Summer is here - ish

Look who can reach the doorknob. Thank God our doors are all on closers. Did I mention that we had child proofing on our doors when we first moved in? Ya... well... none of the adults could figure out how to get out of the house and when peanut wanted to leave she would just rip the proofing off. I took it off.

So, I filled up our pool. The kids seemed to have a really good time with it. It was cold, but who cares! BabyP didn't even try to crawl off of the wall.

Our yard looks bad. I did manage to get a blueberry bush and raspberry bush in the ground. I think while the kids are playing, I might be able to get some things planted and maybe clean up the yard a little. It breaks my heart to look at our yard, because it was really beautiful. Oh well. Things will happen slowly. They always do.

Look who was waiting for me when I went to the van the other day.

Another Weekend Gone

Summer is so close we can almost feel it. We have been eating out on the back porch. I had a lot of energy this weekend, so I was able to get a lot of things done that needed to be done. One of those things was clean off the porch. There was a yellow haze of pollen all over everything that I hated looking at day in and day out.

I also finally got around to cutting Peanut's curtains. When we read stories to her, we had to be sure not to lay on them. The curtain rod is bent from the abuse (i.e. our big bums). I was also able to make a sleeve for the pillows that go alongside her bed to form the daybed.

Another beautiful bike ride with the family this weekend. This time I packed a picnic lunch. We stopped at Peabody park for our meal. Some kids were playing in the sprinklers. I think it is still a little cool, but I will still pack an extra change of clothes in case the kids want to hit the sprinklers next time. Who am I to judge how cold it is. I am not the one getting wet.

Garage sale season is in full swing. I bought some things for a trip we are taking in a couple of weeks. I also stocked up on PJ's for the littlest one. My favorite find was a pink suitcase that looks to be in excellent condition. It is the size I needed, and it will be easy to spot in the endless line of black suitcases at the airport. I also bought a beautiful dress for me, but unfortunately, it is a size too small. I might loan it out until I shed and tone. (I say that but in reality it probably will never fit properly.)

The littlest one was sleeping better last week, but on Friday it all went to hell in a hand basket. He has excuses though. He cut maybe 4 teeth last week with the last incisor due any minute (He is nursing really weird. He is kind of mouthing me. It doesn't hurt, but it is a little weird. I think it feels good on his gums). After this last incisor, he has only 5 molars to cut before we are done with teething. I can't wait.

I read this post and was inspired to try to lose those last 3 pounds. Not that the three pounds matter as much as I still feel a little "bulky". So really it isn't about the weight as much as looking good in my clothes. I figured giving up my nightly beer might do the trick. (On a side note, my scale plays tricks on me. It read 163, 2 pounds below target weight. Then 5 minutes later it read 168. Silly old scale) I usually have my beer with dinner, which is, of course, before I nurse the little one.

Also, I was thinking that since the littlest keeps getting these ear infections maybe I will cut dairy out of his diet. (not including breast milk) I kind of did that last week too. On Friday, he had cheese and I drank. The same on Saturday. Today, I went back to no cheese and no beer and hope he will sleep a little better. I really think the dairy might be contributing to the infections. I hear that it makes mucus thicker. We will see. Hopefully it works.

In the meantime, we are saving money by not buying beer and junk food. AND maybe, just maybe, I can take care of this baby weight love handle middle jiggle thing.

Happiness After a Bad Day

We have had a nest outside our kitchen window for some time now. (We actually have three nests in our front yard, two in different trees and another in our carport) Mr. T. called this morning to tell me that the birds outside the kitchen window had hatched. I had been at work only a short time when my mobile rang. It is rarely good news to hear his ring that early in the morning.

Maybe it was an omen...

without getting too into it. My computer decided not to save a large file I have been working on. I couldn't print. My dad called and said my mom had been rushed to the ER last night because she fell. She has a broken tailbone. She is fine, which is good, but I am worried she won't slow down. That woman has no idea how to slow down. Then on top of that I had some workplace drama that I can't go into on the internet.

Anyway, after work, I went to Kroger and we picked up some dinner for mom and dad. We picked up the favorites and some special treats. I hate the grocery store after work with two kids.

Anyway, fast forward to this.

Aren't they amazing!

I am standing in my kitchen taking these through my screen in the window. Aren't they cool! They totally put me in a good mood. (the two beers and apricot tart didn't hurt either)

Arkansas Local on Cobert Report

This lady has a child in BabyP's class. I have a few friends that work at Heifer. It is an excellent organization.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
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Socks

"Please don't put my dirty socks in the bottle drawer."
"Please don't put my dirty socks in your bottle."

Tradgedy and Comedy

Peanut is obsessed with dresses. Today, I bribed her with candy to wear a pair of shorts instead of a dress. She obliged and took the candy. When the candy was finished she tried to change into a dress. I told her she couldn't because she took the bribe and so she had to do what I said.

