Evan and Ryan at dinner last night:
Evan: Go away Ryan monster
Ryan: Go away Evan monster
Both: giggles and laughter
(this goes back and forth until the volume reaches rock concert decibel levels)
******
Evan: I'm singing the ABC song while we do our errands, all by myself!
******
Evan: Where shall we go today?!?
******
Ryan: Mommy, Daddy, I'm ready to get up now and play with my new trucks.
******
Ryan: Over here hay ride, over there Sac-ra-mento. Let's go.
******
Evan: Pizza, let's make pizza.
Ryan: Pizza Port!
Me: What are you guys playing? (just to make sure I heard them right)
Both: We are playing Pizza Port!!!
******
Ryan: Barbecue
Evan: Barbecue goes in the oven
Ryan: Mommy come have Barbecue
Me: YUM that is good barbecue
Evan: It's ribs
******
Evan: Making Muffins!
Evan: Evan making letter muffins!
Evan: Yum
(yes there is a very popular theme here)
******
Ryan: TACKLE!
Evan: TACKLE!
(both boys roll around together on the floor laughing)
******
While running around the house chasing each other and giggling:
Both: PICKLE CAR, PICKLE CAR, PICKLE CAR
******
Ryan: No, no, no, puppy. No, no, no, puppy. TIME OUT!
******
While placing his puppy on a pillow, covering him with a blanket.
Ryan: Good night puppy, sleep tight, no peeps puppy. Sweet Dreams.
******
Also, be very careful what you all your kids. This week alone I have been called spontaneously.
Sweetie, love bug, punkin pie, sweet pea, and my favorite --baby cakes. (seriously, can anything make you laugh more than having your toddler call YOU Baby Cakes. I'm sitting here laughing all by myself just thinking about it.)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Rainy Days and Sick Kids
Evan has an upper respiratory thing. He's coughing and having a tough time sleeping at night. Other than that he's happy as usual.
Since Evan has been having trouble at night, he took a four and a half hour nap yesterday. yes, FOUR AND A HALF HOURS, and I had to go in and wake him up.
While he was napping, I decided to see what it was like to do an art project with a singleton. Gosh life is easier with one, maybe not as interesting, or fun, but a heck of a lot easier.
This is what salt dough ornaments look like with one...
See how neat and orderly. How clean? The concentration on Ryan's face?
This is what art projects are like with two...
It wasn't that bad, just a lot more paint on places like faces, chairs and tables.
(see how Evan's hair looks all wet and plastered to his head? Those pics were taken right after I woke him up, and he was a little sweaty. Call me weird, but I love a fresh out of bed sweaty little baby, there is something so sweet about sleeping so hard you are sweaty.)
Since Evan has been having trouble at night, he took a four and a half hour nap yesterday. yes, FOUR AND A HALF HOURS, and I had to go in and wake him up.
While he was napping, I decided to see what it was like to do an art project with a singleton. Gosh life is easier with one, maybe not as interesting, or fun, but a heck of a lot easier.
This is what salt dough ornaments look like with one...
See how neat and orderly. How clean? The concentration on Ryan's face?
This is what art projects are like with two...
It wasn't that bad, just a lot more paint on places like faces, chairs and tables.
(see how Evan's hair looks all wet and plastered to his head? Those pics were taken right after I woke him up, and he was a little sweaty. Call me weird, but I love a fresh out of bed sweaty little baby, there is something so sweet about sleeping so hard you are sweaty.)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
32 Month Developmental Follow up Part One
Because the boys were born at 26 weeks, we have been closely followed by the Neuro-developmental follow up clinic. We are seen every 6 months to make sure the boys are on track in all the major groups--fine motor, gross motor, cognitive and language development. Preemies typically have delays in some or all of the major developmental areas and our boys were no exception. Most preemies are caught up by the time they are three.
Last Tuesday Ryan went in for his evaluation. His two hour evaluation. They warned us that this one would be long, so I scheduled the boys for separate appointments on separate days.
The test they use is a standardized test that measures the mental and motor skills of infants and toddlers. There are a number of specialized toys, puzzles and objects and the child is asked to perform various tasks.
Ryan did really well, really well. Not surprisingly, Ryan's language development jumped the scales. Six months ago Ryan was at the very bottom of the mean for his adjusted age, and today, he finds himself at the top for his actual age. Now WE knew his language has taken off in the last 6 months, but it is nice to see that some one else can see it too!
********************
Ryan has started waking up in the mornings dry. We've been putting him on the potty every morning and he is very happy to pee in the potty. He is also starting to tell me that he has to go pee. Sometimes that means he is going as we speak, or he has just gone, or usually once a day we make it to the potty and he goes. I guess that means we are making progress in this area? Oh dear...
********************
Yesterday I heard the boys talking about pepperoni and cheese. I asked them what they were doing, I was told quite emphatically, "we are playing Pizza Port". That's my boys!
Last Tuesday Ryan went in for his evaluation. His two hour evaluation. They warned us that this one would be long, so I scheduled the boys for separate appointments on separate days.
The test they use is a standardized test that measures the mental and motor skills of infants and toddlers. There are a number of specialized toys, puzzles and objects and the child is asked to perform various tasks.
Ryan did really well, really well. Not surprisingly, Ryan's language development jumped the scales. Six months ago Ryan was at the very bottom of the mean for his adjusted age, and today, he finds himself at the top for his actual age. Now WE knew his language has taken off in the last 6 months, but it is nice to see that some one else can see it too!
********************
Ryan has started waking up in the mornings dry. We've been putting him on the potty every morning and he is very happy to pee in the potty. He is also starting to tell me that he has to go pee. Sometimes that means he is going as we speak, or he has just gone, or usually once a day we make it to the potty and he goes. I guess that means we are making progress in this area? Oh dear...
********************
Yesterday I heard the boys talking about pepperoni and cheese. I asked them what they were doing, I was told quite emphatically, "we are playing Pizza Port". That's my boys!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Three days later and finally this post is finished.
This weekend we had a couple of adventures.
Friday night we went to December Nights in Balboa Park. Scott and I have never done this as a couple. I know, we've lived here for 20 plus years and never ventured out to this annual event.
I took the boys down to Balboa Park (one of our favorite places these days, we go to the Park at least three times a month) by myself at about 4. It was crowded. Even on weekends it doesn't feel crowded. With 1200 acres of museums, paths and fountains, how could it feel crowded? Um, pack in 140,000 people, and try and keep a hold of twin two year old boys who feel like the park is their second home. By the time Scott arrived, I was frazzled, and the crowds were not even close to their peak. I have to credit the boys. The listened very well, and did a fantastic job staying with me even in their beloved Choo Choo Museum, which they both generally have the run of when Scott and I take them there on a normal day.
The boys had a great time with their friend Tobin. Evan is still talking about seeing the "Singing Guys" (which reminds me I have to find a choir performance to take him to) and Ryan loved seeing the cars.
