Wait don't answer that. Here's another Jo-ism...
I'm not sure why... but Josie never wants me to sing - other than during the nightly bedtime ritual, of course. I start a little diddy - and then soon I hear "Shh, Mommy." Or, my favorite, "Mommy. Enough."
But SHE can go around singing all she wants. :) I wish I would have had something handy to record with the other night - we had just finished dinner and Brewster was doing his usual scavenging around the table and chairs looking for any bit of food he could find (because you know, we never feed him) and somehow he ended up with a single grain of rice on his head. Josie found this particularly hilarious - and not too long after I left the kitchen and heard her singing a lovely rendition of "Brewster Rice-Head, Brewster Rice-Head..." If you haven't had the privilege to hear it, it's quite stirring.
Where did "3" go?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Josie Update:
1... 2... FOUR! Jo is counting everything. And no number 3. Ever. And even if it's blatantly obvious that there are, like, 99 of something... it's still 1, 2, 4!
And everything is "Watch THIS!" Then she runs down the entire length of the sidewalk in the morning going "whoooooaooaooaooaooaooaoo" the whole way. Or sticks her tongue out. Or gives a little kick. Or sticks her finger in the hole in the middle of an alphabet magnet. Or closes her eyes, but leaves them open just a tiny bit so she thinks she's being tricky and fooling us into thinking that she's sleeping, but watching us the whole time.
And if you say her name in an inquiring manner, she responds with "WHAT?" in a somewhat irritated tone.
And if you groan or complain or make an exclamation - she's dying to know "what, Daddy?"
And she is oh, so sensitive to everyone's emotions. Quick to give a hug or kiss if someone needs one, and quick with the tears if she's scolded. Or not allowed to have fruit snacks right before dinner.
And her imagination is taking off in full form. If you haven't been witness to the "wolf" story - let me highlight it here: We went to the Minnesota Zoo a few weeks ago. After that - she started to spin this yarn about the wolves we saw. If you asked her what she saw at the zoo, she's say "wolf." Then she started to hold up her finger and say "Wolf BITE me!" (Which it most certainly did NOT.) Then it progressed into this tale about how she'd given the wolf a time out, and told it "Bad Wolf!" and "Go away, Wolf!" and "naughty Wolf, no bite!" And I think last weekend she was even telling the same story, but it was Emily at daycare who bit her on the finger, not the wolf. (Which also did not happen.)
And we find her babies napping all over the house, and are told repeatedly to "shhhh, Baby sleeping!" if we talk too loudly.
And if she doesn't really care to do something, we are told that that something is gone. Josie - do you need to go potty? No - potty gone. Josie - let's brush your teeth. No- toothbrush all gone.
And her bedtime rituals continue to expand. Hugs and kisses to those not venturing to her room with her. SHE has to close the door to her room. Pick out books. Perhaps play with dolls for a bit. Read "a couple" of books. (Which in reality is probably between 8 and 10.) And she may have to then "read" them. Perhaps a potty break. And more books. And then maybe a drink of water. Finish off a couple of books - then it's time for lights out and songs. And you prepare to say goodnight, and she asks in a sweet little voice, "more songs?" To which of course you have to oblige. The whole ritual can take - well, longer than happy to admit. But I figure that this won't go on forever, so we're going to enjoy it while it does.
Eve Update:
She's so close to walking. She'll turn away from whatever she's standing holding onto, and will almost take that step, but drops to her bottom instead. And she likes to "stand" on her head. Just hangs out. Head on the floor, butt in the air, looking around. Goofball.
She busted through a couple more big teeth - uppers, molars, I guess.
She's beside herself with excitement in the morning. Such a morning girl - she cracks us up, which helps in the morning when we're not quite as excited about being up. It's like she's been separated from us for SO long... and just can't stand it.
She loves to pull Josie's hair. She still doesn't have much of her own, so I suppose it's fascinating to her. And she follows Jo wherever she goes. And tries to do whatever she does. Which is awesome to watch. I'm sure Jo will tire of it soon - but for now I'm going to soak it up.
She's still terrified of strangers. Just don't look directly at her, and it will be fine. Or make a move in her direction. Or say anything to her. Or touch her. :)
I think I mentioned that she's saying "uh oh." And I swear she says "this." And of course, "da da" and "ma ma." They were both pretending to talk on the phone the other day at the same time. We're in so much trouble. :)
Man. I love those kids. *sigh*
1... 2... FOUR! Jo is counting everything. And no number 3. Ever. And even if it's blatantly obvious that there are, like, 99 of something... it's still 1, 2, 4!
And everything is "Watch THIS!" Then she runs down the entire length of the sidewalk in the morning going "whoooooaooaooaooaooaooaoo" the whole way. Or sticks her tongue out. Or gives a little kick. Or sticks her finger in the hole in the middle of an alphabet magnet. Or closes her eyes, but leaves them open just a tiny bit so she thinks she's being tricky and fooling us into thinking that she's sleeping, but watching us the whole time.
And if you say her name in an inquiring manner, she responds with "WHAT?" in a somewhat irritated tone.
And if you groan or complain or make an exclamation - she's dying to know "what, Daddy?"
And she is oh, so sensitive to everyone's emotions. Quick to give a hug or kiss if someone needs one, and quick with the tears if she's scolded. Or not allowed to have fruit snacks right before dinner.
And her imagination is taking off in full form. If you haven't been witness to the "wolf" story - let me highlight it here: We went to the Minnesota Zoo a few weeks ago. After that - she started to spin this yarn about the wolves we saw. If you asked her what she saw at the zoo, she's say "wolf." Then she started to hold up her finger and say "Wolf BITE me!" (Which it most certainly did NOT.) Then it progressed into this tale about how she'd given the wolf a time out, and told it "Bad Wolf!" and "Go away, Wolf!" and "naughty Wolf, no bite!" And I think last weekend she was even telling the same story, but it was Emily at daycare who bit her on the finger, not the wolf. (Which also did not happen.)
And we find her babies napping all over the house, and are told repeatedly to "shhhh, Baby sleeping!" if we talk too loudly.
And if she doesn't really care to do something, we are told that that something is gone. Josie - do you need to go potty? No - potty gone. Josie - let's brush your teeth. No- toothbrush all gone.
And her bedtime rituals continue to expand. Hugs and kisses to those not venturing to her room with her. SHE has to close the door to her room. Pick out books. Perhaps play with dolls for a bit. Read "a couple" of books. (Which in reality is probably between 8 and 10.) And she may have to then "read" them. Perhaps a potty break. And more books. And then maybe a drink of water. Finish off a couple of books - then it's time for lights out and songs. And you prepare to say goodnight, and she asks in a sweet little voice, "more songs?" To which of course you have to oblige. The whole ritual can take - well, longer than happy to admit. But I figure that this won't go on forever, so we're going to enjoy it while it does.
Eve Update:
She's so close to walking. She'll turn away from whatever she's standing holding onto, and will almost take that step, but drops to her bottom instead. And she likes to "stand" on her head. Just hangs out. Head on the floor, butt in the air, looking around. Goofball.
She busted through a couple more big teeth - uppers, molars, I guess.
She's beside herself with excitement in the morning. Such a morning girl - she cracks us up, which helps in the morning when we're not quite as excited about being up. It's like she's been separated from us for SO long... and just can't stand it.
She loves to pull Josie's hair. She still doesn't have much of her own, so I suppose it's fascinating to her. And she follows Jo wherever she goes. And tries to do whatever she does. Which is awesome to watch. I'm sure Jo will tire of it soon - but for now I'm going to soak it up.
She's still terrified of strangers. Just don't look directly at her, and it will be fine. Or make a move in her direction. Or say anything to her. Or touch her. :)
I think I mentioned that she's saying "uh oh." And I swear she says "this." And of course, "da da" and "ma ma." They were both pretending to talk on the phone the other day at the same time. We're in so much trouble. :)
Man. I love those kids. *sigh*
74 lbs. of Boomity Boom
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Holy Wa!
Charlotte's a fun town. I highly recommend that you give it a whirl sometime. Bars, restaurants and down-right friendly folk a-plenty overflow into the very clean, very entertaining Uptown (which is actually the Downtown) district. I'm fixin' to go back sometime, y'all. There's just something about the South that is very appealing - it's an attitude, or an outlook on life, I don't know - they're just not rushed or worried or stressed about much of anything. Hotter than he-awll (that's Tennessee speak for "hell", that's right, 2 syllables) but it is here, too - so what the hey!
