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Sunday, January 24, 2010

Baby Boy is 2!


bubbies turned TWO! I have a two year old boy. When did this happen? Granted, his first six months were a blur from sleep deprivation and figuring out what was making him a sick little guy, but two years have passed?!

I couldn't be more thrilled with my baby boy. I get excited to hear his coos when he wakes up in the morning, his singing, his babbling, his ability to eat just about anything. He is so darn cute too...of course, I am a bit biased. teehee. I love watching him push his toy cars over everything, including the dogs, and racing around on his ride-on toys or chasing his sister. He's such a boy!

We had a robot-themed birthday for him (thank you friend Jocelyn for all the robot pointers!) and he loved it. P and I created a robot banner complete with his name. Here it is:
Thank you Amy for the banner idea! Check her out here.

And, friend Daryl came over and helped make these awesome robots for parting gifts for all of my kids' adorable friends. Lookie here:
And last, but certainly not least, hubby, P, and I made this awesome robot cake:

Yes! From scratch. Down to the orange buttercream icing that took two bags of powdered sugar and two sticks of butter. A heart stopper in and of itself.

*Highlight of the party:
  • Dearest friends showed up.
  • Garbage disposal pipe came loose and flooded the sink area of the kitchen. Thanks to good friends it got cleaned up right away.
  • Dad used his awesome new camera and got terrific candid shots of the party.
  • I didn't die from exhaustion.
And adorable baby boy coming down from all the sugar and fun:

Friday, January 22, 2010

Monster

My daughter's newest creation is a monster. She said it eats little kids. She also said she wanted to invite her friends over to see this monster. Her daddy said it was a proud day because not only is she wanting to be an artist when she grows up, but she creates monsters that eat her friends.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Cooking with my kids


I love my new kitchen. What I love most about my new kitchen is that I get to cook in it with my kids. This has been quite a learning experience for me - to cook with my children. In the fall last year I attended cooking classes led by my friend Rachel over at Hounds in the Kitchen. I not only watched how she taught the kids to cook, but watched how she taught them useful skills with the patience of a saint. She taught me too, and probably didn't even know it. She taught me patience in the kitchen with my kids, and that even the smallest task assigned to them is fine. I was having a hard time before that figuring out what I could let them help with as I cooked. I was worried they'd burn themselves, make a mess, or start throwing food everywhere.
Rachel of Hounds in the Kitchen "Kids Cook Class" featuring applesauce.

I think I was being too controlling. And seriously, a mess? Really? C'mon. A mess can be cleaned up...and sometimes it is fun to make a mess. The kids just want to help, be involved, be with mommy. My mom always has P help her in the kitchen...and she also has the patience of a saint. P always gets so excited and LOVES helping her Grammies make applesauce or cookies. I think what I love more than the actual act or the result (even though I could eat mounds of raw chocolate chip cookie dough and a dozen cookie by myself) is that spending time with my kids together doing one common act is fun. Quality time is good time.

Seeing what P and bubbies can do if you let them, I now let both of them chop (with a plastic kid knife), stir, pound, sprinkle, and most of all EAT. It is enjoyable to watch them eye recipes as if they know how to read them, pour ingredients into the bowl, and taste as they go along.

There are even fun experiments called "What will my brother eat off this teaspoon?" Yes, P fed bubbies a 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda. Being the little lovey dovey wanting to please big sister, bubbies did it without even questioning what that salty white stuff was. I think it was as if a volcano was errupting in his little tummy. He immediately turned red and puked everywhere. He cried and cried because it scared him and probably hurt his little tummy. Guess "Mom of the Year 2010" is out...but, I did call poison control! Isn't that considered in the "problem solving" category?

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Words

I have always loved words. My vocabulary isn't necessarily as vast as I'd like it to be, and I find myself asking my hubby what he means when he uses big words, but that is okay. It is nice to have a husband who can teach me new words to make me seem smart if I use them. I'd like to set a goal for myself of learning a new word a week, but I need to use it in order to retain it or it will be a waste of time. I am sure there is some sort of "word of the day" I can get sent to my email or app for my droid. Perhaps finding an app on my droid will be my Saturday morning fun. OR maybe I'll do Word Wednesdays and put up a new word on my blog with the definition and maybe a catchy little sentence...or even better! I'll teach my daughter the word and have HER use it in a sentence {insert ridiculous "I am going to take over the world" giggle here}.

(shout out for SQ....or I could be washing my cloth diapers. sorry, SQ, I am still laughing over that)

Given that, I have been a little giddy over two words my darling 3 and 1/2 year recently used. The words: scrumptious and glorious. She even used them correctly. However, when I asked her what the words meant she couldn't tell me...that is okay. Sometimes I use words correctly and have no idea what they mean. hahaah! don't tell anyone.

Here are the definitions:

Scrumptious: adj. Splendid; delectable
P was pretending she was my mommy and told me to eat my dinner. She said "little girl, isn't that scrumptious!"

Glorious: adj. Delightful; wonderful
In the bathroom. She was told her brother it was going to be a glorious day. Oh good! What does she have planned for us?!

Thank you www.thefreedictionary.com for the definitions because I didn't know what those words meant.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

After Class Updates

When I pick P up from preschool, if I am there at the time I am supposed to be (read my post about being on time over at Ohio Moms Blog: Never on Time), the parents get an update from one of the teachers. This is to let us know what the kids did in class so we can talk to them about it afterward. Today, for instance, they did a "dance drawing." A "dance drawing" is basically a combination of dancing and drawing, as the name suggests. The teachers put on music, each child had a piece of paper, crayons, and danced while drawing a picture. I didn't even have to prompt P - she immediately grabbed her drawing out of her bookbag and handed to me excitedly. "Mommy! I danced and drawed this picture for you!" (yes, everything is for "me" and I love it!...heehee)
She also told me they each made a mitten and she wrote her name on it, had raisin snacks, and how much fun she had in class. She also enlightened me to these facts, in her words:

"Mommy! I didn't push anyone today"
"And, I didn't hit anyone or knock them over"
"Mommy! I didn't even fight! It was a good day!"

Okay. Thanks for letting me know. Now I ponder if she is telling me those things because she thinks that is what I want to hear, or if she truly is that unruly. I think she's just three and probably does all of those things...oh goodness.

Friday, January 01, 2010

Happy New Year 2010!

Here was my toast:

"May there be a downhill road to your door. wait, what? May the road be straight for you? wait, what is it?"

Susan: "Kristin is really trying here."

"OH, may there always be coins in your pocket and food on your table. Take care of your health."

Okay, okay, so I really should prepare and rehearse before toasting the New Years next time. How about this:

























"Happy New Year! May you get a box of money in the mail, eat lots of garlic and
stay healthy, and not be ashamed if you have nights that you just serve cereal for dinner. Love to all my family and friends who are knotted in my heartstrings."

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Diet

So many people are talking about The Shred, a high-protein diet, a no refined sugar diet, South Beach, Jenny Craig, and Weight Watchers.

I like my dad's diet. It is called:

Stop Bending Your Elbow

pretty funny, and probably pretty effective....of course, I have never tried it....(I've done just about all the other I listed above, though, trust me!)

