Tired for no reason

I got enough sleep last night and yet I am still tired.

Example:
Nick brought me a can of Cream of Mushroom soup that he had stolen from the pantry. Instead of setting it down and picking up my soda, I attempted to take a drink from the Cream of Mushroom soup can. Mmmm Mmmm Good.

And - let's hope that this very non-girly blog template is error free.

Technical. Glitch. Crap.

So with the brilliant plan of making my blog girl-y (which I am unable to do in just about every room of my house because I am surrounded by testosterone!!!). . . . anyway, I encountered a problem with my comments. No one can leave comments. But I am afraid to do anything else because from what I understand if I mess with the blog too much it may just *poof* disappear unless I back it up. I don't know how to back it up. And I think the dang thing is huge - I don't want to put it on my hard drive. I need to do more research on this whole thing before I make another move. So no comments for now.

Just when I thought I was figuring it all out I realized that I am like an "old person" sitting in front of my archaic computer (3 yrs old) trying to figure out how to turn it on or something. I bet I could ask a 13 year old to help me and they would roll their eyes at me and do what I need in 6 minutes flat.

Hey look, pictures. . .!!



Olivia and Nick chased after Riley, only to be stopped by the baby gate that she is able to jump over.




Mom the Jungle Gym!


Miss Haylee surveying her domain.


Olivia took a shower with the boys. She loves water and it is so dry here that I don't worry about things getting wet because they are dry within the hour.

Thanks Joanne

Miss Joanne inspired me to change the look of my blog, and I'm glad she did. It looks much better now don't you agree? But I had to relink all the current blogs that I am following and I updated my profile and for some unearthly reason this whole process has taken waaaaaayyyy too long. Like an hour. Or longer. Anyway. I had planned on posting new kiddo pics and telling you all about our day on the Turquoise Trail. I also need to tell you about Nick trying to accost every baby he sees so that he can give him or her (he doesn't discriminate yet) a big wet kiss. But it will have to wait. Adios.

Here's a Tip

Question 1:
What d'ya do when your 14 month old takes his diaper off in the baby pool so that he can go poop?

Answer 1:
Let him finish.

Question 2:
What is the best way to deal with the poop in the water?

Answer 2:
Pick it up as if it were dog poop - with a plastic ziplock turned inside out. Dispose of in same fashion as a diaper.

Little Updates

Nick has moved into as size 6 shoe as of today, his 14 month birthday. And I was looking at him today . . . he looks taller again. And he thinks he is a big boy like his brother. He insisted on standing over the toilet bowl without his pants on so he could try to pee like his big brother. It was so cute watching him try to pull his pants off. I of course helped him and we "tried" to pee in the toilet. It is all about equality with Nick. If Lucas gets to do it than so should Nick. And on that same note we are about to move Nick into a booster seat. No - pulling up the highchair to the table isn't good enough for him, and no we aren't thinking our kid is so advanced that he has outgrown a highchair. Nick has noticed the inequality in seating arrangements and is making an issue out of it, so we are going to have to get a seat like Lucas's.

It kind of makes me happy to be moving him to a booster because the highchair we have attaches to the seat which we love. It worked out really well for the first nine months or so, but now that he is so messy the food gets everywhere and there are so many cracks and crevasses that I can't keep the thing clean even with the cover off. It is rather gross. Why they make a highchair with so many unreachable crevasses is a mystery to me. And since I am ranting, the crotch buckle doesn't remove, and it is a cloth strap . . . seriously, what idiot designed this thing? Overall though I like the highchair better than all the others I looked at. Nothing is perfect. Except my opinions. :-)


Here is Nick, puckering up after I told him to smile for the camera.



This is Lucas's forced smile. I think he is so photogenic, when he keeps his eyes open. Most of the time he closes his eyes for the camera.



Here is Nick at the table, with his legs pulled in front of him. It drives me crazy that he sits this way and I constantly do battle with him to sit properly but I am slowly giving up the battle. At least I have stopped him from standing up and screaming. I won the important battle.



