Stuck inside, all of us sick together ~ October 15th, 2013

Pretty sure we're recovering from the flu. I'm glad, for once, that I got a flu shot though since I haven't been as sick as Jamie or Nora but I'm exhausted as it is as I enter the third trimester. Then again, I'm the mom so I'm suppose to magically cure everything. It's a daunting, albeit heart swelling, feeling of love and responsibility. How can I recover and keep our child from going stir crazy? So we've been trying to entertain Nora in an effort to appease her in our self-enforced quarantine.

 

So we busted out the butterfly wings I was saving for an emergency backup Halloween costume since our fashionista can be a bit fickle. They now are cause for flights around the house and terrorizing the cats that we view as a win-win, exercise for her and punishment for them.

Then a magical thing happened this morning, our wonderful friend, Nicole. She offered to come get Nora and have her hang out with Evie, her daughter and Nora's best friend. I wanted to cry but I was too busy stuffing belongings in a butterfly backpack and Nora had her outfit selected and on in less than 10 minutes.

 

We gave her my 10+ year old laptop to play on and she is obsessed with trying to type her name and understanding the mystery of the screensaver. She shouts with awe and wonder when it appears, "Mom, Dad, look!"  Then proceeds to wildly tap on several keys at once like a deranged piano player or your worst nightmare of a cubicle neighbor. She becomes frustrated, blows her bangs out of the way, and shrugs in temporary defeat. The screensaver is gone. This marks the moment for a dance break.

When all else fails, call in your complaints to friends on your imaginary phone.

 

She's also captivated with an old pillowcase that she found in the charity box that she's fashioned into a cape, a swaddling blanket for her "brudda' doll", a snuggie for herself, and a self-imposed straight jacket (I think that one is a mistake) that have kept her busy at moments. The cats were unwilling to let her dress them though.

 

Nicole, we love you.

 

Time for more Tylenol, some Christmas movies (starting with Die Hard), and a big box of Kleenex...or sleep. Hmmm, sleep.

Spelling is no longer safe ~ October 14th, 2013

We can no longer use the trick of spelling out words to speak in code around Nora. I asked Jamie if he thought Nora should have a "p-o-u-c-h" and she responded instead with, "Pouch? Yeah, ok."

The nesting has begun ~ October 13, 2013

We're all fighting off some form of viral illness and trying not to go mad with cabin fever so today is the perfect day to take advantage of having Jamie at home to help with house projects that I can't complete on my own. One of the more urgent ones, reorganizing Nora's room from hers to "theirs".

Betsy and Colby graciously gave us the matching bed to Nora's so we can use them as bunk beds down the road. Not only that, they gave us matching twin bedsets that Nora was so excited to see unveiled that she gasped, "Oh, I like!" when she spotted them.

The beds will be side-by-side for now so that our monkey girl stops climbing the bunk beds. This also gives her friends something to bounce on when they're over and a place for Jamie to crash when my pregnant rhinoceros snoring becomes overwhelming.

It's hard to believe that we'll be having a second child shortly when we're still shocked that we were able to have Nora. Seeing the room come together made it that much more real that this is imminent.

Jamie and I stood in wonder staring at the room once we had finished with so many reflections on what the tableau brought to mind; having the beds from his childhood, the idea of our old bedroom housing not one but TWO of our kids, and the idea that we're parents after so many obstacles and all of it happened in its own time as a surprise each time. Life is so strange and wonderful.

Let's hope little guy is happy with having the bed by the window someday
because Nora wasn't giving up her bed for nothin'! For now my bear is his marker.

 

She loves her lamp (the first item we ever purchased for her) and these are her
 two favorite bedtime books...hmm, I don't see an "I Love You, Mommy" book in there. Traitor.

We lined up Nora's favorite "cuddies" and noticed something that cracked us up. None of them smile.
They all look as nervous as the two of us at the idea of a new baby.

 

Hamming it up for the camera

Dancing queen ~ September 29, 2013

 

Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qk4qpndm1kc86y1/2013-09-29%2008.35.29.mp4

 

 

 

Helping mama register for little brother

Practicing for brudda'

Anyone watched "Parenthood" the movie lately?

Turkey

Rainy with a chance of lunacy ~ September 28th, 2013

Forecast is stormy all weekend. Been up since 3 something because "windows noisy" from the rain. Watching the movie Pitch Perfect, she's accompanying the music with marracas and her harmonica while farting.

ME DO!!! ~ September 27th, 2013

Nora and her newly acquired baby going for a ride.
Seatbelts for safety.

Our two year old is convinced that she is perfectly capable of managing any task and that we're just in her way. On one hand, I'm very proud that she has such confidence in herself and her abilities...on the other hand I want to rip my hair out, and then her own, when it comes to trying to convince her that certain tasks need to be completed by her mother, such as (but not limited to):

- Putting my bra on.
- Latching her and unlatching her into her carseat.
- Using a knife.
- Operating heavy machinery like a car or a Kitchenaid food processor.
- Wiping myself after using the toilet.
- Herding our chickens back into the coop.
- Pushing a grocery cart full of groceries through a parking lot.
- Navigating the zoo, the mall, elevators, or escalators on her own.