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

It's all about the love

Papa Bill comes tomorrow from Rhode Island. The kids are excited, I am excited, and hubby is especially excited. It will certainly be a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by family from both sides of our marriage this Christmas. P is giving up her bed and sleeping with mommy and daddy, we are buying boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios (Bill's favorite), and I am planning a spectacular feast for Christmas Eve with my friend Daryl. Christmas has been really special this year with friends, and soon family. We have made ornaments, exchanged gifts (and beer), and enjoyed some delicious Christmas pastries...oh, and remote controlled zombies.

I am very excited that this will be the third year in a row we do Christmas Eve or Christmas day with friends. I love that we are starting a new tradition full of people we adore. When I was little I loved my Christmas Eves. It was traditional to go to my Grandmother Williams for Christmas Eve singing Christmas carols all the way there. She had a huge spread, and invited all her and Grandad's friends as well as lots of family. Grandad's friend Marvin would dress up like Santa and make a surprise visit handing out gifts to all of us kids. I just found out that he would go back to the car where his wife was waiting for him, and change his clothes to come into the party after playing Kris Kringle. We, as children, were none the wiser. The gifts were just simple little gifts such as coloring books, paddle balls, or bubbles; but to us, they were straight from Santa. That made them super special and we felt super special as we colored the pages full of pictures of reindeer, elves, and wrapped presents. It makes me smile and my heart melt a little thinking my grandparents did that for us. Those are fond memories that I cherish.

I want my children to have those fond memories as well. I have been introducing things that I want to be tradition when it comes to Christmas. Some of the traditions I have been dabbling around with will work out only for this year, and some things didn't even come to fruition; but, the things I know will stay and just keep getting better are the things we do with the people we love. And, isn't that what the holidays are all about?

Friday, December 18, 2009

Canadian Honeydrops and manic desire

For the love of all things sweet and sinful, I adore Canadian Honeydrops. I generally go ga-ga over something chocolate, and whatever it is has rules: No nuts. No butterscotch. No peanut butter. AND, certainly No fruit. BUT, these honeydrops are just as the name suggests: drops of honey, and they contain No chocolate!

I was *just* introduced to them by my friend Susan who made them for Christmas. She put two cookies together with her hubby's homemade strawberry jam (dreaded the thought of eating jam in my cookie, but OMG!). It took everything inside me not to quietly take them all off the plate and hide them where noone but me could ever find them. The great thing about food is there is a recipe somewhere that is similar...or you can just ask your friend for it, which is what I did. This was me, in a craving-filled frenzy:

Give me HONEYDROPS...or at least the recipe.

I calmly asked my dear friend Susan for the recipe. She had no idea I was so full of desire for these golden little nuggets. She told me to look at the Betty Crocker website, because they are Betty Crocker old school... and it was NOT THERE. I found another link and sent the recipe to Susan. She promptly (what a good friend) replied with the link containing the recipe she used. I was so happy because I actually had all of the ingredients I would need in house - sans the shortening because I don't use it, just subbed with another stick of butter - and used my daughter's preschool Christmas party/concert for an excuse (I had to bring a dozen cookies to the event). Of course, 12 cookies made it to the Christmas party, but the rest you ask? The rest of the cookies died delicately in my mouth as I let crumbs slowly fall onto my shirt and then to the floor where the dog was allowed a wee little taste. I almost, in a very three year old way, screamed MINE. I thought better of eating crumbs of the floor, though.

Now this is me:










I bet you all want the recipe?




Well...uhmmm...okay, but you need to send me some if you make them. Use this link: http://www.recipe4living.com/recipes/canadian_honey_drops.htm


I used Lynd's Fruit Farm black raspberry jam for the filling and all butter instead of shortening. That's just how I roll....soon like a jelly doughnut if I don't stop eating these damn cookies.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Race #2 was wet, but awesome!

Me with my number before the race
My official time: 32:49:00

The Snowflake 5K was awesome, though a bit wet and a bit cold. I was seriously soaked to the bones when I got home from running in the rain and through puddles. The course was through some the trails through Dublin - right off the rec center. The pathways weren't that wide, which made it difficult to pass people...and then there were the big puddles. Many times I ran around in the grass, but I more afraid of falling because of the slippery grass than biting the bullet and running through a bunch of water. Some part had slush too - kind of thew me off in regards to concentration and pacing. I think I learned that I don't mind running through the rain, but running when the rain could freeze and cause a slippery surface isn't a good idea.

Friend Bridgette - it was her first race and she beat the pants off Heather and I. Go Bridgette!!

It was so much fun to do it with friends (Bridgette and Heather look so cute all wet). We didn't stay together because we all had different paces, but we started together and then waited for each other at the finish line. Results still aren't posted, but I think I did around 34 minutes, which is awesome for me. I was hoping to run around 11.30 per mile, and I think I accomplished that. I can't wait to get my official time!

Finish line! Bridgette, Me, and Heather (@bolognas)

I think I am addicted. Looking for a 10K for spring and then quite possibly a half in August...but we'll see about that one...:)

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Race #2 Today

It is raining and cold. I think it is 34 but feels like 27, according to the National Weather Service. Funny thing is - it really is only supposed to rain in the morning...for the race. Yesterday was gorgeous, of course. I am trying to find humor in this.

Hubby said to get excited because I have never done anything like this before - meaning run a race in the rain, in the winter, with my friends, and the list goes on. He is such a glass is half full person. I am happy it is a 5k and not a 5 mile like the last one. Not because of distance, but because it will take me less time to run 3 miles and then I can get in my warm car.

Wish me luck - and stop over at my friend's site and wish her luck too. She is doing it with me: http://bolognasamwiches.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

And, along come stitches

This was taken when we got home from the hospital. You can kind of see the stitches under his lip.

I knew is was a matter of time before bubbies got stitches. He is so physical and he also falls a ton. If you watch him play you will see he topples over almost as much as he runs and plays. It is endearing, but nerve wracking too. I find myself smiling - and then sucking in my breath and furrowing my brow seconds later. He is generally okay, until last Thursday.

He fell over his truck and he immediately came to me with lots of blood dripping down his face. I thought for sure he had bit his tongue....again. I was on the phone with my buddy AmyD and she, as she puts it, was babbling on and on because she hadn't eaten. I was trying to be calm to seem like I was in control, but as soon as I hung up I was panicking. He was grabbing his lower lip with his teeth and I could see that he had lacerated the outside of his mouth just under his lower lip and it kept opening up. I called the pediatrician and the nurse triaged me over the phone. She asked if the teeth went all the way through - well, to me, yes, it looked like they went through. The nurse then said to take him to Children's, not an urgent care, but the actual hospital because they will do a much better job stitching him up.

Well, by the time I got off the phone he was playing and laughing as if nothing had happened! He's nuts! I called hubby to tell him to hurry home b/c I didn't want to take Miss P with me to the emergency room. My fear was she'd have to watch the stitching up procedure or contract some awful flu while we waited. Luckily, hubby pulled in the driveway mere seconds later.

