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.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The List
Ok, I'm grumpy this morning.
And I don't think the weather is helping...
Right now Jonathan is napping, I have a load of laundry going...and B is (**shhh!***) playing with his cars. So I'm going to vent.
About my toddler.
I'm not even going to preface this list with all of the things I love about him...and how delightful he can be when we're out and about. Because I wanna just get right to it.
Lately I feel like everything is a f***ing struggle with this kid, causing so much frustration on my part that I'm seriously ready to tear my hear out come naptime. Even as I type, I'm nervously waiting for the hell that will descend on the kitchen when he's done with his trains and wants to go outside, but can't...since J's sleeping, and it's wet outside.
So, here are the top earners of my stress lately:
1. As previously mentioned, the outside factor. This one is twofold: wants to go out alll the time, and when he can't, unleashes the "mad cry"....and when already outside, and needs to come in, the same tantrum ensues while trying to coerce him inside.
2. The step. It's not working.
3. Listening. Doesn't seem to know how to do it.
4. Brushing his teeth. Gets the toothbrush in there, but usually just sucks the toothpaste off the brush and then demands "more brush?", which is his way of asking for more yummy paste to slurp away at. And for the love...he WON'T let me get in there to show him how to brush properly...and no matter how many times we listen to the Raffi song about "Brushing your teeth...chicka, chicka..chickachicka..", he doesn't get it, and doesn't want to anytime soon. So, in the meantime, I am having nightmares about his first dentist visit...nightmares.
5. Green veggies. The child who used to devour anything I put in front of him has suddenly decided to go on green veggie strike. Jonathan is in heaven with my frozen green beans, all heated up with butter on them...so he keeps his mommy sane in that dept. But Benjamin just scoffs at them and asks for "gwillled cheeeezzze???". And no, nothing wrong with grilled cheese, but seriously...every fricking meal? The other staple he'll go for is mac 'n cheese (what kid doesn't?)...so the other night I tried mixing in some chicken breast and green beans...he managed to eat every single Kraft-manufactured noodle...and left every piece of lovingly-prepared roasted chicken and green beans on his plate.
***this is me, smirking***
6. Likes to take off his diaper and run around the house naked. While this is often hysterical and hard to get mad at...it's yet another sign that this kid might be ready for potty-training. And yet, whenever I try to work with him on it, he couldn't seem less interested.
Perhaps I'll put my mom and dad on this project while we're away this weekend...hmmmmm...
7. Every time I try to do the littlest thing away from him...you know...like my blog for FIVE MINUTES...he finds me and demands I put on a show of mommy-fabulousness-playtime for him. He's at my ankles as I type, which is what brought me to this last, but oh-so-necessary-point.
Off I go.
And I don't think the weather is helping...
Right now Jonathan is napping, I have a load of laundry going...and B is (**shhh!***) playing with his cars. So I'm going to vent.
About my toddler.
I'm not even going to preface this list with all of the things I love about him...and how delightful he can be when we're out and about. Because I wanna just get right to it.
Lately I feel like everything is a f***ing struggle with this kid, causing so much frustration on my part that I'm seriously ready to tear my hear out come naptime. Even as I type, I'm nervously waiting for the hell that will descend on the kitchen when he's done with his trains and wants to go outside, but can't...since J's sleeping, and it's wet outside.
So, here are the top earners of my stress lately:
1. As previously mentioned, the outside factor. This one is twofold: wants to go out alll the time, and when he can't, unleashes the "mad cry"....and when already outside, and needs to come in, the same tantrum ensues while trying to coerce him inside.
2. The step. It's not working.
3. Listening. Doesn't seem to know how to do it.
4. Brushing his teeth. Gets the toothbrush in there, but usually just sucks the toothpaste off the brush and then demands "more brush?", which is his way of asking for more yummy paste to slurp away at. And for the love...he WON'T let me get in there to show him how to brush properly...and no matter how many times we listen to the Raffi song about "Brushing your teeth...chicka, chicka..chickachicka..", he doesn't get it, and doesn't want to anytime soon. So, in the meantime, I am having nightmares about his first dentist visit...nightmares.
5. Green veggies. The child who used to devour anything I put in front of him has suddenly decided to go on green veggie strike. Jonathan is in heaven with my frozen green beans, all heated up with butter on them...so he keeps his mommy sane in that dept. But Benjamin just scoffs at them and asks for "gwillled cheeeezzze???". And no, nothing wrong with grilled cheese, but seriously...every fricking meal? The other staple he'll go for is mac 'n cheese (what kid doesn't?)...so the other night I tried mixing in some chicken breast and green beans...he managed to eat every single Kraft-manufactured noodle...and left every piece of lovingly-prepared roasted chicken and green beans on his plate.
