Merry Christmas!

I could claim to be going green, but we all know the truth. I just didn't have cards in me this year. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas; Happiness and Health in 2009. May you learn something about yourself through the eyes of a child.
Love,
Chuck, Maren, Ryan & Mac

Christmas is Coming

T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house, EVERY creature was stirring...! Is Santa coming yet? Is he here yet? What if Santa thinks I wasn't a good boy? Yes ... that's it. NICE JOB crappy parents! Threaten your child so much with "Santa's watching" that he no longer sleeps through the night and wakes up at 12AM and 3AM to discuss his stress over Santa Claus. When I say discuss - I mean discuss as a 4 year old discusses at 12AM and 3AM - full on crying with no discussion at all. We couldn't be happier to see Christmas morning in our immediate future.

A Conversation ... with words!

I finally had a conversation with #2!

"Time to go #2."
"No!"
"Would you like to stay and color?"
"Ta!" (Yes)

He's getting better - much less frustrated - and really trying to use his words. Although he still prefers to use sign language with some rather than trying. "Thank You" is a prime example of that. He was Dr. No all weekend long ... "No! ... No! ... No!... " about everything. Mr. Right and I were trying to clear out a year's worth of junk on Sunday. We were hanging pictures and #2 ran off with a hammer that was as big as he was.

"#2, give the hammer to Daddy."
"No!" (and turns his back on us)
"#2, please share the hammer with Daddy." (Mr. Right works some magic with the share card)
"No!" (and runs around the bed assuming that he is now hidden)
Mommy approaches #2 to take the hammer away since visions of child falling on sharp end of hammer are making her a wreck.
"No! No! Noooooo!!! .............. MINE!" ... and scene. :)

Little Visits

We were in the middle of the morning drill the other day when #2 sounds off with an "AaaaaaaaaH". He's still not talking very much, so "2talk" is normal to me. But this sound was intended - it had a purpose - and it was very familiar. My Grandma, Frances Caroline, made the same sound - usually when she was slightly frustrated with something - like pie crusts that weren't quite cooperating ... or a gin and tonic that spilled. #2 made this sound in the exact same fashion - he couldn't get a Tupperware lid on its correct bottom (no, I'm not giving my baby gin and tonics). I notice moments like this every now and then and I like to call them little visits. Visits from the great-grands in heaven - taking a peek and checking in on their great-grandsons ... and reminding me of my favorite memories. Maybe our sounds are linked to DNA, but I prefer to remind myself of the extra (and necessary) support.

Birthday Boy

Happy 4th Birthday #1. It doesn't seem possible that four years have passed since our first night together. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to feed you and you were just looking at me through the side of the plastic hospital bassinet. I told you - you were the best baby ever - for just hanging out and waiting for me to wake up. Trust me, you made up for it later - never sleeping or chilling out at night time again for the next three years ... But now, look at you. Somehow you've gone from baby to little boy and I don't know how that happened. You've totally out-smarted me; you are an expert in manipulation. You are also very aware of others and what everyone is doing, how they are feeling, what's happening. Daddy and I have called you "the Mayor" since you were a few months old. As soon as you were old enough to sit up, you've been shaking hands and high-fiving babies at all public appearances.

Four has brought a whole new level of mischief into your world. You push the limits, usually out of curiosity. You like attention and go into overdrive when in the spotlight. You also know when the camera is around and then break out the silliness. It's been a long time since I've captured a "real" smile without bribing you in some way. You are unbelievably aware of "good guys" and "bad guys" ... and of course let's not forget the men ... Spider-Man, Bat-Man, Superman ... you're tight with all of them, although Spider-Man has a special place in your heart. You are FUN!! Even when I am so frustrated with the testing and negotiating, you give me a look and we both break out in laughter. Your left eyebrow has a little point in it that reminds me you're always up to something ... I now know your father at age 4. You're testing out every sport imaginable. We've tried Swimming, Golf, Gymnastics, Karate, Tee-Ball and we start Soccer this weekend. You DO ... all the time, and you do "it" all by yourself . If I try to help I get a long explanation about my role in the activity. For example, this morning you were pouring yourself a cup of milk. The carton was really full so you were very careful not to spill it all over the place, but having some trouble tipping it to pour. I tried to pour and let you hold the cup. "No Mommy, you hold the cup. I will pour the milk. Big boys pour the milk and you will just hold the cup." But there are still a few Momma moments left ... thank goodness. If you wake up before me in the morning you always sneak into my side of the bed and gently push me over just enough to get your body on the mattress. Then you lay there trying with all of your might to be still, but it just can't happen. Then you start to mother me ... you rub my hair and give me kisses and say in a really high pitch whisper, "good morning - it's time for breakfast." No matter what the night before brought that is the moment when I tell myself - commit this to memory ... breathe it in ... don't forget that these things happen. You are such a good boy and I am so lucky to be your Momma. Happy Birthday Peanut. Yes, I know you're a big boy now , not a peanut ...