On the way to the emergency room bubbies was singing songs and bobbing his head. Nothing phases this tyke. We got to the hospital, great place to park, walked right in and the longest we had to wait was 30 minutes for the numbing gel to work. Then came the loooonnnnnggggest 15 minutes of my life. I had to hold my baby down while they sutured his lower lip. Poor thing struggled so hard to get him and was so angry to be pinned down. I hated having to hold him down. It was awful. I was strong for him there, but when I got home and shut my bedroom door, I broke down in tears. My good friend Kris said her mom was the same way - it must be a scorpio thing....or just a mom thing.

It has been about 5 days since the accident and he's doing great. It is a severe pain in the butt to clean it three times a day, because he *freaks* out if you even attempt to bring the q-tip near his face. But, we are managing it...with lots of his tears and a little stress.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

I did it!


I did it - 5 miles, no stopping. It was exhilarating. It started off with runners in front and the walkers in back. Friend Heather said to go more towards the back and off to the side as to not get pushed over by the super runners. She also said to take my cell so that I could call hubby at certain points. Thankfully, I did that. People were jonsing to run as soon as the horn sounded. We walked for about 2 - 3 minutes, then everyone was running. I was being passed by some very fast men, almost as fast women, probably the same man in flip flops that Heather saw (I almost called her, but then I knew I would laugh and run out of breath) - oh, and a dog, a child, and a man pushing two kids.

***Thank you to Burke and hubby who said do the 5, because if you do the 4 and finish fine, you'll wished you did the 5.*** OH! And, Burke told me I'd get a BEER at the end of the race. I was 2 minutes too late for the pumpkin pie....and NO BEER! you owe me, Burke (shaking fist). heehee

I like this picture b/c I had just finished and was trying to get my breath back.

I felt steady the whole time, but there were times I was ready to give into walking. One of the first times was when I got halfway. But, then I called hubby and got just the boost I needed to keep going. It was a little after the half way point I got a burst of energy and sped up, but then I remembered that back up Lane Ave was all hill. I didn't know if I was going to be able to make it, so I started giving myself small goals. I wanted to see how I felt once I got to my "marked" place - just get to the light, just get to Lane Avenue's light, well, heck, I can see the finish line I can't stop now!My Turkey Trot "medal!" P wouldn't smile. Both kids were a little overwhelmed by all the people and I think they thought I ran off from THEM! ha!

Many runners stopped and walked up Lane Ave. It was really challenging, and I knew it would be and that is when I called hubby again. He was so excited that I was getting close to the finish line, and that gave me another boost to finish. Once I saw the cows on Lane I knew I could make it, then I saw the flags, and then people were lined along the street cheering for the runners. I was so emotional! I am having a hard time holding back the tears as I type this. Hubby also said that he fought back tears as runners started crossing the finish line. He said that there were the incredible athletes that ran it in about 5 minutes, then there were the others who struggled a bit more. He said many women were crying as they crossed the finish line and that choked him all up. Our friend and his son were waiting for me too. We parked in their driveway and hubby called them to cheer me on at the finish line. It was such a great morning!

Yes, that is Uncle Fester.

Getting there was interesting. Some runners had already run down Lane (b/c we passed them parking) and back up as a warm up. Whah? Maybe one day I'll be at that point. Right now, I am training for a 5k on Dec. 13 with some friends. I think 3.1 miles will be in the bag!

Pre-Race

I set this race as a goal to teach myself how to run. That is what this race is all about. I wanted to see if I could do it, because I have never been able to run.

I have to get this down because I want to remember how I feel right now. This morning is my first race and I am so nervous about what to expect. Seriously, I have never been a runner. As a matter of fact, running is the one thing I have avoided my whole life. Mainly because it is hard, and then I used my asthma as an excuse (not an excuse, totally manageable - but I had to take all these years to find it out). I feel ready physically and emotionally, just nervous because I don't know where to park, where my family should stand, what I do when I am finished, will I have to walk the last mile, and more than that - will I be okay with myself if I walk the last mile. My friends know that I am black or white, not a lot of gray area in between. I am trying to get better with that - only because I am forced to b/c of my children. heehee. Gray area is where I should be today - fine with anything that happens.

I took a voice recording of P and bubbies to put on my shuffle so I could get some encouragement when I will need it the most. I decided not to make my own playlist, though, so I won't be using them. BUT - I have them for any future races. I decided to stick with the podcast music and Robert Ullery's voice because I am used to hearing - don't want to screw up my pace by having Ween play at the most inopportune time. P said this though, "Mommy, please run. I will miss you. I have a surprise for you at the end." so cute.

anyhow, enough babbling. wish me luck. :)

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Work?

I have been doing some work in the industry I swore off. I think I swore it off because I had a couple of horrible bosses, and I never understood how to draw the line between what I despised about PR work and who I did it for. Now that I have been away from it for a while, I am understanding that it wasn't the *work* that completely made me a nut job as much as it was the atmosphere I was doing that work in. I am grateful for my experiences, and I guess for the lessons I learned about life and business...even though it hurt like hell emotionally, and sometimes still does.

I decided, well always had a passion for it, to teach. I'd get that warm fuzzy feeling when I'd go into my mom's classroom and help with the kids. She'd let me read in circle to them and help them with their drawings and what not. I always felt safe, creative, warm, and loved in that atmosphere. There was something calming about it....even though there were kids everywhere under the age of 7. I love the young ones, but after much soul searching I felt that my calling was for middle grades. I love that 6 - 9 grade level of kids - quirky, trying to fit in, hormonally messed up, unsure of themselves, and truly not liking coming to school. hahah! yes, I do - they are challenging, and I like that. I still have student teaching to do before I can go out and apply for jobs - getting super excited about it, though. Just need to work it out financially.

Which brings me to what I am doing now. I figure that I will stay home with the kids for one or two more years. It is too much of a financial burden to have two children in a daycare/nanny/home daycare situation....and pay out the big bucks for field experience and student teaching. Just doesn't make sense, so I decided to wait on my teaching career and work with some small business owners.

My first gig was with AmyD - getting her into Whole Foods. She is a fun talent. She designs quirky clothing fashion and aprons. She kind of nudged me into helping her...and if it wasn't for her nudging, I wouldn't have done it. And - it was a success! It was funny - I told her she should be in Whole Foods when I bought an apron from her. She was a little apprehensive and said she didn't really know how to go about it. I said - it is easy. She said, okay, let's make that that first thing you do for me. I said okay...and now there she is. We set up her display yesterday. Crazy. She says to me that she couldn't have done it without me. I tell her she's crazy. She's awesome - all around. Anyhow, here is her blog post about the experience: AmyD in Whole Foods.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Geez ANOTHER birthday

I like celebrating other people's birthdays, but not my own. I mean, I like being acknowledged (who doesn't!?), but the after all that is said and done and I am in my quiet space, I hate the fact that I am getting older. I don't mind aging, but I hate getting older..if that makes any sense.

I told a friend of mine: I don't mind the wrinkles, but I hate being called ma'am.

For me, older means losing that ability to be cool. It is almost as if when you are older and do something trendy people think you "can't give it up" or something. I know I am not that old, but I guess I hate the fact that I was so immature in my 20s that I had to learn (and am learning) tons of stuff in my 30s. It is kind of exciting I guess...if I look at it a little differently. I really feel lucky that I have done a lot, seen a lot, and know a lot - definitely living and not just settling having life happen to me.

