Baby Bits

"You Can Tell Me Anything"

2012-02-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Recently I've been trying to really teach my kids that "you can (and should) feel safe to tell Mommy & Daddy anything..."
I realize its a big concept, but if we start talking about it now then if (hopefully never) something ever comes up they will feel comfortable approaching us.
Anyway... I've mentioned this a few times in passing, emphasizing "you won't get in trouble for sharing something important with Mommy & Daddy...."

It usually falls upon what I observe to be deaf ears, but, eventually the message will get there.

Well, just the other night I was telling Connor "Mommy wants you to know you can tell her secrets if you are ever worried about telling me something. You can feel safe to talk to Mommy and you won't get in trouble."...
Connor blushed and said "mommy I want to tell you something"
Mommy: Ok Connor, come here, lets talk...
Connor -- he slowly walked over to me, hugged me and whispered
"Bitch"
I looked at him, stunned for a minute... I know he was NOT calling me that... but, I guess I was surprised that was the first secret we started with.
and he said "Mommy says that word to Daddy sometimes..."

Ohhh...boy.... Good Job Mommy.
I asked for it.
I got it.
I couldn't tell him NOT to use those words, because I just TOLD him he should feel safe talking to me.
So... I said
"Yes, Connor, sometimes Mommy says bad words when she's talking to Daddy. Sometimes Mommy forgets to use nice words... But, Mommy is proud of you for sharing that with me."

And... guess my plan worked.
Sort of.

Ff is for...

2012-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Ff is for...

Where I Went...

2012-02-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a busy, busy day.
I didn't go to work.
I did take Connor to the pediatrician -- ear infection, again, ugh.
I did take myself to the doctor - bronchitis - ugh.
I did go to the pharmacy for our medications....
and I spent a lot of time laying in bed watching TV and reading.

However, later that night, I took a special trip. Two special trips in fact.

Paige and I boarded an airplane, to be flown by Captain Connor, and off we went to the beach.
We flew and flew on our plane (otherwise known as the staircase) until we reached "the beach".
Captain Connor handed the passengers our necessities - sunscreen and bathing suits and we went to explore our beach!
I even got to lay out on the beach (aka couch) and suntan while the kids brought me smoothies and refreshed my sunscreen so I don't burn!
Even in imaginary play, my kids are health conscious!
I was suddenly interrupted in my tanning by an announcement "Mommy! Get on the plane! Beach is finshed!"
I had to get on..or I'd be left forever.

Well, we took a very long flight... much longer than necessary in mommy's opinion! and we got to the jungle! This was a very special jungle... before we got off the plane Connor stepped out, and Ninja kicked the "bad bugs" for us and he fought off a few hippos as well.

Before Paige and I got off, Connor gave us our Bug spray (see, health conscious!) and he grabbed his map (a little square of scrap paper)... off we go!
We went to see the monkeys, and Connor checked that off his list "Monkey check"
We trekked further into the jungle, and saw the giraffes... Connor remembered giraffes are my favorite-- "mommy you like giraffes!"...
Our jungle journey continued... we saw ducks. Yes, ducks in our jungle. They were in the pond. "ducks check"
Then, Connor informed me, it was time for the jungle show!!! So,we took front row seats to watch the hippo, monkey and giraffes perform. Told ya this was a special jungle! The best part of the show was when my kids started acting out what the animals do... so they were jumping, rolling and doing whatever it is our jungle animals do. The show even had a surprise appearance by an elephant!

Our beach and jungle trips tired sick Mommy out... so I informed Captain Connor I was ready to fly back home to lay down... and before I knew it, our trip came to an end... and I was back home in my PJs.

Ee is also for...

2012-01-30T15:33:00.000-08:00

(snapped a quick cell phone pic during nap time yesterday)

Ee is for...

2012-01-29T17:24:00.000-08:00

Dd is For....

2012-01-22T15:23:00.001-08:00

Family Portrait.

2012-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

No, we didn't go get our photograph done.
I commissioned a budding new artist to draw our portrait.

Years from now people will admire this in the Guggenheim, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or perhaps Le Louvre.

Presenting.... an original masterpiece, by Connor entitled "family portrait"

He added in family members from right to left, (yes, he is unconventional in his artistry...)
See the key below to fully understand his incredible talent:

#1 Connor, the artist. He says he has "long legs like Daddy"
#2 Mommy. She has medium legs.
#3 Daddy. Daddy has long legs.
#4 Ma (great grandma). She has little legs.
#5 Paige She has little legs too. Her hair is up tall.

Cc - Photo 52 ABC Challenge

2012-01-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

Miss Independent. Miss Bossypants. Miss Paige.

2012-01-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

Paige is independent.
Way too independent for a 2 year old if you ask me.
At least, way too independent for my 2 year old.

I know, I know, its a positive thing she wants to do things by herself, try to learn new skills yadda yadda yadda ... but, I thought I had a little time left to baby her.

Putting PJs on? "NO Mommy, I do it myself!"
So... I let her pull her pants up, and try to get her PJ shirt on... her arm got a little twisted as she tried to put the shirt on, so I helped her out a little by untangling the sleeve... well, she got mad. And said "NO MOMMY I DO IT MYSELF!" and pulled her arm back out of her PJs, as if it would erase the fact that I helped her...and redid it herself.

On selecting a drink: (note the reason for my alleged milk cruelty is because Paige often substitutes milk for food because she drinks way too much milk daily, so I am trying to cut down on her milk intake)
M: "Paige would you like some juice or water"
P: "Milk"
M: "No Paige, you already had a big cup of milk earlier, you can have some juice or water"
P: "I want milk"
M: "No milk. Juice or water"
P: "Milk'
M: "Paige, NO MILK. Juice or water"
P: "I want milk"
M: "Juice or water"
P: "Milk"
M: "Ok Paige, does that mean you don't want a drink"
P: "I want juice"

And, finally, on her name....
the other day she was ~~telling me what to do~~ making her needs known I said "Boy Paige, you're bossy!" to which she replied... "Me not bossy, me Paige!"

March of Dimes - March for Babies!

2012-01-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone....
I have registered to participate in this year's March for Babies to raise money and awareness for the
work that March of Dimes does to promote healthy babies. My sister and brother in law have started a
team called "Ethan & Avery's All-Stars" and will be walking in honor of our precious preemies, my niece and nephew.

The money we raise will support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-
term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. It will also be used to bring comfort and information tofamilies with a baby in newborn intensive care. Any little bit helps....

If you would like to help by donating money to March of Dimes March for Babies please visit my
personal page at::

http://www.marchforbabies.org/mrse1107
Donations can also be made by check or cash if that is your preference.

I appreciate all of your support - and thank you for giving babies a healthy start!!!

52 WEEK ABC photo challenge -- Bb is For....

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Photo 52 Week ABC challenge....

2012-01-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

This is a challenge I can TOTALLY stick to - (I hope, haha)
One photo a week, by letter, and... I'm a week late, so I will post A & B today.

Want to do it too?? Go here... Photo: 52 - ABCs

2011 - A Year in Photos...A lot of Photos.

2011-12-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Love is in the Air

Happy Valentines Day

Be Mine

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE


<3 Our last family photo with Grampy...<3 We miss you <3

JULY

First day of "school" (daycare)

AUGUST

Finding time for fun after Hurricane Irene

SEPTEMBER

First day of PRESCHOOL!

First baseball game!

Ready to cheer on the Hudson Valley Renegades!

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

On Being An Aunt

2011-12-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

.....Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister and share love like a friend..... (quote found here)

I never, ever knew exactly what it was to be an aunt. I mean, there are no job descriptions. So... I know I love them, and care about them because they are my sisters babies-- but, there's GOT to be more! All of my friends that are aunts are always so smitten with their nieces/nephews...

Well..when my sister announced her pregnancy I started to get a taste of being an aunt. I wished I could fast forward time so that i could meet them already.... I wanted to hug them and hold them and kiss them and just... LOVE them.

I became a very excited, bubbling over with love aunt of my niece and nephew on August 14th..

When they were born, I loved them immediately. I laid eyes on them hours after they were born, and my heart melted. I loved those two teeny tiny little babies-- I couldn't hold them, or even touch them for a very long time because they were born so early they needed to be in the NICU -- but, it didn't matter they were already so precious to me.

I KNEW that I loved being an aunt already. I felt a special love -- not a mother/child love -- a different, unique love .... its only the love an aunt can share with her niece & nephew!
I FINALLY got to hold my beautiful niece Avery Grace at the end of October when she made her journey out of the NICU and home...

I've been fortunate enough to spend time with Avery as she's home, and healthy -- and not too far away from where we live! I already know that I can't wait to take her on overnights, take her out shopping, and just be the best "Aunt Kendra" I can be!

