As we walked out of Woodcliff preschool this morning, following our Bright Beginnings playgroup...Benjamin grabs my hand, looks up at the sky, and declares..."Mommy, what a beee-ewww-ful DAY!".
I love it when kids say things like this...obviously it's because they hear us saying it, but when it's so perfectly in context it just kills me!
Long weekend.
Very tired family...
More at a later time. All good stuff, just some sleeplessness that we're all still recovering from!
Afraid I'm too tired to write more for now. I need to save what energy I have left for sitting on the couch to watch The Bachelor!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Mmmm, clean carpet smell.
The carpet cleaners just left, and I am in heaven. Our carpeted areas in the house are freshly washed, brand-new-looking, and smell great.
We've been collecting stains for several months now...wine, spit-up, coffee, you name it...but after Benjamin's puking episodes on Monday, it was time to call Dave-our trusty carpet cleaner. He and I are on a first name basis now, as he's been here with his crew about 3 times now since we moved in...a super friendly guy, and they do an amazing job.
Only snafoo was that he got here earlier than I'd expected. Brian's out returning a friend's trailer on the other side of town with Benjamin...and then they're headed to Krispy Kreme to have their "morning bonding time". Jonny and I have been hangin here, with a quick trip to the Bucks drive-thru for mommy. Just as we were getting home from that errand, and I was swiftly making a bottle and putting him down for his morning nap...big ol' knock on the door, an hour early. Guess their last job was shorter than they'd thought...whatever, just meant I had to hightail it and pick ALL OUR SHIT UP in a matter of minutes. In my ever-reliable proctrastinating nature, I'd planned on putting toys, clothes, trash, furniture, etc...all away and out of the path of the carpet cleaners...all during that hour. But I had to do it in 5 minutes instead.
Got my workout in without even going to the gym!
Meanwhile, J wakes up after being down for 10 minutes and has a poopy diaper...so I get that changed, and pray to God that he goes back down.
And he does, gratefully.
I tell the cleaners to go to the upstairs bedroom last (B's room was the second site where he booted on Monday)...hoping J will be asleep by the time they get up there.
They haul in all of their machines and hoses and begin making a shitload of noise...and I keep running to the bottom of the stairs to listen for any "who's messin up my nap-mojo?!?" rumblings from Jonathan. Cleaners are workin away, but so far so good.
Dave's sidekick, who didn't get the memo about when to go upstairs, decides to head upstairs with his giant hose (insert sarcasm here if you wish) and barges into Jonathan's room, realizes it might not be the room I'd needed cleaning, then comes to the top of the stairs and shouts down at me--"M'aam? Which room was it? There's a baby sleepin in this one!"
In my horror, I rush upstairs and show him the designated area in B's room...he revs up the machine and starts in again.
I cringe.
We've got a retreat up north later today with our youth group, and I know both boys will be getting shitty sleep...so I'm really counting on this morning nap for J.
I creep into his room, somewhat alarmed that I haven't heard him yet...and find him on his tummy, legs sprawled, arms out in a T-formation...and the binky at rest, just inches from his face.
My little dude. Couldn't believe it.
On a normal day, he would've been wide-awake-in-America long before Senor Dingbat came barging into his room..but not today, I guess.:)
So he's sleeping, and I'm finishing up some laundry. Benjamin and Brian will be home in a bit, and then it's time to get him fed and off to his own nap. We leave this afternoon for Camp Henry with the youth group for an overnight. Should be lots of fun, and great for the boys, especially B. Fortunately, we have two middle schoolers coming up to help with the boys...so they'll spend a lot of time in our "lodge" with them, freeing us up to be the spectacular youth leaders that we are.
I'm so sure.
Looking forward to the overnight, though...it's always a really rich time with the high-schoolers. And a tiring one, as they don't seem to go to bed much before 2am...but oh well.
Of course, I shall return with plenty of pictures (shocker).
Off to change the laundry. And think about my own lunch. And figure out how we're going to finish packing and loading kids up without touching our carpet.
