Sister's Speech

Sister's speech has a lot of the standard little-kid impediments, and I think it's adorable.

Today, we're looking at a picture of three seashells plus a sea star.
Me: Sis, which of these things is different?
Sis: The theee thtar.
Me: Yes, you're right. That is a sea star and the other three are scallops.
Sis: Ack-two-ally, its a ta-wham.

Gestation, past and future

I stopped at the ATM (when did we stop calling it the "MAC"?) this morning to get cash for our weekly trip to the produce market.

Buddy, eyeing the cash: Mommy, did you make lunch yet?
I totally know where he's going with this one.
Me: no, Bud. Not yet.
Buddy: Well, I was thinking maybe we could go to that pizza place across from the produce place. It's really good.
Me: I'll think about it, Bud.
Silence for a good five minutes. Buddy's wheels are churning, I see it in the rear view.
Buddy, out of nowhere: Your belly was so big you couldn't fit through the door!
Me: What?
Buddy: The last time we went to that pizza place Sweet Baby was still in your belly, and you couldn't fit in the doors! Remember!?!

Yes, I remember-- My belly was so humongous that I couldn't navigate through a set of awkwardly placed doors...And then I couldn't fit in the booth. Yup, that was me. A huge whale of a 9 1/2 plus pounds baby grower.

Sister, longingly, almost whining: Wish I had a baby in my belly.
Me: Maybe when you're a mommy God will put a baby in your belly.
Sis, perking up: Will it be yellow? (Yellow is her favorite.)
Me: Probably not, Sis. Usually the baby is the same color as the mommy and the daddy or a mix of them both.
Sis: Pink, maybe? Purple?
Me: I don't think so, Sis.
Buddy: Well what color is Sister?
Me: I guess you would say she's white.
Sis: No, I'm blue. I have blue shorts on. Maybe a blue baby would fit in my belly.

Sweet Baby's Opinion on Carrots.

'Nuf said.

6 month stats

Sweet Baby had his 6 month check up today. He was all smiles and giggles for the doc, which was adorable. He weighed in at 20 lb even and 27 in (I think), both 90% so he's the size of the average 9 month-old. Doc is not surprised or worried that he's not sitting up yet, and thinks it's probably his size and large cheeks that are holding him back! Poor kid had three vaccines plus a flu shot, so he's currently under the care of Mr. Tylenol. We got the OK to start fruits and veggies-- crazy stuff! He's growing up so fast...We go back in a month for the flu shot booster, then again at 9 months for another checkup.

Sweet Baby at 6 months:
Blondish, I think
Blue
Huge
Chunky, but solid
loosing interest in bottles
prefers to eat in his room, in his rocker, in the quiet
starting to LOVE Sis and her shenanigans
still loves Buddy
happy
pleasant
cranky when he's tired
loves oatmeal, but not great with the spoon yet
sucks his toes constantly
jumps like crazy in Las Vegas (exersaucer)
likes changes in postition, scenery, etc
is happiest when chewing on a toy
laughs
screams happy screams
is the best baby in the world
sucks his thumb, but only when in the crib
sleeps with his face against his blanket
starting to be ok with sleeping on his belly after he slips

Even in Australia.

Last week was one of those weeks. I was really looking forward to Saturday, until it came. Buddy woke up way too early and stayed grumpy all day. I made wrong turns to and from Stride Rite. After the drive, they didn't have shoes for Sis. (At 2, she wears a 9.5 wide!). When we were out to lunch, she spilled a 16 oz cup of water all over herself and me. She lost Sausie and we tore up the whole house looking for it. She actually went to sleep, but Hubs and I wasted a whole nap time searching for it. Just as I thought the day couldn't get worse (Did I add that I was PMS?), Sweet Baby woke from his nap with a red, watery, swollen eye. He'd scratched it at 11, before the Stride Rite fiasco, but in the frantic search for Sausie, Hubs and I had forgotten about it. After his nap we called the on call Doc, who told us to get him to the Emergency Room. WHAT? Anyway, my mom was able to come over and watch/feed/bed the kids, while Hubs and I took Sweet Babes to the hospital. It was our first trip to the hospital with a non-borning kid, and let me just say it was a very pleasant experience. Sweet Babe flirted with everyone, and stayed totally happy until around 7, and then it was just because he wanted to go to bed. Anyway, this hospital has a pediatric ER unit, and they were so nice. There were so many kids there with injuries/sicknesses worse than SB's, it kind of kicked me in the face and reminded me to slow down, lighten up, and be thankful for every little blessing. Yes, God spoke to me though a corneal abrasion. Hubs and I agreed our three hours in the ER were the most relaxing and pleasant we'd had together in a long time...It's all about perspective, right?

