Finally playing with our toys

The Little Man is finally getting into his Christmas gifts. He is feeling slightly better, although we are far from 100%. He has done a bunch of puzzles, played games, taken the Little Einsteins on several missions, and drawn some pictures. Here is one picture he drew in a Mickey Mouse wipe-off book. It asked him to draw a pet for Goofy then write his name. He drew a picture of Charlie and then wrote his name below.

Not quite as planned

Our Christmas didn't quite go as I had hoped. Since Santa was way ahead of the game and had done his shopping quite early, there wasn't much to get ready Christmas eve... thankfully! However, we were still up to all hours at night. The Little Man has apparently picked up some virus that strikes at the stroke of midnight on December 25th. Not so good... we changed sheets and pjs multiple times, including a sleeping bag (because we were tired of changing sheets). We did about 3 loads of laundry over the course of the night, and several more during the day. I won't go into details, but let's just say that things were not staying in his little body, on either end. Fun times! So, Little Man did not get to enjoy our beautiful feast, he did not get to enjoy the billions of cookies, he did not get to enjoy Santa's bounty as a 3 year old should. He was not interested in opening gifts, but was happy to play with those that were already unwrapped or unwrapped for him. Luckily, he was in good spirits and pretty happy throughout the day, despite lacking in energy. Last nght, we only had one sheet change, so that is an improvement. Things are temporarily looking up -- so far, he slept most of the night and is asking for oatmeal and raisins. (Mommy and Daddy are only allowing crackers and a popsicle, however.) We'll see how the day goes.

And, Squeaker was WAY into opening gifts. By the end of the day, he had mastered the art of using his teeth to start the unwrapping job, and continuing with his little fingers. He was a PRO!

I hope everyone else had a better holiday! Cross your fingers that this bug leaves our house before infecting anyone else!

Christmas Eve

This is truly going to be an exciting Christmas... all the gifts, wrapping paper, and ribbons. Hopefully the boys will sleep long and well tonight so that we can endure a day full of excitement without bursting. We had a quiet Christmas Eve before heading off to bed. After dinner and baths we put some cookies and milk for Santa, carrots out for the reindeer, wrote a letter to Santa to put in our new "Letter to Santa" holder, read "The Night Before Christmas", and opened one gift each. Squeaker was a bit fussy and took a while to go to sleep and the Little Man was a bit nervous about Santa coming. At one point he was crying (crocodile tears) that he did not want Santa to come to our house... and it wasn't that he didn't want the toys, it was that he wasn't quite sure that he wanted Santa in our house -- how cute that he was scared about that. In the end all was well and now our two little ones are nestled all snug in their beds.

Pre-Christmas Morning Photo

Save the Meatballs

This evening in the car, we were singing some songs to pass the time and so that they boys would forget just how hungry they were. The Little Man was not a big fan of On Top of Spaghetti. When I finished the song, here is the response I got.

Oh, that is so sad. The boy didn't have his meatball anymore. Why did it roll away? Where did it go? How come it didn't stay on the spaghetti? That is terrible. What is he going to do? He doesn't have a meatball anymore.

(he went on and on about each verse... why was it mush? why did it grow into a tree?
why did it have meatballs on it? how did it do that? why did it do that?)

Seriously, he was sad. He looked like he was about to cry. If I had known that he was going to react this way, I never would have sung that song. But, I explained that it was a silly song, and that meatballs wouldn't really roll out the door. Usually you just eat them. He still didn't go for it. He was quite sad about the whole matter. I can only assume that he a) really, really likes meatballs or b) is the kindest, gentlest boy and really was empathetic. I actually think it might be both.

How long will it last???

Little Man is in his bed calling, "Mommy"... and a variety of reasons follow:

• my stars are glowing (like they do every night)
• some noise woke me up (he wasn't asleep)
• i need you (no you don't. you are fine)
• i want to play (too bad, you didn't eat your dinner and threw it on the floor so you are going to bed early -- by 20 minutes)
• i am not tired (uh, yah, you are)
• i can't reach my water... my arm is going to break off (cute, but his water is definitely within reach)
• there is a "7" on my clock (like there is every night when you go to bed)
• no reason, just mommy mommy mommy mommy (ahhh, the sweet sound of mommy)

Anyway, it is fun. It has been 25 minutes or so... fun fun fun, and did I mention... fun? We turned on the washer and the dryer to drown him out. I haven't been in yet. Not because I am mean, but this is the fourth night of this... and really, we don't want a 5th. So, I guess it is mean, but it is for his own good in the long run, right? So we don't go insane around here. Um, maybe we are already there????

Less than exciting week...

So, you get a pictures:

Okay, okay, can't resist bath pictures... but seriously, how cute is this!??!


How to burn energy at home when there is limited space and it is freezing and wet outside!

Ho Ho NO!

Well, the Little Man has his heart set on one toy that Santa is going to bring (er, sure he is)... a big huge race car... which apparently is yellow. Whenever we are at the mall, he wants to see Santa. So, we do a 'drive-by'. We have done this several times, but never has he wanted to sit on Santa's lap. :( I guess that is okay, then I am not suckered into a $25 sheet that includes maybe 2 5x7s. Squeaker has added "Santa" to his verbal repertoire and loves pointing him out whenever we see a picture or a real live Santa Claus. It is truly a fun time of year... full of exciting and magical things (including our good friend Bubba).