And, my little love bug, my nephew Ethan... well, he's had a really tough road -- he's still in the NICU
I had been a bad Auntie, and hadn't seen him in the hospital since September... its not always so easy for me to get down there -its at least 90 min away... but I NEEDED to see him... and, oh I'm so glad I did. When I walked in yesterday, the nurse was holding him in an upright position, so he was "sitting up" for me... and ahh... I melted... his face is to die for. He is a munchkin. He was appropriately dressed in his "My Aunt is the Best" onsie I got during my sisters pregnancy. (yes, Avery has a matching one!)

I spent much time holding his hand, kissing him, promising him lots of fun times once he breaks out of that joint. I can NOT wait to hold him and smother him with as many kisses as I've given to Avery...
I can NOT wait to live up to my fullest Auntly duties - and be as loved, fun and exciting as Aunt Kendra -- just like my kids feel about their Aunt Kelley, my sister. <3

and...for updates on my little love bugs feel free to pop on over to my sister and brother-in-laws blog about the babies... www.ethanavery.wordpress.com

Wordless Wednesday -December Festivities

2011-12-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

All Aboard! Tickets Please!

2011-12-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we took a ride aboard the Polar Express! It was a fantastic experience for the four of us. Each one of us was happy, soaking it all in, and just really enjoying the ride.
Our kids are OBSESSED with the Polar Express movie, and more recently, the book as well... so what a perfect launch into the holiday season to ride the Polar Express to the North Pole... we met the Conductor, the Elves, and even Santa Claus! They re-enact a little bit of the book and movie, they do a read along of the book, and sing carols! The ride itself is approximately an hour - but each rider gets hot chocolate and a cookie. The kids get a "golden ticket" that the conductor punches and Santa gives each child a bell. In addition, in certain sections of the train, you get a souvenir mug to take home.

It was something I would even do again next year!

Very excited to show off his ticket once we boarded the train!

Looking around, soaking it all in, trying to figure out whats going on!

the singing and dancing waiters/waitresses

Hot Hot Hot HOT CHOCOLATE!

Paige doesn't know where to look! So much going on.

Punching the tickets

Cookies! and you can see Connors punched ticket.

Pulling into the North Pole! (you don't get off the train... Santa and Elves come aboard)

meeting Elves!

Meeting an Elf

Santa's COMING!

presenting Connor with his bell

playing the bell


waiting for Santa to see her!

She has her bell too!

Connor's learning anatomy & Paige has a Christmas Light addiction

2011-12-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

Now that Connor is potty trained (yahoo! yippee!!) He's totally aware that he has a pee-pee (he calls it such) and Paige has something different. Connor was telling Daddy that he has a pee-pee but Paige only has a butt. So, Daddy tried explaining that they both have butts - and Connor has his penis/pee-pee and Paige has a vagina.... to which Connor exclaimed "No way Daddy! That's nasty!".

This weekend Connor was told that little boys are made of puppy dog tails and he said "No. I dont have a tail. I have a pee pee"

And... while with grandma and grandpa in the car Connor told them that their carseat was too tight (the strap between the legs needs to be adjusted) -- he then said "It hurts my balls grandpa". (oh dear.....)

**********************************************************************************
Paige LOVES looking at Christmas lights on houses, trees, lawns etc... as we drive at night. However, it is clear my daughter has some addiction to seeing lights and it can not be satisfied. After every display we pass no less than 10 seconds past it, she says "more lights"... so we wait until we find another display, point them out to her and she immediately says "more lights".

Last night on the way home from Grammy's house - approx a 45 min ride - we saw some big, beautiful light and decoration displays. Paige was not satisfied. Until the moment we pulled into the driveway she repeatedly requested "more lights" "I want more lights"...

Nothing seemed to amaze her, nothing quenched her desire to see lights.... yet, despite all of the elaborate homes we passed on our ride, at one point we passed a rinky dink little bar - the kind you wouldn't want to touch anything without gloves on -- this bar had one bush with some messy lights tossed on it... to that, my addict daughter exclaimed "WOW!".
Yeah, to that one.

decking the halls! & some other not so fun updates.

2011-12-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

I guess we will start with the yuck stuff first, huh?
Well, Connor has an ear infection. Wow, how unusual right?
This one is in his left ear, again (like last month...) the ear that didn't get a new tube this summer. I'm so nervous that he will wind up in the OR again for another tube. And, I'm feeling guilty that he went through having his adenoids removed since its not even helping prevent the ear infections.

Other than that, we are trying to stay on the healthy side of things which is NOT easy when you have 2 kids in daycare/preschool for their first fall/winter season. Last week Paige had a fever up as high as 103.8 -- and then she had no temp. Then it went back to 103.5 and no temp... on like that for almost 4 days -- just a stinkin virus. Ugh, my poor kiddos!

How about a happy note?? Some pictures of the kids "decking the halls"!!!

hard at work on their letters to Santa Claus

finishing up their masterpieces

Well, I'm a bad blogger....

2011-12-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

I keep disappearing. Sorry!
Life has been hectic, to say the least.
We recently finished moving out of our townhouse and in with family.
Although its never an ideal situation to give up your own place - we are certainly lucky that we have this opportunity to save save save money.

We are gearing up for the holidays - decorating the tree, the house, writing our letters to Santa, and filling out our "countdown" calendars to Christmas.
Check out these cute printouts I found online -- http://invitingprintables.blogspot.com/2011/11/santa-christmas-countdown-freebie.html

The kids love filling them out!!

Over the weekend our local high school held a holiday craft fair and Santa came to visit. Connor was excited to talk to Santa, Paige wasn't. However, Paige chose to partake in some festive facepainting! My kids are so excited for Christmas they've really got me in the holiday spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving - Be Thankful

2011-11-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

When life is tough its easy to complain.... and forget that the little things are worthy of thankfulness.

This year I am THANKFUL for....

T - two beautiful, healthy, silly children Connor & Paige
H - husband who loves and supports me.
A - a loving family that we can lean on when we can't lean on ourselves.
N - niece Avery Grace & nephew Ethan Michael (check out why I'm so thankful)
K - keeping a job in this harsh economy
F - for a place to live in and keep us safe and warm.
U - unconditional love from friends, that support, listen and don't judge
L - looking to the future and keeping my back to the past.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wordless Wednesday -- Sunday Football

2011-11-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Paige turned 2!

2011-11-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday baby girl!!
I know she already had her joint party with Connor at the end of October, but, we had to give her a little something special on Nov 18 (similar to Connor's Lightening McQueen party on his actual birthday.)

Paige loves Hello Kitty lately, so, we gave her a Hello Kitty party!

My darling Paige,

at two years old you are quite the chatter box! Not only do you chatter chatter chatter but you certainly know what you want to say... you mean business!

You are very independent - you know what you want, when you want it, and try your hardest to get it!

You are developing a real girly girl fashion sense - something you certainly haven't inherited from your mother!

You have a snuggly spot too. You love to be held and carried (yes, still!) and you love to give hugs and snuggles.

Mommy is watching you grow bigger and smarter day by day and I am so proud of you.

I love you peanut!

Wordless Wednesday - Candyland

2011-11-16T04:16:00.000-08:00

Connor Says

2011-11-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if its a matter of being 3 yrs old, being in preschool, getting speech services, or all of the above... but lately some interesting (funny, cute, fresh...) things have been coming out of his mouth!

The following are just from today... (C- Connor M-Mommy P-Paige)

This morning while I'm finishing getting ready for work he appears in my doorway holding one of his Cars toys...
C: "My friends bring toys to school"
M: "Well, I tell you not to because I don't want you to lose your toys"
C: "I can put it in my cubby"
M: "You can still lose it, and if you lose it I am not buying you a new one. Not even if you cry"
C: he walked away, so I thought I won that battle... he suddenly reappears holding a different car "This ones ok. I won't cry"
M: "Even if you lose this one, I'm not getting you a new one"
End result:No cars went to school today.

After the kids came home from daycare/preschool they were playing in the living room. Connor was setting up some type of jungle that his cars were getting stuck in. Paige was playing along, aka destroying his game.
C: "Paige! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
P: "NO"
C: "Paige! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
P: crying to mommy "NONNER PUSH ME"
M: "Connor, did you push Paige?"
C:" No I say leave me alone"
P: crying "I wan play wit Nonner"
M: "If you play with Connor you have to play the way he asks you, you can't ruin his game"
P: "uh huh"
C: " PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEE LEAVE ME ALONE!"
so Paige retreats crying in the kitchen and I encourage her to stay with me.... and about a minute later Connor comes running into the kitchen.He kisses Paige on the shoulder and on the arm...
C: "sorry Paige"
M: "Aw Connor that was really nice of you"
C: "I have to be good for Santa" and he runs back to his game.

And lastly...
While watching an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba about families a songLOVELY LOVE MY FAMILY came on, and Connor leaped into my arms and said "Mommy, you're my family".... <3

I'm so behind.

