Tonight Pat was attempting to wrangle two very sassy and fired up girls into their p.j.s. I had been battling with Eve all day, and was readying myself for my nightly workout. In the basement. Far from the chaos. I couldn't get my shoes tied up fast enough.
I had just released Eve from her umpteenth "timeout" or "alone time" or "sit here while Mommy fixes herself a sweet sweet alcoholic beverage-break". I could hear Daddy talking with Eve about how she needed to start listening to Mommy. And how Eve was promptly changing the subject to something Elmo-related.
Jo wanted her own blow-by-blow description of the events, and Daddy gave her a quick summary of how Eve doesn't listen, and how Eve needs to listen to Mommy... yadda yadda yadda... when Jo chimed in, "So Evie listens like you?"
She is so getting 51% of the inheritance.
A Summary, of Sorts?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I noticed that it has been almost a month since I last posted, and felt I owed you (whoever still lurks out there) something.
(cliche alert! cliche alert!) It has been a busy summer, to say the least. (told ya.) From birthday parties to wedding receptions, trips to the park and around the block on bicycles, a kid-free weekend in a hometown and a quick-emergency vet trip to the hometown doc to save a few hundred dollars... busy.
Lots of scraped knees and sunscreen.
Not nearly all of the activities accomplished we had hoped for the summer... but scrambling to get in the last few that we can before the days get shorter... and colder.
Looking ahead to new endeavors - ECFE, soccer, gymnastics.
Celebrating accomplishments and healthy choices and amazing friends that have supported me and resulted in a 40 lb (and still going!) weight loss over the last 8 months. I feel like a new person.
I'll post Eve's 2 year stats... when I find them. :)
I'll post pictures.... when I have more time. :)
I know I make it sound like we're beyond-belief-busy. But please don't let that stop you from calling, or writing. We always have room for family and friends. Or the capacity to make room. :) Until next time...
(cliche alert! cliche alert!) It has been a busy summer, to say the least. (told ya.) From birthday parties to wedding receptions, trips to the park and around the block on bicycles, a kid-free weekend in a hometown and a quick-emergency vet trip to the hometown doc to save a few hundred dollars... busy.
Lots of scraped knees and sunscreen.
Not nearly all of the activities accomplished we had hoped for the summer... but scrambling to get in the last few that we can before the days get shorter... and colder.
Looking ahead to new endeavors - ECFE, soccer, gymnastics.
Celebrating accomplishments and healthy choices and amazing friends that have supported me and resulted in a 40 lb (and still going!) weight loss over the last 8 months. I feel like a new person.
I'll post Eve's 2 year stats... when I find them. :)
I'll post pictures.... when I have more time. :)
I know I make it sound like we're beyond-belief-busy. But please don't let that stop you from calling, or writing. We always have room for family and friends. Or the capacity to make room. :) Until next time...
If I had time to blog...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
I might tell you about what a fun summer we're having. Josie is ridin' her bike, and swingin' on "big girl" swings, and eatin' outside. Eve is singing and and swinging and climbing and giggling and talking. They love to be on the go, but also relish the "down-time" at home to play with their own toys and be silly in their own space.
I might tell you about Patrick's crazy-fun trip to New York with his dad and brother to see a Twins game at Yankee Stadium, and how they managed to do almost everything under the sun in a not-even-three-full-days trip, and how much all his girls missed him, but how we managed to plug along just fine and even managed to clean the house while he was gone. But I probably wouldn't tell you about how Eve tumbled out of the van in the driveway and bashed the back of her head on a rock and bled all over the place on the day that he was coming home. Because you don't really need to know that, and I would look like a really bad parent since I wasn't paying attention and I had unbuckled her when we parked and then she was leaning on the inside of the door by the time I got around to opening it, and oops. There she went. But then I would tell you about how cute it was to see the excitement in our house when Daddy came home and gave them adorable little kimonos he had picked up in Chinatown, and they both insisted on putting them on, immediately. And even though I got a kids size large t-shirt (he thought it might have looked a little small), I was still pretty happy he was home, too.
I might tell you about some of the other goofy things that have been going on with us - like how one morning Pat decided to put on corn medication upstairs while I was still in bed, but he was standing right in front of the fan and blew the fumes all over the place and I thought I might suffocate and die. But I didn't, so I might not tell you about that. But maybe I would tell you how the other morning I went to work with a Disney Princess sticker on my butt, and thank goodness for the kindness of strangers. I got on the elevator with a nice lady I didn't know who told me I had a little something back there. At least the day had barely started and I didn't walk around with Cinderella hanging off my ass for very long. Josie's in a sticker phase right now. Lucky me. And my well-decorated ass. And I might tell you that if you cruised by our backyard this summer, you might see a certain 3-year-old running around with no pants on. Thank you very much, Miss Lucy. Someday, when Josie teaches you the fine art of playing quarters, I'll look over my margarita at your mother and ask, "Are we even, yet?" :)
I could tell you how everything in Jo's world this summer is either "yummy" or "super". As in:
"Mama, it's yummy in here," when coming into the air conditioned house from a hot day. Or,
Me: "Ew. This room is messy!" Jo: "But Mama... is it super messy??"
And, I could tell you about how when you ask Eve a question, she pauses for a moment, tilts her little head to the side and says "Um..." before giving you an answer. It kills me. And how she counted to 10 the other day, out of the blue. Makes me wonder what else is hiding out inside that head of hers, just waiting to come out. She takes it all in, and her ears are always on, whether you think so or not. And my baby up and turned two on me. And she got healthy, and we were able to have her party. And it was so very nice.
If I had time to blog, I could tell you that I'm still "challenging" myself in my quest to get healthified. Like it? I just made it up. I'm to the point where the numbers on the scale aren't necessarily what concern me, but the ounces of water I drink every day, and the times per week I exercise. It's going to be a life-long quest for me, but so worth it. I feel like a completely different person than the one who almost died walking up 5 flights of stairs 6 months ago. And I'm never going back there again, I promise you that. No. I promise myself that.
There's so much more I would tell you. If I had time to blog. But for now, I'll let some pictures tell the rest of the story. 'Til next time...
My Eve
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Next week you turn two.
Two years ago, I sat on this very couch, large and uncomfortable and about to embark on the biggest journey of my life: being your mother. You came into this world loud and on a mission and determined and amazing and beautiful, and you remain all of those things to this day.
