I find Christmas Eve a night of trying to fit everything else in, so why not a blog post?
Thinking about multitasking makes me feel tired, but framed as "hitting two birds with one stone" or finding the "silver lining" in a task, these ideas breeze by as smooth and efficient!
Why not:
1. Use up old Metamucil cookies while also providing a sweet treat for Santa?
2. Get the kitchen floor swept of dried crumbs and vegetables, and package the contents as soup mixes to use as last minute holiday gifts?
3. Allow husband to nap, while stealthily sampling vacation chocolates? i mean, wrapping gifts for him!
4. Mop the kitchen floor in preparation for holiday guests and so I no longer have to walk around the spot that toddler L pooed on yesterday?
5. Hang up Christmas cards to provide Holiday Decor while simultaneously de-cluttering the counter?
6. Plan for Red and Green Christmas Smoothies tomorrow morning (Grandpa Frank says use mostly fruit and sneak in a few frozen veggies) that also find a home for our overripe bananas?
7. Munch on those cookies sitting out for Santa while also addressing chronic constip....
SORRY OUT OF TIME! GOTTA GO WRAP GIFTS! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Cold Season Already?
Well it's only October, but 3:4 members of this family have already weathered colds. Side effects around the house?
GROSSEST: Big Kid C's garbage can overflowing with used Kleenex... spilled all over the floor
SADDEST: Toddler L's being treated with 3 prescriptions because they weren't sure which of the 3 ailments she really had...
FUNNIEST: Immediately after Daddy clears his throat in the morning, Toddler L attempts to make the same noise. hilarious.
And while on the topic of funny noises, might I mention that Toddler L loves to mimic all funny noises, especially the bodily functions? Just when you think you've gotten away with an unnoticed "toot", you hear an echo from the other room, "ENNNK!"
GROSSEST: Big Kid C's garbage can overflowing with used Kleenex... spilled all over the floor
SADDEST: Toddler L's being treated with 3 prescriptions because they weren't sure which of the 3 ailments she really had...
FUNNIEST: Immediately after Daddy clears his throat in the morning, Toddler L attempts to make the same noise. hilarious.
And while on the topic of funny noises, might I mention that Toddler L loves to mimic all funny noises, especially the bodily functions? Just when you think you've gotten away with an unnoticed "toot", you hear an echo from the other room, "ENNNK!"
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Memories of Moms and Grandmas
I also wanted to share what my Mom and I read at my Grandma's Memorial Service in June so that it won't be lost..
Our Memories
As I write these memories, the lines blur between memories of my Grandma with family memories of moms and daughters.
I can see Grandma Irene offering my daughter Lucy a toy with a sweet intensity. For that moment they are lost in each others eyes. The kind smile she offers her great-grandaughter is one that has been shared with me and my cousins, as well as her own daughters and son.
Katy: I remember being 4 or 5 years old and licking the beaters offered by mom own mom as she recalls memories from her childhood.
Margie: I can still remember licking the spoon to taste the batter of Mom's Mazola cake, our first cake with oil rather than shortening.
Both: We remember dipping the bottom of a glass into sugar to press dough balls into cookies. And flouring the table to roll and cut Mom's sugar cookies.
Both: And your memories are mine, and mine are yours until they become our memories
Margie: I remember standing on a picnic table with Mom, as we listened to Roy Orbison at Summerfest. And our excitement of flying to New York City together to see Dione Warwick.
Both: We remember visiting the Polish craft booths and sampling foods together at folk fair.
Both: And your memories are my memories and mine are yours until they become ours
Katy: I remember counting deer out the window on our way to the Wisconsin Dells with Grandpa and Grandma.
Margie: I remember the long car ride to and hot summer of Hayward, Wisconsin with my family.
Margie: Do you remember having our Easter baskets and Easter meal blessed on Holy Saturday?
Both: Do you remember Grandma's pudding cake, and her Lamb Cake, and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus?
Both: And your memories are mine and mine are yours until they become ours
Katy: I remember magical moments in Grandma's piano room, surrounded by cousins and plants. I remember pricking my finger on Grandma's cactus that looked soft and fuzzy. And of sitting at the piano learning to sing a Christmas carol in Polish.
Margie: I remember how Mom sewed many of our clothes. I remember the soft velvet top and satin bottom of the special Christmas dresses she made for us.
Both: Through her hands, her heart, and her prayers Grandma/ Mom showed us her love.
Margie: Thank you Mom for bringing us an appreciation for the small things in life:
Reading a good book, playing a game of Yatzee, and enjoying Quality Fairy Food.