2011-11-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

Haven't blogged as much as I should have lately...
I'll try to catch up via photos!

My niece Avery came home from the NICU a few weeks ago

Paige fell in love with her baby cousin

Grammy holding her 2 granddaughters

Ethan is still in the NICU, but, hopefully he will be home for the holidays! Its been a long journey for the family and the prize at the end will be when my sister has both babies home!****************

Connor, the Dragon, at his school Halloween Parade

The Dragon and The Cupcake


Paige, my little cupcake

***********************************************************************************

And how about a few from acutal Halloween and Trick or Treating

4 years

2011-11-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Happy 4 years to my wonderful husband.
I love you!

Eulogy for my Grandfather (aka Grampy)

2011-11-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

My grandfather's 93 year journey through life ended on Saturday 10/29... I read the following eulogy at his services last night:::

     To many of you, this special man was "just Harry", the friend. To us, he was a Dad of 3, a Grandfather of 4, and recently a Great Grandfather of 5. Even those who only knew him as "just Harry" know he was much more than a regular man.

     So, here lies my struggle. How am I supposed to capture who he was in words? It feels like there aren't any words appropriate enough to measure his greatness.

     My husband said "Grampy was a great man, intelligent, knowledgeable and that he was a better man for knowing him". I was touched when my husband said these beautiful words. And, he only had the privelege of knowing Grampy for 6 years.

     In my 31 years the memories are rich and joyous. I'd spent some of the greatest summers of my life with Grampy and Grammy. We played board games, took family vacations, had outings all filled with endless laughter. But, 31 years was not enough. Call me selfish, but, I'd take another 31. I want my children and his other great grandchildren to have their hearts as full of love and laughter with memories as we, his grandchildren and children do.

     If you knew him for 50 years, 15 years or even 5 minutes you knew the magic of Harry. His kindness and compassion was something to admire. His laughter was contagious as was his smile. And while I may not have found all of the words to capture who Grampy was - its enough to know what it was that made him shine for 93 years.

                      We Love You Grampy.

Wordless Wednesday - Mickey & Minnie Party!

2011-10-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Catching Up

2011-10-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry, been MIA

been crazy!

We are gearing up for the kids joint birthday party tomorrow. Since Connor turned 3 on Oct 1 and Paige turns 2 Nov 18 we thought we'd simply have our friends/family join us in one big celebration for the kids!

They're having a Mickey & Minnie Mouse themed party - with pizza, candy buffet, cake, and just fun! I can't wait to see the photos from the day!

Wordless Wednesday - "Paige's Picks"

2011-10-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

Why don't they sit over there?

2011-10-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Since I'm off work today for Columbus Day (and the kids daycare/preschool was closed) I thought it would be nice to do something special with them. I knew our local Children's Museum was hosting a Puppet Show performance of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow -- so we went and our friends/neighbors came too.

The show was in a pavillion, with rows of chairs set up for the audience- in addition to a large carpet put down for kids to sit up closer. Connor & Paige wanted to stay with me rather than sit up front with the other kids, so we pulled some chairs out of the rows off to the side. I figured by moving the chairs out of the main crowd the kids would see better since they weren't in the main group.

A few minutes later two women (their children were seated in carpeted area) started dragging their chairs off to the side as well, and placed them directly in front of our kids (my two plus our neighbor's boy)... The kids would have had NO way of seeing around them.

I decided I would politely ask them to move a little... it went something like this...

Me: Excuse me, can you move over a little? If you sit there then the kids won't be able to see over you.
Woman: Well, I need to see too.
Me: Yes, I understand, but they can't see at all if you sit there.
Woman: **sighs** Why don't they sit over there? (pointing to carpet area)
Me: Because they don't want to.
Woman: Well...I need to see the show too.
Me: Just staring blankly at woman because her reasoning for needing to block children was amazing to me....
Woman: **rolling eyes** and slides chair off to side...
Woman's friend: I need to keep an eye on my daughter.... so she doesn't run off... as she drags her chair too...
(The interesting thing is... Where they were originally putting their chairs was not too close to their kids as after they moved over...)

I don't like to say things that are even semi confrontational. But, come on now. Was it really necessary to block two 3 year olds and two 1 year olds???

Paige, our buddy Alex, and Connor waiting for the puppet show!

Paige, our buddies Dylan & Alex, and Connor posing for pictures!

Wordful Wednesday!! (scenes from a 3rd birthday!)

2011-10-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

Connor has been insisting he wanted a Lightening McQueen cake and party for his birthday... since we're doing a "big party" as a joint birthday for both kids - we had some family over for his Lightening McQueen 3rd Birthday!!!

A small gift from Mommy, Daddy & Paige before we start our day!

Birthday Breakfast over at Grandma T's!

Bowling with Mommy & Daddy

"Lightning McQueen Party!"

Sharing his new scooter

Connor had quite a 3rd birthday! Thanks to everyone for the well wishes you sent!

When the little girl is sick...

2011-10-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

There is no pleasing her.

Miss Paige has had a fever for the last few days, this morning being its peak at 103.6 -- so, granted, she doesn't feel well.

Within a very short hour or so she went from taking her peaceful, refreshing nap....

To hiding in the corner and crying... (for a reason I have yet to figure out....)

A little more crying....

After a great amount of patience, love and coaxing, I got her out of the corner so we could read books. The time of quiet was short lived, because it seems she has a short fuse today and is quite touchy... She doesn't want juice. No water. No snacks. Nothing, nothing, nothing. poor thing...

So, we eventually made our way into the kitchen where she helped herself to some fresh strawberries...

But, she got mad when she saw me snap a photo and she threw the half eaten berry back into the box and closed it.

I asked her:
Mommy: Paige, do you want your berry?
Paige: NO.
Mommy: Do you want juice ?
Paige: NO.
Mommy: Do you want to lay on the couch together?
Paige: NO.
Mommy: DO you want to lay on the couch with your pillows and blanket?
Paige: NO MOMMY! (crying)

Mommy: DO you want to play with Connor?
Paige: (still crying) Noooooooooooo Mommy
Mommy: Ok, I will leave you alone.
Paige: NO MOMMY! (crying...) She then walks over to try and climb on my lap -- and I move back to scoop her up on my lap and she walks away crying NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not quite sure what my poor girl wants...or needs... but it certainly involves patience because I can't figure anything else out....

Happy 3rd Birthday!

2011-10-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Connor! You have grown so much, I am so proud of you.
You are a sweet, caring and sensitive young boy.
You have a goofy sense of humor.
You are smart.
You are observant.
You work hard in preschool and in your speech lessons.
You are charming.

I love my little baby boy -- even though you've asked me not to call you baby anymore.
You said, "Don't say baby. Say Boy". And if I slip, and call you baby, you always remind me you're a big boy now. Yes you are... I love you.... xoxoxox Happy Birthday Baby (Big) Boy!!

Just Born 10-1-08

1st Birthday 10-1-09

2nd Birthday 10-1-10

3rd Birthday 10-1-11

Embracing Your Age.

2011-09-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

I recently turned another year older.
It sort of hurt.I mean, I didn't wake up and feel any stabbing pains or anything, but it sort of hurt to get another year older.
However - what choice to I have? Not much.
Therefore....
I will embrace it.
I am 31. I am 31. I am 31.I am 31I am 31.. Im 31.I am 31.I am 31. I am 31.I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31. I am 31.I am 31.

hmm.... yeah not sure if that really made me feel better or not.
Oh well, i will try again next year. :0)

Wordless Wednesday -- first Build A Bear Trip! (for a friends bday)

2011-09-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - Baseball Game!

2011-09-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Not Very Wordy Wednesday - webcam silliness

2011-09-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

**Ok, I have to mention why Connor's face looks so swollen is because of the killer mosquitoes running rampant around our area -- his face continued to swell up all day and ended up getting some major doses of Benadryl to help.

We're Mad.

We're Happy!

Sillies!

So sad.

SURPRISED!

Scared.

We weren't ready. lol

I wasn't ready for it.

2011-09-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

All day on 9-11 I debated whether or not I should write an "I Remember" post. I've done one in the few years past of being a blogger, but, I just wasn't sure if I should this year.

Later on that day - I had the kids in the car on the way home from my mothers house, and Connor was looking out the windows and we were talking about the trees, the train tracks, big trucks, a cemetery -- basically, every thing we drove by, we discussed.

Then, a conversation I wasn't quite ready for, or prepared for came up for so many reasons.

Connor: What's that Mommy?
Me: A Cemetery
Connor: What's that Mommy?
Me: A cemetery Connor.
Connor: What's cemetery?
Me: ::loooongg sigh:: Well, Connor, do you remember when we went with Daddy to go visit Poppy? We went, and saw a stone with his name on it, and we talked to him but didn't see him? Well, that's a cemetery.
Connor: We visit Poppy. Daddy sad at Poppy. Poppy come back?