Hubby always says to me "why do get upset over things you can't control? you should be happy you are moving on into the ma'am part of your life - you deserve a little respect." ha. ha. ha. It still doesn't make it any easier to see that I look different, that my body feels different, and that I am more tired than I used to be. Of course, some of that is due to having kids - they suck the energy right out of you. Oh well. I need to get over it, because I am not Superman with the ability to fly out into space and spin the earth backwards.

OH- and one more thing - I am still here, healthy, happy, and have a great family. Guess that is worth way more than my little pity party.

Sweet conversations

Miss P has been coming up with the most incredible ideas lately, and saying the cutest things. I have to get them down so I don't forget.

She comes up to me earlier today and tilts her head. "Mommy, my tummy hurts." I ask "oh honey, do you want some water?" she answers "no, I think candy will help. yes, candy."

Yesterday we are driving to the store and she says "I have a GREAT idea mom! We could have a rainbow car!" I said "oh wow, that is a great idea!" she says "we could paint our car with paint: red, yellow, blue, pink, purple! yeah, I think that is a great idea mom!" We get out of the car at BB&B and she looks up at me with her blue eyes, and I could tell the wheels were turning. "Really, mama! A rainbow car would be so great!"

This morning she comes down stairs. "Mommy, I need to draw a red and yellow monster for your birthday. I talked to daddy and he said it was a great idea!"

Already an idea girl. I like that!

Oh - and this is by far my favorite. She is in the potty and yells "Mommy! Some day I am going to grow up!" I say through the door (because she has to have her privacy when she goes poo) "I know sweetie. Thanks for the reminder." Then she says "Mommy! I'm in the bathroom doing a big snakey poo." I seriously doubt she'll say that to me when she is a teenager.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Love this quote

"We are such spendthrifts with our lives. The trick of living is to slip on and off the planet with the least fuss you can muster. I'm not running for sainthood. I just happen to think that in life we need to be a little like the farmer, who puts back into the soil what he takes out." -Paul Newman


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Proud mama

There are so many moments I find myself smiling because I am proud of my daughter. Today, especially, was one of those days.

I had my first parent/teacher conference with P's preschool. At first I kind of giggled at the thought of having a parent/teacher conference for preschool, but then I realized I *did* want to know how she was doing. I spend so much time with her and think I know her so well, but really, how do I know what she is like in class? She could be the bossy tyrannical friend who steals all the toys, or she could be the quiet little wall flower. Hanging with her everyday, I doubt either one of those descriptions is true about my little P, but really, I don't/didn't know. I was pretty excited to go and find out what the teachers had to say about my little princess.

School was canceled for the kids so the teachers could do conferencing. Hubby took the morning off, and the school provided babysitters (parent volunteers) for the kids while parents met with teachers. I love this school, and love that P's experience has been so positive. She is only three. She needs lots of play, love, and guidance...and I feel she gets that there. The teachers sat down with us and went through the folder they keep for her. It had pictures of her playing with other kids, a drawing she did in her journal (I hope I get this at the end of the year so I can scan it in), and other reflections of the things they do in class such as patterns, cutting with scissors, painting, etc. There are two teachers for P's class of 16, and they both know each kid very well. They told us they loved P and that she was very mature for her age. She shares, she is a leader, and she is the one they usually make an example of because she is doing something "right" - as in sitting in a chair or being quiet and listening when they are gathering everyone to go outside to play. They said she is very detail-oriented and always keeping herself busy.

Hubby and I were both glowing when we left. We even took a bucket of toys home to wash.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Running with Asthma

I started the couch to 5K running program because I have always wanted to run a 5K or a race of some sort. For me, running is emotional because I have *never* been able to do it because of my asthma. I have been able to workout inhaler-free on the elliptical, aerobics (as long as they aren't too jumpy), and other types of exercise...but running is a whole other ballgame.

It is hard.
The hardest workout I have ever done.

I used to be the step aerobics queen - jazzercise, Bally's, etc. I could step for hours and then do interval weights. Of course, since having children I have had to work myself back up to being fit again and I have been hitting the gym at least 3 times a week for about 5 or 6 months now. But, even all that work has not prepared me for running!

I find myself with the running bug and I desire to do it. I have a cousin who finished the NYC Marathon yesterday (26.2 miles), friend who ran the Columbus 1/2 (13.1 miles) back in May, a cousin who has run two 5Ks (3.2 miles each) in 3 months (and trained in 3 weeks!), and a few Book Club buddies who have run various length races.

I see how those women succeeded and it gives me motivation. I know I can do it. Yesterday, running was a failure for me and I felt pretty defeated. I couldn't do the 20 minute run on the training podcast. I had to go back and do the run that was two 8 minute runs. I think the problem was that was the first time I ran outside, had various inclines, and it was cold. With exercise induced asthma, cold triggers an attack. I take my inhaler before I run to help keep the symptoms at bay, but today it didn't work like it had worked inside. I think running small hills and being cold, AND I think I was running too fast. I ran an 8 minute mile. I read through some forums about asthma and running an many of them say they run an 11.30 mile and increase to a 10.30. Makes total sense. My second run was so much better because I ran slower - even with the inclines.

I decided I was going to do the 20 minute run today, and that was that. The kids had dentist appointments and then we headed to the rec center. On the way I was telling P that I had a run to do. She said "mama, just be sure to take it slow. don't run fast or you will get out of breath." She listens....even though I accuse her of NOT listening most of the time. Anyhow, I did it! I ran 20 minutes - slow, but sure and am very proud of myself. Today is not a day for me to be humble. haha!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Name Writing

I cannot believe my 3 year old just wrote her name.


This was in the birthday card to her cousin Hailey.

I guess I am in awe because I haven't worked with her that much on writing. I mean, we work on it some for fun, but I never push her. And, hubby asked if they practice it in preschool - well, not right now. Maybe later in the school year just for introduction, but they are totally about learning through play...not academics at such a tender age of 3. She seems to really like reading and writing. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that she is picking up how to write letters. I am just very proud of her, and she was pretty proud of herself and practiced even when I left the room. cute.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

1 and 1/2...and my little apple dumplin'


All I want to do is smooch my little boy all the time! I love his chubby little cheeks and his sweet smile...his hair, his cute personality - he's just my adorable bundle of warm fuzzies. He's nothing like my husband. hahaha!

He had his 18 month check up and is growing like a weed! Far surpassing his sister at this age.

35 inches tall
28 lbs 2 oz
Over the 100 %ile for height
75th %ile for weight

He cried for a while after his shots, and didn't like the fact that he had to wear a band-aid.

He is wearing 18 month and 24 month clothing - many of them passed on to us. I can't thank friends enough for their generosity. We are lucky!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

She loves preschool

I wasn't sure how P was going to do in preschool. I knew in the deep downs that she was going to love it, but the separation anxiety issue was giving me anxiety. In ballet class she wouldn't let me leave her, and had to sit in my lap the whole time. At Open Heart Camp she cried and cried because she didn't want me to leave her. I ended up staying two of the three days...luckily, it was fun for me and E too. :)

Given that, I was worried.