This background info was necessary so that I could tell you about our morning. The Little Man's preschool hosted a family sing-a-long. Daddy joined us for Christmas songs and a feast of cookies (right before lunch, by the way). And, guess who else showed up -- none other than the big man himself... SANTA! The look on the faces of all those preschoolers was priceless. The Little Man's jaw dropped and he was almost giddy when he saw him coming down the aisle. Santa had just enough time for each of the kids to sit on his lap as well. So, as usual, I asked the Little man if he wanted to go tell Santa just what he wanted for Christmas. He, of course declined. Squeaker, on the other hand, wanted to head on up and yank on his beard. So, we got in line with one of his classmates, hoping peer pressure would do the trick for LM (which it did). As you can tell from the picture, Santa sure is magical--- Who woulda guessed that we would have had this reaction????

Random Pictures

Showing what not to do in a time out:



Squeakers breakfast... poor guy:


First snow, barely:

Overheard at dinner

From Squeaker:

"Buh-BAAAAAHHHHH"
So, as a gift, our friends and Little Man's Godparents brought over a gift for the boys for Christmas. It was the best gift EVER! It is called an Elf on the Shelf and it is an elf that visits your house before the holidays to spy on the kids and report back to Santa. I am all for that. Anyway, you have to give him a name when he arrives... ours is named "Bubba". (Second choice was "Racecar Cream"... don't ask.) Anyway, Bubba hides in a different spot every day and the boys have to search around and find him. Squeaker is very fond of Bubba and looks in all the previous spots occupied by said elf, wandering from place to place and screaming "BuhBAHHHH". Very cute!

From Little Man:

I am the sixth fastest eater in the world. Squeaker is the 10th fastest.
I guess the Little Man is figuring out sequencing and numbers right now. How cute, not at all true, but cute. :)

Some much needed sleep

After a wonderful Thanks giving, we headed home and tried to recover from Momny and Daddy's negligence. See, we forgot to take the Little Man's allergy medicine and inhalers with us to visit Grandma and Grandpa. So, after a couple of days of rolling around in the fall leaves, playing football outside, and inhaling whatever dust and other allergens were around, LM had a very difficult time with his asthma. We were only 2 days, but that was just enough. So, after starting our prescription drug regamine... and several days and nights of very (very, very) little sleep, we got this:


It was wonderful for the Little Man and as of today, he is almost back to his normal self. Now, Squeaker, on the other hand, chose to pick up some virus from he pediatrician's office during one of our many visits this week. So, off we go again, to make sure he isn't contagious and isn't next in line for breathing treatments. We are on night 2 of no sleep for him. Fun times in our house. Don't you want to come over and babysit for a while while Mommy and Daddy escape the craziness??? We promise to come back... eventually.

Arguing with Little Man

Several conversations I have been storing up for a special day:

LM: Are we there yet?
Me: No (we had just left Grandma and Grandpa's house -2 hours from home)
LM: (30 seconds later) Are we there yet?
Me: No
LM: Are we there yet?
Me: Yes (trying to mix things up a bit)
LM: Okay, lets get out! (calling my bluff)


Me: Stop throwing things in the house
LM: No, I am not throwing it, I am dropping it

Me: Seriously, stop throwing things in the house
LM: No, no... this is bouncing


Daddy: Stop climbing on the coffee table
LM: I am not climbing, I am lying on it
Daddy: Whatever, get off the table
LM: I need to get off on the other side, see.

Daddy: Stop kicking the seat in front of you (in the car).
LM: (stops for a moment then starts back up again)
Daddy: Please put your feet down.
LM: I am not kicking it, I am touching it with my feet.

Where does he learn this art? And why? Is it to drive us batty???

Three Year Old Logic

Today we were blessed with a beautiful, summer-like day. It was great. A perfect day for going outside to rake leaves, for the gabillionth time this fall! (And, yes, gabillion is an actual number. I made it up myself.) Anyway, as we were outside, and I was in the middle of raking/yelling at the Little Man for egging his brother on in his mischief, I realized that the Little Man's mind is just an amazing thing. He always has a reason for the things he says, well, mostly. (Some times when he is talking on the phone, he mumbles nonsense followed by a fake chuckle... I guess he is imitating my phone conversations-- hope I don't have a fake chuckle, but I probably do). Okay, so back to the point -- As I was saying, he does have a reason for saying the things he says. For example:

LM: Do you like race cars, Mommy?
Me: Yes, but not as much as you.
LM: Do you like jets?
Me: Never really thought about it, but I suppose I do.
LM: How about formula one jets?
Me: A formula one jet, hmmm... I have never heard of a formula one jet.
LM: Oh.
LM: But, do you like them?
Me: I don't know. What are they?
LM: They are really fast jets. Like this, "(insert sound of a jet made by a 3 yo here)".
Me: Then I guess I do. Where did you get the idea of a formula one jet?
LM: It's kinda like a formula one race car, really fast. But, formula one race cars have really big spoilers on them so they don't take off. But a formula one jet doesn't have a spoiler so it does take off. And, rockets don't have spoilers either because they take off too. You want them to take off into space. And the formula one jet can go into space like a rocket because it is so fast like a formula one car. ... and on and on and on and on.
Me: I just can't get enough talk about race cars! Thanks Buddy!
LM: You're welcome, Mom. Let's talk about stock cars!
Me: No thanks, not right now. I think I want to listen to the quiet and look out the window for a bit.
LM: Okay, but when you are done, do you want to talk about race cars?
Me: Maybe. We'll see.
LM: okay.