Katy: Thank you for a lifetime of memories. We love you and will miss you dearly.
Our Memories
As I write these memories, the lines blur between memories of my Grandma with family memories of moms and daughters.
I can see Grandma Irene offering my daughter Lucy a toy with a sweet intensity. For that moment they are lost in each others eyes. The kind smile she offers her great-grandaughter is one that has been shared with me and my cousins, as well as her own daughters and son.
Katy: I remember being 4 or 5 years old and licking the beaters offered by mom own mom as she recalls memories from her childhood.
Margie: I can still remember licking the spoon to taste the batter of Mom's Mazola cake, our first cake with oil rather than shortening.
Both: We remember dipping the bottom of a glass into sugar to press dough balls into cookies. And flouring the table to roll and cut Mom's sugar cookies.
Both: And your memories are mine, and mine are yours until they become our memories
Margie: I remember standing on a picnic table with Mom, as we listened to Roy Orbison at Summerfest. And our excitement of flying to New York City together to see Dione Warwick.
Both: We remember visiting the Polish craft booths and sampling foods together at folk fair.
Both: And your memories are my memories and mine are yours until they become ours
Katy: I remember counting deer out the window on our way to the Wisconsin Dells with Grandpa and Grandma.
Margie: I remember the long car ride to and hot summer of Hayward, Wisconsin with my family.
Margie: Do you remember having our Easter baskets and Easter meal blessed on Holy Saturday?
Both: Do you remember Grandma's pudding cake, and her Lamb Cake, and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus?
Both: And your memories are mine and mine are yours until they become ours
Katy: I remember magical moments in Grandma's piano room, surrounded by cousins and plants. I remember pricking my finger on Grandma's cactus that looked soft and fuzzy. And of sitting at the piano learning to sing a Christmas carol in Polish.
Margie: I remember how Mom sewed many of our clothes. I remember the soft velvet top and satin bottom of the special Christmas dresses she made for us.
Both: Through her hands, her heart, and her prayers Grandma/ Mom showed us her love.
Margie: Thank you Mom for bringing us an appreciation for the small things in life:
Reading a good book, playing a game of Yatzee, and enjoying Quality Fairy Food.
Katy: Thank you for a lifetime of memories. We love you and will miss you dearly.
to the many friends and family members I have encountered who act as Caregivers, especially to an adult spouse or parent
Quiet Witness of a Caring Giver
I thought of you the other day, when you weren't even around.
You're a person who's sincere and true; whose heart is warm and sound.
In daylight you offer a guiding hand; At night a listening ear,
You face many challenges along the way; Your kindness keeps you near.
Preparing and caring for two, is extra work each day.
Yet these are the things you continue to do, and not for prize or pay.
I witness your devotion, even when frustrations do arise.
I honor your time and efforts, the concern that's deep in your eyes.
Your loved one my not say thank you; perhaps they don't know how,
Please accept this heartfelt acknowledgement, from me to you right now.
I thought of you the other day, when you weren't even around.
You're a person who's sincere and true; whose heart is warm and sound.
In daylight you offer a guiding hand; At night a listening ear,
You face many challenges along the way; Your kindness keeps you near.
Preparing and caring for two, is extra work each day.
Yet these are the things you continue to do, and not for prize or pay.
I witness your devotion, even when frustrations do arise.
I honor your time and efforts, the concern that's deep in your eyes.
Your loved one my not say thank you; perhaps they don't know how,
Please accept this heartfelt acknowledgement, from me to you right now.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
so many words for snow, so many words to describe baby poop
while daddy is busy teaching baby L how to say "papaya", mommy is marveling over all the words that have been added to my own vocabulary since little ones have been added to my life.
just this morning L had "stinkerbuns" so it was off for a diaper change. it was not good. i don't need to bore you with details of color, consistency or quantity, but i will let you know it left an annoying amount of poor crumbs on the buns.
poop crumbs: noun. small flecks of fecal matter that do not, in fact brush away like crumbs on a counter, but suction and stick maddeningly to the skin. you see them; you wipe them; they are still there. poop crumbs.
keep in mind that L's pretty much putting on some kind of baby breakdancing show during the diaper change. she settles down only for a moment to announce "eye, eye!" which is her new favorite word. however in this context, "eye, eye" refers to the eye she has just smeared "butt cream" into.
after many wipes and a quick bath, the poop crumbs are gone. i offer a moment of silent thanks; at least this time she didn't have poop up the back.
