Bathtime

I love my little people when they're in the bath. They love that water like fish love the sea. They could be in it for days if I let them! Miss M is especially fond of her splashing and newfound "freedom" in the water. I love how their wet eyelashes glisten and seem so much longer than normal.

Do you think we have some oral fixation issues?

I love the big smiles that come across their faces when they send Spiderman over the edge of the faucet. It's so simple and so grand!

Eating Like Big People

Is this really all you have to offer?

Let's keep working on that

Miss M has hit her milestone month marks and now consumes "big people" food - if you count prunes, pears, oatmeal cereal and zwieback biscuits as such. She is a fan of prunes, peaches, sweet potatoes, applesauce and bananas. She is not a fan of squash, green beans, and carrots. We haven't tried peas yet, but we're getting there (I hate them but I'm trying not to impose my food preferences on my children). She also likes the butt of sourdough bread. She has even become great at picking up her "Puffs" and bits of cheese. All hail independence (or something like unto it for now).

A Bucket List of Sorts

I saw this on my DH's cousin's blog and really liked it! It made me stop and think and reminisce. I always like to do that. Anyone else interested?

What have I done?
Rules are: Anything you have done has to be in bold. How much have you done?
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a Mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo (and you're thanking me that I haven't)
11. Bungee jumped (I really wish)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon (best feeling)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (many, but I think my favorite was atop Mt. Sinai)
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (only one, but it was a blast)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (have you met my in-laws?)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (great idea)
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (and it's amazing)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (must go with my honey next time)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (St. John and Hawaii are atop that list)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (I really really wish)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (Panda, anyone?)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Tied a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (does my pinky count?)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (don't tell my mom...and, have you met my DH?)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (freshman year of college)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (thank you, high school in a small town!)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club (my Bee Sisters are still my all-time fave)
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy

Wow!

Driving home from the church Christmas party, Mr. A insisted on listening to his second favorite song (his #1 favorite: "The Ring Song" as he calls it - "If You Like It..." by Beyonce - I kid you not), Jingle Bells.

We pulled into the neighborhood and he INSISTED that we not turn the car off until the song was over.

Me: "Ok, bud. We'll wait until the song's over"

We pull into the garage ..." oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh."

Mr. A: "Wow, Mom. That a GRREEAAT song!"

Seriously?

Shhhh!

A few weeks ago:
Said in a loud whisper:
Mr. A - "Mom, I tell you a secret?"
Me - "Sure, Mr. A" leaning my ear towards his lips
Mr. A - "SEEEEE-CRET!"

Tonight:
Mr. A - "Mom, I tell you a secret?"
Me - "Yes, I love secrets."
Mr. A - "I LUFFF You!"

I really do love good secrets.

Seis, Six, SIX

And here we are again with another month having ticked right on by. Can anyone direct me to the pause button on the DVR remote of my life? Sheesh.

Actually, in my final beach run in HHI, I borrowed my sister's iPod and enjoyed her Workout playlist. Some of the lyrics from a song called "Breathe" have been running through my head since:

"Life's like an hourglass glued to the table, No one can find the rewind button girl..."

I loved the metaphor of life and the hourglass that can't be flipped over. And, I ALWAYS say that I'm searching for the rewind or pause button. Apparently I'm not the only one.

I digress.

This is really all about Miss M. She's 1/2 way to her first birthday. WHERE DID THE TIME GO??? Yikes. She's working on her sitting muscles, rolling up a storm or trying to roll off the bed as the case may be, started eating solids (pictures of that in a later post but applesauce, bananas and sweet potatoes are favorites), jumping her little heart out, grabbing at and eating my hair (gross, I know, but it entertains her and there's something about her little noises so close to my ear), grabbing on to anything and everything - nose, lips, eyes, ears, jewelry, ties, etc; and delighting us all with her laugh - she's ticklish, you know. And did we mention her expressive eyes could light up a room? She really is a delight.

The details:
15 lbs 9 oz
26 inches
17" around the head

Stinkin' it Up

Tonight Mr. A and I were snuggling in his bed reading Madeleine in London as his bedtime story. We're almost done with it when he pops up from his bed, begins to walk toward his chest of drawers and announces, "Mommy, I need new jammies. These (pointing to the freshly-laundered ones he was wearing) stink."

Me: "But Mr. A, those jammies were just washed."

Mr. A: "No, Mommy. They stink."

Well, alrighty then. And so my wish for you this holiday season: May your jammies not stink either. Mr. A's certainly don't.

