It's been a super, ultra busy week. Today alone I:
3 kids up and dressed, fed
William on the bus
Amelia and Gemma to the store for last minute gifts/use a really good coupon
Amelia and Gemma to story time at the library*
Prepped gifts for: Ballet teacher, preschool teachers, bus driver, office staff, Gemma's day care provider, William's teacher, my classroom volunteers, and
Prepped game I was bringing for William's class party that afternoon (yes. I signed up to bring a game. At least I was smart enough not to sign up for coordinating the party, right?)
Packed lunches for Gemma and myself for Thursday.
Made lunch for Amelia, Gemma and myself
Ate lunch
Swept kitchen floor, clean up after lunch
Wrap gifts for babysitter, have Amelia and Gemma color cards for the people we were giving gifts to
Chat with my grandma on the phone
Give report to John
Leave for William's Christmas class party (hope to post a pic soon)
Run a game for William's class party. Drop off gifts to office staff and William's teacher.
Come home - John allows me a 15 minute "time out"
Work on dinner
Eat dinner
Whole family out the door for Amelia's ballet open house (hope to post a pic soon)
Back home again, help William with homework due tomorrow (no pics of this) while John gives the girls a bath
Kids to bed - painfully slow tonight.
Pack up trays of cookies to bring to work tomorrow for John, Kelly, Amelia to take to preschool, and Gemma to take to the babysitter.
Collapse on couch
*I was mentally congratulating myself about being on time and organized for the library** when I realized I didn't have my purse. I didn't have my purse because it was still in the van. In the van with the doors locked. The doors were locked and the keys were inside the van. That was not on the agenda today. Thankfully, I have a friend who didn't mind bailing me out so I didn't have to a) wait for John to be able to leave work or 2) walk with the girls home sans stroller.
**This coupled with Tuesday's events make me wonder if I am not responsible enough to have keys. On Monday, I ran errands, did library time with Gemma and took Gemma to her 1 year dr appointment. I came home and put my keys down somewhere. Tuesday morning, I needed to hit the road and drop kids off all over town when I found my keys were missing. The keys were missing for the better part of the day until John finally located them around dinner time.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
18 Months
Ack.
Gemma turned 18 months old a week ago. I meant to sit down and write about this two days ago. This time of year just gets so busy sometimes. However, I did want to take a few moments to describe our little monkey so we can remember why we started getting gray hairs.
Gemma is always on the move. This is a hallmark of this age and totally normal. It is also totally exhausting. When William was this age, we just simply shut doors, put things up and didn't allow him access to things that were dangerous (ie: scissors) or messy (glue, markers). Being the third child means those simple steps just aren't that simple anymore. William and Amelia both need access to the bathroom or their room. While they do remember to shut the door most of the time, it is the 5% of the time when they forget. Those are the times we have entire bottles of soap squeezed onto the floor or Gemma standing fully dressed under the water spigot or Gemma dismantling entire cities of Lego creations.
For this reason, our Christmas tree is sitting up on a table so the highest ornaments are really out of reach. We only put a handful of nonbreakable ornaments on our tree just in case. At the start of the season, we had a strand of lights on the tree plugged into a timer that would automatically turn the lights off and on. The lights are still on the tree, but we finally had to unplug the lights and put away the timer. She would not leave it alone. We didn't even attempt to hang our stockings from the heavy metal stocking hangers on the fireplace. One good yank on the stocking and we would find ourselves in the ER for stitching up.
If she can't get to a soap/shampoo/lotion bottle to squirt it everywhere, Gemma would happily spread toothpaste all over the bathroom floor. I won't tell you how many times she has done this, but it is more times than you would think. She loves toothpaste and insists it be put on her toothpaste multiple times when she is brushing. She isn't picky about the toothbrush either and has taken to climbing onto the vanity (via the toilet) top to access a toothbrush that is out of her reach.
She has definite opinions and doesn't hesitate to express them. In the last several weeks, she has developed a scream. This scream will make you drop everything and come running to save her life. However, the scream usually indicates her outrage with her siblings for shutting doors, taking away their toys or pushing her out of their room. At dinner time, she will confidently shove away foods she doesn't care to eat and squawk for more of something else until I give in and give it to her. When we recently had some snow, I found some black snow boots in our cold weather gear in about her size. While I was looking for cold weather gear, Gemma found a pair of pink rain boots that are still too big for Amelia. They might fit William, not that he would wear them. Gemma would not hear of changing her shoes to something more sensible. She insisted upon wearing those pink rain boots the entire time we were outside (and even of awhile inside)
Eating is becoming more challenging as Gemma discovers new tastes, she abandons old one. If she eats a huge helping of peaches for lunch, she probably won't touch them again for another 6 weeks. If she wouldn't eat bananas at lunch time, she will put away a shocking amount at the next meal. The "favorite" food is ever changing and not at all consistent.
