Word of the Day!

(ala PeeWee Herman's Playhouse style- before the "issues"...)

KARMA!

Ahhhhh, yes. That word. I've seen it twice in writing already today (thanks April & Dave), and my sister and I mentioned it earlier today as well... oh! and talking to Ginny (our lovely adopted family) about my sharing issues rubbing off on Chase.... So... yeah (I see the talking couch and all that random stuff with bells and whistles going off- google it if you're clueless)

Well, Karma with Kids is what it comes down to. Paybacks in reality. Your very worst traits (who wants the best???) are the ones these kids seem to be picking up. With Chase, it seems to be issues sharing... still... whoops. With Kaely, it's, ummm, every bit of my attitude. Crap. With a big dose of emotional (pre-pubescent) outbursts, and smart-@$$ remarks quickly being formulated... we're in for trouble soon.

The best part of this is Kaely's education. No, not my life-changing, goal-driven, education I'm talking about... but the basic reading & writing. Some of these "notes" she comes up with make me want to scream out of frustration- but at the same time I have to give her kudos for putting her thoughts together on paper and actually spelling most everything right. :) This first note was from last Friday after her dad got her from school, she had a mood swing (rolling my eyes) because she wanted to go to Target, then to Subway, and was denied... so being the prima donna that she is, put up a big attitude, made a nasty face (or so I heard), and pulled out her notebook & pen.

...and the bottom says "I Love You... mom not you jay (her dad) I love you mom I love you mom and sorry jay I still don't like you" ... My response to this was- "you better smack her little butt!" even though I can't recall the last time I've even thought about spanking her (actually, I think that was last Thursday, hmmm)... but still... her defiance and attitude is so frustrating! but it kinda makes me laugh... maybe that's why she gets called "JJ" -Jessika Jr... whoops.

As a slight reassurance, this is the note I got tonight, after a lot of cooking/cleaning/homework...

Hahaha... Master Manipulator in the making... 

Had to give my sister a hard time because her "creature" (our loving term- don't take too seriously), is of her making- he's spoiled rotten from being held 24/7- hey- even worse than Chase! Barely- but still... she was laughing at me with Kaely's stunts- when I reminded her that payback happens to us all... unfortunately for me, I believe Chase (this was what started the conversation- Chase being the troublemaker) following in his father's lead, which I have to deal with, while dealing with my own payback of Kaely. Ha! 

I find it amazing how early personalities emerge- from Chase's ultrasounds at around 20 weeks old, to their behavior now at 6-8 months... you see the differences... and it makes you dizzy pondering the theories of nature vs. nurture. 

Watching "So You Think You Can Dance" tonight with Kaely for a bit- seeing her trying to perform some of these dances around the living room- although she hasn't had dance classes in 2+ years, and is pretty clutzy, she still has an innate talent for it. The show had brief back-stories on some of the kids, going off at 14, 16 years old to attend dance schools in NYC, or other out of town locations, to pursue their dreams... makes you wonder the balance of it all- don't you want to give them everything? They are, no matter what, simply amazing little beings :) 

Hurricane Party!

 Ha! Not really... we got lucky where we were that the storm took a swing to the west and pretty much missed us all together. But the side perk was that the Miami area closed all schools down there for this Monday due to the storm, and therefore, most surrounding businesses, including Dave's office- were closed too- WAHOO! A surprise 3 day weekend- very nice! It gave me a chance to try to get back into a routine at the house by today, Monday, where I was ready for Kaely when she was out of school, even walking in the drizzling rain. Able to tackle homework, cook dinner, and have some playtime, with no meltdowns- especially from me! Not happy that the night had to come to an end, but how nice it was to have a sliver of normalcy for the first time in... well... I can't remember when!

Something about rainy days- and storms like this- just give you a chance to breathe and relax a bit. I could almost pretend it was fall today, and looking forward to the upcoming months!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and Monday as well! :)

What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up...

Sorry, no cute pictures today- was busy playing in the yard before the tropical storm/hurricane (Isaac), and cooking in the house. This is about my random questions that swirl around in my mind, never letting me rest. Makes me also reflect on how I plan to- or will- approach Kaely and Chase when they are older and are getting ready for college and deciding what they want to do with the rest of their lives.