Mr. Lucas sticking his tongue out at me.

Boys Will Do Boy Things No Matter What.

Tonight it was just me and the kids and I was really pooped out. So after fixing dinner, which was stir fry with rice (for you parents out there you are rightfully cringing at the idea of giving a 14 month old rice due to the incredible mess) and the ensuing clean up, I decided I didn't have the energy for bath time. All I really wanted was a shower which has been eluding me for three days now. Too Much Information (TMI) I know. So I decided to make a family affair out of this shower which was a great idea, because I got my hot shower and the kids got all the soy sauce off their bodies.

I left the boys in the shower to play in the water while I dried off and got dressed. Hell I even had enough time to brush my hair and brush my teeth! Amazing! As I am standing at the vanity I am listening to the boys play in the water. I hear a very tiny but distinctive fart. Then Lucas starts laughing and opens the shower door and says: "Me farted on Nick's head. Me farted FOUL on Nick's head." I about peed my pants laughing. Poor Nick. It sometimes doesn't pay to be the youngest. But Nick, not knowing why Lucas was laughing so hard started laughing right along with him. I didn't bother to tell Lucas that passing gas on some one's head isn't nice. I was just to darn tired. And I need to pick my battles. I guess I can look forward to more of these brotherly moments in my future.


Here Nick looks especially thin. I keep trying to fatten the little bugger up, but he keeps gaining height not fat.


Lucas, peeking out to say hello. He was so nice to Nick (other than the farting episode) and kept opening the door for Nick so that Nick could make sure I was still around. The little dude is at the age where he wants to keep track of me.


Nick, looking skinny and cute. He is such a sweet little guy.

What did you just say?

I was just making an appointment with a mechanic and here is how the conversation went:

Me: Do you have room to fit my car in tomorrow around 2:00?

Him: Of course we do sweetheart.

Me: What did you just say?

Him: What?

Terrible 2¾'s

Lucas is spitting, kicking, biting and not being the sweet loving little boy he was a few short months ago. I hear a lot of "Give me" or "I need". No please or thank you - despite us drilling the manners into his brain they seem to leak out. He is prone to sudden bouts of deafness. He is completely non responsive to request for assistance or reprimand for hurting his brother. What am I doing wrong? I don't yell a whole lot, I don't spank, I use positive reinforcements in accordance with the famous Positive Discipline Book that everyone swears by. Yes I do own the book and yes it is a good book, the ideas put forth make sense and seem as if they would work. But it isn't working. At the risk of sounding self-righteous, I think this is just his age. I don't think I'm doing a whole lot "wrong". But I guess I'll know if I've screwed up in about 20 years from now. That is reassuring.

This parenting stuff is hard.

Mommy isn't too bright

This morning around 7:30 the kids were driving me CRAZY. So I stuck them outside right after I got them dressed for the day. I forgot the baby pool had water in it and I saw Nick start to play in the water. I really didn't want him to get all wet because I had JUST wrestled him into clothing, so I dumped the water out. Right into the dirt. And I made a bunch of mud. And I'm not very smart at all. Water would have been preferable over mud.








Lucas was so cute. He took a shoe off and said "Mommy, Me have something in mine shoe." And it was obvious that yes he did have something in there - a whole bunch of mud.

Oh Good LORD Stop Screaming in Public

You know those kids in the stores (or any public space) that scream for no reason at the top of their lungs - just for the sake of screaming? Their parents always seem to be oblivious to the noise and continue on their way without even attempting to correct this offensive little monster? Don't you just hate that? I sure do. I am always casting evil glances at the parents because they let their kids disturb me. Why in the hell would you ALLOW your child to be so disruptive? Do I have suggestions for them? No. I just want their kids to shut the hell up.

I have figured out why parents allow the kids to scream while carrying on with their business as if nothing is amiss. They are deaf.