But seriously, what were we thinking taking two toddlers through a sea of 140,000 people?
This weekend we also took the boys to their first musical. The Junior Theater group was putting on a production of Richard Scarry's Busy Town. Richard Scarry happens to be one of our all time favorite authors, so I jumped at the chance to take the boys.
Ryan spent the entire 50 minutes of the show with his mouth agape, staring at the action on the stage. He most enjoyed meeting Lowly after the show. Evan, well, he was a little unsure of the whole production. We had a tough first half of the show, both of us out in the wings. He eventually allowed me to sit down with him and in the end he seemed to have enjoyed it.
Now, four days later they are calling themselves Lowly and Huckle and running around the house in their pickle car.
It's taken me three days to write this post, and there is so much more to say. 99 percent of my Christmas wrapping is done now, so I hope I can spend an evening writing about all of it. (eating, potty training and more!)
I'll leave you with a funny quote from Evan.
"That is a windmill, Evan shouted." Evan shouted as we pulled up to the farmer's market. I guess he's taken to writing dialog, or he's so cool he's now referring to himself in third person. I've been giggling about this since Friday.
Friday night we went to December Nights in Balboa Park. Scott and I have never done this as a couple. I know, we've lived here for 20 plus years and never ventured out to this annual event.
I took the boys down to Balboa Park (one of our favorite places these days, we go to the Park at least three times a month) by myself at about 4. It was crowded. Even on weekends it doesn't feel crowded. With 1200 acres of museums, paths and fountains, how could it feel crowded? Um, pack in 140,000 people, and try and keep a hold of twin two year old boys who feel like the park is their second home. By the time Scott arrived, I was frazzled, and the crowds were not even close to their peak. I have to credit the boys. The listened very well, and did a fantastic job staying with me even in their beloved Choo Choo Museum, which they both generally have the run of when Scott and I take them there on a normal day.
The boys had a great time with their friend Tobin. Evan is still talking about seeing the "Singing Guys" (which reminds me I have to find a choir performance to take him to) and Ryan loved seeing the cars.
But seriously, what were we thinking taking two toddlers through a sea of 140,000 people?
This weekend we also took the boys to their first musical. The Junior Theater group was putting on a production of Richard Scarry's Busy Town. Richard Scarry happens to be one of our all time favorite authors, so I jumped at the chance to take the boys.
Ryan spent the entire 50 minutes of the show with his mouth agape, staring at the action on the stage. He most enjoyed meeting Lowly after the show. Evan, well, he was a little unsure of the whole production. We had a tough first half of the show, both of us out in the wings. He eventually allowed me to sit down with him and in the end he seemed to have enjoyed it.
Now, four days later they are calling themselves Lowly and Huckle and running around the house in their pickle car.
It's taken me three days to write this post, and there is so much more to say. 99 percent of my Christmas wrapping is done now, so I hope I can spend an evening writing about all of it. (eating, potty training and more!)
I'll leave you with a funny quote from Evan.
"That is a windmill, Evan shouted." Evan shouted as we pulled up to the farmer's market. I guess he's taken to writing dialog, or he's so cool he's now referring to himself in third person. I've been giggling about this since Friday.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The more things change, the more they stay the same
I just realized it has been more than a year since I started this blog. Wow. Lots of changes since last year. In many ways life is easier. In many ways it is harder. In many ways it is the same.
Easier: Um...let me think for a minute. Okay, okay.
Communication--It is much easier to communicate with the boys. They are extremely verbal, and quite opinionated. I certainly know where I stand at all times.
Movement--It doesn't always require a stroller to go to the store. I can sometimes (if I only need one or two things seriously not more than 4 or 5 and it is best if there are two things that the boys can carry so they can "help" me and that makes sure their free hand is occupied so they can't pull everything off of every shelf we walk past.) walk in to the grocery store with the boys walking.
Harder: I'm just going to limit this to a couple.
Testing boundaries--I expected this. I knew it was coming. I know I have a couple of very strong willed kids. (I have NO idea where they get this,) But I swear there are some days that I spend the entire day saying things like..."If you hit the glass with that clarinet again, I am going to take it away" which is quickly followed by the sound of a purple plastic recorder hitting the glass door while eyes are on me to see what I am going to do next. Which is then followed by me, taking the purple recorder away. Which is followed by screaming and crying. Which is followed by me saying "Why did you lose your clarinet?" Which is followed by "For hitting on glass" Which is followed by me saying something like "No hitting, we do not hit. Time out" (I guess on the positive side, we are understanding (0r else being able to repeat) what we are doing to get us into trouble, and eventually that will lead to what? compliance? complete understanding? impulse control? knowledge that Mommy means what she says?
Whining--Where does this come from??? If I'm not taking toys away I am saying things like "how do we ask for things nicely" or "please use a nice voice" or "I don't understand you when you use that voice"
I spend a lot of my days thinking about Albert Einstein's definition of insanity.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” Unless you are raising children.
The Same:
Eating --Evan is still not eating. Every test in the book, OT twice a week, and in a last ditch effort another round of specialists in hopes of finding some miracle diagnosis.
The Love--I guess this isn't really the same, the love, it grows, and grows, and grows. How is it possible to love two creatures more every second of every day? Sometimes when they go to bed and want one more kiss or one more big hug, life doesn't get any better than that.
And on that note, who wouldn't love these two?
Our "Puppy" class at the Animal Center was a big hit, as were our puppy ears.
Airplanes and helicopters, talk about a boys dream.
Our turkey "art project" came out looking a little Picasso-esque, but the boys had a fantastic time and I gained some confidence in doing things like this by myself.
Easier: Um...let me think for a minute. Okay, okay.
Communication--It is much easier to communicate with the boys. They are extremely verbal, and quite opinionated. I certainly know where I stand at all times.
Movement--It doesn't always require a stroller to go to the store. I can sometimes (if I only need one or two things seriously not more than 4 or 5 and it is best if there are two things that the boys can carry so they can "help" me and that makes sure their free hand is occupied so they can't pull everything off of every shelf we walk past.) walk in to the grocery store with the boys walking.
Harder: I'm just going to limit this to a couple.
Testing boundaries--I expected this. I knew it was coming. I know I have a couple of very strong willed kids. (I have NO idea where they get this,
Whining--Where does this come from??? If I'm not taking toys away I am saying things like "how do we ask for things nicely" or "please use a nice voice" or "I don't understand you when you use that voice"
I spend a lot of my days thinking about Albert Einstein's definition of insanity.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” Unless you are raising children.
The Same:
Eating --Evan is still not eating. Every test in the book, OT twice a week, and in a last ditch effort another round of specialists in hopes of finding some miracle diagnosis.
The Love--I guess this isn't really the same, the love, it grows, and grows, and grows. How is it possible to love two creatures more every second of every day? Sometimes when they go to bed and want one more kiss or one more big hug, life doesn't get any better than that.