AACTfest '07 has come and gone, and Escanaba got screwed. It was the only comedy of the 12 shows there, and unfortunately, the 3 adjudicators were musical theater freaks. (No offense, Meg. But they are a strange crew, don't you have to admit?!) They did win the award for best sound design (awesome sound effects, including the most amazing fart I've ever heard, and I'm married to Pat!), and that was the only acknowledgement they received - oh, wait, they did get some runner-up award for backstage congeniality or something like that. Sure, I'm biased, but their show kicked ass, and everyone knew it. All week those who were in the theater on Wednesday night to see the performance kept telling the cast and crew that they'd be one of the top plays, for sure. And after getting the shaft, everyone was scratching their heads as to what the heck happened. There really should be different categories in the judging, comedies / dramas vs. musicals. Don't get me wrong - I love a good musical. But they are so different in so many aspects, I don't quite understand how they can be judged on the same criteria. And a great comedy is so hard to pull off - and they did it spectacularly. We actually witnessed people slapping their knees and doubled over with laughter. *Humph* But they made it to the national competition, and put on an amazing show, and had fun all the while. And I guess that's what counts. What an honor it was to watch my brother on stage, leading the laughs with amazing comedic timing. He got the shaft, too, for best actor - not even a nomination. Frickin' musicals. It's not ACTING, and that's all I have to say about that, before I get myself into trouble. :)
To the cast and crew of Escanaba in da Moonlight - thanks for an amazing experience. You are wonderfully creative, funny and talented people, and I can't thank you enough for welcoming us into the "Yooper" crew with such open arms. I hope you all enjoyed the Woo-Woos as much as Marie did! :)
So now I find myself back, at work, at home, drowning in piles of dirty laundry and work to catch up on. But it was worth every minute. Only 4 nights away from home - and my girls decided to grow up! Well, not really, but now Eve is throwing around "Uh-uh Oh"s and Josie is just - so big! It sounds like they had a splendiferous time and every minute was packed with some kind of fun. Thank you, Daddy Pat... you're kind of nice. I think I'll keep ya.
Charlotte's a fun town. I highly recommend that you give it a whirl sometime. Bars, restaurants and down-right friendly folk a-plenty overflow into the very clean, very entertaining Uptown (which is actually the Downtown) district. I'm fixin' to go back sometime, y'all. There's just something about the South that is very appealing - it's an attitude, or an outlook on life, I don't know - they're just not rushed or worried or stressed about much of anything. Hotter than he-awll (that's Tennessee speak for "hell", that's right, 2 syllables) but it is here, too - so what the hey!
AACTfest '07 has come and gone, and Escanaba got screwed. It was the only comedy of the 12 shows there, and unfortunately, the 3 adjudicators were musical theater freaks. (No offense, Meg. But they are a strange crew, don't you have to admit?!) They did win the award for best sound design (awesome sound effects, including the most amazing fart I've ever heard, and I'm married to Pat!), and that was the only acknowledgement they received - oh, wait, they did get some runner-up award for backstage congeniality or something like that. Sure, I'm biased, but their show kicked ass, and everyone knew it. All week those who were in the theater on Wednesday night to see the performance kept telling the cast and crew that they'd be one of the top plays, for sure. And after getting the shaft, everyone was scratching their heads as to what the heck happened. There really should be different categories in the judging, comedies / dramas vs. musicals. Don't get me wrong - I love a good musical. But they are so different in so many aspects, I don't quite understand how they can be judged on the same criteria. And a great comedy is so hard to pull off - and they did it spectacularly. We actually witnessed people slapping their knees and doubled over with laughter. *Humph* But they made it to the national competition, and put on an amazing show, and had fun all the while. And I guess that's what counts. What an honor it was to watch my brother on stage, leading the laughs with amazing comedic timing. He got the shaft, too, for best actor - not even a nomination. Frickin' musicals. It's not ACTING, and that's all I have to say about that, before I get myself into trouble. :)
To the cast and crew of Escanaba in da Moonlight - thanks for an amazing experience. You are wonderfully creative, funny and talented people, and I can't thank you enough for welcoming us into the "Yooper" crew with such open arms. I hope you all enjoyed the Woo-Woos as much as Marie did! :)
So now I find myself back, at work, at home, drowning in piles of dirty laundry and work to catch up on. But it was worth every minute. Only 4 nights away from home - and my girls decided to grow up! Well, not really, but now Eve is throwing around "Uh-uh Oh"s and Josie is just - so big! It sounds like they had a splendiferous time and every minute was packed with some kind of fun. Thank you, Daddy Pat... you're kind of nice. I think I'll keep ya.
SSSSweet!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Josie has been really good about using the potty for the last couple of days. And yesterday when we picked her up from Betty's, we got the wonderful report that she had finally asked to use the potty chair, AND actually went on it - ALL DAY. AND last night, she tinkled before bed... AND when she got up this morning, she used the potty AGAIN and peed so much I checked her diaper - AND it was stinkin' DRY. I am frickin' beside myself. Who is this big girl???!
AND... Eve is finally saying "mama." We've been hearing "dada" for quite some time now, so I'm pretty tickled. AND she's starting to stand while not holding on to anything. AND last night she was pretending to talk into the phone. AND a couple of days ago she was sitting on Josie's ride-on toy, and was actually using her feet to push it. Who is this big girl???!
I don't know if I can take much more! :)
AND... Eve is finally saying "mama." We've been hearing "dada" for quite some time now, so I'm pretty tickled. AND she's starting to stand while not holding on to anything. AND last night she was pretending to talk into the phone. AND a couple of days ago she was sitting on Josie's ride-on toy, and was actually using her feet to push it. Who is this big girl???!
I don't know if I can take much more! :)
Newsflash: "Relaxing" Weekends a Thing of the Past...
Monday, June 11, 2007
So you say "have a nice weekend!" to your co-workers on Friday afternoon (or Thursday, as the case may be) and head out the door while looking ahead to a whole weekend to revamp, recoup and recover from a long week at work. Yeah, right! If someone had only told me 5 years ago to stop for a moment and ENJOY long, quiet, self-centered weekends... well, who am I kidding, I probably wouldn't have believed them. But my point - it's pretty sad when heading back to work on Monday morning is a chance to recover from the craziness that now defines our weekends. I swear I'm more exhausted after a weekend at home than a week at work! The laundry, the cleaning, the shopping, the cooking, the playing, the mopping. To all you moms and dads out there - a big fat kudos. You are all some kind of special, because It. Never. Ends. and I. Don't. Know. How. You. Do. It.
Can you tell I need a break? And a break I shall receive... in exactly 9 days. Off to Charlotte with my sis to take in the AACT (American Association of Community Theater - I'm assuming?) National Festival where my brother and his Drama Center will be performing. Yahoo! I'm so excited I could... I don't even know. I'm just beside myself with giddiness.
Don't get me wrong. Spending quality time at home with my fam means more to me than anything in the whole wide world. But I don't have any evening activities to get me out of the house, and golly, haven't been on an actual vacation since before Josie was born. Of course, those are the choices that I make... but I'm feeling a little burned-out, nonetheless. Anyhoo. Enough of that.
To recap our weekend... yeah - it was good. How's that for boring? Back on track with the Gronaus-sans-Joel on Fridays for some playdate action. It's awesome to be able to be outside now - and Josie was especially thrilled with the new slide/climby thingie in Lucy's backyard. And we had our first "dance class"... and she paid attention for about, oh - 5 minutes? :) But it went better than I expected (from Josie, I mean, not Meg and/or Lucy, who both performed marvelously and were very well behaved! :) :) :) ) and I think it will be awfully fun as the weeks progress.
The bobblehead craze has begun again for another season. If you don't know already - we have a collection of all of the bobbleheads the Twins have given away since they started up again - oh, what, 6 years ago, or so, maybe it's longer than that, I don't know. But what I do know is this - we're giant nerds. But now that we have all of them, we can't stop. As much as I would LOVE to, we just can't. So the first BH game of the season was on Saturday night. (Joe Mauer. He only has one sideburn, and it kind of bugs me. The bobblehead, not the real Joe. But anyway.) Pat went to the 'Dome around 1:00 or so on Saturday afternoon to secure our spot in line, and I brought the girlies after they woke up from naps, just in time for the doors opening at 4:00. And we actually were able to stay for the dreaded 2 hour wait until game-time, and made it until around 7:30. Of course, hot dogs and malt cups help, but both girls did pretty well. Eve didn't start to melt-down until she got scolded for grabbing the beer out of the cupholder on the back of my seat, then she decided she'd had enough and it was time to go home. She is her daddy's daughter, after all. Take away his beer, and it's all over. :)
Yesterday was a whirlwind of yardwork, housework, laundry (in which I barely made a dent. grrr.) and a Target / Walmart trip AND a grocery shopping trip. Yadda yadda yadda. I'm really tired this morning.
OH! But happy day - we have central air. I now am officially a believer that it is installed, and more importantly, functional. A dishwasher and central air all in one year? What's next - an attached garage?? Naw.... that's just silly. :)
Can you tell I need a break? And a break I shall receive... in exactly 9 days. Off to Charlotte with my sis to take in the AACT (American Association of Community Theater - I'm assuming?) National Festival where my brother and his Drama Center will be performing. Yahoo! I'm so excited I could... I don't even know. I'm just beside myself with giddiness.
Don't get me wrong. Spending quality time at home with my fam means more to me than anything in the whole wide world. But I don't have any evening activities to get me out of the house, and golly, haven't been on an actual vacation since before Josie was born. Of course, those are the choices that I make... but I'm feeling a little burned-out, nonetheless. Anyhoo. Enough of that.
