Baby and Tot Tales

2 Months 5 days

2012-01-22T09:48:00.000-06:00

Our little baby boy arrived save and sound, November 17, 2011. Labor & delivery went very well, and aside from chasing the two bigger kiddos around, I recovered very well too.

We did finally figure out a name for our littlest man, Rhys Michael, and it suits him just perfectly. He looks so much like his big brother its unreal!   But now, today, he is already 2 months and 5 days old!

Having a baby the week prior to Thanksgiving and right before Christmas is a little crazy! I tried to plan, be prepared, and be organized, but there is no really preparing for it. Stink and Peach took fairly well to their little brother. I was surprised that neither kid woke up when Jet Fighter would cry! But, he really doesn't fuss that much. Only when he's hungry, tired, or has a dirty diaper.

For the most part, things around the house have calmed down nicely. For us at least, going to 3 kids felt a little reminiscent of having our first kid. The crazy, trying to figure it all out, learning how to be outnumbered, being a SAHM to three- juggling getting kids to school and activities....that was tough. It has gotten easier and thank goodness for that! My lifesaver-- the TV.

When my husband went back to work after one week, I really needed help, but we don't really have people available to us at that time of day. So, in order to maintain calm and order, their brains were "fried" on hours of Nick Jr., Disney Junior, and PBS. I can now sing the theme song to any and all children's programming available on daytime TV in my sleep. It worked somewhat-- at a certain point, they'd get antsy and needed to get out a moving and playing. We did that-- but I tended not to leave the house alone. We ate out a lot. Or had breakfast for dinner. Or sandwiches. There has been a huge learning curve on preparing a meal and trying to fit in nursing sessions. And laundry?! HA! The first month we lived out laundry baskets.

We have a much better grasp of life now. We cook. We actually grocery shop.  I have a system of getting the mundane completed around the house.  The kids aren't in front of the TV any more, and Jet is now co-sleeping with us, which makes mommy happier and daddy happier-- because we each are getting a little more sleep.

And what about the big kids? Well, Peach is two and a half. She is stubborn. She is sweet. She is funny. She started preschool at the beginning of December which has been so awesome for her.  She loves being the girl in the middle and now that I can more easily lift her, she is eating up the attention she can get from me. She is mommy's little girl and daddy isn't allowed to help her do anything. He can't be the one to get her food, or drinks, or tuck her in bed.

Stink is still on the fence of wanting to be a big kid and wanting to be a little boy. He straddles those moments daily--which is a challenge sometimes. He can be smarmy and is learning the fine art of negotiating--which will serve him well in his teen years. I am not looking forward to this. He still sees things in black and white most of the time, but is quickly learning that there is a middle ground in the choices he makes.  We are trying to let him make much bigger decisions in his life everyday. Giving him a lot more choices on what order he wants to do the things that need to get done gives him a great sense of independence. This is much more effective than simply telling him what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Though, things take much longer.  Within the next month, I will be registering Stink for Kindergarten!   I can't believe how quickly the time has passed! I've already been in tears about this milestone a number of times...and hopefully, by the time his first day comes around, I can just enjoy the moment.

Dear Baby Boy

2011-11-15T20:08:00.000-06:00

In less than 48 hours you will be here. Life with your family is....loud. But you know that. You've heard.

Your big brother, Stink, hasn't been feeling well lately. But he is very excited for you to come! He has told me that he can't wait to play trains with you and teach you the things he knows! You will be best friends, I hope, and look after each other and your sister. Your sister. Peach. She is kisses you in my belly, hugs you every morning, and insists that she isn't the baby anymore. She is BIG. Although she says this, giving up her baby status may take some time for her-- she likes being the baby girl. So, while we've been waiting for you to come, she has tried out some of the baby gear we have around the house, just waiting for you. She has climbed into the bouncy seat, climbed into the swing (which was very quick and not sure how she did it because my back was only turned for a second!), she has tried to get into the bassinet too-- but we've, so far, managed to keep her out of it!

And daddy and I? We are very excited for you to come! If only we can decide what to name you! The last 9 months have been an absolute blur. The spring was long and dragged on, I was very tired and a bit queasy at times. The summer was torcher-- the heat in the midwest was a nightmare. There were very few mild days, so that meant we stayed in the house a lot! I got large and pregnant with you quickly, and that meant that by fall, I had some really uncomfortable moments--especially as you started to go through some large growth spurts.

Now, with just two days to go, I realize how much I am going to miss things just like this. Feeling you move around every night, the anticipation of you coming, not knowing what to expect-- yes. I'm a little nervous about being a mother to three children. Just as I was nervous with each of your siblings. What I know now, that I didn't when your sister was born, was that love expands exponentially and in ways that I never imagined. I am so excited to raise you and introduce you to your siblings. I can't wait to discover the kind of baby, and little person you will be. I can't wait for all those little surprises, things that one day, your daddy and I will look back at pictures and say "he is exactly who he was the day he was born, we just didn't realize it."

I can't wait to hold you in my arms, baby boy, and nurse you, and rock you, and wake up with you at all hours of the night. (but please don't be afraid of sleeping. Sleep is good. You need it to grow big and strong!)

My dear, sweet, baby boy. We will meet you soon! I love you!

Countdown continues....

2011-10-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

We are still waiting for baby....but in the meantime, a lot of living has been going on....

Peach was enrolled in a baby ballet class that she started just this morning. Stink had his last soccer game of the season-- it was bittersweet for me: the last two games he finally got much more interested in playing the game, rather than just running up and down the field chasing the ball.

I have been....well. Not doing much except tending to the kiddos, prepping for when the kiddo finally comes, trying hard not to let the dog drive me to the point of giving her away! Really, our 1 year old mutt is a great dog. Minnie. (after the mouse....) She is super sweet with the kids, was really easy to train, but she requires about as much attention, (if not more!) as an infant. Seriously. She follows me around all. day. long. It drives me crazy.

In theroy, I should be sleeping at night, for the most part. Slight discomfort here and there....but I have nothing to really keep me awake. In theroy. I must have something on my mind; or be worried about something way too much, because lately, I am up for about 10-15 minutes every hour between the hours of 11pm-4am. I don't remember having this issue with the other two. I want to sleep. I really, really do! Not so much happening for me these days! Add it to my list of complaints and it equates to a pretty crabby me.

All in all, things are good. Life is great- and we frequently keep saying to ourselves "aren't we SO lucky??" Now, for an easy, quick labor and delivery for a healthy, and happy baby boy.

Fingers crossed!

A 5th Birthday and kid things

2011-10-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted here in a long time. I'm tired. I have at least 5-6 weeks of pregnancy left and that makes me crabby.

We have had a lot of happenings: STINK is 5!!! I truly can not believe he is 5 already. Time has just passed so quickly!
To celebrate, I planned a Spy themed birthday party. I am not sure how, but starting around springtime, playing spies became Stink's favorite thing to do. With the help of the Internet, I found some absolutely fantastic ideas to make the party (for kids who can't yet read), a ton of fun. The best part? If he stays excited by spy type things, we could do the theme again and still have a ton of different activities to try out. Yes, there are pictures-- thanks to my little sis who came by to take some! Otherwise, there likely wouldn't be any! Another post, yes?

Our annual apple picking was last weekend. It was Stink's 6th year of heading to the orchard --he was 6 days old when we first took him! Peach had her 3rd apple picking. And we were wondering how life will feel when we take Baby Boy Swizzle at the age of 10 months next year....and already arguing if we will take a stroller! I, personally, would always rather carry my babies. I'm not crazy about strollers.

Speaking of Jet Fighter XT, due to arrive in about 5-6 weeks, he is getting big. I am very large and uncomfortable. Everyone looks at me like I am about to give birth at the drop of a hat and tells me how uncomfortable I look. That makes me feel much better.

Stink and Peach are really getting excited for Jet Fighter to arrive. We picked up our baby gear we thought we were done with from my sister's house (we told her if she wanted it, she had to store it.) and brought it home to start to make some final preparations. The kids were so sweet with each other, playing with their baby dolls, tucking them in, and Stink, singing little lullabies to them. They insisted last night that we bring the bassinet in their bedroom for the night so the babies could sleep near them. They checked out the floor gym, putting their dolls under the dangling toys, when Stink asked me to teach him "This Little Piggy" so that he could play with the baby's toes while he lays on the floor gym. Seriously, they were way too cute!

As much as time feels like it is passing so slowly, I know the next month will fly by, just as September disappeared in a flash! Soon, we will be a family of 5 and one fur baby. I will be the mom to 3. I am so lucky and ready for Stink and Peach to meet their newest sibling. For as great as Stink and Peach get along now, I hope that they continue to have a great relationship into adulthood, and welcome this little guy with all the love that we share with them and they share with each other.

HELP! : Odd Neighbor Behavior

2011-09-21T20:19:00.000-05:00

I like to be a good neighbor. I'll stop and chit-chat, take some just baked cookies over around the holidays. We are always trying to be courteous of our noise level/ the kids or dog running through the f;lowers, etc. If there was an emergency or crisis, I'd be there to help out a neighbor or stranger. I am a nice and kind person.   I have boundaries, however.

We live next door to an elderly woman and her tennant, not necessarily elderly, though she may act like it. They are very kind, nice to the kids. In the past year or so, the overly-friendlyness has taken a turn for the.....more annoying? Here is an example:

We live in a small home. A small home which, due to some unfinished home improvements, hasn't had a front stoop or sidewalk since purchased in 2007. We utilize our garage to access our home. During the day, and for the better part of every early evening, we leave the garage door open. If anyone needs to come by, they can walk into the garage and knock on the door to the house there. When the garage door is closed, our neighbor and her tenant, for non-emergency type situations, have found it acceptable to knock on our kitchen window (with curtains drawn!) that faces their driveway, or knock on our living room window when we don't have an outdoor light on (which I thought was the universal signal for not wanting visitors), and have even taken to walking into our backyard to access our sliding glass door that looks into our dining room and kitchen. They came by early one morning over the summer catching me in a slinky nightie and my husband in boxers! They have pretty much assumed that since we are home we ALWAYS accept and welcome visitors.

I feel intruded upon and almost a bit uncomfortable in my own home. Today I actually found an excuse to go to the store with the kids because Tenant was home, the Homeowner was not, and that is when really strange behavior begins.

Yesterday when I was having fun playing with my kids, enjoying the day (yes, the garage door was open!), there was a knock on the door to the house. I hoisted my preggers butt off the floor, scooted the kids aside to say hello. I was irritated because of the intrusion on my time, having a feeling it was for a really weird reason she stopped by. I was right. Tenant came to share with me the gossip of the street -- one of the other neighbors fell over her dog and broke a wrist and something or other--- (okay, that stinks, but what do you want me to do about it?!) And then Tenant asked this: can you put a ponytail in my hair? That. That is weird. Right? This, unfortunately, isn't the first time she's asked me to put a ponytail in her hair. It is the second. What else can I say but, sure!

I am really weirded out by this. I did not become a hairdresser. Frankly, unless you are a family member or very close friend, I don't want to touch your hair. That is why today I chose to go to Wal-Mart on some stupid errand instead of just going home-- I saw that Homeowner wasn't home to act as a ponytail buffer! When we did get home from Wal-Mart, I closed the garage door (not that she would've let that stop her!) hoping it would act as a deterrent from strange requests.

I don't know what to do about this behavior. How do I politely get it to stop!? I don't want to hurt any one's feelings, however, I really don't want them peeking in my windows and coming to me with strange requests! Need help opening a jar: fine. Ponytails or any other personal grooming: not fine. Or does this fall into a normal neighborly thing to do that I am just not aware of? Please help!

Oh, and did I mention that Tenant also tried to show Stink how she has no teeth after having them all pulled on Friday?  Yep.

Please! Help!

30 Weeks

2011-09-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

This pregnancy has been just flying by! And, it seems as if I have an eternity to wait yet. At my last doctor's appointment, I FINALLY was able to see my doc in the practice! I was SO excited to see her-- not that the other three docs aren't great, they are, they just aren't my doctor. Who, funnily enough, when I was pregnant with Stink, I didn't really like!

After seeing her, and quizzing her on when she is on call in November, we got to talking about just how uncomfortable I've been. A number of things really, with far to much ick-factor to discuss here, but I teased with her about how I wouldn't be against an induction at 39 weeks. She thinks I may not even go that long, based on my size and the fact that I had Peach at 39 weeks. She also offered up an induction a little earlier than that for medical reasons-- mostly related to issues from my delivery of Peach. I left her office beaming. She said that it is possible that I could have baby boy in as little as 6 weeks!!

Thinking back to my frame of mind when I was pregnant with Stink, I never would've thought of an induction. I fretted over having Peach at 39 weeks. But last week I found myself asking my pediatrician at a sick visit with the kids, his take on an early induction. His response? " After 35 weeks, in most babies, all of the lung development has completed. And you guys have big babies, so it isn't like I'd be concerned there."

I will start having my 2 week visits and the doctor is planning on watching my progression to get a better feel for how I'd respond to an induction, if it will even be necessary.

We are preparing to be ready to welcome home baby by the end of October, just in case he comes that early. With the other things that we have planned, it doesn't leave much time! Today was spent building a changing table into a closet and sorting and hanging some baby clothes.

Peach is Hitting, Stink's 2nd Tooth Fairy Visit

2011-09-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

Peach is hitting. A reaction primarily to not speaking much yet; when provoked or angered, she will slap, hit, pinch, and bite-- yes, bite-- the person pissing her off. This is not a laughing matter. It is starting to take it's toll on Stink, who never exhibitied those nasty behaviors.

Stink lost his 2nd tooth yesterday and the tooth fairy made a magical visit. Stink awoke to a $1 in his tooth fairy pillow. He was quite excited. My question is: What does the tooth fairy do with all these baby teeth? Does she keep them for posterity, make a tooth shaped shrine out of them? Pitch 'em? I have an aquaintence who is Chinese. In her culture, top teeth, once lost are thrown to the earth, while bottom teeth are tossed up on the roof of a house. When I told her of the tooth fairy, she looked at me sideways-- it was the first time she heard of a kid being given money for teeth! So, what was protocol in the tooth department when you were a kid, when you had kids, or in your culture?

Where'd my Blogroll Go & The Company Men

2011-08-24T13:59:00.000-05:00

It seems that not only I take a long hiatus from blogging-- but nearly everyone on my blogroll has taken some time off! I went to try and catch up, only to find, there isn' much catching up to do!

Life moves at breakneck speed. I really, hugely, regret not getting here more often to record the mundane and everyday. I'd give anything to get a better glimpse into the life of our family, of, oh, say about a year ago! When hubby was unemployed and it looked as if the world were going to fall apart. Or even the few months after Peach was born...or any of the months since hubby started working again last fall-- it is hard to remember the little details of life.

We rented a movie from Redbox the other night-- The Company Men. After last year, it was something that really made my husband curious. It really hit close to home-- my husband's experience closer to that of Ben Affleck's character (minus the million dollar home and Porche!) but it was a gentle reminder of how lucky we are. Something that we are acutely aware of, nevertheless, being reminded always helps put an ordinary day in perspective. Overall, I think it was a great portrait of a practice that, in this economy, is becoming more and more common. Out with the nearly retired- in with the recent college graduates. This only makes me wonder: is this a new trend that will continue and become a standard? Will we have to be prepared to "retire" earlier?

Learning to Ride

2011-08-15T22:24:00.000-05:00

Things have been changing around here so quickly. Peach is growing into such a little girl. She is my baby girl, and she still wants very much to be a baby girl, however, lately she has been asserting her independence, her wonderful giggle and smile, and her charm (did I mention how charming she is?) to get her way. She only wants me to tuck her in at night. She eats the middles out of whatever sandwich I make her. She asks for chocolate milk about five times a day. She likes to put hair clips in my hair. She kisses me with fish lips and gives such fantastic hugs!

Stink is growing up and changing too. In a few short weeks (just over one month) he will turn 5. That number is unreal to me. He is going to be attending a new preschool this fall --actually on Monday! He will be taking the bus. The Bus! I am really not ready for this milestone; he is beyond excited. The other big news? Stink is learning how to ride a bike! He still has a little way to go-- but he is extra motivated because we've promised a new bike for his birthday when he learns to ride. We took him to the local bike shop this afternoon for a little motivation and he found a cool lime green and black bike that he really liked. He is working really hard to learn, partly because he wants to, and partly because we are telling him it "is time" and he needs to. This is another milestone that usually is passed with little fanfare, but it is a rite of passage from young childhood into being a big kid. It is just another reminder (along with the fleeting hugs and cuddles) that he is growing up.

Our Ultrasound

2011-07-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

We had our ultrasound on Tuesday for our little Jet Fighter XT......and it looks like, it in fact is going to be a boy! Stink is beyond excited and Peach...well she has no clue. However.

Now the baby name craze swings into high-gear. The only thing my husband and I agree on is 1) we can't agree on any name. 2) Allowing Stink to give the baby a name (first, middle, or otherwise) could have long term effects on his sibling relationship and this little baby boy I'm carrying could come to resent us, the parents, for it for as long as we live. So. Sorry, Stink. Looks like you'll have to wait until you have your own babies to take a part in the naming of them.

I don't think he is going to let Jet Fighter XT go down without proper aerial acrobatics, though.

My Predicitions Could Be All Wrong

2011-07-07T13:39:00.001-05:00

I have been convinced since the start that this little baby (my little pepper, I've come to call it due to my early cravings for spicy foods) is a boy. I just don't feel as emotional as I did with Peach and, aside from the more than average weight gain, I think that I'm feeling pretty good.

Then this past weekend, on our 4th of July weekend, I may have changed my mind. Why? Well, I experienced something that I only had when I was pregnant with Peach: chest pains due to a potassium deficiency. I actually took myself to the ER when this happened with Peach, worried that there was a greater issue having never experienced any type of chest pain. A series of tests, and a few hours later and the Doc came in and told me to eat more bananas. I was extremely low in potassium. Huh? Okay, then. So I did. No more chest pains.

Walking around the little tourist town we were in, I experienced the chest pains again. I quickly ruled out "heart attack" from the symptoms I know one could have, and thought back to my potassium episode. We headed for the ice cream shoppe, figuring they'd have a banana on hand-- they did. I ate it and no more chest pains.

Could this be a symptom of pregnancy for me now? Maybe. Is it a potential sign that we could be having a girl? Perhaps.

July 19th is the date set for our ultrasound. I am super excited to be able to focus on our baby name choices-- the list is long and I'm not finding anything that I really just love yet. My husband is not a fickle a man. I could like a name for a long time (as I did with the names of my current two children) and not tire of them. But it seems from week to week, I place new names in the top spots. It is a revolving door.