(poop up the back: noun. a diaper full of poop that doesn't end where the diaper ends, but in fact goes up the back. poop up the back. )
just this morning L had "stinkerbuns" so it was off for a diaper change. it was not good. i don't need to bore you with details of color, consistency or quantity, but i will let you know it left an annoying amount of poor crumbs on the buns.
poop crumbs: noun. small flecks of fecal matter that do not, in fact brush away like crumbs on a counter, but suction and stick maddeningly to the skin. you see them; you wipe them; they are still there. poop crumbs.
keep in mind that L's pretty much putting on some kind of baby breakdancing show during the diaper change. she settles down only for a moment to announce "eye, eye!" which is her new favorite word. however in this context, "eye, eye" refers to the eye she has just smeared "butt cream" into.
after many wipes and a quick bath, the poop crumbs are gone. i offer a moment of silent thanks; at least this time she didn't have poop up the back.
(poop up the back: noun. a diaper full of poop that doesn't end where the diaper ends, but in fact goes up the back. poop up the back. )
Sunday, June 26, 2011
snapshot of june
Little L's favorite pastimes at 14 months include: running (away from mom) down the sidewalk, wiping her (food covered) hands in her hair, ripping barrettes out of her hair, blowing on her food to cool it off, getting dressed by putting articles of clothing on her head (and then walking around the house that way) and, oh yeah, being cute! What a fun age full of waving, pointing and blowing kisses.
Big Brother C is counting down to his 4 year birthday. He spends his time telling jokes to make sister laugh, riding in boats with Grandpa S, climbing on playground equipment, digging in his sand table, playing in his rice bucket, earning prizes with the city summer reading program, scooping rocks into his bucket at the lakefront, creating new railway layouts, arranging his cars, picking out his top 42 items at Fischberger's Variety store, as well as sleeping through the night... on occasion!
C still really loves to be first at any and everything which is a mystery to someone like me, who is pretty much ready to bow out of any competition... He is genuinely disappointed if I happen to use the toilet before him... "I wanted to be first!" or L finishes her peaches... "She's not the winner! I am!".
Toddler L's dark side? The limp noodle trick when I try to pick her up and bring her in the house. How did she get so slippery? Another favorite is shrieking when I attempt to feed her bites of food. But when I hand her the spoon, she calms down immediately and proudly pokes herself in the eye... I mean takes a bite.
Good times.
Big Brother C is counting down to his 4 year birthday. He spends his time telling jokes to make sister laugh, riding in boats with Grandpa S, climbing on playground equipment, digging in his sand table, playing in his rice bucket, earning prizes with the city summer reading program, scooping rocks into his bucket at the lakefront, creating new railway layouts, arranging his cars, picking out his top 42 items at Fischberger's Variety store, as well as sleeping through the night... on occasion!
C still really loves to be first at any and everything which is a mystery to someone like me, who is pretty much ready to bow out of any competition... He is genuinely disappointed if I happen to use the toilet before him... "I wanted to be first!" or L finishes her peaches... "She's not the winner! I am!".
Toddler L's dark side? The limp noodle trick when I try to pick her up and bring her in the house. How did she get so slippery? Another favorite is shrieking when I attempt to feed her bites of food. But when I hand her the spoon, she calms down immediately and proudly pokes herself in the eye... I mean takes a bite.
Good times.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
turn and face the strange
I recently sat down to write a bit on body changes during pregnancy as my friend is putting together a zine with the theme , "CHANGES". Just for "fun", I asked a Milwaukee Moms group to fess up to their worst or most unexpected side effect of pregnancy. For starters, the single question elicited 25 comments from a group of about 100 moms, so I guess I am not the only one interested in sharing on this topic!
On the first day of pregnancy my partner gave to me (ok, maybe not the first day)...
Round ligament pain, hip pain, rib pain, depression, anxiety attacks, excessive thirst, extra sneezes, a clear complexion, obsession with grapefruit, desire to eat charcoal, bad smelling hair, cankle ankles...
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPP, for short which is a very itchy rash usually occurring in first pregnancies around week 35 and lasting approximately 6 weeks... (who knew?!) also of note: 70% of women with PUPP give birth to boys,
Hypermesis which is a "severe form of morning sickness with unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids",
Polyhydramnios (excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid in the uterus). "E" states "I ended up with polyhydramnios in my last trimester, i was 28 weeks, but measuring at 34 and each week i went back it increased, to the point where we were 32 weeks and measuring at 42!! i was huge!"