To recap our weekend... yeah - it was good. How's that for boring? Back on track with the Gronaus-sans-Joel on Fridays for some playdate action. It's awesome to be able to be outside now - and Josie was especially thrilled with the new slide/climby thingie in Lucy's backyard. And we had our first "dance class"... and she paid attention for about, oh - 5 minutes? :) But it went better than I expected (from Josie, I mean, not Meg and/or Lucy, who both performed marvelously and were very well behaved! :) :) :) ) and I think it will be awfully fun as the weeks progress.
The bobblehead craze has begun again for another season. If you don't know already - we have a collection of all of the bobbleheads the Twins have given away since they started up again - oh, what, 6 years ago, or so, maybe it's longer than that, I don't know. But what I do know is this - we're giant nerds. But now that we have all of them, we can't stop. As much as I would LOVE to, we just can't. So the first BH game of the season was on Saturday night. (Joe Mauer. He only has one sideburn, and it kind of bugs me. The bobblehead, not the real Joe. But anyway.) Pat went to the 'Dome around 1:00 or so on Saturday afternoon to secure our spot in line, and I brought the girlies after they woke up from naps, just in time for the doors opening at 4:00. And we actually were able to stay for the dreaded 2 hour wait until game-time, and made it until around 7:30. Of course, hot dogs and malt cups help, but both girls did pretty well. Eve didn't start to melt-down until she got scolded for grabbing the beer out of the cupholder on the back of my seat, then she decided she'd had enough and it was time to go home. She is her daddy's daughter, after all. Take away his beer, and it's all over. :)
Yesterday was a whirlwind of yardwork, housework, laundry (in which I barely made a dent. grrr.) and a Target / Walmart trip AND a grocery shopping trip. Yadda yadda yadda. I'm really tired this morning.
OH! But happy day - we have central air. I now am officially a believer that it is installed, and more importantly, functional. A dishwasher and central air all in one year? What's next - an attached garage?? Naw.... that's just silly. :)
I don't have a square to spare
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Summer is here. Yahoo! Dressing the girls for summer is much easier than tackling layers of clothing. Here's a recap of the last couple of weeks in our house:
We had an awesome Memorial Day weekend with no plans and tons of free-time to spend as a family at home. Just what the doctor ordered. Friday night I took the girls downtown to meet Pat after work for a quick dinner and then we headed over to the Children's Museum. Saturday we ordered up a Savoy and hung out with the Magnificent Mathews-3 before heading to the 'Dome on the lightrail. Jo was SO excited for her first train ride, the kids all did great at the Twins game, and we were very honored to be present for Will's first baseball experience!
After almost 6 years of being homeowners, we've decided to give yardwork a try. :) And by "we," I mean Pat. So he's been busy attempting to spend some time in the yard, which isn't easy with a 2-year-old and 10-month-old who demand a lot of time and attention. And not to mention that he's got obstacles-a-plenty to overcome as the yard is in pretty rough shape after Brewster has had his way with it and after a previous homeowner just didn't give a darn. I applaud his efforts thus far. We're not going to be gracing the cover of BHG or anything, yet, but it's progress, nonetheless!
Summer softball has started, and so Pat is spending Wednesday nights out of the house and at the softball fields. The girls and I hope to go take in a game sometime. But the effort involved with getting home from work and daycare and getting kids (any myself) fed and ready and out the door and to the game, then home again and to bed requires much more effort than I can exert by myself, unless the stars are perfectly aligned. I know I'm a wuss. I'm sure next summer will be much easier. At least, that's what I like to keep telling myself :)
Josephine's world is awfully fun right now. She's eager to get ready in the morning and help make her hair "pretty" and see what "pretty" shirt or dress I've picked out for her to wear. I'm just thankful that she's still allowing me to pick out her clothes! Then she gets dressed and shows off for Eve, and for the girls and Betty at daycare. She's still successfully using the potty most mornings and evenings at home, but hasn't actually produced any "output" at daycare yet. She tries, but nothing happens, so she must be asking to go too late. We're going to have to step it up a notch soon, she's so ready and we just haven't pushed it yet. She even empties out her potty and flushes all on her own. And - we even put some "big girl undies" on her last Saturday, with none-too-successful results. But she did feel what it was like to have wet underwear, and now talks about not having a "potty accident." So I think we're headed in the right direction. She's talking in full sentences now, and comes up with words that we didn't even know she had ever heard. Most of her sentences end in "Okay?" I didn't realize how much I say that until I noticed her using it all the time. Josie loves to color. Josie loves to run errands with Daddy. "And me, Daddy? And me?!" Josie loves to use her new lawnmower and do yardwork with us - she even helped me plant some flowers a couple of weekends ago. Josie loves her little sister - most of the time. She's always giving Eve big hugs, but sometimes they resemble head-locks and Mom or Dad has to intervene before little sister gets really angry. They're starting to play together more and more, it's so stinkin' fun to watch. Jo's imagination has really taken off - her animals have conversations with each other, she talks on the "phone" all day, and different places in our house are "the park" and "the store" and "work." She sings songs to herself and her babies, she can climb into the booster chair and her carseat on her own and is all about "me do it!" She's a shy little bugger, though, once she's around anyone who doesn't reside in her house. She was so excited for this past weekend and Eve's baptism and having a "party" at our house... then once people actually come over, she pretty much hides out until they leave, then she starts talking a blue-streak again. *sigh* I'm sure it will pass, and we'll be wondering where our shy little girl went... right, Kay?? :)
We actually heard of another little girl named "Genevieve" at the MCM the other night. I was kind of bummed - here I thought we were so original. Anyway - oh, Eve. Where to start?! She. Is. Everywhere. She crawls with this kind of stiff-left-leg maneuver - her left leg is mostly straight, I don't know - for propulsion, I guess, and it works, because she is quick! She's pulling herself up on furniture. And the dog. And our legs. I watched her move herself from standing at the coffee table to standing at the couch. She likes to be wherever her big sister is, and will pull herself up on Josie's chair at the table to see what she's doing. And Betty told me that when Josie is napping, Eve will seek her out, go into the room and sit by the pack-n-play where Josie is sleeping. If you haven't witnessed the power of Eve's lungs first-hand, then you're really missing something. She likes to put on a good show at church, as our families can attest to after her baptism yesterday. She's sleeping well - for the most part. And she's eating well - for the most part, although she does want to feed herself exclusively, which she's not *quite* ready for, although she would disagree. :) She is already 10 1/2 months old, and I can't even believe that my baby will be one in a little over a month. And to head off any silly questions... NO - we're not ready for the next one any time soon. :)
Okay. This got long. But that's what happens when I can't find time to blog anymore! My new assignment at work is busy. That's an understatement, but pretty much sums it up. I'm liking it, though... I find the chaos quite addicting. Kind of like how I like blizzards and the mayhem they cause... well, it's a constant blizzard around here. So we're treading water, trying to keep our heads above water, and whatever other water-related descriptions you can think of for being really busy. Hopefully I can post some pictures sometime. The girls have changed so much, even just in the last couple of weeks. I hope everyone is well, and enjoying the warm weather! More soon. Maybe. :)
We had an awesome Memorial Day weekend with no plans and tons of free-time to spend as a family at home. Just what the doctor ordered. Friday night I took the girls downtown to meet Pat after work for a quick dinner and then we headed over to the Children's Museum. Saturday we ordered up a Savoy and hung out with the Magnificent Mathews-3 before heading to the 'Dome on the lightrail. Jo was SO excited for her first train ride, the kids all did great at the Twins game, and we were very honored to be present for Will's first baseball experience!
After almost 6 years of being homeowners, we've decided to give yardwork a try. :) And by "we," I mean Pat. So he's been busy attempting to spend some time in the yard, which isn't easy with a 2-year-old and 10-month-old who demand a lot of time and attention. And not to mention that he's got obstacles-a-plenty to overcome as the yard is in pretty rough shape after Brewster has had his way with it and after a previous homeowner just didn't give a darn. I applaud his efforts thus far. We're not going to be gracing the cover of BHG or anything, yet, but it's progress, nonetheless!
