Are you ready to rummmmmmmmmmmmbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*cue house music*
Round One (yesterday)
Mommy Librarian: Athena, if you take your nap, we can go see some dancing penguins, okay?
Athena: Dancing penguins?
ML: Yep. At the movies. But you have to go to sleep now. You have to really take a nap or we won't go.
Athena: A nap?
ML: Yep
Athena: Then we see penguins?
ML: Yep
Athena: Okay
*one hour later*
Athena: *sleepily opening her bedroom door* Mommy?
ML: You wake up?
Athena: *barely audible* I wanna see penguins.
Round One goes to... TIE! (Mommy and Daddy should have specified a longer nap)
Round Two (Yesterday)
ML: Athena, if you don't stop throwing your popcorn, we're leaving the dancing penguins.
Athena: *throwing popcorn* I wanna go see Daddy (who is currently in the breezeway letting Marcus crawl around)
ML: Okay
Athena: *running around the theater, after giving Daddy a cursory hello*
ML: We're leaving
Round Two goes to... TIE (Athena didn't seem to care and we didn't get to see how the movie ended)
Round Three (This morning)
ML: Athena, do you want orange or banana for breakfast?
Athena: mmmmmmmm.... Dora Snacks!*
ML: That wasn't a choice. Orange or banana.
Athena: *whining* Dooooooooooora Snaaaaaaaaaaaacks!
ML: Fine, you get an orange.
Athena: Noooooooooooooooooooooooo... no orange! Dora Snacks!
ML: *peeling a Clementine* How about an orange AND Dora Snacks?
Athena: Noooooooooooooooooooo... no ORANGE!
ML: Okay. This orange is for Marcus then.**
Athena: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! My orange!
ML: No, it's for Marcus
Athena: I WANNA ORANGE!
ML: Okay, here you go. Marcus will be so disappointed.
Athena: *taking the orange slices to Marcus and sticking them in his face* MINE! MY oranges!
Round Three goes to MOMMY! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
*For the offspringless, Dora Snacks are gummy snacks in the shape of characters from Dora the Explorer. If you have a dark sense of humor, as we do, you will find these very entertaining as your daughter says, "This is Benny the Bull! I like him! I eat him!" and then gobbles him up. Classic chuckles all around.
**For the record, I would not feed my eight-month old whole chunks of Clementine, in case you were worried.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Croup It Up
This just goes to show you how the life of a mommy can change on a dime.
Yesterday, about 4:15 pm, I was enjoying my half day off work (from working on Sunday) by baking two pumpkin pies. I had just begun to blend the wet stuff with the dry, when the daycare called. Marcus had a fever of 102 or 103. Yippee.
Since I was at a place where I really couldn't stop, and since Chris was just leaving work anyway, I called him and warned him that Mr. Man was ill. Sure enough, when he arrived at the house, the pies were smelling yummy in the oven, and Marcus was warm enough that perhaps I could have baked one in his mouth.
He's had a runny nose for about a week, as has everyone in the family. 'Tis the season and all. But last night, he had developed a little cough. Athena has also had a cough, and although it has sounded bad, it hasn't kept her up at night or anything. Well, Marcus went down about a half hour earlier than usual, and about an hour into his sleep, I heard a noise in his room that sounded like perhaps I had locked Murphy in the room with him. I looked down at my feet, and there was Murphy snoozing happily on the carpet in my room. Crap.
This morning, his fever had gone down to about 100, and his smile was big and his eyes were bright. I thought perhaps he would kick this as he has every other illness. I gave him some Tylenol then plugged his morning bottle in his mouth.
He ate merrily and happily. Then about halfway through, he exploded. Let's just forget about the fact that he was in my lap at the time... the important thing is that he threw up twice as much as had been in his bottle. It was impressive. Mucous and milk plus Tylenol in the tummy is apparently combustible.
As soon as the pediatrician's office opened, I called and got an 8:40 appointment. At the time, Marcus still seemed happy and alert, so the doctor concluded it might be croup, it might not... but he wasn't sure enough to prescribe the steroids normally given for croup. After all, why take the things if that's not what is wrong with you.
So he gave me some tips on what to look for and sent me home. Marcus slept in the car and then another 1/2 hour, when he woke up coughing. I gave him some warm water and some Tylenol (since the first batch came up with his breakfast) and tried to entertain him. He just really wanted to go back to sleep. His cough is now much worse and more persistent. But he's napping now, and I'm doing dishes/laundry/domestic goddess stuff.
Today is my evening shift day, so I'm taking the afternoon off, and then Chris and I will switch off so I can go in for the 5-9pm shift. Then I'll work tomorrow and he'll take off. Next on the list is to call Shelley to see if she wants Marcus around Zoe. The doctor said that it should be fine as long as we keep the babies separate and we wash our hands a lot... but I would feel horrible if Zoe got sick. So currently, I'm thinking that Chris and Athena will drive up to Baltimore and I'll hang here with Mr. Man. Not the ideal Thanksgiving, but Chris needs to see his family, and Athena needs to meet her cousin. It's a bummer, but what can you do?
Damn croup.