And on that note, who wouldn't love these two?
Our "Puppy" class at the Animal Center was a big hit, as were our puppy ears.
Airplanes and helicopters, talk about a boys dream.
Our turkey "art project" came out looking a little Picasso-esque, but the boys had a fantastic time and I gained some confidence in doing things like this by myself.Thursday, November 20, 2008
They grow up so fast.
The boys are under the weather. Another cold. Which means we had to cancel our play date plans and spend the ENTIRE morning with nothing to do buy whine, whine, whine.
At 8:30 I'd had enough. I tossed the boys in the stroller and decided to head for the trails.
It struck me, hard in the face, how much the boys have grown up.
Last Fall and Winter we spent a good amount of time walking the trails near our home. We'd go out after naps and be back in time for dinner. A good couple of hours.
Today, it took us less than an hour.
At 8:30 I'd had enough. I tossed the boys in the stroller and decided to head for the trails.
It struck me, hard in the face, how much the boys have grown up.
Last Fall and Winter we spent a good amount of time walking the trails near our home. We'd go out after naps and be back in time for dinner. A good couple of hours.
Today, it took us less than an hour.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Together again
We started sleeping the boys in the same bed. They then moved into separate cribs. Soon Evan's habit of waking up 1000 times a night found the boys in separate rooms.
Recently, bedtime finds Evan running into Ryan's room hurdling himself into the spare crib to go to "sleep". We pull him out amid protests to go sleep in his own room.
Today at nap time, call me crazy, I said what the heck. You want to sleep in there? I'll go get your pillow.
I warned them, no messing around, if I hear a peep, I'm coming back to separate them.
Almost two hours later, nary a sound. It makes me smile thinking about my little boys together again. (that sound is me knocking on wood)
Now Mommy and Daddy have to get serious and find some big boy beds.
Recently, bedtime finds Evan running into Ryan's room hurdling himself into the spare crib to go to "sleep". We pull him out amid protests to go sleep in his own room.
Today at nap time, call me crazy, I said what the heck. You want to sleep in there? I'll go get your pillow.
I warned them, no messing around, if I hear a peep, I'm coming back to separate them.
Almost two hours later, nary a sound. It makes me smile thinking about my little boys together again. (that sound is me knocking on wood)
Now Mommy and Daddy have to get serious and find some big boy beds.
Where'd he get that?
You all know how Ryan is calling himself "Puppy". Well, Evan has a new nickname for himself.
Wrecking Ball.
Okay, where did he get that?
Who's been calling my baby a wrecking ball?
Wrecking Ball.
Okay, where did he get that?
Who's been calling my baby a wrecking ball?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Gasp!
Last weekend we took family photos for the first time. Today we got the link to our preview. Just a few shots to entice. So if you think you might be getting a photo in your stocking this year, or a holiday card from us in your mailbox, you might not want to take a look at this link. There is a good chance one of these shots might be what we choose, however there are tons more we might choose from. It's your choice. If you like delayed gratification, please, please, please do not click through this link. If you can't possibly wait another second to see them, please feel free to go and look, but don't be disappointed come December when "you've seen it all before".
I personally, Gasped at a couple of the shots, and I may have squealed a little too. (and yes, one in particular made we well up a bit.)
I personally, Gasped at a couple of the shots, and I may have squealed a little too. (and yes, one in particular made we well up a bit.)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
I love you puppy
Ryan has been referring to himself as "puppy" as in "puppy sad" or "puppy happy" or "puppy wants food".
This morning we brought Ryan into bed for a cuddle. It was still a bit early to get up and going, and Evan was still fast asleep. This was the conversation.
Ryan: Sad Puppy
Me: Why are you sad Puppy?
Ryan: Puppy misses Evan
Me: Evan is sleeping
Ryan: Wake up Evan, puppy want to play with you.
I'll I could say was, "AWWWWWWW"
Last night before bed Ryan was pushing his cart around and he said:
Ryan: Bye-Bye Puppy
Scott: Where are you going?
Ryan: Target
Scott: Why are you going to Target?
Ryan: By Mble-M's
Me: (to myself) I may want to stop eating so many M&M's
Last night as I put him into bed.
Ryan: I love you Puppy.
Me: I love you Ryan.
Ryan: I love you Puppy. Goodnight Puppy, sleep tight.
This morning we brought Ryan into bed for a cuddle. It was still a bit early to get up and going, and Evan was still fast asleep. This was the conversation.
Ryan: Sad Puppy
Me: Why are you sad Puppy?
Ryan: Puppy misses Evan
Me: Evan is sleeping
Ryan: Wake up Evan, puppy want to play with you.
I'll I could say was, "AWWWWWWW"
Last night before bed Ryan was pushing his cart around and he said:
Ryan: Bye-Bye Puppy
Scott: Where are you going?
Ryan: Target
Scott: Why are you going to Target?
Ryan: By Mble-M's
Me: (to myself) I may want to stop eating so many M&M's
Last night as I put him into bed.
Ryan: I love you Puppy.
Me: I love you Ryan.
Ryan: I love you Puppy. Goodnight Puppy, sleep tight.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The day after
As promised, here are pictures of Evan crying at swim lessons. This is pretty much the face through the entire lesson. We go back on Friday. Let's hope things go better.
Sorry for the really blurry photo of Ryan, I was pretty far away from him. He did pretty well, cried a little bit, but adjusted nicely, from what I could see.
At the very end of the session one of the instructors got adventurous and took Evan out for a spin. He cried, but he was pretty proud of himself when he got back to the pool edge.
These are pictures of the boys with their "I voted" stickers. I found it interesting that they chose to place them over their mouths. With record voter turn out I hope that many people realized that if you don't vote, your voice is silent.
A couple of funny things being heard around here.
Evan: ROCK Obama, Rock Obama! Rock Obama! (when asked who the next President is, or every time he hears his name on the radio.)
Evan: Don't test me! (After me telling him this once yesterday, he now says this every time I start to discipline him)
Ryan: Scott is home. (When he hears Daddy at the door)
Sorry for the really blurry photo of Ryan, I was pretty far away from him. He did pretty well, cried a little bit, but adjusted nicely, from what I could see.
At the very end of the session one of the instructors got adventurous and took Evan out for a spin. He cried, but he was pretty proud of himself when he got back to the pool edge.
These are pictures of the boys with their "I voted" stickers. I found it interesting that they chose to place them over their mouths. With record voter turn out I hope that many people realized that if you don't vote, your voice is silent.
A couple of funny things being heard around here.
Evan: ROCK Obama, Rock Obama! Rock Obama! (when asked who the next President is, or every time he hears his name on the radio.)
Evan: Don't test me! (After me telling him this once yesterday, he now says this every time I start to discipline him)
Ryan: Scott is home. (When he hears Daddy at the door)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Our first Civics lesson
If you are offended by discussion of politics, homosexuality, choice, or religion please do not read any further. Tomorrow I will post cute pictures of the boys crying at swim lessons.