Summer softball has started, and so Pat is spending Wednesday nights out of the house and at the softball fields. The girls and I hope to go take in a game sometime. But the effort involved with getting home from work and daycare and getting kids (any myself) fed and ready and out the door and to the game, then home again and to bed requires much more effort than I can exert by myself, unless the stars are perfectly aligned. I know I'm a wuss. I'm sure next summer will be much easier. At least, that's what I like to keep telling myself :)
Josephine's world is awfully fun right now. She's eager to get ready in the morning and help make her hair "pretty" and see what "pretty" shirt or dress I've picked out for her to wear. I'm just thankful that she's still allowing me to pick out her clothes! Then she gets dressed and shows off for Eve, and for the girls and Betty at daycare. She's still successfully using the potty most mornings and evenings at home, but hasn't actually produced any "output" at daycare yet. She tries, but nothing happens, so she must be asking to go too late. We're going to have to step it up a notch soon, she's so ready and we just haven't pushed it yet. She even empties out her potty and flushes all on her own. And - we even put some "big girl undies" on her last Saturday, with none-too-successful results. But she did feel what it was like to have wet underwear, and now talks about not having a "potty accident." So I think we're headed in the right direction. She's talking in full sentences now, and comes up with words that we didn't even know she had ever heard. Most of her sentences end in "Okay?" I didn't realize how much I say that until I noticed her using it all the time. Josie loves to color. Josie loves to run errands with Daddy. "And me, Daddy? And me?!" Josie loves to use her new lawnmower and do yardwork with us - she even helped me plant some flowers a couple of weekends ago. Josie loves her little sister - most of the time. She's always giving Eve big hugs, but sometimes they resemble head-locks and Mom or Dad has to intervene before little sister gets really angry. They're starting to play together more and more, it's so stinkin' fun to watch. Jo's imagination has really taken off - her animals have conversations with each other, she talks on the "phone" all day, and different places in our house are "the park" and "the store" and "work." She sings songs to herself and her babies, she can climb into the booster chair and her carseat on her own and is all about "me do it!" She's a shy little bugger, though, once she's around anyone who doesn't reside in her house. She was so excited for this past weekend and Eve's baptism and having a "party" at our house... then once people actually come over, she pretty much hides out until they leave, then she starts talking a blue-streak again. *sigh* I'm sure it will pass, and we'll be wondering where our shy little girl went... right, Kay?? :)
We actually heard of another little girl named "Genevieve" at the MCM the other night. I was kind of bummed - here I thought we were so original. Anyway - oh, Eve. Where to start?! She. Is. Everywhere. She crawls with this kind of stiff-left-leg maneuver - her left leg is mostly straight, I don't know - for propulsion, I guess, and it works, because she is quick! She's pulling herself up on furniture. And the dog. And our legs. I watched her move herself from standing at the coffee table to standing at the couch. She likes to be wherever her big sister is, and will pull herself up on Josie's chair at the table to see what she's doing. And Betty told me that when Josie is napping, Eve will seek her out, go into the room and sit by the pack-n-play where Josie is sleeping. If you haven't witnessed the power of Eve's lungs first-hand, then you're really missing something. She likes to put on a good show at church, as our families can attest to after her baptism yesterday. She's sleeping well - for the most part. And she's eating well - for the most part, although she does want to feed herself exclusively, which she's not *quite* ready for, although she would disagree. :) She is already 10 1/2 months old, and I can't even believe that my baby will be one in a little over a month. And to head off any silly questions... NO - we're not ready for the next one any time soon. :)
Okay. This got long. But that's what happens when I can't find time to blog anymore! My new assignment at work is busy. That's an understatement, but pretty much sums it up. I'm liking it, though... I find the chaos quite addicting. Kind of like how I like blizzards and the mayhem they cause... well, it's a constant blizzard around here. So we're treading water, trying to keep our heads above water, and whatever other water-related descriptions you can think of for being really busy. Hopefully I can post some pictures sometime. The girls have changed so much, even just in the last couple of weeks. I hope everyone is well, and enjoying the warm weather! More soon. Maybe. :)
Whoa.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Holy-long-time-no-post, Batman.
We're still here. Work, eat, sleep, finish an assignment, take a week off, go to the Children's Museum, have a girls' weekend, start a new assignment, start summer softball, celebrate Mother's Day, celebrate Grandma Janet's 88th birthday, crawl all over the house and get into everything, and play and play and play. And that's what we've been up to.
More later. :)
We're still here. Work, eat, sleep, finish an assignment, take a week off, go to the Children's Museum, have a girls' weekend, start a new assignment, start summer softball, celebrate Mother's Day, celebrate Grandma Janet's 88th birthday, crawl all over the house and get into everything, and play and play and play. And that's what we've been up to.
More later. :)
Vamanos!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
This probably isn't going to be nearly as funny to anyone who didn't witness it - which, I guess, is everyone but me... but I'm going to share anyway. :) It cracked me up all the way to daycare this morning.
We were ready to head out the door today when I realized that I was naked - and by that I mean that I forgot to put any jewelry on. So I scooted back into the house to grab a bracelet, which lives in a little drawer in a little stand in the bathroom. I was kind of kneeling / squatting in the bathroom with my back to the door trying unsuccessfully to get the bracelet fastened when I hear the flip flop of tiny sandals approaching me. Then there's a chubby little hand on my shoulder, and I turn to look at Jos and she leans in real close-like with her little head cocked to one side and says in the sweetest little condescending voice, "Betty's house, Mommy" then turns and walks back thru the kitchen and out the door.
Roughly translated - "Get your butt in gear and your act together, Mommy! I've got my raincoat on and am ready to go!"
We were ready to head out the door today when I realized that I was naked - and by that I mean that I forgot to put any jewelry on. So I scooted back into the house to grab a bracelet, which lives in a little drawer in a little stand in the bathroom. I was kind of kneeling / squatting in the bathroom with my back to the door trying unsuccessfully to get the bracelet fastened when I hear the flip flop of tiny sandals approaching me. Then there's a chubby little hand on my shoulder, and I turn to look at Jos and she leans in real close-like with her little head cocked to one side and says in the sweetest little condescending voice, "Betty's house, Mommy" then turns and walks back thru the kitchen and out the door.
Roughly translated - "Get your butt in gear and your act together, Mommy! I've got my raincoat on and am ready to go!"
A real person
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Eve turned 9 months old a couple of days ago. I was looking at her this morning while she was sitting on the floor playing, and I can't even believe she's not so much of a baby anymore... but is turning into a little... girl. Imagine that! You think this wouldn't surprise me since I've been through it once before... but it happens so darn fast.
She's starting to pull herself up on furniture and still doesn't really crawl - but manages to get herself around using a combo of rolling, scooting and pulling techniques. If there's a toy in her sights that she wants, she's going to find a way to get it. She's using those 8 teeth and has started to eat some "real" food in addition to her baby food, like mashed up pieces of fruit, mashed potatoes, fruit puffs and little chunks of bread. Josie's having a hard time dealing with the mess that Eve makes when she's eating... so that will be an adjustment we'll have to work on, because it's only going to get worse once she's feeding herself exclusively. "Oh, no, Evie... Mess!!" :) Eve isn't entirely convinced that sleeping through the night is for her, even thought I've sat down and had some very serious talks with her. Some nights she does great, and then some... not so much. One thing that I'd forgotten from when Josie was this age was the pure joy and happiness to see you that is all over her face when we go in to pick her up from her crib in the morning. Eve is so excited to see us, she can hardly contain herself. Sure makes the morning a little easier. :) She's babbling away all the time, and "dadadadada" is her favorite phrase right now. She's our vocal, determined, funny, chubby, happy little girl!
She's starting to pull herself up on furniture and still doesn't really crawl - but manages to get herself around using a combo of rolling, scooting and pulling techniques. If there's a toy in her sights that she wants, she's going to find a way to get it. She's using those 8 teeth and has started to eat some "real" food in addition to her baby food, like mashed up pieces of fruit, mashed potatoes, fruit puffs and little chunks of bread. Josie's having a hard time dealing with the mess that Eve makes when she's eating... so that will be an adjustment we'll have to work on, because it's only going to get worse once she's feeding herself exclusively. "Oh, no, Evie... Mess!!" :) Eve isn't entirely convinced that sleeping through the night is for her, even thought I've sat down and had some very serious talks with her. Some nights she does great, and then some... not so much. One thing that I'd forgotten from when Josie was this age was the pure joy and happiness to see you that is all over her face when we go in to pick her up from her crib in the morning. Eve is so excited to see us, she can hardly contain herself. Sure makes the morning a little easier. :) She's babbling away all the time, and "dadadadada" is her favorite phrase right now. She's our vocal, determined, funny, chubby, happy little girl!
Moving Forward
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Finally... Mom and Erwin just found out that he will be able to be part of a study group at the Mayo Clinic and treatments will begin next week, continuing through late May. It's been a lot of waiting, so what a relief to finally know something. Please send some positive vibes their way!
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On another note - the blog world is a crazy world. It's so fun to have more and more sites to check up on and to feel part of the lives of friends and family that you may not get to see or talk to as often as you'd like. But one of the dangers is getting caught up in checking out the links on everyone's blogs, then checking out their links, and adding to the list of sites that you'd like to keep up on! Well, I stumbled on this Nitty.Gritty. site a while ago - and have been hooked ever since. Jody is truly inspirational. Whenever I'm feeling bogged down and sorry for myself, I go check out her site. It never fails that she says something that exactly rings true to something I've been feeling or thinking about. (Meg... I hope you're astounded by a couple of her comments today, as I was - especially in light of our recent convo!) She's been through a lot, and has come out with an amazing, positive attitude. Be sure to read the link to the story about her tragedy and loss of daughter, Teagan, located on the left-hand side of the page. And for my scrapbooking friends and family - she's really into that, too. The reason I'm passing on her site today is because of a link to a Washington Post story she provided in one of her latest posts. The article about our perceptions of beauty is really cool and has made me stop and think a lot today, and I just wanted to share. I hope you enjoy her blog, and the article, too.