A Perfect Day

2011-06-26T21:37:00.000-05:00

Life goes by quickly. We all know it. But today, it was a perfect, slow-down, enjoy the moment kind of day. We were busy, but busy having fun by putting our "to-do" list on hold. It was my husband's idea over a leisurely breakfast of his very famous (around here, anyways!) and delicious pancakes. How about we go pick some strawberries? The kids were super eager-- especially since this has been in the past year or two, something done without him. Stink was pretty excited and once there, Peach was not so much picking, as she was eating the warm and sweet berries. We picked about 4 pounds in all-- not a bad haul for about an hour's worth of "work".

After this, we promised Stink a before lunch ice cream. He couldn't believe his luck! Peach and Stink had the appropriate amount of chocolate around their mouths before we headed off to pick up some sweet corn for dinner. After a quick stop at the grocery store, we packed up a picnic and dressed the kids in swimsuits and headed to the community water park. Stink and Peach had a fantastic time swimming! I have to be really careful with Peach-- she thinks she can swim and frequently went underwater, but it didn't phase her one bit! I think I have a water bug on my hands! Stink is doing so well learning how to swim. He can tread water, forward crawl (a little) and float on his back.

Our day ended with playing in the yard and grilling out a steak dinner (oh, yea. I am eating steak this pregnancy! First time in 25 years!) Stink can really put away quite a bit of food for a kid his age. He ate a whole 8 oz steak today, two ears of corn, and some potatoes. Not to mention the berry & yogurt dessert he ate about 30 minutes later. I am terrified to what my grocery bill will look like when he is 12!!

Today was a perfect day and it ended with all of us cuddled on the couch with books, my husband falling asleep while reading Nate the Great to Stink! We called it a "family fun day" and Stink loved it, and went to bed saying that it was the best day ever! It truly was an amazing and fun day.

The Answer: One Week.

2011-06-15T16:51:00.000-05:00

It took that little tooth all of one week to fall out. Stink lost his tooth yesterday and last night the tooth fairy made a very generous visit. $2 in the pillow pocket for Stink who informed me he was going to spend it all at the toy store. I hated to break it to him that $2 doesn't go very far at the toy store-- maybe he'll have to settle for the local dollar store.

Our toothless wonder is excited for the next time he looses a tooth.

Another Milestone

2011-06-07T07:56:00.000-05:00

He has been walking the fence of little kid vs. big kid for sometime now-- his emotions and developing independence sometimes contradicting each other. But this morning, after noticing during storytime that his bottom tooth looked a little crooked, I checked it out to discover that, in fact, my baby boy has his very first loose tooth!

That only sent this pregnant mama-to-be-to three over the edge to tears.:::note, I'm still teary-eyed!::::

New parenthood is a lot like being a teenager; you think you have all the time in the world before you (or in our case, the kids) will finally grow-up. How I wish sometimes that I can go back and relive our sleepless nights together and not complain so much!

Here is a pic of our family of three on Stink's very first birthday with a mouthfull of pearly-whites, including his 1 year molars! Now, the question is, how long will it take to fall out?

Peach is 2!

2011-05-30T22:28:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, my little Peach turned 2. And, boy-oh-boy is she ever 2! She is dramatic. She is tenacious. She is.....not quite unlike her brother at this age. Well. Maybe the drama part is a new thing for us. Stink wasn't as dramatic.

We threw her a vintage kitty cat tea party-- which sounds terribly fancy, but really, the only thing that made it "kitty cat" were the lovely invites and cupcake toppers I ordered off etsy, and the only thing that made it "tea party" was the fact that I served a Scandinavian strawberry soup recipe out of vintage hand-painted tea cups. That and finger sandwiches.

She is two! What can she do? What does she know? She can, out of a pile of crayons, pull out the correct color when you ask her, she can find all of her shapes-- triangle, rectangle, heart, diamond, circle, oval, square, rectangle. She is starting to learn to ride a trike (and we bought her a new one for her big day, no more of big bro's cast-offs!). She loves Mickey Mouse and the gang. This is not a passing fad, either. Equally as much as she loves the big M.M., she loves kitty cats (hence the party!) especially Hello! Kitty, and she loves books. She loves to be read to. Book on top of book, on top of book. She has a lot of favorites, but one of her all time, is called Ladybug Girl , and was given to her by my husband & I on the day she was born. She loves Play-doh and usually plays with it at least once a day. She loves to paint. I hate it when she does, but it makes her happy, however short lived. She has one of her 2-year molars, and three more are on the move-- in fact, one is cutting in as I type this and has already woken her up once even though we always give her Motrin at night.

She is your typical two-year old in the sense that she is a cuddle bug. Mommy's girl is an understatement. And this is only underscored by her sensing the fact that life is going to change in 6 months, and I am physically looking different already. I have quite the belly for only being 14 weeks pregnant!

She loves to eat. But, though I am trying to be as good as I was at giving her variety as I was with Stink, it just doesn't happen as much as I'd like. Summer is always a good reminder for me to give her new things. She loves meat and dairy-- just like her father, and her diet, if I let her, could consist of these two food groups and she'd be as happy as a clam. Surprisingly, or maybe not, she loves broccoli. Actually, it isn't surprising. We eat it often, and she has seen it a lot. But she didn't eat it at first. It took her a while to finally pick up a little spear and give it a try. I think letting her pinch her own very teeny-tiny bit of kosher salt makes it a lot of fun for her-- that and she sees big brother eating everything in sight, so it makes her a little more motivated to try things. Not that she doesn't frequently throw a fit. And it usually always happens when we have company or are out somewhere! Again, the dramatic flair hasn't been lost on her!

She loves her big brother Stink, but has also started to get ornry when he isn't being fair to her, and has started defending herself with her hands by slapping or pinching since she is a little slow to start-up in the speech department. She is really sensitive and knows when she does something wrong, and knows when she she needs to apologize. It really is too sweet.

Stink also makes her giggle like almost no one else can. He takes amazing care of her and is a fantastic big brother. She loves him so much! She gives him lots of hugs each day and that just about is the sweetest thing to witness!

Peach has an amazing and big- little personality. I have enjoyed getting to know her more, watching her develop into this little person, and have learned much about being a mom to her. Her needs are so different that those of Stink-- and it has been that way since the day she was born. She is, and always has been, incredibly unique. My little Peach! My sweet little girl!

Oh, and she loves to do her "pretty ballet" and when she does it, she twirls around and tries to balance on one foot with the other out behind her. Way. Too. Cute!

Baby Names

2011-05-02T12:12:00.000-05:00

I think I've mentioned it here before, but frequently, when we don't have the answers, we let Stink make decisions for our family. (Not really. But we do ask for his opinion. It is nice to hear a fresh, easy, uncomplicated answer from the four and a half year old.)

Yes, kids say the funniest things. Especially at this age where he is so observant and introspective. At dinner the other night, when posed with the question "what should we name the baby?" he took answering it very, very seriously. He put down his fork and got a thoughtful puzzled look on his face.

Then, finally, he said I know. This is going to be so perfect! If it's a boy, we should name him Jet Fighter XT.

We laughed, of course.

But in the hunt for a boys name we can agree on (which isn't going well) Jet Fighter is topping the list as one of our favorites.

And incase you were wondering, XT would be the middle name.

How It's Different This Time

2011-04-27T15:47:00.000-05:00

Here, in this space, it appears that I am totally consumed with thoughts about our third addition. Or at least that there is a balance. The fact of the matter is, if it weren't for this blog (that I rarely upkeep) I wouldn't likely be spending this much time thinking about or documenting this pregnancy.

So much of what I do now is done because it just is. I didn't contemplate when to switch to maternity pants when my small belly was hurting being tucked inside my regular ones. I don't think twice about setting both kids in front of the TV so mommy can rest for 30 min. in that not quite asleep but not quite awake state that so many mothers I know have learned to develop as a method of survival. I don't even think about what I eat each day-- I just eat.

It is nine weeks in, and I haven't yet taken a picture of my "belly". Hell, I don't even have a cute posed picture of the kids from the Easter holiday in their adorable outfits! I have to fake one tomorrow!

We haven't contemplated names in any real sense-- though we have time. And all our "big decisions" have already been made and we will follow suit with the decisions that we choose when Stink was first born: vaccinate, circ, disposable diapers (though I did attempt for one hour to go green! ) and breastfeed. Of course, if it is a girl, the only difference is that little surgery won't be an issue.

I called my mom today because I thought there was something wrong with me. All of the haven'ts seemed like such a long list, and of course I am excited-- but the excitement is so very. very. different for us for our number 3. The excitement and nervousness of Stinks pregnancy was of course because he was the first. We didn't know what was in store for us. With Peach, we were excited to make Stink a big brother and how that would play out, excited for the little girl we were having, excited to expand our family. This time, we kind of know what to expect with Peach and Stink as far as the sibling stuff goes-- and we are excited to expand our family, but this time, short of where the baby should sleep, the pregnancy...just is. My mother described it best by comparing being a newlywed to being a couple married for years....it is still love, it's just different.

And by different, does that mean better? The saying does go that a fine wine gets better with age. A good marriage becomes a great marriage with work and time. Practice makes perfect. Does becoming a mother get easier as you go? I don't think I would want to relive that rushing around panic-y feeling reading everything in sight that I felt when I was pregnant with Stink. It was new and wonderful and scary. With Peach I was just able to feel wonderful-- not scared at all. Easier? I'm not so sure. I don't think there is anything easy about all of the "ifs" of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Less stressful? Maybe. More relaxed? I think so-- but only to a certain extent. I can't exactly say that I have much free time to enjoy. But easier?

The only thing that isn't different is the hope and prayer that this baby is very healthy. With a small amount of hair on its head at birth. And not over 9 lbs. And arrives in a shorter amount of time than Peach did-- though I will not wait to go to the hospital so long this time-- being a passenger in a car during such an active stage of labor was not fun!

So maybe this experience will be immensely different from the first two. It makes sense that it would be, but it is surprising all the same how quickly things change....and how much they stay the same.

Pregnancy Dreams

2011-04-15T09:15:00.000-05:00

I have always had pretty vivid pregnancy dreams but usually I get them later in pregnancy. It must be the fact that I am a little worried about the changes, or the fact that I've felt a little more stress, and all the teasing from family members due to the fact that I already have a bit of a belly: "what if you have twins!?" Whatever is driving it, I have been having more than my fair share of crazy dreams in which I have multiple children.

Last night I dreamt that we had triplets. In the dream I had a wonderful labor and delivery and was out shopping for a stroller to accomodate the three car seats.

An Ultrasound

2011-04-13T21:58:00.000-05:00

Sweet Baby,

This morning we went to the doctor's office for a "quick" ultrasound so that the pregnancy could be dated. You measured 1.14 cm and had a very quick heartbeat (160 bpm). Of course, we couldn't see much, other than the quick flicker of your teeny-tiny heart-- but there you were. We have a new due date of 11/27-- which also happens to be your Grammies birthday! I am really hoping that you don't wait that long to get here! If you feel ready, a week before T-day sounds good to me!

The only constant for me in knowing that you are growing well is how tired I'm still feeling. Peach is sensing the changes. Not only because mommy is a little more tired and cranky but my physical appearance is slightly different too. Stink is really very excited and asks about the ways in which he can help once you arrive. Just this afternoon he was asking if he could hold you, help feed you a bottle, and help feed you Yo-Baby once you are old enough! Super cute. I wasn't planning on bottle feeding you since it didn't go well with Stink or Peach, but he really wants to be able to do this for you, so we may give it a- go. I'm sure your grandparents will also love the opportunity to feed you!

Your picture is on my dresser and we are trying so hard to think of what to name you-- we have a few contenders, but no favorites yet!

Dear Baby

2011-04-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you we weren't a little bit surprised. Only a little bit though, because you've been in our hearts for a very long time. I have been very, very sleepy and usually go to bed quite early these days. Naps aren't really an option unless daddy is around to take care of your big brother and sister, so I try to eat really well, and rest on the couch sometimes when Stink & Peach are having a little Nick Jr or PBS Kids time.

Other than being sleepy, I am forgetful, moody, and emotional. I can forget, within twenty seconds, what day of the week it is!

Stink is very, very excited for you to come! Every day, he asks about you: how you are growing, if we can get you a new baby swing, where you will sleep, if he can hold you, and how long it will be before you can play baseball and trucks together. He doesn't really care if you are a baby boy or a baby girl, just so long as he can be a big brother again. Peach isn't really sure about you right now because she really doesn't understand yet. Soon enough, she will become much more independent and will realize you are on your way. She loves babies and I just know she is going to love you very, very much!

It is hard to believe, but within the las few days, I have developed a little baby bump. I guess it is partly because my body already has done this twice and has a great memory!

This week we have a nurse appointment to go over my prenatal care and shortly we will get an ultrasound to do an initial heartbeat check. We love you baby!

Well, my dear baby, we are in our 6th week this week, and have plenty more to go!

Big Sister Peach

2011-03-28T07:24:00.000-05:00

We are expecting baby #3! Peach is going to be a big sister, and Stink is going to become a big brother again.

It came as a bit of a shock, but last Monday we found out we are going to be parents to a third little one. It has taken some time for the news to sink in. Yes, I really wanted another little one, but at the same time, we don't have a ton of space right now and we were always a bit worried about the financial aspect of having a third.

But here we are, with baby #3 on the way. Now that the shock has worn off, I am not as worried and much more excited about this little one.

I am in my 5th week of pregnancy (it is still early) and baby should arrive around November 25th.

Big changes are coming!

Gut Wrenching Conversation with Stink

2011-03-22T21:50:00.000-05:00

Most of my tales here have been of the light-hearted nature. Nothing unpleasant. Today, after years of diapers, sleepless nights, hospital bills, countless other things that should validate my being a parent-- I had a conversation with Stink that I was totally unprepared for. There was no way to duck out of it, skip it, or brush it off.

Sitting on the couch just kind of chillin' while Peach was napping, Stink asked me "Mommy, do people die?"

I was stunned. A simple yes or no question, but it was inevitably going to lead to more questions-- questions that weren't going to be easy to answer.

"Yes, Stink. People do die. Usually when they are very, very old." I told him.

He sat there with that information for a bit, and then started to sob. "I don't want to die!" he kept repeating. Trying to reassure him with out lying to him.

And then the questions came. Why? What happens? Where do we go? Will we all die together? When will it happen?

I felt so helpless here. We've done very little as a family in the church going department-- still faltering with what choice is best for us. But now I find, any choice is better than NO choice. It would've given more meaning to all these concepts that I was talking about that mean very little to him: God, Jesus, Heaven.

I described Heaven as an invisible, place that we travel to after we die. He asked me, well, if we are dead, how do we get there? Magic, I told him. Is it a long journey? He asks. I tell him I don't know for sure, but I think it is a pretty quick trip. Then he asks if our bodies aren't good anymore (something I gave as a reason for dying) how do they go to the invisible place? Does someone sprinkle magic dust on us? Is it scary? No, Stink. I don't think it is scary. I think it is a very nice place.

I was crying. He was sobbing. It was a very hard conversation to have- but I tried my best to be direct, answer the question he asked to the best of my knowledge, and only give the essential information. After the conversation ended, I hoped it would be the end of it. It wasn't. My husband came home from work and we went through it all with him again.

We tried to give it enough time and then tried to change the subject-- planning a trip to Disney World next year. He wouldn't bite. He cried some more, we cuddled a lot. He didn't eat much at dinner. I am really worried that this is going to manifest itself in some sleep issues or other atypical behavior.

It really was a tough afternoon.

Date Nights in February....

2011-03-04T15:37:00.000-06:00

This month has been a great month for date nights!

Date #5: Tennis. Pre-kids we used to play tennis in good weather on weekends. We aren't very good and my husband always kicks my butt. We joined a gym in the fall that includes childcare for 3 hours everyday and free tennis court time. So...we made use of it with a friendly game. Okay. It wasn't quite a game, but it was a fun way to spend about 30 minutes! This was after we worked out together--also a fun date.

Date #6: Out for Drinks. This was a bit of a "twofer" because we celebrated my sisters birthday and we got to get out of the house without kids. It was fun adult time with my family and for us. And anytime I get to be dressed up and drinking chocolate martinis is an occasion!

Date #7: Take out Thai and grown-up dinner night. Stink had a sleepover at my sisters house and we were just with Peach. We fed her and she played while we were able to eat our takeout and enjoy some conversation. She went to bed shortly thereafter allowing all the grown-up time we wanted!

Date #8: A Night at the Oscars. We aren't really awards show people. In fact, I wouldn't be lying or even stretching the truth to say that we've never watched an entire Oscars. Even when Billy Crystal was the host. So, we thought that the nominees were really intriguing this year and sat down and watched all of it. (That, and my husband thinks James Franco is a cool guy and thinks that they would probably crack each other up on the golf course, assuming, of course, that James Franco golfs.)

I am on track so far to meet our goal for date nights. I am concerned because March/April/ May are coming up and so is that wedding that I am in. Life is about to get really crazy with parties, dress fittings, etc. The first of which happens next Saturday.

The Big Kid....

2011-02-13T22:13:00.000-06:00

Did you see my header? It was taken in August of 2009 when I thought it would be a fantastic idea to take the 2 month old Peach, and my not-quite-three-year old camping. Yes. In that picture up above, Stink, my big kid, was not quite three yet.

Of course so much has changed since that picture was taken-- the biggest change is the development of Stink into a big brother. Those months just after Peach was born were so....trying. Not because she was a difficult baby-- she wasn't. Not because Stink was a handful- though he was. Mostly it was just trying becuase we were learning how to parent two kids. One who was potty training and one who needed to be held at all hours of the day. Figuring out how to help Stink without putting Peach down was....interesting. She lived my moby wrap.

At first, Stink never wanted to "help" me with the baby. He didn't want to fetch the things, he didn't want to be read to while I was nursing, he was very frustrated when I'd put the TV on for him so that I could tend to Peach, usually because she would be crying loudly and couldn't hear the TV.

Slowly things turned around. Seeing that a certain toy calmed her, he'd grab it and hand it to her or shake it for her. When she'd wake from her nap, he'd run in and peer over the edge of the crib to let her know that mama's coming. Once when Peach was about three months old, just before his third birthday, Stink grabbed his toy guitar and sang Peach a song while she bounced in her bouncy seat.

More recently, Stink has kissed her boo-boo's, cuddled her with books, and played Ring Around the Rosie. And tonight at dinner, Peach was beyond dinner and cranky. Stink hopped off his chair and went to distract her-- then somehow, got her to come sit down and eat with us.

Stink is an amazing big brother! They still have plenty of the tug-o-war that comes with having a sibling, but he is an absolutely fantastic big brother!

Social Event of the Season (Year?)

2011-02-10T16:01:00.000-06:00

My nearest, and dearest friend is getting married. I am the matron of honor and couldn't be more excited! The wedding is this May, is going to be held in Chicago's Millennium Park and will be a black tie affair. Certainnly the most fancy wedding I've ever been a part of.
The last few months I have been busy planning parties and events surrounding the wedding: bachelorette party, bridal shower, shoe shopping day, spa day. Not to mention all the shopping associated with each event! I am looking at a crazy busy end-of-winter and spring.