So many big Ch- ch- changes, all thanks to those two little words... "Pregnancy Induced"
On the first day of pregnancy my partner gave to me (ok, maybe not the first day)...
Round ligament pain, hip pain, rib pain, depression, anxiety attacks, excessive thirst, extra sneezes, a clear complexion, obsession with grapefruit, desire to eat charcoal, bad smelling hair, cankle ankles...
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPP, for short which is a very itchy rash usually occurring in first pregnancies around week 35 and lasting approximately 6 weeks... (who knew?!) also of note: 70% of women with PUPP give birth to boys,
Hypermesis which is a "severe form of morning sickness with unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids",
Polyhydramnios (excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid in the uterus). "E" states "I ended up with polyhydramnios in my last trimester, i was 28 weeks, but measuring at 34 and each week i went back it increased, to the point where we were 32 weeks and measuring at 42!! i was huge!"
So many big Ch- ch- changes, all thanks to those two little words... "Pregnancy Induced"
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Initiation into... Kids Parties?!
Well those "winter" runny noses which lead to booger covered boobs, have not yet resolved. I had to rip off a black shirt Sunday as we were heading out the door to a 5 year old's birthday party when I happened to notice a decorative "sash" of mucus...
But never fear, the party offered plenty of other opportunities for embarrassment. The most mortifying of my initiation into classmate birthday parties came when it was time to open gifts. Thus far, our parties have involved close friends and families, along with relaxed expectations. This was our first "schoolmate" party and I anticipated our gift of a toy motorcycle would be appropriate.
As gift after gift was opened, my heart sunk. These first several gifts.. were from just one child and included an expensive lego set! I felt like I was back in grade school myself, dreading my turn and hoping it didn't come immediately after anything too extravagant. Well, the little guy beamed at the motorcycle, so all was well. I had to keep reminding myself that the fun the kids were having was the best gift of all. And keep reminding myself.
I lingered in the background of the party chasing my toddler who was taking her new walking legs for quite a spin. As the party wore on, so did L.'s lack of afternoon nap! I had the joy of all eyes on me as she burst into wailing and angry shrieks... all for trying to put her empty juice box in the trash.
Something more subtle is the pressure to measure up to this wonderful party that included bounce houses, cake, ice cream, treat bags... The icing on the cake was the fact that my boy was perhaps the loudest of everyone. But they were shouts of joy. He had a blast and now begins each day with an excited, "Is today my birthday?"
But never fear, the party offered plenty of other opportunities for embarrassment. The most mortifying of my initiation into classmate birthday parties came when it was time to open gifts. Thus far, our parties have involved close friends and families, along with relaxed expectations. This was our first "schoolmate" party and I anticipated our gift of a toy motorcycle would be appropriate.
As gift after gift was opened, my heart sunk. These first several gifts.. were from just one child and included an expensive lego set! I felt like I was back in grade school myself, dreading my turn and hoping it didn't come immediately after anything too extravagant. Well, the little guy beamed at the motorcycle, so all was well. I had to keep reminding myself that the fun the kids were having was the best gift of all. And keep reminding myself.
I lingered in the background of the party chasing my toddler who was taking her new walking legs for quite a spin. As the party wore on, so did L.'s lack of afternoon nap! I had the joy of all eyes on me as she burst into wailing and angry shrieks... all for trying to put her empty juice box in the trash.
Something more subtle is the pressure to measure up to this wonderful party that included bounce houses, cake, ice cream, treat bags... The icing on the cake was the fact that my boy was perhaps the loudest of everyone. But they were shouts of joy. He had a blast and now begins each day with an excited, "Is today my birthday?"
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
how to get mom's attention in 4 easy steps!
BY: Little LU
1. Pretend to be Cinderella by climbing into fireplace!
2. "Fix" computer cord.. with teeth!
3. Help unload ceramic plates from dishwasher onto floor!
4. Help empty bathroom garbage.. onto floor!
and tah-dah, mom's undivided attention is mine!
1. Pretend to be Cinderella by climbing into fireplace!
2. "Fix" computer cord.. with teeth!
3. Help unload ceramic plates from dishwasher onto floor!
4. Help empty bathroom garbage.. onto floor!
and tah-dah, mom's undivided attention is mine!
Monday, April 25, 2011
first steps
baby steps. the image of a babe, tottering about. small steps are what comes to mind, no? but in actuality, baby steps are giant in proportion to babies. and my little one has surprised me yet again.
"are you ready for her to walk?" people have been asking.