Thankful for Heaven

As I mentioned in my previous post, Mr. A confused Heaven and Hilton Head an awful lot. The morning we were packing up to leave for Hilton Head he was talking to DH's parents and said, "Nana & Papa, I go Heaven tonight." I admit I was a bit concerned that he knew something I didn't.

So, with an extra special prayer in our hearts as we embarked on our 12+/2 day driving journey to Hilton Head, off we went. Fortunately, Mr. A was just a bit confused. What he really meant each time he said "Heaven" was Hilton Head. And, he was kind of right.

Hilton Head has always been a special place for me. Growing up I visited my grandparents there, vacationed there, and then took full advantage of the home my parents once owned there. I have tried to share the love with my DH and my Mr. A. I think they've caught it and have developed their own little love affairs with that island.

Our equation for the week: Beach + ocean + people we love = Heaven

Here's what we were thankful for:

Miniature golfing - speed/toddler style - now I know why they don't charge for anyone under 4 - they don't stay on the course long enough to get their money's worth

Biking on the beach

Ice cream with the Salty Dog

A quite tasty Thanksgiving meal at the Old Folks Home that we didn't have to cook, clean up from, or even set the table for

Running on the beach - rain or shine - my favorite route - and the last day running with Coldplay cheering me on - they're so nice like that

Walking on the beach with Miss M in the Baby Bjorn (the only peep she made in our hour-long walk was the smacking of her lips tasting that yummy salty air)

Digging sandcastles on the beach

Swimming in the ocean (the crazy ones - Uncle C. and Mr. A)

Watching the dolphins play around in the ocean with one another

Seeing alligators sunning themselves on the shores of the lagoon

Black Friday shopping at the Outlets at Midnight with my sisters (I really did like our divide, conquer, take turns standing in line method so as to maximize time and money)

Black Friday online shopping later in the day (3 computers, 3 stools at the counter, 3 bargain shoppers)

Wii tournaments - for adults and kids alike

Hot tubbing

Napping

Playing at the park in Harbor Town

Delicious food at San Miguel's and Hudson's

Reading books

Cousins playing

Madagascar 2 with Grandpa - the secret - a ubiquitous supply of popcorn and treats

Big Boy Golfing

Sweater shopping for the boys (not on Black Friday - wimps)

I don't think there was one thing left undone. We even managed to eat a hearty amount in there. The kids had so much fun together and the house was beautiful and spacious.

And one other note: DH and I have contemplated setting up Miss M's pack 'n play in our dark walk-in closet since she seems to sleep so well in those. She slept LIKE A ROCK while we were there - in her pack 'n play, in a dark walk-in closet. Such a gem.

We'll be coming back soon, Heaven, I mean Hilton Head. Save us a brick red rocker in Harbor Town. You know, the ones right next to the Lighthouse. Hopefully we won't be too long.

An Outing Outfit

Mr. A likes to ask to wear his pajamas when he takes his nap.

Some days we concede.

Some days we compromise (you can wear the bottoms or the top - not both).

We were headed out the other day shortly after his nap (it was snowing here) and he didn't want to take his pajama bottoms off.

And he wanted to wear his froggie boots.

And he needed a coat on.

This is what we got:

Jumpin' Fool

Miss M loves to jump. She spends a lot of time in this sweet jumping machine and is quite happy when she's there. We're quite happy for her and love watching her get sweet air and squeal with delight as she impresses herself with her abilities.

Little Treasures

Mr. A's had some good ones this week:

• Mr. A: "Mom, we go to heaven I can wear my sandals?"
• Me (thinking he knew something I didn't) : "When are we going to heaven and which sandals are you wearing?"
• Mr. A: "Mom, I show you" - running off. He returns carrying a flip flop from his room that did not fit him this summer.
• Me: "OOOHHH! When we go to HILTON HEAD you can wear this sandal. Is that what you're asking?
• Mr. A: "Yeah, Mom! We go to Heaven and I wear sandals!"
• Me: "Yes, Hilton Head is a lot like Heaven."

Another one:

• I was putting away laundry in Miss M's room yesterday and Mr. A was watching and putting some things away too. At some point I left the laundry basket in my room with all of the strays (socks, that is). This morning while rooting for Miss M's ensemble of the day I couldn't help but let a big smile ease across my face as I opened the drawer and all of the stray socks were laid neatly on top of Miss M's clothes. Such a good helper, he is.