(**Connor was not even a year old when his Poppy aka great grandpa passed away but Poppy was the man who raised Jason - so its his "dad".... and on Fathers Day we went with some flowers and Connor
wanted to go up with Jason -- so he remembers Daddy was sad because of Poppy...)
Me: No Connor, Poppy can't come back. He's up in Heaven.
Connor: Poppy up in Heaven. Daddy still sad.
Me: Yes, Connor. Daddy is still sad. That's why we go to the cemetery so we can have a place to visit the people in Heaven. But, don't worry, Heaven is a nice place so Poppy is happy there.
Connor: Heaven happy. Daddy sad for Poppy. Buy Daddy a new Poppy?

and that's about where I got choked up because I realized how much he wanted his Daddy to be happy....

Hello! I'm a Mom.

2011-09-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Obviously I'm a Mom. I've been a Mom since 2008...::gasp:: when Connor was born almost 3 years ago!

However, sometimes there are little things I say and/or do that strike a "holy moly I'm a Mom" chord in me...

When I call the kids daycare/preschool I say "Hi this is Kendra... Connor/Paige's MOM...."
for some reason, that always leaves me with a weird OMG I'm A MOM feeling.

I suppose its because I introduce myself as a mother. Its my "title" rather than the act of being a mother.
Whatever it is...the best part of it all is that I can proudly say I'm a mother of these two::

Wordless Wednesday - Irene could still be fun.

2011-08-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

You hear that?

2011-08-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Me neither.
It's because no one is home! NO ONE except me!
Phew...
I am relieved only because its been a less than stellar break from work. Don't get me wrong, there have been happy, silly and loveable moments intertwined, but overall I haven't had a moment alone, or without stress.

This is week #2 - and so far my break has looked like this::

Week 1:
Monday - Connor had his surgery
Tuesday- Home with Connor and Paige, tending to under the weather Connor
Wednesday - Home with kids again, tending to under the weather Connor
Thursday - Paige went off to school, Connor stayed home because he appeared to have "regressed" in the healing process.
Friday - Paige back to school, home with Connor again because he was looking miserable and ill.
Friday night - Trip to ER with Connor for non-surgery related issues (major constipation) and didn't return home until past midnight.
Saturday - trip to pediatrician to follow up ER visit. And run last minute errands before Hurricane Irene sweeps in.
Sunday - Hurricane Irene left her mark... her water all over. That was quite stressful on top of taking care of Connor's issues.
Monday - Operation:: Clean up basement! (both kids went to school), Jason went to work much later so we could begin the cleanup
Tuesday - cleaning up the house, home with both kids, Jason off to work....

that leads me to right now.
this moment...
Jason was going to wash the car, do a few simple tasks and he took both kids.
I have a quiet moment.
Ahhhh.....

Irene. 2.

2011-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just some more views of our lady Irene.

Irene.

2011-08-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

She came, She saw, She CONQURED.

Thankfully my house didn't lose power.

Thankfully none of my family was injured.

We did have flooding throughout our basement and threw out tons of stuff.

Thankfully it was only things. Some more sentimental than others, but,it was still "just stuff".

My sister's basement is a water tank. Water filled to the top step.

Thankfully it was just things that were ruined.

My road was closed until today because of major flooding.

Peoples cars and homes were ruined around here.

A local waterfront restaurant was totally destroyed.

Lots of people lost items, belongings and will need to put a lot of money and work into fixing what was destroyed.

Thankfully it was "just stuff".

The bottom of my road.

Flash Back Friday! -- "MY GIRLS"

2011-08-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

My bloggy friend over at and Potato Makes Three! did a Flash Back Friday post of a silly (older) picture she stumbled upon... so, I told her I was copying her idea and here goes some of my flash back photos!

These are a few of "my girls" and our wild times and how I miss them so!!

Wordless Wednesday - cell phone photos

2011-08-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Connor's surgery.

2011-08-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

Today Connor had surgery - he had his right ear tube replaced and his adenoids removed.
Overall, he did well and the surgery went great! He did have a tough time with the anesthesia - the recovery from it took a toll on him... but, he's a trooper...


We had just arrived, and were waiting to be taken upstairs to Same Day Surgery.

After we got upstairs into a Same Day surgery room Connor became more resistant to the doctors and nurses -- he didn't want them to take his temperature, his pulse and he CERTAINLY didn't want to change into that hospital gown... what a fight he put up. We finally decided to let him stay in his regular clothes until a little while after he was given the Versed.

He became much more compliant and goofy after the medication.


He was "Dr. Connor"

Photo with Dr. Mommy

After surgery, he had a terrible time waking up from the anesthesia... he was screaming, crying, trying to pull out his IV -- it was tough... and I was trying to calm him down to avoid hurting his throat any further... he only wanted Grammy... no one else. Especially not Mommy, afterall, I was the one who made him come to the hospital.

Grammy comforting him in the recovery room.

Back up in the same day surgery room -- fast asleep on Grammy again.

Out Cold.

Finally ready to go... he wasn't feeling great but he was determined to leave.

Overall, he really is doing great. He took a few more good naps, drank a lot of juice, had ice pops and sherbet - and has even tried some noodles because he was So hungry!

And, hey! Paige has totally benefited from her brothers surgery because she gets ice pops and sherbet at dinner time too!

Big News -- I'm an AUNT!

2011-08-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday (August 14) my niece Avery Grace was born (2.2 lbs) and my nephew Ethan Michael (2.1 lbs) were born at 27 w 5 days!

They are doing strong and healthy in the NICU - and my sister is doing well too...
She had a rough road - she'd been in the hosptial for one month prior to their birth and had some ups and downs thinking they were coming a few times before they did arrive! The doctors kept them growing strong and healthy for an extra 3 weeks (she was admitted at 24 wks)...

I'm so excited they're here and I can't wait to watch them grow!

My baby girl is 21 months old!!

2011-08-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

Miss Paige, aka Sassy pants, aka my Diva aka my princess aka the little peanut turned 21 months old today! I can not believe she is almost 2 years old.

Paige's vocabulary and language skills have definitely bloomed! She will talk talk talk your ear off... and she is most likely telling you "No" or bossing you around. Just today, I asked her to clean up her doll house before playing with a new toy - she looked at the toys then at me and said "Mommy do it"...

Paige is getting good at jumping off the ground! She also has "twinkle toes" and will sometimes run on her little tippy toes like a ballerina.

Don't let her dainty, jewelry wearing princess self fool you -- she can be tough! Her and "Nah-nar" (Connor) are the best of friends and will monkey around all the time. They rough house and play tea parties!

Boys and Their Toys

2011-08-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Connor has reached a new stage of toys.
He LOVES these two little rubbery toys.
One is a little green dinosaur, appropriately named "Dino"
and the other, a blue lizard, named, you got it, "Lizard"

These two toys are just cheap little prizes that come from Chuck E Cheese (Dino) and a family fun park (lizard). However ... its been WEEKS of these toys... obsessing over them.

He needs to have them at all times... in fact... when he goes to sleep clutching them in his little hands... he often loses them in the blankets and he has actually woken me up in the middle of the night to help find them! Its worse than a pacifier!

The status of these little toys often goes from "Found" to "Missing" and sometimes "Missing for a few days so I think I will cry and have a nervous breakdown while Mommy frantically rips the house apart looking for one" and of course, they're always found in the EASIEST spots...
you know - the shoe mat among our shoes, next to the toilet, in the bag he was using to help grandma pick vegetables...

Oh boy... these two toys will be the death of me. I think I may need to call Chuck E Cheese and have some stockpiled.

In case you were wondering. -- current status --

Lizard : was lost between 1pm and 4pm until Grandma and Great Grandma tore the houses apart to find them in the bag of fresh picked garden veggies.... NOW FOUND.

Dino : was lost since Monday until we were frantically looking for him because lizard was lost and nearing an emotional breakdown Connor found him hidden in the "trunk" of his ride on toy.... NOW FOUND.

for now.

Wordless Wednesday - (Video Edition)

2011-08-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

**sorry for the blurry recording, it was done via a recording app on my iPhone

First Trip to the Library!

2011-08-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

After picking the kids up from daycare today, Connor went to the ENT office for an audiological exam, Paige went to Grandmas! Once we left the doctor, I was so proud of Connor for behaving so well during the exam (his last two experiences during the exam weren't stellar performances) so I thought we'd so something "just the two of us"!

I decided he was a big boy and we would go to the library for his First visit!

I tried explaining to him that a library is full of books we can read and borrow! But we have to bring them back when we're all done! He was really excited and kept chanting some combination of library and raspberry!

When we were at the door, I reminded him that the library is a quiet place...and in we went to look at books... When we got to the children's section, he stared at all the books and actually let out a whispered "Wowwww"....