When I was young, I wanted to be a marine biologist (didn't everyone? Hello, SeaWorld) and a teacher. Then in high school I studied American Sign Language for 4+ years and planned on dual majoring in elementary and deaf education at Flagler College in St. Augustine. I also had considered becoming an Athletic Trainer (sports medicine), and had seriously considered going to University of Florida for that. As life would have it, I made a series of immature decisions and mistakes, and slacked in the end and did none of those. I spent the next decade chasing business careers, merely for the sake of supporting myself (and eventually Kaely) rather than doing something meaningful beyond paying the bills.

Then, somewhere along the lines (in 2009), Dave gave me the courage, support, and firm shove to pursue an education again- namely, I decided on nursing because I love the medical field, and as much as I love teaching, the patience required is nearly impossible when you have your own child(ren) at home (speaking for myself). This venture I thought would take no time at all- but in reality, after a year of prerequisite courses, followed by a year wait-list, I wasn't able to even start the nursing program until last August (2011). I had managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA until this point working part/full-time and being "room mom" in Kaely's class. But, by the time classes started, Chase was already in utero and stirring up trouble (isn't he always? my love!). I managed to finish up the semester successfully, and had great ambitions as I took my final exam, to return the following semester. Buuuuutttt... well, things were rougher than I had expected, and when weighing options- as much as I wanted that degree, that career... Chase was waaaaayyyy more important and meaningful- and the past 7-8 months are invaluable and irreplaceable- no regrets there whatsoever.

However! Point I was getting to... the time is coming now, as I help my sister sign up for classes, get her ID, parking permits, books, etc... I realize, it's time. I need to get back to school, work, something! I need to be the person I was- the person I am somewhere deep inside- which isn't just "mom"- but a whole person. I love being around the kiddos, but I'm not teaching them things I wish to by simply being home all the time. Sure, we all need to know how to clean house, cook/bake, exercise/play, go for walks and read for pleasure. But I need to show them the importance of education- and that you can never stop learning! That they need to have skills that include working with people, computers, tools, their hands, etc. I need to be able to contribute more than just making lunches or being the silliest at making the stuffed animals dance. I wish I had a magic wand that would take the pressure off and I could be a full time mom, and a full time volunteer at the schools or hospitals, and still have the ability to not stress about finances or all those grown-up responsibilities. So far, I haven't found that wand.

The most distressing part was the other day, returning my uniform shirts (they were borrowed from the school due to being a little large around the waist- lol), hoping to talk to the dean or professors, to see if I can even get back into the nursing program where I left off- no one was there. So then I start trying to formulate a plan B (or C, D, E...)- and pull up the college's list of degrees. Hmmmm- nothing worthwhile. I pull up our university's list of degrees- and quite honestly, I was left wondering the point of it all. So many are dependent on getting the infamous "foot in the door," and the experience and/or "who you know" seem to trump the degree. I kept thinking "what's the point???" But I am a huge advocate of education- and love school- so I will not let the kids get away with slacking... but I am still searching years later, trying to find my calling in life. That feeling of "being more" or "doing more" is always haunting me- so... Hello Universe! Please send me a big neon flashing sign of what direction to follow, please! :)

My promise is this- to my children, that I want to know what you really want to do in life. If you want to be a singer (Kaely) or maybe work with the monkeys (Chase), then okay, let's find a way to make that happen. I want to promise you that I will hold you to your dreams- and not let you give up on them, or walk away when things get too tough, or you think that it's not possible. I won't let you throw away your talents, your gifts, your hard work because the other road looks easier. I will always believe in you, keep you focused and always be here to remind you of what you are capable of. So, for now, you get to be babies and children- and I have this short time to hold myself to the standards I set for you- to be the example. I promise to give you the knowledge and tools to be successful in life- maybe not rich with currency- but you will know how to take care of yourself and those you love. No more excuses! What I wanna be when I grow up for now is the mom who needs to say nothing, but teach by example... I have a long road ahead of me...

Babylon... Babble On... :)

Ah, the first real stringing together of sounds- our alert to the conversations of the future :) Chase has been making noises forever. It doesn't matter if he's eating, sleeping, playing, etc- he's constantly got his own dialogue going. But today he really busted out with forming consonants and speech- taking us a bit by surprise. I know it happens at different times for everyone, but since I'm used to his regular patterns of "speech"- it really stood out, and made us laugh. Now to look forward to the  "why" and "no" and "now" and all those other fabulous words they learn so quickly...