Thankful

Thanksgiving is always a special time of year, but this year it was extra special. #1 turned four on Thanksgiving day and is innocent enough to think that the turkey, cranberries, stuffing AND the two-story spider-man cake was all for him. We celebrated with our southern contingent - which was a good time as always. #1 got a bike from his parents for his birthday. We should have learned last year when he was underwhelmed with his like-a-bike. He opened the packaging and declared, "this bike is broken; it has no pedals!" This year, it was the real deal and he brushed it off just the same. It's tough being a parent! Hours of searching for the perfect present and wham - no love. ... and so begins the search for the perfect Santa gift.

Our added Thanksgiving bonus this year - my sweet niece JoJo finally made it out of the NICU in Portland and is settling in beautifully with the rest of her family in Eugene, OR. JoJo was born with VATER association and after 3 surgeries and healing time she's well on her way. I couldn't be more thankful for that. The Ronald McDonald house took excellent care of JoJo's parents while she was fighting away in the NICU. Regardless of your thoughts on our plump population and BigMac's responsibility for that, this charity does it right. Remember them in your holiday donations.

Nothing Like Fall

We enjoyed a holiday from work and school on Veteran's Day last week. The boys got their very own rakes (and shovels for snow in the coming months ... I'm hopeful) and helped me pile up the leaves on our back patio. Then all craziness broke out and it was "bury me" ... "again" ... "again" ... "again!!" Fall is most definitely here (nevermind the thunderstorm and tornado warning we had over the weekend ... and snow flurries last night)!

It Happened Today

I knew it would happen one day, but didn't know when ...
#2 has been taking the brunt of #1's pummeling for a long time now. We had a long, busy day and he got a flu shot ... apparently that was enough for the day. I was fixing dinner tonight and turned my back on the boys (they were playing in the kitchen together ... one had a "fire shooter" which is a "shooter that puts out fires" so I'm told; two was wearing an orange hard hat and trying like hell to be included) and I hear this high pitched scream. I turn around to find #1 frozen in shock and working up a good cry. #2 is looking at me with a look that is priceless. In the words of Mr. Right ... Rut Ro. #2 bit #1 square in the back of his shoulder. He left a good set of teeth marks and everything. I'm not sure if this was #2 being tired and cranky, or finally asserting himself and saying enough is enough. One this is for sure ... the gloves are off.

Finally - A Girl!

I couldn't be happier to report the boys have a new cousin - a beautiful baby girl born 11/04 in Eugene, OR. JDB weighed in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. and is 21 inches long. I am told she "looks just like [her brother] when he was born." Let the PINK purchases begin! Auntie M has a girl to spoil rotten. :)

Here is big brother and baby sister

Things That Go Bump

The clocks are rolled back, but the rest of us are still full steam ahead on the "old" time. I guess it'll take a little while to get settled into "new" time. Last night #1 woke up at 3:15 AM. I hear his feet hit the floor and zoom across the hall and my room. He went potty and I walked him back to bed - proud of him for getting up to go to the bathroom. Tucked him in, tucked me in (smile). 7 minutes later ... Zoom! Standing over me again ... "Mommy, I'm a little bit scared." Walk back to his bed, tuck him in ... tuck me in (note to self how good my bed feels). 4 minutes later ... Zoom! Standing over me again (WHY do they not go to their father's side of the bed? EVER????). "Mommy, I keep imaginationing monsters." I read somewhere that I'm not supposed to say things like "Monsters don't exist" and I am supposed to do things like look under beds and prove there is nothing scary in the dark room. So as we walk into #1's room ...
Do you think there is a monster in your room?
Yes.
Did you see one?
Yes.
Should we look for it - maybe under your bed?
Mommy, monsters aren't real. I told you -- I keep imaginationing monsters. If I stop imaginationing monsters then I can go to sleep.
Ah, right.
Tuck him in ... tuck myself in. So I sat there for a minute trying to understand why he needed me at all ... he did have everything figured out all by himself ... when, Zoom! Here come the feet (the profanity is flying in my head)... I sat up in bed and said, #1 "go back to bed!" and he did ... and that was that. But what IS that?