Today you are not feeling well. But you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the size of your smile. You are always on a quest for laughter. I just sometimes wish that you wouldn't take the route that inevitable leads through your sister and whatever she's doing at the moment in order to get there. At the age of almost-two, you have found each and every one of her (and mine, and Daddy's) buttons, and you know exactly the right way to push them. But for every squabble and scrape the two of you get in, there are moments that are equally awesome to witness. I found myself on the brink of tears tonight when I returned home to you and Daddy after picking Josie up from Betty's house. You see, you stayed home with Daddy today so you could go see the doctor, and your sister went to daycare. The two of you don't spend a lot of time apart, and the hug the two of you shared upon your reunion showed exactly that. Of course, about 1 minute and 37 seconds later, you had hit her, or pulled her hair, or looked at her the wrong way, and the sweet moment was gone. But it won't be forgotten by your Mommy any time soon.
Your vocabulary continues to grow each and every day. You just told me tonight that "Daddy all done vacuum" and "Che-che brush teeth sink first potty." You sing all the time. Of course, you have the huge advantage of being able to listen to your sister sing all the time. You can do your ABC's all the way through, with a little prompting. You'd prefer to start the alphabet song with H-I-J... and you can. Because you're so stinkin' cute when you do it. You like to sing "Are You Sleeping?" and we always change the words to "Genevieve, Genevieve" instead of "Brother John, Brother John." I can't think of anything more awesome than to hear you try to say your own name. It comes out something like "Gen-A-Eaef" which is actually way more accurate than some others who have tried and who shall remain nameless.
You have this trait that I have no choice but to admit comes from me and both sides of my lineage. (Although your Daddy especially likes to point out the strong daughter-mommy-grandmommy-greatgrandmommy link for this particular trait. But he didn't really get a chance to know your granddaddy Bill well enough.) It's a stubborn streak so deep and wide that I can't even see the other side of it while standing on this bank with you holding your hand so you don't fall in. The more we try to get you to do something, the more you will resist. And you've got the whole reverse-psychology thing completely figured out already. Everything you do is punctuated with the word "Self." You insist on climbing in your carseat by yourself and climbing on the sink to reach your toothbrush by yourself and climbing in your chair at the table by yourself. And you actually do a very good job, now that you're not nearly as clumsy as you used to be. The more I push you to move faster, the heavier and slower you become. You do things at your own speed. Our treks to the garage in the morning can take anywhere between 1 and 12 minutes, depending on the interest you take in the ants, moths, trees, dog poop, squirrels and toys you see on the way. And the sooner I come to grips with your self-imposed speed limits, the more likely I am to maintain my sanity. I can only hope there is a support group with enough Margaritas and girls-nights-out to get me through your teenage years.
But for right now, let's just work on this year ahead. Two. I have a feeling it's going to be quite a ride. I'm not going to label it with the "t" word, because I don't want to proclaim a self-fulling prophecy. You're spirited, and you're sweet and dynamic and you're just you. One of your favorite things to say is "want it." Of course, you're just as quick to say "wuv you" or "nuggle me," or to demand a "tiss," which involves you grabbing the object of your affection by both sides of the head and pulling close to be sure you get a proper kiss squarely on the lips. None of this silly cheek-kissing for you. I crave you some days so badly it hurts. We're blessed to have you in our lives, and I can't wait to see what the year ahead will bring.
Two years ago, I sat on this very couch, large and uncomfortable and about to embark on the biggest journey of my life: being your mother. You came into this world loud and on a mission and determined and amazing and beautiful, and you remain all of those things to this day.
Today you are not feeling well. But you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the size of your smile. You are always on a quest for laughter. I just sometimes wish that you wouldn't take the route that inevitable leads through your sister and whatever she's doing at the moment in order to get there. At the age of almost-two, you have found each and every one of her (and mine, and Daddy's) buttons, and you know exactly the right way to push them. But for every squabble and scrape the two of you get in, there are moments that are equally awesome to witness. I found myself on the brink of tears tonight when I returned home to you and Daddy after picking Josie up from Betty's house. You see, you stayed home with Daddy today so you could go see the doctor, and your sister went to daycare. The two of you don't spend a lot of time apart, and the hug the two of you shared upon your reunion showed exactly that. Of course, about 1 minute and 37 seconds later, you had hit her, or pulled her hair, or looked at her the wrong way, and the sweet moment was gone. But it won't be forgotten by your Mommy any time soon.
Your vocabulary continues to grow each and every day. You just told me tonight that "Daddy all done vacuum" and "Che-che brush teeth sink first potty." You sing all the time. Of course, you have the huge advantage of being able to listen to your sister sing all the time. You can do your ABC's all the way through, with a little prompting. You'd prefer to start the alphabet song with H-I-J... and you can. Because you're so stinkin' cute when you do it. You like to sing "Are You Sleeping?" and we always change the words to "Genevieve, Genevieve" instead of "Brother John, Brother John." I can't think of anything more awesome than to hear you try to say your own name. It comes out something like "Gen-A-Eaef" which is actually way more accurate than some others who have tried and who shall remain nameless.
You have this trait that I have no choice but to admit comes from me and both sides of my lineage. (Although your Daddy especially likes to point out the strong daughter-mommy-grandmommy-greatgrandmommy link for this particular trait. But he didn't really get a chance to know your granddaddy Bill well enough.) It's a stubborn streak so deep and wide that I can't even see the other side of it while standing on this bank with you holding your hand so you don't fall in. The more we try to get you to do something, the more you will resist. And you've got the whole reverse-psychology thing completely figured out already. Everything you do is punctuated with the word "Self." You insist on climbing in your carseat by yourself and climbing on the sink to reach your toothbrush by yourself and climbing in your chair at the table by yourself. And you actually do a very good job, now that you're not nearly as clumsy as you used to be. The more I push you to move faster, the heavier and slower you become. You do things at your own speed. Our treks to the garage in the morning can take anywhere between 1 and 12 minutes, depending on the interest you take in the ants, moths, trees, dog poop, squirrels and toys you see on the way. And the sooner I come to grips with your self-imposed speed limits, the more likely I am to maintain my sanity. I can only hope there is a support group with enough Margaritas and girls-nights-out to get me through your teenage years.
But for right now, let's just work on this year ahead. Two. I have a feeling it's going to be quite a ride. I'm not going to label it with the "t" word, because I don't want to proclaim a self-fulling prophecy. You're spirited, and you're sweet and dynamic and you're just you. One of your favorite things to say is "want it." Of course, you're just as quick to say "wuv you" or "nuggle me," or to demand a "tiss," which involves you grabbing the object of your affection by both sides of the head and pulling close to be sure you get a proper kiss squarely on the lips. None of this silly cheek-kissing for you. I crave you some days so badly it hurts. We're blessed to have you in our lives, and I can't wait to see what the year ahead will bring.