I'm sure this isn't the last of the wedding stuff you'll hear, and I'll share links to what the bride-to-be and I am wearing eventually. But first, can you please share with me some of your favorite (and by that I mean, great) memories of things your MOH did for you on your bachelorette/shower/wedding day?

My MOH, my sister, gave me a beautiful card the day before the wedding that made me cry happy tears. Lots of happy tears! It was the best because then my whole family cried happy tears, (and I am sure my parents cried some nostalgic tears), but then the day of the wedding came and not a single tear was shed. I could just smile and be happy.

So, my ears are open! I am looking for advice on how to be a great MOH-- or at least, how not to be an awful one!

Date Nights Thus Far

2011-01-31T19:28:00.001-06:00

Well...before the calendar turns another page (oh-so-quickly) I feel like I should record the few dates we've "taken" this month.

All rules from last year apply. And no, I am not swearing off chocolate, massages, or scheduled sex as they are things that "work" for us. Hopefully though, the list won't be as repetitive as last years.

Date #1: Movie Rental: Eat, Pray, Love (I didn't read the book, thought the movie was okay. Made me have major wanderlust.)
Date #2: Wicked!, sushi dinner in Chicago at Southcoast (go if you are ever in Chicago!!!), and drinks at The Roof at The Wit hotel (again, go if you are ever here-- loved it!)
Date #3: Starbucks the next morning. I usually wouldn't count this as a date, but we were both not in our hometown and without kids. I also wore heels. I think it was a date! :)
Date #4: Tonight. Game Night. Not sure if we are playing Battleship or Strip Chocolate Checkers....we'll see!

Bring on February!

EDIT: Strip Chocolate Checkers can be found here!

Last Year's Resolution

2011-01-28T16:53:00.000-06:00

Some of you may remember my quest for more quality time with my husband last year when I came up with my brilliant resolution to have 52 dates in the course of the year. (Read Here.)

So-- would you like to know how we fared (it is obvious that I didn't post here about them as much as I would've liked!). Now here is the grand list!

Movie Rental : The Hangover
Flowers & one sick wife being taken care of by hubby
Wii
puzzle night
Beer Tasting
Chocolate tasting #1 (we did this 3 times as it was so fun and yummy, and cheap!)
Massage Night #1 (again, as per my own rules)
Movie Rental: Date Night
Scheduled Sex #1-- We had sex many more times, but as per rules again, counted 3 as date nights.)
Battleship
Grown-up dinner at home. Kids asleep.
Movie Rental: Religulous
Out to play darts
Live Music: Alice Peacock
Chocolate Tasting #2
Massage Night #2
Movie Rental: Confessions of a Shopaholic
Scheduled Sex #2
Cirque du Soilel
Wine, Stars, & Music
Out for dessert
Movie Rental: Duplicity
Massage #3
Chocolate Tasting #3
Movie Rental: How I Met Your Mother Season 1
Scheduled Sex #3
Bonfire Night #1
Movie Rental : How I Met Your Mother Season 2
Out to Dinner on our Anniversary
Painted our own paintings
Movie Rental: The Time Travelers Wife
Bonfire Night #2
Movie Rental: Vicky Christina Barcelona
Movie Rental: Taking Woodstock
Movie Rental: The Kids Are All Right
Tried a new Thai Place
NYE-- went out! Last ditch effort for some us time!

37!

We didn't hit our goal of 52 dates-- but we made more than half. I am pretty impressed with this list and know that it can get so much better. I still have a whole list of things to do that we didn't even come close to because time, stress, energy etc. of the past year made it hard. But it was a great challenge for both of us and we had a fun time doing it. And, we are going to try again-- and I am going to try to blog about it again!

52 Dates...here we come!

Some Direction

2011-01-24T22:14:00.000-06:00

I have been fortunate enough to have had the choice as to whether or not I wanted to stay at home with my children-- this I know. Stay-at-home mom-dom isn't........well, plenty of you know what it is and isn't. No need to discuss here because that isn't the point of this post.

I am feeling a little bit lost lately. Looking for a direction to go with my life. Now that Peach is getting to an age where my heart aches for a little baby but I hesitate at the thought of another, where things feel quite right, but I've felt like I've lost a little bit of me. I cringe at the thought of leaving the world of onesies behind, but wonder quite frequently if it is the right choice for our family. And for me.

But the question I am coming here to ask isn't about family planning, really. It's more in the realm of what do I do with myself next? I have the rare and unique talent of being mediocre to quite good at a lot of different things. I know it sounds like I'm tooting my own horn, but it is true. Some people may have one "passion", but I have too many things I really love to do and are important to me that it is hard to pick just one.

Today I had coffee and a play date for Peach with a friend I haven't seen in awhile. She shared with me that she is going back to work soon and has limited her search for positions where she feels like she could make a difference. She has started to hunt for positions outside of her area of expertise and explore areas with companies that work to better peoples lives. Even if she is just a support person, she told me, she doesn't care. As long as the company does something worthwhile and meaningful.

I understand where she is coming from. I feel similarly in that I don't just want to go to work doing any old thing. Call me picky. Particular. Silly. When I go back to work I want it to be doing something that matters to me. That I feel strongly about. Something I am passionate about. But when you are mediocre at a lot of things and enjoy them all equally, how do you find your passion?

I Miss You....

2011-01-20T22:07:00.000-06:00

blog.

Let's spend some time soon?

Peach is getting so big and amazing- she can flip her coat over her head and put it on by herself! (We call it the fliper-roo).

Stink is even more inquisitive that I thought was possible.

Hubster & I got out on the town for a big (much overdue) date night.

And the puppy has me on my toes. I third baby would've been an easier choice. I know what to do with a baby. I have chased the puppy more times that I'd like to admit.

And you, blog, are missing it! I know it is all my fault; the memories can not record themselves.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T09:22:00.000-06:00

Stink is watching a holiday special, Peach is running around the house in jammies, I also haven't dressed yet and my husband is hopping in the shower as I type.

The kids are beyond excited for the action to start. We are a very lucky family and we have so much to be thankful for! Going to go now and cuddle the kiddos before presents and merriment get underway!

Merry Christmas to all!

One and a Half

2010-11-29T22:02:00.000-06:00

Dear Peach,

You are one and a half today! It is hard for me to remember that you haven't always been here, and at the same time, I can't believe that you are already 18 months old.

Who you are right now: you love Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck...and well, the whole gang. You just started to eat vegetables again after taking a (rather long) break due to your teeth coming in. I can't figure this out, except for the fact that your brother did some thing similar, so it made me not as worried. You love corn, peas, carrots, and edamame. You started to cut your second year molars, while cutting your eye-teeth-- it only makes you Jekel & Hyde -like for about an hour a day!

I thought you'd be a talker-- but I think you are waiting to really surprise me. You have started to use sign language quite a bit for the things you need. You've come up with a sign for eat/drink and will nod your head with approval (or shake with disapproval) when something is being offered to you. This is a funny thing to watch because your whole body moves with your head.

You have had a rough go of things lately. I think maybe you are going through a growth spurt, because you have become very clumsy. Tripping on your own feet. Bumping heads with your brother. Walking into things. However all this clumsiness hasn't gotten in the way of your dancing ability. You love music and love to dance. I think we have a little ballerina on our hands! We dance a lot, with Stink too, in the mornings and before dinner.

Peach, you also are a lover of books-- just like mom and dad! We read to you everyday, and you like to "read" on your own. Your favorites right now are Moo, Baa, La, La, La! by Sandra Boynton, Otto Goes to the Beach by Todd Parr, and an illustrated book of You Are My Sunshine. We read many more books, but those we read at least once a day!

Minnie, our new puppy, is like your personal toy-- or you are hers-- it is hard to tell right now because you are about the same size. You pull on her tail, she licks you up and down, and then you either scream or giggle.

You have two very distinct and animated faces: scrunchy face and crazy eyes. Don't blame me for the names--your dad came up with them. You will perform these on command-- either scrunching up your nose and squinting your eyes, or you will open your eyes really big-- like you've just been surprised-- and drop your mouth open. They are both cute, but I think that your crazy eyes is my favorite.

You love your big brother-- and he loves you! You are super cute, calling for him when you can't find him and running to hug him when you see him-- but there are days, days that you want him to leave. you. alone. My favorite parts of the day are when you want me to hold you, and Stink wants me to hold him, so you both climb up together. I feel so lucky every day to have you both!

I love you so much Peach! My beautiful and amazing daughter!

The Suburb's Don't Suck: A Top Ten

2010-11-23T21:31:00.000-06:00

My oldest friend has slowly been going through some big changes (engaged, converting to Judaism, preparing to move) and one other smaller, not as noticeable change, that she'll deny through and through: she is becoming a much more picky person-- and a city snob.

The other day we were on the phone and she was telling me about this sushi place she was going to. She said to me " I really want you to come into the city so I can take you to our favorite place. The sushi is so good! Not like that crap you get in the suburbs from Jewel."

It took me a minute to fully comprehend what she said. 1. She thinks I don't know where to go for good sushi. 2. She thinks I choose to go to Jewel. 3. Her distaste for the suburbs-- and, in her opinion, where I'm at is "the country"-- was palpable.

"First off," I said, "We have Japanese restaurants in the suburbs-- quite fantastic ones too! I actually eat at them. And when I carry out, I do not resort to grocery store sushi. Secondly, it isn't Siberia, here."

I do think the city has a lot to offer, which is why my proximity to a major city is important. However, I quite like suburban living (country living) and I feel that I have to be a defender to her City Snob ways.

So here is my list of Top Ten Reasons the Suburb's Don't Suck:

10. No bus smog. Okay. We have a little. But what, there are like 3 operating buses in my town?? Not even comparable.

9. It costs less. Everything costs just slightly less "out here".

8. Cities aren't the only places where walking to things is possible-- in good weather we can walk to the bookstore, library, ice cream, farmers market and community events.

7. Community events-- and lots of them, don't attract such large numbers of people that makes it hard to enjoy them. And we run into friends and neighbors quite often while there.
6. Great restaurants. Small, independent little places where a fantastic crepe or a great thin crust pizza is made. Not to mention the availability and variety of ethnic foods-- yummy!
5. Schools where you pretty much know who the other kids in the class are.
4. You can see the stars at night and hear the birds in the morning. Sure, the park system in Chicago is pretty cool-- but honking taxis and the sound of a lot of traffic and sirens really take away from the nature experience.
3. It is nice to be in a town where the local bookstore owner knows your name and the ice cream shoppe knows what scoop your kid likes-- and which cone to put it on!

2. Large backyards, more room to move around, not living on-top-of your neighbor.
1. Flexibility. Getting to the country is super-easy. Getting to the city is easy too. Being the middle of a sandwich is a good thing.

Froggie Has Been Usurped

2010-11-17T21:44:00.001-06:00

There has been a shift in power in our house lately. As all homes with children have plenty of stuffed animals (stuffies), we have our fair share. Some were even things that we handed down to the kiddos. Such is the case in this little tale.....

Froggie is Stink's stuffed frog. Froggie is of course green, with a yellow bow tie-- as every frog I imagine wears. He was a gift from my parents on the day of our baby shower. Froggie was present at Stink's birth as my focal point. He first cuddled Froggie at about 11 months old when I was trying to get him attached to a lovey to make bedtime an easier transition. Froggie has a very worn and bedraggled look to him--only because he has been so greatly loved. He smells a bit like maple syrup and isn't as plump as he once was. Froggie has traveled by car and plane and (knock wood) has never been left behind. Froggie has sat at dinner with us. Watched TV with us. Read stories with us. He is by far Stink's most loved possession, I think.

The other day, rifling through his stuffies, Stink pulled out a big overstuffed teddy bear.
"Who is this?" he asked.
"That is Jasper." I told him.
"Jasper? Where did he come from?" he questioned. And so I told him the story-- which isn't really much of a story.

Jasper was the very first present I ever gave my husband. It was Christmas and I really had no idea what to get him. Seriously had no other ideas and when I saw the bear it made me think of him. I was 19 and could have picked any number of things other than a stuffed bear. A CD. Cologne. A book. Tickets to a concert. But, he got a bear. I can't imagine what he thought when I gave it to him-- and I've never thought to ask. So, Jasper, for awhile now, has resided in Stuffy World-- home of all family stuffed animals.

Since that day last week, Jasper had had a spot with his name on it tucked under Stink's left arm, while Froggie is under his right arm. They both come to the breakfast table now. The both share in storytime. And while I am so glad that Jasper is being shown some extra special attention, tonight my heart broke just a little bit-- Stink had both arms firmly wrapped around Jasper's neck while Froggie was cast aside on the bed.

A Puppy & Ladies Man

2010-11-14T13:32:00.000-06:00

We have a puppy. A black lab mix puppy that is about 3 months old. We named her Minnie, as all things Disney are the rage in this house, currently. How did this happen? I will blame my mother, really. For this, and many other things I am sure, but right now, the puppy.

A little over a week ago, I got the grand idea to look at Petfinder.com. A wonderful site if you are looking for a pet. We had talked about a puppy since before Peach was born. It was inevitable, really. A little over a week ago, after looking on Petfinder, I called my mom to get her to tell me I was crazy. It's a bad idea. She is usually good at telling me the things I don't want to hear. I mean, as a mother, that was her job. This time, she talked me into a puppy.

All joking aside, Minnie is a really good puppy. The chewing part is a bit of a pain, but she is really sweet, is pretty good with the kids, and I know will be a fun, loyal friend for the kids as they grow. I am a dog person-- and think every kid should be lucky enough to have one. So far, Stink is still a bit tentative around her, and Peach is pretty comfortable as long as Minnie doesn't jump up on her.

This past Wednesday we had our second parent-teacher conference. I still can't believe those words are in my vocabulary. So Stink is in preschool three days a week in the mornings. He loves it! And why wouldn't he? He talks constantly about the new toys they always have, the friends that he loves to play with, and the jobs he gets to do. He really loves having a job at school. Line leader. Door Holder. Light Helper. Snack person. It makes his day. At conferences we heard some great news: Stink can cut a large circle all by himself (small motor skills; check!), they are impressed with his creativity and imaginative play (yes, patting self on back now), and he has a way with the ladies. Wait. What? He has a way with the ladies? Okay. So his teachers didn't use those words exactly. Come to find out though, he has to be separated from two girls at circle time, otherwise they distract him. These are the same girls that he plays with, pretty much every school day, for most of the free play time. We knew he played with two particular girls; we've had one over for play dates, and the other sent a painting home for him! We just thought he played with other children as well. Turns out-- not so much. While he gets along well with all friends in the class, and occasionally plays with the boys, these two girls are his "besties". It really is too sweet.

A Train Ride, a Straw, and a Big Girl Bed

2010-10-25T20:30:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we took the kids to Chicago on the train. It was the first time we'd ever ventured into the city with them-- time, energy, and money finally all worked to make it possible. Stink was a real trooper, walking from the train station all the way to Millenium Park, and then from there, across the new bridge, up the lakefront to Navy Pier where we stopped at the Children's Museum. Stink had a ton of fun! After a water taxi ride on the river to catch the train back to suburbia, we stopped for Jamba Juice. Peach was curious and wanted to try-- I didn't think she knew how to use a straw yet (I hate the sippy cups with straw because I think they don't clean very easily) but gave in. She got a huge surprising mouthful of Razzmataz and loved it. Not sure if it was the flavor or the cold, but I was super excited because she learned how to use a straw!

We also broke Peach's crib down into a toddler bed. She loved climbing up on Stinks bed, getting herself under the covers, climbing down (Stink has a platform bed) and we thought that she is as ready as she is ever going to be.

She loves it so much! In that first day, she kept climbing up with books and her stuffies to "read" or would cuddle up in her blankets. So far, she hasn't fallen out of bed-- but we do have a make-shift barrier (just as we used with Stink) to keep her from rolling off the bed. When she has woken up in the mornings, she would sit on her bed and call for me, not quite sure of the protocol.

Until yesterday, that is.

Yesterday morning as I lay in bed, I vaguely heard the pitter-patter of her sleepered feet on the wood floor, and then I heard, very loudly, a voice say Mama! She figured out how to get out of bed and come into our room to wake us up! I loved it and it really underscored all of the big things she has started doing.

10,4,16-- a September Numbers Game in October.

2010-10-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

Early September, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful day, that ended in a great date, just the two of us enjoying dinner out-- a very rare occasion. It was a bittersweet moment too. Because of the curveball we were thrown earlier in the year, we had to push off our big vaca that we had planned to celebrate the milestone. Oh well. Life happens and we'll take a vacation another time, right? We have had so many other "bright spots" in our life, we couldn't be too upset!

Peach is now 16 months old. She has words that she uses sometimes, she is obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or anything to do with Minnie, Mickey and the gang. She can spy the magical Mickey shape from across a large store-- making her a prime target for marketing campaigns, and me being the "isn't she so sweet and cute mama who always wants to give in" such a sucker. I have a really hard time saying "no". I do say "no"-- it just isn't easy! She loves slides, swings, and trying to keep up with her big brother. She is very dramatic, and has thrown a few fits that I can't help but laugh at, which I am sure will cause her some sort of emotional damage if I keep it up. It is just so hard. She tosses her head back Snoopy style so all you see is her nose and just wails. It cracks me up every time!

And lastly, Stink turned 4-- officially. We had a large transportation themed birthday for him and his closest friends and family to celebrate. The community fire department also made a surprise visit! In my town, you can ask the fire department to stop by with a truck for the kids to climb in and take pictures on. They also brought him a birthday gift and stayed for cake! Stink and his friends loved it-- and it was totally FREE! Property taxes must actually pay for something right?

Preschool: Year 2

2010-09-09T20:18:00.007-05:00

Stink started preschool yesterday. I can't believe he is in preschool.

He loved it. He didn't want me to stay (all parents had to for whatever reason) and he was disappointed it was so short. By an hour.

He looked like such a big kid. Not a baby any more. A kid. A sweet, cuddly, funny, smart kid.

Over the weekend we were having a snack and he said to me and my husband: I think I want to do an investigation. Sure, Stink. What would you like to investigate? Well....I think I want to see if my juice box will float after I drink the juice out of it. ::We fill the kitchen sink with water. He stands on a chair and puts his juice box in the water. It floats, of course.::: It floats mommy! It floats! I thought it would! Let's see....what else can I experiment with? He tosses all sorts of things into the sink to see what happens. Some sink, some float. We could have gotten into some serious scientific discussions about the properties of water, volume and mass, and whatnot, but the play-learning was fun. No need to ruin a good thing.

Stink started preschool.

Life Around Here

2010-09-05T03:48:00.000-05:00

Ever since husband went back to work, I feel like we live for the weekends. Me & the kids "just get through" the weeks so that come weekends, we can spend time with husband, get out of the house, and have fun. The tough part to this whole scenario, is that just when husband found a job, we were in the big push for weaning Peach.