Words. We are starting to have understandable words (understandable by me. Although not always understood by me.). Gemma has about 20-30 words that I can make out. In the last several weeks, she has added words for Amelia (Me-Ma) and William (We-m). She also knows most of her body parts and animals sounds. Stubbornly, she is refusing to start working on learning her colors. Most of her speech is still babble. She will carry on a conversation about...something. I have several videos I hope to post of this because I think it is adorable.
Gemma turned 18 months old a week ago. I meant to sit down and write about this two days ago. This time of year just gets so busy sometimes. However, I did want to take a few moments to describe our little monkey so we can remember why we started getting gray hairs.
Gemma is always on the move. This is a hallmark of this age and totally normal. It is also totally exhausting. When William was this age, we just simply shut doors, put things up and didn't allow him access to things that were dangerous (ie: scissors) or messy (glue, markers). Being the third child means those simple steps just aren't that simple anymore. William and Amelia both need access to the bathroom or their room. While they do remember to shut the door most of the time, it is the 5% of the time when they forget. Those are the times we have entire bottles of soap squeezed onto the floor or Gemma standing fully dressed under the water spigot or Gemma dismantling entire cities of Lego creations.
For this reason, our Christmas tree is sitting up on a table so the highest ornaments are really out of reach. We only put a handful of nonbreakable ornaments on our tree just in case. At the start of the season, we had a strand of lights on the tree plugged into a timer that would automatically turn the lights off and on. The lights are still on the tree, but we finally had to unplug the lights and put away the timer. She would not leave it alone. We didn't even attempt to hang our stockings from the heavy metal stocking hangers on the fireplace. One good yank on the stocking and we would find ourselves in the ER for stitching up.
If she can't get to a soap/shampoo/lotion bottle to squirt it everywhere, Gemma would happily spread toothpaste all over the bathroom floor. I won't tell you how many times she has done this, but it is more times than you would think. She loves toothpaste and insists it be put on her toothpaste multiple times when she is brushing. She isn't picky about the toothbrush either and has taken to climbing onto the vanity (via the toilet) top to access a toothbrush that is out of her reach.
She has definite opinions and doesn't hesitate to express them. In the last several weeks, she has developed a scream. This scream will make you drop everything and come running to save her life. However, the scream usually indicates her outrage with her siblings for shutting doors, taking away their toys or pushing her out of their room. At dinner time, she will confidently shove away foods she doesn't care to eat and squawk for more of something else until I give in and give it to her. When we recently had some snow, I found some black snow boots in our cold weather gear in about her size. While I was looking for cold weather gear, Gemma found a pair of pink rain boots that are still too big for Amelia. They might fit William, not that he would wear them. Gemma would not hear of changing her shoes to something more sensible. She insisted upon wearing those pink rain boots the entire time we were outside (and even of awhile inside)
Eating is becoming more challenging as Gemma discovers new tastes, she abandons old one. If she eats a huge helping of peaches for lunch, she probably won't touch them again for another 6 weeks. If she wouldn't eat bananas at lunch time, she will put away a shocking amount at the next meal. The "favorite" food is ever changing and not at all consistent.
Words. We are starting to have understandable words (understandable by me. Although not always understood by me.). Gemma has about 20-30 words that I can make out. In the last several weeks, she has added words for Amelia (Me-Ma) and William (We-m). She also knows most of her body parts and animals sounds. Stubbornly, she is refusing to start working on learning her colors. Most of her speech is still babble. She will carry on a conversation about...something. I have several videos I hope to post of this because I think it is adorable.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Gemma's 18 Month Well visit
We had Gemma's rescheduled 18 month appointment this morning (rescheduled from last week). It might have been the most boring appointment in the history of appointments.
We'll get the exciting stuff out of the way right away.
Clearly, she is growing well. She is enormous.
The dr and I then had the following conversation:
Dr: So, do you have any questions?
Mama: I can't think of any questions. Do you want me to think of a question?
Dr: If you could, I'd feel better. I'd feel like I was doing my job better.
Mama: I still can't think of any questions.
Dr: Oh well, you tried. See you again this summer!