I encouraged him to slowly start looking at the books, until he found something he wanted to read...

He did find the toy nook which was cleverly placed at the corner of the children's books, but, with a few short trips to the toys, we found a few books that seemed interesting... we found a cowboy one, a sheep one, a mouse one and one about a boy named Alex... (Alex is Connor's best friend's name!).

Connor said YES! to the Alex book, and YES! to the mouse book (part of the "If You Give A... series...Connor LOVES these books)... and "Stay here" to the cowboy and sheep book.

So, we did it! Had our first visit to the library, and picked out books to take home!

Wordless Wednesday - Little Professors

2011-08-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't want a mural in the living room...

2011-08-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

...but Paige thought I needed one.

Luckily, it was a washable marker she got a hold of.

And, yes, I made her help me clean it up. (Connor wasn't an accomplice, in fact, he was the tattletale that brought this mural to Mommy's attention - he just wanted to help clean up.)

Bats in the Bedroom Render Me Useless.

2011-07-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

Last night while I was asleep Jason started yelling to wake me up, and get me out of the bedroom... freaked out because I didn't know what was happening my gut instinct was to run directly across the hall to the children's bedroom. Once I got my bearings I looked at him with a giant "WTF" kind of look - why did you wake me out of a perfectly sound sleep by screaming... why am I standing in the kids bedroom doorway, and you have now locked us out of our room??

Well... there was a bat in our bedroom. Yup, a bat. He flew right across the room while Jason was sitting up watching TV. Not quite sure how he got in here... we live in a townhouse - so there's no attic... all our windows were closed... did he get in through the air conditioner? Is that even possible? Either way -- EWWW!!!

I was so freaked out, as Jason was problem solving ways to rid our bedroom of this bat I stood hiding in my kids room. I didn't want to see it, hear it, or deal with it. I was getting the heebie jeebies just picturing that little flying thing in my bedroom... is it touching my clothes? is it on my bed? WHERE IS IT? Ew.

One of the cats was trying to go after it - so we had a cat and a bat locked in our room... the cat didnt' get him, but he did scare him enough that he was just hanging on the edge of our closet door motionless.

Jason was requesting my help. You know... we're a team! Let's go get that bat out of our room! What did I do? I said "No way that's disgusting" and I closed the door to the kids room leaving only a small crack so I could peek through.
He asked me to go downstairs and get him something to remove the bat from our home... what did I offer?

Yup! We can clean that bat out of our house! I was just worried he was getting his nasties on my room -- you know, cooties, blood, guts, whatever... I just wanted no part of it.

Then, he said he needed me to go turn our bedroom light on (it wasn't plugged in because I unplugged it to use the fan) and he was trying to keep tabs on the bat. I did NOT want to go into our room... but, I ran in, plugged in our light took a peek at the critter, shuddered, and ran out.

Finally, I gave Jason lots of moral support, told him to be careful, and went back to my post locked up in the kids room. He used a tupperware container to capture him and just held the lid on top to keep him from flying around the house... I heard the bat make some noises, Ew... and jason yelled "Go open the front door!!"

SO... I ran downstairs, opened the door and... hid in the downstairs bathroom until he got the bat (and the tupperware) outside of the house!!!!!

Well...the bat is gone. And I successfully proved my uselessness when it comes to critters.. we had a mouse in here a few months ago and similarly, I provided nothing but moral support and lots of "ew's".

Needless to say... as cool, calm and collected as I was (ha!) I had a hard time sleeping after that because every time Jason moved I thought the bat was back! Or when the cat climbed on the bed to lay next to me I thought it was a bat cuddling up.

Ew... I'm still skeeved. Ugh.

**Note:: No bats or tupperware containers were harmed in the events stated above...I, for one, just do not want anything bat like, or in bat contamination in my home...**

Wordless Wednesday - MAD FACE!

2011-07-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

And They Fight...

2011-07-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, now my kids fight.
It was inevitable.
Only a matter of time.
They're siblings.
Siblings fight.
But...already?
They're both under 3!
Yes...they fight.
Connor yelled "NO PAIGE!"
She cried loudly.
He yelled "MINE PAIGE!"
She cried louder.
He walked over to her...
She pushed him away and said "NO!!!"
Then they both yelled in each others faces and cried.
That was yesterday.

This morning...
They were fighting...
over who could sit on my lap on the couch.
Paige was there first.
Connor wanted his share of Mommy.
Paige pushed him down as he tried to climb up.
He got mad and yelled "MY MOMMY!"
He climbed back up.
She tried to kick him down.
He tried to hit her and yelled "NO PAIGE MY MOMMY!!"
I intervened... and said they could both sit on my lap and
that I was both Connor and Paige's Mommy.
They got comfortable.
We were relaxed and watched Shrek.
Paige slowly reached her foot out and put it on Connor.
He got mad, and hit Paige.
I told them to stop.
He said "Mommy I don't like Paige. Put her in the garbage"

Ah... I guess sibling rivalry isn't a learned behavior but rather a human reflex.

Excuse me... I hear another fight in the works...

Good Job Paige!

2011-07-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to boast that my little girl had a great day at daycare yesterday!!

They reported that she was in a great mood all day and didn't sit on anyones lap or get carried all day! (remember... Paige is my Velcro baby and her first days at day care were spent latched to the hip of any sucker who'd pick her up...)

This is huge progress and I'm so happy she's finally starting to adjust!

wordless wednesday - Goggles and Tractors

2011-07-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ramblings.

2011-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

This year we had a difficult school year losing two of our students -- See Here for my reflection...

Well, working with my type of students takes a either a mushy heart or a heart of steel. I haven't yet figured out which one I need to work there -- but, this past week we have had some bad news relating to the health/well being of two of our students...

It is so sad, these kids (hmph, I call them kids but really, they're teens and young adults) rely on us to do all we can for them, and sometimes we just can't keep them as safe and healthy as we'd like to.

It's been an emotional day hearing updates about our students ... and could possibly continue to get worse.. (although I certainly hope it only gets better).

Unfortunately... Sometimes it takes something scary in someone else's life to make you realize how grateful you should truly be.

Never Catch A Break.

2011-07-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

From What is it that I'm never catching a break?

EAR INFECTIONS!

Connor has yet another... his right ear... the one where the tube is sorta in there, but not really doing its job anymore -- Remember this post??

well he's got one there. So he was already scheduled for an ENT check up 8/23 but I called and moved it up to 7/27 because now the time has come to make a plan - round 2 of tubes?? I'm thinking we're probably headed there. Ugh.

Wordless Wednesday - Swimming with Grandpa

2011-07-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Plotting Against Me.

2011-07-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Allow me to paint a picture for you....

I'm out back with the kids while they play with their friends (our neighbors).
Daddy left for a Sunday night softball game, and he locked the front door (remember, I'm out back) but gave me the keys "just in case" .

45 minutes or so passes and the Mommy's say its time to clean up!

Paige decides that she needs to play with the keys NOW! And grabs them...
Connor decides he needs to go in the house NOW (instead of cleaning up) And... locks me out of the house (on purpose) by closing the sliding door and flipping the latch on it.
... Of course Paige is standing IN THE HOUSE with him holding my keys in her hand.

Mommy:: Connor, open this door now.
Connor:: devlish stare and grin
Paige:: standing next to Connor smiling at Mommy while holding keys
Mommy:: Connor, open the door now so I can get in the house
Connor:: devilish stare and grin, ignoring mommy....
Paige:: standing next to Connor smiling at Mommy while holding keys
Mommy:: *now gritting teeth and trying to sound REALLY angry...** OPEN THIS DOOR NOW!
Connor:: does nothing.
Paige:: reaches up and unlocks the sliding door for Mommy

Mmmhmmmm

Things I Am Not (But My Kids Think I Am)

2011-07-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Things I AM NOT...But my kids think I am...

a personal chef
a human jungle gym
a maid
a tissue
a nurse
a leftover food receptacle
a napkin

But... I guess that's what makes me Mommy.

What else do YOUR kids think you are?

Rough Morning. Sad Kids = Sad Mom

2011-07-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Overall...daycare day #1 went well... Paige had some emotional meltdowns throughout the day, but managed.... Connor had a tough time after I left, but was good for the duration of the day...

This morning...:::
Connor was having mini emotional meltdowns all morning at home. He said he really liked "school" and had a good time , but just kept breaking down so much this morning and even said "I want to stay home" mid-cry...
...when we were trying to get dressed he laid down on his bed and cried saying "no clothes"

I told him he can't go to school naked. and he laughed.

We finally made our way downstairs... made some breakfast, looked at our lunchboxes to see what Mommy packed (he was super excited about yesterday's cheese sandwich so I thought seeing another one today would help)
.... and all the while Paige was doing GREAT!
Breakfast time! Connor wanted eggs. Didn't eat eggs. I threw out the eggs... he cried that he wanted eggs. I made new ones he said "no way" -- Paige ate pretty well today.