She started to wake up in the middle of the night again due to teething. I gave in, because well, Stink and husband needed to sleep and I wasn't ready to put up the fight. It was just easier as we were trying to settle in to our new routine. 45 days later or so, and she still is night-waking.

Sometime she wakes when she hears Stink wake due to bathroom needs, sometimes she wakes on her own due to teeth pain & pressure, sometimes she just wants Mommy. Whatever the reason-- it is getting very old. During the week, I can't count on my husband to help much in this department because he needs sleep, and I'll do anything so that she'll sleep and not disturb the two men of the house-- the last thing I need on my long days with no where to go is a cranky preschooler. He is difficult sometimes even on a GREAT night of sleep just because he is pushing 4 and has big ideas on what he wants. And husband works such odd hours.

At 2am on Sunday of Labor Day weekend, Peach woke up when Stink woke up and climbed into bed with us. Husband went into their room and for 45 minutes tried to get her to go back to sleep. She kept calling for her big brother to come back. (I know. Melted my heart too just a little when he told me, but at 3 am, I can only be so patient.) I did not give in to her wants. She had her warm whole milk in a sippy cup. Now, nearly 2 hours later, at 3:45am, the house is quiet. For a little bit.

I am really hoping that Stink will decide to sleep until 7am. And maybe tomorrow night, the whole family can sleep through the night.

She's Growing Fast!

2010-09-01T07:49:00.000-05:00

We all know that me and hubster make some BIG kids. And the proof is in the pudding-- at her 15 month well check apt., Peach measured 33.25 inches and weighed 26lbs 7.8 oz. This places her in the 99.8 percentile for height and the 95th percentile for weight.

Not only is she big physically, but she is growing smarter by the moment! Monday after a nap she was walking around the house with a babydoll tucked under her arm. She picked up a baby flash card with a kitty on it, held it up to her baby doll and started to point and say " kitty! Kitty!" Then the pain of her eye-teeth must have overcome her because she proceeded to chew on the same dolls plastic head with the fury of a hungry vampire.

She can get things if you ask her and has a mind all her own. She loves to play outside, loves the slide-- the big ones too, not the baby ones!-- and still LOVES shoes.

She Who Can, Knits.

2010-08-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

Aobut 6 years ago, on a trip with my husband and family to the Northwoods, I decided I wanted to learn how to knit. (I also decided that I would learn guitar that same summer, but, I am NOT a guitar player. Yet, at least.)

I left the lakehouse with my mom and sisters and drove into a small town in Wisconsin. I picked up a little book, a ball of yarn, and some needles. It isn't rocket science, right? I can teach it to myself. So I did. By the end of the evening, I was knitting one, purling one, and all sorts of variations. But that is where my learning ended. I once went into this very high end knit shop in the western suburbs of Chicago near where I lived, hoping for a lesson, some advice, but instead I met some really cranky women who had way too much time and money on their hands. I did not sign up for lessons to make a scarf/blanket/what-ever-the-heck-they-were-knitting in-the-intro-class.

Instead, I signed up for guitar. (I already told you how that went.)

Ever since that summer in the "northwoods" I'd take out my yarn and needles, hopelessly trying to knit, I'd try and read books about patterns-- but there are some things that you just can't get from a book, in my opinion. You have to be shown.

Finally, I took a class. Turns out, I am a pretty darn good knitter! I mean, for a beginner. I seem to have a knack for it.

I have knitted one scarf-- okay. I don't think it would qualify as an "adult" sized scarf, but whatever. I just finished my first hat-- sized for a baby boy. Working on hat #2 for Peach and feeling quite proud. As I see projects and learn more, my list of things I want to try and create keeps growing! Next up: slippers for each person in my family, a sweater for Peach, a sweater vest for Stink, a sweater for husband.....the list keeps growing. And I don't care. I just can't wait to knit!

Off to have a Date Night! We are going to watch: Date Night! Super excited. Hope it is good. I will also be knitting!

4 years ago....

2010-08-21T22:06:00.001-05:00

So. You all are going to have to put up with me for a bit in the next month. Here is why:

4 years ago, I was one big-- and I mean, HUGE-- pregnant swollen, hot, nervous woman who:
1.) Thought she was going to scream if any one else asked me when I was going to POP!
2.) Was terrified of how the baby was going to come out-- not the processes involved, so much as not knowing when exactly, or how (naturally or C-section)
3.) Couldn't fit into ANY pair of shoes-- my feet were that swollen.

What was so frustrating about it all, the way I carried Stink (like a big round basketball was shoved under my shirt and low, low, low) EVERYONE was telling me you have to go early. Look at you. Thanks for this, by the way, all of you random strangers at my gym who all had this exact prediction. You were all wrong though.

Imagine my surprise when I was 4 days late. But everyone was so sure. So, back to exactly 4 years ago-- life was much, much different. Simpler-- little did I know. Much more carefree. Relaxed. We weren't thinking of much else but the impending arrival of our little bundle-- with ten fingers & ten toes. Back then, if someone asked me: What will life be like in 4 years? I'd have laughed and said four years?! Forget about it-- let me just have this baby, then we'll figure it out.

And that, I realize, is what the heck parents mean when you are pregnant, and they all gush Oh, it goes soooo fast. Life gets away from you. The first year, you live behind a camera. Second year, maybe not as much. And then, BOOM! Today-- I have a little blond haired, blue-green eyed boy, who is going to turn 4 in a little over a month.

Stink is going to turn 4. He wants a space- themed party. No, he wants a race car themed party. No, he wants a train themed party. No, he wants a fire truck themed party. No, he wants an airplane themed party. He was planning out party themes for the next 4 years. I can't handle that. Again, I can't get past thinking about the here and now with him. He wants to talk to me about what life will be like when he is 8. Stink, I can't fathom you being 8, therefore I am not going to talk about it now. Not really. Not yet. Mommy still can't handle that you are turning 4. So we agreed that he is going to have a transportation themed party. That way, all of his favorite "things that go" can be incorporated.

Stink loves to do the dishes. Just the plastic ones, mom. For the first time, he asked to make his own chocolate milk the other day. I nearly broke into tears. I sent a text message to many family members. I felt like it was an occasion! He did, for the record, complete this task, including pouring the milk all by himself. He is now able to swing all by himself, can whack a ball with a bat if you pitch it to him, has started to use words such as nourishing, enthusiastic, and honestly. He is sitting to listen to me read longer chapter books, knows his ABC's and has begun to write his name. He is also starting to spell-- or at least has started to figure out what my husband and I are spelling --because we spell certain things so often!

Today we took the training wheels off of his bike. It may seem premature, but the fact is, Stink is so tall ( 3' 10" or 46 in.) that if he doesn't learn to ride his current bike without training wheels, we may have an issue next year when spring rolls around. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was pushing him around on his trike?!

He is nearly always hungry. He eats healthy foods, big enough meals, well- balanced. But, he is still hungry he whines.

And, so. 4 years ago I couldn't imagine I would be here. Nope. Just as in 4 more years, if I am still writing this blog, I will never be able to predict his personality and how wonderful and amazing he is. Will his hair still be blond? Will he still have the dimples in his cheeks when he smiles just-so? Will he enjoy scaring the heck out of Peach just as much?

I am sure he will still be just as hungry.

I Need a Car, Happy B-Day to Me, Hershey's Isn't So Delicious, & Peach is Walking!

2010-08-12T08:15:00.000-05:00

Do you see that pic in my header? Well, it is over one year old, and, well, I know. I need to update. In fact, I need to update the look of this whole blog-- it has gotten old, boring, and not so fun to look at.

My husband has a job. I am thankful for that-- but it doesn't in any way mean that things are "back to normal" though we have learned quite a bit about some more preparations we need to take and ways to be frugal. A good lesson, I think-- if any of you have any tips or advice or secrets to share in that broad range-- spill the beans! I love advice! This new job comes with a catch, however. The catch is that he takes our ONE car for the entire day. I get left at home with a preschooler and a toddler with only our little legs to carry us places. This is good and bad: on one hand, in my effort to be even more frugal, I can't go anywhere that requires money. This is bad because I can't go anywhere-- the park & library would be a long walk for a school-aged child. Do-able, but long. For my kids now, nearly impossible! We are going a little stir-crazy!

Why don't I buy a car? you ask? Well....we can't. Not yet at least. It is going to be a very, very, long.....adjustment. We keep hoping a different and better opportunity will come up-- but the fact of the matter is that we can't really count on that happening. So, anyone want to give me a car? No? That's okay. I had to try, right?

I celebrated my 31st birthday last weekend. It was a great day at home. Husband made me chocolate stuffed french toast with a raspberry sauce for breakfast, then we hung out, did a little very light shopping at Target, watched a movie with Stink & Peach and had dinner & cake. Very lazy and relaxing. Perfect.

In my effort to be more cost conscious, I've been doing a little shopping at ALDI. I have been very surprised by some of their products. Others I won't get close to, but some have become regular staples around here. The other day, I picked up some ALDI brand chocolate syrup. My husband, an east coaster, whose parents were both born and raised in PA only ever bought Hershey's. Ever. So, when he saw it, he was not too happy about having to make the switch. But hey, if I have to give up some faves, so does he. A day or two later we wanted to make ice cream sundaes and before he went to the store to get the ice cream, he asked if he could pick up some Hershey's-- his ice cream wouldn't taste the same, he said. Fine, I told him, but before he used any on his ice cream, he had to prove to me that he could tell the difference!

He all but pounded on his chest, way to excited to prove that he could most definitely tell the difference between Hershey's (which he'd been drinking in his chocolate milk for 25 years) and the OTHER BRAND. After he returned from the store, I took the two bottles, carefully made sure they were the same temperature, poured the same amount in two different bowls, placed a spoon in each one, and gave them to him. After nearly five minutes of careful consideration, my husband deemed THE ALDI BRAND more superior tasting than the Hershey's brand. I must tell you that the two brands, in my opinion, do taste different: the ALDI brand has sugar listed before cocoa, and has a notable sweeter taste. The Hershey's brand has cocoa listed before sugar, and does have a little more of a bitter taste. So, he didn't get to gloat after all-- I did. And I am putting it out there for the blogosphere to read. I also need to mention that after this taste test, my husband DID NOT stop insisting that Hershey's is still better-- and he also insisted that I "tricked" him in the test.

I know I've mentioned it in a few posts, but Peach is officially walking! She really started to get the hang of it last Wednesday, Aug. 4th. She took about 10 steps walking down our hallway. I was so excited, she was excited, Stink was excited! I kept clapping, she kept clapping....and I was a bit teary-eyed. It has all gone so fast. So. So. Fast. That night we played a game with Stink, my husband, and Peach. She would walk to me from the couch, and Stink would give her a pretend Medal. He invented the game-- I think it made him feel a part of her big achievement. By Friday she was trying to stand herself up from a squat. Now she can go up and down, no problems! She isn't the most sure-footed, and would prefer to hold my hand when walking. She seldom will walk from one place to another unless you tell her to stand up and walk-- but when she does, it is so cute!!!

Date 15 & A New Venture

2010-07-28T18:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted about our 52 Date Challenge in a while....I wasn't sure if we could still finish it up before the years end. But, I think we can....I think we can!

Date 15 was (drumroll, please!) Grown-up dinner at the dinner table when the kids were fast asleep! Last week....Wednesday? Okay. This was much harder to do than some may think. Hubster had a very long week on The Job last week, (up at 4, out the door by 5am, home at 7pm or later!) and we needed to have some face time. Without the children. So, I cooked up a very easy dinner, fed the kids, bathed the kids, and when Hubbs walked in the door, they were nearly asleep. We sat down to eat, and talk, and surprisingly, the kids didn't come up once. Not a single word was uttered about our children during dinner. I think we talked about The Future and all of the unknowns. Goals. We laughed about a movie that we wanted to see. Got excited because our Netflixed DVD (How I Met Your Mother: Season 4) had come in the mail, and talked about my New Venture.

Speaking of which.....
My New Venture (or MNV, as it will be called from here until I reveal it) is something that had been in the back of my brain for quite some time. (Readers from my RL, please be vague if you comment on MNV!) Plato said "Necessity, is the mother of invention." After months of not finding work for myself, I decided to MAKE work for myself. That is right, I am striking out on my own. I am really, very excited about this and think it could be a great success. I will share more as I have more to share, but right now, I have to get to work!

Not So Peachy....

2010-07-20T20:34:00.000-05:00

I like routine. I really do. And I know my kids like routine. Well, Stink has come to like a bit of structure-- Peach, well....she is a "second child". Her needs, wants, and whims, have almost nearly always revolved around Stinks. Naptime? In the car on the way to Stink's _____________. Lunch? For her, lunch is served only after I've made Stink his lunch. The exception to this rule, was when she was an infant, and I catered to her every whim. But, you remember that post in which Stink informed me " but your one hand can do it mom!". Then the jig was up-- if it couldn't wait (and potty training really can't she didn't even get relaxing private nursing sessions) then I was there, Peach on my side, helping Stink with whatever it was. Multitasking, many of us joke.

Now that Peach is much more independent and has caught on to how things have been working in the skewed sort of way that they have, she is demanding more. Much more. And things that were once a piece of cake aren't so sweet and delicious any more. There is more fighting, picking, mini-tantrums-- the flair for the dramatic is passed along once more!-- and much. More. Resistance.

I have tried now for over a week to get her into a different routine. One that revolves around her needs. She needs it. I need it. Stink needs it- he doesn't realize it, but he does. Here's the thing: I'm outta tricks. My follow through sucks right now. I am not very patient anymore. She isn't having anything to do with what I want.

So. Life with Peach has hit a rocky road at the moment. She is still cute, determined as ever, and a generally happy baby-- still teething. But why can't she just cooperate?

A Job!!!!

2010-07-14T20:26:00.000-05:00

Today my dear husband woke up and had an interview ( on his birthday, no less) and walked out of the interview with a job offer.

Not quite 4 months of unemployment to add to the list of things that have made our life together interesting.

He isn't particularly excited about this position, but he is happy overall. It IS a job-- and it will be good to get back on steady ground.

I am truly going to miss having him home with me-- as totally nuts as he drove me sometimes-- we will all miss him during the days! Now I get to reclaim sole proprietorship as happy homemaker.....a job I am going to finally figure out how to master!

MN, PA, and a Whole Lot of (almost) Walking....

2010-07-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

We've been a busy little family these past few weeks. We visited good friends in Minneapolis at the end of June, then we turned around three days later and took a road trip to Philly. It was not a planned trip-- but we both figured that husband has the time off now and there is no time like the present.

The road trip to Minneapolis was a good first trip. 6 hours. Plenty of audio books. Crayola Color Wonders. Snacks. It was pretty painless. The return trip wasn't as pleasant. Crabby kids who, after hours of driving, would not fall asleep! Finally, they did. And they slept for about half the trip.

After that, I swore I'd never take a road trip again. But, 3 days later, we were in the car, headed East. We stayed with family-- well, sort-of. We were lucky enough to stay at the home of a friend of the family. It was nice to have the privacy and the space. Stink loved the car ride. He loves listening to his audio books. Loves to color at his lap desk. He loves to eat snacks on the road. Everything is so exciting!! Peach was pleasant in the beginning. After a quick stop in Pittsburgh, she didn't want to get back in the car for anything. But, we were off again, this time heading to Philly.

Have you had the pleasure of driving on the turnpike in PA? It can get a little hairy-- what with the sometimes very narrow lanes, the endless construction (I swear, it is worse than Chicago in the summertime!) and the totally Crazy Truck Drivers....they get right up on your tail, as if you had any place that you could possibly go, then try to squeeze in just behind the car that just moved OUT of your blind spot. Not to mention the C-shaped curves that wrap around the mountains. I know....I am sure the mountains out west are crazy big, but I can't imagine they are nearly as congested.

The purpose of the trip was to see family. Check. It was great to introduce Peach to the family, many for the very first time! We were hoping to hang around a bit longer than we did, but,in the end, it was nice to come home. Isn't it always, though?

Stink is one crazy 3.75 year old. He is obsessed with jokes about bodily functions. Not even jokes so much, just repeating funny words. Diaper. Dirty diaper. Poop. Stink. Toot. Pee. Burp. He will laugh uncontrollably at these words. I have no idea what to do about it that is going to do any good, really. I remind him it isn't nice, isn't appropriate, isn't polite, isn't blah, isn't blah, isn't blah. But that gets me a deadpan look and then fits of giggles. Even nonsense words crack him up. The drive to Philly, the word "pew" as in PU, as in "you stink" was what had him laughing so hard through Harrisburg that he got the hic-cups. It was then that I realized that "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" only works on.....well.....not Stink.

Me: "Look, Stink! There is a "Pew-tiful mountian! Isn't it just the most pew-tiful thing ever?"
Stink: Hahahahahahahahahahhaha...and fits of laughter.

Husband: "Look at that pew-normous mountain!"
Stink: Hahahahahahha....and more fits of laughter.

There were points in time my children sounded like the famous cartoon characters Beavis & Butthead:
Stink: Ha
Peach: Ha-ha
Stink: Ha-ha-ha
Peach: Ha-ha-ha-ha

Then they both ended up with hic-cups.
I guess all the laughing is great when realizing the alternative. I am glad they were laughing. In fact, we all were-- let's face it now: bodily functions and their accompaning words are pretty funny. I think that as adults we've just forgotten this fact and well, we need reminding.

Peach, my amazing, talkative (yes! a chatty Cathy already!) and beautiful Peach. She is still such a Mama's girl. She did go to a few select family members. She is really drawn to those that try hard with her-- make funny faces, talk to her a lot, and speak in the high pitched squeak that one uses when talking to babies and dogs. She says Stink's name, dog, kitty, Dada, Mama, and down. She doesn't say "No" yet....I actually haven't had to use it with her very much just yet. I remember with Stink, though, I purposely avoided saying "No" so that he couldn't use it all the time. And she loves to practice walking.

On July 5th , she used a walker for the first time at her cousins house. She loved it! Here at home though on the wood floor, she isn't too sure-- it moves faster than she likes. She loves to cruise. She loves to read the "Carl" books and she loves to climb up and sit in her big brother's "Anywhere Chair". She loves Pablo from Backyardigans. Actually, she just loves Backyardigans-- but who doesn't?! She loves ice cream. She loves to feed herself. She loves to swing-- and she is a water bug.

That is life for now-- in a nutshell.

A Future Shoe Lover?

2010-06-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

Peach was sitting on the floor playing (as she does most days) when she decided to pull everything out of her diaper bag. Now that she is older, the contents have changed a bit. She reaches deep into the bag and pulled out a pair of pink sandals, which she has worn twice, but I keep around incase she feels like trying out some walking in a less than desireable location.

