Whoooooosh!

So whoosh, it's just been a whirlwind of activity since Friday morning.

It started with Sofia's preschool Halloween parade. Every year, the whole school parades down the local downtown area and the local businesses dole out candy. It's always rather hectic, but fun. We brought the brothers this year as they are sort of honorary members of the school. (or mascots)

Before we left, I tried and tried to get a good shot of Sofia with the boys or even Sofia alone, but it just wasn't in the cards. She had a baby doll with her and absolutely refused to take the doll out of the frame. When I expressed my displeasure with this, I got the evil eye. (note the doll dressed in her shorts and a pair of panties. I think it's time for this girl to have some doll clothes).



I did eventually get a few good shots from her.





We eventually made it to the school and the boys waited excitedly for the parade to start





Sofia and her class get ready to leave (next to her friend, another Sofia, another Minnie)





The boys learning the ins and outs of trick or treating



Checking out their loot





Saturday night, kids bouncing off the walls waiting to trick or treat. It was 5 p.m. and they were ready to go. David kept saying "Go! Mommy! Go!" We finally left, not really knowing what to expect. We hadn't trick or treated much last year as the kids were still very small. Wow. THis is a great neighborhood for trick or treating, that is for CERTAIN. It makes me a little sad to think that we may not stay here as it's really a great, family friendly place. We met many neighbors that I'd not had the opportunity to meet before. Oh, the irony.

One bump in the road was a man dressed up as a wolf. Sofia was convinced that this man was real. She was borderline hysterical, insisting that we go in the opposite direction of this man. At one point, she was trying to hide in the bushes.



We did make it through that scene and the kids started to really enjoy going from house to house. Sure, the candy was fun, but I think they just really liked the idea of going up to strange houses and seeing who or what was inside.











At one point, we came upon a very cool, haunted house. The kids weren't quite what to make of these







All in all, it was a lot of fun. The neighborhood was bustling, there were so many kids, so much Halloween spirit. I haven't experienced a Halloween like it in many, many years. We returned home and waited for kids to come to our door, but most had already come. Our next door neighboor said he'd had oodles of kids, but we'd been out during that time. The kids were able to answer the door and give out some candy, so that made their whole day.

As they went to bed, I asked David if he liked trick or treating. His eyes got huge. "I WIKE IT!"

Today was pretty relaxed, as relaxing as 3 kids can get. In the late afternoon, we headed over to a local seaside restaurant for a mother's club event. They were playing a movie on the lawn below the restaurant (right on the beach) for us. We were able to order food from the to-go menu and just hang out and let the kids play. It was hectic, as outings always are, but still fun.

At one point, I had a terrible scare. Steve had brought the food to me and I was busy doling it out while he was taking Sofia to the restroom. I look up and David is gone. GONE. I see him halfway up the huge staircase, leading up to the restaurant and parking lot. I am there alone with William. I had no choice but to bolt up, leaving William behind (in a crowd of people I know) to grab David as Steve was nowhere to be found. I ran up the stairs after him and he began to think it was a game and ran faster, towards the parking lot and highway beyond that.

I don't think I have ever run as fast as I did. I grabbed him as he laughed.

I was shaking.

Meanwhile, William completely freaked and ran after me up the stairs. He was in hysterics and everyone was trying to figure out who he belonged to. It was pretty dramatic.

I was ready to kill Steve, even though it wasn't really his fault.

It took me a while to stop shaking after that.

Sofia was able to play with her little friend and they had a great time, so it ended up being a fun night.




The best part was the end when all the kids were doing their dance moves.







This week, I should have some definitive answers about our living situation. Of course, I thought I'd have those last week, so who knows. I'm trying to stay positive and take it as it comes. Not like I have a any control over the situation anyway.

Loving My Boys

Some shots of the boys. They are officially 2.5 now! Hard to believe.

I am thinking of getting a new lens for Christmas. All you photogs out there, especially if you have/had a Rebel? What would you recommend as a next step up for me? I do like the close up stuff, mostly natural light, etc. My photographer friend recommended this one.

My boys. David just woke up here and was still in a daze.



William doing Samurai moves



...and then a striptease...



And David starts to wake up...






David and his *ridiculous* eyes. (One of the only good things that came from my mother's side of the family) Favorite things about David right now:

1. His love of singing. He has been known to belt out "twinkle twinkle" and "ABC" song at the drop of a hat.
2. His love of dance. He shuffles along the floor, laughing, while I say "Shimmy, shimmy, shimmy! Shake, shake, shake! Jazz hands!"
3. His small size. He's so easy to carry and is getting a lot of wear out of clothes.
4. His love of trains and tractors.