We've been collecting stains for several months now...wine, spit-up, coffee, you name it...but after Benjamin's puking episodes on Monday, it was time to call Dave-our trusty carpet cleaner. He and I are on a first name basis now, as he's been here with his crew about 3 times now since we moved in...a super friendly guy, and they do an amazing job.
Only snafoo was that he got here earlier than I'd expected. Brian's out returning a friend's trailer on the other side of town with Benjamin...and then they're headed to Krispy Kreme to have their "morning bonding time". Jonny and I have been hangin here, with a quick trip to the Bucks drive-thru for mommy. Just as we were getting home from that errand, and I was swiftly making a bottle and putting him down for his morning nap...big ol' knock on the door, an hour early. Guess their last job was shorter than they'd thought...whatever, just meant I had to hightail it and pick ALL OUR SHIT UP in a matter of minutes. In my ever-reliable proctrastinating nature, I'd planned on putting toys, clothes, trash, furniture, etc...all away and out of the path of the carpet cleaners...all during that hour. But I had to do it in 5 minutes instead.
Got my workout in without even going to the gym!
Meanwhile, J wakes up after being down for 10 minutes and has a poopy diaper...so I get that changed, and pray to God that he goes back down.
And he does, gratefully.
I tell the cleaners to go to the upstairs bedroom last (B's room was the second site where he booted on Monday)...hoping J will be asleep by the time they get up there.
They haul in all of their machines and hoses and begin making a shitload of noise...and I keep running to the bottom of the stairs to listen for any "who's messin up my nap-mojo?!?" rumblings from Jonathan. Cleaners are workin away, but so far so good.
Dave's sidekick, who didn't get the memo about when to go upstairs, decides to head upstairs with his giant hose (insert sarcasm here if you wish) and barges into Jonathan's room, realizes it might not be the room I'd needed cleaning, then comes to the top of the stairs and shouts down at me--"M'aam? Which room was it? There's a baby sleepin in this one!"
In my horror, I rush upstairs and show him the designated area in B's room...he revs up the machine and starts in again.
I cringe.
We've got a retreat up north later today with our youth group, and I know both boys will be getting shitty sleep...so I'm really counting on this morning nap for J.
I creep into his room, somewhat alarmed that I haven't heard him yet...and find him on his tummy, legs sprawled, arms out in a T-formation...and the binky at rest, just inches from his face.
My little dude. Couldn't believe it.
On a normal day, he would've been wide-awake-in-America long before Senor Dingbat came barging into his room..but not today, I guess.:)
So he's sleeping, and I'm finishing up some laundry. Benjamin and Brian will be home in a bit, and then it's time to get him fed and off to his own nap. We leave this afternoon for Camp Henry with the youth group for an overnight. Should be lots of fun, and great for the boys, especially B. Fortunately, we have two middle schoolers coming up to help with the boys...so they'll spend a lot of time in our "lodge" with them, freeing us up to be the spectacular youth leaders that we are.
I'm so sure.
Looking forward to the overnight, though...it's always a really rich time with the high-schoolers. And a tiring one, as they don't seem to go to bed much before 2am...but oh well.
Of course, I shall return with plenty of pictures (shocker).
Off to change the laundry. And think about my own lunch. And figure out how we're going to finish packing and loading kids up without touching our carpet.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
I love a day like this...
full of such quality time!
Benjamin and I had our class with Ms. Margaret this morning--he had to miss Tuesday since he had the flu bug. But today's class more than made up for it! He explored the fine art of sifting through rice with his hands to find pennies (he kept shouting "pay for it, mommy? grocery?!?)...did some more finger painting, watercolors, and learned how to trace shapes on butcher paper. Was so fun, and gave me more ideas for things to do round here once the snow flies. Michael's fabric store, anyone?