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On another note - the blog world is a crazy world. It's so fun to have more and more sites to check up on and to feel part of the lives of friends and family that you may not get to see or talk to as often as you'd like. But one of the dangers is getting caught up in checking out the links on everyone's blogs, then checking out their links, and adding to the list of sites that you'd like to keep up on! Well, I stumbled on this Nitty.Gritty. site a while ago - and have been hooked ever since. Jody is truly inspirational. Whenever I'm feeling bogged down and sorry for myself, I go check out her site. It never fails that she says something that exactly rings true to something I've been feeling or thinking about. (Meg... I hope you're astounded by a couple of her comments today, as I was - especially in light of our recent convo!) She's been through a lot, and has come out with an amazing, positive attitude. Be sure to read the link to the story about her tragedy and loss of daughter, Teagan, located on the left-hand side of the page. And for my scrapbooking friends and family - she's really into that, too. The reason I'm passing on her site today is because of a link to a Washington Post story she provided in one of her latest posts. The article about our perceptions of beauty is really cool and has made me stop and think a lot today, and I just wanted to share. I hope you enjoy her blog, and the article, too.
A Poo of Many Colors
Monday, April 16, 2007
We came home from work one night last week to discover that Brewster had decided, for some unknown reason, to eat some of Josie's crayons. He's never shown any interest in them before, but whatever. I've stopped trying to figure that dog out. So after 15 minutes of Josie walking around the house saying, in a very dramatic tone, "OH NO, BREWSTER!" we finally convinced her that everything was going to be okay. (Even though, technically, it wasn't - because we came home on Saturday to discover that his affinity for aforementioned crayons didn't go away. I had thrown the bits and pieces of crayons in the bathroom garbage, and he discovered them and tore the garbage apart. And he's never gone after the bathroom garbage before. *sigh*)
Anyway - maybe he was just trying to make Pat's job of picking up doggie-do a little more thrilling, because there was some very colorful poo in the yard over the weekend. I'll bet you're all wishing you had such exciting lives, huh??
And in other potty-related news, Josie decided on Friday during a playdate at Lucy's house, that she needed to go pee-pee in the potty, all morning long. I swear, between the two of them, they must have gone about 15 times. And the trend continued all weekend at home, as well, though she wasn't quite as enthusiastic without her Potty Partner-in-Crime. :)
Anyway - maybe he was just trying to make Pat's job of picking up doggie-do a little more thrilling, because there was some very colorful poo in the yard over the weekend. I'll bet you're all wishing you had such exciting lives, huh??
And in other potty-related news, Josie decided on Friday during a playdate at Lucy's house, that she needed to go pee-pee in the potty, all morning long. I swear, between the two of them, they must have gone about 15 times. And the trend continued all weekend at home, as well, though she wasn't quite as enthusiastic without her Potty Partner-in-Crime. :)
Funnies
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Here are a couple of stories that I haven't blogged about yet, but have been meaning to get down in writing.
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Picture it:
I was strolling to the car after work a couple of weeks ago. I had just walked the diagonal sidewalk through Mears Park and was about to cross the street at 5th and Wacouta when I noticed out of the corner of my eye a man, standing outside of an older model, small, red pickup parked at a meter. He appeared to be looking at some papers, trying to find an address or building. I didn't pay him any more attention, and started to cross when my light turned green. As I stepped into the street, I couldn't help but notice that the small red pickup appeared to be pulling away from the curb. I offhandedly thought that he must have gotten dropped off, and now his driver was leaving.
Except that there was no driver.
All of the sudden, the man started running along beside his pickup, trying to grab on to it and slow it down. He looked around frantically - and wasn't it just my luck, I was the only pedestrian around at that exact moment in time.
And even more lucky for me - we made eye contact.
"Ma'am! Ma'am!" he began, as he was able to get around the front of the vehicle and brace himself against it. The pickup was now at a stop diagonally across 5th street. "I left it in gear!Can you come hold my pickup while I get in??!"
I stopped in my tracks, with a dumbfounded look on my face. "Uh... why don't YOU hold your pickup - and I'LL put it in park??!" I replied, thinking that putting myself, or at least my foot and arm, INSIDE the truck long enough to put on the brake and put it in park, instead putting myself in FRONT of the truck, was the more desirable option.
"Okay... " he started to reply, "but you'll have to go over to the passenger side, the driver door doesn't open, and climb over, and..." as he's rambling, I take a moment to get a better look - and can see that the small pickup is chock. full. of. STUFF. And I mean FULL. And not so much stuff, as CRAP. Garbage, really - empty fast food containers, papers, cans... you name it, it was probably inside that vehicle.
Yikes. So now I'm thinking that putting myself in front of this moving vehicle may just be the better option. Actually I'm wondering how I can get myself out of the situation entirely, but I've already committed to it, and feel like I have to help the guy.
Keep in mind that all of this happened within seconds, really, but it was long enough for traffic to start building up behind him since he's blocking pretty much 2 of the lanes, and for more pedestrians to have ambled by and given some long stares at this interesting scene. Given long stares, but not offered to help, mind you.
So I did it. I braced myself at the front of the pickup wearing my red coat and heels, while he climbed over the mountain of crap in the cab to get himself behind the wheel and back it up to the curb once again. And as he said "Thanks!" out the window, and I dusted myself off and resumed my walk to the car - a guy who had planted himself on the corner to take in the scene yelled to me, "Girl, you ate you Wheaties today!" How's that for an act of kindness?? Or maybe an act of complete stupidity, you take your pick. :)
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We were in Chatfield over Easter weekend, and needed to run to the local grocery store, Skippy's, on Saturday to pick up a couple of ingredients for the green bean casserole I was requested to bring for Easter dinner on Sunday. Eve was with my sister, so Pat, Josie and I went to the store. Actually, we had gotten ourselves fancied up and were intending to go to church, until we realized that the service had been moved to 8:00 pm instead of 5:00 pm for the Easter vigil service. So we went to the grocery store instead. Talk about confusing for a 2 year old! I hope she doesn't now think that going to church involves produce and checkout lanes. Anyway, we get in the store, and they have the kid size carts, which of course, she desperately needed one of. So she's on a mission to push that cart around the store, while wearing her Easter dress and little white sweater and carrying her new pink purse. We try to find our items while making sure she doesn't maim any old people with her cart or topple any displays of Parmesan cheese. While we were wandering around the store, I spotted my friend Tricia's sister, who also recently had a baby boy. I walked over to chat with her about the new addition to her family, while Josie and Pat meandered off with her cart. We talked for a couple of minutes, and pretty soon I heard my family behind me. Rinnea started laughing as Josie approached with her cart, still in serious shopping mode. I looked in her cart, and there was a box of Ex-Lax, and a bottle of Mylanta alongside our cheese and french fried onions. Nice. Just the impression I want to make on my hometown. :)
And after we were finally able to distract Jo long enough to return the unwanted items back to the shelves, pay for the rest of our stuff and get back to the Coe residence, Josie walked up the sidewalk to the house and says "Church... shhh, quiet!"
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We were driving to my mom and Erwin's house for dinner on Sunday and approached an intersection. There were "rumble strips" on the road before the stop sign. After we drove over them, Josie looked up and said "Whoa, Mommmmy!" as if she thought that I had farted. This, of course, was followed by her customary sniff, and declaration that I was "stinky."
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After Easter dinner on Sunday and Josie's egg-hunt outside, we were just hanging out, visiting in the house. I think we may have been getting ready for the much needed Round 2 of meals, and Josie was walking from the kitchen towards the table where we all were sitting. As she was walking, my mom turned from the kitchen and was heading in the same direction, and bumped right into Josie. She didn't fall down or anything, it wasn't even that big of a bump, but Josie goes "WHOA," and gave her grandma (she won't say Grandma Sue... she only will say either Grandma, or Sue, which comes out without the 'S') the dirtiest look I've seen her give anyone. She was very traumatized, but none of us could stop laughing... especially Mean Grandma. :)
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Picture it:
I was strolling to the car after work a couple of weeks ago. I had just walked the diagonal sidewalk through Mears Park and was about to cross the street at 5th and Wacouta when I noticed out of the corner of my eye a man, standing outside of an older model, small, red pickup parked at a meter. He appeared to be looking at some papers, trying to find an address or building. I didn't pay him any more attention, and started to cross when my light turned green. As I stepped into the street, I couldn't help but notice that the small red pickup appeared to be pulling away from the curb. I offhandedly thought that he must have gotten dropped off, and now his driver was leaving.
Except that there was no driver.
All of the sudden, the man started running along beside his pickup, trying to grab on to it and slow it down. He looked around frantically - and wasn't it just my luck, I was the only pedestrian around at that exact moment in time.
And even more lucky for me - we made eye contact.
"Ma'am! Ma'am!" he began, as he was able to get around the front of the vehicle and brace himself against it. The pickup was now at a stop diagonally across 5th street. "I left it in gear!Can you come hold my pickup while I get in??!"
I stopped in my tracks, with a dumbfounded look on my face. "Uh... why don't YOU hold your pickup - and I'LL put it in park??!" I replied, thinking that putting myself, or at least my foot and arm, INSIDE the truck long enough to put on the brake and put it in park, instead putting myself in FRONT of the truck, was the more desirable option.