My little Will-man

Favorite things about William right now?

1. He calls himself Willman
2. He is so easygoing, will say "YEAH!" enthusiastically after almost any question.
3. When he doesn't like it, he says "No like it!"
4. His soulful brown eyes, beautiful skin & hair
5. His adorable spaced out teeth, complete with vampire fangs.

Some videos

When we were in Austin, we went to a friend's dance recital. This dance recital featured lengthy dance acts performed by girls aged 4 years old to close to 18 and everything in between. We watched an estimated 12 routines before cutting out at intermission and they varied from graceful ballet performances to hip hop, modern dance and everything in between. The girls wore makeup and glittery costumes.

The minute the lights went down and the curtains opened, Sofia was mesmerized. This has been the scene in our family room every night since.

Sofia Freestyles

Sofia shaking her money maker. Play close attention to the second video, William in the background and what a *great* and helpful sister Sofia is.

William the Multi Tasker

William the Multi Tasker

7 Quick Takes Friday - June 12, 2009

I am feeling scattered today, so I think a 7 Quick Takes is in order.

1. I have rediscovered the library. I do tend to get a bit ridiculous at the library, checking out so many books, I need a dolly to get them to the car. I exaggerate, but not by much. The irony of it all is that I never have time to read!! I did check out a slew of books for Sofia (I get so bored with the same ones) and a few for myself. A few on parenting, writing memoirs and one on an Ab diet. Well rounded, indeed.

2. The boys are in the midst of a full blown language explosion. It's about 7 months late, but it's here. It dawned on me the other evening while they were all chattering away that pretty soon, I won't be able to get in a word edgewise. Be careful what you wish for, right?

3. I'm knee deep in work AT work and it's seriously cutting into my blogging time. This just won't do. There's some political BS stuff accompanying the additional workload (apparently, someone else wanted the additional workload as the person who proves themselves becomes the golden child in this unstable economy, or that is the perception) and it's making an already sucky job even mores stressful as I feel that I have little support, in fact, there are people waiting for me to F'up.

4. Sofia has seemed to come out from her incredibly unpleasant last few weeks and become much more fun to be around. We'll see how long that lasts.

5. My friend is still at the hospital with her baby and he does seem to be improving. She is taking it one day at a time, but they are telling her he may need a heart transplant down the road. Right now, it's looking like medication and monitoring. My heart goes out to her in a major way as she suffered greatly with infertility and miscarriage before having this second baby. Life is just so f'ing unfair sometimes.

6. I told the mother's club web momma that I may need to give up the web content gig come September, due to the likely move. She was disappointed, but understood and I think they've already found a replacement. I've enjoyed doing the work and have learned a great deal. I have been able to fine tune my writing with a monthly article to the newsletter (about the website) and also being in charge of the home page content. Which brings me to #7...

7. The move back. It's all very bittersweet. I'm trying to think of ways to make 3 kids in one room work, so if anyone out there has any suggestions, I'm all ears. I'm thinking a bunk bed with trundle, Sofia on top, boys on bottom. We have to maximize space, the house is - in case you weren't around for when we lived there - 840 sq ft. That's right. We (the 5 of us) are going to live in a dollhouse. A dollhouse in one of the most expensive areas in the country, but a dollhouse non theless. I've made peace with the inevitable and to be painfully honest, I need to be where it's sunny. And near my friends. And my work. And Target. Not going to lie.

Funny Austin Story - Or the Time I Wished the Pool Drain Would Suck Me Into Oblivion

I don’t think I mentioned something reasonably disturbing and funny that happened when I was in Austin.

While my friend and I were at the pool, my friend’s little girl had an emergency bathroom situation, forcing my friend to leave the pool area in a flash, leaving me with her 1 year old who is going through a fairly consistent separation anxiety phase. While her baby cried for most of the 10 minutes or so that she was gone. I tried to calm her down via various tried and true techniques, finally resorting to feigning excitement over a floating leaf. This quieted her so quickly that all the kids in the kiddie pool area retreated to the bushes to bring her leaf offerings. Of course, the minute she realized she’d been dooped, she proceeded to cry again.

It was at this point that one of the little boys asked me why she was crying. He then asked me the question every 41 year old woman dreads hearing.

“Are you her GRANDMA?”

Gulp. “What? No, I’m just a friend,” I said. Oh dear god.

If that were not excruciatingly painful enough, Sofia scurried over and exclaimed loudly “WHAT? SHE’S NOT HER GRANDMA! SHE’S MY MOMMY!”

It was at that point that I was hoping the pool drain would suck me into oblivion. As if getting into a bathing suit at 200+ lbs in public were not punishment enough.

Oh and it wasn’t over.