The changes every day bring us just keep us on our toes, never a dull moment!

How Old Is He? -Revisited

I wrote about this infamous question months ago- back when Chase was about 2 months old or so, and I kept getting the nasty looks, people asking how old he was, and then responding, you mean two weeks??? Uh, no.

Anyhow- the past couple of weeks I've had a lot of strangers interact with him, and ask that question again. I've gotten new responses! This time it's been "Wow, he's really big for his age!" Really??? AWESOME! That was from a dad who had a 13 month old little girl... today was a gentleman at the grocery store- he was making faces at Chase, then said "Let me guess how old he is... 8 months?" - Sweet! Almost! - He was a grandfather of an 8 month old, so good guess! I've had a few others, and it makes me puff up with pride- how far we've come!

Poor kid has been exhausted though- be it teeth, or growing- hopefully no sickness... but slept most of the day today, and in between we had some impish smiles. For the first time all week we had time to ourselves- and it was beyond needed to regroup, relax, and rejuvenate. Chase helped me in the kitchen- while he banged the wooden spoons around- I made some chicken marsala and french bread from scratch- my own mode of therapy in the pounding the chicken or kneading the dough. I can even go to bed early tonight... very nice :)

 Happy Friday everyone!

Saving Grace

Nope- not Kaely Grace- but "THE" saving grace... I don't understand how being home with a newborn, taking Kaely to school, and juggling the boys at the time (back in Feb-May) was easier than now- but boy is it ever! Trying to adapt to the new routine is truly kicking my butt. I don't know if it's just me being physically out of shape and unprepared, or what- but sheesh! Doesn't help walking home in the rain either (Chase manages to stay dry in the stroller at least with my rigged umbrella), then of course the crazy homework starting back up for Kaely (which really means lots of effort for me to make sure she's staying on track doing it).

I babysat tonight while my sister had to go in to work, and while the boys were pretty well behaved most the day, they saved it all for when I was on my own. Chase has been in his funk still- so it's kind of walking on eggshells, throw in another tired, cranky baby, and then Kaely who turns up the music (which happens to be the Chipmunk's version of "You Spin Me 'Round") - and, um, yeah... a person is bound to lose their mind... I think I was near tears at my utter frustration and exhaustion I felt, I put both boys in bed to let them cry it out. Chase passed out, and Nathan eventually took a short nap also. When they both woke up I was nervous. I threw both on the couch for a minute for me to evaluate what to do next... that's when they started up with each other.

I swear, if they hadn't had this "oasis" or "eye of the hurricane" moment, I probably would be hiding in a closet somewhere letting them take over the house... but this saved the day- my heart- and brought cheer back into me... at least enough to tackle the next round of insanely cranky babies... But it is the first time I've seen them really interact positively- and especially in the laughing. Nathan has laughed out loud when tickled- but not necessarily (that I've witnessed) at just a funny sight or face. So... enjoy! I am forever grateful for all three kiddos being tucked away to sleep for the night, but the giggles made the rest of the stress fade away :)

A Quiet Evening

These evenings can be a blast of mixed thoughts, emotions, and intentions... my recent television addiction, NY Med, has brought an onslaught of emotions watching a surgery replacing an aortic valve (Kaely has a defect with her aortic valve), then watching a newborn's heart surgery, after the mom finding the issue during her 2nd trimester screening... well... as much as I love this show, debating on the benefits of watching this. At the very least, has made me stop, get up, and go place my hand on Kaely and Chase's chests separately while they sleep- and whisper my goodnights and love...

I believe the "back-to-school-madness" is starting to claim it's first victim. That being me. Having a week like last week, with just Chase & I, almost to the point of boredom, to this week not having a chance to really breathe until after 9pm. To top it off, we walked to get Kaely this afternoon from school, to have a thunderstorm chasing us. It was utter chaos trying to get Kaely from school, then quite literally, having to run back to the house. I am sooooo not in shape for that. Kaely was a mess, crying because she was scared of the lightning (okay, so was I, but I couldn't admit to it)- and she was even too afraid to ride her bike, so she jogged next to it half the way home... I probably will not be able to walk tomorrow after jogging the mile home- slacker perhaps- but still- not used to it!