I am now deaf too. Nick likes to scream. A LOT. And it isn't generally because he is upset or crying, he is just screaming because he likes the echo, or the noise. . . or something. He has one of those voices that projects itself across a crowded room with zero effort. Even when he babbles it is really loud. But Nick just likes to hear himself scream. And there is absolutely NOTHING AT ALL that I can do about it. So I ignore it. Because that is how I am going to preserve what little sanity I have left. And now I have morphed into one of those parents that I have despised for so long. And yesterday, at Sam's Club, I realized that I am truly one of "those parents" when I received no fewer than 6 evil glances. And part of me cared, but the other part of me just tuned out the glances, just like I was tuning out Nick's screaming.

This is Karma in action people. Watch your back, it could happen to you too.

Doggie Love

And this is why we got the dog.




This is why we have bath time after dinner - instead of in the morning like some people told us to try. Ok. And yes. This happens to be a children's TV dinner. I'm not lying when I tell you that this is the first time we have purchased TV dinners- but in my defense I was exhausted yesterday and I already feel guilty about it.


Yayyy, books! Thank goodness both boys love books.


Lucas on some super cool spinning park equipment. This whole pole and spins and the kids hold on for dear life. AJ nearly was thrown from it when I was spinning him on it. He then offered to spin me on it but the look in his eyes told me that payback was on his mind so I sweetly declined his offer.


At the same park there is a fountain that the kids play in. Incidentally this was taken on a Sunday afternoon and there was absolutely NO ONE here. We also were there on Saturday and there was only one family. Can you believe it? I am in love with this newly discovered park.

In this picture Lucas is putting his shoes over the jets so that they get launched into the air when the jet comes on.



Mom - it is 98 degrees out here and I'm shivering.


More spinning park equipment.


Taken with my "sports mode" for fast subjects. Lucas was being spun around in this thing when I took the picture. Don't worry. That is not a look of terror, but a look of happiness. He was laughing.

A Bald Lipstick Wearing Busty Man

I'm sitting at the stop light yesterday and look over to my right and a bald man/woman (not sure) who was in his/her late 20's was TOTALLY flirting with me. He/She was smiling, blowing kisses, and doing all the annoying activities that people at stoplights do when they try to get attention. I think this person was genetically male because of what I thought was a glimpse of an adam's apple. He/She had a shaved head and boobs with lipstick. Yes. A bald lipstick wearing busty man. That is who is attracted to me now. Does anyone recommend a bridge I can jump off?

Oh wait!! It just occurred to me that maybe he/she saw how horrible I looked and was making fun of me!! OH NO!! Cross dressers think I'm UGLY. Now I really need a bridge.

Recent Cuteness

I'm sitting on the couch folding laundry when Lucas comes up . . .

Lucas: Mom, me have blue on foot.
Me: Where?
Lucas: Right here. (crying) Me want it off. (sniff sniff)
Me: Lucas honey, that is your vein in your foot. It doesn't come off.
Lucas: Meeeee wanttttt it offffff! (rubbing at foot)
Me: Look see Mommy's veins? Everybody has blue on their feet.
Lucas: Oh. (runs off to play with pirate ship - no longer crying)


While reading a bedtime story to Lucas he looks at the puppy, Olivia, laying on his bed . . . .

Lucas: Dog not laying on top of head.
Me: What?
Lucas: Dog laying on chin . . . . sleeping.
Me: Ohhhhhh, yes the dog is laying on her chin- on her belly, that is how she sleeps. You lay on the back of your head - on your back, to sleep.
Lucas: Dog need lay on back of head to sleep.
Me: Sweetie, you lay on your belly to sleep sometimes just like the dog.
Lucas: Ohhh, ok. (rolls onto his belly and closes his eyes) Me like doggie now!!!

No more pacifier for Lucas

Today is the first day Lucas is sleeping without his trusty pacifier. I know, it is really late in the game to be getting rid of the damned thing but better late than never. He is asleep right now without it!!! I didn't think it was possible! He didn't cry, he didn't whine or throw a fit. We told him that we were getting rid of the pacifiers and that Handy Manny (his favorite cartoon) would get him a present if he gives up his pacifiers. And he did. Whew. One down, one to go. Nick is going to be such a challenge.