Then... he had to go pee pee on the potty... so we go, he went and said "Mommy...I need doctor" I asked him why... he said "Eyes hurt"

Ahh...sneaky sneaky boy - I had already told him he can't stay home because mommy has an eye doctor appointment.

As we were leaving Paige was still happy and anxious to go.
Connor was just teetering between one meltdown and the next. He started to get excited though, he had his lunchbox, his bookbag-- we were ready!

We called Daddy before we pulled out -- Daddy tried to give a positive "school" pep talk but poor Connor was choking back tears the whole time... Paige was blowing kisses saying "hi daddy"

Drop off -HORRIBLE! two screaming, inconsolable toddlers screaming and crying and clinging to their mommy. Ugh it was such an ordeal... and I barely made it to the car without crying... the staff had to basicallyrip Paige off me... Connor was corralled away to the toy table to get preoccupied... I hated it.
I feel more guilty because I'm still home... (back to work Monday) --

They appear to be happily playing in the room (I am a webcam obsessed spy-Mom)...

Reminder to myself... "It's only Day 2....it will get better"

"Wowza I'm such a Mom"

2011-07-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

I had a total Mom-piphany... Ya know, like an epiphany about being a mom....

I was making lunches for the kids 2nd day at daycare (aka "school" as we refer to it) and suddenly I realized "I am a total Mom... making cutesy sandwiches....

and filling up their cute, and character overloaded, lunchboxes with yummy treats to fill their bellies...

And... I enjoyed every second of it.
However, I'm sure in 5 years I'll be sick of making lunches and wishing my kids bought lunch at school!

And...yes, today was their first day of "School" -- so I certainly have pictures!

BUSTED!

2011-07-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

I heard hysterical laughing and I knew they were up to no good! I clearly took the time to grab my camera before rounding the corner to snap a few photos of their silliness.

Making his sister Smell his feet

Now she's trying to get her feet to his nose...

Time for a break

Gotcha!

4th of July Fun!

2011-07-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

Daycare Visit

2011-06-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today the kids went to visit their new daycare from 9-11 - I have been talking about it for a while trying to prep them for the transition (their first day is July 7th) -- but today was a special play visit....

I was excited and nervous but the kids seem pumped for it -

We walked in and Connor couldn't wait to get into his new school - he tried running ahead of me into the classroom. Paige was much more refrained, observing the classroom, and sticking close by me... She would get down out of my arms, explore for a moment and come right back.

They appeared to be settling in, so I said my goodbyes and made my way into the directors office to review the paperwork I'd filled out. After about 5 minutes I heard a loud, and way too familiar sounding cry -- My Connor... He was crying out for Mommy. Of course I immediately welled up with tears, hearing my little man crying for me. But, the director assured me he would be fine in a few minutes...

When I picked them up (2 hours later) they were both happily playing with other kids on the playground --

In the car Connor told me: "I cried"
Mommy: "Ohh honey, why did you cry"
Connor : " I sad"
Mommy: "Why were you sad?"
Connor: " I needed Mommy"
Mommy:: took a moment for my heart to stop melting... "Aww,, you needed Mommy? But you had fun and Mommy came back!"
Connor: "I needed Mommy. Mommy came back"

Wordless Wednesday - Visiting Grampy

2011-06-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

(ok, a few words... Grampy is my 93 year old grandfather -- the kids great grandfather -- and we got to spend some time with him this weekend, and it was so special to see the kids with him...)

Night at the Drive-In!

2011-06-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

Last night Jason & I decided we wanted to take the kids to see Cars 2 at the drive-in movies!
We realized that this could either be a recipe for disaster or an ultimate success -- however, we felt our odds were better with a drive-in than with a regular movie theater (and cheaper too since both kids were free at the drive-in!).

We tried to pump them up by setting up the pillows/blankets in the back of the car before we left, and changing them into their PJs at home... once we were in PJs and the snacks were packed Connor was raring to go!!!!

Cheezy PJ smile!

Let's Go to the Movies!

When it was finally time to go, we piled in the car and headed to the drive-in. Paige was excited, but I'm not sure she knew why... However, Connor kept screaming "woooo!!! movies!" "light Maheeen (Lightening McQueen) and "vroom vroom vrooom" the whole ride.

We finally arrived - and started setting up for the big event!

And, we needed snacks! (we had brought some snacks from home and stopped at the store to try and prevent having to pay the jacked up movie prices!)

Mmmm Popcorn!

Twizzlers!

And, finally, the movie can begin!

Yes, they both stayed awake for the whole movie! There were times I'd glance back at Connor and he was truly mesmerized by the big screen and the movie experience! Overall, it was a wonderful family event... and I'm so glad we did it!

Ahhh, vacation!

2011-06-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day off on vacation. Unlike most teachers, I don't have the luxury of enjoying summers off. I get two weeks off before our summer program begins and then I get another two weeks off at the end of that program.

I had really been looking forward to spending quality time with the kids this break, with no set schedules, we can do fun things, and make our "own rules"!

This morning, I slept in a little late - until 7! Woo hoo!! Then Connor woke up and sat in bed with me, we read books, we were silly, and we just snuggled until Princess Paige woke at 7:45 (very late for her).

We slowly made our way downstairs to the living room (their main play area) and I went into the kitchen to pour them their cups of milk.
That's when Connor started asking me "Put clothes on mommy" "go bye bye" "clothes on mommy"... I told him that we aren't getting dressed yet, we're staying in PJs a little longer. He didn't like that answer... he continued to ask to go bye bye ...
So I asked him where he wanted to go -- he said "Ma's house" (Ma is their great - grandma ... she watches them 5 days /week when me and Jason are working)...

I had to tell Connor we aren't going to Ma's today, we're staying home together because Mommy doesn't have work.

How did he take the news??

"No way Mommy. Ma's house."

Wordless Wednesday - snuggle in Mommys Bed

2011-06-22T04:17:00.000-07:00

Booty Brief Dance

2011-06-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

We have been trudging along the path of Potty Training with Connor and he's been doing well!
He likes to "Pee like Daddy" or "Pee like a Man" (which means facing the toilet - either by standing or straddling the bowl instead of sitting on the Elmo potty seat he has).
As an added initative I decided it was time to buy him "big boy undies" -- I'll be off for 2 weeks shortly and I thought I could use that time to really push the training...

Well when he saw the underwear options, I didn't know how I was going to get him to choose! We finally made it to the register with a set of Mickey Mouse underwear and a set of (of course) Thomas the Train undies!

No sooner did we get home and he wanted to wear them I was really going to wait until my vacation but he was so excited I figured we'd see how the day goes! I told him, let's go potty and try on new undies - Um... no. "NO POTTY MOMMY." - Well...... this isn't working the way I wanted -- but PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE!
Connor got a pep talk from Mommy about no more peepee in the diapers,so I gave him a pep talk and said, that ifhe has to tell Mommy or Daddy when he has to go, blah blah blah -- he was just too excited to put them on!!

He's looking through all of his underwear to see what he's got

He's trying to put on ALL the pairs at once...

Its been over an hour, so far so good - and we DID take a trip to the bathroom (successfully) as well

Doing his "Booty Dance" in his new undies

Paige wants in on the underpants action

Naturally he had to "Protect" his prizes.

Go the F*ck to Sleep

2011-06-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Seriously.

Seriously.... the most amazing piece of literature ever written. Hands down.

I especially enjoy the version as read by Samuel L. Jackson...

I was laughing out loud, wiped a few tears from the corners of my eyes and may have peed myself all while listening to this. (Ok, 2 of the 3 are true....)

This is unfortunately, all TOO real and true for my life with 2 toddlers who don't prefer sleep. At all.

Wordless Wednesday - Coney Island

2011-06-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Modern Art & Games

2011-06-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I took Connor to the pediatricians office because he's been tugging on his ears and telling me he has a boo-boo in his throat. Those paired with a cough made me feel he was due for a visit -- turns out he is fine. Ears clear, throat clear, cough no biggie - must just be some type of seasonal cold.

However....we had to wait a LONG time today. Longer than we've ever waited in that office - they were so busy, every room was full, plus people in the waiting room.

I was coming up with all sorts of games to try and keep him occupied in the small room (of course, all the fun toys are in the waiting room!) After a few of my "fun games" I asked him if he wanted to learn a new game... He looked at me and said "GAME OVER". haha I guess that meant NO.

Then, I remembered one of my all time favorites from the days of waiting for my pediatrician... writing on the bed liner! Perfect! Now we were ready to get down to it!

He said he drew "Daddy, Mommy, Paige and Kitty Cat"

Do you see the Cow? and the Monkey?

How many times can we trace our hands and feet before the doctor arrives?

Update:: Operation Big Kid Beds!