Well, the first day came. This day was only for an hour and the parents stayed with the children. We dropped bubbies off at Auntie Carol's and I pep talked her as we drove to school. "Ooh, I am so excited to go to your school! You are going to have so much fun! We get to meet your teachers" and so on and so forth. When we got there she was excited, but then she turned into a maniac. She screamed, threw a fit, yelled at the top of her lungs "I am going home! I want to go home! I am not staying here!" Then proceeded to sit in the corner by the door, as pictured here:
Yeah, it wasn't going well. All the teachers looked at me with their eyes saying "its okay...awe poor little thing...but we promise she'll be fine." P and I took our time sitting in that doorway. I was trying coaxing mechanism in the book, but even the fact that I was staying with her wasn't comforting her in the least. After about 20 minutes I got her in the door. It was hard for maybe the first 5 minutes in the room...and, I think all the colorful walls, play areas, books, and a trip to show her the playground piqued her interest. She started calming down.
We were called to circle and given a scavenger hunt game to do with the kids. P turned into an excited, interested little girl. She couldn't wait to find the teddy bears, the crayons, and the puzzles. It was fun! Then we had a tea party, played with dolls, and then we sat in circle as the teachers read a Clifford book. The teachers asked prompting questions throughout the book and my little P was the one who spoke up - not shy in the least! Who was this child that was sitting in the corner mere minutes ago? We took a trip to the playground where she played with new friends in the sandbox and then it was time to go!
The next week it was much easier. This time I took her to class and then went to a coffee across the hall for an hour. The teachers had to remind her to say good-bye - she was so happy to be there she didn't even care if I was in the room! Uhm...okay. Well, there you go.

Since then, each day of preschool she gets so excited. This passed week I didn't even walk into class to help her wash her hands, she did everything herself. I just waved....she didn't see me. Guess she loves it. That makes me happy.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Smitten

I love how smitten hubby is with P (bubbies, too) - she really has his heart. He loves the little things she does and when we are winding down for the night, he reflects on his kids and talks to me about them. Tonight John and Geni were leaving and P wanted to see their dog. We walked her out and before they left P said "let's kiss the dark!"

I mentioned to hubby that I was so happy he remembered little times like that, or pointed them out to me. I don't remember those little cute things...b/c for me they happen all day long. I need to keep better track of this stuff, though, b/c I forget those special little sayings or moments.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

And it begins...

"It has started! You'll be going to things for the rest of her life. " says my mom as we discuss P's preschool orientation. I was telling my mom how nervous I was and how I couldn't believe the time had come to ship my daughter off to school. We both agreed she would love it and was clearly ready to handle preschool at her tender age of 3. I think I am the one not ready to handle it!

I went to P's preschool orientation for the parents last night and was thrilled with what I saw. I loved her teachers, the director, the classroom. It was all too perfect. She'll be in a class with 15 other students and two teachers, who both have over 17 years experience in teaching preschool. They are the type of women that if you met them on the street you would probably guess they work with children or a charitable organization. They were so sweet, smiley, and thorough with what to expect from the first day and throughout the year. They discussed the fun stuff, the snack stuff, the potty stuff, but my favorite part was when one of them said: "After just a couple of weeks, I assure you, we will have fallen madly in love with your children." I could tell she meant it. I knew then that I had chosen the perfect place for my little P. I want to remember the sweet smile hubby gave me when I looked to see his reaction.

It felt like such a special place. As you walk up there were raised boxes full of veggies - I assume the church garden for food donations (growing some fall lettuces, root veggies, tomatoes on the vine). The room was colorful, playful, full of books, a wall with each child's name and birthday individually placed on a flower or a tree, and most importantly, the feel of love and respect. A very nice lady selling book bags for the students that she will personalize and have ready for the first day of school. I bought one for P that has a princess on it with a purple and pink tutu, and her name...hope she isn't disappointed because she told me she wants a Princess or a Dora backpack.

such a dreamy experience...I feel so sappy right now....

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Adding to the mayhem.

I think I am either depressed or putting myself in a depression, and I need to snap out of it. Things just keep happening - on top of everything else.....

The kids and I were playing in the big grassy area behind our house and a man was walking his dog. He was the nicest man and his enormous German Shepherd was the nicest dog I've ever met, except for my old trainer's dog Rain. This dog was so docile and sweet, and loved playing ball with my kids. Well, the kids got tired and started walking for the gate to get in our backyard. I didn't realize P was about to open it and my two dogs charged out after the German Shepherd. They started attacking it and chasing it. My dogs are minute in comparison to the German Shepherd, and I think the German Shepherd understood that. She thought she could just outrun them, well, as she ran my dogs kept jumping up and attacking her. I couldn't get them and the kids kept running toward the action. I was sick with fear of a dog fight and sick with fear that whoever won would be in a rage and hurt my children.

I yelled at the kids to stay back and tried running to get my dogs - dumb, b/c I can't keep up with a running dog. The man got his dog to finally come to him and I snatched Piper and he immediately went into a submission. I carried him back home, disgusted. Loki ran off.

The kids were scared to death. I was scared to death. The man laughed and said "well, this isn't a very nice way to end a very nice evening." really?! ya think? I had the kids with me and we had to hunt down Loki. P pretended she was on a quest, and that was cute enough to break the horrible angst I was feeling over the situation. Luckily, Loki didn't get too far, but I had to carry her fatty boom-battiness back to the house. I had been worried about the dog, and for due cause.

Saturday morning the man showed up at our doorstep. Seems his poor dog has lacerations on her face, paw, and body. He stopped by to make sure our dogs had their shots. We told him that he should get her checked out in case she needed stitches and that we'd pay their vet bills. I also asked him to keep us updated on her healing progress. I was seething at my dogs when he left. I couldn't even look at them. So, we now need to wait and see if the German Shepherd is fully okay.

Then....Big stops by and informs me there is a dead robin on my front patio furniture. Seems it flew into our big new window and died. Well, I am superstitious and I know that a dead bird on your porch means bad luck. As much as I want to think that is silly is as much as I am feeling the bad luck. I ended up being in a such a poor mood and plain tired that I skipped my reunion. My house smells like dust and paint and I am having a hard time breathing. And, just found out my stroller has a recall notice from the CPSC. Nice.

I am being short with my kids and that makes me feel like a horrible mother.

Seriously, I need to snap out of it.

Friday, August 28, 2009

So, yes, now it is getting to me.

Seriously, I am OVER it today. I am so tired of not having a kitchen or living room, everything dusty and in shambles, never being able to find anything, and changing poopy pants. My car had a leak in one of the back shocks, is making a lovely noise when I drive it (which I am told is just "cupped" tires), and now my dryer is buzzing all the time and someone has to come look at it. I missed getting P into tumbling, and have to go shopping for my 20 year class reunion. I have nothing to wear and I suspect shopping for something is going to be as dreadful as poking myself in the eye with a pencil.

My chest is tight all the time with anxiety and getting little help from hubby with the kids lately b/c of all the work. And to top it off, I am told to not expect things to get done really soon. "We have to wait for the contractor's schedule, then we have to order the countertops, which take a while to get in. You can't have a sink until we have countertops." Why can't it just be "next week the contractor lays the floors and sets up the kitchen. We'll order a dishwasher so you have it to help with dishes and get the stove in so you have someplace to cook other than the toaster oven and hot plate."