Things she can do on her own that still impress the hell out of us:

- Dress herself; including socks, shoes, and hat...jackets are tough. I agree.

- Climb up to the table, sit in her chair, eat a meal on her own, take her dishes to the counter, and push her chair in...and use a cloth napkin properly.

- Brush her teeth.

- Put herself to sleep.

- Take apart electronic items.

- Operate the remotes, smartphones, and tablets.

Things I look forward to her mastering:  the potty. Everything else is icing on the toddler cake of life.

I see old people. ~ September 17th, 2013

Originally we had planned on accompanying some of our friends to the zoo but they had a sleepless night and felt more like wild animals themselves and didn't want to view any that day. I had made the colossal mistake of mentioning "zoo" and "go" in the same sentence to our daughter so off we went.

 

Immediately upon entering the parking lot I sensed that something was not quite right. Where were all the strollers? Where was the telltale line of mothers with creatures? Why was I able to find parking so easily in a shady spot?

 

As I pulled into a spot I heard from the backseat, "I pee-peed!" So I went around to lay Nora on the opposite end of the backseat to change her diaper. In the midst of doing so a brand new Jaguar pulled in to the empty spot I was standing in and narrowly missed me. The other six empty spots near us were unsuitable I suppose. My bad, I should have known he was of the "but it's me" tribe. I grumbled to myself, glared at him, told him manically to have a great day, wondered why he left his car near me, and continued on with changing Nora.

 

As we walked to the entrance I reviewed the rules for the zoo with her:  we are not part of the exhibit, hold mama's hand, and if it's wet don't touch it. I wondered to myself why that old guy tried to run us over. Why was he in such a hurry? What was with all the luxury cars and disabled stickers...wait a minute!

 

Then I saw it in red LED lights on the display board above the ticket booth: "Free senior day."

 

Free senior day at the zoo? I hadn't heard of this but I thought it might be entertaining for Nora and it could mean she wouldn't have to fight with other kids to see the animals. There was no line to enter either because they were waving anyone that looked over 50 in with a simple "welcome". I was relieved that they didn't so to myself. The ticket booth warned me stoically that it was senior day. I responded, "Yeah, should be fairly quiet today." She looked at me with a smirk and said, "Not really." Hmm, bad day maybe? Not a fan of the senior citizen brigade? I would think "free" would be music to her ears since she only had to sit and stare for most of the day but maybe not.

 

Then we neared the ticket takers.  We see old people...and they're everywhere. Standing in clusters with maps, squinting through glasses, leaning on walkers, asking each other "WHAT?!", and loading onto limousine-sized golf carts nicknamed "Zoomers" being driven by doting volunteers. Nora clung to me a litter closer and gripped my hand. Maybe there would be hidden perks to this after all.

 

We avoided the Northwest exhibits and opted for the streamlined path that we typically took that started with the otters. Not so aromatic or crowded normally so it allowed for Nora to warm up to the idea of viewing animals.

 

As we entered the tunnel leading to the water mammals I noticed it smelled distinctly of ointment and pee. Nora exclaimed, "Pew! It stink!" An elderly couple shot a pair of menacing looks my way and I timidly responded to Nora while holding their eye contact, "Yes, honey, the animals can be stinky...let's go see them." Oh, if only this tunnel had a special bypass route.

 

The otters held little appeal for her since she now was convinced that they reeked of pee so we moved on to the sea lions. She was determined to take the stairs on her own down to the large viewing window and stood perfectly still while the seal did its loop up to the window in front of her. Displaying its belly up against the glass as it swooped into a back ben and sped away further into the tank to come back again and again while she stared in amazement. An elderly woman watched Nora with delight and approached us slowly using her walker for support. She couldn't make it down the stairs and settled for sitting on one of the sunken benches that ringed the exhibit window.

 

I took Nora's hand and led her back up the stairs and asked if she wanted to sit with me for a bit. She said ok and I made a point of sitting her near the woman but not too close. They had a short conversation about swimming, seals, and why they might stink. The lady asked me about Nora and was shocked that she was two. I'm not sure if she was trying to be flattering or was genuinely surprised but it was nice to hear all the same. She asked if she could rub my belly and I obliged her. Nora reminded me that I promised to see the polar bears so we wished her a good day and moved on.

We were both getting tired and I had promised her the train so I flagged down a zoomer to get a lift. Nora was all smiles and shouting, "Whoa!" We squeezed in next to an elderly woman with Nora in the middle. As I held onto Nora, the woman began talking to her, while farting loudly, and asking me about my pregnancy mentioning I must be due any day now. "Nope, only 22 weeks, thanks though." She then asked if he was kicking and groped my stomach before I could say anything to stop her. Nora came to the rescue, "NO! My baby! My brudda'!"