"Okay... " he started to reply, "but you'll have to go over to the passenger side, the driver door doesn't open, and climb over, and..." as he's rambling, I take a moment to get a better look - and can see that the small pickup is chock. full. of. STUFF. And I mean FULL. And not so much stuff, as CRAP. Garbage, really - empty fast food containers, papers, cans... you name it, it was probably inside that vehicle.
Yikes. So now I'm thinking that putting myself in front of this moving vehicle may just be the better option. Actually I'm wondering how I can get myself out of the situation entirely, but I've already committed to it, and feel like I have to help the guy.
Keep in mind that all of this happened within seconds, really, but it was long enough for traffic to start building up behind him since he's blocking pretty much 2 of the lanes, and for more pedestrians to have ambled by and given some long stares at this interesting scene. Given long stares, but not offered to help, mind you.
So I did it. I braced myself at the front of the pickup wearing my red coat and heels, while he climbed over the mountain of crap in the cab to get himself behind the wheel and back it up to the curb once again. And as he said "Thanks!" out the window, and I dusted myself off and resumed my walk to the car - a guy who had planted himself on the corner to take in the scene yelled to me, "Girl, you ate you Wheaties today!" How's that for an act of kindness?? Or maybe an act of complete stupidity, you take your pick. :)
-----------------------------------------
We were in Chatfield over Easter weekend, and needed to run to the local grocery store, Skippy's, on Saturday to pick up a couple of ingredients for the green bean casserole I was requested to bring for Easter dinner on Sunday. Eve was with my sister, so Pat, Josie and I went to the store. Actually, we had gotten ourselves fancied up and were intending to go to church, until we realized that the service had been moved to 8:00 pm instead of 5:00 pm for the Easter vigil service. So we went to the grocery store instead. Talk about confusing for a 2 year old! I hope she doesn't now think that going to church involves produce and checkout lanes. Anyway, we get in the store, and they have the kid size carts, which of course, she desperately needed one of. So she's on a mission to push that cart around the store, while wearing her Easter dress and little white sweater and carrying her new pink purse. We try to find our items while making sure she doesn't maim any old people with her cart or topple any displays of Parmesan cheese. While we were wandering around the store, I spotted my friend Tricia's sister, who also recently had a baby boy. I walked over to chat with her about the new addition to her family, while Josie and Pat meandered off with her cart. We talked for a couple of minutes, and pretty soon I heard my family behind me. Rinnea started laughing as Josie approached with her cart, still in serious shopping mode. I looked in her cart, and there was a box of Ex-Lax, and a bottle of Mylanta alongside our cheese and french fried onions. Nice. Just the impression I want to make on my hometown. :)
And after we were finally able to distract Jo long enough to return the unwanted items back to the shelves, pay for the rest of our stuff and get back to the Coe residence, Josie walked up the sidewalk to the house and says "Church... shhh, quiet!"
----------------------------------------
We were driving to my mom and Erwin's house for dinner on Sunday and approached an intersection. There were "rumble strips" on the road before the stop sign. After we drove over them, Josie looked up and said "Whoa, Mommmmy!" as if she thought that I had farted. This, of course, was followed by her customary sniff, and declaration that I was "stinky."
----------------------------------------
After Easter dinner on Sunday and Josie's egg-hunt outside, we were just hanging out, visiting in the house. I think we may have been getting ready for the much needed Round 2 of meals, and Josie was walking from the kitchen towards the table where we all were sitting. As she was walking, my mom turned from the kitchen and was heading in the same direction, and bumped right into Josie. She didn't fall down or anything, it wasn't even that big of a bump, but Josie goes "WHOA," and gave her grandma (she won't say Grandma Sue... she only will say either Grandma, or Sue, which comes out without the 'S') the dirtiest look I've seen her give anyone. She was very traumatized, but none of us could stop laughing... especially Mean Grandma. :)
More cows
Monday, April 09, 2007
"More cows! More cows!" Imagine this phrase being uttered (ha! No pun was intended) about 798 times by an overly-tired, overly-sugared 2 year old between Newburg and Rochester. That's approximately 1 hour of trying to come up with different responses such as "yes, Josie, let's look for more cows," or "No, I don't see any more cows yet, do you?" I was ready to jab a pen into my eye.
There are a lot of cows to see between my mom's house and Rochester. And we had to look for all of them. And if we didn't see any, she'd make some up. Josie was so tired yesterday afternoon that she clung to the words "more cows" like a life vest in her attempt to stay awake on the ride home. And when we would go through a town or a dry spell in the cow sightings, she'd cry and kick and wail "mooooorrre cowwwwwwws!" She finally gave up the fight by the time we reached the north side of Rochester. Thank goodness. I don't think either Pat or I could take much more. She's as sweet as sweet can be, but the next 1 hour of silence was absolute bliss. :)
There are a lot of cows to see between my mom's house and Rochester. And we had to look for all of them. And if we didn't see any, she'd make some up. Josie was so tired yesterday afternoon that she clung to the words "more cows" like a life vest in her attempt to stay awake on the ride home. And when we would go through a town or a dry spell in the cow sightings, she'd cry and kick and wail "mooooorrre cowwwwwwws!" She finally gave up the fight by the time we reached the north side of Rochester. Thank goodness. I don't think either Pat or I could take much more. She's as sweet as sweet can be, but the next 1 hour of silence was absolute bliss. :)
Peas in a pod
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
I was late for work today.
Why?
Because when Pat was grabbing a buy-one-get-one Caribou coffee coupon before we walked out the door, Josie desperately needed a coupon, too. So we had to find a coupon for her to tear out and take to daycare with her.
Lord help me.
Why?
Because when Pat was grabbing a buy-one-get-one Caribou coffee coupon before we walked out the door, Josie desperately needed a coupon, too. So we had to find a coupon for her to tear out and take to daycare with her.
Lord help me.
Happy Girls = Happy Days
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
I suppose it's about time to throw you a bone. A little sumthin' sumthin'. A tidbit. A morsel.
Things are going smoothly. The ginormous lumps on Eve's head are finally making their disappearance. Thankfully, she didn't sprout horns, as I was fearing she might. She is sleeping (mostly) through the night. And in her crib. Albeit with a crazy system I devised so that she's slightly elevated. She is using a cup from time to time. She is on her hands and knees rocking, rocking, rocking, oh so close to lunging forward and crawling away. She has a mouthful of big, shiny teeth. All the better to chew on you with. She is snuggly. She is happy.
Josie is... just Josie. She lights up our home. Which is good - it's a little on the dark side. Not THE "Dark Side," like in Star Wars, just a bit drab since we face the north and don't get good sunlight. Anyway, Josie is talking. A lot. Kind of non-stop, actually. She's trying to learn her colors. And numbers. She helps dress and undress herself. She's not overly interested in the business of potty, unless it's on her terms. And that's okay with me. She's mesmerized by the carousel at Maplewood Mall. And we indulge her. I think she may be spoiled, but that's okay with me, too. At least she knows how to say "please," "thank you" and "excuse me." She gives lovely pucker kisses and big wrap-around-your-neck hugs. She helps us around the house. She is generous. Her enthusiasm for everything in life is contagious. I just may be a bit in love with my girls. If you couldn't tell.
Everything with me and Patrick is hunky dory, too. He passed his licensing exams for work. I'm wrapping up the assignment I'm currently on at the end of April. I think. I guess that door isn't officially closed, quite yet, I should find out soon. We're gearing up for a busy summer. Baseball games. Softball games. Family get-togethers. Weekend get-aways with friends. Busy, but fun. Even though the next few days are looking more like winter than spring, I've got spring fever. Bad. I'm even looking forward to a bit of yard work. Not the actual "yard" so much, but at least planting some veggies and flowers.
Goodness. It's time for work. Happy... Tuesday? Is it Tuesday - oh yes, indeed it is. Anyway - have a good one, whichever one it is. :)
Things are going smoothly. The ginormous lumps on Eve's head are finally making their disappearance. Thankfully, she didn't sprout horns, as I was fearing she might. She is sleeping (mostly) through the night. And in her crib. Albeit with a crazy system I devised so that she's slightly elevated. She is using a cup from time to time. She is on her hands and knees rocking, rocking, rocking, oh so close to lunging forward and crawling away. She has a mouthful of big, shiny teeth. All the better to chew on you with. She is snuggly. She is happy.
Josie is... just Josie. She lights up our home. Which is good - it's a little on the dark side. Not THE "Dark Side," like in Star Wars, just a bit drab since we face the north and don't get good sunlight. Anyway, Josie is talking. A lot. Kind of non-stop, actually. She's trying to learn her colors. And numbers. She helps dress and undress herself. She's not overly interested in the business of potty, unless it's on her terms. And that's okay with me. She's mesmerized by the carousel at Maplewood Mall. And we indulge her. I think she may be spoiled, but that's okay with me, too. At least she knows how to say "please," "thank you" and "excuse me." She gives lovely pucker kisses and big wrap-around-your-neck hugs. She helps us around the house. She is generous. Her enthusiasm for everything in life is contagious. I just may be a bit in love with my girls. If you couldn't tell.