If it was just hubby and I complaining would be useless because we could handle it....AND I'd be at work most of the day and not in this pile of rubble. Throwing two very young children in the mix makes me feel overwhelmed and annoyed at the situation. Also, the fucking fire alarm keeps going off each time I use the toaster. One more thing, if hubby calls one more day and asks if we are out having fun when the baby has naptime I am going to lose my shit.

ahhhhh......

Now that the volcano has errupted, the mountain can settle.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Little hiccups

Being my age....hrumph, ahem..., I have found that life is full of u-turns, stop lights, wrong turns, and those nasty speed bumps that make you slow down. I look back on choices I made and sometimes wish things were different. What if I went away to college? What if I majored in voice instead of history? What if I chose polos instead of black leather biker jackets? What if didn't move to NYC? What if I didn't befriend that girl that truly needed me? What if I stayed one hour later? What if I didn't go at all?

Then the questions of "what if I truly stuck to my guns to never marry?" Did I truly want to grow old alone? Then, could I possibly want to not only grow old alone, but grow old without my children by my side?

Ewe. No. The most important things in my life right now are because of my choices - right or wrong. My "what ifs" can be quietly stowed away in one of the files of my brain. I'll put them in a box and look back on them when I have time. Right now, my time is for the precious joys I have in my life...and they ride the highway.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Miss P's First Summer Camp

P went to her first summer camp this week. She is doing a performance art camp with Open Heart. When I read through all the camp would entail, I thought it would be perfect for her. She loves to sing, dance, and dress up....all the things the camp offered. It was only three days for a little over two hours each day.

The first day of camp bubbies and I stayed the whole time because I thought she "needed" me there with her. When we first got there she said she wanted to go home and kept walking towards the car. I had to talk her into staying and show her that mommy was having a great time, which meant that she could too if she gave it a shot. She ended up loving it. It was a fun day of puppets, dressing up, and playing. I actually was having a tremendous time, but I wasn't the person it was for...ahem...so I tried to back off and watch my little girl do her thing and wrangle the boy. P did great. She loved hanging out with Anima & Pete, the puppeteers/actors, and loved Heidi, who is the owner/creator of the camp. She was thrilled that she was going to get to go back and play with everyone again when Wednesday rolled around.

When we got home the first day we talked about what she did, how she liked it, and how she got to dress up in a princess ballerina costume (that alone made it pretty worthwhile). I wasn't worried about taking her back on Wednesday, but I was worried about how I was going to handle it because I wanted to drop her off and leave. Part of me thought it was good practice for preschool, but part of me struggled with leaving her. I didn't want to leave her but I kind of felt I had to. I mean, c'mon, it was only for two hours. Yeah, two hours. Two very long hours for mama.

I spoke with Heidi and she assured me P would be fine and she would do everything she could to make her comfortable. Heidi told me the last thing planned was snack-time, so I told P I'd pick her up after snack. Friend Susan just took her daughter to preschool camp a few weeks ago, and said to tell P something concrete such as "I'll pick you up after snack" rather than "I'll come get you in a couple of hours." They don't really get time at this age - but they will remember that mommy will get them after they have a snack. It worked! P was more than happy to stay with Heidi, gave me a hug good-bye, and an enormous hug hello when I picked her up. I really missed her for two hours...and I cried off and on for those two hours b/c I missed her so much and hoped she was having fun. I know she'll read this one day and say "mommm - you're a dork."

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Kitchen and living room construction

So it begins.

We moved into our home in the fall of 2001. We looked and looked all over Clintonville (I had lived there for years), Beechwold, Grandview (hubby lived there for years), Worthington, and even the Dublin area for a suitable abode. Suitable meaning a decent house that fit into our price range and could be inhabited without having to do immediate repair work. We had a realtor, but hubby was the one who found the home where we currently live. I loved it immediately. The big trees out front, the clean look. When I saw the inside I loved it too - hardwood flooring in the bedrooms, bright kitchen in front room, and lower living space with a laundry room that wasn't in a deep dark basement that would eventually scare me, and a private bathroom in the master bedroom (barely big enough to turn around in, but I am not a jacuzzi type, anyhow). It was great.

We even got a great deal on the house. Mainly because the owner lived in Colorado and was renting out the home to Honda employees for years. He wanted to get rid of the property so he didn't have to keep coming back to Ohio to do repair work...which was shotty, as we have been finding out over the years.

The house was soooo obviously built in the early seventies. The lower level had a bar with fake wood beams surrounding it for ambiance, paneling painted white that covered the walls, parqued flooring that was full of asbestos, and a bathroom decorated with gold wall paper. That was the first to go as far as we were concerned. We totally gutted it and replaced everything but the ceiling. The next was the deck. We had water flooding the basement, coming into the walls of the downstairs bathroom, and pooling right outside the back door. It had to be taken care of. We tore out the concrete patio and built our deck. Then we knew we wanted kids and I got pregnant with P. She needed a decent room, so we did her nursery. Then along came bubbies, so we did his nursery. Next was the laundry room - it was dank, dark, and disgusting. You can see my update from a previous post here. All along we were wishing we could do the kitchen!

Well, we finally have the money and have decided to redo the kitchen. Not only redo the whole kitchen, but take out the wall between the living room and the kitchen to open up the whole space. Everything must go. We are getting new cabinets, an island, hardwood flooring, new windows, new slider, all new appliances, new kitchen table, and a more liveable space. I feel better when a space flows, and right now it doesn't. When you walk in, the only way to the kitchen is around a big wall, and then while in the kitchen the long counter creates a barrier between getting to the fridge and getting outside. I can't wait to demolish it all!!!!!

Where we are now is....we have the new windows in and the cabinets were delivered yesterday. Today hubby is picking up the flooring and then tomorrow a couple of friends and hubby will be taking up the tile. good- bye awful white tile, may you RIP.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Another poopy update

Man, P is random, random, random. Yesterday morning she totally went poo on the potty for daddy - and announced it to the guys that were putting in our new windows. She was so proud of herself. She got to wear her leotard and tutu AND her ballet slippers for that one. But then....

We had to stick around the house all day because were getting windows put in. I decided later in the day that since were we hadn't been out I'd take them for Frosties and the park. We drove through Wendy's to get two baby Frosties and went over to the park with the little picnic table. They enjoyed sitting there eating their little frozen delights, which they really each only at about 1/4 and wanted to put them in the trash can, and then they ran to the swings. We swinged, we took the magic lane to the open field and ran up and down the hill. It was so fun. P even saw a couple of boys without their shirts on playing tennis. She promptly yelled - hey, why are you boys naked?? They just laughed, it was cute. I did a cartwheel, even.

Well, then it happened. We were walking back to the car to get the big ball to kick around, and suddenly she decided to hide under the gym set. OOVVVVFFFF course there was no place I could get her to quickly to poo, so she did it in her pants. I was SO mad. All I could think was my car is going to be ruined. Luckily, I put a diaper on over her panties and got her home. I didn't talk to her all the way home. I acted like it was a mission to get home and get her cleaned up. She could tell I was upset. This is it, though, and this is the part that ticked me off.....she sat in her car seat, looked directly at me and said "SQUIIIIIIIIISH. SQUIIIIIIISH." while she moved her butt into her seat. As if the poo was a big joke. She had already peed her pants earlier and didn't tell me, nor did she listen to me when I said we had to get changed. Did I breed a newspaper-for-pants kind of girl?