Then we have the beginning of the year projects, which requires creativity, and me trying to stand back and let Kaely do it on her own (okay, I stepped in with the hot glue gun and iron-on appliques). Before you know it, I realized it was nearly 6pm, and I hadn't even made dinner yet. At this point, I didn't even care what she eats- I made whatever she asked for (aka, noodles). Then I continue to try to tackle my project putting Chase's clothes on eBay, which is beyond time consuming... but- hey! It's quiet now, and sleep is just around the corner :)

(I thought this was too sweet... almost like Chase was trying to comfort him)

The crazy discontent Chase has makes me think about more teeth, but we'll see at the end of the day if they come through or not. Perhaps it's just ... well, anything really... he's still my sweetheart though, and I hope I can keep him out of pain. The joys of babyhood and teeth :)

(Must...escape!...)

First Day of Second Grade

Sorry Chase, but this post is more for your sister :)

I couldn't wait for school to be back in- the pressure is off for entertaining, the slew of failed playdates, the whining about boredom. So, somehow now, summer is over, and school is back in. Kaely entered into 2nd grade- really? Can that be possible? The fanfare associated with the "first day" wasn't exactly there, I mean, she's a seasoned pro now, right? But it still meant trying to figure out how to coordinate our walker/biker situation with getting her bike to school so she can ride home on Mondays, or finding out she had homework due for the first day (figured it out an hour before school started), or this afternoon ended up being a huge mix up somehow, leaving me standing around for a good 20 minutes as it turns out she was in the car-rider group, although she should've been a walker/biker. UGH! It was super humid hot (Florida August), so it was rough, but all in all, we survived :)

The routine of everything is a whole other story though. All of a sudden going from waking up a bit earlier, to trying to run errands and tackle all that while she's in school, in time to walk to pick her up, then start to do the after-school routine of homework/snack/dinner, then usual house stuff and all... well- I'm beat!!!

Even with some of the minor hiccups today though, I'm so glad she's back in school- and still wrapping my head around her ability to read, write, and do all those crazy grown up things :) Just a reminder of how fast time flies...

Chase was super-happy to have her back this afternoon though- no one can quite entertain like Miss Grace...

Boys Will Be Boys

First, the awesome hat made by our adopted family and neighbors- too cute! Can't wait for cooler weather so we can wear it out :) hehe.. and check out his pjs- those would be size 12-18 months (Baby Gap)- prime example of the difference in sizes between clothing brands- insane!

Ahhhh... A Sunday with the boys- and I'm starting (continuing?) to see glimpses into the future of having a boy. What another world it really is compared to a baby girl. Yeah, the parts are different, the clothing is different, the colors and styles are different... but even beyond the nature vs. nurture question, you start to see the gender personalities emerge. The main one being- T-R-O-U-B-L-E. These boys are constantly into something- anything- even if nothing at all... they are the reason all those warning labels are affixed to baby gear and things of the sort. If something can be broken, swallowed, chewed on, or fallen out of- they will find it. It is "Do Not Leave Child Unattended" to the nth degree.

The perfect example is the swing. Chase could care less about it- but his cousin has lived in it in the past- it being my small lifeline to sanity when babysitting. Ahhh- but if he is not sleeping- forget about it- he thinks it's his personal seat and "big  boy" swing to jump around in. It became a game tonight for him to try to touch the ground, to throw the pacifier out and lean over to try to get it... ways to know a baby is too big for products- this kid is crazy! He is still just over 5 months- what the heck am I supposed to do with him??? :)

Then, we insert the ever evolving mobile boys. Now that they are both able to sit on their own, they can sit and stare at each other- or whack each other with toys- or grab at each other's shirts/hair/heads... I believe Daddy set it up as a 3 round boxing match (ahem... )...

If they weren't bad enough- you throw in the bigger boys- the daddy's, uncles, grandparents, and so on- who are obviously just kids trapped in big, old bodies (hahahaha)- and you have a stinkin' circus :) Can't complain about lack of entertainment though, because who better to make us laugh, eh?

Giant Sand Box

Today Chase got his first true taste of sand- just a sprinkle here with his fist, and a dash here on his tasty toes. Since we were heading back up today, we decided to spend the morning at the beach. So nice it was to just walk, spend an hour, and not worry about sticking to the carseats driving back :)

We actually got Chase in the water this time- with mom & dad to boot... always the serious look as he's trying to figure out what on earth the stuff is- but curiosity prevails. 