Then we discussed tooth brushing, eating habits, vitamins, flu shots and pigeon toed walking all in the span of about 3 minutes.
It was a good appointment and we'll be back next month to see the dr when we have to take William for his yearly physical.
We'll get the exciting stuff out of the way right away.
Height: 34 inches (98% for kids her age)
Weight: 26 lbs (70% for kids her age)
Weight: 26 lbs (70% for kids her age)
Head size: 19 inches (90% for kids her age)
Clearly, she is growing well. She is enormous.
The dr and I then had the following conversation:
Dr: So, do you have any questions?
Mama: I can't think of any questions. Do you want me to think of a question?
Dr: If you could, I'd feel better. I'd feel like I was doing my job better.
Mama: I still can't think of any questions.
Dr: Oh well, you tried. See you again this summer!
Then we discussed tooth brushing, eating habits, vitamins, flu shots and pigeon toed walking all in the span of about 3 minutes.
It was a good appointment and we'll be back next month to see the dr when we have to take William for his yearly physical.
Conversations
William: Hey Mom. Mom. MOM.
Mama: Huh? Oh. What is it William?
William: I just need to tell you something.
Mama: Sure. I'm listening now. With both ears.
William: I don't really believe in Santa.
Mama: You don't? Ok.
William: Yes. I'm sure I don't believe in Santa. You know, unless he is listening right now.
Mama: Seems like a good plan.
_____
Across the Thanksgiving table as people were just starting to fill their plates, Amelia decided it was time to tell her joke. Keep in mind there are 22 people squeezed in and around this table. (and now, it just occurs to me that I'm not sure who she originally told the joke to. My Grandma Nona answered Amelia in the end, but I'm not sure who Amelia meant to be telling the joke to)
Amelia: What is more important, your health or your wealth?
Grandma Nona: Well, that one is easy. Your health is more important than any money.
Amelia: Well, then give me 50 bucks*!
(everyone around her laughs heartily. Amelia looks stunned and then a little pleased with herself. Grandma asks her to repeat the punch line and Amelia complies with a Cheshire cat smile on her face.)
* This is most certainly from a joke book, although I'm not sure which one. We've been obessessed with jokes and puns lately and have checked out many joke/pun/riddle books from the library recently.
**Also note, I am 100% certain that Amelia doesn't have any idea what 50 bucks means or that it refers to money. She would really have no idea what the value of $50 has.
______
William: Hey. Could someone pass me the organ-al Hidden V@lley Ranch please?
Daddy: It isn't organ-al William. It is Original. Do you see that? Look at the letters. It spells original.
William: No, you are wrong. I sounded it out. It is organ-al Hidden V@lley Ranch. Just look at the letters Daddy.
Daddy: (big sigh) Here you go.
Mama: Huh? Oh. What is it William?
William: I just need to tell you something.
Mama: Sure. I'm listening now. With both ears.
William: I don't really believe in Santa.
Mama: You don't? Ok.
William: Yes. I'm sure I don't believe in Santa. You know, unless he is listening right now.
Mama: Seems like a good plan.
_____
Across the Thanksgiving table as people were just starting to fill their plates, Amelia decided it was time to tell her joke. Keep in mind there are 22 people squeezed in and around this table. (and now, it just occurs to me that I'm not sure who she originally told the joke to. My Grandma Nona answered Amelia in the end, but I'm not sure who Amelia meant to be telling the joke to)
Amelia: What is more important, your health or your wealth?
Grandma Nona: Well, that one is easy. Your health is more important than any money.
Amelia: Well, then give me 50 bucks*!
(everyone around her laughs heartily. Amelia looks stunned and then a little pleased with herself. Grandma asks her to repeat the punch line and Amelia complies with a Cheshire cat smile on her face.)
* This is most certainly from a joke book, although I'm not sure which one. We've been obessessed with jokes and puns lately and have checked out many joke/pun/riddle books from the library recently.
**Also note, I am 100% certain that Amelia doesn't have any idea what 50 bucks means or that it refers to money. She would really have no idea what the value of $50 has.
______
William: Hey. Could someone pass me the organ-al Hidden V@lley Ranch please?
Daddy: It isn't organ-al William. It is Original. Do you see that? Look at the letters. It spells original.
William: No, you are wrong. I sounded it out. It is organ-al Hidden V@lley Ranch. Just look at the letters Daddy.
Daddy: (big sigh) Here you go.