Anyhow, I made a decision that I am not proud of, but now I have to follow through with it. I told her she needed to earn back her tiara and princess dress. I put them away and told her she needed to poo and pee in the potty for one week to earn them back. I put a chart on the fridge and everything. She cried and cried - it totally broke my heart. But, nothing has worked up to now, so I am hoping this will work. If not, I am just a big mean mom.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Potty Training the Girl

Potty training is like pulling out eyebrow hairs - painful, inconsistent, and if you don't keep on top of them they just do their own wild and unruly thing.

I have been potty training P since before she was two...and she is now three. This means for over a year I have been cleaning up accidents, begging, pleading, bribing, cheering, flushing, and rewarding. I can't even write how many times I have cleaned up turds off the floor. I even have pictures of turds in random places in my house. The one by the play kitchen was my favorite because the thing sat in front of the oven like it belonged there. Yes, turds in the house. I am just very, very thankful the dogs never wanted to indulge. They just eat their own from time to time.

We had an awesome day on Saturday. The girl pooed in the "Elmo" potty. We have two potties: Elmo, which is a seat on the big potty, and the "Froggie Potty," which is a little kids potty you have to empty into the big potty. She prefers to poo in Elmo and pee in Froggy...whatever floats your boat, I guess. Her pooping in Elmo was a huge triumph for us because she would rather poo in her underwear or hold it than to poo in the potty. It has been a struggle for me because it is really gross to clean up, and it is frustrating when I know she can do and just doesn't. She has pooed in the potty countless times....why can't she do it everyday? She knows how, and she has been rewarded BIG time for doing it.

On Saturday when she pooed she got a tiara and a princess dress. She had been holding it for three days and trying and trying to poo. She kept complaining about her tummy hurting and I told her to just go. She refused. Then finally, she did it - and I had to go over the top in hopes this was the beginning of consistency.We went to Target and she went around telling everyone she saw "I got a sparkly tiara and a sparkly dress because I put a big snaky poo in the toilet." Yes, folks, everyone. She even stopped two little girls to tell them and their mommy. She told the cashier in a very loud voice what she did too. It was really funny, but kind of embarrassing for me. My kid yelling about that she did a big snaky poo made me laugh nervously.

Look, Mama! I pooped!

I thought we were on the road to pooing-in-the-potty land, and then we went to our friend's for dinner. I heard the other girls yelling "ewwe! gross! she pooped in her pants! It is everywhere!" My heart went into my shoes. I knew what happened and I was really upset. I was upset because she pooed her pants, it was a friend's house and got all over their floor and the playhouse, and because she didn't tell me she had to go. It was so embarrassing for me, but not for her! She needed a bath, new clothes and a pull-up because I didn't bring anything. It didn't bother her in the least - she was excited to play with the other girls' bath toys. We were only going for dinner and I thought for sure if she had to go she'd tell me. Not so...and I have learn a lesson that I need to be prepared for those types of accidents.

I seriously hope she never does that in public. I don't know what the heck I would do! Thankfully my friend was understanding.

She asked that bubbies stand next to the poo and take a picture, too.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Ah, melanoma

I went in for my (supposed to be 6 month...oops) skin check-up and seems I had a new weird looking mole on my left breast. They suggested I remove it because of its shape and color. The odds are that it is not melanoma, and chances of it being abnormal are 50/50. If it is abnormal I will have to remove more tissue around the area in question. I am praying for a clean scan so I don't have to undergo more stitches (I hate stitches), but I'll do whatever I need to do.

Right now it is a small incision of only two stitches - easily covered with a Nemo water-proof bandage. I could have chosen Pooh, but P likes Nemo better. I have to wear a sports bra all day and to sleep in for three weeks. Now, sports bras don't typically bother me, but being "tied down" for 24 hours sucks. They recommend the bra to lessen the scarring from the incision. Because of the location, the skin will open up 40% causing a stretched scar already, and keeping the girls from juggling about should help keep it from opening further. Sounds kind of gross, doesn't it? ha!

The doc suggested a scar cream which is a mere (har har) $50/small bottle. I spoke with hubby and he said "why? do you really mind your scars? I sure don't!" Good friend Heather said the same kind of thing - she said she never even questions the scar on my arm. It is just a part of who I am. I am grateful that I am a 10 year cancer survivor and hope that I have tens of years before I have to ever face that beast again! I was so lucky too - no chemo, just a few stitches on my arm. I can't wear anything on that arm like a watch or a bracelet because it still hurts to this day, but that doesn't bother me in least. At least I have an arm - at least I have a life and my melanoma was just a minor bump in the road.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Cute! Cute!

I have been really watching my kids lately, or should I say "observing" them. Both of them have certain things they do and I grab them and kiss, kiss, kiss them. They get so annoyed with me sometimes, but I don't care - I can't take not smothering them with love when they push the love button.

For instance:
  • bubbies saying "chuuuuzzz" and giving an adorable toothy grin when you pull the camera out to take his pic. I have learned that smile and can pick it when I look at pictures. P's "cheese" is pretty obvious...take a look:
  • He waves like it is the last time he'll ever see you again. It is a big all-arm wave with a big smile that just melts my heart everytime I see him do it.
  • The walk and nod. When he is singing to himself he takes big steps and nods his head back and forth while looking at the ground.
  • Speaking of singing - he is trying to talk and sing. Right now I can make out Baa Baa Black Sheep and he requests My Bonnie when I put him to sleep.
  • Miss P and chapstick...or lipstick as she calls it. Before bed I'll read her books and then she hops off my lap telling me she'll be right back. She goes into my make-up drawer and puts on her "lipstick" and then proudly says that NOW she is ready for bed. If she comes in to sleep with me in the middle of the night she stops in my bathroom to put on her "lipstick."
  • P uses words such as huge, gigantic, freakin' me out, gorgeous...I love her vocabulary.
  • She knows we are at the zoo b/c she reads the sign. She can spot certain words now...if I worked with her more I could quite possibly have an early reader on my hands. She has been writing the letters "L", "O", and "T"....like I mentioned, if I work with her more....
  • P likes to change words in songs, but ever so slightly. Songs that have a boy doing something we change it to a girl doing something, or as in White Coral Bells we change the last verse to the "fairies WON'T sing." not sure why.
Now, say "cheese!"

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The latest

I seriously need to start using my iPod touch recorder....especially since that is the main reason hubby bought it for me. I want to record myself reading to the kids so they have a copy of me reading books to them or singing our favorite songs. I also want to record them singing, talking, etc. We have tapes from when my Grandma B. taped us. She had this incredible recording "studio" in her house. It was pretty advanced for the time.

She would play her favorite records and then dub in her voice so it sounded like she was singing the song. The music with her singing would be recorded on a cassette tape that we would then play in the car on our excursions to the grocery store or the pool. I used to think it was the best thing EVER. She was so awesome. Her favorite singers were Ann Margaret and Sheena Easton. damn I loved that woman.