Anyway, that is an fine example of our conversations these days. Fun, eh!? No, really, they are fun, I enjoy them. But, we need a new topic. This one has been discussed to death!

Oh, and another cute conversation:
LM: We are going to Cramma and Crampa's house for Thanksgiving. (that is how he says Grandma and Grandpa)
GaMommy: Insert voice of Charlie Brown's teacher here - I don't know what she said, I only heard his side of the conversation.
LM: We are going to have turkey.
GM: She probably said, "do you like turkey"
LM: Yup
GM: She told me later she said, "What are you going to wear for Thanksgiving."
LM: I'm gonna look like a ragamuffin.
everyone: laughing

This was really funny, because it is so true, however, I later realized that he thinks that 'ragamuffin' is a good thing. After he took a shower this evening, I combed his hair and he looked in the mirror and after smiling at himself he said, "I look like a ragamuffin." So, I think he is a bit confused. Cute, but confused. Especially since he will undoubtedly look like a ragamuffin!!!

Playground time

The sun was out today for the first time in many days and this warranted a trip to the playground. Although it was chilly and both boys were tired, we had fun. It was good to be outside playing!

Just now mentioning it

This is not a new thing, but I am pretty sure I haven't mentioned it. My boys are wonderful and love each other and are destined to be best friends. They have forgotten how to play by themselves all of a sudden... for the most part. They prefer to be in each other's company and enjoy making the other one laugh. They share (as best a toddler and preschooler can), they play with the same toys, and they look for each other when he isn't in the same room. It is really cute! I know this won't last... and even if they continue to enjoy playing nicely together, there will be times where they need their space, but for the moment, I am seeing a glimpse of a wonderful brotherly relationship in the future.

Now, don't get me wrong, it isn't always peaches and cream. There is still the occasional pushing, biting, taking toys and running for dear life, screaming, and personal assaults just short of maiming... but for the most part, it is pleasant. Also, they aren't always playing together... for which I am thankful, because, it is much harder on me when they play together (constant vigilance, constant). Squeaker still enjoys toddling over to his book shelf, examining the queue and pulling out the book of choice, plopping on the floor and just looking through the pages, with an occasional animal sound or hand gesture to communicate his understanding of what he is reading. And, the Little Man still enjoys racing his matchbox cars, shake and go cars and racetrack, reading, and doing 'art projects', in which Squeaker most definitely is not allowed to participate.

I am so excited to see if I will look back at this post and laugh hysterically at my naivete or if I will be in awe of my foresight! I guess time will tell. :)

Not sure where the week went

Seriously, I have no idea! I can't believe, but am so thankful, that tomorrow is Friday! Not really sure what we did this week, but I am pretty sure it involved lack of sleep because I am really tired. I guess the biggest news is that Squeaker is trying to switch from two naps to one. That would be fine but isn't he too young? And, how the heck is he going to manage one nap when he is woken up constantly by his big brother. Tricky times. Maybe we need a bigger house or warmer weather so the LM can go outside and play for three months while Squeaker figures this thing out. :)

As a side note, this is the worst possible time to sell a house, so maybe a few extra prayers to send some potential home buyers our way??? Thanks!

Kids say the darndest things

So my grandma has/had this book called Kids Say the Darndest Things. There was this show with Art Linkletter, that was before my time, where they asked kids questions and just waited to hear what came out of their adorable little mouths. I think Bill Cosby did a more recent version a few years back. I think everyone should write down the things that kids say and just compile it somewhere in cyberspace for those who might just need a laugh now and then. It is great. Kids are great. And, more specifically, my kids are great! I can't wait until I have two talkers to crack me up on a constant basis.

Anyway, a recent comment made by the Little Man got me thinking about that book and I think you should all check it out if you haven't already. So, we are on our way back from IKEA... we love IKEA... and the Little Man fell asleep. As we got closer to home, he woke up and once he was no longer delirious (telling me that he did not want to play that game) he started screaming. I had no idea what the heck was going on. So, after I got him to calm down, and 'use his words', he tells me in a frantic, but really trying to be calm, voice, "My leg is breaking apart!" So, I am pretty sure he woke up before his leg did and this might have been the first time he felt that wonderful 'pins and needles' feeling... so after I stifled my laugh, I explained it to him. Of course, he didn't hear me because he was convinced he was losing his leg right then and there and he needed it to walk. Oh dear, how do you explain this to a three year old??? Anyway, I asked him later if his leg was still breaking apart and he said, "No, I stopped crying when it got put back together, silly." Oh, okay then.

The great debate

The question always comes up... or people just offer their opinions... Now we have 'scientific proof' of who each of our kids looks more like - mommy or daddy?

Squeaker



Little Man

Leaves, anyone?

We have about 2.5 billion in our back yard. And probably another few hundred thousand in our front. :) Squeaker would like to share some with you. And, after spending a couple hours raking them to find the same number on the lawn the next day, I am quite willing to share as well. No, really, it is not a problem. You would like our leaves, they are big, colorful and abundant! Enjoy!

So much to say - or not, depending

So, in case I didn't mention it, we took our house off the market on October 15th. That gave us enough time to relax a bit with the house cleaning so that we could clean it all back up again for a random showing (nothing came of it), then again for Squeaker's party... then again a week later for LM's birthday... and now, yet again, for putting it back on the market. We took it off for a short break, to do some painting, and to change our realtor. We know ahead of time that this is the worse possible time to put a house on the market, but we are getting tired of our current state of limbo. Our new realtor seems to think that it is better now in the event that it may sell, an extra few months. I suppose we can always take it off during the holidays, too.