And the sailor keeps on sailin'
Friday, July 04, 2008
Brewster grabbed Evie's baby doll by the head. This upset Eve greatly. Pat grabbed the doll out of the dog's mouth, only to see that he had dented the plastic noggin. Pat handed the wounded baby back to Eve. She took it, looked at it, and said, "Aw. Dammit."
Happy 4th. We're hanging pretty low this holiday weekend. Got a pitcher full of party margaritas in the fridge, the girls are going to bed right now, and I think a movie is on our horizon. How times have changed.
Happy 4th. We're hanging pretty low this holiday weekend. Got a pitcher full of party margaritas in the fridge, the girls are going to bed right now, and I think a movie is on our horizon. How times have changed.
Pushing away from the table doesn't mean I can't stop in for a nibble once in a while
Monday, June 02, 2008
She bangs. She bangs. The Summer 2008 model of the "Carol" was just released. It's 30 lbs. lighter, highlighted and features the sleek "bang" option. Take a look and tell me what you think...
I've received a smattering of feedback since going public with my decision to be a visitor to the blogging world less often. Most of it curious in nature as to my motivation. Which has given me reason to question and re-examine that very thing, myself. I think what it boils down to is this: In the sites I visit often and in the lives of those in my "blogosphere," there has been a lot of tragic stuff going on. One of the biggest life lessons I've had the opportunity to experience, especially since beginning my Healthy Loser challenge back in January, is that our successes in life are most often determined by how we handle the aforementioned "stuff" life brings with it. It's our reactions to situations, comments, events, etc... that determine the roads we travel. Happiness, success, contentment... all determined by how we choose to be affected by every single event we encounter. In my case, I'm choosing to take the energy, the lessons, the message that all that "stuff" carries with it, and redirect it into what matters most to me. My family, my girls. Don't get me wrong - I do feel sadness over deciding to not share all the fabulously exciting, funny and mundane happenings in our life with those of you who check in with me. But I'm feeling a strong pull to "take it inside" for a while. And I'm going to listen to the pull. It seems everywhere I look or listen lately, someone is losing someone they love - and this is making me realize that I need to heed all the warnings to pay attention to the blessings I have in front of me, because in a blink of an eye, it all could change. And they are already changing right before my eyes, so I can't afford to be looking away for any longer than I already have to. I'll still check in when the mood strikes me. And to share adorable tidbits like this:
Not one to miss out on the fun... here's Evie's turn...
Be well. Until next time...
Full
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
You know how they say that it takes 20 minutes or so for your body to recognize that you've eaten enough and so you're supposed to eat slowly to give yourself more time to feel "full" so as not to overeat...?
Well - that's kind of how I feel lately. I've overeaten and finally realized that I'm full. My days are full of work, calendar is full of commitments, my head is full of lists, and my heart is just... full. Of... my family, and my friends, and summertime and stories that I've read on blogs and heard on the news, and it's all bubbling over. I need to back away from the table for awhile.
There's just not a lot of room or time for me right now to make this blog be what I really want it to be, and so I just have to let it... be. (pardon me for a moment while I hum a little Beatles tune.) You can't see me right now, but I'm putting my empty plastic cup on my head and backing away from the keg. Okay - there's maybe one of you reading this who will understand that obscure reference, sorry. It means I'm done for now. But I'll be back.
Well - that's kind of how I feel lately. I've overeaten and finally realized that I'm full. My days are full of work, calendar is full of commitments, my head is full of lists, and my heart is just... full. Of... my family, and my friends, and summertime and stories that I've read on blogs and heard on the news, and it's all bubbling over. I need to back away from the table for awhile.
There's just not a lot of room or time for me right now to make this blog be what I really want it to be, and so I just have to let it... be. (pardon me for a moment while I hum a little Beatles tune.) You can't see me right now, but I'm putting my empty plastic cup on my head and backing away from the keg. Okay - there's maybe one of you reading this who will understand that obscure reference, sorry. It means I'm done for now. But I'll be back.
Overheard
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
I was changing a poopy Eve diaper on the changing table last night, and as usual, Jo was hanging on the table, observing. Being the aficionado of all things poop-related, Jo offered the following commentary to Eve for entertainment while I changed her.
Jo: “Evie. Poopy is here. (Pointing to Evie’s tummy.) In your tummy. Right, Mommy?”
Me: “Yup – pretty much.” I really didn’t feel like differentiating between colons and tummies and all that jazz.
Jo: “We puussh it out. (Offers a little grunt to emphasize the word ‘push.’) It comes out ours butts. I put the poopy in the potty. And Daddy does. And Mommy does. Not Brewster. He goes outside. Not Baxter. He pushes his poopy out in the little box. Right, Mommy?”
Me: “Yup. We do.”
Jo: “It makes ours tummies feel better when we push the poopy out ours butts. Right, Mommy?”
Me: “Yup. It sure does.”
Jo: “We call it poopy. Or poop. (Pauses. Then continues, a little mystified) But Meg calls it po-po. Silly Meg.”
I was helping Josie get dressed this morning in her room. She took off her jammie shirt, and then out of nowhere, started flailing her arms all over the place, enough so that I backed up a bit so as to not get smacked in the head. I asked her what in the world she was doing.
Jo: “LOOKATMYARMS!” Still wildly flailing.
Me: “Yes – I see that…”
Jo: “They’re PLAYING with each other!”
So it’s just me and the girls for the next coupla days while Pat is in Boston on a business trip. This morning went smashingly well. I know lots of moms, and dads, have to wrangle kids all by themselves in the morning, but I’m not used to going it alone, and it sure does make me feel like a Super Mom when I arrive at work and both girls are dressed and fed and happy and I managed not to forget one of them at home. It can be tricky as Josie, especially, hovers on the edge of getting pretty emotional when one of us is gone; our girls are very spoiled by our time and attention and having both of us around most of the time. I was gone the majority of last weekend for some much-needed relaxation with friends at the Mathews' Mansion and Home for Wayward Mommies. When I returned just in time for the girls waking up from naps on Sunday, Josie tried to tell me that she didn’t miss me… as her little eyes started welling up with tears. Then she demanded that we snuggle on the couch, and I haven’t been able to be very far out of her sight around the house ever since. I have to put forth a lot of extra effort into keeping everything very light and fun and extra-upbeat when Pat is gone. She was on the verge of tears this morning when she remembered, but we quickly moved on to getting dressed and teeth brushed and cereal and happier thoughts. Eve, from what I can tell, just thinks that Daddy is still upstairs, sleeping. I’ve tried to tell her that no, Daddy had to go bye-bye for work, and she just looks at me, points to the stairs and says, “Daddy leeping.” Okay, Eve. Daddy should be well-rested when he returns on Thursday.