I have a tape somewhere of me singing "Sugar Town" by Nancy Sinatra when I was 9 years old. I used to sing that song and "You Light Up My Life" for talent shows throughout school and my acting classes with Steve Anderson (who now, I believe, heads up Phoenix Theater Circle). I also LOVED the The Beatles. We sang a lot of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand."

Anyhow - vocal recordings are wonderful to listen to later in life. My cousin and I laugh our asses off at some of the stuff Grandma B. recorded us doing. I love having that memory and the audio cassettes to listen to...if I could find a cassette recorder anywhere...ha!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

No jogger is safe

No jogger is safe from harassment when my daughter is around. I was walking the kids in the stroller this afternoon and a nice man jogged passed us. He said hello and gave us a smile and went on his merry way. P noticed he was not wearing a shirt, and proceeds to yell:

"Hey you are naked. Put your shirt on."

"Hey, man, did you hear me?"

"mommy, that man is naked." I explained it was hot and men sometimes exercise without their shirts. She yells:

"my mommy said it is okay you are naked. now run faster"

"faster, run faster"

"mommy, why won't he run faster?"

Then we pass him again. She sees him coming our way and promptly puts the lid down on her stroller and screams:

"there is that naked man again!"

He just smiled. I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

sad

bubbies stopped nursing this week. I am sad. I am sad because I won't nurse another child, and my plan was to nurse him until he was two. I am also very sad that my boobs hurt so bad that I almost picked up package of hot dogs and put them on my breasts when I was grocery shopping.

Well, we had a good run. And, really, it is kind of a relief because he was SO rough. He was always pulling my hair, scratching me, biting me, pinching me (yes, my other nipple while he nursed...and it wasn't pleasant), rolling my skin...kicking, laughing, screaming, yanking my jewelry. It was quite time we gave it up - for my sanity. He is/was 17 months - 3 months longer than his sister.

The only reason I would try to keep him on the boob is so I could get some relief. Guess that is what red wine is for...

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Oh the little things.

Not going to beat around the bush here, but having two children ages three and one is tough. Sometimes it is awesome, sometimes it is annoying, and sometimes I get short-tempered with them, but when it comes right down to it, it is the first thing I listed. Things that make it awesome include the fact that I gave birth to their unique little souls, and watching them grow and experience new things is like butter cream icing on a dark chocolate cake baked with chocolate chips. Then there are the other things that make it awesome...even if it is tough....

Things by P:

  • I wanted to clean her face with "mommy spit." She says to me "don't touch me with that lick!" I thought she was being silly, so I tried again. She said the same thing. I was cracking up. She was serious. She ran from me. I ended up getting the washcloth.
  • She was mad at me because she got in trouble for taking a toy away from her brother. She sobs, "YOU aren't my mommy!" I said, "who am I, then?" She says, "I don't know, but YOU aren't my mommy!"
  • The way she only wants to wear dresses. I could put her in the cutest outfit with pants or shorts. It may stay on for a few hours but by the end of the day she is in a dress.
  • Her princess shoes. The first pair deemed "princess" she peed in and I couldn't get the smell out, so we got a new pair. I was smart this time around. I ordered her current size and a size bigger. Now I will not run out of "princess" shoes. By the way, we have princess tennis shoes too, and they are the only tennis shoes she'll wear at this moment. She had the coolest pair of Stride Rite Superballs....we gave those away and she wasn't the least bit sad about it.
  • Picky food eater. Now, this gets on my nerves. And, I swear she can smell a vegetable a mile away. She'll nibble on veggies and that makes me happy, but she won't eat a serving. I bought the second Sneaky Chef book to hide the good stuff. I haven't tried a ton of stuff out of the book, but I am working on it. I need to make room in my freezer for the purees so I have them quickly.
  • She's a reader. I love how interested in books she is and that is rubbing off on baby brother. I am thinking preschool will be tremendously fun for her. I am putting her in at three just because of the kind of kid she is. If she seemed more immature and more interested in just playing I would have waited.
  • She loves music and gets hooked on songs. Right now it is Spiders in the Kitchen by The Eels. It cracks me up. The only thing is, the song right after it stars off "It's a mother f$$ker," and sometimes I am not quick enough on the off button. oops.
  • She just left for lunch with hubby and his buddies in her pink leotard and tutu completed with ballet slippers.
bubbies, or lately, E-baby:

  • "Up" has officially been agreed upon as his first word. He babbles about other things and we can make out ball and milk...kind of.
  • Smart. Seriously, I don't know if it is just because he is the second kid and has lots of examples and modeling, but he can do things I don't remember P doing at his age.
  • Easy-going. I can wake him up from a nap, change his diaper, and throw him into the car. As long as he has something to drink he is happy.
  • He smiles all the time, pretty much.
  • His laugh is A dorable.
  • He loves to be tickled.
  • He loves to dance and does this arm pump thing with his left arm. I will have to upload it some day.
  • He is a good eater. I have fed him so many different things and the only thing he doesn't really like so far is left-overs....same as his mom.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Three Sisters Garden

There is a community/student garden going in at my local elementary school called The Three Sisters-Settlers Garden. I am currently volunteering to do their PR and also to help prepare the garden for planting, helping plant seeds, and also garden maintenance and harvesting. This passed Saturday I worked hauling mulch, raking the mulch out in the beds, planting seeds, creating the Three Sisters mounds, and being the media contact for the local press that showed up. I haven't done media escorting in three years, and it was a lot of fun. It felt much more relaxing to do a media tour for a volunteer effort than it did when I got paid. I don't know why, because I feel just as vested in this community garden that is getting local press as I did for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show when I was doing national and international press. crazy.

Anyhow, I created their blog (http://threesistersgarden.wordpress.com/) and am trying to keep it updated, reached out to local television, print, and internet-based media and am getting a great turn out. On Saturday WSYX/ABC6 and This Week (coverage coming out June 4), which is a small weekly that covers the suburbs of Central Ohio. Next Saturday I am expecting more press...I hope!

Working on the garden I have met the most incredible people. I am so excited to get to learn about Local Matters and Urban Wild. Amy at Urban Wild is designing and implementing the new rain garden at COSI with plants native to Ohio. She is really cool and is a sustainable gardening expert. She said she'd come over and help me decide what to plant in my yard. I have learned so much from her already and feel so fortunate to have made her as a new friend.

Saturday I took P over when the press left. I didn't want to be talking to media and have to rassle my three at the same time...even though I knew P would be an angel. She is typically really good when it is just mommy and P. (Put bubbies in the mix and she gets a little needy and rambunctious because she knows she can get away with more when I have my hands full of bouncing, chubby baby.) She raked and helped water the mounds. Hubby walked bubbies over in the wagon. Hubby was really impressed with what we had done so far...and I am not surprised. The garden is impressive. I am going to be annoying and take each of my friends over who come for a visit to my house. I am just so proud of the work Brookside, Local Matters, and Urban Wild have done...and so excited to be a part of it.

Anyhow, here are a few pics from the day:

P helping spread mulch.

Mr. Monroe, principal of Brookside Elementary, being interviewed by WSYX/ABC 6


Candy Brooks, reporter for This Week, interviewing Blake Cullens. Blake was a very mature, well-spoken 6th grader.

P and bubbies playing in one section of the garden when the work day ended for volunteers.