So, she pulls them out, makes a surprised face, lifts up one of her little feet and holds the sandal to it, then makes a "oooh" sound. She wanted them on her feet! I sat her on my lap, outward facing, and after I put on her sandals she kicked her feet around, admiring them. She was so proud to be wearing shoes!

1st Birthday Recap

2010-06-14T20:18:00.000-05:00

There she is on her big day. The big 01. Happy as can be with all the wrapping paper surrounding her. Plenty of family members and friends. She ate her first bite of vanilla cake with buttercream frosting (after sharing some with her "boyfriend" L, who hung out infront of her highchair, reaching up for bites!) Stink had some pals around, which helped to deflect any jealousy he may have felt over not being the birthday boy (yet). Peach also did a sweet thing for her big bro' this time around-- she gave him a little present too.

The kids played, adults talked and ate. Peach didn't know she was "the guest of honor" until cake time...and Happy Birthday was sung. Her father stole her thunder rather quickly, blowing out the candle (I swear he will deny, deny, deny for as long as we live...), not that she could've done it-- I forgot to teach her how to before her birthday!

Needless to say, there were plenty of things I didn't do that I wanted to do-- but I am happy that she is happy, healthy, and strong. At her 1 year check....shoot, I can't remember,....24 lbs. & 31.5 inches. 95 percentile for weight, 98 percentile for height.

Peach was only really starting to pull herself up by her first birthday. So....we don't quite have a Toddler yet--though I don't think it will be long.

Peach is One!!!!!

2010-05-29T12:51:00.000-05:00

So right about at this time, one year ago, my husband and mom were tryin to convince me to go to the hospital. I kept refusing, because not only did I want a shower, I wanted to put mascara on. And fix my hair.

I eventually made it to the hospital-- around 2-ish I think. And then Peach was born just after 7. It was an amazing day. I can't believe she is no longer a little baby!

We are celebrating with a little party with close family and friends. I will update on all the festivities.... And of course, some new pics of the Birthday Girl!

2 Months

2010-05-24T19:50:00.000-05:00

For any and all of you who happen to pop by-- please keep us in your good thoughts. Your really, really good ones. Prayers too, if you happen to be that sort of person.

It has been 2 months today since my husband was layed off. A lot of change has been going on, and yet, not enough of the change that we really, really, really need.

There are some irons in the fire and they are RED HOT. But they just aren't catching. Yet. My husband is waiting on a few things.....waiting and hoping. I am too. Waiting to hear about work. Of course, so are very many other people out there.

At this point in our lives together, we have realized how increadibly lucky we are. Every day for the past 3.5 years, we have given a nod to the universe, God, what-have-you, that we have Stink, that we have a little home to call our own, that we have a little Peach, and that, no matter what other decisions we made to make it work-- that I have been home with the kids. It was what we always wanted out of our life together. We have been through quite a bit together as a couple, and for whatever reason, job loss, was something the universe felt it had to deal out to us too.

We've had to lean on our family like no other time before-- but, hopefully, if you all could just shout it to the universe that "Mike Kelly deserves the job, damn it!" Maybe, just maybe, the universe will listen-- and we won't have to lean so hard.

Fingers crossed, people. Now, shout it out for us!

Date 13: You Sunk My Battleship

2010-05-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

Yes. We played Battleship.

The game is all in the set-up. Really. My husband and I decided while playing that psychologists really could probably draw many insights on the human psyche whilest watching people play Battleship. Do they postion all boats in the middle,the edges, form letters of the alphabet? There must be some correlation between how we lay out Battleship boats and wether we are obsessive, or not obsessive, or just flat out apathetic.

Anyhow.

He won. By only one move--it was really close. And, for the record, I like to place my ships around the edges. Funny thing too-- so does my husband. Last night, our boards were almost mirror images of each other.

Date 12-- 9 Dates Behind

2010-05-21T14:04:00.000-05:00

We had another Date Night this past week! It was a simple night-- a bonfire in the backyard after the kids went to sleep. It was a cool night, and since my husband is home, we broke out the Hershey's chocolate and made S'mores.

I never tire of S'mores.

We are 9 dates behind our goal-- and, well, the low flow of cash really makes it tough to continue trying to go out for dates. Really tough. Even the "at home" dates I have a long list of ( well over 50 ideas) need some extra money to be able to execute. Extra really isn't in the vocabulary right now.

So, my question is, should I modify the rules of date night? Should I post-pone? Press on? Can we even come back from this far behind to meet our goal, and, if so, will the time spent be worthwhile?

I was having fun trying to plan and I also really enjoyed the time with my hub-ster.

So, some serious think to do and some planning. I need something to focus energy back on the two of us.

Any thoughts, suggestions, and words of inspiration are always welcome!

The Boy Who Screamed

2010-05-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

Oh...about two years ago or so, I noticed that I would frequently say "he's a boy's boy" or "it must be a boy thing". I realize that there are some distinct {quantified, observed, documented} differences in the way boys and girls develop but I generally do not like to assign gender sterotypes to Stink. Not to say it doesn't happen.

This begun to happen when I noticed that Stink is a loud kid. He has the propensity for loudness, let me correct myself. It is only fitting if you meet our family. In certain situations, he can really--- hog attention? Noisily? Yes, he can be noisy. He likes to hear himself make any kind of noise.

Yes, we advise him to use inside voices. We sush. We hush. We tell him to shut it.

Kidding! No. We don't really tell him that! We'd like to though sometimes! But he just likes to sing. And hum. And scream-sing. And talk. He IS three, after all.

All this means that it is rarely quiet in the house. Very rarely.

Yesterday, we came home from having dinner at my parents. We walk in the door and all of a sudden, Stink starts to scream. And scream. Neither one of us really took notice until about 30 seconds later when the scream got much louder. His little finger was shut in the hinge of the door.

It was a little smushed and purple-y. There is a slight gap in the hinge of our fireproof back door, thank goodness, or else we'd likely have made a trip to the hospital. We sandwiched the pinky in ice packs and tried to calm Stink and gave him Motrin.

Then, we told him two things: don't put your fingers in doors! And the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

I think, knock on wood, it may start to be a little bit quieter around here.

Stink's pinky is doing just fine too.

Mother's Guilt Approaching One

2010-05-08T22:49:00.000-05:00

In a few short weeks, Peach will turn one.

Approaching this milestone has been...worrysome. I don't know that this is the right word. This past year, I have so worried about trying to make sure that I at least attempted to devote the same level of excitement and effort into her first year as I did when Stink was an infant. {Perhaps, exhausting, would be a better choice?}

Of course, I was very excited by her arrival! I just didn't do things the same way in any sense. I didn't even approach the pregnancy the same way--to be expected, of course. I was smarter. Not as nervous. Quite a bit busy. Still-- I was uneasy about becoming a mother of two. If you read my posts from pre-Peach, you know that many were driven by the fear of the unknown.

Still I wonder: Did she have a great 1st year? Did I enjoy every shred of her babyhood like I planned? It certainly wasn't as relaxing as I remember it was when Stink was born. Did I record enough photos of her during the year? I don't think I dressed her in a holiday outfit on Valentine's Day. I never got around to getting that "perfect" picture of her in the year. I have plenty of 'cute' pictures, but not one captures her essence. I made very little of her babyfood and fear that she won't have as well rounded of a diet as Stink-- a fate this foodie would have a hard time handling! I have also realized, comparitively, how little reading I've done with Peach and how much Nick Jr. and Sprout she has ingested as a pure side effect of it being on for Stink as we only have one TV/living area. Is she going to end up a part of a TV related statistic?

I know I need to stop myself from obessing. Really. I feel like part of each of her big milestones were spent obessing-- either comparing to Stink or how I recorded/reacted to them. And in the comparisions, I made my mother's guilt grow one more: I can't remember some of the facts about Stink's babyhood without doing some fact checking!

So Peach is going to be one in a few short weeks! Invites went out today.

I feel like we just brought her home.

Disney & Date 11!

2010-04-29T21:58:00.000-05:00

Disney was---fantastic. Amazing. Just the break in the storm we needed. It was, all at once, crazy, fun, relaxing, and a welcome escape. We were both able to truly forget about our reality and pretend that, for at least one week, nothing mattered-- we had no worries. Hakuna Matata. My mother in-law planned this trip for the entire family carrying on a tradition that her parents started when my husband was a child. It was an amazing gift and we had a wonderful time!

I do have a lot to say about traveling to Disney with a preschooler and infant. A lot. Actually, I found that in planning the trip, there wasn't enough information on traveling with this age- though so many families go with kids this age. I did more than my fair share of Google searches, read at least 2 top rated "with kids" books, and none conveyed what I thought the experience would be like. Which, prior to leaving, was nerve wracking, but once there, we got into a groove.

Stink thought the experience was awesome! And I do mean that he said this nearly every day we were there. His top picks were the Indy 500 Speedway in Magic Kingdom and Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios. It was so fun to watch him at Playhouse Disney on Stage too. Of course we spent a lot of time meeting all his favorite characters at all the parks. He also really liked the arcade at the hotel. Peach, well, she just kind of hung out in the Kelty backpack carrier or the stroller....happy to just....hang out. She did enjoy Dumbo and any ride where she could feel the wind on her face. She did not like rides where she was in the dark. It was a great trip, and we are really excited to (one day) plan a trip back!

Midway through the trip, my husband, sister-in law and her husband, and my brother-in-law all went to see La Nouba, the Cirque du Soleil performance at Disney. With built in babysitters (both sets of grandparents were on hand) we headed out for what I thought was going to be a fantastic perfomance. I have to say, I was a little bit disappointed. But, DATE 11 did happen! Finally! Even if it was with others, I had a great time with the company. I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time-- both at myself and at the expense of my family members present that night. If you plan on ever going to Disney and also have the opportunity to catch Samantha Brown does Disney on the Travel channel, and feel inspired to watch it, don't. If you plan on going to Cirque it will spoil it for you. Really. That and they juggle entirely way to much. Amazing, yes. Can I do it? No. Do I need to watch other people juggle for 15 minutes? Nope. Snore. Really-- I nearly fell asleep at this point in the show- and it was earlyish in the evening!

One year ago, I have to admit, I was a Disney skeptic. Really, I was. I thought the movies were a little too scary for most kids and that for the cost of a Disney vacation, one could probably travel to Europe inexpensively. Now, having gone, I can tell you that I've switched sides. I can totally "get" those people who travel there year after year: There really isn't anything like it.

Word

2010-04-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago Peach started to wake up in the middle of the night due to teething pain. I knew it was a possibility--her big bro' did the same thing. I sometimes would nurse her back to sleep if she was really fussy. This particular early morning, my nipples had had it. They hurt. I decided that my sweet Peach could fuss and scream all she wanted-- I wasn't going to give it up. My husband, slightly annoyed with my choice, worried that the constant scream would wake Stink. And then, as if having a great revelation, Peach arched her back in my arms, threw her head back trying to assume the position and screamed MAMA! That's all it took folks. After months upon months of listening to her chant Da-Da-Da-Da, my resolve was broken and I whipped out that boob so fast, where she promptly suckled herself into a sweet, sweet sleep, with only the hint of a smile on her face.

Do you know she didn't say Mama for at least 2 more weeks after that one night!? I was crushed.

Until last week. I'd say by Wednesday, she had started to include Mama into her round of consonant-vowel combinations. Better yet, she also has correctly attached Dada and Mama with each of us. She has also added Nana--which I watched her produce for the first time. It even took her by surprise! She was trying to say Mama....

What I find so interesting about this is that I am experiencing what many pediatricians woud call the "norm" for girl development. Yes, there is a statistic for everything {though I don't think that in life, there are nearly as many statistcs as there are in baseball} and if you study early childhood development, boys tend to talk later than girls-- often not uttering their first word until 12-15 months. Yes, I realize that many people experience the opposite, but to see Stink follow along the "norm" for boy development ( early movement, large gross motor skills, etc) and to watch as Peach seems to head along the path that is considered in the "norm" for development for girls, is just amazing.

Of course, I will remain true to the party line of parents everywhere: My children are super-geniuses.

A Big Hit and a Big Trip

2010-04-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

Today I put Peach down for a nap late in the afternoon. Stink came into the house from the backyard carrying his plastic t-ball bat and we had this little exchange:

" Mommy, can you show me how to properly hold the bat? Do I do it like this or this?" He demonstrates by wrapping his little fingers around the neck of the bat, then switches hands.

"Well, it depends on which side of the T you are standing on."

"How about you come out and see." I follow him outside, and he decides he is going to bat right handed for now. He knocks the ball far into our yard, shouting HOME RUN each time he hits it. And he hits it every time.

I decided to see what he could do if I tossed the ball to him. I was just a bit shocked, but he hit it on the first toss. And the second, and the third. It was so exciting to see him make contact with the ball-- and exciting to see the surprise on his face when he made contact too. A moment I'll never forget.

We are also getting ready to take our first trip to Disney. We leave this weekend, and I am sure, I'll have many Disney related posts in the coming week. We are heading there with my in-laws and my parents; it should be a fun trip! I am nervous about the trip because we haven't taken a trip on this scale before. Disney is like crack for kids--which will only be more stressful. Our strategy right now is to only focus on about 25% of each park, and leave the other 75% for a different trip.

Next time I'll likely be writing will be to share a pic or two.

Two Weeks

2010-04-06T20:26:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that nearly two weeks has come and gone.

We are 3 dates in the hole. Maybe 4. I've lost count. Definitly some making up to do. My husband asked if our stress relief could count-- I suppose it could but it would totally miss the point of the whole 52 Date exercise of trying new things and getting OUT of the house for change. We won't be going out much-- unless we win Powerball this week.

We pulled our first ever April Fool's on Stink. It was great! Well, you'd have to understand his affinity for the little chocolate milk boxes that Starbucks sells first. So, yea, there is that. My husband went to Starbucks (we've been in a bit of denial here...) to cure a crabby depressed morning and picked up our usuals. Stink's included. But before bringing it into the house, he emptied it into a cup. We presented Stink with his milk box and doughnut as usual, and when he went to take a sip, it was empty. He shook it. He tried to peer inside. The most puzzled look came over his face. Then he got angry. We laughed and explained the day to him. He quickly went into our bedroom and hid my husbands pants.

Easter was Peach's first. Stinks 4th. The Easter bunny brought Stink a skateboard. Yep. A real skateboard. The crazy bunny couldn't resist all of Stink's cuteness trying to skateboard on Peach's highchair try....I actually don't have a picture of him on it yet....which is very odd.

Peach is also 10 months old now. I don't know if in all the confusion of life, if I've blogged about this. In the last few days, she has gone from scooting everywhere on her bottom, to pulling herself up and standing. She is starting to give kisses--to me at least. She feeds herself puffs and chews small chunks of bananas and avocado or other soft foods. She loves the feel of the wind on her face and enjoys riding on my back in the backpack carrier we purchased last month for our upcoming trip. People say that she looks just like her brother but I don't see it at all. In fact, she looks nothing like her brother did, even at the same age. She is calm and very independent. She is also very smart. She knows where her tummy is and will look at the right person when named. She will also turn her hands up in an "I don't know" when I ask her to find something that is "missing".

The other exciting thing that is happening around here is that my oldest and closest friend recently became engaged and asked me to be her matron of honor! She has many life changes that she is going through right now as she is converting to Judaism and will be wed shortly after. I am in the process of researching where and how to plan a kosher bridal shower. Fun stuff for me....but a little stressful because it is so unknown. Every religion is steeped in tradition and doctrine and I am slightly afraid to make a mistake when it comes to her new customs and traditions. I certainly don't want to offend her or her in-laws to be.

And last but not least, because I can't resist, some photos of my adorable little ones.

Peach in her Easter dress. Stink in an outfit he dressed himself in with his bug sucker and explorer gear.

A Statistic

2010-03-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

My husband was laid off on Wednesday morning. His work load had dropped dramatically and we were worried that it could happen as he was the highest earne+r in his department. This was found out in a round -about sort of way. We weren’t prepared for it—at all. Other than the fact that he updated his resume and started to job hunt, no other preparations were made.

And so, we are now a statistic --along with thousands of others.

We are nearing 48 hrs. post- lay-off, and I think we are in pretty good spirits. To be honest—I don’t think it has really hit us yet.

***********

It hit us this morning. We've had a lot of support from friends and family, and for that we are grateful.

If anyone thinks they know someone who needs to hire a person with an MBA and a Master's in Project Management and 10 years of experience (in the commercial real estate field) for a position-- or would be willing to forward on his resume, send me an email. We'd be ever so appreciative for your help. Need not be in the Chicago area.

If not, keep us in your good thoughts as we maneuver this tough time. We need lots of those too.

Peach's First Kiss & Date 10....

2010-03-18T21:20:00.000-05:00

Last week, we had a playdate and Peach was given her very first kiss by a little boy! A little one we have played with since she was in-utero, a dark-haired curly headed sweetie that has enthralled Peach since she could notice him at about 3 months old. Hs big bro is a bud of Stink's and it seems the younger two have hit it off. She was playing quietly infront of our stove, looking at her reflection in the glass, and little Dude walked up in front of her, squatted down, and leaned in and planted one right on the kisser. She looked up at us and smiled, and he just squatted in front of her, smiling. It was too darn adorable! What makes this story even more funny, is shortly after little Dude had a particularly messy diaper, he was running around our house in a diaper while his mom went to the car for extra clothes. While passing by Peach, she reached out and squeezed his tushie. Really. Adorable.

Stink: I can tell you that he is much like any other nearly three-and-a-half year old, but that doesn't really say much. He asks questions. More questions than I can truly give honest answers too--but I try. I read somewhere that preschoolers ask about 76 questions per hour. That is 1.2 questions a minute. I think that in one five-minute period I counted that Stink asked 7 questions. He just kept firing them away.
We were in the car on a crisp soon-to-be-spring day: What is that over there? A water tower. What is a water tower? A tower that holds water. Why does the water need to be in the tower? It keeps extra in case we need more. How does the water get into the tower? With special pumps. What is a pump? It is a big machine that takes the water out of the ground. The water is in the ground? I thought it was in the ocean. Yes, Stink. The water is in the ground and in rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans. But we get our water from the ground. Why don't we get our water from the ocean? Because the ocean is far away.

And questions like that keep on coming. The truth is that I love these questions and found that the best way to answer them is to give very simple and exact answers. More questions will come, but typically will end if I am careful to answer only the question he has asked, not allowing for any other new information into the conversation. It is beautiful and amazing to watch his mind work and to listen to him draw conclusions and make connections to previous experiences.

Date #10 was a date night to see live music. Not just any live music, but a musician who I've seen play often and also sang during the ceremony at our wedding. Alice Peacock is a Chicagoan by way of Minnesota. She came to a nearby venue and did a small show which was really enjoyable. If you haven't heard of her yet, you should check her out. She tours nationwide, and maybe you'd even be able to see her soon too! This date night was great because it was the first of all of our date nights where we left Peach awake with a sitter. Typically, we've been known to put her to bed before heading out slightly later. She fared well in the care of Mimi & Pa-- a huge sigh of relief for us!