This was her response. "I am going to bribe myself" "you can't bribe yourself" "Yes I CAN. I am going to bribe myself" "You can't bribe yourself. It isn't possible." "YES I CAN...."

and then this started....

"You ruined me." said through tears. "What?" "You ruined me. I am no longer a princess."

Oh... I see where all of this is coming from.

*************************************************************************

So the ice cream man is taunting me. I can hear the bells and fake clapping, but the truck seems like it takes forever to get to my house. Peanut and I ran outside to catch the truck only to realize it was going the other way. I proceeded to clean out the van and put things away in the house.

THEN, I hear the bells and fake clapping, so I search around for the cash I had. I couldn't find it, so I grab my purse and run to the street. Peanut is trailing me in excitement. She has on her PJ's with the silky pants and cotton muscle shirt. For some reason, the crotch is all torn out of her pants. So I flag down the ice cream truck while digging through my purse for NO CASH. They don't accept checks or credit cards. I ask them to wait and go inside for cash. Peanut looks at the lady in the truck and points. the lady says "Don't worry I will be right here." Peanut is beside herself. "Momma that truck will wait for us. Don't worry momma." "Oh that lady is a nice ice cream lady."

She was so excited about the ice cream that she could barely control herself. We sat out on the back porch eating our ice cream and watched the clouds roll by.

Comparison

Peanut

BabyP

(and yes his sister made him look like papa cal)

Vacation

We all need a vacation from BabyP's constant teething. He cut another molar today AND he has another cold. That poor kid. At least his ear isn't bleeding anymore.

anyway... We lived out one of my fantasies today of going on a family bike ride. We got rained on, but the flap on the trailer kept the kids from getting wet. Everyone was in pretty good spirits. It was nice to get out and do something like that as a family. It is important to me to have my kids enjoy the activities like that (even if they are staring at a TV (don't judge)).

We think we might try to camp next weekend, but it will have to be Friday night because I HAVE to make it to church on Sunday. Flash's last day in pulpit is that day. Sadness. He has been a strong advocate for the homeless and for human rights. Our next minster has some big shoes (literally) to fill. Flash performed the wedding ceremony for me and Mr. T. He also baptized BabyP. He would have baptized Peanut had he not left the country. It will be interesting to see who follows him. Our church is a pretty diverse group of people.

The big excitement this week was that we went to Shogun, a hibachi restaurant. Peanut was a little worried about the fire. I can't say I blame her. Once she warmed up to the chef, she had a great time. She even ate some of the food. She really like the volcano and still talks about it.

We also received a batch of clothes from my long lost cousin. She works at Speesees. They are absolutely adorable. The prices are pretty reasonable too if you are interested in super cute, super soft, and organic clothes. Peanut has been over the moon about them. We received the package on Thursday and I think today was the first day she didn't wear at least one item that she received. The pants that my cousin sent to BabyP are cut in the bum to accommodate a cloth diaper. I love them. When he wears a cloth diaper, I am always concerned if he can breath or not.

So Spring is here. HURRAY! Everything is so beautiful and green. Everything except for the Maple tree in our front yard that has no leaves on it. It breaks my heart. I have no idea what happened to it. It is especially bad considering all of the trees that we took out earlier this year. Sigh... You can't win for losing.

I don't think we are going to do a garden this year because it is going to be too much work to build the beds. We finally finished the kitchen. Tomorrow we start on the living by having a consult with an interior designer. We have a lot going on in there and want her to get us moving in some sort of direction. Hopefully, she will do it inexpensively with stuff that is fairly inexpensive.

My family is Lame

Everyone minus the one that was suppose to be saying bye bye and waving was doing it. It is so sad to hear dear peanut saying bye bye. I swear we pay attention to her.

This was taken last week. BabyP has entered that phase where I think he is saying things but i am just not sure. I thought today he said daisy when he saw her. I also thought he tried to say ball. Who knows. When they first start saying things it is hardly ever decipherable.

Love Letter to an 11 month Old

Dear Baby P,

This, by all accounts has been a pretty rough month for you and the members of your family. You are pretty cross most of the time. The only time you are really happy is when your mom is holding you. That goes for when she should be sleeping. In your defense, you just cut a molar, have 4 incisors cutting though, and an ear infection that has made your ear bleed. You have reason, but that doesn't make it any easier.

You are really into things these days. Your favorite is the spice rack. Since the oven is pretty easy to pull up on, that works in a pinch. I have tried to lock both items, but unfortunately, the spice rack can not be locked. You have ripped the baby proofing out. I moved all of my spices to a new drawer tonight. I really try not to make things off limits in our house because it seems like I can never win the "off limits" fight. Yesterday, I found you in your sister's room with my rogan josh. You were in there fingering it and sticking it in your mouth. You knew you were wrong but seemed so pleased with yourself. When I went to get the bottle from you, you threw yourself into the floor and had a fit. Later, when I saw you with the 5 spice powder, you started crying and shaking the bottle before I even reached you.