Everything with me and Patrick is hunky dory, too. He passed his licensing exams for work. I'm wrapping up the assignment I'm currently on at the end of April. I think. I guess that door isn't officially closed, quite yet, I should find out soon. We're gearing up for a busy summer. Baseball games. Softball games. Family get-togethers. Weekend get-aways with friends. Busy, but fun. Even though the next few days are looking more like winter than spring, I've got spring fever. Bad. I'm even looking forward to a bit of yard work. Not the actual "yard" so much, but at least planting some veggies and flowers.
Goodness. It's time for work. Happy... Tuesday? Is it Tuesday - oh yes, indeed it is. Anyway - have a good one, whichever one it is. :)
More pictures than you can shake a stick at.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
These are all wily-nily-out-of-order. I'd do captions, but it's a pain. So I won't. The one of Eve sitting on the floor in the pink outfit dated 3/21 is post-head-bump. You can *kind of* see the bruising on her forehead, and the scrape on her nose. And the one of Josie dated 3/10 in the pink jacket is when she fell off the sled and scraped her face. The next one of Pat is the same day. Who do you think felt worse? :) And also are some from Josie's first haircut trauma. And the last one is Lu and Jo having some puddle fun at Como Zoo.
Speaking of head injuries...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ed isn't the only one who is going to suffer a head injury before the age of 2. Thanks to her parents doing exactly what we're all warned NOT to do via safety disclaimers, Eve almost (sidenote - Jo says "almost" all the time now. Except when she says it, it's "almosht!") suffered a head injury on Sunday night. Well, I guess she actually did, just not a serious one. Here's the story.
Eve was chillin' in her carseat Sunday night. Not strapped in. I know - stupid. I was putzing around, picking up toys and whatnot, Pat was on the loveseat reading the paper. Eve's seat was sitting on a low coffee table in the living room. I know - stupid. It says right on it not to place it on an elevated surface. But come on, tell me you haven't done the same thing yourselves. Please - tell me that you have, I'll feel a lot better. :) Anyway, while neither Pat or I actually saw it happen, I think that Eve must have leaned forward and shifted in the seat enough to tip it forward. And thanks to gravity, she toppled to the floor, with the carseat on top of her. She screamed. I ran to the living room. Pat picked her up. She had a heckuva red mark on her forehead, and a scrape on the end of her nose and just below her nose. I thought I was going to throw up. We called the nurse line right away. From what we described, they thought she was going to be okay - but said they thought it best that we take her in, just to be safe. So Pat did. We're getting a little too familiar with Children's Hospital. The main reason I was worried was because when I was holding and comforting her, she was dozing off. Granted it was 9:00 at night, but how could we know if it was just because she was tired, or if there was something more going on? But she checked out fine, and didn't even need any scans or anything. I did stay home with her Monday, just to watch her and make sure she acted normal. Aside from a pretty purple bruise on her forehead, and a sore little nose, she's fine. Not so sure her parents can say that, yet. Ugh. Needless to say, we're attempting to phase the carseat out of our lives. She's almosht too big for it, anyway... but is awfully attached to the stupid thing.
Let's see - what other drama do we have in our lives. Oh - Josie got a hair cut. Her first. Darn it all... everything I have to post about would be a lot better with pictures. I'll see what I can do about that. It's awfully hard to find time. Or make time. Whatever. Pat and I took her to Kids Hair last Friday. She was fine, until I put her in the chair and stepped away and the hair chick put the giant bib on her. Big, fat tears, and she wouldn't sit up straight in the chair. The hair chick was really trying. I gave Jo a lollipop, and that helped. Then she calmed down enough to look around at the other kids getting their hair cut, and that also seemed to help. Her hair is super cute. Just a simple little bob, but it makes her look so much older. Again, pictures would be nice, huh?
After watching Josie play for the past couple of weeks, and seeing that she was pretending to make pancakes by sticking a plate in her little barn toy... I decided it was time to get the girl a proper kitchen. And I did. And she loves it. Now we get french fries, hot chocolate and pancakes all the time.
We took a weekend road trip to my Mom and Erwin's house. There's nothing like corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. Yum. And even better... Grandma J's homemade rhubarb custard pie. Double yum. The kids did great - except that before we left, we made a stop at the store and Pat ran in. While he was gone, Josie said something to me, so I turned to look at her. Then she started saying "Look, look!" and then "NO - Mommy." After getting increasingly annoyed with me, I finally I figured it out - she was telling me to stop looking at her. Hmph. How do you like that?! She's more and more of a ham lately, I can't even do her justice. Do you know the song "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" by Dead or Alive? Here's the chorus - you'd know if for sure if you heard it:
You spin me right round, baby
Right round like a record, baby
Right round round round
You spin me right round, baby
Right round like a record, baby
Right round round round
That's Jo's favorite song at the moment. She calls it "Round," and we have to sing it to her while she walks / dances around the loveseat. Except that we only know the chorus and a couple of other lines. So that's what we sing over and over again. Gotta work on memorizing the rest of the song. :)
Pictures, soon. I'll try. Really.
Eve was chillin' in her carseat Sunday night. Not strapped in. I know - stupid. I was putzing around, picking up toys and whatnot, Pat was on the loveseat reading the paper. Eve's seat was sitting on a low coffee table in the living room. I know - stupid. It says right on it not to place it on an elevated surface. But come on, tell me you haven't done the same thing yourselves. Please - tell me that you have, I'll feel a lot better. :) Anyway, while neither Pat or I actually saw it happen, I think that Eve must have leaned forward and shifted in the seat enough to tip it forward. And thanks to gravity, she toppled to the floor, with the carseat on top of her. She screamed. I ran to the living room. Pat picked her up. She had a heckuva red mark on her forehead, and a scrape on the end of her nose and just below her nose. I thought I was going to throw up. We called the nurse line right away. From what we described, they thought she was going to be okay - but said they thought it best that we take her in, just to be safe. So Pat did. We're getting a little too familiar with Children's Hospital. The main reason I was worried was because when I was holding and comforting her, she was dozing off. Granted it was 9:00 at night, but how could we know if it was just because she was tired, or if there was something more going on? But she checked out fine, and didn't even need any scans or anything. I did stay home with her Monday, just to watch her and make sure she acted normal. Aside from a pretty purple bruise on her forehead, and a sore little nose, she's fine. Not so sure her parents can say that, yet. Ugh. Needless to say, we're attempting to phase the carseat out of our lives. She's almosht too big for it, anyway... but is awfully attached to the stupid thing.
Let's see - what other drama do we have in our lives. Oh - Josie got a hair cut. Her first. Darn it all... everything I have to post about would be a lot better with pictures. I'll see what I can do about that. It's awfully hard to find time. Or make time. Whatever. Pat and I took her to Kids Hair last Friday. She was fine, until I put her in the chair and stepped away and the hair chick put the giant bib on her. Big, fat tears, and she wouldn't sit up straight in the chair. The hair chick was really trying. I gave Jo a lollipop, and that helped. Then she calmed down enough to look around at the other kids getting their hair cut, and that also seemed to help. Her hair is super cute. Just a simple little bob, but it makes her look so much older. Again, pictures would be nice, huh?
After watching Josie play for the past couple of weeks, and seeing that she was pretending to make pancakes by sticking a plate in her little barn toy... I decided it was time to get the girl a proper kitchen. And I did. And she loves it. Now we get french fries, hot chocolate and pancakes all the time.
We took a weekend road trip to my Mom and Erwin's house. There's nothing like corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. Yum. And even better... Grandma J's homemade rhubarb custard pie. Double yum. The kids did great - except that before we left, we made a stop at the store and Pat ran in. While he was gone, Josie said something to me, so I turned to look at her. Then she started saying "Look, look!" and then "NO - Mommy." After getting increasingly annoyed with me, I finally I figured it out - she was telling me to stop looking at her. Hmph. How do you like that?! She's more and more of a ham lately, I can't even do her justice. Do you know the song "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" by Dead or Alive? Here's the chorus - you'd know if for sure if you heard it:
You spin me right round, baby
Right round like a record, baby
Right round round round
You spin me right round, baby
Right round like a record, baby
Right round round round
That's Jo's favorite song at the moment. She calls it "Round," and we have to sing it to her while she walks / dances around the loveseat. Except that we only know the chorus and a couple of other lines. So that's what we sing over and over again. Gotta work on memorizing the rest of the song. :)
Pictures, soon. I'll try. Really.
And the AACTie goes to...
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Steven W. Gwilt!!!
That's right... my brother won the award for Best Actor at the American Association for Community Theater festival for the Southeastern theater region earlier this month. The production he's part of, ESCANABA in da MOONLIGHT, by Jeff Daniels, and directed by Dave Johnson, also took Best Overall Production, Best Director and the Award for Technical Excellence. Now they're off to Charlotte, NC, in June to compete in the AACT National Conference. Way to go, and GOOD LUCK!!
Check out some other fun stuff the Drama Center Backstage in Cookeville, TN, has been up to.