"well sure," i reply carelessly, "she's already been crawling all over the place."
so i was picturing horizontal steps across the room, but Baby L had something else up her sleeve: VERTICAL steps!
as in, climbing onto tables and then standing UP on them!
as in, she can make it from the basement to the kitchen in a matter of moments (while mom tries to protect her from big brother's "help")!
as in, positioning forwards, backwards and sideways on a tippy kids chair where baby L's body occasionally becomes trapped by the armrests, thus toppling the chair... along with the baby.
baby steps.
"are you ready for her to walk?" people have been asking.
"well sure," i reply carelessly, "she's already been crawling all over the place."
so i was picturing horizontal steps across the room, but Baby L had something else up her sleeve: VERTICAL steps!
as in, climbing onto tables and then standing UP on them!
as in, she can make it from the basement to the kitchen in a matter of moments (while mom tries to protect her from big brother's "help")!
as in, positioning forwards, backwards and sideways on a tippy kids chair where baby L's body occasionally becomes trapped by the armrests, thus toppling the chair... along with the baby.
baby steps.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
snips and snails and puppy dog tails
although big kid C is no longer impressed by my "singing", baby L has moved into position of unsuspecting fan. between clapping and holding up her finger in the #1 position, i am pretty much on cloud nine. this was a joy of having children that i didn't see coming.
big kid C still brings joy in other ways. for instance, although i get impatient when there is a slow moving train right in the middle of my perfectly good road, he is straining in his seat to see how long it is, what it is carrying and whether it pulls a caboose (a rare occurrence i am surprised to note) . his excitement helps to temper the dread when i see the train crossing arm jerk leisurely down.
i also get a kick out of his special treasures. "can i have that for my collection?" he'll ask of toilet paper tubes and used pudding cups (yes, for the tubes and no way! for the pudding cups)
his current treasure chest is an old mary kay shipping box and it's current contents are as follows: one broken blue plastic camera, one American Legion business card (hello President Lilli!), one mini Tonka truck book, one spinning top, one baby hairbrush, one beaded coin purse, one aquarium harmonica and one silver tin which conceals his "footprints in the sand" keychain (from God), a snowman shaped rubber band bracelet, and a small silver chain.
in this box i see time passing and time standing still.
big kid C still brings joy in other ways. for instance, although i get impatient when there is a slow moving train right in the middle of my perfectly good road, he is straining in his seat to see how long it is, what it is carrying and whether it pulls a caboose (a rare occurrence i am surprised to note) . his excitement helps to temper the dread when i see the train crossing arm jerk leisurely down.
i also get a kick out of his special treasures. "can i have that for my collection?" he'll ask of toilet paper tubes and used pudding cups (yes, for the tubes and no way! for the pudding cups)
his current treasure chest is an old mary kay shipping box and it's current contents are as follows: one broken blue plastic camera, one American Legion business card (hello President Lilli!), one mini Tonka truck book, one spinning top, one baby hairbrush, one beaded coin purse, one aquarium harmonica and one silver tin which conceals his "footprints in the sand" keychain (from God), a snowman shaped rubber band bracelet, and a small silver chain.
in this box i see time passing and time standing still.
Friday, March 25, 2011
two sides, but how many coins?
you could call it a silver lining, but i prefer to look at it as "half empty". the joys of wisconsin weather that is.
take pumping milk for example. when it is frigid, i curse the arctic air as i pump milk in my car "at work". since i work out of my car, that is my office! as work places are required by law to have a place where nursing moms can pump milk, i offer a luxurious reclining front seat, radio with cd player, and even a cup holder. however climate control is often a bit rough as the car seems to cool off considerably after being turned off for an hour. brr. exposed breasts are cold breasts.
it stands to reason that with warm weather i will stop complaining, but unfortunately my memory is too good to claim that. back in july and september I was busy whining about trying to keep the pumped milk cold in the car all day long. loading (and unloading) my car daily with my workbag and laptop, my lunch, my water bottle, a separate cooler of milk for baby and toddler at daycare, diapers and wipes for daycare, breastpump and bottles, inhaler for toddler, and a baby in a carrier was just about all i could handle. add another cooler and ice pack and i would tip over. onto the ground. and it is very hard to get up holding all the aforementioned things.
take pumping milk for example. when it is frigid, i curse the arctic air as i pump milk in my car "at work". since i work out of my car, that is my office! as work places are required by law to have a place where nursing moms can pump milk, i offer a luxurious reclining front seat, radio with cd player, and even a cup holder. however climate control is often a bit rough as the car seems to cool off considerably after being turned off for an hour. brr. exposed breasts are cold breasts.
it stands to reason that with warm weather i will stop complaining, but unfortunately my memory is too good to claim that. back in july and september I was busy whining about trying to keep the pumped milk cold in the car all day long. loading (and unloading) my car daily with my workbag and laptop, my lunch, my water bottle, a separate cooler of milk for baby and toddler at daycare, diapers and wipes for daycare, breastpump and bottles, inhaler for toddler, and a baby in a carrier was just about all i could handle. add another cooler and ice pack and i would tip over. onto the ground. and it is very hard to get up holding all the aforementioned things.