Anyway, as we are preparing the house for the hoards of people who will be coming through (um, yah), both boys, and mommy, have been under the weather, we have had company, and lots of rearranging due to painting. Our house is a MESS!!! And, now that I am ready to clean, my boys, have decided that they would like to alternate naps or forgo the nap all together -- not helpful, by the way.

Oh yah, and the other thing, we are working on getting Squeaker to take a bottle. Right now, we are pleased that he takes one from Mommy about 90% of the time. Today, for example, after he bit me, he got a 4 oz bottle, which he downed, then another 3 oz an hour later. (and he had nursed an hour prior to all this, too). So, guess he is feeling better, but may have turned his attention to growing??? I hope our sleeping goes well tonight, because, I have a lot of cleaning to do after the boys are in bed. Fun times, wanna join us?

On a happier note, I had a parent teacher conference at LM's preschool -- apparently they are concerned that his language skills are not age appropriate. Um, WHAT???? So, they didn't say that, they just said they were concerned that they might be because, get this... he does not talk! Holy cow, I would switch places with them in a heartbeat. He won't shut up at home! :) And, in case you were wondering, he does have age appropriate and maybe even above age level language skills.

Happy Birthday-Halloween, Little Man

So, today the Little Man turns 3... THREE, what in the world, where did these three years go? He went from a tiny little bundle who was perfect in every way, to a larger, snuggly bundle who has opinions, attitude and some good darn brains. What an amazing little boy!

To top it all of, this year he 'got' the whole birthday thing. How fun!!! He thoroughly enjoyed figuring out what he wanted for his birthday and assigned these gifts to unsuspecting family and friends. Lucky for us, he have forgotten half the gifts he 'wants' and was so infatuated with all the gifts he did receive.


This year, also, he 'got' Halloween. I can't wait to see him to run door-to-door and politely announce 'trick-or-treat' as we have practiced. Since he isn't a big fan of being outside at night and we aren't sure how the costumes will be received (those worn by others) we shall see how the night goes. Maybe he'll be too distracted by the candy?


Anyway, Happy Halloween and Happy Birthday!!!

2 years later....

It is finished. Here are some pages of the final product. I should have taken a picture of the sideview, but just know that is THICK!

I've got nothin'

Kids sick, crazy week on the news, and busy week at home. Sorry for lack of posting. And... I think i may be getting sick (thanks boys) so hopefully I can finagle some down time this weekend to post something. Have a great weekend!

One kid down, one more to go

October is a busy month for us... Squeaker had some great celebrations for his big day -- we celebrated on his actual birthday and then again on Sunday with some family and friends. And, although not everyone was there that we would have liked to share this special day with, we sure had a full house! Of course, it wouldn't take much for our house -- but LUCKILY the weather could not have been better. It was gorgeous. The kids had a great time playing outside then we all enjoyed some bbq before our monkey cake and banana splits. (yummy)



It was a wonderful day and it was great to be all together to dote on the new 1 year old!

Just Like Uncle Sean

Look at this cool gift Uncle Will brought for the Little Man last night!!! Now LM can be just like Uncle Sean. Go Hoos!

Happy Birthday, Squeaker!

I can't believe you are ONE! Where did this year go? One year ago, to the hour, you were jump-starting your entrance into the world. One year ago, I had to frantically get some things together and call Daddy at work to come home, call our friends over to play with your brother, and get ready for the uncertainty of what the day would bring. One year ago, we were off to the doctor for our 36 week checkup (a bit early) and you wanted O U T! So, out you came, and what a beautiful baby you were. Since that wonderful day, you have given us a run for our money... but we wouldn't trade any of it for you are such a wonderful, sweet, and precious little boy. You still love to make sure we know you are the boss:



And your smile is hysterical:



But most of all, you are loving and we all LOVE YOU!


Happy 1st Birthday, our little monkey!

Finally, some video

Now that this video is posted, it is outdated, because it took me so long to edit down all 15 minutes to a reasonable length for online viewing... well, reasonable to me, it might still be too long for you all. :) Tough, deal with it!



Squeaker Sign Language from farfromca on Vimeo.

Pictures from today

Here is what we did before lunch.

Here is what we did after.

Fun day!!!

Modeling boys and stuff

The Little Man was striking a pose with his new (consignment sale) kicks. Adorable! Mommy is so jealous.

Squeaker modeling his backpack. He was so proud of himself... walking around the (messy) living room!