I wasn't going to get political on my blog, I try to avoid it in real life too (you know politics and religion), but today I was overwhelmed. The enormity of today's election is blowing my mind. I actually had a physical response, which I did not expect.
On my way out this morning to take Evan to OT, there were a number of "Vote Yes on 8" people out on the corners, waving their signs, while motorists honked in support. I felt the bile rise in my throat as I saw two little kids, with their parents, waving those signs.
Honestly, I was so overwhelmed, all I could do was shake my head as tears welled up in my eyes. I just don't understand people.
I am a firm No on 8 person. (For those of you outside of CA, Prop. 8 bans gay marriage, makes it unconstitutional) I personally find it so disgusting it makes me physically ill. Honestly, what business is it of yours who marries who? Just how does that effect you or me? I saw a sign painted on a car that summed it up for me it said, "I didn't vote on your marriage".
Get over yourselves. Get out of other peoples lives. They are not hurting you, or others. If two people LOVE each other enough to want to be married, who are you to say they cannot. Who are you to deny them basic rights given to a "traditional" union. Just as it would be wrong for me to say you cannot practice your religion, it is wrong for you to say gay people cannot be married.
I'm sure I just offended lots of people and I'm sorry. Really I am. I very strongly believe that we all have the right to our opinions, and I try not to ever make people uncomfortable with mine.
But today, this day, I can't keep it to myself. In addition to believing in some basic human rights, I also believe that if you have religion, and it works for you. Great. GO FOR IT! Good for you. I hope it makes you happy.
The real point to this story is that with all the Prop. 8 hubbub, and the possibility of our electing Barack Obama the first President of color, I was feeling a little political.
I took the boys to a polling place. I know they will never remember it, but I felt like it was important to me to take them there on this monumental day. (I voted by mail a while ago, but I swung into a local polling place anyway)
We walked in, it wasn't very crowded, and I just explained to them in simple terms.
Every four years we have the honor to elect our president.
It is our right and responsibility.
We should think very hard about our choices.
In 16 years you will be able to vote in your very first presidential election.
and then they got stickers.
For them, it was all about the stickers, for me, it was a chance to start educating my children on the importance of making your voice heard.
Tomorrow I will also post cute pictures of the boys with their "I voted" stickers. I'm too spent tonight to do so now.
And again, if I offended, I'm sorry, but I DID warn you.
Edited: OBAMA Wins. I breathe easier.
Edited again: I had a hard time sleeping tonight and removed some of the more inflammatory comments. So this reads a lot less offensive than it did last night. I'm still so disappointed that California can't support equality for all.
I wasn't going to get political on my blog, I try to avoid it in real life too (you know politics and religion), but today I was overwhelmed. The enormity of today's election is blowing my mind. I actually had a physical response, which I did not expect.
On my way out this morning to take Evan to OT, there were a number of "Vote Yes on 8" people out on the corners, waving their signs, while motorists honked in support. I felt the bile rise in my throat as I saw two little kids, with their parents, waving those signs.
Honestly, I was so overwhelmed, all I could do was shake my head as tears welled up in my eyes. I just don't understand people.
I am a firm No on 8 person. (For those of you outside of CA, Prop. 8 bans gay marriage, makes it unconstitutional) I personally find it so disgusting it makes me physically ill. Honestly, what business is it of yours who marries who? Just how does that effect you or me? I saw a sign painted on a car that summed it up for me it said, "I didn't vote on your marriage".
Get over yourselves. Get out of other peoples lives. They are not hurting you, or others. If two people LOVE each other enough to want to be married, who are you to say they cannot. Who are you to deny them basic rights given to a "traditional" union. Just as it would be wrong for me to say you cannot practice your religion, it is wrong for you to say gay people cannot be married.
I'm sure I just offended lots of people and I'm sorry. Really I am. I very strongly believe that we all have the right to our opinions, and I try not to ever make people uncomfortable with mine.
But today, this day, I can't keep it to myself. In addition to believing in some basic human rights, I also believe that if you have religion, and it works for you. Great. GO FOR IT! Good for you. I hope it makes you happy.
The real point to this story is that with all the Prop. 8 hubbub, and the possibility of our electing Barack Obama the first President of color, I was feeling a little political.
I took the boys to a polling place. I know they will never remember it, but I felt like it was important to me to take them there on this monumental day. (I voted by mail a while ago, but I swung into a local polling place anyway)
We walked in, it wasn't very crowded, and I just explained to them in simple terms.
Every four years we have the honor to elect our president.
It is our right and responsibility.
We should think very hard about our choices.
In 16 years you will be able to vote in your very first presidential election.
and then they got stickers.
For them, it was all about the stickers, for me, it was a chance to start educating my children on the importance of making your voice heard.
Tomorrow I will also post cute pictures of the boys with their "I voted" stickers. I'm too spent tonight to do so now.
And again, if I offended, I'm sorry, but I DID warn you.
Edited: OBAMA Wins. I breathe easier.
Edited again: I had a hard time sleeping tonight and removed some of the more inflammatory comments. So this reads a lot less offensive than it did last night. I'm still so disappointed that California can't support equality for all.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Photo shoots and old friends.
Today we ventured out for our first family photo shoot. I've been very neglectful in getting professional photos taken of the boys but it's something that I've been meaning to do for, well, the last two and a half years.
We used a photographer recommended by our friend Lindsay. They have used Alison, well, for the last two and a half years. ( I suck ) I've always admired the pictures so this year I finally did it.
Rain was predicted for today, so I was a little worried. I was also a little worried that my very active boys would do something crazy and end up with a black eye or missing tooth. (remind me to talk about my teeth sometime soon)
Turns out we had partly cloudy no rain, and no black eyes. There's a little bruise on Ryan's cheek but it's barely noticeable.
I sure hope Alison got some good shots. It's so hard to tell. Ryan was pretty cooperative, however Evan would only sit still for about 2 seconds at a time. They had a blast, our locations were beautiful, so even if we get 1 or 2 pictures, I'll be happy. Stay tuned.
After the shoot, I totally out of character, decided that an impromptu visit to the aquarium would be a fun thing to do. Mind you, I was wet, very wet, and very sandy. The boys, had changes of clothes, of course, but I well, I had dry outerwear, but no dry underwear. I'll just let you ponder my choice. Sometimes the imagination is funnier than real life.
We were at the aquarium for a while, the boys had pet the sea cucumber, and the sea star, and had now moved on to the boats. I swear we could play with the boats for hours. There was another woman out there with her son, and a group of kids over by the sharks. (It was about this point I realized that my back was seizing up on me and getting very sore.) This woman and her son were at one table and our boys were at another. All of a sudden she steps out between the two tables and says "It's Drop Kick!" I said "excuse me?" and she said it again. "It's Drop Kick!"