Monday, March 21, 2011
baby olympics
imagine an Olympic diver. she has just moments before entering the water to twist, turn, contort, flex and extend. amazing. now picture that same Olympic diver at 11 months and i can tell you what she is doing: twisting, turning, contorting, flexing and extending! all this while her buns are covered in poo. baby L's new extreme sport is diaper wrestling while mom and dad attempt to clean crevices and fasten BOTH sides of the diaper to her wriggling, inverted body (sorry, no partial credit for one side of a diaper...falls right off you'll soon find).
i am very relieved to know that our baby monitor is pointed at the crib and not the changing table. i thought only turtles could bend their necks that far!? i glance guiltily over my shoulder as i try to pin her down hoping these memories leave no scar (on me!... i mean HER). occasionally i can distract her with something really good like a fragile, electronic device or a bottle with a choking sized cap... and curse the articles and books that led me to believe that babies actually want to have a clean diaper. those were obviously written by someone with a twisted, turning, contorting sense of humor.
i am very relieved to know that our baby monitor is pointed at the crib and not the changing table. i thought only turtles could bend their necks that far!? i glance guiltily over my shoulder as i try to pin her down hoping these memories leave no scar (on me!... i mean HER). occasionally i can distract her with something really good like a fragile, electronic device or a bottle with a choking sized cap... and curse the articles and books that led me to believe that babies actually want to have a clean diaper. those were obviously written by someone with a twisted, turning, contorting sense of humor.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
why we weren't in madison... today
what to write about? the return of shark teeth to mom's nipple or yet another day of toddler sickness in 2011? why not both? kind of a "kick her while she's down" feature!
the author of my feeding book mentions she is surprised by the high rate that kids are ill: approximately 6-12 times per year. however, when i read that statistic, i felt pure envy. ONLY 6-12 times? how lovely, how manageable!
as we have already been to urgent care several times this year and are on day 5 of a high fever, i can only daydream. but sick kids aren't that surprising. these are the same darlings who attempt to eat rocks and table legs, and i find myself a little behind when it comes to sanitizing such items...
however, what to do with these ill children when both parents are working? and grandma is working? and grandpa is in las vegas? and no one (including school and day care) wants to snuggle up with the little germballs?
dad "working from home" is becoming more hilarious by the day. instead of rocking in a swing, baby L is reading all the books (with her teeth) and pulling up to stand (using the open toilet). it used to be that toddler C could be entertained by a favorite video, but for some reason he is not as easily pacified when he hears Diego's voice but sees an 11 month old slapping the television (i guess we do need a wall mounted flat screen afterall).
i have flexed my flexible job to the near breaking point with rearranged schedules and days off. how do women working full-time, inflexible jobs do it? i sure don't know. and in our 'freetime' we are still trying to pump milk!!
which brings us back (sort of) to baby land shark. she has now thankfully changed her nibbling technique from the clamp and pull (in order to detach mom's nipple, presumably) to the snapping turtle bite and hold. at least with the bite and hold i know that she is merely expressing recently learned lessons about the resistance movement and how to stand your ground, which she obviously picked up the day we did go to rally in madison.
the author of my feeding book mentions she is surprised by the high rate that kids are ill: approximately 6-12 times per year. however, when i read that statistic, i felt pure envy. ONLY 6-12 times? how lovely, how manageable!
as we have already been to urgent care several times this year and are on day 5 of a high fever, i can only daydream. but sick kids aren't that surprising. these are the same darlings who attempt to eat rocks and table legs, and i find myself a little behind when it comes to sanitizing such items...
however, what to do with these ill children when both parents are working? and grandma is working? and grandpa is in las vegas? and no one (including school and day care) wants to snuggle up with the little germballs?