I have written this the last three months, but you have really become more chatty this month. It is funny because as an infant, you would rarely make a peep. Now you are this moving blob of babble and screams. I have to say you are pretty funny though. You seems to be talking to us rather than just trying out new sounds. You have all sorts of inflections and hand gesturing.

You stand on your own now. You can even get up to standing in the middle of a room. You, however, seem more content to hold onto something than to actually walk on your own. You have taken steps, but you really aren't too eager to walk. I am ready for you to walk on your own. At least I have seen you take a step, your first, before the teachers at school saw it. (Even though if it happens at school, it doesn't count). You cruise all over the place, so I am really surprised you aren't more into walking on your own.

You are constantly in motion, but you love to stop to hug. You are a cuddly bear. When I squeeze you tight, you say "mmmmmm". I also think that you say "momma" but I could be imagining it. I wouldn't be surprised as that is the word you hear constantly coming out of your sisters mouth. You are good at giving 5 and you love to slobber on us affectionately.

Your a monkey, but we love you.

Your mum.

Status Update - Operation Tough Love

BLUF (bottom Line Up Front) - successful operation last night.

10:45 - Baby P slept until his father came in. Fair enough, i nursed him and put him back into the crib.

1ish - He's awake. A quick cuddle of my 24 pound bundle of love and a placement back into his crib. "NO DICE LADY" BabyP is toted to other end of the house to scream. Screams off and on. After 15 minutes I go in and give a cuddle and a rock in the office chair. He tries to nurse but is deterred. After being placed into the portacrib, there is some more screaming. I close two doors and head back to my room. I hear him cry off and on.

2 - I awoke and don't hear any crying. I go to the office (did I mention it is at the other end of the house) and cover up the young master. Back in our bedroom, finally sweet quiet, but the room feels eary without my baby by my side.

210 - What is that chewing noise. Crap... WE have something in the kitchen. I wake up Mr. T. to help me fight for our territory. He lays in bed and tells me to turn on lights. i do, but the noise doesn't stop. I let the dog in to see if she can scare whatever it is. I still hear the noise. Thankfully (?) it is in the attic. Maybe the vents? So I go back to bed and think about how my baby is on the other side of the house.

230 - get up and close peanut's door. No critter is going to get my little girl.

300 - still awake.

315 - Mr. T. is up and looking for our critter friend.

400 - what is that noise. Oh, it's the baby. I go get him, nurse him, and place him in his crib. He cries out for a minute, but quickly falls asleep. I turn off the alarm. Being late isn't bad.

Hopefully, this keeps working. Meanwhile, we are off to the doctor because his ear still looks bad. It looks more like blood is coming out of it rather than puss.

Tears before bedtime

Looks like the jig is up for our youngest one. In between bouts on the Wii, the Tallgirl hatched a plan tonight that she's dubbed " Tough Love". There's a portable crib set up in the office, and if the fits of crying start tonight it's GAME OVER for Master P.

Pre - Easter

I think the run up to Easter is almost as fun as Easter itself. On Thursday mom and dad came over to paint some Easter Eggs. There was some debate last year at church as to if we should bring hard boiled eggs, but this year.... we are. We painted 3 dozen eggs, and it was really pretty easy. I was expecting a lot of drama for some reason, but there was pretty much no mess.

BabyP's ear infection never got better, and peanut's nose kept running. Both kids are on antibiotics now. HURRAY.

Friday, peanut had her party as school. I thought that I would be there for the whole thing, but... I got side tracked. My friend had a baby, so I was hanging out with her and her family. Peanut told Mr. T. that morning in the car, "if you go into the hospital, someone has to make your dinner." I am glad she knows that.

They toned the party down this time. Only 6 people signed up to bring something. It was great because the kids didn't have a giant plate full of food that they were throwing away.

Peanut's teacher is on bed rest. The lady that is filling in for her has been working at the center for 5 days. That poor woman. I hope she has prior experience because I can't imagine being in a room full of toddlers all day.

Mr. T. bought "me" a wii and wii fit for no real reason. I can't say that I think that it was because he wanted one really bad. He has been letting me be obsessed with it. I really like
the balance games.

What was even more exciting to me was that he said he thought the green car would be gone next week. Man... I get points for being the patient woman. It has been undercover as long as we have lived here. In the last 2 weeks, all the suspension has been ripped off of it, and it is sitting on jacks.

What is everyone else doing for the Easter Bunny? We put the eggs outside with some carrots and all of her candy. I will go hide the eggs and leave her basket and on the porch with some of the carrots eaten. I will, of course, take all the candy to work on Monday.

