home visit

Jay and I have been going back and forth for quite a while on whether or not we should adopt...a puppy. We originally thought it would be too hard right now with a new baby and all that, that entails. But truly, we're pet people - and since we put Vinny down and Mrs. Mittens died, we've been waiting patiently for the right time to adopt. We decided yesterday that we are ready.

We really want a midsized dog - one that is kind of mellow, so as not to freak Emma out. A dog that can live inside when we're home and outside during the day while we're away. A dog that I can take running but that will not be running amok in our home. A dog that Jay can take fishing that won't jump from the boat and drown. A dog that can handle having his ears and tail pulled by our kids and who won't mind when one of them falls asleep in his bed. We know it's a lot to ask of a furry friend, but we're ready to wait until we find the right dog for us.

This morning Jay came across a lady who rescues dogs and we've been going back and forth all day filling out applications, researching breeds, and figuring out what we want. Tomorrow we have an official home visit. The dog rescue lady, Debi, is going to come over and make sure that our home is appropriate for taking in a dog. (It's totally weird, I feel as if we are adopting a child.) She has a really cute Beagle that we are interested in adopting, but we have to first get the green light from her.

Our research showed that Beagles are gentle dogs. They are midsized, good natured, great around kids and other animals. They are rarely aggressive, will run when lead, but also enjoy their lazy around the house time. They can be trained easily, and are generally good swimmers. (And this one is already potty trained.) On paper, they are just what we're looking for.

Tomorrow, if the home visit goes well, we will get to spend some time with the Beagle in order to help us decide if she's a good fit for our family. (I can tell you right now that if we spend time with her, I'm going to want to keep her - that's just the way I operate.) We are all excited at the prospect of bringing home a new member of our family. So, keep your fingers crossed for us and we'll keep you posted.

Daddy's home!

Jay got home this evening after a long week away. While he was organizing and carrying out a major fish rescue at Caples Lake, we were busy trying to manage our day to day life without one of our key players. Though I often chide Jay about how little he does around the house, it was not until he was gone and actually doing nothing, that I came to realize that he is actually quite a bit more helpful than I give him credit for. Single mommyhood is exhausting. It is so exhausting in fact that this afternoon while I was pumping during my lunchtime, I fell asleep for a few moments in the small closet-like workroom where I hide out. Fortunately a duo of kindergartners ran in the classroom and woke me - I could have slept for hours. It has been a very long, and exhausting week (for all of us), and we are looking forward to spending some time together on this long holiday weekend.

And now, with the children all snug and sleeping, Jay and I are off to bed. (It's 8:30 on a Friday night! Man, we are so sad.)

3 months old!

Our little Emma is 3 months old today. Life gets better everyday, and she is a big part of the reason for that. We just love our little pumpkin.

my little analytical thinker

Me: Cody, My friend Katie is going to watch you at my school while mommy has a meeting. Is that OK with you?
Cody: Sure mom, but who is going to watch Katie?

What a day!

Since Jay is out of town all week, I have been living the life of a single parent. It's HARD! Besides all of the usually follies that come with the territory when you have two small kids, I'm pretty sure that my children are out to get me. Let me explain... My day started at about 4:30 this morning with Cody coming in to tell me that he had to go potty. (For whatever reason, he always feel the need to announce his business to Jay and I - whether the timing is right or not.)After he did his business, I sent him back to bed, and went in to feed Emma, who had awoken with a hungry cry. At around 5:45 I emerged from my shower to find Cody playing race cars on the living room floor, emphatically claiming that he was no longer tired, and couldn't sleep. I readied myself, helped Cody pick out clothes, got Emma dressed, and packed up the multitude of things that one must drag around when playing single mommy. When everything was all set, I turned to let Cody know that it was time to go, and there he was - passed out cold on the couch! I woke the poor kid up, wrestled him into the car, and went back into the house to load up Emma. Just as I lifted her up to put her in her car seat, we had a major diaper malfunction. I changed both mine and Emma's clothes, loaded her up, and finally made it out the door.

I went to work, yada, yada, yada, and then picked the kiddos up from school.

On top of everything else, it also happened that it was Back to School Night at my school. Again, Jay is out of town, so I racked my brains and finally came up with a plan that I thought was quite genius. I had one of my colleagues' daughter watch the kids in the classroom next to mine while I did my BTS night presentation. Sounds good in theory, right? Well, about 20 minutes into my presentation I hear Cody calling from the back of the classroom. "Mommy, I need you." I blush, giggle nervously, and explain to my audience that this is my son, while trying to figure out what exactly Cody could possibly need. He scrambles up to me in the front of the room and whispers loudly, "I need a hug and a kiss mommy." I quickly oblige, amidst giggles and sighs from our audience, and send him back next door. Don't get me wrong, I love that he indulges in random acts of hugging and kissing mommy, but really - he has got to work on his timing.

