love you so much, do you want to come over and play, my mommy will call you, cooper is playing golf in the other room and we just watched Spongebob, it was so funny isn't it, see you at school. LOOOVE sydney". Then she put the stamp on the wrong spot and licked the ENTIRE inside of the envelope and made me address it while it was still wet. Yum.
Tonight Elanora called to say thank you and it was a pretty funny exchange (or whatever you would call it) of two 3 year olds on the phone. Elanora wanted to know what the letter said and Syd went on with her usual diarrhea of the mouth (see above, while writing said letter), free-association speech. I'm not sure if there was an actual conversation but from this end it was hilarious. Good times!

my day

2009-03-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

Started out going to a parent-teacher conference re: our 3 year old. What could they possibly tell me that I don't already know? Of course, she is "delightful" but we already knew that. While Syd was at her craft class at the Y, Coop and I went to the library. He said he wanted to find some books on airplanes and tornadoes (random). All the tornoado books I showed him he said "oh, can we buy that one too?". I had to explain that we don't buy them, just borrow them.

Last time we borrowed books, Syd came to a page that had a scissors icon on it and went to get the scissors and starting cutting. She was halfway through the page before I saw her. I yelled kind of loud on that one...she started crying immediately and said "I think I'm going to go up to my room". Cutest damn thing, except I felt a little bad.

Today we brought home about 7 books on airplanes and tornadoes and one movie. When we picked up Syd from class she wasn't ready to go yet...funny. Probably because we never do crafts at home. I'd rather put my hand in hot acid than get out the play-doh or especially (God-forbid) the paints.
When we got home, she threw a real tantrum with the mantra "I want candy" and cried so hard, she almost threw up. Good times!!
Now she is sleeping, there is a God.

More motivation than usual

2009-03-03T14:47:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to get motivated to get on the dreadmill everyday. When I tell the kids I'm going to exercise they say "why?" and I say, "so I don't get fat" or some variation on that theme. Today it took me until 4 to get motivated to get on the mill.
Me: I'm getting on the treadmill now, don't bug me for 30 minutes
Coop: Why, cause you're fat?!

Not exactly what I wanted to hear but it did give me a kick in the butt that I needed.
Out of the mouths of babes I guess

I ask you...

2009-03-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

Is there anything better than when your 5 year old says "I love you, mom"???!! This is especially sweet knowing it won't be too much longer before he would rather tear his hair out than hold my hand or say these words in public.
I always tell him that I will always love him, no matter how old he is, even when he's 6, even when he's 10, or 20, or 30 etc. I always get a lump in my throat and a little teary when he follows up with "even when I'm 80 and 100, mom?" knowing I won't be around for that.

vacation everyday

2009-02-21T18:27:00.001-08:00

Every night before bed I ask the kids what they want to do the next day. Ever since returning from vacation, Sydney replies "go to Aruba"...to which Coop says "we're not going back there for a REALLY long time". It's like their routine.
Bedtimes have been getting much easier. They used to be horrendous, no one listening, everyone screaming, tears and threats galore with finally everyone ending up in my bed just to get some peace and quiet. It went so well tonight, I started thinking I could have another baby. But I want one right now, not having to get pregnant and go through all that getting fat and nauseous nastiness. For now, this will be in my "things that make you go HMMMMM" pile. I'm sure it will get lost under all the other piles around here.

kindergarten

2009-02-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight I attended the kindergarten information night. I cannot believe its finally here. He will be 6 and definitly ready to go. I think he's even ready to go right now but I'm feeling a little sad. I talked to a lot of moms that couldn't wait for this day and I am in mourning. Why can't they stay little forever?! He is excited to ride the bus and finally go to school.
I'm gonna be a total mess when he leaves for college. Today out of the blue he asked "mom, what are you going to do when I go to college?" I replied that I would probably be a little sad. He said "mom, you'll come and visit me, right?".....every chance I get.

Good Morning...er..afternoon!

2009-02-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

So we got back from a great vacation on Sunday night around 1:30 a.m. That part wasn't so great. Luckily the kids didn't have school on Monday so we were set there. I am also fighting a nasty sinus infection that won't go away so I knew that a nap was in my future on Monday afternoon. Now, usually Sydney will lay down with me if I read stories to her and even, on rare occasions, will actually fall asleep. Coop hasn't taken a nap in about 3 years. The odds were not in my favor of getting a good nap but I was willing to play those odds.
I read to Syd and she dutifully fell asleep right away, too easy. I sent Coop in for quiet time in his room, which he usually fights but today was ok with. All the stars were starting to align. He came in my room crying about 20 minutes later saying he missed daddy. I guess after spending an entire week with him, it was hard for Cooper to grasp that daddy must now go back to work. He laid down next to me...and FELL ASLEEP. I didn't want to move or even breathe because I couldn't believe it.
After about 1.5 hours he woke up...went to his room, got undressed, changed his clothes and went downstairs, you know, cause that is the routine for the morning when he gets up. Daddy was home by then and he asked him for some waffles for breakfast. He totally thought it was morning and couldn't understand that we were going to have dinner soon. Poor baby, this sleeping stuff is just too hard to sort out.