I found Sausie when we got home. He was wedged behind SB's changing table.

We ordered out Sushi, and went to bed by 10. A perfect ending to our Alexandery day.

And Nothing Else Matters...

The Little Gym

The Little Gym decided not to ask the little boy who repeatedly hit Sis and pulled her hair for two out of two gymnastics classes to move to another class. The Little Gym, which has no discipline policy in place, knew that if they did not move this little boy, that I would withdrawal both Sis and Buddy (and our $600, plus future business) immediately. The Little Gym chose Hitter Boy over my two sweet kids.

I'm so bummed, as they really liked The Little Gym. I'm feeling like The Little Gym made a really poor and unfair choice. Plus, The Little Gym failed to keep my child safe. This is not OK with me.

I'm feeling defeated.

No more The Little Gym for us.

Now what should I do with that $600 I have coming in the mail? Now that's a happy thought!

Bye bye, The Little Gym.

Fightin' Words

I feel like I've been having to "fight" for my kids a lot lately.

For Sis, it's been about a little boy, lets call him "Hitter Boy" in her Little Gym class that has hit/pushed/pulled her hair for two classes straight. This is a mommy and me class, so you might ask what did the mom do, and I'll tell you she did nothing. I talked to the teacher after class the first time it happened, and again after the second time. She expressed concern, but nothing changed. After talking it over with Hubs and some hopefully neutral friends, I decided that either Hitter Boy goes, or we go. The teacher has to talk with her boss, which I understand, and will deliver the verdict on Thursday when Buddy has karate class with her. For me, I see that the clear and right choice would be to ask Hitter Boy to move out of the class so my sweet Sis can do her somersaults in peace. But who knows if everyone sees as clearly as I do.

Buddy's is unaware of his battle, and it's allergy related. Here's the deal: There are four allergies (milk, nut, peanut, egg)in his class this year, so I'm trying to be kind and helpful by getting together a master list of suggested snacks so other parents know what everyone can eat when they send snack in. There has been trouble on the way, I won't be specific as I'm not sure who reads this blog, but I'll get this thing done if it takes me all year.

What I'm learning with this September:
-My children are sweet and good to the core.
-I'm going to have to stand up for my children for now and always.
-Other people don't always see things the way I do.
-Sometimes others communicate their differing opinions with disrespect.
-If I truly believe in something, I need to think hard, take a few breaths, figure all out, then go for it hard.
-My husband supports me, but will be honest if he feels I need to think about things from another perspective.
-I value my husband's opinion more than anyone else.
-Mommy friends have great ears. They're passionate about my kids, too. I love that.
-I'm remembering the passionate person that I've always been. I like her better now that she's more tame and has something-- make that three things-- that are really worth fighting for.
-These little battles are only the beginning.

WFMW: Seasoning a chicken or turkey

This might be really old news, but just in case:
If you don't want to eat the skin (fat!) of the bird, but do want to retain the moisture and seasonings, here's what to do:
1. Rinse and prep your bird or bird part. (I'm turkey breasting right now.)
2. Find your favorite seasonings and mix them in a bowl.
3. Pull the skin away from the bird (gross!)at the lower part of the breast. Be gentle. Use your hands or a spoon, and work your way around until all the skin is loose but still attached.
4. Shove your seasoning in there as far as you can. Remember, under the skin, but on the meat. Rub it all around. You can even put some thin lemon or orange slices in there for a little extra zip.
5. I still spray the skin with olive oil and sprinkle the skin with salt and pep, but I don't know if it helps since I don't eat the skin. It just seems like that's what you're supposed to do.
6. After the bird is cooked, let it rest but then take off the skin (fat!) and note that your seasonings are still there! There's sealed in thanks to the skin (fat!) and your bird is nice and moist. Enjoy!

Check out Rocks in My Dryer for greater ideas.

She Laughs in the Face of Danger.

We bought electric pet barrier things at Petsmart the other day. Both dogs wear a collar, and when they get too close to the transmitters, which we placed at our doors, the collar gives a warning beep. If they get even closer, the collar gives them a "correction". (Read: electric shock.) Well, our doofy dog Samson got it right away. He got shocked once, cowered, and stayed away from the off-limits zones. But Lilly, on the other hand, didn't care at all. She was not bothered by the sounds or by the shocks. She stood at the door at wagged her tail. Nothing.