And stuff:

* Squeaker decided to curtail the sleeping through the night thing, as I had guessed he would after I so proudly (and stupidly) posted the news.
* Squeaker has also reversed his diaper habits from never to always. I swear I change at least 2-3 poops a day... yesterday -- 5! What the heck!!!???
* The Little Man's new mantra: "I don't want to go to preschool EVER again". This just pops out of his mouth several times throughout the day. Nothing appears to trigger it, and in case you are concerned... he ADORES preschool! (I know this because he always gets in the car after preschool with the exclamation, "I love my preschool. I had a great time today.")
* I am sick of having our house on the market and it not selling. Clearly you all aren't doing your job spreading the word about our lovely home. I want it SOLD! So, in that spirit, we are taking it off the market on Monday. No, no, not giving up... we are taking matters into our own hands... we are going to make this place irresistible! Our house is wonderful, everyone who comes to look at it says so. But, it is just not "IT". They all continue on to find a house similar to ours that maybe has a few more upgrades, and maybe in a nicer neighborhood. We can't change the neighborhood, but we can add in a few more niceties. We will keep you posted.
* My babies are getting older. It is a sad month for me. It is really hard to believe that my once bald, chubby little man is turning 3. He is slim, articulate, and smart as a whip.... No way he's the same baby we sat around staring at for hours at a time as he blew bubbles with his spit. (okay, that was just me... the staring part, not the bubbles) And, Squeaker... ONE? Are you kidding me? I was just pregnant. I can't believe that a year has passed since his early arrival... where has this year gone???? At least I have pictures.
*Enough about me and my kids... how bout this weather, eh? It is like summer!!!!! It really is nice, however I am concerned that we are going to miss out on a lovely fall and skip right into a brutal winter. THAT would NOT be good.
* Oh, and for those who might be interested... I LOVE my new computer. It is great. I can count how many times I have used my old computer on one hand since this one arrived. I am currently playing with the iMovie program and hope to whittle down a 10 minute segment of Squeaker showing off to a more manageable clip. Maybe in the next day or two, if I get a child-free naptime.

Okay, enough randomness for one post.

Soccer musings

The Little Man just woke up from his afternoon nap (a long nap, too... yeah). He came out wearing his shinguards, soccer socks, and shoes... no pants....

Looking as cute as he was, I giggled and this is the conversations that followed:

Me: Wow, look at you!
LM: Yup, I woked up and said, "oh YAH... soccer!" (a little ye-yah in the 'yah')
Me: you did, huh. Well, it looks like you are all ready.
LM: Oh yah, i put on my soccer stuff when I woked up so I could play soccer.
Me: you sure did, but you forgot your pants.
LM: Oh... oh, it might be tricky with this stuff, will you help me?
Me: sure, go get your stuff.
LM: (after all dressed) you are supposed to say he's so clever
Me: Oh, oops... okay, Boy, you are such a clever boy!
LM: (beeming)
a minute passes and he is still holding his soccer ball.... then he puts on his goggles
LM: I need these goggles to protect me in case I get hurt playing soccer.
Me: Well, it looks like you are ready, then.

Might be jinxing myself

So, it is naptime here in the 'crib' (heehee) and well, I just plain waited too long to put the Squeaker down and he is in there chatting up a storm. He is having a good time, but not asleep. Oh well. But this is not why I am writing this post -- I am writing because I feel the need to share our progress. Yes, I know, I might have ruined my chances for this sleeping streak to continue, but we have had 5, yes FIVE, full nights of sleep. (feel free to applaud here) Squeaker has turned a corner. Good timing - now I can show up in the pediatrician's office and tell her that, yes, my little baby is sleeping through the night without lying and not get reprimanded because he should have been doing it for months. He is such a stinker (in addition to being a squeaker) and has been making sure that we know that he wants things done his way his whole little life. Finally, we get some reprieve. We are thrilled.

On another note, if you have any monkey-themed party ideas, feel free to pass them on. Here is what we have so far: Banana splits, monkey cake (cuz you HAVE to have cake), and pin the tail on the monkey. I haven't given it much thought, but I did send out the invitations, so that is definitely a start!

Today was a great day

It is so beautiful these days. I love fall! No humidity and everyone is outside. It is great. There are fewer bugs (but still bugs) and believe it or not, the pool is actually quite nice. Now, I usually don't swim this late in the season, but well, um... I went for a 'dip' yesterday... sort of. You see, I also don't usually clean leaves out of the pool either, and apparently I need some practice learning how to stand on my own two feet while doing so. Yah, oopsy! Oh, and my cell phone was in my pocket and I had the baby monitor on my belt loop.

Daddy took the Little Man to the UVA football game yesterday and they both had a great time... after the fiasco during the drive down. So, when they were just about there (and the LM took only an hour nap :(), they got rear-ended. After an hour of waiting for the police to finish up, they were off to see Aunt Em... who had just locked herself out of her house. Yah, pretty much any day would be a better day.

Oh, and the baby monitor is working today... but the cell phone has perished.

Life isn't fair

Poor Squeaker... he is growing 3 teeth at one time! They have all started to cut through the skin. poor kid, they are taking forever to finish the job. No wonder he is so cranky. The two that are coming out on the bottom came out of nowhere. So glad we forget this as we get older.

No. More. Poops.

So, I take back any previous complaints/statements/thoughts I might have had regarding the Squeaker's constipation issues. I think I might actually prefer that to what we have going on right now. I am sure he is sick, with some unknown virus, but come on already....

He has been going through about 8 diapers a day (only 2-3 being just wet) and several wardrobe changes. I am tired of changing poopie diapers and my house smells.

Wanna come over for a visit?

Soccer Boy

On the way home from his "soccer practice", the Little Man must have said about 20 times that he, "really really loves his soccer class", and that he "really likes his unishorts" (which is what he calls his uniform). He is hilarious. It was great to watch. He was so attentive to the coach and really did a great job dribbling and kicking the ball at whatever target he was told to kick toward. Here is some video before the class started this morning.