What a day!!! Jay comes home on Friday - we can't wait!

finding her voice

Emma has been experimenting with new squeaks and squeals the past few weeks. I love listening to her "talk" to herself in the morning as she waits for us to come in and get her, or as she plays with her toys on her gymboree mat. The sound of her voice fills me with joy. I can't wait for the days of long heartfelt chats with my daughter, but for now, this is just as nice.

evidence of his affection

This morning while we were at the park Cody collected a bouquet of dandelions. He handed them to me and said sweetly, " I got these for you because you're such a good mommy." Then he hugged me and kissed me and walked away to go play in the sandbox.

I am posting this story for two reasons: 1) because it was just so innocent and sweet, and 2) because someday I'll need to prove to both Cody and myself that there indeed was a day when I was the object of his affection. I'm going to soak it all up while I still can!

What a handsome boy!

Last Friday I took the kids with me to our favorite Mexican restaurant for a TGIF with a few girls from school. While we were chatting I glimpsed Cody out of the corner of my eye checking himself out in the mirrored wall. Chuckling to myself, I asked him what he was doing. His response, " I'm just checking to see if I'm handsome." The girls and I had quite a giggle at that. But, he is one handsome little boy, and obviously we tell him that often.

dramastics

I love the Olympics! We have been tivoing the swimming and gymnastics, or as Cody calls it "dramastics," and watching them at a more decent hour, and both Cody and I are hooked. Tonight, as we were watching the uneven bar individual medal competition, Cody said to me, "Mom, pretend you're my dad and I'm Nastia. Watch me flip and win the gold medal." Jay of course says to him, "Cody, you're a boy." To which Cody responds with confidence, "Not right now I'm not. I'm Nastia." I so remember pretending to be Nadia and Mary Lou, I totally get it. But, I am positive that Jay was extremely uncomfortable with this game of pretend.

What I learned at school today...

When I picked Cody up this afternoon, he had some very exciting news to share. For a while now, he has been eagerly waiting for his fourth birthday so that he could, "change into a butterfly." Well today, though he's not quite four, his wish came true. Cody has officially "graduated" to the pre-K class at his preschool - AKA the "butterflies." He was very excited about the big move and had lots to share with me about his day. My favorite revelation - when I asked him what he learned today he replied, "I learned that we don't lick people." (FYI - thankfully I learned that he gained this wisdom from a friends innocent experimentation, not his own -eeew!)

PS - He now insists that he is 4, because "that's when I get to change into a butterfly, mom!"

finding joy in the simple things

This afternoon when I picked Cody up from preschool, he was bubbling over with glee. As I opened the door to the classroom he ran at me full speed shouting, "Guess what mommy! Guess what! Guess what! Guess what!" I of course was eager to hear what all the excitement was about so I leaned in to hear about the extraordinary thing that had happened to him. You know what he told me? "I got to be the line leader today!" I love that he is able to see small moments as such BIG deals. I could learn a thing or two from him.

I changed my mind

The only vegetables that Cody willingly eats are green beans and carrots. In an effort to broaden his horizons a bit, Jay and I frequently encourage Cody to try at least one bite of whatever vegetable we are eating. Tonight we had squash. As is pretty typical, Cody ate his entire dinner except for the squash, and then proceeded to go on and on about how he was too full to try even one bite. We finally persuaded him to try just one. After he ate it Jay asked, "did you like the squash?" Cody nodded his head yes and much to our astonishment went for another bite. About .3 seconds later Cody threw up all over the dinner table. When he had collected himself a bit, he said very nonchalantly, " I changed my mind. I don't really like squash." I guess not!

Beware of pink elephants!

Earlier today Cody had quite a bit of gas. I know, not really a very mature or appropriate post, but this is what happened...

Cody (very excitedly): Did you see that mom?
Me (confusedly): What?
Cody: A pink elephant just ran across the room.
Me: Huh?
Cody: A pink elephant!

A few minutes later I hear Cody passing gas so I ask him to please use his nice manners and say excuse me.

Cody: It wasn't me mom, it was the pink elephant.

I honestly don't know where he comes up with this stuff!