Funny (to me) things about #2 these days ... he's definitely learning how to manipulate. Most of his words start with "D" and all sound very similar to DAD ... DA-DA ... DADDY ... Mr. Right loves it. The only thing in the "M" world was Maaaa (more .. not Ma, as in me ... momma). I rarely get Ma-Ma. This morning though, all of a sudden ... "Mommeeee?" and of course I made a big fuss. For the rest of the morning everything he wanted was asked in his own way - finished with a high pitch "Mommeeee?" I could not resist.

A Little off the Back

After being bald for months, #2 finally has a mullet and gets his first haircut! I'm happy to report he's still "fuzzy" - even with shorter hair.

Happy Halloween

Love Spider-Man and "Bat" Man! Let there be days of sugar high!!

Traditions

Here's a snap of the boys from the other night. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown was on TV, so #1 got a special treat on the TiVo (after dinner was eaten and manners were attempted). You see he can't be bothered to look away from the TV for 2 seconds. #2 was being hilarious. He is not at all interested in TV, but likes to sit with his brother and be a big boy - so he kept getting up on the couch and crowding out #1. #1 would usually clobber him, but Charlie Brown was a good buffer and nothing seemed to bother him - thank goodness. Yesterday was also picture day at school so #2 has learned to fake smile while saying "cheese" ... which is a cute little whisper of sheeeeeeesh. By the way, #2 isn't naked ... he dumped his entire dinner down his front so he's sitting in his diaper and socks ... new clothes before bath is way too much work for me.

It happens a lot with the kids, but especially on days when there is something like The Great Pumpkin or The Grinch on TV that I get all weepy. I remember being 8 or 10 and doing the same thing, so clearly. I was glued to the TV with my brother and sister, making fun of my Mom for having glassy eyes while watching us and Charlie Brown from the kitchen. I really don't feel like that was so long ago ... I get it Mom. Tomorrow is Halloween and the holiday season begins ... I'm looking forward to more non-HDTV like Frosty, Ruldoph, the original Grinch and 24 hours of A Christmas Story on TBS. The shows are great, but the memories are even better!

If He Only Knew

My conversation with #1 this morning while tying shoes ...

Mommy, shoes are not for kicking.
That's right. Shoes are not for kicking.
But GF kicked me in my cocker at the playground.
Really? What is your cocker?
It's my fin. My fin for swimming in the water. When you have a cocker fin you can swim extra fast ... but not TOO fast. If you swim too fast you'll crash and break your cocker.

Well said.

All Too Often

My boss just resent me an email I sent him a few weeks ago. It was one of my many emails to him explaining why I would be working the night shift this particular day. I have a FABULOUS boss! He resent it to me explaining how he likes to read it because it makes him appreciate his mom more. Everyone has been here ... many - several times over. I think this was my entire month of January 2008. Enjoy the laugh ...

Hiya - fun day at our house. Bring your hazmat suit should you ever visit. My day today: wake up - kids to school. Before I can pull into the driveway on my return from drop-off - cell phone rings. #1 has "suspicious rash" on his face. Did I actually look at my kid this morning? Why did I not notice "suspicious rash"? Said rash must be checked out by pediatrician. Drive back to school while phoning pediatrician ... beg for appointment. Pick up #1 from school - go to doctor. Wait. Wait some more. Wait with 3 year old hurling fire truck into air while making siren sound at level 10. See doctor. Rash is barely visible to doctor (feel better for not noticing rash), but throat "looks red". Gag 3 year old with strep test - which causes tantrum built up by no snacks and waiting WAY TOO LONG for doctor. Leave 2 hours later with no rash, but strep and direction to "bring #2 in immediately." Race home, feed #1 lunch. SHOWER. Back to school to pick up #2. Drive back to pediatrician with #1 and #2. Wait. Wait some more. Wait some more in small exam room with 2 boys and indoor temp of at least 97 degrees (why did I shower?). Nurse finally shows up to gag #2. Nurse is smart and brings Popsicles for both. Wait some more for results. Sugar kicks in and #1 begins hurling toys into the air (again). Door I opened to let in some air conditioning was closed by nurse - apparently #1 was not adding to the calming effect that comes over most children awaiting gags and shots. Doctor comes in with "very positive" result on #2. finally leave after another 2 hours ... same chaos continues at pharmacy. :)

Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner

There have been very few times over the last 4 years that I've taken some time to just be one of the girls again. But here is the proof ... 5 Moms with kids from almost 4 years to 5 months hit the road for 36 hours of no diapering, time-outs, laundry, dishes, nose wiping or back-talking. After watching Mr. Right take lots of boys weekends - sailing, Vegas, fishing, you name it ... I happily flew the coop on a rainy Saturday morning (ha ha! inside activities) and drove far enough that only a true emergency would bring me back. A lot of wine, a 75 minute massage, trashy magazines, lots of talking and an uninterrupted 12 hours of sleep reminded me that time with girlfriends is so necessary. Of course, the dads were just fine on their own ... I think most of them really enjoyed the time with the kids - although only a few will admit it (can't possibly encourage another weekend away anytime soon). I came home to a sink full of dirty dishes, but 2 very excited minis. It was nice to be queen of the castle again. :)