More Musings -- two in a row, he is on a roll

LM: Mommy, leave the doors open (on the car).
Mommy: I can't, I am driving.
LM: But leave them open when we are driving.
Mommy: I can't, it isn't safe. Something might fall out of the car, or you might fall out of the car.
LM: No, I can't fall out, I am buckled in tight. I can't fall, see. (demonstrates, as best he can)
Mommy: You are right, you probably wouldn't fall out if you are strapped into your car seat. But, it just isn't safe. What if another car was going to hit us. If the door was there, it would hit the door. If the door is open, the car could hit you.
LM: Well, then stop the car and let me out before the car hits us.
Mommy: (silence)
What the heck do you say to that! :)

Musings.... that freak daddy out

In the car this morning, on the way home from playing, this is the conversation in our car:

LM: Oh NO!
Mommy: What, buddy?
LM: (Squeaker) is getting bigger and bigger. He is not going to be a baby any more.
Mommy: You are right. He is getting to be a big boy.
LM: Oh dear. What are we going to do?
Mommy: I don't know. He is getting older just like you.
LM: I guess we need a new baby then.
Mommy: Oh, really. We need a new baby?
LM: Yes we do. We need a baby once (Squeaker) gets bigger.
Mommy: So, where do we get a new baby from?
LM: From your tummy.
Mommy: Ah... you are right. I guess we should talk to Daddy about that one.
LM: Okay, I'll call him in a couple bits.

("couple bits" is his combo for "in a bit" and "in a couple minutes")

Yah, so we called Daddy at work and the Little Man relayed this message to him. I think it might have freaked Daddy out just a tad, but it was all in good fun. And, FYI, no new babies in our immediate future. :)

Advice

Can someone please tell me how to keep my Squeaker from scaling the oven! He is quite persistent on the matter... it is driving me nuts, especially since I currently have the oven set to 400 degrees.

Naptime, Interrupted

So, for the first time in MONTHS, Mommy tried to take a nap during 'naptime'. The Little Man went down at 1pm and Squeaker was in bed at 1, but didn't fall asleep until closer to 2. After Squeaker was confirmed to be asleep, Mommy lay down for a little rest, figuring at least an hour would suffice. After all, the Little Man had school this morning (for sure that would have worn him out) and Squeaker had a speech therapy appointment (consuming his morning leaving no time for a nap)... both would be asleep for hours! Well, 2:15pm and what do we hear??? "Hi Mommy! I am done with my nap." Hmmm... didn't work out exactly as planned. So, the Little Man gets a special treat and gets to watch Cars while Mommy does some searching on the internet for party ideas for an impending one year old birthday bash... WOO HOO. I am almost in denial that Squeaker is almost 1. It amazes me that he is growing up, but also that it has only been a year that he has been in our lives. Seems like he has been here as long as the Little Man.

Wow, what a couple of weeks

Well, the Little Man started preschool. So far so good. He wasn't really sure about it and kept saying he didn't want to go (anxiety) but, much to my relief, he walked out the first day and said, "I love my preschool". He knows his teachers' names, his class name (Rainbow Bears), where the potty is, and even some of his friends' names. It is so cute. Yesterday, he recounted the whole 3 hours to me in the car in about 10 minutes. He didn't stop talking. He loves it... which makes ME love it. I am now wishing I had signed him up for a 3 day/week class. Oh well, next year.

Our trip to CA was great, despite the short visit. We remembered why we bought a seat for the Little Man when he was under 2 (you don't have to until they are 2)... the Squeaker gave me the best upper body workout. He would NOT sit STILL! The woman across the aisle said, "Boy, you have your hands full, he is a powerhouse." Yup, he sure is. Strength is definitely NOT our issue.

Speaking of issues, we have a speech therapy evaluation for Squeaker tomorrow morning to assess his ability to drink liquids. He does not take in enough volume from any sort of cup - and definitely not in an efficient manner. So, unless I am planning to going to college with him so he can drink, I figured I'd get this whole drinking thing worked out.

I can't believe that some of the kids we know are turning 3! THREE! How does that happen that three whole years have come and gone and now there is another child that will be on the same super speedway to leaving his mommy forever? Hard to imagine that we have been parents that long, even harder to believe that these two kids we have are so amazing and wonderful every day!!!

What goes on in that little head

The Little Man needed to change his clothes this evening (due to making a huge mess, with mommy's approval) and had been stripped to his cool soccerball underwear. He heads to his room to get new shorts and shirt and comes back with elmo underwear on top of his soccer ball underwear. oh, and no shirt, no shorts. Hmmm... not sure why. He kept it like that the rest of the day. He didn't even mind pulling down both pairs when going potty Guess he felt like he needed the extra security? Silly silly boy.

Also, have noticed he is making up words all over the place. He makes up names of games he wants to play, things that he will see, things he has already seen, etc. Sometimes we have to remind him that we only know 'regular' words and really can't figure out what the heck he is saying. Again, silly boy.

The Little Man's new decor

Squeaker's Surprise

Okay, so yah, the video was rotated. Since I was using my camera, I didn't think anything of it. It took me a while to figure out how to rotate it so you don't get a crick in your neck. It is a little blurry and misshapen, but at least you don't have to lay on your side. Oh, and a special thanks to our midget cameraman! He did awesome!!!

Craving

I am craving stuff:

Going to a movie
Visiting an amusement park
Camping at the beach
Sewing
Scrapbooking
Sleep

What is wrong with me? It is not like I am deprived of fun things to do... I mean, we go to the park several times a week, we swim, we go for walks, we go on trips, we have friends... So, what is the deal?