2011-06-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

.Check out the original post here

Overall, Thursday night continued fairly successfully. Paige woke up crying twice but Jason went in, calmed her down and got her back to sleep in less than 5 minutes for each visit. After those two times (both occurring before 11:30) she stayed asleep for the remainder of the night!

Connor woke up at 1:15 - he came in my room and tried to climb in bed, but I escorted him back to his room, reminded him it was "time for the big boy bed" and he went right back to sleep. He got up again around 4:30 - and we did the same trip back to his room and I had to rub his back for a couple of minutes before he fell asleep...

Overall... a major success.

Friday night -- well...... they slept at Grammy's house so we potentially ruined our Big Kid Bed opportunity but, grandparent nights are important!

Saturday (tonight) night -- we were out a little late for them (9pm), but we went straight upstairs got ready for bed and Connor got right onto his big boy bed and under the sheet without even needing to be told! Paige happily climbed on her bed and had Mommy sit on the floor nearby. The kids laid on their beds watching a short movie to settle down - and Connor rolled over and went to sleep on his own, no fussing!

I turned off the movie and put on the sound machine for Paige and sat with her quietly hoping she'd doze off quickly... she was very good - only tried to get off the bed twice - and gave NO problems when I put her back. She even leaned her head towards me and said "I du u Mommy" (i love you mommy)... aw, I melted!

Hopefully they sleep well tonight, but the act of going to sleep in their beds is going pretty well!

Operation:: Big Kid Beds. Night #1

2011-06-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ok. Ok. It's official. Mommy's cracking down around here. This sleeping business is nonsense...
My kids have refused to sleep in/on cribs or beds since SEPTEMBER. Yes...SEPTEMBER! where have they been sleeping? On a nice "fluffy" bed of blankets on the floor. It used to be in the living room - and I was pleased when we moved the "bed" to their room...
(May I add that MOMMY has been sleeping on the floor with them many, many, many of those nights. I have been slowly weaning my way out of their room and into my bed. It's been alright.... I still end up in there somewhere around 2-3a.m. -- )

Not to make a long story even longer but its Time to CRACK DOWN!

The kids got their "Big Girl and Big Boy" sheets set up - (I figured we needed something motivating)... they each picked what they wanted - Connor selected Disney's Cars and Paige chose Dora the Explorer..
I got them a new pair of PJs too - and they were amped to get the night started!

Big Boy bed smiles!

Silly Girl, ready for her new bed!

Not a bad start, eh?

Don't let these cutesy little pictures fool you... they weren't that easy...
but they weren't too bad either.

Overall it took 50 minutes for them to fall asleep...lots of Supernanny moves - putting them into bed, over and over and over...
Connor fell asleep VERY quickly... within 10 minutes, and Paige put up a bit more of a fight. Which was to be expected. She climbed Out of bed too many times to count, but I was sitting right next to her putting her back in. Each time, without fail she exclaimed "No MOMMY!" and laid in bed for another minute before starting over again.
Connor then woke up shortly after screaming and crying quite hysterically. It took a while to calm him down-- which set Paige off too - but, all things considered - I've had my share of sleep battles with them and this was much easier than anticipated.

HOWEVER....its still early... we shall see what the middle of the night brings.

hi cousins!

2011-06-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Remember Connor's Big Announcement???

Well...after seeing Aunt Kelley this past weekend, I guess it really stuck in his mind that she has some babies in her belly -- and when he spent the day with great grandma on Monday while I was at work apparently he was chatting up a storm about the babies in Kelley's belly!

I'm glad he's so excited - and ooh my goodness, you have no idea how excited I AM!!!!!! I can't wait to spoil Lady Gaga and Meatloaf rotten! Oh, yeah, I named the babies myself... until they are officially named, those shall be their nicknames... (Kelley nicknamed my kids while I was pregnant too- its what we do)....

Wordless Wednesday - Scenes From Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

Thinking and Not Thinking

2011-06-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

What I'm thinking about right now:

i don't feel well
i want more coffee
its going to be really, really hot today
my couch looks really cozy from over here
its going to be really hot today
my eyebrows are a hot mess.
i should probably fix the hot eyebrow mess and get 'em waxed
i still don't feel well (went to Dr yest and have upper respiratory infection combined with an asthma flare up caused by horrible allergies -- so I'm really a mess)

What I'm NOT thinking about right now:

I should've already made my lunch for today
I should be putting my shoes on RIGHT NOW to leave for work
I should be grabbing my keys RIGHT NOW
and... that I should really get off my butt and go to work.

To the man at Stew Leonards...

2011-06-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

To the man at Stew Leonards (in Yonkers...)
Thank you for running over at full speed when you saw my little girl fall backwards out of her high chair, hit her head on the concrete and choke on her food. I know Daddy was trying to take care of her, but I can only assume you are a medical professional who wanted to make sure she was really ok. Maybe you're not a medical professional at all, maybe you're just a really good Samaritan who saw the fear in the faces of two parents - I will never really know... Regardless... you did a good deed tonight.
You didn't say much... but your intervention and concern touched my heart more than you probably realize... I was tearing up with fear and appreciation as you kneeled there helping Daddy get the food out of her throat....
You got up and walked away quickly after she was ok, saying "She's a trooper, she'll be fine"... and disappeared...
I'm glad we saw you one last time before we left so I could tell you "THANK YOU SO MUCH" but...really, that wasn't what I wanted to say.
So, man at Stew Leonards..thank you so much.

More Crazy Talk - Best Friends

2011-06-02T04:21:00.000-07:00

The other day I picked up Connor for an impromptu snuggle session (we just stood in the living room snuggling) and I asked "Who's Your Best Friend?".... (obviously the answer was supposed to be MOMMY!).... He replied: "Paayy" (Paige).
Aw...that was so sweet -- I certainly can forgive not getting first... so I pressed on.

Me: So who's your second best friend?

Connor: Daddy

Me: Who's your third best friend?
Connor: Paige
Me: WHos your fourth best friend?
Connor: Paige

clearly this kid doesn't know whats good for him anymore.... so.....

Mommy said:
Connor...can Mommy please be your fifth best friend????

Connor: fif best fwend.... then he gave me a big hug.

So I guess I'll have to settle with fifth.... hmmpph...
I suppose I should be happy I made the list.

Wordless Wednesday - Trip to Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk, Ct)

2011-06-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

lots of crazy talk...

2011-05-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

I guess a long weekend all together tends to make the family (kids and adults) more aware of the silly and crazy things we say!!!

Yesterday at breakfast, Paige kept standing up in her booster seat trying to reach across the table so I said: "You better sit your butt down in that chair little girl!" to which she replied "NO MOMMY! MY BUTT!" she told me.

Connor has this new "habit" of spitting (ok, not really spitting, more like doing raspberries pfffffft) when he doesn't like what you have to say... so if you tell him something he'll often reply "... pfffffft" So yesterday Jason told him that if he keeps doing that the Spitting Witch (yes, the spitting witch) will come and get him and she's mean and nasty.... So... Connor looked at us quite seriously for a minute and I felt badly because I thought he was scared. Then he looked at Jason and said "NO WAY! Pffffffffft" yup...real effective.

Due to the rain this morning we couldn't go to the Memorial Day Parade... Connor was disappointed.... so, to help make things more rational (haha yeah right) Daddy informed Connor "Well, blame Mommy she's the goddess of rain, so its her fault." Mmmmhmmm, ok.

And, of course, Connor has become Daddy's little parrot... every time Jason's telling me something Connor starts mimicking his Daddy's hand motions and copying the words he can pick out of the conversation. It really is quite humorous-- yet, dangerous.

Connor wants to share BIG News!

2011-05-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

We have some BIG NEWS about my sister (Aunt Kelley!) and Connor wanted to be the one to share it!

5x7 Folded Card

2011-05-26T08:45:00.001-07:00

Number One Dad Father's Day 5x7 folded card

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Wordless Wednesday -- "Girls Day!!!"

2011-05-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ok - a few words -- Me, Kelley (my sister) and Paige took our mom/Grammy out for her big birthday ! GIRLS DAY!!!!

18 Months Old!!!

2011-05-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

My darling baby girl... you are 18 months old today! You have warmed our hearts and our family for a year and a half now! Getting a "good" picture of you for this was quite a daunting task as you certainly have your own agenda. You weigh 23 pounds and are 31 1/4 inches tall - Mommy's little peanut!

And... since coloring is one of your favorite activities... you thought you'd show everyone just how much you love coloring on ANYTHING and yes, most often, yourself...

You are little miss independent... you want to "do it yourself" like a big girl.
You love trying to go peepee on the potty already -
You make silly faces because you know you get a laugh.
You love snuggling in someones lap and reading books.
You are really starting to talk so much! You have so many words already:
mama, dada, nana (connor), kitty, more, up, no, uh-huh, choochoo, papa (grandpa), baby - just a few!