When realization kicked in, all I could say was "NO WAYYYY!!"
DK is someone Scott and I went to college with. MANY, MANY years ago. We ran into each other maybe 10 years ago? She's still living here, with her husband and 2 kids. Her one son is 2 and a half just like our boys. I gave her my card and I really hope she gets in touch with us because it would be fun to catch up after all this time.
Oh, she was named Drop Kick by one of our friends (whom we also haven't seen in some 15 years), because she was friends and roommates with two other Lisa's, and because she was small enough to Drop.Kick. The three Lisas forever became known as Drop Kick, Phil and Vogel. Well, forever in college, since I'm sure that after they stopped living together and hanging out with all of their college buddies, people started calling them Lisa.
We used a photographer recommended by our friend Lindsay. They have used Alison, well, for the last two and a half years. ( I suck ) I've always admired the pictures so this year I finally did it.
Rain was predicted for today, so I was a little worried. I was also a little worried that my very active boys would do something crazy and end up with a black eye or missing tooth. (remind me to talk about my teeth sometime soon)
Turns out we had partly cloudy no rain, and no black eyes. There's a little bruise on Ryan's cheek but it's barely noticeable.
I sure hope Alison got some good shots. It's so hard to tell. Ryan was pretty cooperative, however Evan would only sit still for about 2 seconds at a time. They had a blast, our locations were beautiful, so even if we get 1 or 2 pictures, I'll be happy. Stay tuned.
After the shoot, I totally out of character, decided that an impromptu visit to the aquarium would be a fun thing to do. Mind you, I was wet, very wet, and very sandy. The boys, had changes of clothes, of course, but I well, I had dry outerwear, but no dry underwear. I'll just let you ponder my choice. Sometimes the imagination is funnier than real life.
We were at the aquarium for a while, the boys had pet the sea cucumber, and the sea star, and had now moved on to the boats. I swear we could play with the boats for hours. There was another woman out there with her son, and a group of kids over by the sharks. (It was about this point I realized that my back was seizing up on me and getting very sore.) This woman and her son were at one table and our boys were at another. All of a sudden she steps out between the two tables and says "It's Drop Kick!" I said "excuse me?" and she said it again. "It's Drop Kick!"
When realization kicked in, all I could say was "NO WAYYYY!!"
DK is someone Scott and I went to college with. MANY, MANY years ago. We ran into each other maybe 10 years ago? She's still living here, with her husband and 2 kids. Her one son is 2 and a half just like our boys. I gave her my card and I really hope she gets in touch with us because it would be fun to catch up after all this time.
Oh, she was named Drop Kick by one of our friends (whom we also haven't seen in some 15 years), because she was friends and roommates with two other Lisa's, and because she was small enough to Drop.Kick. The three Lisas forever became known as Drop Kick, Phil and Vogel. Well, forever in college, since I'm sure that after they stopped living together and hanging out with all of their college buddies, people started calling them Lisa.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Gin-gee-bread House!!!!
Nannie brought a Gingerbread House kit for the boys to put together, and then she promptly left town, leaving me to either do it with the boys or not. I decided, because you know I'm silly that way, that today (Sleep deprived, because Pickle Puss Ryan decided to wake up at 3:40 AM screaming to get his frog to play music, and because his "guys" weren't in the right place, and then proceeded to play and talk to his "guys" for an hour.) would be a great day to do a messy, complicated, and patience requiring project like a Halloween Gingerbread House.
In my pre-kid days I got all Martha and made a Gingerbread House from scratch one Christmas. It was really fun, and I'd love to do it again sometime. You know, with the boys, when they are 20 or so.
This was considerably easier than that Martha house. All the pieces were pre-cut ready to assemble. I did the assembly when the boys were sleeping. After naps we dove right in.
That's Evan EATING some sprinkles. Yes, they dissolve in your mouth, but so do M&M's and he doesn't swallow those!
Yeah, that's a car on our house, you got a problem with that?
Ours looks like this...
but as we were cleaning up Evan said, "Fun! Gin-Gee-Bread House!!!" and I challenge even Martha to say that that is not the point.
In my pre-kid days I got all Martha and made a Gingerbread House from scratch one Christmas. It was really fun, and I'd love to do it again sometime. You know, with the boys, when they are 20 or so.
This was considerably easier than that Martha house. All the pieces were pre-cut ready to assemble. I did the assembly when the boys were sleeping. After naps we dove right in.
That's Evan EATING some sprinkles. Yes, they dissolve in your mouth, but so do M&M's and he doesn't swallow those!
Yeah, that's a car on our house, you got a problem with that?This is what it is supposed to look like...
Ours looks like this...
but as we were cleaning up Evan said, "Fun! Gin-Gee-Bread House!!!" and I challenge even Martha to say that that is not the point.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The week in review
We've had a lot going on around here, and I've been meaning to blog, but Scott has taken offense to all of the click clacking from the computer while he is trying to watch The Shield, or Mad Men, or Heroes or any other show he deems necessary for his and therefore my full attention.
Let's see, first of all last Thursday I got the brilliant idea to take the kids to a "kids salon" to get their hair cut. This is all because we are FINALLY going to have professional pictures taken of the boys for our cards and such this holiday season. And of course, even though at the time I had yet to confirm our appointment with the photographer, it was imperative that we get our haircuts last Thursday. You know, for grow out time. It was...less than successful. The hair cuts came out just fine, however, I did not.
These are the only blurry shots I was able to take because I had a very unhappy toddler on my lap squirming, throwing his full 28 pounds of weight to and fro, trying to escape the scissors. Oddly enough, the child that at home loves scissors, and haircuts, threw the hissy fit. While the child that ended up with odd asymmetrical styles because of his fussing at home, sat perfectly still while he was styled. I'm pretty sure it was the Thomas the Train video they played in front of his face. Both boys came out looking just fine, traumatized, maybe, but by the time we do the pics, their hair will look perfect. Not too shaggy, not to "just cut".
This weekend, we had our first butterfly release. It was pretty amazing, in the morning we had a pupa, and in the afternoon, we had a butterfly. We released another on Sunday, and I released another today. We have a few more that we are hopeful will turn into butterflies while we eat lunch, and then we will be done until next year. We've already decided that we need more milkweed since our caterpillars ate every last leaf in the garden.
We went to a car show around the corner from our house and ran into a couple of friends and their cars. The boys are still talking about the "white car, press horn, go beep beep".
Ah, yes, and the boys got sick. Not so sick I just want to cuddle sick. But runny noses, coughs, I feel fine so why are we not doing all the things we love to do and are stuck in the house all day now I'm going to whine and moan and be generally grumpy, sick. I got so desperate that I actually made an outing of going to the post office in our Jammies. It was like 10 am and they had been up since 5, and I just ran out of things to do, and I needed to get out of the house if even for a short car ride to the post office where I wouldn't even be getting out of the car, but it was a change of scenery.