Lastly:

• Mr. A has been very into the spatial nature of relationships lately. He's often known to ask, "Mom, where's Dad?" or "Mom, where's BG's (my mom) daddy?" or "Mom, where's Nana and Papa?"
• I always reply directly to him about where everyone is (BG's daddy is up in heaven, etc)
• And so tonight, while saying his little prayers, he says, "Bless Nana & Papa in California, bless BG and bless BG daddy in heaven and bless Daddy on the hairpane (airplane)."

Such a thoughtful little dude!

New Wheels

DH has been taking one for the team and driving around a less-than-stellar vehicle ever since we were married. Last weekend he upgraded. Congratulations on your new toy, dh. Mr. A will love it in 13 years.

Deal Day

You know I love a good deal. So, yesterday was a good day.

-New Britax car seat for Miss M: $63 (normally $289 - we'll see if it really comes through, though...I'm still a little suspect)

- A room at the Fairfield Inn on Sat. night (DH's brother works for Marriott): $17.50 (let's hope it's not in the outhouse)

- American Express Finance Charges (for some reason they keep showing up on my statement so I finally called to find out why - mistake on their part, they said) - credit my acct $67. Thank you for my new car seat.

I felt like I was on a roll. I kept hoping I could come up with something else I was needing so that I could find another deal!

Light Reading

While cleaning the toyroom today I stumbled upon some of Mr. A's books that I had either read only once or never read at all. I stopped him and me and we sat down and read some books.

When reading the last one the tears started pouring out my eyes as if they were dripping from the outside faucet. Mr. A asked, "Mom, you tired?!" Close, Mr. A. Close.

Maybe you have these hidden in your library and already know of the happy tears they make you shed. Or maybe you should add them to your collection. I highly recommend them.

1 - Wishes for You
-My favorite lines:

• I hope you will love one special person more than anyone or anything in the whole world.
  
• I hope you will always be part of a family.
  
• I hope you will always remember me and know how much I love you.

2 - You Are My I Love You
Favorite lines:

• I am your calm face; you are my giggle. I am your wait; you are my wiggle.
• I am your way home; you are my new path.
• I am your good-night kiss; you are my I love you.

3 - Let Me Hold You Longer (true tear-jerker)
Favorites:

• ...The last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold. The last time that you said you'd marry me when you grew old.
• Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past - Would I have held on longer if I'd known they were your last?
• I never said goodbye to all your yesterdays long passed. So what about tomorrow - will I recognize your lasts?
• My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass. I want to hold on longer - want to recognize your lasts...

Time whizzes by. Today I hugged my Mr. A and my Miss M a little longer before laying them each down for the slumber that awaited. Can I push pause?

I Like...

...Caffeine Free Diet Coke coming out of the fountain at Chick-Fil-A

...Nice workers at Chick-Fil-A who don't mind that Mr. A knocked over all of the ice cream cones trying to get "his" for them (while his mother was waiting in line for it)

...Tylenol Rapid Release Gels

...The vibrantly red tree in my front yard that's still hanging on to some leaves

...Clearance sales of Halloween costumes (for my dress-up chest)

...Getting Christmas presents made in early November

...Produce Junction (why didn't I discover that place earlier?)

...Pre-schoolers who get excited about the fire engine they saw when they went out to play on the playground - "And, Mom, he did BEEP! BEEP!"

...Pre-schoolers who wear "spider" hats on their heads after learning about "Little Miss Moffit" and running down the hall with their spider legs bouncing out of their heads

...My popcorn popper that pops it in the microwave with no oil, butter, etc. Just fresh kernels.

...Babies who wake up happy from naps and nighttime sleeping

...Sounding like my mother during family pictures - "If you smile really big for ALL the pictures, I have a special treat for you in the car." - said to my 2-year-old, but my DH probably would have liked one too.

....Watching my Miss M put everything in her mouth - even the leaves on the ground while trying to take a picture

...Good friends who call to tell me about sales, community happenings, and new events

...Being Grateful.

Thank you, month of Thanksgiving.

Princes and Froggies and Sugar, Oh My!

The members and their Queen (BG)

Ready for a night on the town - the Prince won out

A sleepy frog

The Prince and his Neighbor Princesses

Buddies! A Scottish golfer and the Prince (CL and Mr. A)

I hope I never forget the image in my head of Mr. A furiously running up each driveway to petition for his next "teet."

His unbuttoned tuxedo jacket waving in the wind while his flailing arms and legs worked so hard to keep up with each other, one hand full of the candy he had received from the previous house.