So poor Samson was freaked out for the rest of the day. He was shaking, tail between his legs, and kept hiding behind the couch or in the bathroom. It was really sad. We took his collar off but he could still hear Lilly's collar beeping, so he was scared he was going to get shocked!

Anyway, at least the thing's returnable. Any other ideas on how to contain Superdog?

PS Lilly's most recent escape: She removed the hardware from our gate, and let herself out. Hubs found all the screws on the ground. HOW??

Accidental Flattery

Buddy, confused because the cleaning lady was just here this morning: Mommy, why are you cleaning the floor?

Me: Because Miss Cathie missed a spot.

Bud: Why did she miss a spot?

Me: Well, nobody's perfect.

Bud: Then how are you perfect, Mommy?

I melt.

Is he trying to make up for yesterday, or is he serious?

Sweet, and Not So.

Partners in crime, Spring 2006:

Sis: Buddy, I'm gonna take your name and put it in the trash!
Me: Sis, that's not nice. And anyway, you can't put a name in the trash.
Bud: Yeah, like you can't hold thunder or clouds. (Wheels churning. . .)
Bud continues: Mommy, I'm gonna get in a rocket ship all the way through the clouds and up to the stars. And I'm gonna grab a star and bring it home to you. And if I find a really little star, I'll bring it home for Sweet Baby.

OK, I know I might be exaggerating, but the I just thought that was the cutest thing ever. There's something about the idea of stars and coming back home and bringing me something so special that made me melt. And its a good thing, since only an hour earlier I picked Buddy up from his second day of preschool and this was the conversation:

Mrs. Teacher: OK, Buddy, your Mom's here!
Buddy gets his papers from his cubby and looks a bit sullen. I fear he's been crying or had a sad day.
Me: Everything OK?
Mrs. Teacher: Well, he had a good day, but we had a little problem on the playground?
So I think Oh, no, no one wanted to play with him or maybe he fell and hurt himself. My sympathy/Mother Hen thoughts are going wild. . .
Mrs. Teacher continues: Buddy threw sand at some other kids.

WHAT?
WHAT!!??
WHAT!!!!!!!!

I'm fuming. Breathe deep. Buddy's head is so tucked down, he won't look at me.

Me, trying to stay calm: OK, do I need to give him a consequence at home, or is it over?
Mrs. Teacher: No, it's done. We all make mistakes. We're learning. We're four.
Me: Buddy, say sorry to Mrs. Teacher for not using your manners today.
Mrs. Teacher, interrupting: No, it's over. He already did.

1. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way Mrs. Teacher handled this. She caught him, disciplined him, filled me in, but allowed him to move on with her forgiveness. PERFECT.
2. I was so upset that he did this!!! I really can't believe he had the guts. He said his cousin, also in the class, did it first, which actually makes me feel even worse about it, like he's just following her, like he doesn't have his own mind. I talked to Sis In Law and we both decided we need to fill Mrs. Teacher in about the cousin thing so she knows they might need to be separated at times.

So if I'm this upset about him throwing a little sand, how am I going to deal with what's next? Deep breath.

Update: I talked with Sis in Law and turns out that Cousin was not involved in the sand throwing incident. So Buddy made it all up! It makes me nervous that 1. he thought so quickly to make up a lie and 2. that he tried to place the blame on someone else. ARGH!

Where Were You?

Remembering 9/11...

I was teaching third grade. Doing a read-aloud, I think. Mrs. Allard, the technology teacher, stood in my doorway, with an expression way out of her character. She motioned me over to her, away from the curious kids, and told me that the Twin Towers and the Pentagon had been attacked. Don't turn on the classroom TV (duh). Don't even put a video on, just in case the TV pops on too. And do not get on the computer.

OK, got it. Honestly, I didn't even know exactly what the Twin Towers were. Can you believe that? Growing up less than 2 hours from NYC, I was clueless. The Pentagon, however, I knew. I knew it was close to my older sister, who at the time was teaching in the Maryland suburbs. So, immediately, by thoughts went to her.

Our day went on as usual, as we didn't know anything anyway. We were banned from TV and internet for fear the kids would see something. Parents were shaken when they picked up their kids, some were even picked up early, just because their parents wanted to be near them. It wasn't until I got home and turned the TV on that I found out what really happened.

We went back to school as usual. Third graders didn't know much, as it seemed their parents chose not to share too much with them. There were a few days of questions, but other than that, it was too far from their little lives to really "get it", thank goodness for that.