Yesterday, about 4:15 pm, I was enjoying my half day off work (from working on Sunday) by baking two pumpkin pies. I had just begun to blend the wet stuff with the dry, when the daycare called. Marcus had a fever of 102 or 103. Yippee.
Since I was at a place where I really couldn't stop, and since Chris was just leaving work anyway, I called him and warned him that Mr. Man was ill. Sure enough, when he arrived at the house, the pies were smelling yummy in the oven, and Marcus was warm enough that perhaps I could have baked one in his mouth.
He's had a runny nose for about a week, as has everyone in the family. 'Tis the season and all. But last night, he had developed a little cough. Athena has also had a cough, and although it has sounded bad, it hasn't kept her up at night or anything. Well, Marcus went down about a half hour earlier than usual, and about an hour into his sleep, I heard a noise in his room that sounded like perhaps I had locked Murphy in the room with him. I looked down at my feet, and there was Murphy snoozing happily on the carpet in my room. Crap.
This morning, his fever had gone down to about 100, and his smile was big and his eyes were bright. I thought perhaps he would kick this as he has every other illness. I gave him some Tylenol then plugged his morning bottle in his mouth.
He ate merrily and happily. Then about halfway through, he exploded. Let's just forget about the fact that he was in my lap at the time... the important thing is that he threw up twice as much as had been in his bottle. It was impressive. Mucous and milk plus Tylenol in the tummy is apparently combustible.
As soon as the pediatrician's office opened, I called and got an 8:40 appointment. At the time, Marcus still seemed happy and alert, so the doctor concluded it might be croup, it might not... but he wasn't sure enough to prescribe the steroids normally given for croup. After all, why take the things if that's not what is wrong with you.
So he gave me some tips on what to look for and sent me home. Marcus slept in the car and then another 1/2 hour, when he woke up coughing. I gave him some warm water and some Tylenol (since the first batch came up with his breakfast) and tried to entertain him. He just really wanted to go back to sleep. His cough is now much worse and more persistent. But he's napping now, and I'm doing dishes/laundry/domestic goddess stuff.
Today is my evening shift day, so I'm taking the afternoon off, and then Chris and I will switch off so I can go in for the 5-9pm shift. Then I'll work tomorrow and he'll take off. Next on the list is to call Shelley to see if she wants Marcus around Zoe. The doctor said that it should be fine as long as we keep the babies separate and we wash our hands a lot... but I would feel horrible if Zoe got sick. So currently, I'm thinking that Chris and Athena will drive up to Baltimore and I'll hang here with Mr. Man. Not the ideal Thanksgiving, but Chris needs to see his family, and Athena needs to meet her cousin. It's a bummer, but what can you do?
Damn croup.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Love Assault
Athena has grown more affectionate in the last few weeks. She has developed a serious attachment to the people she loves. Sure, there were times when she would come up and plant a big sloppy kiss on your face, but those times were rare, and often required a lot of prompting. I think she's an introvert... gaining her energy from within. She loves people, of course, but just isn't terribly touchy-feely. And that's okay.
But now she is a downright cuddle muffin. When she sees someone she loves, her face lights up like a Christmas tree and then she throws herself at that person full throttle. Kathryn has coined the apt phrase "Love Assault" when she does this, because she literally tackles you with the intent to press you into the ground, thereby making you stick there so you can never leave. It's terribly cute and terribly good news for our chiropractor.
She also remembers people and places really well. And she says very nice things about them. For example, although she has only recently gotten to get to know her grampa Greg, she looked me square in the eye this morning and said, "I wanna see gampa." And for Thanksgiving, everyone made a little Thanksgiving art thing and they had to say what they were thankful for so Ms. Shanika could write it down for them. She said "I am thankful for Aiden." Of course, this does leave me wondering where WE fit in on the ladder of love...
Since Marcus is just learning to crawl, he's all about taking in his environs rather than cuddling, so this comes at a perfect time. Just as one leaves my arms, the other wants to jump in. It's good to be the mommy.
But now she is a downright cuddle muffin. When she sees someone she loves, her face lights up like a Christmas tree and then she throws herself at that person full throttle. Kathryn has coined the apt phrase "Love Assault" when she does this, because she literally tackles you with the intent to press you into the ground, thereby making you stick there so you can never leave. It's terribly cute and terribly good news for our chiropractor.
She also remembers people and places really well. And she says very nice things about them. For example, although she has only recently gotten to get to know her grampa Greg, she looked me square in the eye this morning and said, "I wanna see gampa." And for Thanksgiving, everyone made a little Thanksgiving art thing and they had to say what they were thankful for so Ms. Shanika could write it down for them. She said "I am thankful for Aiden." Of course, this does leave me wondering where WE fit in on the ladder of love...
Since Marcus is just learning to crawl, he's all about taking in his environs rather than cuddling, so this comes at a perfect time. Just as one leaves my arms, the other wants to jump in. It's good to be the mommy.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
For Dad
A warning... this post may be kind of morbid and depressing. I'm not sure, as I haven't written it yet, but I wanted to warn you. I also wanted to let you know that I am hoping the end will lighten it up a bit... so if you are really interested, try to stick with me...