FYI

Lesson 1:
Approximately ¾ cup (yes I know it is a lot) of blueberries will cause explosive diarrhea in a 13 month old within 5 hours. I'm talking about a major pooptastrophe.

Lesson 2:
Always keep a bottle of bleach on hand to decontaminate the bathtub after the pooptastrophe cleanup.

Lesson 3:
Put the dog outside during cleanup.

Bandelier and Olivia

First of all . . . look at those eyes! No color enhancing needed for this picture, it's all Lucas. Second of all, he likes to pretend he is a worm by pulling his shirt over the top of his head and running around like this.


Meet Olivia. She is a keeper. She is about 3 months old and is a shepherd mix. We all fell in love at first sight. She is sweet and loving and really freakin' adorable. And she is willing to go potty in our yard. We are still working on the whole concept of going pee outside and walking on a leash. But she is young and that is what the obedience training is for. We get 5 weeks of free training so I am assuming that they will help us teach her that a leash is her friend.



We went and got her a pink Kong.


Here are pictures of our trip to Bandelier. This is a picture that my 6 year old niece Kylie took of me, EJ, Lucas and Nancy (AJ's Mom).


This is a picture of EJ holding Nicholas. They really bonded and it was sad when they said goodbye to each other. EJ insisted on saying goodbye to Nick even though he was down for a nap when they were leaving. It made us all cry.


Grandma Nancy and EJ at the mouth of a dwelling


AJ, Lucas, Kylie and EJ in another dwelling.


AJ looking suspicious coming out of a dwelling.




Nick and I trying to keep up with everyone. Thank goodness he is finally learning to keep his hat on.


One big happy gang.

Some family fun

Here are a bunch of pictures I have stolen off of my Mother-in-law's camera because I am so forgetful that I can't seem to remember to bring my camera anywhere.

Here we are at Explora. AJ was sweet enough to keep Nick this time while I played with all the stuff. Here they are in the baby corner where Nick was entertained for at least 2 hours.


Here is Lucas watching the hissing cockroaches. This was in the decomposition display, which is fascinating.


Kylie (my gorgeous niece) and Lucas playing with a bubble display that teaches you to wet your hand with bubble water and you can stick your hand through (YES I KNOW AMAZING!) the bubbles without them popping.


Here is a rare sight: EJ (my handsome nephew) smiling in a photograph. HOLY COW! Eight year olds can smile and have fun!


Yet again, a rarity caught on film. Brother and sister enjoying each other's company AND smiling on camera.


Lucas is creating a huge bubble in the bubble pit. This exhibit alone would have occupied hours of fun, but there was much more to see.


Me, Nick, Kylie and EJ all making bubbles. It is fun for all ages. I was having a blast too.


Mr. Handsome himself. We were learning about gravity at this exhibit. Lucas is going to end up a science nerd which thrills me.


Kylie built her own experiment. Very smart little girl.


This is the face EJ made when I ordered him to smile for the camera. He was not happy to be pulled away from his gravity experiment.


This is Nick telling me that he is ready for lunch. Those big amazing brown eyes are hard to resist.


Here is Kylie on top of Sandia peak letting humming birds land on her hand. The NFS ranger (I specify because of all the NPS nerds that read this blog) up there encouraged and instructed her on how to do this. Gasp.


This is Miss Kylie with a butterfly on her finger in the butterfly house at the botanical gardens. She and EJ had a good time there too.


Here is Lucas hiding in a big dinosaur egg.


EJ and Kylie were hiding in one as well.


We are having fun and tomorrow we are going to go to one of those inflatable bounce places. You know. . . the big inflatable contraptions that people have at parties that the kids get into and on to play. Anyway. I'll let you know how it goes. My kids are a little young but it should still be fun.