We had a meltdown of epic proportions yesterday. Ryan desperately wanted his yellow truck and I couldn't find it anywhere. I proceeded to put away all the toys, and almost all of them were out (we were sick remember) while he finished up lunch. In the meantime, Evan was ready for bed.
And then it happened, the moment I have been dreading for two years. We lost Ringo. (I still have to tell the story of Ringo, Other Ringo and Snoopys.) We had Ringo, it was Other Ringo that was lost. Since I had just done a complete search of the house for yellow truck, I was pretty sure Ringo was not around. However, I frantically searched, while Evan screamed and cried "Other Ringo-o-o-o-o" to no avail. He wasn't in the tent, he wasn't in the car, he was no where to be found. I pulled out back up Ringo #3 (there are 3 others), no I was told "No Soft Ringo" finally I had to plunk my poor sobbing child into bed with only one Ringo, with the promise, that if he was quiet, I would continue to search for Ringo and bring it in to him.
I searched for 45 minutes. Evan was asleep. I gave up and went to take a shower. On my way out of the shower, walking through my bed room, I found Other Ringo, in my bed. Evan woke up an hour later with both Ringos. Whew.
I think we are no longer infectious, so tomorrow we are going to our third class at the animal shelter. REPTILES! I'm sure this is going to be very exciting for my lizard loving boys.
Things said lately.
Evan: I feel groovy naked. (one of our new favorite songs is 59th Street Bridge Song) (Be careful what musical influences you expose your children to, you never know how they are going to interpret the lyrics.)
Ryan: Uh, Oh. somebody spilled water over there. (after he dumped his cup of water on the window sill to run his cars through)
Evan: I don't like soft Ringo in bed.
Evan: Evan get out of bed by self to see Mommy. (after climbing out of bed after naps)
Evan: This looks like Cle-cle-net (Clarinet). Actually, a flute. (Music classes are paying off!)
Ryan: Ry-Ry do it also.
Let's see, first of all last Thursday I got the brilliant idea to take the kids to a "kids salon" to get their hair cut. This is all because we are FINALLY going to have professional pictures taken of the boys for our cards and such this holiday season. And of course, even though at the time I had yet to confirm our appointment with the photographer, it was imperative that we get our haircuts last Thursday. You know, for grow out time. It was...less than successful. The hair cuts came out just fine, however, I did not.
These are the only blurry shots I was able to take because I had a very unhappy toddler on my lap squirming, throwing his full 28 pounds of weight to and fro, trying to escape the scissors. Oddly enough, the child that at home loves scissors, and haircuts, threw the hissy fit. While the child that ended up with odd asymmetrical styles because of his fussing at home, sat perfectly still while he was styled. I'm pretty sure it was the Thomas the Train video they played in front of his face. Both boys came out looking just fine, traumatized, maybe, but by the time we do the pics, their hair will look perfect. Not too shaggy, not to "just cut".
************************************
This weekend, we had our first butterfly release. It was pretty amazing, in the morning we had a pupa, and in the afternoon, we had a butterfly. We released another on Sunday, and I released another today. We have a few more that we are hopeful will turn into butterflies while we eat lunch, and then we will be done until next year. We've already decided that we need more milkweed since our caterpillars ate every last leaf in the garden.
********************************
We went to a car show around the corner from our house and ran into a couple of friends and their cars. The boys are still talking about the "white car, press horn, go beep beep".
**********************************
Ah, yes, and the boys got sick. Not so sick I just want to cuddle sick. But runny noses, coughs, I feel fine so why are we not doing all the things we love to do and are stuck in the house all day now I'm going to whine and moan and be generally grumpy, sick. I got so desperate that I actually made an outing of going to the post office in our Jammies. It was like 10 am and they had been up since 5, and I just ran out of things to do, and I needed to get out of the house if even for a short car ride to the post office where I wouldn't even be getting out of the car, but it was a change of scenery.
***********************************
We had a meltdown of epic proportions yesterday. Ryan desperately wanted his yellow truck and I couldn't find it anywhere. I proceeded to put away all the toys, and almost all of them were out (we were sick remember) while he finished up lunch. In the meantime, Evan was ready for bed.
And then it happened, the moment I have been dreading for two years. We lost Ringo. (I still have to tell the story of Ringo, Other Ringo and Snoopys.) We had Ringo, it was Other Ringo that was lost. Since I had just done a complete search of the house for yellow truck, I was pretty sure Ringo was not around. However, I frantically searched, while Evan screamed and cried "Other Ringo-o-o-o-o" to no avail. He wasn't in the tent, he wasn't in the car, he was no where to be found. I pulled out back up Ringo #3 (there are 3 others), no I was told "No Soft Ringo" finally I had to plunk my poor sobbing child into bed with only one Ringo, with the promise, that if he was quiet, I would continue to search for Ringo and bring it in to him.
I searched for 45 minutes. Evan was asleep. I gave up and went to take a shower. On my way out of the shower, walking through my bed room, I found Other Ringo, in my bed. Evan woke up an hour later with both Ringos. Whew.
*******************************
I think we are no longer infectious, so tomorrow we are going to our third class at the animal shelter. REPTILES! I'm sure this is going to be very exciting for my lizard loving boys.
********************************
Things said lately.
Evan: I feel groovy naked. (one of our new favorite songs is 59th Street Bridge Song) (Be careful what musical influences you expose your children to, you never know how they are going to interpret the lyrics.)
Ryan: Uh, Oh. somebody spilled water over there. (after he dumped his cup of water on the window sill to run his cars through)
Evan: I don't like soft Ringo in bed.
Evan: Evan get out of bed by self to see Mommy. (after climbing out of bed after naps)
Evan: This looks like Cle-cle-net (Clarinet). Actually, a flute. (Music classes are paying off!)
Ryan: Ry-Ry do it also.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Deja Vu all over again
....and in a bad way.
Friends of ours from our NICU days have been on the road to having another baby. They decided on a surrogate in hopes of not having another premature baby.
Yesterday, I got a call from Todd. Their baby girl was born at 26 weeks, 6 days. She weighs less than 1000 grams. (That's around 2 pounds)
This news has floored me. I felt like someone punched me in the gut. At the same time I feel my chest tightening and all the air in my lungs is being squeezed out of me with a force so strong I cannot even begin to describe it.
I can't imagine Todd and Nina, back at the NICU, back for another long, long stay, with another medically fragile baby. My heart is aching for them.
*************************
My heart, its been aching for many people lately. There seems to be a terrible amount of sadness in my circle of friends right now. Death, baby loss, marriages crumbled, children suffering, and now this.
All of this heartache, a painful reminder to appreciate everyday, even the toughest of the tough.
Friends of ours from our NICU days have been on the road to having another baby. They decided on a surrogate in hopes of not having another premature baby.