dad "working from home" is becoming more hilarious by the day. instead of rocking in a swing, baby L is reading all the books (with her teeth) and pulling up to stand (using the open toilet). it used to be that toddler C could be entertained by a favorite video, but for some reason he is not as easily pacified when he hears Diego's voice but sees an 11 month old slapping the television (i guess we do need a wall mounted flat screen afterall).
i have flexed my flexible job to the near breaking point with rearranged schedules and days off. how do women working full-time, inflexible jobs do it? i sure don't know. and in our 'freetime' we are still trying to pump milk!!
which brings us back (sort of) to baby land shark. she has now thankfully changed her nibbling technique from the clamp and pull (in order to detach mom's nipple, presumably) to the snapping turtle bite and hold. at least with the bite and hold i know that she is merely expressing recently learned lessons about the resistance movement and how to stand your ground, which she obviously picked up the day we did go to rally in madison.
Monday, February 28, 2011
A day in the life of Mr. C
So today Mr. C popped up at the break of dawn and created a beautiful line of matchbox cars along his train tracks. He also demanded mom stop singing poppy tunes and sing rock and roll, "you know" he confided, " with fast drums and guitars that go neer, na neer." I obliged (but still can't find a record label that wants to put it out...). He raced me half way around the block and tried to push Baby L's stroller back up the hill. He colored Loretta Lynn on a tractor (?). He did a wild dancing and singing "show" for mom and Baby L. He created an urban street scene on the window sills. He practiced pedaling his Diego big wheel in the basement (finally!! thought that kid was gonna fred flintstone around forever!). He shoveled snow and sprinkled salt in opposition to this tiring Wisconsin weather. He was Spiderman, Wolverine, and Spiderman/Wolverine.. a dashing super hero that clings to the side of cribs, spins a web and is ready to scratch you as you chase him in literal circles around the house while he dons a Buzz Lightyear pajama top, Spiderman shorts, and socks on his hands (web shooters, duh).
All this on his day off from school. Excuse me, did I say day off? I meant his day home SICK from school. Couldn't you tell? Those antibiotics sure do kick in fast (less than 18 hours!) Oh, and no nap either.
All this on his day off from school. Excuse me, did I say day off? I meant his day home SICK from school. Couldn't you tell? Those antibiotics sure do kick in fast (less than 18 hours!) Oh, and no nap either.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
baby talk
if you want to drive a parent crazy, tell them you heard their baby say a new word that they haven't heard the baby say yet. it's maddening. not only that, but it makes a liar out of an otherwise honest mom. "oh yeah, she says that", I heard myself saying!?! poor Baby L was stuck listening to me repeat the same word over and over all night in smiling desperation. she didn't budge.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
milestone madness
how quickly we forget. baby's eagerly anticipated milestones are really just little jokes on the parents. what makes the joke funnier is how the punch line repeats!
take our sweet tiny electrician. Baby L is the quickest cord finder in the (mid)West. put this baby down on the floor and before you can say "ah yes my baby has met her 9 month milestones" she is grabbing, gooing and preparing to gobble table legs, cement ledges, extension cords. what were we thinking as we cheered her on towards vibrating zebras and rolling bongo drums? did we really delude ourselves into thinking that crawling meant she would zoom from toy to toy happily occupying her time? or perhaps selecting a magazine to page through?
sadly (for a certain three year old boy), the only actual toys she seems to be interested in motoring towards are the ones involving intricate tracks. you know, the ones that mom secretly wants to hide because they require more patience than mom, baby and toddler have in order to reassemble (thanks a lot aunt E.).
thankfully, we won't have to worry about this crawling business much longer because soon she will be walking! oh shoot.
take our sweet tiny electrician. Baby L is the quickest cord finder in the (mid)West. put this baby down on the floor and before you can say "ah yes my baby has met her 9 month milestones" she is grabbing, gooing and preparing to gobble table legs, cement ledges, extension cords. what were we thinking as we cheered her on towards vibrating zebras and rolling bongo drums? did we really delude ourselves into thinking that crawling meant she would zoom from toy to toy happily occupying her time? or perhaps selecting a magazine to page through?
sadly (for a certain three year old boy), the only actual toys she seems to be interested in motoring towards are the ones involving intricate tracks. you know, the ones that mom secretly wants to hide because they require more patience than mom, baby and toddler have in order to reassemble (thanks a lot aunt E.).
thankfully, we won't have to worry about this crawling business much longer because soon she will be walking! oh shoot.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
baby geometry
so if the protractor is the semi circle, then the compass must be the baby with its unmoving point on the mama's nipple and the arm.. well her arm! and what an arc it swings! with a radius no greater than the length of the arm, this living compass can cause quite a bit of mischief.