Sushi, anyone?

How to burn energy on the road

A tip we learned when traveling with a rambunctious 2 year old. Make the most of what you've got! So, in order to manage a long car ride, we must burn energy. So, before hopping in the car for a 3 hour drive, here is what you do:



Well, it isn't our bed, right?

Then, on the drive, make all pee stops at fast food joints with a play area. FYI, Burger King has bigger, better, and cleaner play areas than McDonalds. All you have to do is buy a caffeinated soda for the drive to not feel guilty. :)

Birthday talks

LM: I want a big huge race car for my birthday.
Friend: Oh. I had my birthday. (Her birthday was in July) I had three birthdays.
LM: Oh, that's cool.
Friend: For my birthday, I got a big castle puzzle.
LM: Oh, COOL!
Friend: I will have my birthday again tomorrow. (tomorrow = July, in this case)
LM: that's cool, I am going to have my birthday, too.

-- Um... yah... Cool! :)

So, we have been talking a lot about birthdays. It is approaching "birthday season" with all the kids in playgroup and their new siblings. We have had 4 kids have their birthdays already (not all from playgroup) and have about 12 more coming up. So, with all this talk about birthdays, and gift-buying, Little Man is in a craze. He has found several things that he wants... and knows exactly who is going to purchase each of these gifts for him. I will give you a hint -- starts with a "g" and ends with "mommy". So, in the event that she decides not to shell out $300 bucks or whatever the grand total might be, I thought I would at least keep a record of his 'wants' online. This is truly a wish list. I sincerely hope that he forgets all these things by the end of October.

A water gun
A dark purple computer
A big huge race car
A remote control car
A motorcycle and motorcycle helmet
World Peace

okay, okay, I just added the last one in so he didn't sound like a completely spoiled and selfish child! :)

Kissable Faces

I may be a bit biased, but aren't these just the cutest faces you have ever seen???

It Figures

So, Friday and Saturday nights were not so good as far as sleep goes. I had decided that Sunday night would be the night we start doing whatever it was that we decided to do -- probably just let Squeaker cry (breaks my heart). He musta known something was up -- wouldn't you know it, he slept until 7:20am without waking up to eat once! I am just so very glad that he did that all on his own. I know he can do it, there just always seems to be a reason... sick, tummy ache, needs to poop, overtired, gassy, didn't eat all day (to distracted), etc. He was in good spirits Sunday, ate well (enough), took good naps, pooped, etc... so that left no reason for him to be awake last night. And, WHA LA, he wasn't. Yea, Squeaker! (Now, if it isn't asking too much, keep it going?!)

All better, almost

Squeaker is feeling better -- during the day. At night, however, he turns into this horrible, irrational, screaming, crazy baby... a couple times a night. Since he is not eating much during the day, like he forgot how to eat solids while being sick, I have been giving him the benefit of the doubt and letting him nurse at night. He may think this is great, but I, on the other hand, do not! After this weekend (we are off to visit Grandma and Grandpa), something is going to change. Do you hear that, Squeaker? Change! If it involves a screamfest for 3 nights straight so that the Little Man gets so little sleep he turns into a monster, I. Don't. CARE! Mommy is tired, tired leads to cranky, and cranky leads yelling and yelling is no fun! At 10 mos old, you should sleep through the night regularly... not just when you feel like it.... got it!?

You can read more next week on how mommy got suckered in and failed miserably at her attempt to get rest.

And yet another

Add "Bath" to the list of signs that Squeaker amazes us with. He is also working on "sleep" but his hand gets stuck at his mouth. He finally figured it out (once) and started slapping his head... close enough for mommy! :) I really need to get the video rolling.

Also, we aren't eating. Perhaps concentrating all energy on figuring out signs, but it is not good... especially for diaper changes. Changing a very squirmy 10 (yes, 10 mos in a mere 4 days) month old when the output is that of a newborn is NOT not NOT fun! Did I mention it was not fun? I might keep him in a dirty diaper until daddy comes home. I might, I really might.

Friends

I know this picture is about a month old, but it is so cute I had to post it!

Cuties and Sign Language

First, a picture of the Little Man and Squeaker just before bed in their cute matching style jammies.


So, the Squeaker is quite taken with the whole baby sign language thing. He loves to guess how to move his hands when he wants something. Some of the signs he knows and does frequently are:


eat
more
cracker
milk
and even combines more and milk
all done
water


This picture is of Squeaker signing "water" (or eat, we aren't sure. they are sometimes the same- sometimes water includes a finger in his mouth like a straw.)

Why?

But, why? Why, Mommy? Why? Why? Why?

So, we are fully immersed in the "why" stage. Holy cow, it just hit us like a mac truck. One day, the Little Man decided it would be fun to stick a 'why' after everything I say. Ga-mommy suggested a clever retort... but now we get that repeated back to us - not only when we don't answer him (he answers for us), but when we use the word 'why' as well. For example:

Me: Why did you throw that piece of bread?
LM: Because why is a crooked letter.

or

LM: why, why, why, why mommy, why?
Me: (silence - ignoring)
LM: Cuz why is a crooked letter?
Me: I suppose so.

Speaking of "supposing so", at dinner today, I asked the Little Man if he was so hungry because he ate his dinner so quickly. His response... "I suppose so, Mommy."