First Day

Today was the first day of school. Though I've been working like a dog to get ready, this is the least prepared I've ever felt at the beginning of the school year. My room is not only not finished being set up, it is not finished being renovated. All of the technology that was supposed to be delivered is currently in Canada, two of my windows are broken, and I do not yet have a key to my classroom door. My students, though super cute, as 5 and 6 year olds tend to be, are the most chatty group I've had to date. (Usually they are on their best behavior the first day. But, if this was their best behavior, I'm doomed.)

My kids, on the other hand, are making a fantastic impression on their teachers, as they ease into daycare/preschool. Cody has always been applauded at school for his kindness, empathy, and good manners. And now, Emma is making her mark. She has captivated all of the women with her smile, easygoing nature, and new-found coos and squeals.

It may be a really long year, but at least when the day is done I get to come home to the people I love. I can't wait to see what life throws at us next!

Pity Party

Oh, poor me! That's how I felt this morning as I climbed into my car on the way to work. Today was my first paid day back at work. (Though I've been in all weekend long getting ready.) My alarm clock woke me at quarter to 5. I got myself ready, then fed Emma, and got her ready, while Jay showered and Cody got dressed. There was so much going on in our house at such an ungodly hour - it was CRAZY! When I finally left for school, at 6:45, both Cody and Emma were in tears. Need I mention what effect this had on me? I arrived to my first day of work with tears streaming down my face, mascara dripping off my nose, and my breasts leaking. Oh, poor me!

I'm NOT tired!

For the last few days, Cody has been trying to convince me that he is too big to take a nap. Well, apparently this afternoon while he was with my mom, he succeeded in convincing her of just that. When I got home he told me that he didn't sleep, but that he "rested" instead. Then he let me know that he was not going to be either tired or cranky later and that I should, "just wait and see." Here he is at 5:00.

This was followed by about 30 minutes of uncontrollable sobbing. Not tired or cranky, huh!

A visit from Grandma

My mom, AKA Grandma Cheryl, is in town for a few days. She came up to see the kiddos - her first time since Emma was born. She got in on Thursday, and we all spent some time together before Jay left for Hot August Nights and I got busy putting my classroom back together. Friday she and Cody had a lot of fun together, just the two of them. They went to the park in the morning and then to see Kung Fu Panda at the mall in the afternoon. Cody came back with a belly full of popcorn and a couple new toys. (Go figure.) This morning, we all played at the park and went to the library. Later this afternoon Grandma gets to watch both kids for a few hours while I go back to school to wrestle some more boxes. I'm grateful that she's here. I don't know what I would have done with my kids/classroom if she wasn't.

look how big she's getting

Emma sat in her Bumbo seat for the first time today. She smiled and squeaked the whole time she was in it. I think she loved feeling like such a big girl.

Emma's new baby

Grandma and Cody got Emma her first baby doll today.

A stickler for the rules!

As we were driving home from Costco this afternoon, we passed a forty-something year old man crossing the street. Suddenly, from the back seat I hear, "Hey mom, that guy's not holding hands when he crosses the street! He's not being very safe, is he." What a stickler! (But I'm glad he's been listening.)

trial run

Today I took Emma in to school for a few hours. As expected, she did very well. And, as expected, I was a mess. (I'm totally "that mom.") Fortunately, I got a call from my principal last night saying that I could get into my classroom today, so I was able to keep myself busy. Here's a picture of Emma and Miss Louise when I dropped her off. She had the same contented look on her face when I picked her up which made me feel slightly better.

getting ready

As the beginning of the school year rapidly approaches, I am beginning to get myself ready to make the transition from stay at home mommy, to "bringing home the bacon." Today I spoke with Cody's school about bringing Emma in for a trial run. My plan is to drop her off for 2 hours tomorrow, just see how she does. (Really to see how I handle it.) They are excited. I am hesitant. I trust them completely; Cody's been there for 3 years and loves all of his teachers. In fact, he often feels sad when we won't take him to school on Saturday and Sunday - a sure sign of his affection. I am hesitant only because I know that I will have a hard time leaving her. I went through it with Cody, and now I am prepared to go through it again -but not really. Baby books and magazines are always talking about separation anxiety, but they are always referring to the baby. In my case, it is me who experiences this anxiety - I'm sure Emma will be fine. She'll be well taken care of, stimulated, and doted on. So, if you happen to see me in the next few weeks, and I look forlorn and generally heartbroken, just know that I'm OK - but not really.

Cody's Learning Spanish!

They must be teaching Cody some Spanish at school. This morning I overheard him counting his race cars. It sounded something like this..."Uno, dos, tres, quatro, cinco, hola, grande, ocho!" He'll be bilingual in no time!