Jonathan decided not to nap until late in the afternoon, so we had a good hour and a half just hangin early afternoon...he's walking so much more now, still collapsing after about 10 steps or so, but really making progress. Such confidence this kid has! His latest thing is to walk while drinking his bottle...such a show-off.:)
Benjamin got up about an hour after Jonathan finally went down for his nap, and B and I made snacks and sat outside on the stoop. His nap was on the short side, so when he first got up I demanded some "quiet time" in the tv room...minus the tv, though. Surprisingly he went for it...played by himself for almost a full half hour. I was shocked. So it was then that we went outside...he busied himself "mowing the lawn" with his popcorn mower, driving around in his cozy coupe, drawing with chalk...and every 10 minutes or so he'd pop back over and sit next to me. He's put his hands in his lap and look up at me and say "Hi Mommy..."...then jump up and run away again. Too funny. We spent some time sitting there, though, with snacks talking about things we saw, heard, blah, blah...felt like such a quality discussion. :)LOL
It was then that my dad called and said he wanted to come pick B up for some putt-putt golf over at his condo. He'd had one of his putters cut down and transformed into a "toddler club". ADORABLE. When he showed up with it B practically lost his junk. And immediately started swinging it like a baseball bat over his head.
He'll need to work on that maneuver. :)
So, at the moment, Benjamin is off in Putt-Putt ecstasy with Papa...and I'm here with Jonathan, who just woke up about an hour ago. Brian's still working.
But in an hour I shall be leaving to go out for some Thursday night cocktails with the gals...can't wait for THAT!
A day full of QT all around.
Who could ask for more...
Benjamin and I had our class with Ms. Margaret this morning--he had to miss Tuesday since he had the flu bug. But today's class more than made up for it! He explored the fine art of sifting through rice with his hands to find pennies (he kept shouting "pay for it, mommy? grocery?!?)...did some more finger painting, watercolors, and learned how to trace shapes on butcher paper. Was so fun, and gave me more ideas for things to do round here once the snow flies. Michael's fabric store, anyone?
Jonathan decided not to nap until late in the afternoon, so we had a good hour and a half just hangin early afternoon...he's walking so much more now, still collapsing after about 10 steps or so, but really making progress. Such confidence this kid has! His latest thing is to walk while drinking his bottle...such a show-off.:)
Benjamin got up about an hour after Jonathan finally went down for his nap, and B and I made snacks and sat outside on the stoop. His nap was on the short side, so when he first got up I demanded some "quiet time" in the tv room...minus the tv, though. Surprisingly he went for it...played by himself for almost a full half hour. I was shocked. So it was then that we went outside...he busied himself "mowing the lawn" with his popcorn mower, driving around in his cozy coupe, drawing with chalk...and every 10 minutes or so he'd pop back over and sit next to me. He's put his hands in his lap and look up at me and say "Hi Mommy..."...then jump up and run away again. Too funny. We spent some time sitting there, though, with snacks talking about things we saw, heard, blah, blah...felt like such a quality discussion. :)LOL
It was then that my dad called and said he wanted to come pick B up for some putt-putt golf over at his condo. He'd had one of his putters cut down and transformed into a "toddler club". ADORABLE. When he showed up with it B practically lost his junk. And immediately started swinging it like a baseball bat over his head.
He'll need to work on that maneuver. :)
So, at the moment, Benjamin is off in Putt-Putt ecstasy with Papa...and I'm here with Jonathan, who just woke up about an hour ago. Brian's still working.
But in an hour I shall be leaving to go out for some Thursday night cocktails with the gals...can't wait for THAT!
A day full of QT all around.
Who could ask for more...
More DC pictures...
Had to include a few of our reunion with the boys...so cute! Brian sat in the backseat when mom picked us up, since his ass was deemed the tiniest and most able to wedge between the carseats.
LOL!
Ok, so no more trip pictures for now...:)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Our weekend in pictures...part one.:)
I love so many things about these pictures...but the one of Dina and myself is, perhaps, my fave. I remember looking at that pic on my camera later that night, and telling Dina that it was to be called our "US Weekly" shot.Caption, as follows: "Dina Lewin and Meg Richards caught cavorting outside of Mixtec, local Mexican eatery in the trendy Adams Morgan neighborhood of D.C. An onlooker reported bouts of hysterical laughter and momentary stopping, leaning forward and grabbing of one another from both girls."
Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay...
I stole that line from a book title...a book I own, actually. Anyway, it basically captures the essence of how I'm feeling after our trip out east.
We all love our kids...so much it hurts, really. And even in the midst of the tiring and chaotic moments, if any one of us (who I'm speaking for here I really haven't a clue...just play along) was asked if we wanted to change a bit of it, we wouldn't.
I'll speak for myself here...when I say that I love my life. I love the "sippy cups". I love the dirty counters, because of the sense of accomplishment I feel when I scour them clean after lunch. I love the floor of the backseat in our Explorer...because it's absolutely, horribly, undeniably, 100% DISGUSTING...but I know I'm not alone. And I love that at the end of the day I'm often satisfied by a re-run of Law and Order...or an episode of my latest reality nonsense. As long as I'm with Brian. Well, ok, he's pretty tied up with his Fastasy Football these days, so I'm often alone...but you get the idea. I require very little.
I love all of these things because they are the reminders of everyday life with my family. My absolute three favorite people on the planet.
And I won't go into how much I adore the little spot on Jonathan's temples when I kiss it and smash my face against it...or how big and wise Benjamin's eyes are that I just want to die.
Because that's just more of the same...the stuff of my love affair with these boys.
And yet...there comes a time when we (Brian and I) recognize the need for more adult time. Time with eachother, alone...not a sippy cup in sight.
And of course, a nice glass of wine.
This is how we started our trip--it was a bloody mary, actually, but it was heaven.
We had a two hour layover at O'Hare, but anyone who would've walked by our table at the Chili's in the airport would've seen two people who looked as though they'd reached their destination...both enjoying an adult beverage and a tasty meal, minus paper menus with pictures of animals on them, crayons, puff-snacks, goldfish....etc. They were casually poking at their food, chattering on about Obama vs. Hillary, what they were going to do on their trip, what that girl was thinking wearing jeans so low and tight (ok, that one was all Meg), and how fabulous it all felt just to be by themselves.
And here was the most alarming observation one might have made about this couple: they were looking at eachother whilst they were talking.
Annnyway, enuf of the melodrama.:)
It was an amazing time. And obviously it began from the very moment we set out on our own. The two of us manage to get out for "dates" about once every other week...so it's not as though we don't know what it's like to be out without kids. It's just that when you're away from home, on your own schedule, headed for a hotel that you will be staying in without a pack-n-play...it's just different.
The hotel was great.
Fantastic sheets, pillows, bath products...and the best of all, it was free! Brian's travel points paid for our entire three night stay in the Marriott...conveniently blocks away from Mark and Dina's place in Arlington. As much as I hate it when Brian travels, this is one of those times that I'm grateful for the perks!
We enjoyed our time with Mark and Dina, of course.
Friday night was ridiculous. No other way to describe it. Sheer craziness and fun. Fabulous Mexican food in Adams Morgan (a DC neighborhood), a fun wine bar (that no one needed!), and the entire evening culminating in a spin in the Lewin hot tub.
With more bottles of wine...and hilarious conversations.
And makeshift bathing suits.
A night never to be forgotten...or remembered in the short term. LOL
Saturday was the winery...and though some of us were still a bit in "recovery mode" from the night before, it was a great time. We enjoyed touring the wineries and sitting outside. There were a couple of moments where I found myself in sheer heaven, just sitting against Brian, or lying on the grass...totally free of responsibility. And drinking wine...uggh. Was nice.
Sunday we had brunch down in Old Town and did a little shopping...went for a walk along the waterfront with our PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes).