Nothing makes for a better nap than the sun and waves :)

Overnight Success

I am somehow still amazed at how simply Chase accomplishes things once he decides to do them. The other day was rolling around like crazy- then it was sitting. Just like he'd been doing it all along. Don't get me wrong, I can't just leave him sitting there, but he prefers being up and able to check it all out. I just shake my head and go with it- what else am I to do?

I find it also ironic that I was venting about his not sleeping through the night- then the one night I couldn't sleep, he slept through until morning. Then yesterday, when I desperately needed to catch up on sleep, he was up at least 5-6 times last night. I guess I'll get sleep in a few years... The way he's really starting to get around -almost overnight- really has me realizing I need to crawl around the floor and start baby proofing! He's a quick little bugger now- watch out!!!

What Kids Do When You Aren't Around...

Ah- Mr. High-maintenance himself who makes it seem like such a chore to do "tummy-time" or for me to try to get him to roll over... so as my usual routine of cleaning the floors daily (stupid white tile shows everything!), I often put him in the highchair, or when Kaely is around, she plays with him. So I just put him by his playmat and leave the room to get the broom and all that, walk back half a minute later to him halfway across the room... hmmmm... so I try to get him to do it again while I'm standing there- nope- just looks up at me crying. Later in the day I put him down again and rig the video camera- and this is the last couple minutes- there was about 10 minutes before it of him getting into the toys in the box, pulling down the playmat's toys, and getting stuck rolling over his stuffed animals... all the while he thinks I'm in another room (actually just out of his line of vision)...

Minus the crying and whining, I was pretty amazed to see how much he accomplishes when left alone... he just earned himself a big helping of tough-love from mom... gotta stop babying him! I think I'll be hiding a camera more often, I can only imagine what else he's capable of! Sneaky little butt!

Food Wars

So last week I was frustrated at the turn of events that had Chase going from eating a ton of solids, to refusing to eat them. I cannot keep up with this boy's constant changes! ha. So my idea had been to thicken up his fruits & veggies with the rice cereal, to help fill him up, in hopes that maybe I could get some sleep at night. All day I had tried feeding him his favorite, mango/banana, but he turned up his nose, shook his head, and clenched his lips tight. Huh...

All day long I tried to give him the food, and all day he refused. So I went to bed, endured the waking up 2-3 times, and started fresh the next day. So once again I tried to give him his mix of cereal & fruit- same results. So I pulled out the other half of the jar that had no cereal in it- and he gobbled it right up. Ooooohhhh... I get it... so I try to sneak in a bite with the cereal? Negative- refusal at its finest. Then I crack open some green beans- eats those -no prob... try again with the cereal mix? Nadda. Well then- guess I figured out the problem, eh?

I guess for whatever reason- be it the taste, or the texture- I am setting these attempts aside. I've also discovered that his curiousity for whatever I am eating keeps increasing... so if it's on my fork/spoon/fingers- he wants it. Within reason I'm letting him have tastes here and there- peaches (tart when fresh!), cherries, apples, bananas, even a couple pinches of soft bread... he loves it! Not to mention I'm trying to work on his dexterity with things on his tray. The sippy cup of water is still a favorite. He lunges after it, and when he's not attacking it, he tucks it beside him. Dad & I had fun messing with him- taking it out of where it was tucked, putting it back on the tray- watching him squawk and protest, grab it, and tuck it right back where it was. Guess he knows what he wants!

Thing about being home all the time, is that the day seems to revolve around food. What's for breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? What should we bake? What is Chase going to eat? It's a full time job to eat and feed others :) But I quite enjoy it most days- and for cheesy grins? Who could ask for more?

Remember When...

Remember when...