***this is me, smirking***
6. Likes to take off his diaper and run around the house naked. While this is often hysterical and hard to get mad at...it's yet another sign that this kid might be ready for potty-training. And yet, whenever I try to work with him on it, he couldn't seem less interested.
Perhaps I'll put my mom and dad on this project while we're away this weekend...hmmmmm...
7. Every time I try to do the littlest thing away from him...you know...like my blog for FIVE MINUTES...he finds me and demands I put on a show of mommy-fabulousness-playtime for him. He's at my ankles as I type, which is what brought me to this last, but oh-so-necessary-point.
Off I go.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Getting ready!
Our buddies, Mark and Dina.
Brian and I are on our way to DC this weekend for yet another installment in the ongoing story of fun that is our friendship with these folks.
These pictures were taken during our trip to NYC for my 30th...and just thought I'd resurrect them for this week.
Getting so excited to go--and of course, there's the funny-ness in my tummy about leaving my boys. We've left Benjamin before for a long weekend (see pictures above! LOL), but haven't done so with Jonathan yet. However, I know that once we're on the plane...it will all be worth it. Brian and I will each order an adult beverage...he'll read the paper (which he loves, but only seems to find time for while on planes), and I'll catch up on an US Weekly, People, or let's face it---even an in-flight magazine. Anything that requires I not have a child pulling at my leg!
So yes, we'll set off on a weekend of just Meg and Brian time.
Even as I type that I start getting misty!
We need it.
This last year has been quite the busy one, and we're long overdue for some "couple time". We'll be spending time with our favorite friends, including a visit with my super-duper-good buddy Dawn, who also lives in DC.
Honestly? I think just getting through an airport without children is going to be like a trip to Fastasy Island...
Anyway, just wanted to pop on here with some excitement and anticipation for our trip...if you're reading, friends...here we come!:)
Monday, September 24, 2007
Teletubbies?
My boys love them. Add that to the ever-growing list of things I never imagined my children would enjoy...or much less, something that I'd LET them enjoy.
Whatever. They're both quiet right now as I clean up the post-lunch mess in the kitchen.
This honestly must be what circus janitors feel like after everyone leaves the show.
Anyway, today is a typical Monday in many ways...just trying to get back to normalcy after a busy weekend. We had Bright Beginnings over at Woodcliff this morning, which was great. Benjamin just loves that program, and really does well with it. He's even begun to get interested in the other activities (other than cars!), and I just know that Ms. Margaret's class has helped with that. Jonathan went down for a nap just as we were leaving the house this morning, so luckily he got to stay home while Daddy worked. He was still asleep when we returned, but woke up moments after...and so the three of us went for a walk. This was not the world's best idea, however, because Benjamin was more worn out from BB than I had realized, and halfway up Plymouth Ave decided he wanted me to carry him. I'd had Jonathan in the umbrella stroller while B was pushing his own baby stroller...which was not a great idea for a long walk. Anyway, after carrying B on my hip down San Lucia, part of Argentina, and the entire stretch of Santa Cruz....all the while pushing a hot, cranky and hungry Jonathan in the Maclaren...I was ready for naptime!
All things being equal, though...this was a very pleasant morning. And we ran into two of our high school (youth group) buddies, on break for lunch, so Benjamin thought this meant it was time to go to church. Kate (one of our fave kids) drove by in her car, slowing down to wave, and Benjamin yells out "Church??!!! Kidddsss???!!" Actually, the way he pronounces "kids" is "key-aaaddzzz".
PLG.:)
Speaking of the key-aaadddzzzz from East, Friday night was quite the fun time. We started out at a tailgate up on Orchard at the Cavanaugh's house. The neighborhood gang (and kids) were all there, so it made for a really fun way to gear up for the game. The boys had a blast...and Dave and Kathy (they got into town right before we left) enjoyed meeting our friends. It actually went a lot better than I'd imagined.
So...back to the key-aaadddzzz.
After stuffing ourselves with lots of yummy food and drinks (thanks again for the 'ritas, Sarah!), we walked down the block to the high school field. On the way there I decide that the irony is ridiculous...I'm walking toward the EGR football field with a pretty healthy buzz...and it's the exact same way I went to my last EGR football game. Kinda drunk.
In 1992.
Thanks.
I'm mature.
We're walking into the game with both boys and the in-laws...and we see one of our youth group kids.
In a toga.
Clearly drunk.
Just one of those moments that Brian and I have, as "youth leaders"...where we are faced with the reality of these kids' lives. We know what kinds of things they're probably doing on weekends, etc., but sometimes it's just kinda strange to witness it.