And then he would almost get to the walkway and say (every time with the same urgent voice - you know, the one you use to alert those around you to something important): "Oh, Mom! MY PUNKIN!!!! I NEED my PUNKIN!!!" And I would hand him his pumpkin carrying case and he would drop the previous piece of candy in it and rush up to the door.

Discovery is beautiful at any age really.

But it is magical when you're 2 and you figure out that just 3 words will get a big bowl of heavenly candy lowered to your eye level.

And it's most magical to observe.

Today

I got to....

• Vote
• Drive through New England in its Fall splendor
• Watch my Mr. A lull himself to sleep in his Uncle Chris's sleeping bag while rubbing his "Li'l Blankie" and singing (whispering) Happy Birthday to Dalin (his cousin - we practiced)
  
• Hear the contagious laughter of my Miss M
• Exercise
• Talk to an old friend

It was a good day.

Identity Crisis and Other Events

Mr. A debuted his costume of the season last night at the church Halloween party. He met up with all of his princesses (pictures of those to come later) and even kissed his frog. However, an unanticipated dilemma arose as the night went on....

The dashing prince ready for "the ball"

Very serious matters to attend to

"Right here, please" - the frog princess awaiting her kiss

"What?! A picture first?!"

(side note - please ignore the old lady Hawaiian tourist in the background - for those of you who know my friend, Sarah, that is her and I could not take one word she said seriously last night. It was a perfect costume)

...and back to the dilemma: all of those accessories (sword, sash, crown) were just too much for Mr. A to handle. And so, for the Halloween party at preschool this morning, he debuted a different costume and seemed quite pleased with it.

Sooooo...what will tomorrow bring? Which Mr. A will take to the streets of P-town with his pumpkin in tow pleading "Chick or Teat"? Stay tuned....

Yes, Sir

Whenever Mr. A is doing something, or says he's going to do something, that he shouldn't, I often find myself saying, "No, sir."

For example:
Mr. A: "Mommy, I go in Baby Sis's room and say hi"
Me: "Oh, no, sir. Baby Sis is sleeping."

So tonight, imagine my surprise when Mr. A throws Play-Doh on the kitchen floor and I said, "Mr. A, the Play-Doh doesn't belong on the floor, only on the table."

Mr. A: "Oh, YES, SIR, on the floor."

Hmmm. At least he's an optimist.

Cuddler Extraordinaire

My Miss M is 5 months old tomorrow. She has been so much fun and such a bright light in our home. Mr. A takes such good care of her and she lights up whenever he is around. The love is obvious.

Overheard today on the way home from the grocery store (she had spit out her pacifier, was fussing, and ready to eat or sleep):

Mr. A to Miss M: "Iss OK, Sissy. We be home in JUST a minute. We almost there, Sissy. You be ok."

See, he is looking out for her already.

A few of her highlights:

• She has discovered her feet and toes. She grabs her heel and molds and bends her body trying to eat them. It is riveting to watch. I love the discovery mode.


• She is our little cuddler and it is the best. Mr. A was not a cuddler so this is new for us. When she starts to get tired she puts her head down on our shoulders and just nestles in. It truly makes us not want to put her to bed so that we can cuddle a little longer! Smart one, that girl!


• She is a master jumper - her brother loved it too. The "Johnny Jumper" swing that hangs in the doorway of our dining room gets a daily workout filled with squeals of glee and hiccups of excitement.
  


• She is patient. Sometimes she does not get the attention and food and admiring that she needs as soon as she wants it but she waits kindly for it (most of the time).

Happy 5 months, Miss M!

Ghosts in the Graveyard

My Graveyard Cake contribution to the Pumpkin Carving Fiesta

I really like the Fall. I really like the colors - on the trees, on the ground, and even in the sky. I really like the crisp air. I really like seeing colorful mums in flower beds and on front stoops. I really like picking out with great care just what candy we will be distributing for Halloween. I really like seeing kids in their costumes. I really like thinking of a theme for my kids (here's to hoping it works - we'll find out tomorrow). I really like watching little kids discover the fine art of trick-or-treating (really, it is an art). And, I really like turning the heat on for the first time and smelling the faint burn as it starts to warm up the entire house. There's just something about the season that I really like.

Some notes:

• We had a pumpkin carving party to attend this weekend (pictures of the pumpkins to come later). A dessert was our meager contribution. The party and the company, however, were delightful.
• A very happy birthday to one of my favorite people - my S-I-L, Michele, who I hope someday decides to join the blogging community and enlighten us with her words of wisdom (having 6 children seems to impart that on people). In the meantime, we're just happy she now has her very own camera (her daughter did ask her if this meant she was starting a blog. ha ha. I told her she needed to tell her daughter that it simply meant she could document her life again!). Happy day, Michele, if you ever read this! :)

An Ode to Aunt Kimmy

On this, your day of birth just a short twenty-something years ago, we honor YOU, Kim. Thank you for making our lives richer, our hearts fuller, and our children cooler (dress-wise, that is).