• You used to wake up every 2-3 hours to eat at night...
• Wait, you still do... hmmm
• We would change your diaper as soon as the "wetness indicator" turned blue
• Ha- we have learned that sleep works just as well, and you are just fine for at least a couple hours (although you are going around this idea by pooping 5 times a time, hmm)
• Mom wouldn't leave the room without you- even with daddy
• See! I left you two to bathtime last night to run to the store
• I could carry you in one hand... all 3-4 lbs of you...
• I'm lucky if I can carry you with one arm on my hip when you wrap your monkey legs around me
• It was a challenge to feed you past the feeding tubes, measuring your every gram gained before/after each feeding, cheering you on as you got the hang of eating...
• All you ever do is it! You're a little wolverine attacking... you can eat in your sleep, eat wide awake, eat while you're playing, etc.
• You weren't big enough to fit into the baby carrier- for fear of falling out- and you couldn't even see your head over it...
• Now I question whether or not you outweigh the limits- baby beastling ;)
• I could type and write on the computer for an hour or more while you napped
• If you are napping on me, you're too big to reach around to type... and if you're awake, you're trying to contribute your thoughts by banging on the keyboard yourself
• You weren't big enough to wear even preemie-sized clothes...
• I'm quickly running out of clothes big enough to squeeze you into - how fast you grew!
• I would wake to every sigh, gasp, hitch of breath you took
• Now I'm snoring along with you- you've resorted to kicking your feet and squawking to wake me up
• We had to use three blankets rolled up to fit you into your carseat
• You've just about outgrown that carseat, and definitely made it unsuitable for carrying!
• Your hand would take up only half of my pinkie, and your foot only part of the width of my palm
• Your hand is as wide as my pinkie, and your foot the length of my palm and then some

• You were nearly my entire world...
• I guess some things will never change ;)

What Would Have Been 6 Months...

Yesterday was what would have been Chase's 6 month birthday according to his due date- either way, it's been a year that has flown by at a rapidly increasing rate of speed. I have to laugh at his smirks, scowls, sly s*$# eating grins, and all the crazy ways he mimicks both mom & dad... all the way down to the way he sleeps.... 

 On the bright side, we finally made it to the beach- well, Chase & I, and got to stick our toes in the sand, and dip our feet in the water- man it was nice! If I had more confidence in the sunblock I would have liked to have made a day of it. Dave got to experience how incredibly heavy he is now- there's no way I'd use that carrier anymore! Who needs a gym? Just walk around the apartment vicinity with Chase strapped on...



As it's just Chase and I this last week down south (before Kaely returns to school next week) I think I have to make it to the beach a couple more times- I've been slacking. I love the water, the wind, the views- it's just lathering on sunblock that I hate. The smell, the stickiness, the reapplying with sand on- horrible excuses, but it is what it is... but past time to stop taking things for granted- and having the beach a short walk away is definitely one of those things that don't happen all the time.

Great summer days :)

Serenity Now!

Ahhhhh- Seinfeld. Kind of before my time when it was in its prime, but I became addicted to the reruns years ago. Good ole' Jerry Stiller- Serenity Now! Whenever he was stressed out (usually at his wife)... this has been my mantra with the kids. Between the dramatic tears from Kaely, to the wild mood swings of Chase... sigh... :)

This is an average 30 second time span of moods:

And my attempt to increase his solids? Hahaha- backfired in my face. Currently he doesn't want anything to do with solids- just presses his lips tight and shakes his head. WHAT ON EARTH??? This has become his "thing"- largely because it makes us laugh I think. But he shakes his head at everything... ahhhh- can't wait until he vocalizes "no!"



Now to face the walls of the apartment as the storms are rolling in, and driving us out of the park. Poor Kaely... no kids showed up since it's been threatening to rain all morning, so it seems we walked over here in vain. Gotta love Florida summers!!! I pray Kaely will be entertained with movies and coloring, and Chase with toys and food- otherwise it'll be three crying, cranky beings in a very small space :) 

Serenity Now!!

Just Add Water

This kid loves water. Loves to play in water, be submerged in water, and drink water. To him, it's better than a bottle/sippy cup with milk- it's a big treat apparently. Even better if it's out of my cup now, which has become a bit dangerous, as he grabs for everything I'm carrying. Talk about a juggling act. Even the video clip doesn't catch his usual reaction since he was intrigued by Kaely holding the phone...

But I guess I should be grateful, because so many children hate water, or think it's up there with brussel sprouts and spinach when trying to get them to consume it. These little tricks I have to remember when he starts getting cranky- because 90% of the time it works. Turn on the bathroom sink and stick his toes in it (combined with staring at the baby in the mirror), throw him in the warm bath, let him drink out of his sippy cup or my cup, or play in the pool, turn on the shower and let him chill in his bouncy seat, go out by the river/ocean... either way, it usually helps change his mood for the better. I'm thinking of the small fountain I used to have in an apartment years ago- not a bad idea for ambience and a happy baby :)

Anything for sanity, peace, and blessed quiet!