And yes...I partied like it was my job by the time I was a senior in high school...but it's still strange to see these kids doing the same thing!
Also strange to realize that, as Brian and I are face to face with this "youth"...we're both pretty buzzed ourselves from green margaritas.
So I spend the first five minutes at the game mumbling into Brian's shoulder about how awkward it all is...to which Brian says..."Naaahhh...no big deal. We're adults, we drink...and he/she is in high school...weren't you wasted at these games, too?"
Well, not wasted, Brian...but yeah. I saw his point.
Men are always so damn good at being objective, aren't they???
And yes, the game ended up being a blast. Benjamin had the time of his life! We saw lots of friends...kids from youth group, friends of ours, friends of my parents...people I used to babysit for...enough folks to make my in-laws think we lived in Walnut Grove.
Benjamin absolutely adored watching the game, spending most of the time suspended to the chain fence that surrounds the field, his Grandpa standing on one side of him, and his Daddy on the other...all three watching the game intently. His expression never changed the entire time. Yet another PLG moment.
Saturday we went to the apple orchard with the boys and Brian's folks...it was a hit. Played outside, had lunch inside, watched the horses...apple cider being made...etc. Such a great fall morning. And that evening we got Allie to come over so we could have dinner out with Dave and Kathy....and they treated us to sushi! It was a blast.
Sunday was a typical Sunday for us---during the school year, anyway. Church in the morning, a harried lunch and get down for naps routine after we get home, a few random chores done, then back we go to church for youth group. Feels pretty busy, all in all, but always seems to be a highlight to our weekend. Last night's youth group was particularly worthwhile...better, more meaningful topics being discussed...and the slideshow Brian and I put together from last summer's trip was shown at the beginning. Made us nostalgic for the trip...and even more convinced of how much the group means to us. Totally worth the head-ache each week of how to juggle doing it all with two little ones!
Mom and Dad come home from Seattle tonight, so I think I'll bring Benjamin with me to the airport to see "plane-zzzzs!!!":)
Jonathan's up, I think...time to skedaddle.
Whatever. They're both quiet right now as I clean up the post-lunch mess in the kitchen.
This honestly must be what circus janitors feel like after everyone leaves the show.
Anyway, today is a typical Monday in many ways...just trying to get back to normalcy after a busy weekend. We had Bright Beginnings over at Woodcliff this morning, which was great. Benjamin just loves that program, and really does well with it. He's even begun to get interested in the other activities (other than cars!), and I just know that Ms. Margaret's class has helped with that. Jonathan went down for a nap just as we were leaving the house this morning, so luckily he got to stay home while Daddy worked. He was still asleep when we returned, but woke up moments after...and so the three of us went for a walk. This was not the world's best idea, however, because Benjamin was more worn out from BB than I had realized, and halfway up Plymouth Ave decided he wanted me to carry him. I'd had Jonathan in the umbrella stroller while B was pushing his own baby stroller...which was not a great idea for a long walk. Anyway, after carrying B on my hip down San Lucia, part of Argentina, and the entire stretch of Santa Cruz....all the while pushing a hot, cranky and hungry Jonathan in the Maclaren...I was ready for naptime!
All things being equal, though...this was a very pleasant morning. And we ran into two of our high school (youth group) buddies, on break for lunch, so Benjamin thought this meant it was time to go to church. Kate (one of our fave kids) drove by in her car, slowing down to wave, and Benjamin yells out "Church??!!! Kidddsss???!!" Actually, the way he pronounces "kids" is "key-aaaddzzz".
PLG.:)
Speaking of the key-aaadddzzzz from East, Friday night was quite the fun time. We started out at a tailgate up on Orchard at the Cavanaugh's house. The neighborhood gang (and kids) were all there, so it made for a really fun way to gear up for the game. The boys had a blast...and Dave and Kathy (they got into town right before we left) enjoyed meeting our friends. It actually went a lot better than I'd imagined.
So...back to the key-aaadddzzz.
After stuffing ourselves with lots of yummy food and drinks (thanks again for the 'ritas, Sarah!), we walked down the block to the high school field. On the way there I decide that the irony is ridiculous...I'm walking toward the EGR football field with a pretty healthy buzz...and it's the exact same way I went to my last EGR football game. Kinda drunk.
In 1992.
Thanks.
I'm mature.
We're walking into the game with both boys and the in-laws...and we see one of our youth group kids.
In a toga.
Clearly drunk.
Just one of those moments that Brian and I have, as "youth leaders"...where we are faced with the reality of these kids' lives. We know what kinds of things they're probably doing on weekends, etc., but sometimes it's just kinda strange to witness it.