Brian, Mark, Dina and Anthony left to continue their day, while I waited to meet up with my girl. Dawn met me about a half hour later, and we shopped a bit before heading back out towards her end of town. Doesn't really matter what we did for the rest of the afternoon...the point here is that it was just so incredibly fun to be hanging out with her again. Miss her all the time and just wish I could see her more! Whenever we hang out I'm reminded of how much we are alike...and how grateful I am that we ever became friends. :)
Brian and I enjoyed a yummier-than-yummy sushi dinner out with Dawn and Christian that night. Lots of scrumptious sushi, good laughs, embarrassing stories told...and of course, Brian and Christian feverishly checking their respective Blackberries for Fastasy updates.
Ridic.
The trip was fantastic...and yet...the best part was yet to come.
The walk down the hallway at the airport, where my mom was waiting with our two little brown heads waiting for us.
Benjamin took off in a full sprint when he saw us, practically knocking me over with a hug. His laugh/giggle/shriek/hysterical screams were absolutely precious...it was as though he had just won the lotto.
Jonathan was on my mom's hip, fashioning his most energetic version of "helicopter arms" I'd seen to date. Grabbing him and squeezing him...pressing my face into the side of his cheeks...was the best.
Man.
I don't know when I've been so stinkin excited.
Seriously.
And so...I come to the end of my narrative.
But I stand by my original sentiment: there's something very special about getting away and enjoying some "chardonnay" away from home. Sure, you have those brief moments of guilt and sadness (this is a good place to mention the mess of tears and mascara I had upon being dropped off at the airport last Friday morning).
But having those moments away are what make the every day business of life so much more special.
And though it's ok to have the occasional cosmo at a 4pm playgroup with friends...sometimes ya really need to just create some distance to appreciate the wine. **wink**
It's how I feel, anyway.
We all love our kids...so much it hurts, really. And even in the midst of the tiring and chaotic moments, if any one of us (who I'm speaking for here I really haven't a clue...just play along) was asked if we wanted to change a bit of it, we wouldn't.
I'll speak for myself here...when I say that I love my life. I love the "sippy cups". I love the dirty counters, because of the sense of accomplishment I feel when I scour them clean after lunch. I love the floor of the backseat in our Explorer...because it's absolutely, horribly, undeniably, 100% DISGUSTING...but I know I'm not alone. And I love that at the end of the day I'm often satisfied by a re-run of Law and Order...or an episode of my latest reality nonsense. As long as I'm with Brian. Well, ok, he's pretty tied up with his Fastasy Football these days, so I'm often alone...but you get the idea. I require very little.
I love all of these things because they are the reminders of everyday life with my family. My absolute three favorite people on the planet.
And I won't go into how much I adore the little spot on Jonathan's temples when I kiss it and smash my face against it...or how big and wise Benjamin's eyes are that I just want to die.
Because that's just more of the same...the stuff of my love affair with these boys.
And yet...there comes a time when we (Brian and I) recognize the need for more adult time. Time with eachother, alone...not a sippy cup in sight.
And of course, a nice glass of wine.
This is how we started our trip--it was a bloody mary, actually, but it was heaven.
We had a two hour layover at O'Hare, but anyone who would've walked by our table at the Chili's in the airport would've seen two people who looked as though they'd reached their destination...both enjoying an adult beverage and a tasty meal, minus paper menus with pictures of animals on them, crayons, puff-snacks, goldfish....etc. They were casually poking at their food, chattering on about Obama vs. Hillary, what they were going to do on their trip, what that girl was thinking wearing jeans so low and tight (ok, that one was all Meg), and how fabulous it all felt just to be by themselves.
And here was the most alarming observation one might have made about this couple: they were looking at eachother whilst they were talking.
Annnyway, enuf of the melodrama.:)
It was an amazing time. And obviously it began from the very moment we set out on our own. The two of us manage to get out for "dates" about once every other week...so it's not as though we don't know what it's like to be out without kids. It's just that when you're away from home, on your own schedule, headed for a hotel that you will be staying in without a pack-n-play...it's just different.
The hotel was great.
Fantastic sheets, pillows, bath products...and the best of all, it was free! Brian's travel points paid for our entire three night stay in the Marriott...conveniently blocks away from Mark and Dina's place in Arlington. As much as I hate it when Brian travels, this is one of those times that I'm grateful for the perks!