for starters, have you have ever wondered why babies refuse to wear mittens? it is to increase comedic effect when they come in to eat and place their icicle hands on the warmest part of mom's body. and they must know you can't yell at them for having cold hands..
next come the razor sharp nails that go of in search of new flesh to scratch, but alas they cannot find it. that's right! the limits of the radius confine baby to the same scratching area (much to mom's dismay).
before you started breastfeeding, you probably imagined that the babies under those nursing covers were sucking peacefully. now you wonder why you ever introduced the game of peek-a-boo, as baby doesn't mind playing this while feeding and exposing your breasts to.. everyone!
and finally, the slightly uncomfortable fondling and caressing. Baby L's favorite nursing pastime is simply grabbing the free nipple to hold, flick, pinch (ouch) and wiggle. who knew?
for starters, have you have ever wondered why babies refuse to wear mittens? it is to increase comedic effect when they come in to eat and place their icicle hands on the warmest part of mom's body. and they must know you can't yell at them for having cold hands..
next come the razor sharp nails that go of in search of new flesh to scratch, but alas they cannot find it. that's right! the limits of the radius confine baby to the same scratching area (much to mom's dismay).
before you started breastfeeding, you probably imagined that the babies under those nursing covers were sucking peacefully. now you wonder why you ever introduced the game of peek-a-boo, as baby doesn't mind playing this while feeding and exposing your breasts to.. everyone!
and finally, the slightly uncomfortable fondling and caressing. Baby L's favorite nursing pastime is simply grabbing the free nipple to hold, flick, pinch (ouch) and wiggle. who knew?
Friday, January 28, 2011
breastfeeding through the winter
nobody told me that breastfeeding + cold season would = boogers on mom's boobs, but i guess it makes perfect sense really. are there special tissues for this? puffs plus plus? available in sizes B, C and D (cause no one nursing still has A)...
and it's not a simple passing from nose to breast. oh no, it is an intricate dance:
a tiny bit of mucus shyly peers out, you can see it ready like a waiting talent show contestant. then a gentle baby breath gives it a boost out the nostril and contact is made! you can practically see the electricity jumping because you have this beautiful strand connecting mother and baby.
that is until baby looks up at you with a gleam in her eye. then you just have boogers on your boob.
and it's not a simple passing from nose to breast. oh no, it is an intricate dance:
a tiny bit of mucus shyly peers out, you can see it ready like a waiting talent show contestant. then a gentle baby breath gives it a boost out the nostril and contact is made! you can practically see the electricity jumping because you have this beautiful strand connecting mother and baby.
that is until baby looks up at you with a gleam in her eye. then you just have boogers on your boob.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
homemade baby "food"
while we do make most of our own baby food, from sweet potatoes to garbanzos, we have also started making baby food completely on accident..
in a fine demonstration of opposition of digits, baby L picks up a morsel and with lightning speed deposits it in her mouth. is it a cheerio? graham cracker? a puff? alas, no.
i am of course referring to a favorite habit of 8 month olds everywhere: eating each crumb/lint/fuzz/dustbunny/onion skin they can get their hands on.
you may never notice how many tiny crumbs and fuzzes you make in a day until a baby points them out to you!
so i guess the best solution to the problem is extra vacuuming, sweeping or mopping.
However, nearly as effective is a rug with a wild print to camouflage the debris and disorient the visual field of said baby so that larger items (ahem, baby toys) will be the items in focus. tah-dah.
in a fine demonstration of opposition of digits, baby L picks up a morsel and with lightning speed deposits it in her mouth. is it a cheerio? graham cracker? a puff? alas, no.
i am of course referring to a favorite habit of 8 month olds everywhere: eating each crumb/lint/fuzz/dustbunny/onion skin they can get their hands on.
you may never notice how many tiny crumbs and fuzzes you make in a day until a baby points them out to you!
so i guess the best solution to the problem is extra vacuuming, sweeping or mopping.
However, nearly as effective is a rug with a wild print to camouflage the debris and disorient the visual field of said baby so that larger items (ahem, baby toys) will be the items in focus. tah-dah.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
here!
here i am starting a blog! because i am forgetting things as fast as they happen about growing a life, letting it out and watching it grow. things that i think should be part of the collective group knowledge but somehow have gotten elbowed out.
it's for me and maybe others embarking on the life changing experience of motherhood. and for curious onlookers!
it's for me and maybe others embarking on the life changing experience of motherhood. and for curious onlookers!
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