And yes...I partied like it was my job by the time I was a senior in high school...but it's still strange to see these kids doing the same thing!
Also strange to realize that, as Brian and I are face to face with this "youth"...we're both pretty buzzed ourselves from green margaritas.
So I spend the first five minutes at the game mumbling into Brian's shoulder about how awkward it all is...to which Brian says..."Naaahhh...no big deal. We're adults, we drink...and he/she is in high school...weren't you wasted at these games, too?"
Well, not wasted, Brian...but yeah. I saw his point.
Men are always so damn good at being objective, aren't they???
And yes, the game ended up being a blast. Benjamin had the time of his life! We saw lots of friends...kids from youth group, friends of ours, friends of my parents...people I used to babysit for...enough folks to make my in-laws think we lived in Walnut Grove.
Benjamin absolutely adored watching the game, spending most of the time suspended to the chain fence that surrounds the field, his Grandpa standing on one side of him, and his Daddy on the other...all three watching the game intently. His expression never changed the entire time. Yet another PLG moment.
Saturday we went to the apple orchard with the boys and Brian's folks...it was a hit. Played outside, had lunch inside, watched the horses...apple cider being made...etc. Such a great fall morning. And that evening we got Allie to come over so we could have dinner out with Dave and Kathy....and they treated us to sushi! It was a blast.
Sunday was a typical Sunday for us---during the school year, anyway. Church in the morning, a harried lunch and get down for naps routine after we get home, a few random chores done, then back we go to church for youth group. Feels pretty busy, all in all, but always seems to be a highlight to our weekend. Last night's youth group was particularly worthwhile...better, more meaningful topics being discussed...and the slideshow Brian and I put together from last summer's trip was shown at the beginning. Made us nostalgic for the trip...and even more convinced of how much the group means to us. Totally worth the head-ache each week of how to juggle doing it all with two little ones!
Mom and Dad come home from Seattle tonight, so I think I'll bring Benjamin with me to the airport to see "plane-zzzzs!!!":)
Jonathan's up, I think...time to skedaddle.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
With all my heart...
Would you believe we've had a full weekend with lots of fun and activity, complete with a visit from the in-laws...and I haven't posted in my blog?
Shameful.
Anyway, wanted to jump on with a short little nugget this evening. Brian just came downstairs from putting Benjamin to bed, and he asks me "do you ever say 'with all my heart' to Benjamin??"...to which I answer, with eyes like quarters, "yes! every day, a million times...and always when I'm putting him down for a nap or to bed...I say 'I love you with all my heart, buddy'..."
Brian then tells me that as he was walking out of B's room tonight and shutting the door behind him, he quickly told Benjamin "love you, budd"...and B called out, "with all my heart, daddy!"
Uggh.
That's all for tonight! More tomorrow...
Shameful.
Anyway, wanted to jump on with a short little nugget this evening. Brian just came downstairs from putting Benjamin to bed, and he asks me "do you ever say 'with all my heart' to Benjamin??"...to which I answer, with eyes like quarters, "yes! every day, a million times...and always when I'm putting him down for a nap or to bed...I say 'I love you with all my heart, buddy'..."
Brian then tells me that as he was walking out of B's room tonight and shutting the door behind him, he quickly told Benjamin "love you, budd"...and B called out, "with all my heart, daddy!"
Uggh.
That's all for tonight! More tomorrow...
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Did I actually just say that???
While attemtping to get Benjamin to finish his lunch today, I told him that there are starving children in third world countries...
Are we destined to repeat such cliches to our children?
I think I actually said the following to B, as well: "How would you like it if Jonathan hit you one day?"
Yeah...these things make a real impact.
Are we destined to repeat such cliches to our children?
I think I actually said the following to B, as well: "How would you like it if Jonathan hit you one day?"
Yeah...these things make a real impact.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
This is how we will always welcome Fall...
...by celebrating J's birthday.:)
Meant to post more of these a few days ago, but time got the better of me. At any rate, here are some highlights from his birthday--our time at Kootsier's Nursery, as well as some cake madness with Nana and Papa.
As long as I can remember (until a year ago, anyway), the onset of fall has always meant that my birthday was fast approaching...my day. I've always loved my birthday...and, don't get me wrong, I always will. I was the one who threw myself my own birthday party while living in Chicago, at the mere possibility of going one year unrecognized (please...give this girl some kids already to shift the focus...I'm sayin).
But after my little Jonathan came on the scene...it's all different.
I still get excited about the usual things...changing colors of leaves, fall candle smells, pumpkins, cider, apple orchard trips...etc...but the only birthday I'll ever be super-duper-oh-so-excited about will be my little J's. My little smile factory.
God bless America he's cute.
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