Jo: “Evie. Poopy is here. (Pointing to Evie’s tummy.) In your tummy. Right, Mommy?”
Me: “Yup – pretty much.” I really didn’t feel like differentiating between colons and tummies and all that jazz.
Jo: “We puussh it out. (Offers a little grunt to emphasize the word ‘push.’) It comes out ours butts. I put the poopy in the potty. And Daddy does. And Mommy does. Not Brewster. He goes outside. Not Baxter. He pushes his poopy out in the little box. Right, Mommy?”
Me: “Yup. We do.”
Jo: “It makes ours tummies feel better when we push the poopy out ours butts. Right, Mommy?”
Me: “Yup. It sure does.”
Jo: “We call it poopy. Or poop. (Pauses. Then continues, a little mystified) But Meg calls it po-po. Silly Meg.”
I was helping Josie get dressed this morning in her room. She took off her jammie shirt, and then out of nowhere, started flailing her arms all over the place, enough so that I backed up a bit so as to not get smacked in the head. I asked her what in the world she was doing.
Jo: “LOOKATMYARMS!” Still wildly flailing.
Me: “Yes – I see that…”
Jo: “They’re PLAYING with each other!”
So it’s just me and the girls for the next coupla days while Pat is in Boston on a business trip. This morning went smashingly well. I know lots of moms, and dads, have to wrangle kids all by themselves in the morning, but I’m not used to going it alone, and it sure does make me feel like a Super Mom when I arrive at work and both girls are dressed and fed and happy and I managed not to forget one of them at home. It can be tricky as Josie, especially, hovers on the edge of getting pretty emotional when one of us is gone; our girls are very spoiled by our time and attention and having both of us around most of the time. I was gone the majority of last weekend for some much-needed relaxation with friends at the Mathews' Mansion and Home for Wayward Mommies. When I returned just in time for the girls waking up from naps on Sunday, Josie tried to tell me that she didn’t miss me… as her little eyes started welling up with tears. Then she demanded that we snuggle on the couch, and I haven’t been able to be very far out of her sight around the house ever since. I have to put forth a lot of extra effort into keeping everything very light and fun and extra-upbeat when Pat is gone. She was on the verge of tears this morning when she remembered, but we quickly moved on to getting dressed and teeth brushed and cereal and happier thoughts. Eve, from what I can tell, just thinks that Daddy is still upstairs, sleeping. I’ve tried to tell her that no, Daddy had to go bye-bye for work, and she just looks at me, points to the stairs and says, “Daddy leeping.” Okay, Eve. Daddy should be well-rested when he returns on Thursday.
Deja Moo
Monday, May 12, 2008
You probably don't remember this, but I sure won't forget it any time soon. Now imagine a repeat performance, this time from my Gram's house, and this time, from mostly Evie, but also both of them. "Watching. COWS. Watch-CHING! Cooowwwwws!" Thank goodness highway 52 delivers views of cows-a-plenty.
We had what you could call an action-packed weekend. Josie might call it the Best. Weekend. Ever. Friday: Shoe shopping at THE MALL in the morning and then Grandma Dianne and Grandpa Mike over for dinner that evening. And the kicker... we ate outside. Saturday: Swimming lessons in the morning and Viv's 2nd birthday party in the afternoon/evening. Sunday: A day at Auntie Kay's house visiting with my family for Mom's Day, TWO parks, and t-ball and dinner at Gramma Granite's (that's Great-Grandma-Janet, in Josie-speak.) Needless to say, we have two very exhausted little girls tonight. But shopping and parties and cake and Grandmas and parks are more than worth it.
Some of Eve's new favorite phrases:
"See me!" While hiding behind a pillow, or couch, or blanket.
"Oh, gosh." Her response after asking me where I was, and I replied "in the bathroom."
"Oh, darnnit." Useful in various situations. Better than many of the alternatives.
She's jumping. Full-fledged, both-feet-off-the-ground, jumping. And she couldn't be more proud. And she's coloring. All the time, with the coloring. If we're ever late, it's probably because Eve couldn't be coerced to STOP THE COLORING.
We picked them up from daycare tonight and witnessed quite the scene. One of the other families has two little boys, Henry and Baby Joe. Henry is a couple months older than Eve, and Joe is just a few months old. Joe was in the living room on the floor and had spit out his nuk. Henry went in to "help" his brother by putting the nuk back in his mouth. Forcefully. And while laying on top of him. Joe, rightfully, started to cry. Eve was watching this unfold, and as I started to make a move to help poor Baby Joe, Eve reached out and tried to pull Henry off his brother, by his hair. Talk about chaos. Then a minute later Henry and Eve were hugging goodbye. Henry walked away from Eve to give Josie a hug - and Eve went running after him, demanding "Tiss! Tiss!" And they did. So stinkin' cute. It's definitely a love/hate relationship.
I'm tired. And I have no interest in Christina Applegate with amnesia. Now Shannon Doherty with dyslexia. That's a different story.
We had what you could call an action-packed weekend. Josie might call it the Best. Weekend. Ever. Friday: Shoe shopping at THE MALL in the morning and then Grandma Dianne and Grandpa Mike over for dinner that evening. And the kicker... we ate outside. Saturday: Swimming lessons in the morning and Viv's 2nd birthday party in the afternoon/evening. Sunday: A day at Auntie Kay's house visiting with my family for Mom's Day, TWO parks, and t-ball and dinner at Gramma Granite's (that's Great-Grandma-Janet, in Josie-speak.) Needless to say, we have two very exhausted little girls tonight. But shopping and parties and cake and Grandmas and parks are more than worth it.
Some of Eve's new favorite phrases:
"See me!" While hiding behind a pillow, or couch, or blanket.
"Oh, gosh." Her response after asking me where I was, and I replied "in the bathroom."
"Oh, darnnit." Useful in various situations. Better than many of the alternatives.
She's jumping. Full-fledged, both-feet-off-the-ground, jumping. And she couldn't be more proud. And she's coloring. All the time, with the coloring. If we're ever late, it's probably because Eve couldn't be coerced to STOP THE COLORING.
We picked them up from daycare tonight and witnessed quite the scene. One of the other families has two little boys, Henry and Baby Joe. Henry is a couple months older than Eve, and Joe is just a few months old. Joe was in the living room on the floor and had spit out his nuk. Henry went in to "help" his brother by putting the nuk back in his mouth. Forcefully. And while laying on top of him. Joe, rightfully, started to cry. Eve was watching this unfold, and as I started to make a move to help poor Baby Joe, Eve reached out and tried to pull Henry off his brother, by his hair. Talk about chaos. Then a minute later Henry and Eve were hugging goodbye. Henry walked away from Eve to give Josie a hug - and Eve went running after him, demanding "Tiss! Tiss!" And they did. So stinkin' cute. It's definitely a love/hate relationship.