Death

We have been talking a lot about death at our house. Well, maybe not at the house as much as in the car (the "winney van") on the way home. It all started last week when I mentioned something about how we haven't seen our friends Bill and Liz for a while. Peanut asked if Bill was her uncle Billy. I told her no, that he had died. She asked what died means. I told her it when someone goes away forever and doesn't get to be with the ones they love anymore. As a side note, I had previously tried to use the whole 'go live with Jesus' line, but it didn't really work. She was talking about how she wanted to meet my brother, and I had to stress to her that we couldn't. I told her that I wished we could because he was really nice and would think she was pretty cool. I told her that I missed him, and his death made me sad.

Unfortunately, the conversation didn't stop there. Then she asked if I was going to die and if she was going to die. I, of course, told her that everyone died sometime, but that it was going to be a long time before I died or anyone that she knew would die. She seemed to get it. She seemed to be okay with it.

Then the next morning, she woke up and said. "Mommy, I don't want you to die." When I told her everyone had to die she started crying. It was awful. It is awful to hear your baby tell you not to die and for her to be scared that you will. I told her I wasn't going to die. I told her she wasn't going to die either.

I feel bad because as a rule, I don't lie to my kids. I didn't really see a way out of it though.
Telling her it was going to be a long time from now obviously wasn't going to work. So I lied.

I have lied every day since our conversation last week. She nows says assuringly, "It will be a long time before I die. A really long time. You aren't going to die, are you momma?" "No baby, I am not going to die."

On the way home from school today, she brought it up again. "Daddy's brother is the only one I have, huh mommy?" "yes, your uncle Dunc is your only uncle and you aunty Alison is your only aunt." "your brother died." "yes, my brother died."

Then she amazed me.

"Where location did you brother die?" "I think he died in Maine. I don't remember. It was someplace east." We talked for a little while about where Maine was and what Maine was. Then she asked me how he died. I tried to explain that he fell from a cell phone tower. I pointed out what a tower looks like and showed her some antenna. She seemed to digest the information. She seemed to get it.

So... I wonder what will happen on the way home tomorrow. She seems to be getting a deeper understanding of death, which makes me sad. A three year old shouldn't have to try to understand these things.

Naps and Politics

Somebody, who will remain nameless but we will refer to him as BabyP, didn't take a nap at all at school yesterday. When I came into his room the first time, he was eating and smiling. When I came into his room the second time, he was standing in his crib, jumping up and down, smiling, and talking. Even the magic boobs couldn't lull him to sleep. The car ride home did though. I think my boy is heading towards one nap a day.

The care givers had to pull his crib away from the wall because he was pulling the signs over his bed down. My boy, he is a mess. As his sister says "BabyP is trashing stuff."

Yesterday his sister was painting while I was cooking dinner. (side note, I had paint on my monitor this morning). I asked her what she was painting. "I am painting Barrack Kabama at the North Pole." It was a very nice picture. Maybe she has a future in political art.

Easter at the Park

The annual Easter egg hunt at Baker Park was over the weekend. For some reason, Peanut ran all the way to the other side of the park to get eggs. You can see from the pictures, that there was really no need to do this. BUT, who am I to complain that my daughter didn't get enough candy. I can complain, that I wasn't able to get any good pictures.

It is another time of the year where I want to hide in a hole. There is way too much candy to be had. I am sending stickers to school with Peanut for her Easter Egg Hunt. oh yes, I am that mom.

I can't really remember much about the weekend. We went to dinner at a friend's house both Friday and Saturday. I feel awful because Saturday, BabyP eyes oozed the whole time. NICE. Thanks for bringing your diseased child to our house, tallgirl. After a call to the pediatrician, I realized that I was going to have to bring him in to get the antibiotics for his eyes. I went to the after hours clinic and Children's, and it was AWESOME. I was there for only 15 minutes. I got what I needed and left. How often does that happen?

Sunday it was me and the kids. Mr. T. was racing all day. I would have liked to attend Palm Sunday services, but BabyP was in no shape for the nursery. We went for a bike ride/walk down by the river and played Bingo. Somehow, I was able to get them both down for a nap at the same time, so I did get a little downtime.

I have been feeling kind of bla lately. The weeks have been busier than normal these last couple of weeks, which makes for only a short time at night. BabyP has been sleeping much better lately, so hopefully, my attitude will improve.

Bad Blogger

I bought some really beautiful yarn to start knitting on a really cute sweater for BabyP. I have also read another book in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Series". I have not... been blogging.

That is okay though.

Peanut told me the other day "Tomorrow, we should get a pinata." I think that is a marvelous idea, but I don't think very appropriate.

BabyP is up and moving. He stands on his own now. He is also leaking out of his eyes and ears. That poor fellow can't get a break.

His sister is going to the doctor today because she has a sinus infection.