When my friend returned, Sofia had to recount – LOUDLY, very LOUDLY – the whole scene again. "

“That boy thought my mommy was Ziva’s GRANDMA!” she laughed, in case any of the hotel’s 300+ guests has missed the news the first 2 times.

My friend laughed and tried to make me feel better about it, quite logically explaining that in Texas, many women do have kids young so maybe his grandmother is very young, yada yada.

Unfortunately, logic and vanity are not necessarily compatible.

Prayers Needed

I had intended to write a lighthearted blog post today, but I just got some news that made that impossible. I am not a big prayer person, but I will be saying one today, in fact, I will be saying many.

A very good friend of mine gave birth to her second baby yesterday. The birth went perfectly and he was born a whopping 10 lbs 10 oz. Today, I found out that the baby has been transferred to a NICU at a different hospital as the doctors suspect he has cardiomyopathy. I cannot even begin to imagine the trauma that being separated from him has caused, not to mention the profound concern for his health. I am absolutely heartbroken at this news. There is no clear diagnosis yet, so I am hoping the doctors are wrong. I did just google newborn cardiomyopathy and really, really wish I hadn't.

If you are out there in cyberspace, please say a prayer for my friend and her baby.

Chugga Chugga Shoo Shoo

So I finally had a weekend where we had absolutely nothing on the schedule. Gorgeous weather and a clean slate, perfect. Naturally, I had to come up with something for us to do.

I decided it was time for the boys to experience the zoo. Judging by how unglued they become even driving by a random dog or horse (we live adjacent to a rural area), I figured they'd enjoy seeing some big game up close and personal.

All in all, it was a perfect day. We saw giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras, monkeys, lizards, snakes, birds and flamingos. We ate iced cream. We rode the merry go round. We took a train ride, felt the perfect 70 degree breeze whipping by us and listened to William exclaim "Shoo Shoo!" (as in Chugga Chugga, Choo Choo) the entire ride. You don't get much better than that.

They even had a little kid ride area, but the boys were too small to ride most of them. The boys got a thrill out of the merry go'round, so it all worked out perfectly. They were all really well behaved (for the most part) and good about being out of the stroller. They didn't bolt like their big sister did at this age. The boys are different. They're very busy and wild, but they like to stay close.

FICK IT

So, we have an official 2 word sentence.

"Fix it!' (FICK IT!) William exclaims "FICK IT, FICK IT!" when a show ends and he wants me to get the clicker and start it over. More often than not, it's Yo Gabba Gabba. It is honest to god, the only show my boys will watch and I am ALL OVER that.

This is a momentous day! 26.5 months old, first 2 word combo. We are making progress. A tip of the hat to you, Yo Gabba Gabba.

Way Back Whensday - Summer 2007

Dateline: Summer 2007
Sofia's age: A little over 2 yrs old
Place: "The Lion Park"

I love this picture of Sofia. She looks so happy, but has a glint of the blossoming devilishness that I have come to know and love (not always, but most of the time.) I'm having a really hard time with her lately. She has just gone off the charts with the sass and willfullness, so it helps for me to look back and remember these less emotional, drama filled days. I love this girl with all my heart and soul, but she brings new meaning to the word "precocious" lately. Payback. Total payback.

Also - regarding the aforementioned preschool teacher with the Playboy shirt? She gave notice today. I was actually a little sad because she brings warmth and laughter to the school and I know Sofia will be devastated, but life goes on, I suppose.

Ethel and Winifred

Sofia and Bella, doing their schtick. They were at times, the best of friends, at other times, bickering like little old ladies. Hence, the Ethel and Winifred nicknames. Here they are, hanging out in Ziva's pack 'n' play, talking penguins (pin-WONS)

Ethel and Winifred

Sofia and Bella, doing their schtick. They were at times, the best of friends, at other times, bickering like little old ladies. Hence, the Ethel and Winifred nicknames. Here they are, hanging out in Ziva's pack 'n' play, talking penguins (pin-WONS)

Back to Reality

So, we are home - happily - back in the fog.

During the plane ride home, the stars aligned and Sofia fell asleep during takeoff and slept like a rock for the.entire.flight. She was sleeping so heavily that I was briefly concerned I'd not be able to roust her and have to carry her through the airport. It did take a good 5 minutes to wake her up, the girl was fried.

Aside from the usual anxiety producing turbulence (I hate flying and it never gets easier for me) it was a delightful flight. I had beverages, snacks, magazines and Direct TV in front of me. I watched the Hills season finale and the MTV Movie Awards while my princess dozed peacefully next to me. You just don't *get* much better than that.