We enjoyed our time with Mark and Dina, of course.
Friday night was ridiculous. No other way to describe it. Sheer craziness and fun. Fabulous Mexican food in Adams Morgan (a DC neighborhood), a fun wine bar (that no one needed!), and the entire evening culminating in a spin in the Lewin hot tub.
With more bottles of wine...and hilarious conversations.
And makeshift bathing suits.
A night never to be forgotten...or remembered in the short term. LOL
Saturday was the winery...and though some of us were still a bit in "recovery mode" from the night before, it was a great time. We enjoyed touring the wineries and sitting outside. There were a couple of moments where I found myself in sheer heaven, just sitting against Brian, or lying on the grass...totally free of responsibility. And drinking wine...uggh. Was nice.
Sunday we had brunch down in Old Town and did a little shopping...went for a walk along the waterfront with our PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes).
Brian, Mark, Dina and Anthony left to continue their day, while I waited to meet up with my girl. Dawn met me about a half hour later, and we shopped a bit before heading back out towards her end of town. Doesn't really matter what we did for the rest of the afternoon...the point here is that it was just so incredibly fun to be hanging out with her again. Miss her all the time and just wish I could see her more! Whenever we hang out I'm reminded of how much we are alike...and how grateful I am that we ever became friends. :)
Brian and I enjoyed a yummier-than-yummy sushi dinner out with Dawn and Christian that night. Lots of scrumptious sushi, good laughs, embarrassing stories told...and of course, Brian and Christian feverishly checking their respective Blackberries for Fastasy updates.
Ridic.
The trip was fantastic...and yet...the best part was yet to come.
The walk down the hallway at the airport, where my mom was waiting with our two little brown heads waiting for us.
Benjamin took off in a full sprint when he saw us, practically knocking me over with a hug. His laugh/giggle/shriek/hysterical screams were absolutely precious...it was as though he had just won the lotto.
Jonathan was on my mom's hip, fashioning his most energetic version of "helicopter arms" I'd seen to date. Grabbing him and squeezing him...pressing my face into the side of his cheeks...was the best.
Man.
I don't know when I've been so stinkin excited.
Seriously.
And so...I come to the end of my narrative.
But I stand by my original sentiment: there's something very special about getting away and enjoying some "chardonnay" away from home. Sure, you have those brief moments of guilt and sadness (this is a good place to mention the mess of tears and mascara I had upon being dropped off at the airport last Friday morning).
But having those moments away are what make the every day business of life so much more special.
And though it's ok to have the occasional cosmo at a 4pm playgroup with friends...sometimes ya really need to just create some distance to appreciate the wine. **wink**
It's how I feel, anyway.
Batteries Recharged...
or so to speak.
Never really been a superfan of that expression, but it seems to fit in this case!
Brian and I have been back from DC for two days now, and feel completely restored from the time away.
Still tired? Of course.
Still irritated at the minor things during the day? You bet.
But overall it just seems to make a world of difference in the entire picture when we can just grab a few days away.
It's nice to remember what Brian looks like...away from all of this!
I'm sure the delirium of lovey-Brian-ness will only last so long...but for now he's enjoying it. Just made him lunch, amidst all of the noon-time crazies over here.
Homeboy's loving life.
Getting the boys ready for naps, bottoms cleaned, kitchen reassembled...and I shall be back with fluffage from our trip.
Never really been a superfan of that expression, but it seems to fit in this case!
Brian and I have been back from DC for two days now, and feel completely restored from the time away.
Still tired? Of course.
Still irritated at the minor things during the day? You bet.
But overall it just seems to make a world of difference in the entire picture when we can just grab a few days away.
It's nice to remember what Brian looks like...away from all of this!
I'm sure the delirium of lovey-Brian-ness will only last so long...but for now he's enjoying it. Just made him lunch, amidst all of the noon-time crazies over here.
Homeboy's loving life.
Getting the boys ready for naps, bottoms cleaned, kitchen reassembled...and I shall be back with fluffage from our trip.
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