The lady cracked up laughing and commended Nora on being a protective sister. She looked up at her, gently patted her leg, and said sweetly with an understanding smile, "You pooped." The conversation abruptly ended. I was very proud of her and gave her a squeeze. Even a two year old knows that you're annoying lady. We were both relieved to be away from her and in line for the train shortly after departing the zoomer. The gentleman driving the cart gave us a knowing smile and wished us fun on the ride.

The train ride was wonderful! Peaceful and beautiful minus the loud conversations from the senior citizens and the odd gentleman seated in front of us who refused to stop staring at Nora even when she asked him to.



In this photo she was staring back at the old man staring at her and saying, "No like...stop it."

Nora commented how green it was, so many ferns, flowers, and happily ate her snacks. She reached for my hand and leaned against me with a sigh. It felt like magic, it was one of those moments that I had waited for over those many years in hopes of being a mother.

Then we got home. She refused to nap, two big stinky poops later and she refused to use the potty, and kept asking for "dada". This pregnant lady is looking forward to when I can sleep through the night without having to pee every few hours, when our children are potty trained, when we can take them on amusement rides...right now, I would just settle for a cocktail.

But as we cuddle on the couch watching Bob's Burgers, and I kiss her on her head, I remember the train ride together today, how my kisses are magic for her at this age and she tells me, "Elbow needs kiss." How my hugs can fix a bad day, the smiles she gives me, and our little jokes for each other. There are those don't understand my choice for staying at home with Nora but it's moments like those today that remind me why and how much I love being a mother.

 

 

Why I don't use my phone to talk. ~ September 15th, 2013

Children have an innate sense of technology. They understand that it can allow them lots of mayhem or is the obstacle to having their parents undivided attention. Our child is no different.

So on a mellow evening when I engaged in a phone conversation with my mother, while folding laundry in our bedroom, I thought nothing much of trying to complete the chat without our toddler's interruption since she was busy snuggling with my husband on the couch watching their favorite show together, Bob's Burgers. Oh, silly mama.

A small voice called from the doorway to our room, "Hi." I smiled at her endearingly and replied, "Hi." And attempted to continue speaking with my mother while folding my clothes. She approached the laundry basket and said again, "Hi." I replied, "Hi, Nora. I'm talking with Nana. I'll be out in a moment." Rookie mistake.

"Hi Gan-ma! Hi Nana! Hi..." Which of course solicited a five minute exchange between her and Grandma over the phone of saying "Hi" to one another and my mother giggling. We commenced our conversation and Nora sensed that she didn't have our attention. Stage 2 of her attention assault was under way. I will now dress myself in mama's clothes.

 




Taunting a pregnant woman with her granny pannies is like poking an angry bear. Unless of course you're adorable and two...then it's just hilarious.
 

Curses, her plan worked! I interrupted our conversation to use my phone to take these photos and said good bye to my mother. The two year old wins again.

Pictures of mama...

I'll freely admit, I don't like having my picture taken but I realize that I need to get over that since it has little to do with me and more to do with documenting a history for my children (now soon to be the plural). It's an issue that will always be a work in progress because:  1.) my husband takes the worst photos of me, 2.) I'm incredibly sensitive about bad photos of me, and 3.) all photos of me are bad.

Because of this, Jamie isn't fond of taking my picture or my criticisms (see captions below). So there are very few pictures of me in existence but we're trying to change that for Nora's sake and now for her little brother. We'll do our best to capture some better quality bump photos but I have to ask Jamie to take them and he's a little scared to...

Great shot of my breasts, Jamie...not quite sure how this has anything to do with my bump unless you're counting my chins. This gets a D-.

The least flattering photo of me...ever. Childbirth photos were better. I have a mystery stain on my shirt, three chins, and what looks like a homeless street kid's belongings next to me. I give this a F-.

This I obviously took myself, not good. I give it a C.

Better lighting, definitely shows the bump, total miss on wearing my slippers and getting them in the shot. C+ at best.

This photo would be great if it wasn't so hilariously obvious that no one uses our good camera but myself. Put the phone down and setup a tripod, Barb. Oh, and maybe clear all that shit out of the way before you take a pic. Shameful, D.

Again, pick up the other camera but good try minus the lack of supportive bra, the crap in the background, and the fact that you're having to take this picture yourself. C- based on principle.

Miss Nora + little brother! ~ August 30th, 2013

Can't believe we're having another baby and a BOY! The first grandson on either side of our family.

Nora didn't believe us that the baby in me is the one she was seeing on the monitor today at the ultrasound. She thought we were teasing and said, "No waaaay." Then smiled and said, "Hi, baby!" To my stomach like we were the silliest people ever and she would protect him...and so it begins.

The ultrasound tech, Matt, was wonderful and teased, shared stories, and put Nora at ease. When he told her that she once looked like the pictures we were seeing she gave him her classic "what you talkin' about Willis" pouty scowl indicating that his comment was most unwelcome. It cracked us all up. She went and stood in the corner to mutter to herself on her own accord.

Big baby boy, just like his sis...oh dear.

Quite clearly a boy once you know that what you're seeing is his right leg sprawled to the left...

Big feet!