9 months

2010-03-09T20:28:00.000-06:00

Peach is 9 months old. Well...she has been for a few days now, but I'm just getting the post up. She is 30 inches tall and a whopping 23 lbs 1.5oz. Yes, she is a big girl, but, funnily enough,Stink was 32 inches tall and 25 lbs at his 9 mo check! This means that, like Stink, she is going to be tall. My pedi is all ready projecting nearly 6 ft. if she continues on the curve just as Stink did.

She is scooting. Everywhere. My husband has been very concerned with the fact that she isn't crawling yet...and to be honest, I was a little surprised, but not really. She hasn't spent as much time on her belly because she always wants to watch her big brother. Apparently, crawling isn't a developmental stage, and a majority of babies skip it all together-- or only crawl for a few days before they take off walking. She is pulling herself to her knees, but mostly, scoots on her behind.

Peach is cutting "5 or 6 teeth and a couple of molars". So that is fun for us. She actually does pretty well as long as I keep her on Motrin.

She plays so-big, is starting to grasp the concept of waving bye-bye, loves her baby board book that has babies on it, and loves to eat. Though, right now, she doesn't like chewing much and will protest by gagging until I give her food she can just swallow.

She has already gotten a few bruises from her big brother and has recovered from them well. I am worried once she can dish out what she gets, he is going to be in for a world of hair pulling and underarm pinching.

I still can't believe that I have two children. I can't believe that her babyhood is coming to a close. It feels like yesterday that she arrived; 9 whole months seems like a lifetime ago-- all at once it feels like she was always here and that she is still so brand new.

Sister Story Swap

2010-03-05T13:04:00.000-06:00

My sister, Yankee Girl, called me late last night to say she was writing a post about being a copy cat—ratting herself out for the things she can remember imitating. If you are an older sibling, you have likely experienced this. Her list is short and she is right about one thing—there are probably more instances, but as an older sibling, you get used to it and move on.

Okay. I have to fess up too. Growing up I was frequently very annoyed with the fact that Yankee Girl imitated me so much. It was hard to be the imitate-ee—constantly having your hobbies, interests, and theories hijacked by someone else to have them pass them off as their own. But, as my mother frequently reminded me: she is your sister and she loves you. You and your sisters should all be best friends. Others come and go, but never a sister.

The truth is I was, and sometimes still am, envious of her copy-cat abilities. Even a little jealous - there was no one around to pave the way for me, to offer me insight or a new idea. She, though - much like a chameleon, and having had much practice, could morph into whatever situation arose. Me, on the other hand, had no idea how to blend in. This did not serve me well. Some examples:

I tried out for the BOYS intramural basketball team in 6th grade. Of course, I made the team. This did not sit well with my female peers as it was the early ‘90s and wasn’t quite a common practice. She, having learned the lesson, tried out as a cheerleader.

The following year, still uneducated about chameleon like behavior and its benefits amongst preteen and teenage girls, I became a semi-vegetarian at the age of 12, shunning McDonalds and Burger King. In the early ‘90s, vegetarianism was just making a resurgence. And certainly most 12 year olds don’t consider things like this. Yankee Girl asked me “why are you so odd?”

You would think that by the age of 14 I may have gotten a clue. I didn’t. My passion for environmentalism runs true and deep and it was then that I decided to join the high schools GREEN club, an environmental club that, among other endeavors, was solely responsible for maintaining the high school’s recycling bins. I was that kid. Yankee Girl, having joined the ranks as cheerleader, opted for other, less humiliating extra-curriculars.

Not to say she didn’t have her fair share of mishaps, though her chameleon ability always made these things not so bad. She learned early on that she could have certain beliefs and opinions, ever changing ones, but always ideas that were en vouge. Cool. Accepted. Me? Not so much, but I wore them on my sleeves anyway. It didn’t make me the most popular, but that was always okay with me.

I will always envy that about Yankee Girl. The part of her that can blend in—be a part of any conversation, find a common interest with someone in every walk of life, and now, realizing that blending in isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, having the moxie to yell whatever the hell she feels like from the rooftops.

My moxie reserves are far quieter but I appreciate and admire her moxie roar

Date 9- Chocolate Tasting

2010-03-04T22:16:00.000-06:00

This kind of felt like cheating in the sense that we often have chocolate on the weekends. Usually it is more main stream and generic chocolate candy that true enthusiasts would cringe at. For date 9, we tried these:

Green & Black Organic Milk Chocolate

                                                                 Dagoba Xocolatl with Chiles Dark Chocolate

                                                                                        Crev Truffle Bar

                                                             New Tree Ginger Sexy Energizing Dark Chocolate

Okay. Let’s start at the top. Green & Black Milk Chocolate was….icky? Maybe it was the cold coming on, perhaps my taste buds could have been clouded with the garlic from dinner, but I did not care for this one bit. My husband….eh, he liked it well enough. I love, love, love chocolate and have tried many different kinds before, but this….was something not quite right.

Dagoba Xocolatl with Chiles. I love dark chocolate and I love dark chocolate with chiles. It is an unexpected combination but very delicious. This is the kind of chocolate that you can have a little bit of and feel totally satisfied. My husband did not care for this at all. The chiles kick in at the end and leave behind a little heat, which he didn’t care for. Perfect- more for me!

Crev Truffle Bar. Ummmm….it was…..bland. It wasn’t overly sweet or creamy or anything resembling a truffle. Very disappointing.

New Tree Ginger Sexy Energizing Dark Chocolate. This one was the most disappointing. I mean, just look at the packaging. Don’t you want to like it? It looks cool and sexy –which shouts out to me that it theoretically should taste good. I love ginger in many forms—but not in this dark chocolate bar! Again, perhaps it was the cold. I am willing to give it a second go. I just really regret paying nearly $5.00 for a single candy bar that I threw –save a bite the size of a quarter- in the trash. I didn’t even let my husband touch this one knowing that it would put him off ginger for life. This line also has a variety of other chocolates to choose from which makes me nervous.

The “date” was fun, albeit short. My husband spent some time making Star Wars references, we read aloud the wrappers—which were quite detailed—and of course ate, made funny faces at each other and then decided that there are many more varieties of chocolate to choose from….which could make for another date night. You likely will see this again as we count up to date 52!

Dates #7 & 8

2010-02-23T20:18:00.000-06:00

The weekend got off to a great start. Friday night we left the sleeping children in the care of my parents and headed off to a parent's night for the local conservation district. {okay, not quite hot, steamy, date night material....but we'll get there} After this little informational hour, we had a whole night ahead of us!

We went to a local bar where we revisited an old hobby-- okay, not so much a hobby, but the thing we spent many nights pre-kids doing-- playing darts. Playing darts wasn't so much competitive sport as it was the thing to do while we were drinking more than we should, and passing the time with friends we don't keep in touch with anymore. These were the nights that we were always the "old married couple"in the group-- pretty much all the time. Which meant, we could flirt with each other all night, knowing full well we'd be going home together. These little evenings were always fun: loud music, watching our friends make passes at the opposite sex, a gin & tonic for him, a vodka tonic with a twist for me and a little 301.

The object of the game was always to win. I didn't often win honestly because the truth is that I am terrible at darts. Absolutly terrible. Which is why we play 301-- aiming doesn't really become crucial until the end. There were plenty of times I am sure that I won because my sweet husband thought that coupled with my vodka induced good mood, letting me win would ensure a good night for him.

So that is what we did. Well, sort of. We went to the local bar. Ususal drinks in hand and found a dart board. We played 301 and I lost the first 2 rounds but did win--fair and square-- the last game. And as the 20 somethings trickled in, we trickled out....heading instead to get dessert.

The night ended early but it was fun to spend some time doing something that we did together frequently as a couple without kids.

Date #8 was an at home movie night. We haven't watched many movies together lately so it was a perfect thing to do. We rented Last Chance Harvey....or was it something we DVR'd lately? Whichever. We'd not seen it. It was a cute movie I suppose. It was a little slow, but I like Emma Thompson, and I really liked her character. I think this would've made a better book than a movie--was it ever a book? Anyone? I suppose I could do a quick search and answer my own question.....We ate chocolate chip cookies with the movie and I thought the ending was boring and bland. Happy, but they could've made it a little more....interesting.

Date #9 is in the bag-- all planned and ready for execution.

Everybody Duck! & Date #7

2010-02-19T06:47:00.000-06:00

I have to record this otherwise I am going to forget. I really don't want to forget this. Stink was watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse one day recently and he started cracking up. A belly laugh so hard he actually produced tears. Stink walked into the room I was in and tried to compose himself so he could explain what he was laughing at (I still had no idea) and he pointed out to me: They were all in the hot air balloon flying and they were going to crash and Donald yelled Everybody Duck! And Donald is a duck and that is SOOOO funny Mommy! Isn’t that funny! My kid gets irony.
{Can you smell the proud parent eau du parfume through your computer screen?}

Date #7:

It hasn't happened yet. Blame the exhaustion from the two kiddos. Blame the lazy part of me that doesn't want to put on make-up and fix my hair to go out. Blame the red-eye flight husband took from the west coast. Blame the 3 teeth Peach is cutting. Blame life.

But that is why I started this experiment in the first place: to be accountable to someone other than ourselves for making sure that we are making the most of our marriage and our life.

Saturday we were supposed to have a date. Sitter set, kids in bed, and all I wanted to do was sit and be. So we did.

Over the weekend we did participate in the Olympics, though-- of the bedroom variety. While I can't count it as a date night, it serves as a confirnation that date nights are crucial and that scheduled sex only leads to more unscheduled sex.

I have high hopes for this weekend. Two date nights in two days! Can we do it? One of the date nights we are planning on leaving the house! Gasp! I'd like to promise a full report on Sunday but not sure that would be a good idea. Perhaps Monday.

Channeling My Grandmothers or Happy Fat Tuesday

2010-02-16T20:19:00.000-06:00

I never had the opportunity to meet my maternal grandmother, but I hear she was quite a tough cookie. One of the things I also hear was she could cook really, very well. Traditional Polish dishes could never be made quite like hers.

I did have a pretty amazing step-grandmother, who was actually a friend of my grandmother, who was also Polish and could also cook some amazing dishes that I was able to experience as a child. To ask her for a recipe was to get a vague approximation, (in a thick Polish accent) a few cups of flour, some…what you call it….sugar, some cinnamon….And so it goes. Growing up, she nearly always had some fantastic Polish pastry waiting in her pantry cupboard.

I can’t remember the first time I ever had Paczki. We just always had them on Fat Tuesday in our house. Always. Maybe even a few days before, and nearly always a few days after—we weren’t very good Catholics --we’d eat Paczki with powdered sugar dusted on them. My mom would always whip up a batch and if we were lucky, and our dog didn’t eat them (true story), we would eat warm doughy goodness for the better part of a day.

So this morning I woke-up and channeled what I could of my Busia and my grandmother, and whipped up a batch of Paczki using a recipe handed down through generations. I’ve never made them before and had some help on the frying part (Thanks, Mom!), but they were delicious. For the most part though, not a bad first attempt.

Oh, and in my family, we eat unfilled Paczki.

A Little About Stink and Peach

2010-02-15T08:19:00.057-06:00

Stink's favorite things to do:

building forts in the livingroom
playing with his cars--using the changing pad as a ramp
making Peach laugh and touching her "chubby cheeks"
eating spaghetti with meatballs--if there are no meatballs, he isn't eating it!
going to preschool
watching Disney's Handy Manny
shoveling the driveway-- really, it is his favorite thing to do when he plays outside!
washing dishes-- if I give him one or two, he'll stay busy for at least 15 minutes!
going to his grandparents house- (either set) then kicking me and my husband out.

He is asking a lot of questions:

Why does the earth spin?
Why do the seasons change?
What does aggravated mean? Or fill in with any word your typical 3 year old doesn't know.
What was the favorite part of your day? This is the question that we ask at dinnertime every day....and sometimes again at bedtime. He never lets us have the same favorite part--he'll tell me which part I liked if I give the same answer he has.
When is it going to be spring?
Why does the sun set?
Where does the moon go?
Where is the other side of the world and what is there?

Peach is:

Scooting herself across the room...and into the hallway and the kitchen --this means nothing since you haven't seen my home, but know that it is quite an accomplishment!
Is trying so hard at pulling herself up on things and people. The ottoman or Stink's legs,she gets herself to her knees then gets stuck.
Has her top left front tooth and is cutting her incisor and a second tooth on the bottom. She is cutting 2 teeth at a time--just like Stink did. And, as with Stink, it is not a pleasant experience. For her or for me....I feel sooooo badly for her.
A foodie just like her Mama and brother. She eats so well, prefers my homemade babyfood but will eat jarred stuff in a pinch, and will polish off quite a bit. I am always surprised when I feed her. I never make enough food and am constantly warming up more while she fusses.

Northern IL Fault Line?

2010-02-10T06:48:00.001-06:00

Yes, at roughly 4 am this morning, my husband and I woke up to what we thought was a very large snow plow that was doing its job.

In part, we did. There was one down the block. But then we felt the entire house shake, shake, shake. For perhaps 30 seconds. 45 seconds at most. It measured at a 4.3 on the Richter Scale.

This earthquake's epicenter did not originate down south, at the New Madrid fault line. In fact, the geologists don't exactly know much about the fault at all-- just that there is one about 1 hour away from my home outside of a little town called Sycamore.

It certainly was surprising.

Date #6: Let's Get it On....

2010-02-08T22:09:00.001-06:00

Yep. That's right. Date #6 was scheduled sex! Okay...we took turns giving massages before hand, but the main point was to do the horizontal mambo.

I never imagined that we would reach a point in our marriage where we'd have to schedule sex. Before kids, I never thought that I'd be too tired, too sick, too not-in-the-mood, too physically and mentally exhausted, too busy, too.......Before kids I never thought twice about the fact that we could do it in any room of our (then) apartment, not have to worry about the creaky bed, how loud we were being, or if we would be discovered. My toes were always painted, legs always shaved, other parts...well groomed.

Now that I'm not sick anymore, and after over a month-- yes, a month!-- of a sexless life, we decided to get our groove back. I shaved my legs. Painted my toes. Found lingere I haven't worn in at least 2 years. Really.

Scheduled sex is waaaaay under rated. Here is the thing about scheduled sex: it is like make-up sex, first time sex, sex with your husband of years and years, slightly naughty sex and sweet sex. All wrapped up in one. After a month or even after a week, scheduled sex can be any and all of these things. The act of having scheduled sex isn't surprising, yes, I will grant you that.

That doesn't make it any less enjoyable!

8 Months1 Week 1 Day..

2010-02-08T10:17:00.000-06:00

Peach had her 8 month birthday at the end of January, and I never got around to bloggging about it. I did try and get some pictures of her on her fabulous day, but they were "intruded"upon by big brother Stink.

Date #5: What's On Tap?

2010-02-02T07:11:00.000-06:00

If you are are a new visitor you should know that one entry per week is dedicated to documenting each of the 52 dates that my husband and I are taking. One per week-- and this week, we decided to have a beer tasting.

Here is a little known fact about me: I really don't like beer. (gasp!) I know. I love wine-- from really buttery whites, dripping with oak, to big Italian reds. From the dry and crisp to juciy and fruity. You name it, I'll (nearly always) drink it. Unless I think it sucks. But when it comes to beer, I find that I think it stinks. And it makes me burp. To try and learn more about beer, and see if there is something out there that I could like, my husband and I trekked to our local World Market and bought a mix your own 6 pack. Wanna guess which ones were my picks?

Sea Dog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale ( I like blueberies)

Two Brother's Ebels Weiss ( Bottle has daisys on it-- my favorite)

Goose Island Oatmeal Stout ( I like oatmeal)

The other picks were my husbands. For the tasting, we cooked up some burgers and fries-- and started pouring. I didn't like the pilsners my husband picked out. The blueberry ale was surprisingly yummy and refreshing. Must like blueberries because it is not a suddle flavor. The other beer that we tried was Two Brother's Ebels Weiss. I LOVE this beer. It has a hint of clove and vanilla--and just like the label states, a surprisng hint of banana. I know. Banana and beer does not sound the most appealing, but it works! I could really drink this beer. The last beer on the list of beers that I picked was Goose Island's Oatmeal Stout. I must be honest here and tell you that both my husband and I chickened out at the sight of this thick and dark brew. We took one sniff and passed. I drank up some more of the Sea Dog and Two Brother's...my husband finished off the pilsners he picked out.

Our 5th at home date was a success. I am finally feeling better. The kids were (mostly) asleep. (Peach cut one of her top teeth this weekend, so she was up and down a bit). I wouldn't mind having another beer tasting down the road-- Sea Dog also has a raspberry beer I'm interested in trying and I would like to try other weiss beers.

I'll take recommendations if you want to pass them along!

Date #4--A Bit of a Bore

2010-01-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

When Friday finally rolled around, I knew we weren't in for much fun. Little did I know then that Saturday wasn't going to be much better. I have been sick since January 2nd. Like I mentioned in my last post, I did a round of antibiotics. Slight improvement, not great.

Friday after work, my husband took Stink to the grocery store to pick up a few things. When he returned, he was carrying a dozen roses! It was our "date night" and I was feeling rather crappy. Really crappy, in fact. But, to be sweet and "celebrate" the night, he brought flowers. I love having fresh flowers in the house-- it makes everything slightly more fancy.

Our date night was really dull and not a far cry from how most nights are spent when we aren't busy working on little projects or watching tv (or blogging): in front of the tv watching DVR'd television. Friday we watched Burn Notice which I think is a fun show. Predictable, but fun.

So, because he brought me flowers (not my favorite, but "the best of what was available") which I think look beautiful, I am counting it as a date night.

We'll pretend I didn't fall asleep, stuffy headed and fuzzy at 9 pm.

I am really looking forward to getting well so that we can do some of the many fun things planned!

A Letter From My Vagina to Yours aka Don't Use Monistat 1. Ever.

2010-01-25T12:18:00.000-06:00

Dear Swizzlestickmama readers,
Usually I am pretty laid back and easy going. I don't cause much trouble and, until Saturday night, the only things that really made me uncomfortable were the birth's of Stink and Peach. But at least my part was relatively short.

Then Saturday night happened. You see, the woman you know as Swizzlestickmama (and I know as home), has been quite ill this past month. She has been on antibiotics—the bane of vaginas everywhere. Try as she might, eating yogurt at every meal, the wretched Candida albicans decided to multiply, turning my otherwise nice home into a very…uncomfortable place.

Being that it was evening on a weekend, her doctor’s office was closed. Knowing exactly what the issue was (having been diagnosed by her doctor in the recent past with the same symptoms) she ran to her local drug store to pick up this well known product: Monistat 1.