I'm tired. And I have no interest in Christina Applegate with amnesia. Now Shannon Doherty with dyslexia. That's a different story.
Overheard. And some other stuff.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
At the dinner table last night:
Eve’s spoon-phone rings.
Eve: “Hewwo? Grampa? Burp! (as in, I burped.) Toot! (and, I also tooted.) Milk all gone.”
There's something a little dirty about the word "stimulus." Say it a few times with me: Stimulus. Stimulus. Stimulus. See? I'll bet you think a little differently about that stimulus rebate, now, huh? :)
I swear the girls are still recovering from a reeeaaallly late night last Saturday. We took them to the Twins game for awhile, then out to Blaine to visit with some friends and their kids in from out of town. It was 8:00 pm when we were heading out to the "party." Josie looked at me and said, "Why are we going so many places today??" They had a ton of fun - but I felt like a guilty parent the entire time. Such is life.
Did I ever blog about Eve pooping on the potty? Yes? No? I don't recall. But she did. We could tell she was trying to go one evening, so Pat took her in and set her down, and she went. She looked in the toilet and said "Fishy!" The elusive poop-fish, right in our toilet.
Josie is in a huge Dora/Diego phase. Books, movies, games - she can't get enough. We brought home about 5 books from the library that looked to be fairly new... and now after spending a couple weeks in our house... not so much.
Eve is talking. Not a new development, by any means... but she's really talking. A lot. She answers yes/no questions with vehemence. "Eve, would you please put on your coat - it's time to go bye-bye." "NO! Color! NO COAT - color!" Translation: I would prefer not to put on my coat right now, Mommy. I am coloring. "Eve - would you like some cereal?" "YEAH!" We may have to start working on indoor vs. outdoor voices.
We're gearing up for a busy spring and summer. My, how fast the calendar fills up. Grad parties and birthdays and vacations and playdates a-plenty. Should be fun. But I'm tired already! More later...
Eve’s spoon-phone rings.
Eve: “Hewwo? Grampa? Burp! (as in, I burped.) Toot! (and, I also tooted.) Milk all gone.”
There's something a little dirty about the word "stimulus." Say it a few times with me: Stimulus. Stimulus. Stimulus. See? I'll bet you think a little differently about that stimulus rebate, now, huh? :)
I swear the girls are still recovering from a reeeaaallly late night last Saturday. We took them to the Twins game for awhile, then out to Blaine to visit with some friends and their kids in from out of town. It was 8:00 pm when we were heading out to the "party." Josie looked at me and said, "Why are we going so many places today??" They had a ton of fun - but I felt like a guilty parent the entire time. Such is life.
Did I ever blog about Eve pooping on the potty? Yes? No? I don't recall. But she did. We could tell she was trying to go one evening, so Pat took her in and set her down, and she went. She looked in the toilet and said "Fishy!" The elusive poop-fish, right in our toilet.
Josie is in a huge Dora/Diego phase. Books, movies, games - she can't get enough. We brought home about 5 books from the library that looked to be fairly new... and now after spending a couple weeks in our house... not so much.
Eve is talking. Not a new development, by any means... but she's really talking. A lot. She answers yes/no questions with vehemence. "Eve, would you please put on your coat - it's time to go bye-bye." "NO! Color! NO COAT - color!" Translation: I would prefer not to put on my coat right now, Mommy. I am coloring. "Eve - would you like some cereal?" "YEAH!" We may have to start working on indoor vs. outdoor voices.
We're gearing up for a busy spring and summer. My, how fast the calendar fills up. Grad parties and birthdays and vacations and playdates a-plenty. Should be fun. But I'm tired already! More later...
Painting a picture in the dark
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
One of the things that plagues me as a parent some days is my inability to adequately represent my girls on this site. I don't feel like I can capture the true awesomeness, if that's even a word, of their beings and depict the love and humor and intelligence and compassion and pure, strong will packed into their tiny little bodies. Sometimes it's all so overwhelming to me, that I think that it would be easier to not even try.
I can't find the words to describe the look of curiosity and disgust and intensity on Josie's face as she discovers an ant outside and kneels down to get a closer look before ordering us to get it because she doesn't like ants, remember?
I can't truly describe what it's like to watch Eve as she grabs a book from the bookshelf and drops to the floor, completely absorbed, for the next 15 minutes, flipping pages and pointing out objects and naming them and telling the familiar story to herself in her own little words, in her own little world.
I can't capture the aura of pride that emanates from Josie when she not only is able to undress herself and put her clothes in the dirty clothes hamper, but picks out and completely gets into her pajamas all on her own and comes running from her room to show us that she did it all by herself.
And I can't really convey how awesome, and sometimes terrifying, it is to watch Eve follow her sister's lead and insist on doing everything by herself. She climbs into her highchair on her own, wants to walk up and down stairs on her own, and tries to put on shoes all by herself. The will and independence and determination is so strong in her, you can just feel it.
There are so many aspects of their personalities that are just too big, too funny, too much for me to tackle here. I can try to report on the day-to-day accomplishments, the struggles, the tears and the laughter. But to truly know them, you just have to be with them. I will never be able to do them the justice that they deserve here in only words. But I hope someday, if they ever read these words, they will appreciate that I tried.
I can't find the words to describe the look of curiosity and disgust and intensity on Josie's face as she discovers an ant outside and kneels down to get a closer look before ordering us to get it because she doesn't like ants, remember?
I can't truly describe what it's like to watch Eve as she grabs a book from the bookshelf and drops to the floor, completely absorbed, for the next 15 minutes, flipping pages and pointing out objects and naming them and telling the familiar story to herself in her own little words, in her own little world.
I can't capture the aura of pride that emanates from Josie when she not only is able to undress herself and put her clothes in the dirty clothes hamper, but picks out and completely gets into her pajamas all on her own and comes running from her room to show us that she did it all by herself.
And I can't really convey how awesome, and sometimes terrifying, it is to watch Eve follow her sister's lead and insist on doing everything by herself. She climbs into her highchair on her own, wants to walk up and down stairs on her own, and tries to put on shoes all by herself. The will and independence and determination is so strong in her, you can just feel it.
There are so many aspects of their personalities that are just too big, too funny, too much for me to tackle here. I can try to report on the day-to-day accomplishments, the struggles, the tears and the laughter. But to truly know them, you just have to be with them. I will never be able to do them the justice that they deserve here in only words. But I hope someday, if they ever read these words, they will appreciate that I tried.
Welcome to my life. You may want to plug your nose.