More than Dat

Today I got a few new words from #2! Very clearly and in the right context - up, please (peas) and more (maar, maar, while signing please by rubbing his chest) joined the ranks of dat! I hope this is the beginning of chatty Cathy ... #2 is so frustrated that his idiot momma doesn't understand a darn thing he says - he's tired of banging his head on the floor and kicking his feet in turbo speed. One day I do need to video his tantrums ... there must be proof. Have I discussed this one's temper? Whooo! I need to do a little more reading up on Taurus. I am an Aries - I thought I was the worst of the group. #2 takes the cake these days. We'll see what happens as communication gets better...

#1 gave me another taste of my own medicine today. I don't usually let the boys eat in the car, but we've had unbelievable meltdowns lately. As soon as we walk in the house from school there are "I'm hungry!" tears everywhere. So I've started to give the boys a little snack as I pick them up from school. Today #1 dumped his all over the back seat of the car. It wasn't an accident - he was being an artist. I told him that if he didn't keep his crackers in his snack bag I wasn't going to let him eat in the car anymore. He responded, "it isn't hurting anyone, Mommy ... why are you mad?" Point taken.

Rock Star

As dictated by #1 ...
Today, at school, S.T. and I were in a rock band. We played in housekeeping (a section of the classroom) - set up the ironing board as drums and we had guitars. I was the drummer. I was drumming! Drumming lots and lots. S.T. played the guitar. It was really fun. Maybe I will be a fire-fighter and a drummer when I grow up.

Oh No You Don't!

I was picking up the boys from daycare last week and getting the full report on #2's day. "He played well, he's really using his words (although he is the only one that knows what those words really are), but something interesting happened today." In the one phrase I do understand from #2 ... "UT OOOOOH!" This is usually where I hear about biting ... stealing toys ... or my favorite tell-all of having an older brother in the house - playing too aggressively with the other 15-20 month old children in his class. To my surprise, none of that happened on this day. It started out as a very sweet gesture by #1, to go into his brother's classroom during afternoon snack and say hello. I love hearing about these little visits. They are always initiated by #1 and I think it is really sweet that he's going in to check on his brother. I'm sure it is a stall tactic as well, but I'll continue to believe that he's a sweet big brother - taking good care of his little brother while his parents are bringing home the bacon. So anyway, #1 goes in during afternoon snack and #2 goes berserk! He starts pointing at the door yelling, "dat!" Which is the universal THAT ... as in THAT is the door and you should use it #1 ... go on out! #1 doesn't get it - or ignores it - and goes over to the table where #2 is hovered over his applesauce. He is protecting the applesauce like a prized possession -- a possession he's sure his brother's grabby hands are after. The teachers decide today may not be the best day for brotherly love, so they take #1 back to his classroom. #2 smiled from ear to ear and licked his applesauce cup clean. Do you think there is some food stealing in the house while I'm not looking?

Miss Manners

#1 is almost 4 years old and ALL boy. I was all kids of feisty while pregnant with him and I now understand why. He is the first to point out "good guys" and "bad guys" and will turn any object into a shooter, sword or fire hose to ensure our imaginary play turns into an action packed adventure ... one that will teeter slightly on the positive edge of actions/things/words that send him to time out. So we talk a lot about nice words, playing gently with others (especially our brother), treating others in ways that you would like to be treated, etc. The other morning while trying to get out the door to work #1 is stalling, stalling some more, starts making up things to stall about. Naturally, I go from the well rested calm mommy ... to the drill sergeant ... to the angry drill Sergeant ... while waiting for #1 to get his backpack and sweatshirt on so we can get out the door. Then I hear something that makes my 3" big girl shoes stop in their tracks ... "Mommy, I think you're being a little bit rude." And with a big laugh (and an apology) my "I'm so late" day was put back into perspective.

Here we go!

Here it is - my first post. I've been inspired by two friends that are so good at keeping others up to date on what's going on in their own worlds. It's been really nice to keep up with them while living on opposite ends of the country for one ... and on opposite schedules in the same city for the other. I was catching up on their lives the other day when I realized that I'm not writing enough down when it comes to the lessons I learn from Mini-Me #1 and Mini-Me #2. And I'm definitely not seeing enough of my own family and friends - spread all around the globe - to share it. So - a huge thank you to MEL and MKM for the inspiration. Here is my blog family and friends ... check in as you wish. :)