Let me tell you, vaginas! Upon Swizzlestickmama inserting the unassuming little “ovule”, it felt as if the whole of California was burning away in me. (Please note people of CA, that I and SsM realize that wildfires are not funny. That is why this is a perfect analogy. ) The pain was worse than the yeast infection was originally. Hours passed where poor Swizzlestickmama could not sit, stand, sleep, or do much of anything.

The lovely makers of this product tell you to “stop using” if you experience “severe vaginal burning, itching, or irritation or swelling.” This is interesting because they don’t tell you how to do so on the packaging. Anywhere.

So Swizzlestickmama took to the internet. Google- to be specific. She found loads of terrible reviews with equally frustrated women who have experienced the very same things she was experiencing. Some of these women tried to call the 800- number on the box, with (reportedly) not-quite-so-helpful results. SsM admits that she didn’t try to call the 800-number—what would be the point? She highly doubted that they were staffed with Gynecologists.

We burned and suffered for many hours until the ovule’s coating could properly dissolve. Then, she used a feminine rinsing product to begin to rinse the miserable product out of me. The fire-like burning lessened but was still quite unbearable. Many hours more passed. Another rinse. Still, intense burning. 15 hours passed before the burning became tolerable.

So, would you like to know if the infection went away? Me too. We are still unsure. And if it did, we don’t know whether we can credit the horrific product SsM used, or the very frequent feminine rinses coupled with boosting our body’s natural “good bacteria”.

What I do wish someone could tell me:

• How in the hell is this product able to be sold?

• Who at the FDA decided that this was a good product and safe for consumers?

• I’d also like to know how many women that work for Monistat have actually tried this product.

As a parting note and end to my angry rant, you all should know that Swizzlestickmama followed up with her doctor this morning. They apparently only recommend Monistat 3 or Monistat 7. They,too, feel that Monistat 1 is an awful product.

Sincerly,
SsM's Vagina

Hey, You-- Stop Lurking!

2010-01-19T21:20:00.001-06:00

I have to admit that it is kind of intriguing that I may have even the tiniest following. I am not doing this for fame, fortune, or notoriety (of course, if any of those things happen by, I would not turn them down) but for purely "conversational" and record-keeping purposes. And for the most part, I "know" who you all are. All except one.

Hey you! From LA! Stop Lurking & show yourself!

I have some theories on who you are:

You are Jennifer Gardner. You really think we could be great friends, if only you didn't have to live in stupid, smoggy, LA. (Note: I really have no clue where Jennifer Gardner lives. Anyone?)
You are a TV writer/ Producer and realized the reason ABC's sitcom In The Motherhood failed so miserably is because the characters that were created weren't anything like most mothers in the US (wore make-up daily and didn't have pregnancy pounds left to loose!) and thought I would be a good model for your next character/ series. I hardly wear make-up ever and still have plenty of pregnancy weight to loose! Of course we know "all events and names are purely works of fiction " and blah, blah, blah. But I know the truth, right? Wink!
My last guess, is actually two parts: you are either a friend of someone I know / bloggy friend who just keeps visiting me--without leaving comments. It is annoying! Stop it! I know I am not that entertaining.

I have to admit that sometimes I do visit blogs that I don't comment on . But usually these blogs have something like75 followers and have buckets of comments; usually what I would have said was already said. But little old me gets, at best, 4 comments on a post. Very few earn more.

Okay. So now have I scared you from coming forward? I can't exactly threaten to kick your ass or anything. I am in Chicago. Well--suburbia, really. Still, you are there. And I am no good at ass-kicking.

Aside from all the crazy people that you could be, my main concern is that you will wind up to be Larry David. So long as you aren't Larry David, I can handle it. I can't stand Larry David.

Wii! Date #3!

2010-01-18T13:47:00.000-06:00

First off, I'd just like to pat-self on back: Good job! You are actually still blogging about this! Even if no one is reading. Might we have crossed into "habit-forming" blogging? We shall see!?

Date #3 was fun. A much needed night out. We left our sleeping babes in the care of my in-laws and headed over to my sister's house to play Wii. To some, this creation is old news. Not such a big deal. But I was a Wii virgin until Friday night. Things change.

Here are some things I learned about myself and my husband while playing Wii:

the music for Super Mario Brothers (I don't even know if it is called this on the new system) is still infectious. I love it!
I am not any better of a tennis player on a gaming system
I am, however, quite good at bowling. My husband, stinks on account of him wanting to curve the ball.
Wii Golf pisses my husband off just as much as regular golf. Is there a learning curve here?
As much as I want to be a great boxer (stemming from my obsession with kickboxing when I was much younger) I realize that I suck. Really. My arms hurt the next day, just reminding me that I need to go to the gym. Which my Brother in law also reminded me of. Thanks for that, by the way.

It was a fun night out. Not terribly crazy or romantic but fun. Will we buy a Wii? Probably not. I am not much for video games. My husband might have a different answer for you though. He has fun with the sport games--even if they do aggravate him.

Rice & Peanut Butter

2010-01-13T05:08:00.003-06:00

I have a love/hate relationship with rice. You see, I love to eat it. I love rice with my Thai curry (of course), I love wild rice, I love rice with my mother-in-law's recipe for Chicken Divan, and while I was pregnant with Stink I discovered I loved to eat rice mixed with a variety of fruits: pineapple, mango, clementine, & blueberries. My go-to dessert.

Here's the hate part: I can't cook rice!

Why is it so difficult? Water, heat, boil, boil, simmer, simmer = done, right? Not for me. I get crunchy, hard, rice. Sometimes, I get mushy, starchy rice. I never have light fluffy rice.

This little tiny grain, cultivated & eaten for centuries, eludes me.

It has been suggested that I invest in Minute Rice. What is it about this product that I can't get past? What about it makes it easier to cook than the traditional rice that I've been buying (and burning)?

It has also been suggested that I invest in a rice cooker. A separate appliance that will cook my rice for me. Some of these also have multi-functions that can steam vegetables, cook fish & chicken. Cool tool, I suppose, but another thing to store.

Rice, you haven't beaten me yet. I will learn how to cook you--just not sure how- yet.

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

The other day while I was putting on my coat, I discovered a great big glob of dried peanut butter.

Peanut butter. On my coat. Dried for days. The top back of my coat, where it is easily visible.

All I can wonder is: how on earth did it get there?

Date #2

2010-01-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Date Night!! Saturday night, my parents had Stink for an overnight and we geared up for date #2. After we ate dinner, we turned on some music, I made myself a nice cup of tea, and we sat down to work on a 750 piece puzzle.

Yes, folks. A hot and steamy date putting together a puzzle. I was surprised by how much fun I had doing this with my husband. I really did! We laughed and talked for hours. We did break one rule, starting the puzzle at 6:30 before Peach was tucked in to her crib for the night. She kept us company for awhile. We stayed up until midnight and finished roughly three-quarters of it before calling it a night.

Sunday morning, we got up--not so early-- and finished it up.

This was a great date night for many reasons: we did something that we wouldn't normally, I was sick and it was still something I felt up to doing, we actually joked around in a playful way--instead of the sarcastic way that sometimes takes control, and in the course of the date we acomplished something.

Note: This original idea came right out of the pages of REDBOOK.

Friday Night Pizza

2010-01-10T19:43:00.000-06:00

Some of you may remember, just about 1 year ago, I decided that we would have homemade pizza's on Fridays. I thought it would be a fun tradition to start. I thought that I'd post recipes here along with pictures. HA! What was I thinking? I didn't follow through with that at all , however, we have been making our pizza more than we buy frozen or delivery. I love it. I just haven't been blogging about it-- until now. I can't make promises about posting this every week but I will do my faves and any different toppings that we try.

As a note to my newer readers, I do make my own crust. It has taken some practice but is well worth the effort. You can find it here.

Friday we made Shrimp Pizza--and it was super quick & easy, but also very delicious! I did not create the recipe, rather, I found it on Taste of Home.

I altered it a bit to be this:

In a sautee pan, melt 1 T butter with a few shakes of cayenne pepper (1/8 tsp) and two cloves of garlic pressed. Then I stir in 4 1/2 T. flour. Once they are combined, I added in 1 cup of skim milk, brought it to a boil, then reduced heat to thicken.

I used precooked frozen shrimp(thawed). In another pan, lightly sautee shrimp with 1 onion, diced. Once your crust is ready, top with white sauce, then with shrimp. I also topped with a blend of Italian cheeses.

We also made our own pizza sauce for a cheese pizza. It was quite good but the picture doesn't do it justice. I will share it with you another day!

Sick.

2010-01-07T04:02:00.000-06:00

I am sick. I don't remember the last time I was sick-- and not with morning sickness-- but with a real cold. I hate it. It is really hard to be sick and be Mama. My head feels all fuzzy and heavy. It hurts so much to pick up Peach, or to stand up holding her. Or to get anything for myself. I k now. I am whining. I feel entitled though.

Yesterday my husband stayed home from work to help me around the house and with the kids. For just about the first time ever he took both kids on errands. Both kids. This was only made possible because Peach is significantly less attached to me ( she's started solids). Anyhow, they left at 11am and I took a nap. A real nap . I was out for 2 hours! And I still went to bed at a decent time.

Now I'm up. I woke at 2:30, in pain and unable to sleep. The day will get going soon....and hubby has decided to go to work. Ugh. I hate being sick and taking care of the kids. It stinks--no one has fun.

52 Dates

2010-01-04T09:38:00.000-06:00

This year my husband and I have decided to take 52 dates. Spending more time together doing something important or worthwhile hasn't been top priority. So, we've resolved to make it one!

Here are the rules:

Dates need not be spent outside of the house. In fact, rather would save money (another resolution!) and have dates at home.
A rented movie can only count as 1date night per month.
Dates may take place any day of the week. Can be back-to-back if that is what time allows.
Going to the movies may only count as 1 date per month.
If children are at home, date can't start until both kids are in bed.
Plans that were made prior to this resolution can be counted as dates-- com'on. 52 is a LOT of dates to come up with.
We can repeat a date night idea no more than 3 times for it to be counted as a date for this exercise.

Our 1st date night: took place at home on Friday. We rented "The Hangover" which wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. I thought it was predictible....actually. Realized where the friend was even before the movie got going.

Look for date night recaps on Mondays....51 dates to go!

The Holiday & 7 Months

2009-12-29T20:21:00.001-06:00

For the past two weeks, life has been moving at warp-speed. For you, too? I've been trying to figure out how to capture everything in this post-- but I just can't. It is exhausting to try.

We experienced our first holiday program at Stink's preschool and were given ample oportunities to explain the whys and how's of Santa's arrival. Stink also pointed out our "Elf on the Shelf" has no hands or feet: He will NOT be visiting again next year. Waaaay to many questions from our smartie pants! I also finally managed to make a project with Stink. We made a gingerbread house (out of a kit!) and had a lot of fun!

Peachs first Christmas was special too. She loved the crinkle of the wrapping paper; she is sitting up now, mostly unsupported, and loved to watch her big bro in action.

Today is actually the 29th, and Peach is 7 months old. At her well check yesteday, she weighed 20 lbs 9 oz and is 29 inches long. Her diet currently is: rice, oatmeal, whole wheat cereal, avocado, banana, green bean, sweet potato, sweet pea,carrot, apple, & pear. Oddly enough, peaches currently make her tummy sick.

It's Not Really Jelly

2009-12-10T07:18:00.000-06:00

The other night I was reading " The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore to Stink. I never really realized how confusing this little poem could be to such a tiny tyke and stopped frequently to explain the language.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

Lesson begun. I also was not prepared to give my 3 year old a lesson in similies:

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drown up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

After a quick little explanation, his confused face softened and a look of understanding came over him. He even gave me some more examples using toys in his room. And then there was this:

He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

This stopped him. He crinkled up his eyebrows, scratched his head, and asked me "Santa eats a lot of peanut butter and jelly? Why does he eat so much jelly that his belly is all full of it? Doesn't he get a stomachache?"

It occurred to me in trying to explain it that he'd never seen jelly jiggle. I smear it onto his sandwich and then he eats it. So, I tried and tried. Eyebrows were still raised and crinkled. I gave in. Stink thinks, at this moment, that Santa's big belly is full of jelly.

My apologies to the general public for any confusion this may cause.

In My Head--2009

2009-12-03T09:56:00.000-06:00

The end of the year is barreling towards us. Most of the blogosphere is alive with recaps, festive holiday posts, winter themes and all I can think about is--was this a good year for me or a not-so-good one?

Like many people, usually this time of year I become quite reflective. Times past, memories made, and things to look forward to. January 2009 had a really rough start. Emotional hell. The only bright spot: Stink & learning we were having a little girl Peach. Some of you may remember a few desperate posts-- me cheering myself on in a relationship I largely thought was going to be over for good. I never posted about it much here, likely because I didn't want people in my real life to know about the specifics--but my immediate family did. My sisters were giving me all sorts of examples of famous couples who had made it through times of turmoil, you can too, sis! They tested me to see if what I wanted was to leave; we'll be here for you and the kids, sis! I was having conversations I never thought I'd ever have.

What was hardest: I couldn't imagine what life would be like right now. What kept me sane and kept me from falling apart: Stink and Peach. People do all sorts of things for their children: they quit smoking, go on diets, go back to school, play a board game, dress up on Halloween. Me? I stayed. Sitting here right now, I am so proud of myself for not having the knee-jerk reaction I could've had. I am glad I took time to consider all that needed to be thought about. It wasn't easy. The first few days, my skin prickled with anger, hatred, and regret. I was resolved to fix my marriage; the two of us doing this odd little dance in our home trying to make things feel like normal for Stink, even though things were very much not like normal.

We worked hard. We talked and cried a lot. We learned not to take each other for granted--some time passed, Peach preparations were keeping us busy, and then Peach was here.

Peach's arrival was very easy and joyous. Her physical presence in our home, however, left one big Stink quite unsettled. It took nearly all of the summer to figure out how to be a family of four. We had a "new" relationship that needed a lot of attention, a new baby, and a pretty jealous little guy who, though he loved his little sis, need some extra TLC. Then there was me--postpartum.

Peach is a bit of a surprise waiting to grab your heart. She is quiet and deliberate. Easy going and always happy. Content by herself but prefers to be cuddled and hugged. She has very kissable underarms and a very kissable belly--and giggles so sweetly when you do so. A very happy baby.

Stink, well you all know him! He is thoughtful and insightful for his young age. He is an entertainer but also likes to be entertained. He is not quiet. Ever. He does like to listen to stories and recently has begun telling his own stories. He, too, loves to be cuddled and hugged. He jumps into our bed every chance he gets. A very happy kid.

Me? At the beginning of this year, I was very unhappy and didn't know if I'd be happy by the end of this year, though I did know I'd be so lucky to have two amazing children. I loved being pregnant (no matter how uncomfortable I was) and am still in awe at what my body can do. I have become much more aware, more focused, and more attentive to the needs of my marriage--and have found it new, different, refreshed. We are laughing and having fun. An outcome I wasn't expecting. I have also spent more time on me and the things I want and need--my hobbies, interests, and volunteering.

I know for a fact that time does not heal all wounds. It only serves to make those hurts less raw so that you can let in the other great things that are happening in life. It certainly wasn't an easy year for me, but I wouldn't call it a bad year. There have been many moments of grace and beauty and there are more to be had in the coming weeks.

It's been a pretty good year.

6 Months Old

2009-12-01T20:13:00.000-06:00

Growing,Conferences, & Teeth

2009-11-25T12:11:00.000-06:00

Two nights ago, Stink woke up screaming. Not a bad dream. Not a wet bed. Growing pains....I think. He was crying and telling us that his legs hurt. They needed to be rubbed. Then, he asked for two ice packs. It was so awful! I was actually frightened that he could be in so much discomfort. He layed in our bed with the ice packs on his legs, we gave him some Motrin, and he fell back to sleep. In the morning, he was a happy happy boy.

I should have seen the growth spurt coming. He has been eating a TON of food. Nearly as much as I may eat...possibly even more. That is saying a lot considering I'm still nursing and taking in extra calories. He has also been napping more frequently. We have been trying to save him from the pain in the night and have been giving him Motrin before bed on particularly physical days--days that he has been very active. According to WebMD, the growing pains are more common in children from the ages of 3-7 when they have been playing hard.

Those with older children, did your kids go through growing pains? Anything you've noticed about growth patterns beyond the toddler years?

We've also experienced our first Parent/Teacher conferences for Stink at his preschool. It was so nice to hear that he is doing extremely well. His teachers have been impressed that he knows his colors, can use scissors fairly well for his age, and how involved he is in all of the play areas of the classroom. It was also a relief to hear that some behaviors he demonstrates at home do not make it into the classroom. This was our biggest concern; we are trying so hard to raise him to be respectful and mindful.

Peach is cutting her first two teeth!! Her two front bottom teeth are coming in. Just the very top of the pearly whites are starting to make their way through. She also just rolled for the first time from her back to her stomach. She has been rolling regularly from her tummy to her back, but now is not stuck like a turtle!

Remember those drums that Stink received as a gift? Well, I decided he needed lessons. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks my kid has remarkable rhythmical talent-- his drum teacher, Brad does too! After his first 15 min. lesson on Tuesday (and after numerous looks of surprise on Brad's face) he informed me that he has students that are much older(6,7,8...) and can't "get" some of the little evaluations that he had Stink try out. The most important thing is that he enjoys his lessons and enjoys playing.

Flavor or Scent

2009-11-16T20:40:00.001-06:00

My husband called me today to let me know he was thinking of me while driving on a business trip. Apparently a show on XM Radio made him redirect his thoughts, and also, I think he found it a little irritating that someone else in the world thinks like I do.

I am one of those people who forget apostrophes. I know they are important—I just don’t use them frequently. Well-okay. I guess I do use them. Sometimes. This has nothing to do with apostrophes, but I was trying to paint a picture, point out other examples….but I can’t. HA! I used one again!

The thing that I find irritating is when my husband (or anyone else for that matter) uses the word flavor when they really need to use the word scent. Or vice versa. For example, when picking out hand soap for our bathroom, my husband will ask What flavor do you want? Apple spice or vanilla? After correcting him, that it is scent he is referring to, I tell him that I don’t want my body to smell like food. I prefer a clean or floral scent.

Am I the only one that this bothers?

Quick Update...

2009-11-09T21:50:00.000-06:00

First off...thanks for still reading and checking in! I've missed blogging so much these past few weeks--and missed telling you all about the fun times we've had.

Why I've been gone? We've all been a bit under the weather. Since around Oct. 20th--which was the first day that I took Stink to the doctor. No H1N1 here....just a case of ear infections that got both kids...and a sinus infection that hubbster has been dealing with. Me? Luckily pretty healthy. Moms can't get sick, right?