That's right... my brother won the award for Best Actor at the American Association for Community Theater festival for the Southeastern theater region earlier this month. The production he's part of, ESCANABA in da MOONLIGHT, by Jeff Daniels, and directed by Dave Johnson, also took Best Overall Production, Best Director and the Award for Technical Excellence. Now they're off to Charlotte, NC, in June to compete in the AACT National Conference. Way to go, and GOOD LUCK!!
Check out some other fun stuff the Drama Center Backstage in Cookeville, TN, has been up to.
Another one bites the dust...
Monday, March 12, 2007
or snow, as the case may be. Josie experienced her first "injury accident" over the weekend. She and Pat were sledding at his parents' house on Saturday morning. They wiped out. The snow had a nice, crusty layer. Josie's right cheek got a heckuva snow burn. Pictures to follow. All weekend she was a sad puppy saying "fall," and "down," then pointing to her cheek. It was all very traumatic. :)
Her vocabulary is skyrocketing. She's becoming a parrot, trying to repeat everything she hears us say. And she's *trying* to tell me about things that happen when I'm not with her - like when Pat took the girls for a walk while I did some cleaning and laundry, and they got stuck with the stroller a couple of times. And they lost one of her mittens, and stopped at the park and went for a swing. They came home and she came running into the house and told me "mitts! mitts!" Then "stuck!" Then "swww-wing!" It still takes a little deciphering, but I can get the gist of her stories. She still sticks to mostly one or two word phrases, but is starting to string some words together. The change in her just in the past couple of weeks is amazing.
I think we might have a hockey player on our hands. It was boys high school tournament time - so the hockey around our house was plentiful. Now she's walking around saying "Yeeeaaa, hockey! Yeeeeaaa, hockey!" and she actually sat with me while Pat was gone to the games on Friday and we watched some of the coverage. I'm sure she'll be able to catch on and follow what's going on much faster than me!
Eve now has 6 teeth. And I suspect that today or tomorrow we'll see number 7, and I also suspect that some of her back teeth are well on their way. Mind you - she's not even 8 months old yet. Yikes. We'll be feeding her steak and chork pops in no time! She's also about ready to start creeping. She'll get on all 4's, but does not realize what she can do with that, yet, so she drops back down and pushes herself backwards. She's pushing up on her arms and turning herself every-which-way, and still log rolls all over the room. Eve keeps the daycare kids busy watching where she'll end up, then they'll ask Betty if it's okay that she's under the chair or trying to chew on the coffee table!
Her vocabulary is skyrocketing. She's becoming a parrot, trying to repeat everything she hears us say. And she's *trying* to tell me about things that happen when I'm not with her - like when Pat took the girls for a walk while I did some cleaning and laundry, and they got stuck with the stroller a couple of times. And they lost one of her mittens, and stopped at the park and went for a swing. They came home and she came running into the house and told me "mitts! mitts!" Then "stuck!" Then "swww-wing!" It still takes a little deciphering, but I can get the gist of her stories. She still sticks to mostly one or two word phrases, but is starting to string some words together. The change in her just in the past couple of weeks is amazing.
I think we might have a hockey player on our hands. It was boys high school tournament time - so the hockey around our house was plentiful. Now she's walking around saying "Yeeeaaa, hockey! Yeeeeaaa, hockey!" and she actually sat with me while Pat was gone to the games on Friday and we watched some of the coverage. I'm sure she'll be able to catch on and follow what's going on much faster than me!
Eve now has 6 teeth. And I suspect that today or tomorrow we'll see number 7, and I also suspect that some of her back teeth are well on their way. Mind you - she's not even 8 months old yet. Yikes. We'll be feeding her steak and chork pops in no time! She's also about ready to start creeping. She'll get on all 4's, but does not realize what she can do with that, yet, so she drops back down and pushes herself backwards. She's pushing up on her arms and turning herself every-which-way, and still log rolls all over the room. Eve keeps the daycare kids busy watching where she'll end up, then they'll ask Betty if it's okay that she's under the chair or trying to chew on the coffee table!
So mad I could spit.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
I've been sitting here stewing for the last hour - maybe if I write it down, it will help.
Pat and I ate lunch today in the food court here in the downtown skyway . We were sitting, eating, talking, people-watching, and there was a line just beside us at the St. Paul Cookie Company. A couple was at the register, paying for their order, and there were miscellaneous people in line behind them, including a couple of middle-aged women. They (the middle-aged women) appeared to be your average, everyday, downtown St. Paul office workers.
I saw the couple that was paying start to move forward, away from the cookie company, and the women in line behind them stepped up to the register... and as that process was happening, I saw money float to the ground. It was a $10 bill. My immediate reaction was to get up, and if I would have made it to the bill, my gut instinct would have been to hand it to the gentleman who was in the process of walking away, even though I didn't positively see it fall from his hand or wallet, it just seemed as though he dropped it. But before I could get up... one of the women moving to the register reached down and snatched up the bill. I thought - "oh, good, she's going to hand it to him..." but she didn't. So then I second guessed myself, and though - "oh, I was wrong, that was her money in the first place..." but it wasn't. I should have immediately gotten up and said something, and that's what I'm kicking myself about now. Instead I hemmed and hawed about it, because I didn't know for sure. So by this time, the couple had moved over to a food stand on the other side of the food court, but still within our view. And the evil women had skedaddled out of food court, never to be seen again.
So at this time, I still really didn't know that the money wasn't the woman's. But my gut told me it wasn't. So I watched the couple order their food at the BBQ stand, wait for their food at the BBQ stand, then go to pay for their food at the BBQ stand. Now is when I really start to feel bad. Sure enough, the man starts to feel his pockets, check the ground and look around back at the cookie stand. CRUD. He says something to the woman he was with, and she walks back over, retracing their steps, and asks the clerk at the cookie place if he gave them the wrong change... ugh. I know it was just $10, and I didn't know for sure in time to do anything about it, but I'm still feeling bad. I should have said something to the woman as soon as she picked it up. We didn't end up saying anything to the couple before we left because I figured that they weren't going to get their money back at that point, and then as we were walking away, Pat told me he heard the clerk at the cookie stand tell the man that he thought he saw a woman walk away with some money she picked up.
She HAD to have known that the money belonged to the guy in front of her, didn't she? That's why she picked it up so fast and walked away. She could have at least asked. Hopefully what comes around goes around - or goes around, comes around...? whichever way that works, and she has some bad karma come her way. But I guess by this same logic, I've got some bad karma coming my way, because I really should have said something. Shouldn't I? What would you have done?
So, hey - guy in the food court... I'm sorry. And evil woman - grrr.
Pat and I ate lunch today in the food court here in the downtown skyway . We were sitting, eating, talking, people-watching, and there was a line just beside us at the St. Paul Cookie Company. A couple was at the register, paying for their order, and there were miscellaneous people in line behind them, including a couple of middle-aged women. They (the middle-aged women) appeared to be your average, everyday, downtown St. Paul office workers.
I saw the couple that was paying start to move forward, away from the cookie company, and the women in line behind them stepped up to the register... and as that process was happening, I saw money float to the ground. It was a $10 bill. My immediate reaction was to get up, and if I would have made it to the bill, my gut instinct would have been to hand it to the gentleman who was in the process of walking away, even though I didn't positively see it fall from his hand or wallet, it just seemed as though he dropped it. But before I could get up... one of the women moving to the register reached down and snatched up the bill. I thought - "oh, good, she's going to hand it to him..." but she didn't. So then I second guessed myself, and though - "oh, I was wrong, that was her money in the first place..." but it wasn't. I should have immediately gotten up and said something, and that's what I'm kicking myself about now. Instead I hemmed and hawed about it, because I didn't know for sure. So by this time, the couple had moved over to a food stand on the other side of the food court, but still within our view. And the evil women had skedaddled out of food court, never to be seen again.
So at this time, I still really didn't know that the money wasn't the woman's. But my gut told me it wasn't. So I watched the couple order their food at the BBQ stand, wait for their food at the BBQ stand, then go to pay for their food at the BBQ stand. Now is when I really start to feel bad. Sure enough, the man starts to feel his pockets, check the ground and look around back at the cookie stand. CRUD. He says something to the woman he was with, and she walks back over, retracing their steps, and asks the clerk at the cookie place if he gave them the wrong change... ugh. I know it was just $10, and I didn't know for sure in time to do anything about it, but I'm still feeling bad. I should have said something to the woman as soon as she picked it up. We didn't end up saying anything to the couple before we left because I figured that they weren't going to get their money back at that point, and then as we were walking away, Pat told me he heard the clerk at the cookie stand tell the man that he thought he saw a woman walk away with some money she picked up.
She HAD to have known that the money belonged to the guy in front of her, didn't she? That's why she picked it up so fast and walked away. She could have at least asked. Hopefully what comes around goes around - or goes around, comes around...? whichever way that works, and she has some bad karma come her way. But I guess by this same logic, I've got some bad karma coming my way, because I really should have said something. Shouldn't I? What would you have done?
So, hey - guy in the food court... I'm sorry. And evil woman - grrr.
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