Monday, April 28, 2008
I kid you not. THIS was the webpage I discovered left on my screen as I grabbed my laptop and sat down on the couch tonight.
My personal favorite? "Morning thunder."
And - I'm not making this up, either - as I type, Eve is in the girls' room saying, "Mommy toot. Daddy toot. Je-che (Josie) toot. Evie toot!"
Seriously. You feel a little bit sorry for me, don't you?
My personal favorite? "Morning thunder."
And - I'm not making this up, either - as I type, Eve is in the girls' room saying, "Mommy toot. Daddy toot. Je-che (Josie) toot. Evie toot!"
Seriously. You feel a little bit sorry for me, don't you?
Something old, something new
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Same stuff, different layout. It's still a work in progress, still some tweaking here and there to do... but whattya think?
“He had such enthusiasm and excitement – almost like another Brewster…”
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Funny how that statement, made by KARE 11’s Randy Shaver this morning on 93X in reference to yesterday’s media meeting with the Vikings new defensive end Jared Allen, would (to any normal person) clearly indicate Tim Brewster, the Gophers head coach. But Pat and I, as we listened on the way to work this morning, had to laugh at how we automatically envisioned Allen jumping up and down with a tennis ball in his mouth, dropping the ball on occasion into someone’s lap, just begging them to play fetch with him, and beating everyone in a 6-foot radius of him with his wagging tail. Enthusiastic and excited. Two perfect descriptors for our crazy, 90-lb black Lab. And, apparently, college football head coaches in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Also, I have decidedly come to the conclusion that Splenda is disgusting. Seriously – I’m trying to choke down a container of light yogurt made my Rainbow’s house brand – and I’m thoroughly disgusted. I cannot stand the artificial taste. Other products don’t usually bother me this badly – I can always taste a fake sweetener, but it usually doesn’t turn me off enough where I can’t even eat it. I’m going to have to lick the wall of my cubicle just to get the taste out of my mouth. Chairman Bob must have been delusional the day he guaranteed the quality of this junk. Into the garbage it goes.
That’s all I’ve got for today. More ranting at a later date. Stay tuned.
Also, I have decidedly come to the conclusion that Splenda is disgusting. Seriously – I’m trying to choke down a container of light yogurt made my Rainbow’s house brand – and I’m thoroughly disgusted. I cannot stand the artificial taste. Other products don’t usually bother me this badly – I can always taste a fake sweetener, but it usually doesn’t turn me off enough where I can’t even eat it. I’m going to have to lick the wall of my cubicle just to get the taste out of my mouth. Chairman Bob must have been delusional the day he guaranteed the quality of this junk. Into the garbage it goes.
That’s all I’ve got for today. More ranting at a later date. Stay tuned.
Down the only road I've ever known.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Here I go, again. But definitely not on my own. So when the 12-week Healthy Loser challenge ended, I had very high hopes that I would take away with me all the tools, advice, knowledge and motivation to continue my weight loss efforts all on my own.
Then I hit the proverbial brick wall.
The challenge ended 3 weeks ago, and I have managed to maintain my weight loss - well, actually, I guess I did gain back almost 1 pound. Which would be all fine and grand, IF I was at a weight that I was happy with and wanted to be at for the long run. But I am not. And I am not alone. A few of my "loser" friends were struggling, as well, so we decided to give it another go. This time, a 10-week challenge, and we already have 15-20 people joining in. I'm going to aim for a 1.5 lb. loss each week for another 15 lbs. gone. Wish me luck!!
Then I hit the proverbial brick wall.
The challenge ended 3 weeks ago, and I have managed to maintain my weight loss - well, actually, I guess I did gain back almost 1 pound. Which would be all fine and grand, IF I was at a weight that I was happy with and wanted to be at for the long run. But I am not. And I am not alone. A few of my "loser" friends were struggling, as well, so we decided to give it another go. This time, a 10-week challenge, and we already have 15-20 people joining in. I'm going to aim for a 1.5 lb. loss each week for another 15 lbs. gone. Wish me luck!!
A smattering of this, a smattering of that.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
We (meaning the collective whole working society of associates at my company) have worked in our current building since construction was complete in May of 2001. I think I’ve mentioned before the delightful and technologically advanced Remcor Ice Dispensing/Water Systems located in our vending areas. Today is a happy day. And here’s why: It has taken me since May of 2001 to perfect the technique of obtaining EXACTLY the smattering of ice I want in my glass. You see – you have to flip the switches for ice and water (on or off – it’s very complex,) then push the button (which they’ve now covered with a handy little plastic cover – to ward off… I haven’t a clue) to dispense aforementioned ice and/or water. I need an exactly perfect ratio of ice to water – or my whole day is shot right down the shitter. I’ve finally figured out that it takes just the right technique and gentle push – and immediate release of the button with BOTH the ice switch and water switch in the on position to get just a smidgeon of ice. THEN you turn off the ice button and continue filling up the glass with water. All these years, I was wasting precious time ineffectually dispensing the ice only – then flipping the ice button off, and the water button on. It was not a mutually healthy relationship. I was always slightly frustrated and disappointed with the high volume of ice dispensed in my glass with a mere one push of the button. And the machine was frustrated with… well, nothing. It’s a machine. And I could never just pour out a little bit of crushy ice, and leave the right amount remaining in my glass. I’m sure you all know the temperamental attitude of ice. Once you start tipping the glass – you just never know what’s going to happen. Is it all going to come plummeting into your nose (or sink, as the case may be) or is it going to be stubborn and stay put at the bottom of the glass? Oh – it’s a guessing game, to be sure. Perhaps you question the importance of my obsession. But have you ever tried to drink water through a straw that is just too darn cold, or not nearly cold enough? Not enjoyable at all, thank you very much. I can only hope that the Greendale Home for the Insanely Obsessive-Compulsive has the same ice dispensing systems.
And, in other news… well, there really is no other news. Patrick left before dinner last night for “softball practice” or some other such excuse for a bunch of friends/husbands/fathers to get together and gossip. Sounds suspiciously like “book club” to me – without the snacks. So it was just me and the girls, and our tuna melt sandwiches. At some point, Josie looked out the window and across the street, and saw our neighbor out with her little boy, cleaning up their yard. She insisted that we needed to go say “hi.” So after we finished and I cleaned up the kitchen, we put on shoes… and DID NOT PUT ON COATS THANK YOU VERY MUCH! and headed out the front door. We introduced ourselves to our neighbors whom we’ve seen for the past however many years, but had not officially met. It was nice. And I mention all this mainly for the reason that it was groundbreaking to see Josie immediately start playing and talking to this little boy, who will be turning 3 this summer. They even took off together into the backyard to play in their sandbox – without asking first, but that’s beside the point. I was delighted since Jo usually has herself firmly attached to my leg when we first meet anyone… even family members and friends she sees all the time. And it was refreshing to meet another family choosing to live in our neighborhood – which didn’t own a pit bull, or have a booming subwoofer in their trunk, or live in their house with 5 other families.