Halloween was fun and very cold here. Unfortunately, I don't have the best pictures of it. Stink dressed up as a mad scientist, for which he won "most original" in the city-wide costume contest. He beat out about 40 others under 3 for the title. He wouldn't have won without the fake eyebrows and moustache his dad picked up at a shop the day before.

Peach was a sweet pea for Halloween. She certainly was adorable, though the day couldn't have come at a better time: she barely fit her costume. It was one of those sack type costumes. Her legs were all scrunched in!

Stink's newest fun things: he is beginning the pre-reading stage of memorization of books, he loves Tom & Jerry cartoons (though I really don't like him watching them!), he is a self-declared "expert" on many things ie: "don't worry about it mom, I'm an expert", he negotiates even when it isn't necessary, he loves to be told stories about when he was a baby--particularly anything pertaining to Christmas. He's written his first song called The Alligator Song. There aren't many words, but they are quite clear: The alligator is gonna eat you up, eat you up, eat you up. The alligator is gonna eat you up. He plays air guitar, air drums, and sometimes air piano. He thinks bodily functions are hilarious. He loves to cuddle and currently is going through a phase in which he wants me to feed him (from a fork) like I am doing for Peach.

Peach is, as I've mentioned last post, growing so fast. She is such an easy baby, I still can't believe it. She has been teething, though nothing has come through yet. She giggles easily and is at her happiest in my arms. Or daddy's arms. She loves to watch her big brother--even though he gets a little rough around her. She loves her Jumperoo and tolerates her Exersaucer. She is starting to remain sitting up on her own--her preferred resting position if at all possible, propped up with a few pillows in case she gets tired. Her newest toy, a gift from a friend, has been the fave. This little lady showed up here Saturday and has been her favorite:

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether Over all the other teething things we have in the house this is the one that she likes.

Tomorrow, Stink has his very first Show & Tell. His first Show & Tell!!

5 Months Old

2009-10-30T14:34:00.001-05:00

Peach is 5 months

old (yesterday) and it is hard to believe. At her well check, she has all but grown off the chart, measuring in at a whopping 27.5 inches (99th percentile) and is tipping the scales at 18 pounds .2 ounces. (95th percentile). I don't know why I was still surprised; Stink grew in almost the exact same way! Actually, on his growth chart, I recorded his height at 27 2/3 inches at 4 months. Not far off....

As I've mentioned, she has a favorite song. She also is learning to sit up. She HATES laying down, unless it is to nurse, she wants to be up and looking at everything. Her new favorite place to hang out is on my bed propped up with my Boppy pillow.

We have worked our way through all of the cereals. I have whipped up a batch of green beans and she didn't flinch when given her first bite. Or her second. Or her third....before I knew it...they were gone. I must say though, her digestive system wasn't quite ready for this and I paid for it in a big way the next day!

Last week she had her first bath in the kitchen sink. This is the single best place to bathe a baby... She looked really very confused and didn't play in the water as much as usual. But she looked oh so adorable!

Sweet Songs...

2009-10-22T20:54:00.000-05:00

(Turn your sound on)
One thing that makes my heart melt is when my husband sings to the kids. When Stink was a baby, he used to sing Golden Slumbers by the Beatles. When my songs, bouncing, and shushing wouldn't do the trick, Stink's Papa and this song would work instantly. Well...just about. Everytime I hear that song, I get this image of my husband holding Stink in the dark of our old apartment, standing in front of the fireplace, singing and swaying.

GOLDEN SLUMBERS

Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye

Golden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye

Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye

Peach and her daddy also have a very special song. Their song. It calms her instantly. Ruby Tuesday by The Rolling Stones. When he holds her on his chest and starts singing, she just settles right in, closes her eyes, and drifts off. And the times that she is fussing, and I can't get to her, Stink will go to her and sing her the chorus, or join in with my husband as he sings.

RUBY TUESDAY
She would never say where she came from
Yesterday don't matter if it's gone
While the sun is bright
Or in the darkest night
No one knows She comes and goes

Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you?
When you change with every new day
Still I'm gonna miss you...

Don't question why she needs to be so free
She'll tell you it's the only way to be
She just can't be chained
To a life where nothing's gained
And nothing's lost
At such a cost

There's no time to lose, I heard her say
Catch your dreams before they slip away
Dying all the time
Lose your dreams And you will lose your mind.
Ain't life unkind?

Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you?
When you change with every new day
Still I'm gonna miss you...

Christmas Wishes

2009-10-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to the mall to pick up the kids holiday outfits. I know, a little early, but the store had a pretty decent sale. We don' t go to the mall...not hardly ever. Needless to say, Stink was beyond excited. But what he was most excited to see, was the toy section.

Now, in the middle of many clothing stores, there really aren't many toy stores in the mall. Well, except for one. The Lego store.

We promised Stink that if he was a good little boy in the clothing store, we'd find a toy store to look at. My husband took Stink into the Lego store and I pushed Peach around and waited. Did I mention the mall was insane!?

10 minutes later they walked out. We left the mall. We got in the car. Kids buckled, new holiday clothes in the bag, and Stink pipes up:

In the block store, I saw a big blue plane. I love that big blue plane mommy. I want to go back there and get it because I don't have a plane like that.

And so he talked about it all the way home. It is not a short drive.

First thing this morning, while we were eating breakfast, Stink pipes up again:

Mommy, I want to write Santa a letter. I want to tell him that I want the big blue plane from the block store on the right side of the mall. I really love that plane.

*********
Edit: Monday morning when Jack woke up, he told my husband that in his dreams, Santa told him to pass along a message to us. We should just buy him the plane because it is too big for his sleigh.

Pre-school & Drums & A Peach Sighting

2009-10-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

Stink started pre-school on Tuesday. He was so excited! We walked into the school (after snapping a few pictures) and he hung up his pullover. His teachers greeted him with a huge smile, which he returned, and allowed them to escort him to the sink. All students must wash their hands before getting started. Goodbye, Stink! I called out to him. He nodded. That was the end of that, and I walked out the door--Peach in tow. No kiss. No I'll miss you mommy. Just one confident kiddo, ready for the next adventure....and the painting easel...which was the first thing he eyed when we walked into the room.

Here is Stink in front of his school. He wouldn't look at the camera in any of the pictures--he was too consumed with watching his classmates walk into the building.

Peach: 4 months old

And playing the drums....

Happy Official Birthday, Stink

2009-09-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

This post is a few days overdue....and has been "saved as a draft" since the 30th. I just couldn't find the words....still dumbfounded that I have a three year old here. He isn' t a baby anymore.

Dear Stink,

Gosh. 3 years old. In the past year, you have gone from saying:

It's so so brrrrr outside to just saying, it's cold. You no longer tell me to pause when you want me to stop what I am saying or doing-- now you just yell out freeze or stop! So many of your Stink-ism's have changed and you've developed new ones.

You are a boys boy. You don't like pink. I didn't tell you not to like it. All on your own, you decided it is for girls. Specifically, this one house down the street. It is pink and you feel no boys should ever live there!

You are rough-and-tumble. Really. You like to rough-house. A lot. Whoever you can jump on, tickle, or who will tickle you, you will gladly accept the challenge. You frequently like to jump on my back when I am sitting on the floor....or stick your feet in my face for them to be tickled. It is, by far, your favorite game. But...you still aren't a big fan of getting messy. (You get that from your father, not me!) I am still trying to convince you to dig in the mud, play in the sand, get paint everywhere....chase the frogs....I am really hoping you'll outgrow it and will love to be dirty when it is appropriate to be dirty.

You are still my sweet, sweet, sweet boy. I love you so much! Daddy loves you so much. Peach loves you so much!

Today, Daddy was traveling, but we still got to see him via the new webcam! It was super exciting for us that he got to be "here" for your big 03. We baked cupcakes (strawberry and chocolate) and had pizza for dinner (as promised!) and sang "Happy Birthday". You manged to relight one of the candles as you blew out the others...you cracked yourself up!

The very next day, you went for your 3 year check-up. You currently are tipping the scales at 44lbs and are 41.5 inches tall. You are still teetering on the edge of the growth chart in the 97%. You also got a flu shot. You were so brave! You cried for about 20 seconds, when I explained that you needed the shot to make sure you aren't sick when Santa comes. Right after that, you dried your eyes and hopped off the table in search of your sticker. You never fail to amaze me.

So, my 3 year old. What do you have in store for this next year? I am looking forward to it immensely.

xo

Mama

Peach & Mom Guilt

2009-09-29T19:51:00.000-05:00

First and most importantly: Peach is 4 months old today!!! Yesterday she had her first few bites of rice cereal. Today, she sat in her highchair and played with a rattle! She also giggles when I kiss her bellybutton and underarms. (Really--underarms are the softest place on a baby. The best!)

On to the rant:

You'd think I would've learned. Really. After realizing after Stink was born that nothing really tends to go as you expect them, why would the second time around be any different? I really don't know what my pretty little head was thinking. Here I am, an entire season finished, baby girl here, and I realized that the summer that I lived was not the summer I envisioned. At the exact same time, I realize that not much could've changed. Still, I have mom guilt.

The mom guilt worsened this evening as I was putting Stink to bed. He said to me (and he often says this to me) I miss you, mommy. For whatever reason, I asked him Why do you miss me? I'm right here. To which he responds I miss you because you don't play with me and my toys anymore. Gulp. Tears.

I haven't been very present as a mother recently. Actually--since about January. There are a few big distractions and I realize that it isn't fair to Stink. This makes me angry at myself for not giving him much more focused attention. Not to say that he has been raising himself....Now, with Peach, I feel like there is even less time for me to be 100 % with him. I usually use her sleep time to get things done around the house. I just don't know how to do this. To do this "right" for us. ....and next week he starts pre-school. Pre-school!!! I can't believe it. How do I manage my time: my "job", my time with Stink, my time with Peach...how do I do it so my son doesn't miss me any more?

Stink's 3rd Birthday Party

2009-09-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Stink's 3rd birthday on Saturday with his first (and our first) kiddie birthday party. It was a candy shoppe theme, complete with a candy bar. Stink invited four of his friends--three of which were able to make it. The boys decorated treat bags with stickers, filled them up with candy from the candy bar, and then ate a bunch of candy! After, they went into the backyard to run off the sugar while the moms all "sat around" and chatted. A rainbow colored birthday cake, which Stink didn't even eat, he was waaaaay to excited to open presents!!!

Presents consisted of the biggest things on Stink's wish list as of late: a remote control garbage truck, a soccer net & ball, and a drum set. There were a few other toys that he likes well enough (including the gift we gave him) but they didn't quite receive the fanfare of these gifts.

Did I mention the Drums? You know. Ringo Starr. Keith Moon. John Bonham. Larry Mullen. Drums. They are sitting in my living room and have been played quite frequently since yesterday afternoon. They seem like such a big deal because they are such a big boy gift. Not to mention, they are quite loud. Obviously. And, again, in my living room.

Stink looks very cute sitting behind them. If it is possible it gets cuter. He says: and a one, and a two, and a three, and a four, and a five, and a six...then he breaks into Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. He has also instructed my husband to play his guitar along with him. His first jam session!

Jumperoo

2009-09-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

Peach loves the Jumperoo. We put her in it for the second time yesterday while watching the Bears game with family-- she loves it. She hasn't quite worked out the jumping part, but she loves to be up, looking around, on her own.

She is so perfectly perfect.

New Title?

2009-09-15T23:52:00.000-05:00

As you've noticed, I've given my blog a long overdue new look. Okay, okay...I didn't do much but change the header, I know. But still. It is different. This is one of the better pics of the family, taken on the very first family camping trip. First and will likely be the last for a really long time!

As I was messing around creating this lovely header, I wondered if I should give the blog a new name. I am contemplating it but haven't come up with anything just yet. I mean, Stink will be starting pre-school after his 3rd birthday in 15 DAYS! He isn't a toddler anymore.

Also, while the past few months have been mostly about my pregnancy, Stink's new antics, and now baby Peach, I still like to use this for other writing as well. Me stuff, occasionally. So I'm really not sure how to put that all in one title.

Conundrum. Mind bender.

I think I had a full-on espresso laced concoction this afternoon instead of the decaf I was in search of, so it is nearly midnight now. I really must sleep soon if I am going to have any energy for my day with the kiddos tomorrow--and my new (old) hobby!! Fill you all in later....off to dreamland. I hope!

Tummy time, 180 AND Sleeping!

2009-09-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

Peach LOVES tummy time! I am really glad too. I was quite concerned with her overall development, worrying that not getting enough tummy time would delay her in other milestones like scooting, crawling, and eventually, walking. Late last week I finally put her on her belly and she couldn't get enough! It also helped that I allowed Stink to jump on our sofa to keep her entertained-- she couldn't stop smiling and giggling! I think she spent a good 20 minutes on her belly before deciding she had enough.

Peach also will turn herself 180 degrees while laying on her back. She has also been know to push herself across the carpet, exercising those pudgy little legs of hers! I really have to make sure she has plenty of open floor space (and that Stink is outside or otherwise occupied) before setting her down.

Peach is also sleeping through the night! Temporary or not, we'll take it! I've noticed that if I eat a high protein dinner she does really well. The nights I'm loaded up on carbs (pasta nights) she wakes frequently.

In just 2 weeks or so, we will be starting solids. I am still a nursing mama, but am really looking forward to this next step. Peach hasn't taken a bottle really well at all, so this will help to give me a little freedom from her which makes me both happy and sad. Me time makes me very happy, however, starting solids is just another sign that she is growing up.

Not Pictureless...

2009-09-05T14:08:00.000-05:00

Peach,

I have to get it on record that the very reason you have very few pictures in which you aren't by yourself, is because in the early days, you were a Mama's girl. No one, and I mean no one could hold you except for me. And because of the fact that I am more apt to pick up a camera than daddy, you are either in one of two places: in your bouncy seat or on the floor.

We love you dearly, as do your grandparents and aunts/uncles. But cuddling with other family members has not been high on your to-do list.

So when you are 15 and are angry that there aren't (as) many pics of you with Mimi and Pa, and Gram & Pap, the only one you can blame is yourself. You only wanted Mama.

Now, it seems, you are slowly warming up to the rest of the family. So we are trying to make up for lost time in the picture department.

Love you sweetie pie!

9 Years

2009-09-03T06:34:00.000-05:00

9 years ago today I woke up to rain on my wedding day. Everyone tells the bride that it is good luck. Luck, I'm not so sure about. A lot of hard work, yes.

This past year has been particularly trying for us but it has come to be the best year of our marriage.

" Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation or promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love', which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. We have roots that grown toward each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from our branches, we will find that we are one tree, and not two."

--unknown

I love you husband.

3 Months...

2009-08-29T20:48:00.000-05:00

Today, Peach is 3 months old!

Yesterday we had her 3 month check-up. (Don't get me started...she should've been seen at 2 months, but some how the Ped's office got mixed up) Peach has gotten quite big! She weighed 14lbs 15 oz (just shy of 15lbs.!) and is measuring 24 inches long! She is in the 95% for weight, and the 75% for length. She is on the chart for now--we'll see if she stays on it. This doesn't surprise me at all-- she's outgrown her 3-6 month sized clothing. She had her vaccinations and is handling those just fine. A little Tylenol has helped with the pain.

Now for the fun stuff: Peach giggles! Sometimes it comes out as a little grunt, sometimes it is a little squeal, either way, ADORABLE! She has started to reach out and touch the toys dangling in front of her on her bouncy seat (circa: 2006) and she really loves the lights on her Baby Einstein play gym. They make her laugh and squeal in delight if she hasn't seen them for a few days! She has decent head control and can lift her head to 45 degrees when laying on my chest but gets royally pissed off if I put her on her tummy for tummy time! I don't do that too often! We were given a Bumboo seat, but she still isn't keen of it. I am hoping it could be a place I could put her to get stuff done but she still prefers my MOBY wrap.

Nursing the second time around seemed so much less daunting. Three months flew by. It was made easier by the fact that Peach has been a much better sleeper than Stink was. More rest for Mama= easier time adjusting I suppose. I am still nursing and plan on doing so at least for the next 9 months. We'll see after that. I let Stink take the lead here and will let Peach determine when quitting time will be. I am still nervous about teething time; Stink never bit me, hopefully Peach won't either! The only downside to nursing now is how jealously Stink responds to me sitting with Peach in order to do so. When I am alone with the kids it is really tough....and to deal, the TV is usually on. It is the only way to keep both kids happy! One more month of exclusive breastfeeding, then I plan to introduce solids.

Stink loves her to bits but is missing our undivided attention. I miss him too. Even though he is never far away, I really miss our time together. Last week we went to a park while Peach had a little nap at Mimi's house. Stink is learning to cross the monkey rings. He has amazing upper body strength and can hang for quite sometime.

He is such a big guy too! I swear he just went through a growth spurt--the kid eats and eats and eats! There have been days in the past two weeks where he will eat two breakfasts, two lunches, and a huge dinner. Plus, he grazes on (healthy) snacks during the day. He has grown another 1/2 shoe size in two months, and pants that fit him three weeks ago now look like capri pants. He is eating a ton (still) so I think there is more growing happening...or will be happening soon. At times, Stink can be a bit....moody. Tenacious. Obstinate. Independent. Insistent. Almost Three. I get frustrated by his behavior at times and don't handle his "pushing the limits" outbursts well. I am trying to get better though. I know part of this behavior can be blamed on his age, part on still getting adjusted to Peach. There are days he just breaks my heart and yells "Put Peach down and cuddle me! Carry Me!!" It is hard to balance sometimes and I worry frequently that one of the children isn't getting enough of me....but the truth is, they are getting everything, and there is very little leftover for my husband or myself.

Stink also can now pronounce his "F's". Words like fireman, funny, foot all used to be come out of Stinks mouth with an "h" on the front. Hireman, hunny, hoot. A typical mistake for children his age, but something he'd been working on in speech therapy in the spring, and something that we've been working on here at home. Finally, a breakthrough. When he finally got it, he pronounced "I'm learning, Mommy!"

Another development: Stink loves his Froggy. Froggy is this very cute, not-as-fluffy-as-he-used-to-be, green frog (what gave it away) with a yellow bow tie that his Mimi & Pa gave to him before he was born. Froggy was present at his birth (as my focal point) and has become more and more important to Stink than ever before. Stink misses "Toggy" (fr-blends aren't sounds that most 3 year olds can make) must have him in bed every night and has requested that Froggy accompany us on errands. We have learned our lesson though. Froggy was left in the car one day and we thought we lost him.

All in all, life has been moving along quickly. I blink, and Stink is learning something new-- figuring out how to get himself some water, helping himself to a snack, singing "Where Is Thumbkin" (and perpetually flipping everyone off!), or just this past week, waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom! With Peach, of course, it is less obvious, little things that if I don't look closely, I'll miss.

The next few weeks will go by quickly too: we have an anniversary, beginning preschool, and a birthday party. All things I'm sure I'll write about soon!