Why Won't Anyone Play With Me???

Summer... thank goodness it's nearly over. The worst part aside from heat is the boredom- and on a day like today I finally get over to the park (down south over here), and there are no kids for Kaely to play with. I thought she was upset before- the worst is having a couple kids (siblings) who are too young/too old, and don't want to play. So I sit and watch her climbing the playground by herself pouting and looking like she is going to cry. What a mess! I can only do so much climbing with Chase in my arms- no desire to bust my butt today...

In the meantime, we've driven each other insane in the apartment, being cooped up- we've gone for our walks, and hung out a short time at the pool, but it's still a good 12-16 hours of being awake and figuring out what to do! I forgot about having one of those jumping things in the closet that a friend of ours had passed along from their granddaughter, so I decided to hang it up... ummmm- are these things still allowed to be used/sold??? This is about the most dangerous contraption I've seen- at least with a child like Chase who throws himself around backwards- but it was somewhat amusing- it reminds me of a cartoon or something the way he bounces...

Then we have the hungry monster. I am not willing to accept that he may be teething again/still/whatever... but he has been a bit on the cranky side again (the Miami monster I decided)... and this waking up 2-3 times a night to eat has GOT to stop. I can't take it. I am zombie-like in the morning... add in Kaely climbing in bed the other night, throwing her legs over my stomach, and arms over my neck... then Dave's snoring... well- that's a recipe for a scary, sleep-deprived mom. So I am going to be taking very seriously the feeding solids part, maybe that's all it is. We've been playing with a lot of new flavors now- which brings forth some classic grimaces

 Oh well- at least we have sunshine and the ocean breeze this morning- could be worse! If only we can eliminate the drama, maybe a walk on the beach after Dave gets off work- or renting a good movie... one can hope :)

Being "Me"

I have taken the role of being "Mom" very seriously- especially since Chase has arrived. But in the meantime, that has sometimes meant putting old hobbies, habits, career paths, etc on the back burner. I am so grateful I am able to do that to be "Mom"- but there are days I miss those other roles dearly.

So today I had the opportunity to help our friends- Uncle (Boobies) Wade and Aunt Heather- paint their baby girl's nursery (due in November). It was so nice to feel useful again- to let Dave play with Chase and take care of him most of the day, while I was able to be physically involved in things. We completed the nursery and worked on an accent wall in their living room- which is so fun to see the changes and results of putting in the work. I can't wait until their baby shower- the gift I have for them has been here for the past month, so seeing how it may fit into the nursery makes me happy :)

Then on top of my productive day, I got to see Ju-Lee & the girls to pass along their quilt I had put together. Her girls were given the quilt blocks for a friendship quilt, so all I did was put the second one together... honestly, I feel bad now because when I did the quilt months ago, I was still getting back into the sewing routine, so I know it couldn't have been anywhere near as great as I'd like... but to see the girls get excited made it all worthwhile. I think I need to do something fun for them just for the heck of it!

I have so many random creative projects in my mind that I need to just do them! If for no other reason than to try to remember "me" and work towards being a whole person- not just a one-dimensional woman. Ahhhhh- I want to make sure to be the best example possible for Kaely and Chase, and give them reason and support to chase their own dreams, and believe anything is possible.

Today was a big step towards remembering who I am- not who I was- and trying to hold on to rebuilding that... in the meantime, I'll let Chase stay in the driver's seat to bring on the smiles :)

Just The Two Of Us

Now the song is in my head... but man has it been nice- and short lived- to have it just the two of us for about 2 days. We did help out with Nathan for an hour or so today, and Dad came home early- so those are all good things, but it was quite nice just hanging out for a while the past couple days. 

This crazy kid loves sliding so he's half under the water- yeah, I know the water-in-the-ear thing, but I figure if we start throwing him into swimming soon, he'll deal with that soon enough :) Such a goof! I noticed during the latest growth spurt he's in the phase where he's thinning out- must be growing longer- because he's not as pudgy as he was recently. Granted- the legs are still there.... loving the sippy cup, getting possessive about certain toys, and working on sitting up on his own... Cramming him into his sleeper tonight- size 6 months- we realize those are going quickly into old pile- pulling on his shoulders and stretching it out... 

 ...our little man-child :)