Josie has started to keep track of Mommy and Daddy’s comings and goings. She always tells us “good luck” as we leave the house, and if one of us isn’t home when they go to bed, she asks if we “had fun with our friends” when she gets up in the morning. The other night Pat was leaving to go to a bar with friends to watch the Wild for one of the playoff games that wasn’t televised on a local channel. Side note – this is the time of year when it is especially painful for him to not have cable. Anyway – he was preparing to leave, and Jo asked me where he was going. Upon hearing the answer, she stomped her foot, raised her hands up in frustration, and said, “AGAIN??!"
I can’t recall if I’ve talked about Henry from daycare – and Eve’s little crush. She’s not quite as infatuated as she used to be – she would ask all weekend long for “Enry,” and would stare longingly at a picture on our fridge of all the daycare kids together. I asked Daycare Betty about the two of them – only to hear that Henry wasn’t always all that nice to Evie. And I’m sure that she isn’t always all that nice to him, either – but Betty was too nice to say so. But she loves him anyway – and now, he has a little brother, Baby Joe, who has started coming to daycare, too. This development has been the highlight of Josie’s week – as she is especially deeply embedded in her baby fascination right now. Betty says she hardly lets that baby leave her sight from the time he’s dropped off in the morning until they leave. She couldn’t wait to tell us that “Henry had a baby!” and show us Baby Joe when we picked her up Monday night, and asks Betty each morning if Henry and “his baby” will be coming today.
We’ve started taking the girls to some community education swimming lessons on Saturday mornings. Or, as I like to call them - Bounce-Around-In-Frigid-Water-and-Watch-Your-Fingers-Fall-Off lessons. Let me tell you, the water is cold. And this is the first time we’ve had Eve in any lessons, or in a pool, as a matter of fact. Needless to say, she was not amused. First, you sit on the edge of the pool with the kids, and splash water on their legs and arms to get them used to it. Eve was shocked and dismayed that we would do such a thing to her, and repeatedly yelled out, “NO – STOP! STOP!” And it didn’t really get much better once we were actually in the water with them – Eve told us a couple of times that she was “all done” – until they finally brought out some bribes, or toys, and she got a ball to play with. Then she warmed up a bit to this water nonsense. Hopefully this week will be a little easier since she’ll know what’s in store when we see the pool. Jo, on the other hand, loves every minute of it, and doesn’t want to wait for class to start to get in, and definitely doesn’t want to get out. And, look at me, I’m actually getting in a swimsuit, in front of strangers. I’m definitely not going to be gracing the cover of any magazines any time soon, but it’s not nearly quite as scary as it used to be.
And, in other news… well, there really is no other news. Patrick left before dinner last night for “softball practice” or some other such excuse for a bunch of friends/husbands/fathers to get together and gossip. Sounds suspiciously like “book club” to me – without the snacks. So it was just me and the girls, and our tuna melt sandwiches. At some point, Josie looked out the window and across the street, and saw our neighbor out with her little boy, cleaning up their yard. She insisted that we needed to go say “hi.” So after we finished and I cleaned up the kitchen, we put on shoes… and DID NOT PUT ON COATS THANK YOU VERY MUCH! and headed out the front door. We introduced ourselves to our neighbors whom we’ve seen for the past however many years, but had not officially met. It was nice. And I mention all this mainly for the reason that it was groundbreaking to see Josie immediately start playing and talking to this little boy, who will be turning 3 this summer. They even took off together into the backyard to play in their sandbox – without asking first, but that’s beside the point. I was delighted since Jo usually has herself firmly attached to my leg when we first meet anyone… even family members and friends she sees all the time. And it was refreshing to meet another family choosing to live in our neighborhood – which didn’t own a pit bull, or have a booming subwoofer in their trunk, or live in their house with 5 other families.
Josie has started to keep track of Mommy and Daddy’s comings and goings. She always tells us “good luck” as we leave the house, and if one of us isn’t home when they go to bed, she asks if we “had fun with our friends” when she gets up in the morning. The other night Pat was leaving to go to a bar with friends to watch the Wild for one of the playoff games that wasn’t televised on a local channel. Side note – this is the time of year when it is especially painful for him to not have cable. Anyway – he was preparing to leave, and Jo asked me where he was going. Upon hearing the answer, she stomped her foot, raised her hands up in frustration, and said, “AGAIN??!"
I can’t recall if I’ve talked about Henry from daycare – and Eve’s little crush. She’s not quite as infatuated as she used to be – she would ask all weekend long for “Enry,” and would stare longingly at a picture on our fridge of all the daycare kids together. I asked Daycare Betty about the two of them – only to hear that Henry wasn’t always all that nice to Evie. And I’m sure that she isn’t always all that nice to him, either – but Betty was too nice to say so. But she loves him anyway – and now, he has a little brother, Baby Joe, who has started coming to daycare, too. This development has been the highlight of Josie’s week – as she is especially deeply embedded in her baby fascination right now. Betty says she hardly lets that baby leave her sight from the time he’s dropped off in the morning until they leave. She couldn’t wait to tell us that “Henry had a baby!” and show us Baby Joe when we picked her up Monday night, and asks Betty each morning if Henry and “his baby” will be coming today.
We’ve started taking the girls to some community education swimming lessons on Saturday mornings. Or, as I like to call them - Bounce-Around-In-Frigid-Water-and-Watch-Your-Fingers-Fall-Off lessons. Let me tell you, the water is cold. And this is the first time we’ve had Eve in any lessons, or in a pool, as a matter of fact. Needless to say, she was not amused. First, you sit on the edge of the pool with the kids, and splash water on their legs and arms to get them used to it. Eve was shocked and dismayed that we would do such a thing to her, and repeatedly yelled out, “NO – STOP! STOP!” And it didn’t really get much better once we were actually in the water with them – Eve told us a couple of times that she was “all done” – until they finally brought out some bribes, or toys, and she got a ball to play with. Then she warmed up a bit to this water nonsense. Hopefully this week will be a little easier since she’ll know what’s in store when we see the pool. Jo, on the other hand, loves every minute of it, and doesn’t want to wait for class to start to get in, and definitely doesn’t want to get out. And, look at me, I’m actually getting in a swimsuit, in front of strangers. I’m definitely not going to be gracing the cover of any magazines any time soon, but it’s not nearly quite as scary as it used to be.