Yesterday meant it was officially ten years since my father died. I hesitate to refer to the day as an anniversary, because anniversaries seem to indicate celebration. However, it is a day that is marked in my heart. I always become melancholy right around Halloween, and the mood doesn't lift until around the Holiday Party... which is probably one reason I keep throwing it.
He died from prostate cancer, which sucks in many ways. The worst part about it is that it could have been avoided. Very few men die of prostate cancer anymore because it's the slowest developing cancer, and if it's detected early, then it's quite treatable. I'm not mad at my dad, mind you. It would be a bit hypocritical if I were, as I am just as likely to go to a doctor if I'm not feeling well. I really despise going when I'm healthy. So guys, in case you need motivation...
By the time the cancer was diagnosed, it had metasticized to his bones. Basically, we watched as his spine started collapsing. I will admit that bending and coughing isn't the most comfortable way to pass five minutes, but it's a LOT more comfortable than having your back collapse while cancer eats your bones.
end lecture
Today, Ohio State beat Michigan by three points, in what is probably the most anticipated game in college football in over a decade. My dad was an Ohio State alum, and oh how he loved his football team. Let's just hope that when we say "rest in peace," we mean, "rest in a big old easy chair with a cold brewsky watching a hell of a football game." I really like to think that the win was a little nod from all that is good in the world to my Dad.
I love you, dad. Go, Buckeyes!
Yesterday meant it was officially ten years since my father died. I hesitate to refer to the day as an anniversary, because anniversaries seem to indicate celebration. However, it is a day that is marked in my heart. I always become melancholy right around Halloween, and the mood doesn't lift until around the Holiday Party... which is probably one reason I keep throwing it.
He died from prostate cancer, which sucks in many ways. The worst part about it is that it could have been avoided. Very few men die of prostate cancer anymore because it's the slowest developing cancer, and if it's detected early, then it's quite treatable. I'm not mad at my dad, mind you. It would be a bit hypocritical if I were, as I am just as likely to go to a doctor if I'm not feeling well. I really despise going when I'm healthy. So guys, in case you need motivation...
By the time the cancer was diagnosed, it had metasticized to his bones. Basically, we watched as his spine started collapsing. I will admit that bending and coughing isn't the most comfortable way to pass five minutes, but it's a LOT more comfortable than having your back collapse while cancer eats your bones.
end lecture
Today, Ohio State beat Michigan by three points, in what is probably the most anticipated game in college football in over a decade. My dad was an Ohio State alum, and oh how he loved his football team. Let's just hope that when we say "rest in peace," we mean, "rest in a big old easy chair with a cold brewsky watching a hell of a football game." I really like to think that the win was a little nod from all that is good in the world to my Dad.
I love you, dad. Go, Buckeyes!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Holy Monkey! Where Did November Go?!
I seriously cannot believe that we are midway through this month. And my last post was from the zoo, which seems just yesterday. Since then, we've been to High Point twice (once without the kids), the kids have both gotten nasty head colds, I have also been somewhat ill, both of our cars have broken down (mine was brakes, Chris' was the starter), I finally wrote my September and October monthly reports at work (yes, I was that far behind), Chris has helped move his mother into her new apartment (although we both wish we could do more), I've cancelled my Pampered Chef party due to too few participants, and I've written ONE blog entry -- this one.
The sad thing is... there's way more in my future. I have to take the car in next week to have the body work done from the accident last month. We are going to Maryland for Thanksgiving, which will be fun, but a long drive with two kids. I have to send out invitations for our big holiday party (not to mention plan it). I have to do all my Christmas shopping (although I did get a teensy bit done in High Point. And I'm going to take a yoga class in December to see how I like it.
Insanity.
What is it about the holidays that dictates we all run around like beheaded chickens? And if that weren't enough, I really should bake cookies and decorate the house and do all that fru-fru stuff.
I sure hope I don't explode. Sheesh.
The sad thing is... there's way more in my future. I have to take the car in next week to have the body work done from the accident last month. We are going to Maryland for Thanksgiving, which will be fun, but a long drive with two kids. I have to send out invitations for our big holiday party (not to mention plan it). I have to do all my Christmas shopping (although I did get a teensy bit done in High Point. And I'm going to take a yoga class in December to see how I like it.
Insanity.
What is it about the holidays that dictates we all run around like beheaded chickens? And if that weren't enough, I really should bake cookies and decorate the house and do all that fru-fru stuff.
I sure hope I don't explode. Sheesh.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Another Day at the Zoo
We went to the NC Zoo on Sunday while Chris was in Austin and the kids had a blast. Here, Athena tames a wild bee on the playground. Or maybe the bee tames her... I'm not really sure.
Do do do do do Dora
We surrendered the battle-axe princess costume to next year because the skirt was too long and Athena couldn't walk without tripping. This is what I found instead. Need I say that she loved it? I think it goes without saying. Here, Dora displays healthy eating habits.
A Night at the Theater
Here we are all dressed up to go see the Lion King. Apparently, Athena was practicing her roar.
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