In the aftermath, I had a few close to home worries. . .Hubs worked near the federal reserve and for a large power company, both at some point were suspected targets. And then there was the sniper, who was spotted at a gas station not far from our home and school, and forced the schools to close with a letter that threatened the children. Scary times. Innocence gone.

Honestly I do not know anyone who was directly affected by 9/11. But I know there are so many. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of them today. Wishing for peace for our children...

Potty Talk

Buddy and Sister were going potty before bed, Bud on the toilet and Sis on the potty chair.

Buddy, with loving eyes, "Sister, you're a really pretty girl."
Sister, thinking so hard to get it right, "Buddy, you're a really awesome boy."

I think she meant "handsome".

Perfect Bliss

Buddy had a fabulous first day at preschool. He was smiling and energized when I picked him up, which is a great sign from him. And just when he thought his morning could not possibly get any better, there was a sudden downpour as we pulled in the driveway. I'm a sucker for wet, muddy, gleeful little kids, so yes they played in the rain until they were drenched with water and happiness. What more can we ask for today?

Zap our Wonderdog?

I called the invisible fence people today. They asked why I was considering an invisible fence.

"Uh, our dog has figured out how to let herself out of every door in our house. We need extra reinforcement."

Honestly, guys, that dog has gotten out at least once a day for the last couple of weeks. She always comes home, but I'm so afraid she's going to get hit one day. So I think an invisible fence would be a good second defense. Greg thinks she'll just throw Samson (our doofy dog) through first and get him to take the shock for her while she bolts. And I think she'll probably just figure out how to diffuse the thing. So do we try it anyway?

This dog....

The Fall

Here's a story I want to forget, but can't.

Last November, when Sis was 19 months old, she fell down our entire flight of stairs. Backwards. Head first. No carpet. And I saw the whole thing happen.

It was about 4:30 in the afternoon, I was trying to get Buddy and Sis to put their coats on so we could get out for a bit. I went into the kitchen, grabbed Sis's coat, and went into the living room only to see her at the top of the steps. She took her hand off the banister, reached for the next section of handrail, but missed. Her head kept going back until it thudded against the wooden steps. I screamed. Thud, scream, thud, scream, thud, scream as she bounced her way down 14 steps. There were no flips, no twists or turns, just thuds and screams, thuds and screams, until finally, finally, she landed in a heap at the bottom of the steps. Knowing I probably shouldn't pick her up for fear of possible back/neck injuries, I scooped her up anyway. Now where is that cordless phone? (I'll by a regular one tomorrow.) 9-1-1. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. I kid you not that it rang 8 times. 8. Times. Before anyone picked up. Is she bleeding? He asked. Well, no. Is that her crying in the background? Yeah, that's her. Well she's probably OK then, don't you think? I don't know, dude, that's why I'm calling you! Policeman arrives at the door, does a quick once over and by now Sis has calmed down and actually seems to be enjoying the attention. Momma however is still gasping with guilt and fear with adrenaline pumping through her already pregnant veins. Fire trucks. Ambulances. Calming, they're here now. Open the door, EMTs in uniform. A face: my hero neighbor, my mommy friend's husband, Buddy's friend's Daddy, this familiar face and my tears begin again. He holds my baby and she's OK, he says, she's OK as he helps me get a just fine Sis into my new our-family-is-growing mini-van. Just take her to the pediatrician, easier than going to the hospital.

Still no answer from Hubs, how I need to talk to Hubs. Kind next door neighbor takes Buddy to play, don't feed him, he's allergic to peanuts, I say. So it's just crying me and song-singing Sis in the car, but nothing from Hubs. Answer the phone! Pick up! What if I were in labor? I need you, Hubs! And finally he answers. Sweet, calming words. It's OK, baby, just calm down, baby, it's OK. She's OK. I'll be right home. . .

Enter the pediatrician's office, kind faces, Are you OK, Mommy? She's fine, just like a ping pong ball. She's fine. You're fine. Go home, I'm OK, no more tears, even breathing, it's over now. I love you, Sissy. I'm sorry, Sissy. I see Hubs for the first time, he hugs me tight and knowing, and I melt in his arms as the tears come back to share.

OK, so this post totally went in a direction I hadn't intended. It was on my mind because this afternoon I found a now more stair-wise sister Humpty Dumptying on top of the safety ate at the bottom of our stairs, balancing herelf on the narrow metal bar, swinging her mosquito-scabbed legs with pride over fetching Sausie from her crib "all by herthelf".