Climbing is your all time favorite past time even though it gets you in a whole lot of trouble!! And you are always busy, busy, busy playing, running and just moving all around!

I love you Paige! keep making mommy and daddy proud!

the God of Ears

2011-05-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

According to Greek mythology there is a god or goddess for just about everything -

Aphrodite - goddess of beauty and love
Ares -god of war
Dionysus - god of wine, parties and festivals
Hypnos - god of sleep

Well...the list of Gods, Goddesses, lesser gods, titans goes on and on covering dieities of the most ridiculous things - relaxation, unmixed wine, beekeeping, morning dew.....
So, I am fairly convinced that somewhere deep in that list (click here for list) there is a God of Ears.

And, Clearly in this life or a past life I have angered him. And on us he shall seek his fiery wrath of vengence - or something equally scary sounding.

Of all the things I thought I'd worry about when I became a mother I never anticipated the amount of time I'd spend in the ENTs office discussing ear fluid and tubes... and forcefully insisting my ENT be less laid back and more proactive - like me.

Connors tube fell out, but its just hanging out in his ear because its too lazy to come all the way out. In addition, there's some fluid in there (ugh...cue infection) and...well, we're basically waiting to see what happens... and by that we mean - does he need to go in for round 2 of tubes?

In the meantime... I'll start honoring and praying to these guys::

Aceso (Ἀκεσώ), goddess of the healing of wounds and the curing of illnesses

Aegle (Αἴγλη), goddess of radiant good health

Asclepius (Ασκληπιός), god of healing

Epione (Ἠπιόνη), goddess of the soothing of pain

Hygieia (Υγεία), goddess of cleanliness and good health

Iaso (Ἰασώ), goddess of cures, remedies and modes of healing

Paeon (Παιάν, Παιήων, or Παιών), physician of the Olympian gods

Panacea (Πανάκεια), goddess of healing

Telesphorus (Τελεσφόρος), demi-god of convalescence, who "brought to fulfillment" recuperation from illness or injury

(stolen from Wikipedia)

Holy Moly Missing in Action

2011-05-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

So I have a few started, yet unfinished posts on file here... seems like everytime I get back to the computer I have a new idea beginning and the other post seems irrelevant or too far away.

Therefore, I shall sum up the last few days and see where we go from there...

Wednesday:: toured a local daycare (and nursery school) with the kids. Loved it. Want them to attend.
after dinner Wed, took kids to watch Daddy play softball at a local park. they had a blast watching the game and playing on playground.
Later that night... after baths and pjs -- the 3 of us were walking downstairs to say goodnight because we heard Daddy coming in from his game... and Connor lost his footing, falling -- No TUMBLING down 7-8 hardwood stairs. IT was horrifying to watch. (He's ok, minor bruising, no blood or broken bones)...

Thurs-Sun - fairly uneventful... nothing spectacular to report.

Monday(today):: I offically went and registered kids for the daycare/preschool program!
They begin in July - they'll go 3x a week in the toddler room together for the summer -- Then, in the fall, Connor will transfer downstairs to the preschool room (eek! gasp! PreSCHOOL!! no way!)...
I really liked the facility and what they had to offer. they will remain with great grandma the other 2 days a week.. However... when I signed the paperwork I had a whole flood of emotions - excitement, fear, sadness, happiness, hopefulness... all emotions that Im sure are part of the process... and I'll explore in the future....

Hopefully that sums up where I've been/where we've been-- and whats happening!

wordless wednesday:: Best Friends & Snuggles

2011-05-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ignore-ance is bliss.

2011-05-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

I don't mean ignorance as in the lack of knowledge...
I mean... IGNORE-ance - as in having the knowledge but ignoring it!

Sometimes I worry that when I go upstairs to do some household chores, take a shower, or do anything alone the kids will have a meltdown and my poor husband will be left to deal with it. So, I rush rush rush through whatever it is I'm doing to avoid this possible (and likely) scenario.

Then...other times I think "SO WHAT" if they have a meltdown, let him deal with it!
There's no reason I don't 'let' him deal with it, other than my own issues - which then lead me to complain and say "I do everything around here!"

The other night when I went upstairs to take a shower I was tired, and cranky. Just one of those days I guess. And... I was in a hot shower, just trying to wash the grump away... I then thought I heard a cry. And I was about to start hurrying...

...When I stopped myself.
I said "Self... knock it off. Enjoy this shower. He's fine. They're fine."

So, what did I do? Well, I took a long long hot hot shower... and I ignored my family.

Guess what?
They were all fine.

5x7 Folded Card

2011-05-10T12:51:00.001-07:00

We Heart Grandpa Father's Day 5x7 folded card

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Wordless Wednesday (ok, so I forgot yesterday...) CARNIVAL SEASON!!!

2011-05-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

I said a bad word.

2011-05-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

the worst of the bad words a mom can drop in front of her two toddlers.
The F bomb.

Ohhh yeah... I dropped the F bomb.

I was heating up some Dinosaur (chicken) Nuggets in the oven and my thumb hit the edge of the hot hot hot cookie tray the nuggets were on...

Naturally, I shouted FUCK!!!!!! when burning your finger you don't often take the time to scan what your audience may be doing...

And... immediately Connor scolded me...

"Moommmmmyyyy" in a drawn out shame on you tone... so I said "I know, Mommy said a bad word, Bad Mommy" and he looked at me quite seriously and said "Bad, bad word".

Even the door lock doesn't keep them out!

2011-04-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

In order to attempt at having a minute to myself I actually LOCKED the bathroom door last night. I had to pee. Thats all. Nothing that would take to long. Within seconds I hear "bang bang bang bang" on the door -- from what sounded like a whole bunch of little hands... "bang bang bang bang" followed by "MOOOMMMM Mommmyyyy mommy mommmmmy"
So I finally said "Who issss it?" and I hear Connor say "Moooommmmmmmmmyyyyyy"

So I said "I'll be right out, stop knocking on the door"

Connor replies "Sorry Mommy Sorry"
and then it went silent.

I was suspicious. No way they gave up that easily. No way.

Suddenly I hear the sweet, soft voice of my door "Mommy I youuuuuuuuuuuu" (Mommy I love you) followed by blowing kisses through the door.... <3 <3 <3

Ahhh .... so not even a quick trip to the bathroom gives me the minute alone... but, I still get extra cute love.

Easter!

2011-04-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful (and busy!) Easter we had! Our morning began with the kids searching for the eggs and baskets the Easter Bunny hid around our house. I didn't get many egg hunting shots because they were too quick for me, so I had to quickly switch to video -- but we got a few of the "ooh what's in my basket" shots!

yup, Bubble Bath!

Someone Found the Jelly Beans!

Then we had gone out for a nice brunch with my mom and my stepfather....

And... back home (with Grammy & Grandpa) for MORE Easter Baskets and some playing outside!

I took SO many many pictures..... there are more to share!!!

The Ugly, The Bad, The Good, & The Beautiful - Spring Break

2011-04-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok I know its really "The Good, bad and the ugly..." but its my blog, my rules.
As I'm getting ready to return to work (blech) I am thinking of my spring break and how it had its ups and downs, downs and ups... and times I was wishing I was just at work... and now I'm dreading the daily grind.

So, low and behold, my spring break in review::

THE UGLY
I was frustrated that the weather was pretty crappy overall so we were stuck in the house.
I was agitated with "life" in general so I let my frustration get the better of me and I was in a bad mood so I think I got mad at the kids too much and yelled at them a lot. At first.

THE BAD
It rained. A lot.
If it wasn't raining, it was cold and not spring weather.
Due to car issues that both US and my mom were dealing with simultaneously we had some vehicle shuffling to do and I had to miss a speaking engagement at a local college I had been REALLY looking forward to.

THE GOOD

I was home from work.
I was home from work with my kids.
The first weekend off, my mom took the kids Sat-Sun for a visit so I got to spend some time with hubby. What did we do? Shop for the kids Easter gifts! But still, time as adults!
I was able to see some great friends and their kids.
The kids got to spend some quality time with Grandpa (my dad) & Sandy (my stepmother)
I did some really fun activities/crafts with my kids during the week.
I was home from work with my kids.

THE BEAUTIFUL

Every morning Connor woke up around 6:15 to climb in bed (he normally gets up then, but figured out it was a lazy week!) and I got to snuggle with him (And sometimes Paige) EVERY day this week. I had at least 1-2 hours of uninterrupted, snuggle time with the kid(s) awake/sleeping/or both to just soak up and enjoy.
I got to eat breakfast and lunch (and dinner, of course) with my kids and enjoy their sillies and really talk to them... even if they smeared yogurt/syrup/jelly/[insert food item here] on themselves and the table
Did I mention I was home from work with my kids? So we danced, and played, and took a walk in between mini rain storms,
and... well, overall I suppose I'd rather be home and stuck inside with the kids than out working every day.