Backwards

2009-02-05T18:57:00.000-08:00

Today, we were late getting up and out of the house. Now this in itself is nothing new but my son gets dressed by himself and I just assume that he does it correctly, I mean, he does every other day. So, the routine is that I start the van and strap Syd in and go back in to yell at Coop to hurry up, we're going to be late AGAIN, why aren't your shoes on, I told you to put them on when you get dressed, etc, etc. I back out of the garage and he comes running out...and then has to go back in to get his hat and gloves and bag that he forgets EVERYDAY. Finally we're on our way at 8:52. It takes 14 minutes to get to school. We're going to be late, AGAIN. All this is normal.
Upon returning home I notice that he has his jeans on backwards...seriously! I asked "did you know your pants are on backwards?" to which he replies "Yeah, my teacher told me" WTF?!! "and mom, don't tell me again, it hurts my feelings". This, because I was on the floor laughing. Really.

Dora, Dora

2009-02-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to Dora Live today. Cooper never wanted to go. He's 5. Even when I first introduced the idea, he said he didn't want to go. Sydney was very excited. She was into the entire thing...jumping and waving and shouting back, very cute. Coop just kept asking if it was over yet or "mom, can I play Brickbreaker?"
I found it interesting that Dora actually looked short and squat just like the cartoon character on TV. How did they cast that? Only people with a BMI in the overweight range need apply, oh and big legs are a plus! I realized that I could NEVER be an actor, especially for something like that. I would be embarrassed just putting on the outfit that doesn't match. Who dresses her?!! Dora...pink and orange don't go and your shirt doesn't even cover your stomach.
It really wasn't as annoying as I thought it would be but I did feel like I HAD to take the kids to be considered a good mom. Next time I won't worry so much...and try not to laugh out loud at Dora.

Clean butts

2009-01-19T13:06:00.000-08:00

My little 3 year old is in the throes of being independent on the potty. Oh, she's got the deposits down, its the other things that are tripping her up. There are SO many steps to remember, its hard I know. It's not only dropping off the friends, its remembering to wipe and flush and pull up your pants (this is particularly difficult for her to remember), and THEN wash your hands AND dry them. She usually peters out around the pulling up the pants bit.
Just a moment ago, she did her usual (after waiting until the VERY last second) "I have to poop, don't watch me, I need privacy"...really don't know where they got this, I never ask for nor ever get privacy when I'm dropping off my friends. As usual, she came back to me a few moments later with a wet butt and no pants on. I quickly sent her back to finish the next few steps and then she came back in to announce "Look at my butt, its shiny and clean!"
I couldn't make this up if I wanted to.

How long goodness lasted

2009-01-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Yep, about 42 minutes and he was asking to play the Wii again...that was the original fight that brought about the "hate" word.

Mark the date

2009-01-16T14:06:00.001-08:00

Well, I heard those dreaded words today..."I hate you". I didn't think the boy even knew what they meant. We certainly never say that in our house. When he saw my reaction he quickly backpedaled..."mom, I'm sorry, I'll do whatever you tell me to do". Sweet but not quite good enough. Even the 3 year old started crying.
As I started telling friends about my new level of greatness in Coop's eyes, they all had similar stories. Everything from "I'm not going to play with you again ever" to "you're not my friend anymore". Somehow, I would prefer either of those to the H word.
I'll let you know how long his listening lasts...I'm thinking less than an hour.

"I paid all that money and you want to swim???!"

2008-07-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

OK so yesterday we took a family trip to Cedar Point (you know, America's Roller Coast...ummm we're on a lake ok?!). Anyhoo, we spent the night at the Breakers (very fun but a tad expensive for a regular hotel room that smelled like burgers from the Friday's downstairs), the only hotel right at the park. Of course I got up early and rode the big coasters by myself because anyone staying at the park gets in 1 hour earlier than the general public. I knew the hubby and kids would want no part of that nor standing around waiting for me.
Can I just say...the Dragster rocked!!!
Moving on...the hubby got the kids up, dressed and fed and met me at the park.
My 5 year old boy wanted to ride the "kiddy" rides and wanted nothing to do with the scarier rides (he is a little soft and sensitive, so what?!). My little 3 year old girl wanted to ride all the major coasters and got mad when she couldn't. She wasn't even tall enough to ride any of the slightly fun kid rides either.
After 2.5 hours all they wanted to do was go back to the beach and play.
I kept thinking "I paid all this money and you want to leave?" but then I thought I sounded too much like my mother so we left and made sandcastles at the beach for the rest of the day. Maybe next time we'll skip the park all together, who needs those dumb rides anyway. All they do is make you want to throw up all the funnel cake, cheesy fries, pizza and frozen chocolate-covered bananas that you just ate.

why are you licking me?

2008-06-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

My (newly) 3 year old likes to lick anyone and anything she can. I think it's pretty humerous, especially when she gives an unsuspecting someone a kiss that turns into a "lovers kiss" if you know what I mean. The grandmas have been surprised more than once. I think it's kind of weird but whatever...She's sitting beside me as I type and licking her own feet. I think she just likes to experiment with different tastes and textures. My boy never did that. I guess I won't worry about it for another 13 years when our door is beaten down by pimply teenage boys looking for "the tongue" otherwise known as my daughter.

crazy kids

2007-10-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

My husband was gone for the entire week, leaving me alone with a 2 and 4 year old. I never knew how much screaming could go on in a single day. What is the deal with screaming? You're not hurt, you're not burnt, all your limbs are attached, no one is biting, hitting or kicking you and I remember giving you something to eat so I know you're not starving. Please stop the screaming!!
Please tell me its just a phase cuz I'm not sure I can take it much longer. At least when daddy comes home I can leave the house and walk around the block when the screaming starts.