Sick Squeaker

Not sure I have much to say, other than, sick again. Seems to be that a low grade, intermittent fever combined with a snotty nose and poor appetite is a sure sign of a summer virus. Just wish it would go away - such an unhappy little guy. Crying a lot, wants to be held, not sleeping well, and just plain cranky. Oh well, it is the weekend, yaahoo. This means that at the very least I won't have to hold 22 solid lbs all day.. i might get a break every once in a while. I hope.

The Little Man has been wonderful the past couple days (after some really awful awful days - usually around not playing nicely with his friends) so that is a blessing! Hoping for more of those blessings coming up.

No walking yet

So, I am not holding my breath for the walking. The lack of interest is amazing. :) If I had to venture a guess, it is too much work. Why focus my energy on walking, when I have to crawl so fast to keep up with my brother already. So, since the Squeaker has decided to wait on the walking (which is fine except that he really enjoys being upright and will not sit when you set him down on the floor... he wants to stand) he has modified his crawl to be a pseudo-walk-crawl thing. It gives him more maneuverability and some amount of verticalness. It is a sort of bear crawl, walk, regular crawl, tripod type thing. Very amusing to watch. And, once I figure out how to get video onto my new computer (which is probably not difficult but takes time - of which i am limited), I will post the crawl and the Squeaker saying his version of 'cracker'.

Clever

After putting together some small boxes from our IKEA trip yesterday, these pieces of cardboard were left over:


The Little Man was playing with them. At one point, he abandoned these fun new toys in a hurry. He came back a few minutes later, toys in tow. Here is the reason he had to take off so quickly:


Such a clever boy! When we play soccer, there are usually no goals, it is just kicking the ball around and chasing after it with Mommy and Daddy shouting, "Use your feet, No Hands!" Anyway, he must have picked up on the goal posts from our infrequent visits to see Uncle Sean play, or at the park, or on TV.

Vertical Challenges

This is not a reference to any one's (and I am not naming names) height... it is reference to Squeakers new obsession. Climbing. Now, I am all for physical activity and stuff, but come on, stop it already. I think, if he put his mind to it, he could transfer this obsession to a more horizontal pastime - you know, walking. He is so driven, it is almost funny. I put him down in the hallway, and since the bathroom door was closed (his most favorite place of all) he bee-lined for big brother's room. He went straight toward his bed and ascended it with little difficulty. I carried him out into the hall about 10 times, and each time he bee-lined straight back to the bed for another go. Geez, give it a rest. So, now all rooms are closed up on a regular basis - the Little Man will follow up if I miss one - and that leaves no bed for climbing. Alas, since he is my child, and brilliant, he finds many other vertical surfaces to investigate:

modular storage shelf
computer armorie
buffet cabinet
window ledge
toy basket
side of a dining room chair
wall (pulling on a cord to help him up -- guess we should remove that)
kitchen cabinets

He will literally lift up his leg to search for ledge to put his cute little toes on, lift up with his amazingly strong arms, and pull until he has managed both feet off the floor. Usually, there is no where else to go but for that one step, but I am sure when his legs get longer, we are in TROUBLE. I understand we have his Uncle Will to blame for this one. :)

On a side note, we are pretty sure that Squeaker also said his first word yesterday, I will let you guess what it was - but I don't think you will get it, unless I have already told you and then that is just cheating!

Not much going on

Sorry for the lack of posting, not much has been going on. Well, I should say, nothing exciting is going on. Squeaker is so close to walking, but has not figured out that he needs to move his feet to move forward. He tries to walk by leaning forward, and then proceeds to fall down, face first. Silly boy, move those feet! :) (Not that I am in a hurry, but frustration is becoming the norm for squeaker). So, speaking of frustration, Squeaker has quite a temper. I had no idea that 9 mo old babies could throw temper tantrums... guess we missed that one with the Little Man, who was and is quite mellow.

So, update on our week:
- got a Mac and have been trying to move our important files over all week
- finished books 6 (re-read) and 7 of Harry Potter
- Squeaker needs more iron in his diet, so the doctor told us to give him vitamins... apparently they upset his stomach after much trial and error with dosage and time of day, we are now going to go without the vitamins and hope he is okay when he goes back to the doctor to check his blood next month
- vitamin intolerance and a virus have made sleeping a bit difficult. One full night's sleep in the past week - not good
- people have been coming to look at the house, but still aren't conviced they want to pay 50,000 more for ours when the 30 other homes in our neighborhood are the same, but foreclosing.
- wish we were in Santa Barbara at the beach with the family. :(
- The Little Man got into a preschool and will be going 2 mornings a week - he is SOOOOO ready! And, he tells me that he will cry a little bit at school when I leave him there with the other kids.

Shoe Fettish

So, my two year old has a shoe fettish. Well, more specifically, he has a mommy who thinks that little shoes are so cute and thus has created this fettish. Since he has so many shoes, the Little Man needs to keep them all straight, so they have been given names:

Climbing Shoes

Jumping Shoes

New-red-crocs-with-mickey-mouse-lightening-mcqueen-a duck-and-a-bee sometimes all in one breath and sometimes shortened to 'red crocs' - of all things!

Regular Crocs

Running shoes

So BIG

How big is Squeaker?

Soooooo BIG!

And, sometimes when he is just sitting there, we'll hear a squeal, look back and he has his hands over his head - playing "so big" by himself -- how CUTE!



By the way, we are taking bets on first steps. My guess is July 31st. Anyone else have a guess? If you need a little context, here is a picture take yesterday of him standing and so proud of himself. :)