Friday, December 13, 2013
at least I was invited to a tea party
1. My grandma was hospitalized right after Thanksgiving (Grandma is now doing very well and is working hard on regaining her strength in a rehabilitation facility and looks like she will be back home in time for Christmas). I feel badly even claiming stress on this one because I am far enough away that there is really nothing I can do. But, I hate the reminder. I am too far away to be truly helpful to my family when they need it. To be clear, no one really needs my help. They are handling everything just fine. I just hate we can't be there to help. We've been trying to step up the phone calls and video chats this week and at least brighten her day a little bit.
2. On Sunday, we were leaving the house with all the kids (which is quite the circus, come by and see it some day!), when I looked up and realized the back wall of the garage was streaked with water. Water coming from a hole made by our radon fan into the roof of the garage. A leaking roof and a possibly ruined radon fan due to the water damaged flashed the dollar signs across our minds.
We did some quick investigation and then ran our errands. Upon returning, John attempted to do some repair work without much luck. File this one under: We're praying for no rain/snow/moisture until temperatures increase for the caulk to work (the caulk wouldn't stick or spread due to the cold temperatures).
3. On Monday, I missed a doctor appointment for Gemma. This was a regularly scheduled appointment made months ago and has been on our calendar. The office called to remind me of the appointment on Friday. I had a phone reminder set up.Yet, I still managed to not remember to go to the appointment. It wasn't until lunchtime I even realized we missed the appointment. I called to reschedule and there is a $25 fee for all missed appointments (a perfectly reasonable policy if you ask me. I'm sure no show cost a lot of money.)
I like to be busy. I like to be involved in activities and expose my kids to different types of things. However, I've always prided myself for making sure the kids come first. We should never be so busy that we forget a child somewhere or don't fulfill a responsibility to our children like helping with homework, tucking the in at night or reminding them to brush their teeth.
One missed appointment isn't that big of a deal (note: it is rescheduled and I fully intend on keeping this appointment. Missing appointments is an expensive habit to maintain.)While this is just one missed appointment, it is also a little bit of a wake up call. A reminder to me to check our focus and balance of activities. While I like to be busy and involved, it might be time to cut back on....something.
4. Our one sole surviving fish is sick. I know, the heartache, right?
The problem is that William noticed the fish's ailment (John and I were already aware and had been in the process of discussing what to do).
However, sweet William wanted to help. So, he and John looked up information on the computer to see if there was a way to help the fish. They found some information and went to the store on Tuesday night to purchase some fish medicine. William has ultimate faith in his daddy's fish healing skills because....well, in his opinion, John can do anything.
Sadly, this type of bacteria infection is hard to get rid of and one of the most consistent advisable treatments is to "start over" with a fresh tank of new fish after carefully sanitizing every bit of the old tank (and disposing of the old fish as well). The poor fish doesn't appear to be getting worse, but he also doesn't appear any better. I'm not ready for William's "my daddy can do anything" bubble to be burst, so it would be nice if our medicine and treatment were successful.
5. Big changes are coming at work. The GED test is changing next year, which in of itself isn't that interesting, but there is a big push to get the current students through the system before test expires. I'm doing my best, but I don't feel like I'm coming out ahead of the game. Most days I rest easy on knowing I did the best I can, but it is easy to wonder if I really am doing all I can to help students reach their goals.
6. The doors on my van aren't working right with the cold weather. What timing! They aren't opening correctly, which is just an annoyance when you have an armload of kids and gear on a cold day. I worry that it is going to turn into an expensive annoyance sooner rather than later.
7. The Christmas Tree skirt. Argh. I can't believe I am going to admit this here. I'm hoping that by writing about it, it will clear my conscience at last. Last winter, we had a problem with our Christmas tree. There was a mouse living in and around the bag the tree was stored in. This was horrifying enough that I would like to never speak of it again. Only it keeps coming back.
At the time, it made the most sense to seal the Christmas tree in its bag and dispose of it on the bulk trash pick up day. (how else would someone sanitize a prelit Christmas tree?)
It was only this past week that I realized that the handmade Christmas tree skirt my grandma made us about 10 years ago was also in that bag with that tree. I feel awful about it. It was handmade and matched the Christmas tree skirt used at my grandma's house, my mom and aunt and uncle's homes. I loved it and treasured it because of who made it and the memories it represented. And I threw it away. I am so mad at myself about this one!
Now for the bright spot. Today, I didn't have any big plans. Which was good because I had some sweet girls come to help me clean up my kitchen.
And then I was invited to the sweetest tea party by the most charming host. I didn't have anywhere else to be, so how could I refuse?
Friday, December 6, 2013
The tree
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