Denver

We are busy busy around here!  I just got back on Friday to a work related trip to Denver for 4 days!  This is a HUGE deal as I have not ever been away from Amelia or Gemma overnight.  being that Amelia is now 6, this was a pretty big event! 

I left Tuesday morning and came home Friday afternoon.

In November, at a staff meeting, the director of our program asked who would be interested in going to a conference in Denver, Colorado.  All the names of people willing to go were thrown into a bucket.  It didn't even really occur to me that I might be selected to go out of all the people in our program. 

I was very surprised to find out in February that I was selected to go - I was then scrambling away to see if I really COULD make it happen.  There were a lot of details to iron out in order to make it happen.  I had a lot of help - I have to first say a huge, huge thank you to my husband for being so supportive.  He works full time and works very hard to provide for our family.  On the other hand, I get paid 8 hours a week to work at a job.  I care very deeply about my job and I think the work I am doing is absolutely critical.  However, while I am passionate about my job, I can also see that my job is not what is keeping the roof over our family's heads. 

When John heard that I was selected to go to this conference and I wanted to attend, John didn't need to be convinced.  There wasn't any real discussion.  He told me we would figure it out and make it work so I could go.  He is 100% supportive of my job and work.  It feels so great to know that while I am not bringing home a lot of money, my husband respects the work I do and how important it is to me.  He was willing to take 4 vacation days so I could attend a work conference - even if I didn't get paid anything to go.

That brings me to a second round of thank yous.  When we found out I was picked to travel and John was going to miss work, I talked it over with my parents.  They were able to juggle their many responsibilities around and come to help for a few days. They have a lot going on with work and a move on the horizon.  However, when they heard about this opportunity, they rearranged things so John wouldn't miss as many days of work.  (It does work out for them as now we will have vacation days to come and visit them this summer).

They made sure the kids got where they were supposed to be, put kids on the bus and followed an incredibly detailed schedule I left for them.  Knowing the kids were in such good hands with my parents and their dad let me really relax and enjoy myself at this conference.  I did miss the kids, but I wasn't worried about them. I knew they were being cared for and that was a very good feeling!

We also had our childcare provider help a little extra as well.  When she heard about this opportunity, she said she could watch Gemma all of the days I would be gone.  She didn't want me to miss out either!  We didn't end up needing as much help, but it is good to know it is there.

I am so fortunate to have such a supportive "team" on my side!  Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip happen!

Amelia's first tooth!

Amelia has finally lost her first tooth! She has been awaiting this day for MONTHS. It has been hard to be patient when the other kids were loosing their teeth. She let daddy try to pull it and the second time she said "ouch!" And pulled away. She didn't even realize daddy was holding her tooth on his hand! The tooth behind it is steady peeking through, so there won't be a gap toothed smile for long!

Armful

That is is a lot of kids to carry! Good thing daddy is strong!

Amelia's party

Amelia requested a gymnastics party. This Saturday we made it happen. She agreed to a rainbow theme and it was a lot of fun! I think the kids were all exhausted that night- they played hard!

Beedo

Gemma has this word. Beedo. Beeee-dough. The kids have different opinions about where this word originated from. I honestly have no idea. But, she says it all the time.

Gemma! What are you coloring?
Her: oh, just a Beedo.

Hi Gemma!
Her: Beedo!

Gemma, what do you have?
Her: oh nothing. Just a Beedo (it can be anything in her hand from a cookie to a stuffed animal.)

(Softly singing)
Beedo, beeeeeedo, Beedo


(Fist pump) Beedo!


It has gotten so the other kids are using it as well. Last week at dinner, I asked Gemma which fruit she would like on her plate.

Her reply: Beedo.

Suddenly, William and Amelia are saying Beedo, Beedo in sing songy voices back and forth to each other. The dissolve into laughter at the hilarity of this word. Beedo.

John and I try to talk about our day, upcoming advice. I cannot hear what he is saying over all the Beedo-ing. We ask, demand and then threaten the kids to quiet down. Nothing can keep themMyron Beedo- ing at each other. It is irresistible.

John and I give up on conversation and eat our dinner. The kids don't eat as they are cackling, giggling and Beedo-ing at each other.

Parenting: it isn't what you thought it would be.

Sent from my iPhone

Good night

Tonight John was putting Gemma to bed while I did other chores. Sunday nights do not have a shortage of chores to get ready for the week ahead. John was reading with Gemma and I heard talking and some laughing. It was getting late, so I stuck my head to tell Gemma goodnight and give her a kiss.

When I walked into her room, I found John asleep on Gemma's bed. Gemma was in the middle of her floor surrounded by a pile of books. John woke up when I giggled. He sheepishly said, "she was picking out another book for us to read...I just shut my eyes for a moment..."

Sent from my iPhone

William

William is tucked in and supposed to be sleeping for the night. I am upstairs doing Important Things (reading a book), when he starts calling us.

"Dad, dad, dad," he calls urgently. I internally groan as dad is not available. I'm envisioning a giant bug or some broken light fixture. I don't move yet as I have unofficially clocked out for the evening (hahaha to that! You don't ever really clock out).

He starts calling again.

I ask him what he needs.

He replies he needs someone to come RIGHT NOW.

I make my way to his room and I am a little crabby. I want to read my book and park myself on the couch until I can't keep my eyes open anymore.

Instead, I'm going downstairs and find William in the doorway of his room with a giant smile on his face. He is bobbing his head in time with the best of some music coming from his room.

"Mom! MOM! You have to hear this! I LOVE THIS SONG! Quick! It's on the radio! I just love it and I want you to hear it!"

I take two steps into his room and start laughing.

The radio is playing "I wear my sunglasses at night".

Isn't this song great mom?

Yes, William. Yes, it is great.

Sent from my iPhone