I am now back home, back to the reality. Shortly before I left, my company eliminated a position and I was asked to take on some of the work. I have a meeting this afternoon to go over all of that. It's not going to be fun, this new workload, but obviously, I am going to roll with things because...well...I don't really have a choice right now.

Highlight of the flight back home? In one of the airport stores, checking out, Sofia repeatedly looking up at the magazine rack and saying "Micca has a shirt like that. The bunny shirt. Look. The bunny shirt. Micca has one of those!" (referring to one of her preschool teachers.) I was trying to balance my backpack, wallet, debit card, etc. so was only half listening. She kept tugging on my shirt, insisting I look up. In a very blonde moment, I was literally looking for a magazine with a rabbit on it. I was quite perplexed as to what she was referring to.

Then I saw it. Several rows of the Playboy emblem. Her preschool teacher has a "bunny" shirt. Beautiful.

I'm Alive in Well in Texas

So just so you know, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. On Wednesday, Sofia and I flew to Austin, Texas to visit our best friends. It's been an *actual* vacation for us and I'm having such a good time.

Yesterday, we drove a few hours south to San Antonio, to a kick ass resort. It's situated on extensive grounds & is incredibly family oriented with multiple pools, activities, a lazy river, etc. It's really like a vacation, for the most part. I mean, it's the kind of sticky, humid hot that one only experiences in the south and Sofia is her usual high maintenance self, so it could never be a real vacation, but it's been great. I actually had a margarita poolside yesterday and let me tell you, it's been YEARS since I did that.

Lots of things to do, Sea World today (complete with feeding dolphins and lunch with Shamu), girl bonding time for all, room service and ,multiple bottles of wine. What more could one want? The accents are cute too. Sometimes, I forget where I am and then I talk to someone or overhear a conversation and hear the drawl. It's actually quite charming.

I've talked to Steve a few times and the boys are doing great. I miss them terribly, but apparently not enough to make me homesick...yet. :) We're back to Austin tomorrow, then Sunday - home.

The girls within minutes of getting to Austin. Sofia was into Bella's dress up stuff within mock speed.



Sofia enjoying the water area at Sea World today.



Shamu showing off.

Happy Sunday

Dateline: This Morning.

Overheard at our house?

"Mommy? Why is your belly button so big?"

Good morning to you, sunshine!

We're off to a sleepover at pseudo grandma's house (just Sofia and I.) I'm looking forward to it as pseudo grandma spoils Sofia rotten and I may actually get to read a book! A non parenting book!

7 Quick Takes Friday - 5.22.09

This 7 Quick Takes Friday is kind of lame and very stream of consciousness. I apologize in advance.

1. Sofia's new favorite phrase? "OHH-EMM-GEEE" (as in O.M.G.) She picked it up at preschool, from her teacher, apparently. When I posted this on Facebook, a fellow preschool mom posted that her little one said "That's hella cute, mommy," apparently also learned from this same teacher. I actually think it's kind of funny and fairly benign. It's certainly easier to deal with than trying to explain what her previous teacher's tramp stamp was and why it was not ok for a 3 year old to have one. (No offense to lower back tattoo lovers, I just don't necessarily want to see one on my kid's preschool teacher. I figure there'll be plenty of time for that exposure in high school, junior high school, elementary school. )

2. Despite being a licensed cosmetologist, I think I jacked up Sofia's bangs tonight. Her raging cowlick/Ocean Spray swoosh and I do NOT get along.

3. I made the colossal mistake of adding my cousin on Facebook. He's a bit of a black sheep (young marriage, drugs, ne'er do well type stuff.) Most of my family are black sheep, but he's pretty far up there on the spectrum, right next to my cousin who is in the State Penn. In any case, I instantly regretted it as I can tell he's on Facebook 24/7 and loves to leave idiotic comments with incorrect grammar and spelling. *sigh* How does one de-friend their first cousin from Facebook?

4. I am obsessed with TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) and their show on Sci-Fi, Ghosthunters. Honestly, I will only watch it during the day, but I can't.get.enough.of.it. Plumbers by day, Ghostbusters by night. LOVE it.

5. I'm sitting her watching Chelsea Lately, one of my nightly rituals. It's a rerun, so that's disappointing, but I still laugh, even though I already know the jokes.

6. Sofia has become very attached to one of those remote control stuffed dogs. She "feeds" him, puts him to bed and talks about him as if he her baby. As this is the closest this kid will get to a dog for a pet, I am all over this, asking if her doggie needs to go for a walk, wants more food, etc.

7. I was introduced to another neighbor yesterday. She has a 3 year old and a newborn. She seemed nice. As the twins poked their head outside the front door, her instant response was "Are those ALL your kids?" Good times.

That's it from here.