Yesterday, I got a call from Todd. Their baby girl was born at 26 weeks, 6 days. She weighs less than 1000 grams. (That's around 2 pounds)
This news has floored me. I felt like someone punched me in the gut. At the same time I feel my chest tightening and all the air in my lungs is being squeezed out of me with a force so strong I cannot even begin to describe it.
I can't imagine Todd and Nina, back at the NICU, back for another long, long stay, with another medically fragile baby. My heart is aching for them.
*************************
My heart, its been aching for many people lately. There seems to be a terrible amount of sadness in my circle of friends right now. Death, baby loss, marriages crumbled, children suffering, and now this.
All of this heartache, a painful reminder to appreciate everyday, even the toughest of the tough.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Don't Jinx It!
Knock on wood. and all the other superstitious things I can think of.
Evan swallowed today, TWICE.
He had some veggie stick at OT and some (a tiny, tiny bite) of pasta at lunch!
He told me, and my two witnesses that he swallowed! He was pretty proud of himself.
and we of him.
YEA EVAN!!!
and tomorrow is another day.
Evan swallowed today, TWICE.
He had some veggie stick at OT and some (a tiny, tiny bite) of pasta at lunch!
He told me, and my two witnesses that he swallowed! He was pretty proud of himself.
and we of him.
YEA EVAN!!!
and tomorrow is another day.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Weekend Wonders
This weekend there were lots of activities and action.
Saturday morning Ryan, Evan and I met our friends Tobin and Meredith at a huge Pumpkin Patch/Dairy Farm, while the Daddies went on a bike ride.
Fortunately for me, the main play area was fenced in, and when we arrived at 10, the crowds were not as large as later in the day. Why is that fortunate? Because as soon as we got through the gate, Ryan took off like a shot. (he's usually so good about stopping and freezing, listening, holding my hand) Evan in his own way was ambling along stopping and looking and generally not hurrying. I found myself in an in between. I didn't want to run after Ryan and leave Evan, who was closest to the parking lot, and the cars, and I felt helpless because I couldn't see, or catch Ryan. In hindsight I should have just picked up Evan and ran after Ryan, but I honestly didn't think he'd go so far so quickly. Thankfully Meredith was just getting through the gates, heard me screaming for Ryan, and told me to go on, she'd watch Evan.
Somehow, Ryan, must have seen the giant pile of dirt littered with all forms of dump trucks, diggers, backhoes, and bulldozers, and could not contain himself. I found him, on the other side of the dirt hill yelling "DIGGERS". He spent the next hour there, while Evan was a few yards away playing with the "ojo balls" (basketballs) I sat/stood on the hay bales in between with my head on a swivel.
This place was just too big for me to do alone. Especially after a long hard week. I felt stressed the entire time. I was never close enough to either boy to feel comfortable. I had to leave Ryan in the soccer area as I noticed Evan attempting the climbing wall. I got Evan up on the play structure, and Ryan was gone. I found him a few seconds later, and some lady said to me "oh, I wondered who he belonged to, he was trying to get into the porta-potties." Great. I slunk off muttering to Ryan.
I finally felt safe on the hay ride, both boys at my side, in a confined space with Meredith, Tobin and their friends. (This was really the only time during the day that I was able to talk to or even see the other Mom's more than in passing, as I dashed to and fro after wayward children.)
On our hayride we were fortunate to see the birth of twin calves. I didn't realize cows could have twins, I guess I should have, but what are the chances that my twins could be there to see twin cows being born? Evan seemed to be okay with the whole rope tied around the babies legs tied to a fence to help extract the cow from the birth canal. (Might be because of his own experience of being yanked out of my birth canal by his ankles?) Ryan on the other hand, lost his freaking mind. He was genuinely SCARED. It was a cry I've almost never heard from Ryan. It was so, so, sad. I held him on my lap, with one arm, and rocked him. Of course, my other arm was wrapped around Evan to keep him from jumping out of the truck.
Thankfully, after the hayride, Scott and Philip had returned from their ride, and I was relieved from duty.
****************************
You all know our struggles with Evan and Eating, well we may have hit upon something. I'm not holding my breath, but he's saying the right things, and he may have swallowed some bagel this morning.
He really wants to go in the bouncy area at Sea World. But its only for kids between 37" and some other number that is irrelevant to me at this point. I told him he was not big enough yet, and that in order to get big and tall, he has to eat, and swallow. I gave him examples like cheerios, pasta, fruit, veggies, bread, anything that I could think of that we had placed in front of him this week. Now, every time we talk about the bouncer, we talk about getting big and strong, and how chewing and swallowing is how we get big and strong. And by we, I mean Evan.
(This also seems to be working for sleeping)
Keep your fingers crossed that we have found THE motivator for this kid. How a bouncer and not chocolate, I'll never understand. If this kid didn't come out of me I'd swear he wasn't related.
*****************************
Evan: "Hanging like Gibbon" (as he hangs off the arm of the couch)
"Swinging like Gibbon" (still hanging off the arm of the couch)
Ryan: "Eating like Gibbon" (in response to Evan)
*****************************
Evan: "I get sun stamp at soccer on grass after pa-pa-chute, sitting" (remembering events at soccer where we have not been in three or four months)
*****************************
Saturday morning Ryan, Evan and I met our friends Tobin and Meredith at a huge Pumpkin Patch/Dairy Farm, while the Daddies went on a bike ride.
Fortunately for me, the main play area was fenced in, and when we arrived at 10, the crowds were not as large as later in the day. Why is that fortunate? Because as soon as we got through the gate, Ryan took off like a shot. (he's usually so good about stopping and freezing, listening, holding my hand) Evan in his own way was ambling along stopping and looking and generally not hurrying. I found myself in an in between. I didn't want to run after Ryan and leave Evan, who was closest to the parking lot, and the cars, and I felt helpless because I couldn't see, or catch Ryan. In hindsight I should have just picked up Evan and ran after Ryan, but I honestly didn't think he'd go so far so quickly. Thankfully Meredith was just getting through the gates, heard me screaming for Ryan, and told me to go on, she'd watch Evan.
Somehow, Ryan, must have seen the giant pile of dirt littered with all forms of dump trucks, diggers, backhoes, and bulldozers, and could not contain himself. I found him, on the other side of the dirt hill yelling "DIGGERS". He spent the next hour there, while Evan was a few yards away playing with the "ojo balls" (basketballs) I sat/stood on the hay bales in between with my head on a swivel.
This place was just too big for me to do alone. Especially after a long hard week. I felt stressed the entire time. I was never close enough to either boy to feel comfortable. I had to leave Ryan in the soccer area as I noticed Evan attempting the climbing wall. I got Evan up on the play structure, and Ryan was gone. I found him a few seconds later, and some lady said to me "oh, I wondered who he belonged to, he was trying to get into the porta-potties." Great. I slunk off muttering to Ryan.
I finally felt safe on the hay ride, both boys at my side, in a confined space with Meredith, Tobin and their friends. (This was really the only time during the day that I was able to talk to or even see the other Mom's more than in passing, as I dashed to and fro after wayward children.)