I think it's past my bedtime.
Monday, April 14, 2008
As I begin this post - it's 9:11 pm. I often look at the clock at precisely 9:11 - and it always freaks me out a little bit. Is that odd? It's not like I've noticed consistently looking at the clock at like 4:27, or something. Maybe I do, and 9:11 just has such a different connotation now, that I can't help but notice. Little bit sad.
Eve is still ranting in her crib, and no doubt, Josie is in there shushing her until her little lips are ready to fall off. Insane? Yes. Over-tired? Yes. Am I going to do anything about it? NO. Oh - now here we go with the "Daddy!? Where are you?" cheer. I think it's going to be a long night.
Conversations during the bedtime ritual tonight:
Josie: "Daddy, Mommy - I can't find my book. My favorite book. The puppy book. The little puppy book, you know with the puppies..." (looks in her bookshelf, to no avail.) "It's my favorite book. You know - it has the two - no, three puppies." (now is working on holding up three fingers to really drive home her point.) "It used to be right here." (sitting on the floor, forlornly staring at the spot in her bookshelf where the book apparently used to be.) "It was my favorite book."
Me and/or Pat, I don't remember which: "We'll look for the book another night. Let's pick a different book tonight."
Josie: "Well. We can read this book. It's my favorite! Oh - and the puppy book. With the two - no, three, puppies. You know. My favorite."
We had now moved into the singing portion of the bedtime ritual. I was snuggling in the rocker with Josie while Pat was holding Eve. (This was after Eve announced that Josie and I should get out of the chair so that she and Daddy could sit there - not in so many words, but that was the point.)
Josie: "Mommy. Lookit."
Me: "What? Look at what?"
Josie: pulling up her pajama bottoms, which kept scooting down, revealing her adorable little plumber's butt. "My butt keeps looking at us!"
Ah. There. Ignoring them worked - I hear the blissful sounds of nothing. Lazy parenting. Gotta love it.
I'm itching to change up the template on my blog, again. So be patient with me during the next couple of days if I decide to play around with it a little bit. I know kinda what I want - but am having trouble finding it, or figuring out how I can make it happen. And it doesn't help that I don't know much about anything html-y or css-y code-speak or whatever it is you would need to know to do anything yourself.
I'm done. Good night. More later.
Eve is still ranting in her crib, and no doubt, Josie is in there shushing her until her little lips are ready to fall off. Insane? Yes. Over-tired? Yes. Am I going to do anything about it? NO. Oh - now here we go with the "Daddy!? Where are you?" cheer. I think it's going to be a long night.
Conversations during the bedtime ritual tonight:
Josie: "Daddy, Mommy - I can't find my book. My favorite book. The puppy book. The little puppy book, you know with the puppies..." (looks in her bookshelf, to no avail.) "It's my favorite book. You know - it has the two - no, three puppies." (now is working on holding up three fingers to really drive home her point.) "It used to be right here." (sitting on the floor, forlornly staring at the spot in her bookshelf where the book apparently used to be.) "It was my favorite book."
Me and/or Pat, I don't remember which: "We'll look for the book another night. Let's pick a different book tonight."
Josie: "Well. We can read this book. It's my favorite! Oh - and the puppy book. With the two - no, three, puppies. You know. My favorite."
We had now moved into the singing portion of the bedtime ritual. I was snuggling in the rocker with Josie while Pat was holding Eve. (This was after Eve announced that Josie and I should get out of the chair so that she and Daddy could sit there - not in so many words, but that was the point.)
Josie: "Mommy. Lookit."
Me: "What? Look at what?"
Josie: pulling up her pajama bottoms, which kept scooting down, revealing her adorable little plumber's butt. "My butt keeps looking at us!"
Ah. There. Ignoring them worked - I hear the blissful sounds of nothing. Lazy parenting. Gotta love it.
I'm itching to change up the template on my blog, again. So be patient with me during the next couple of days if I decide to play around with it a little bit. I know kinda what I want - but am having trouble finding it, or figuring out how I can make it happen. And it doesn't help that I don't know much about anything html-y or css-y code-speak or whatever it is you would need to know to do anything yourself.
I'm done. Good night. More later.
Sounds of Silence
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The quiet is deafening. Pat just took the girls out to run a couple of errands. Much to Eve's dismay, I'm sure, as she discovers that they are not going to the park.
The laundry is not folding itself, as I was so hoping it would.
We celebrated Grandma Dianne's birthday yesterday by having dinner at Cosetta's, then going back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to play outside and have cake and ice cream. By the way - Patrick makes a mean spice cake. Topped with Grandma Daly's cream cheese frosting, which adds inches to your backside just by being in the same room with it. Josie always starts to chatter away just a bit before we are getting ready to head out. Last night, she was asking Auntie Sara when she was going to come to our house, as she always does. As an added enticement, she told Brian and Sara that if they came to our house, "we have lots of vacuums." So remember that - if you're coming to our house, be prepared to do some spring cleaning.
Josie's getting ready to exercise, while wearing Mommy's shoes.
So serious.
Caught Eve doing... whatever this is... to her play vacuum cleaner this morning. I don't even know what to say.
Alright. The quiet is getting a little eerie. I'm going to go fold those clothes and turn on the radio. I used to really dislike Sundays. But lately, Sunday and I have developed a nice little relationship. She's not nearly as annoying as I used to find her. We've made peace with one another. Perhaps it's the fact that she allows me to nap on occasion. That will certainly move you up a notch in my book.
The laundry is not folding itself, as I was so hoping it would.
We celebrated Grandma Dianne's birthday yesterday by having dinner at Cosetta's, then going back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to play outside and have cake and ice cream. By the way - Patrick makes a mean spice cake. Topped with Grandma Daly's cream cheese frosting, which adds inches to your backside just by being in the same room with it. Josie always starts to chatter away just a bit before we are getting ready to head out. Last night, she was asking Auntie Sara when she was going to come to our house, as she always does. As an added enticement, she told Brian and Sara that if they came to our house, "we have lots of vacuums." So remember that - if you're coming to our house, be prepared to do some spring cleaning.
Josie's getting ready to exercise, while wearing Mommy's shoes.
So serious.
Caught Eve doing... whatever this is... to her play vacuum cleaner this morning. I don't even know what to say.
Alright. The quiet is getting a little eerie. I'm going to go fold those clothes and turn on the radio. I used to really dislike Sundays. But lately, Sunday and I have developed a nice little relationship. She's not nearly as annoying as I used to find her. We've made peace with one another. Perhaps it's the fact that she allows me to nap on occasion. That will certainly move you up a notch in my book.
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