We hope your day is perfect and filled with yummy cake and even yummier frosting. We luff you!

Breaking and Entering

Locked out. Are you kidding me? We NEVER lock the door in our garage (that goes to the house). DH was the last one out. Must have been him. No answer on his cell phone - for an HOUR. No key hidden ANYWHERE. No windows open (I think) except for the one in our bedroom. Pull the ladder out. Prop it against the house. Contractor neighbor drives in his driveway. "Can you please help me?" Window open downstairs, thank goodness. THANK YOU!!

His parting words: "You may want to hide a key in your garage or leave a window open." Thank you, Mr. Neighbor. That would be very smart of us, you're right.

And my DH's words when I told him about our neighbor's kind gesture (after screaming at him for locking the door - "I didn't do it.") : "That's so nice. You should make him some cookies or something."

Let me get right on that. Where's the softened butter?

Jealousy

My DH clearly has friends in better places than I. He's off to Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday night. I'm definitely jealous. In an effort to make me feel better he told me that he and his friend have to have a "Young Men's Wellness Meeting" or something like that. Whatever. Have fun. Go Phillies.

Daddy Fix It

I guess I'm a creature of habit and I've passed it to my son. Whenever we go to Target (which is sometimes once-a-week) I appease Mr. A (and buy myself some peace in the store) with an ICEE (bad mom, I know).

Last week we got to Target right at lunch time. Perfect for the hot dog/ICEE combo.

Me: "Yes, I'd like the Hot Dog/Icee Kids' Meal"
Target worker: "Sorry, ma'am. The ICEE machine is broken today."
Me: "Seriously?"
Me to Mr. A: "Sorry, buddy. The ICEE machine is broken so we'll have to get another drink."
Mr. A: "That ok, Mommy. Daddy fix it."
Me: "But Daddy's not here, bud. Remember, he's on the airplane?"
Mr. A: "Oh. Well, Daddy fix it when he come home on Friday?"
Me: "We'll see."

And so it goes. Whenever anything is "not working" at our house, Mr. A's solution is always the same - Daddy fix it when he come home. Thank goodness for our Daddy Fix-it Man.

(And, no, he didn't have to fix the ICEE machine at Target. Someone else got to it first.)

Love in the Air

We got to spend a glorious Fall weekend celebrating love. Our love for our kids, our love for each other, and Jen and Jason's love. There is truly nothing happier than a wedding day. Everyone is just happy. I love being a part of weddings.

I especially loved celebrating with my cousin, Jen. She is 3 years older than I and is, in many ways, like my older sister. I grew up idolizing her - I wore her hand-me-down clothes with great pride, I lived vicariously through her boy stories, I always wanted to sleep in her room, eat what she ate, go to sleep when she did, and on and on. It was pretty funny at times. And so, now that we're both all grown up, it was with great joy that we celebrated her happy marriage. Her husband is a great guy and we can't wait to laugh often together. Congratulations, Jen & Jason!

Mr. A and Miss M "lazing" around

So delicious

Right back where it all began

with my gorgeous mother and beautiful sis

the Blushing Bride

the dapper Mr. A

the delightful Miss M

Close-up Cousins (a little too close)

BG and Miss M

Miss M and Miss E - Miss M was so spoiled all weekend - and so was I - I hardly held her and my superstar cousins and aunts couldn't be found without her - thank you!

Apples From the "Tee"

Our "expert" sampler
Such a happy apple of our eye


Aren't they pretty?
All alone in the orchard

The apple, the boy, and the mom

Yum.

A few weekends ago we ventured out into the PA countryside to engage in what is quickly becoming a fall tradition - apple picking, pumpkin picking, and leaf-viewing. It was a beautiful sunny day and Mr. A kept asking when we were going to get to the "apple tees" (trees). We bought our 1/2 peck bag, took a big "hayride" out to the apple trees, and started picking away.

The beauty of this apple orchard - sampling is free.

The verdict: Jonagold all the way.

We sampled Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonagold, and two others that I can't quite remember the names of. After filling half our bag with Jonagold, then sampling the others, we went back to finish filling it with Jonagolds. Mmm-mmm.