On our hayride we were fortunate to see the birth of twin calves. I didn't realize cows could have twins, I guess I should have, but what are the chances that my twins could be there to see twin cows being born? Evan seemed to be okay with the whole rope tied around the babies legs tied to a fence to help extract the cow from the birth canal. (Might be because of his own experience of being yanked out of my birth canal by his ankles?) Ryan on the other hand, lost his freaking mind. He was genuinely SCARED. It was a cry I've almost never heard from Ryan. It was so, so, sad. I held him on my lap, with one arm, and rocked him. Of course, my other arm was wrapped around Evan to keep him from jumping out of the truck.
Thankfully, after the hayride, Scott and Philip had returned from their ride, and I was relieved from duty.
****************************
You all know our struggles with Evan and Eating, well we may have hit upon something. I'm not holding my breath, but he's saying the right things, and he may have swallowed some bagel this morning.
He really wants to go in the bouncy area at Sea World. But its only for kids between 37" and some other number that is irrelevant to me at this point. I told him he was not big enough yet, and that in order to get big and tall, he has to eat, and swallow. I gave him examples like cheerios, pasta, fruit, veggies, bread, anything that I could think of that we had placed in front of him this week. Now, every time we talk about the bouncer, we talk about getting big and strong, and how chewing and swallowing is how we get big and strong. And by we, I mean Evan.
(This also seems to be working for sleeping)
Keep your fingers crossed that we have found THE motivator for this kid. How a bouncer and not chocolate, I'll never understand. If this kid didn't come out of me I'd swear he wasn't related.
*****************************
Evan: "Hanging like Gibbon" (as he hangs off the arm of the couch)
"Swinging like Gibbon" (still hanging off the arm of the couch)
Ryan: "Eating like Gibbon" (in response to Evan)
*****************************
Evan: "I get sun stamp at soccer on grass after pa-pa-chute, sitting" (remembering events at soccer where we have not been in three or four months)
*****************************
Saturday, October 11, 2008
For Sale: Two Boys, Best Offer
For Sale
Adorable, energetic, talkative,
two year old boys. Love cuddles,
cars, trucks and soccer balls.
Package includes all clothes,
toys and books. Please make offer.
Please.
On Thursday this was the ad I was considering placing on Craig's List. It was just one of those days. Evan spent hours in time out for hitting his brother. He wasn't even angry, he just seemed to enjoy bonking him on the head. I did not enjoy placing his little bottom in time out over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over. Seriously.
Then Ryan decided he wasn't going to eat the lunch I packed him. No. Matter. What. I even threatened that he would not be able to pet the Clydesdale if he did not eat. Nope. So I then looked like the worst mom in the world when I let Evan pet the horse, and denied my poor crying other child.
We came home to Mr. No Nap Evan, (how do they know when I REALLY need a break?) and another round of the hitting-time out shuffle.
By the time Scott got home from work, I was EXHAUSTED, physically and emotionally.
Friday I tried a new tactic. Instead of "punishing" Evan. I gave Ryan privileges. Evan hit Ryan while we were in the store. Therefore, Ryan got to get out of the stroller and walk with me while Evan remained in the stroller in "time out"
There were only two times on Friday where Evan hit Ryan, so I pulled my ad from Craig's List.
Adorable, energetic, talkative,
two year old boys. Love cuddles,
cars, trucks and soccer balls.
Package includes all clothes,
toys and books. Please make offer.
Please.
On Thursday this was the ad I was considering placing on Craig's List. It was just one of those days. Evan spent hours in time out for hitting his brother. He wasn't even angry, he just seemed to enjoy bonking him on the head. I did not enjoy placing his little bottom in time out over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over. Seriously.
Then Ryan decided he wasn't going to eat the lunch I packed him. No. Matter. What. I even threatened that he would not be able to pet the Clydesdale if he did not eat. Nope. So I then looked like the worst mom in the world when I let Evan pet the horse, and denied my poor crying other child.
We came home to Mr. No Nap Evan, (how do they know when I REALLY need a break?) and another round of the hitting-time out shuffle.
By the time Scott got home from work, I was EXHAUSTED, physically and emotionally.
Friday I tried a new tactic. Instead of "punishing" Evan. I gave Ryan privileges. Evan hit Ryan while we were in the store. Therefore, Ryan got to get out of the stroller and walk with me while Evan remained in the stroller in "time out"
There were only two times on Friday where Evan hit Ryan, so I pulled my ad from Craig's List.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I swear I just went to take a shower
...and I came back to find...
two of our caterpillars are now pupa! There are three more that by this evening should look just like these two. Wow I had no idea it happened so fast. This is educational for me too!
two of our caterpillars are now pupa! There are three more that by this evening should look just like these two. Wow I had no idea it happened so fast. This is educational for me too!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Lepidoptera 101
Scott got a burr under his saddle one day and decided to plant a butterfly and hummingbird garden in hopes of attracting Monarchs. Last year we had caterpillars, however they were there there one day, and gone the next. Darn birds.
This year, we bought an aquarium, and brought our little friends inside before any harm could come to them.
So now this is what is sitting on my kitchen table.
There are about six of them and a couple are starting to show signs of forming their chrysalis'. The boys are absolutely fascinated by the "cat-er-pill-lars" . They love to watch them crawl around and eat. I think they are going to really enjoy watching each stage. They already know that these caterpillars are going to turn into butterflies, but once they actually see it happen, well I think there will be a good deal of excitement.
********************
On another note, we went to the Wild Animal Park again. Since reading "If You Give a Cat a Cupcake" we have been very interested in riding the carousel "by our self". This is not our first carousel ride, but the first on "amils" with out any tears. Yea big boys!
Oh, and what kind of mom lets her kids out in public like this?
A mom that thinks that the water feature would be turned off and therefore doesn't bring a change of clothes for her kids, and one who's kids absolutely MUST play with the
"croc-ka-di-eal".
This year, we bought an aquarium, and brought our little friends inside before any harm could come to them.
So now this is what is sitting on my kitchen table.
There are about six of them and a couple are starting to show signs of forming their chrysalis'. The boys are absolutely fascinated by the "cat-er-pill-lars" . They love to watch them crawl around and eat. I think they are going to really enjoy watching each stage. They already know that these caterpillars are going to turn into butterflies, but once they actually see it happen, well I think there will be a good deal of excitement.********************
On another note, we went to the Wild Animal Park again. Since reading "If You Give a Cat a Cupcake" we have been very interested in riding the carousel "by our self". This is not our first carousel ride, but the first on "amils" with out any tears. Yea big boys!
Oh, and what kind of mom lets her kids out in public like this?
A mom that thinks that the water feature would be turned off and therefore doesn't bring a change of clothes for her kids, and one who's kids absolutely MUST play with the"croc-ka-di-eal".
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