Who's Looking for Purple Toes?

I have no idea who visits this blog (unless they leave a comment, which doesn't happen much) but I can see the numbers of people that visit, the city they're near, and how they arrive at this site. Well, apparently someone keeps coming here using a Google search for the words "his toes purple". I'm thinking/hoping that it's someone I know, especially since the city is the one that shows up for our area. I'm thinking that this person remembers those words from a post that I wrote but can't remember the blog address so just uses that search to get here.

If you're the mystery purple toes searcher, would you please identify yourself so I can stop worrying about it?

Call me, email me, or leave a comment here. And then add my address to your favorites!

Thanks, guys.

-Kathy

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:
-Sister sleeping past 7am. (This is HUGE.)
-A Hubs who insisted on sleeping on her floor after she woke up with night terrors.
-Dora the Explorer, who is currently entertaining "the big kids".
-A fat, happy, sleeping baby.
-The sound of kids walking to school, and the rhythm it gives our little lives.
-Buddy being SO excited to start Karate class today.
-Open windows.
-Mosquitoes disappearing from our yard.
-A freshly painted powder room.
-The excitement of fall's upcoming arrival.
-An already almost late for work Hubs who lingered an extra few minutes this morning so he could watch Buddy and Sis put on a "show". (Read: jump around in dress up clothes.)

WFMW: Allergy-friendly labeling

Buddy has a peanut allergy, so we read every single label of every single food that we buy. Everyone is required to state the major allergens (soy, milk, fish, shellfish, wheat, nut, peanut) in plain language, but some do a better job than others. I buy brands not only for their taste and price, but for how clear their allergen labels are. When I'm at the grocery store, I don't want to be spending my time reading every word on every label, so I stick with the easy-to read stuff.

We LOVE LOVE LOVE:
General Mills, Betty Crocker
Keebler, Kelloggs
Kashi
Entennmans ("Safe" bakery items are hard to find for peanut allergics.)
Annie's Homegrown
Hunts
Wegman's store brand (I love you, Wegmans!)
And so many more that I can't think of right now...

I WILL NOT BUY:
Kraft
Nabisco
Post


For some reason, these Kraft brands simply don't include allergen info! It's frustrating and annoying, so I avoid them at all costs. It's my own personal boycott. I contacted them once, and they blew me off, which made me even more determined to stay away from them. Plus, all the Kraft items seem to have the longest lists of can't-possibly-be-good-for-you ingredients, which is never a good thing!

Anyway, that's it here. Anybody have any to add to either list?

For more favorite brands, visit Rocks in My Dryer.

Sister Sings Guns 'N' Roses

Here's a video of our Daddy's little girl (age 28 months) singing "Sweet Child of Mine", by the one and only Guns 'N' Roses. How cute is she?

Buddy on "Work"

Buddy, sitting on the potty: Mommy, I don't want any money.

Me, having no clue what he's talking about: OK, Bud.

Buddy: I don't want any money. I just want Daddy to stay home instead.

Me, now clued in: Oh, Bud, wouldn't that be great?

It's such a strange concept to kids, don't you think? Daddy "goes to work" and they give him money?

-When he was younger, we used to visit Hubs at lunchtime and go out for pizza. And until recently, Buddy actually thought that that was Hubs's job: eating pizza.

-Nowadays he frequently asks, "When will Daddy be done with work?" as if he gets to stop at the end of the year or something, maybe like a teacher would? Or maybe like Grampa is retired?

-At preschool last year, Buddy's class had a "Career Day". There were little 3 year-olds dressed like doctors, athletes, princesses, and secret agents. Can you believe that Buddy was the only CPA?

-I want my kids to appreciate how hard Hubs works for us, and be thankful for his work and for his job, but at the same time I want them to be little innocent carefree kids that don't have to worry about anything at all. I'm finding it's a tricky balance. When Buddy told Sister to turn off the water the other day because he was wasting Daddy's money, I thought, have I gone overboard?

One more thing to think about. This raising kids thing is complicated!

Our Duo Becomes a Trio

We took our first walk in our triple stroller today, and it worked out great! This is my first "good" stroller-- I've always used Graco/Baby Trend/Whatever they have at Babies R Us. But this one, let me tell you, is awesome! It's light and maneuverable and hopefully I'll be able to run with it eventually. (Read: When I get rid of many more pounds.) We found it on used on Craigslist for $200! Good deal.