Fairytale Town

Yesterday we went to Fairytale Town with our friends Cara and Rylan. The boys had a great time running, climbing, and going down the slides. Cody's favorite attractions were the big barn slide and the crooked mile.


Emma was just happy to be there. Her favorite activities were cruising around in her stroller, and going down the little slide with mommy. Amazingly, we had no major tantrums or catastrophes - though I was grateful that Cara was there - just in case!

All on all it was a great day!

Another Codyism

Cody has been enamored with his little sister since the day we brought her home from the hospital. He is constantly asking if he can hug and kiss her, and is the only one who can make her smile when she is in the midst of crying. He is very interested in all of her daily activities. He loves to make faces at her as she sits in her bouncy seat, bring mommy burp cloths for the inevitable spit up accidents, help put away her laundry, and watch her get her diaper changed. This last thing is the most amusing for Jay and I. It seems that, as fascinating as diaper changes are, Cody prefers to be present for the changing of poopy diapers rather than mere pee-pee diapers. Often he will ask us as we head to the changing table, "is it poop?" If we say yes, he is right behind us anxiously awaiting the big reveal. (Boys are so gross!) Then, as soon as the tabs are loosened and the treasure is unearthed, Cody can be heard to say any number of hilarious things - mostly "eeeew," or "gross,"- but the other day he busted out with, "that is a BIG stink for a little girl!" Aaah, the things they say!

My fear of the pediatrician...

When I was 7 years old, my 4 month old sister, Angela, passed away due to complications from her recent vaccinations. As sad as that story is, it was not until I had children of my own that I realized what an impact it has had on me. Yesterday, Jay and I took Emma in for her 2 month appointment, the first of several scheduled in which she'll receive her vaccination shots. Emma was a champ. She cried at the initial shock of the needles, but stopped fairly quickly and spent the majority of the rest of the day "sleeping it off." I, on the other hand, was a wreck. I watched her carefully all day, checked her breathing and temperature often, and was generally on edge. Nighttime was even worse - for me. I was up often fretting about the lack of noise coming from her room, and got up twice to make sure all was well. During my wakeful hours, I thought back to when Cody had his vaccinations. Was I this neurotic then? Did I behave this way every time he was scheduled for vaccinations? The answer - yes. Chances are I will react this way each time one of my children needs to see the pediatrician for routine vaccinations. But fortunately, chances are just as good that my fears and neurotic behavior will come to naught each time. As you can see, Emma is doing just fine (and so am I)!

Emma

Emma is 2 months old today. It amazes me how much she has brought to our lives in such a short period of time. I found this poem that I think says exactly how we feel about our precious little Emma.

"You were entirely expected, yet you take us by surprise. We set about with calm precision, but you are a whirlwind: irresistible, random, and compelling. You dash our confidence. You are tiny but immeasurable; beautiful and impossible. You are one part apprehension, two parts awe. You promise with potential and frighten with uncertainty. You are us, and we are you. You sow endless anticipation, and you question our assumptions. You overwhelm. You are bubbling, then overflowing. You are verdant, consuming effervescence, springing from abundance. You are head-over-heels, pell-mell, tumbling down gentle hills laughing in the sunshine, then running back again. You are one step out the door, straight into freefall. Your seeking and comprehending are butterfly wings, flitting about and launching a tempest. You have bewitched us, you unpainted canvas, and masterpiece."

We are so blessed to have you in our lives Emma. You've made our family complete and we love you.

Confessions of a mommyblogger...

I am new to the blogging world, only a few weeks in, but I must say I am addicted! I love to write about our life and to read about the lives of others. As I get more and more into my new hobby, I am discovering some things about myself that I feel the need to confess.

1) I check my friends blogs for updates, pretty much every day. I can't wait to see new posts!
2) At times, I have caught myself more interested in taking pictures of events "to post on the blog" rather than just enjoying said events and activities.
3) I love comments! It's nice to know that people are reading what I write and to learn how they feel about my posts. After I post a blog, I usually check back several times to see if I received any comments. (It must have something to do with my need for affirmation.)
4) I am sometimes a blog stalker! Yes, I look at other peoples' blogs that I don't even know, and I do not make comments. Lately, I have been trying to give myself up and let people know I have been reading their blog, but sometimes I can't bring myself to do it - especially if I don't know the person. (If you are reading this and stalking my blog, let me know - I'm probably stalking yours too, and we could just get it out in the open...)
5) I get really (kind of ridiculously) excited when I publish a post!

So there you have it. Phew! I feel much better, having confessed all of my dirty little blogging secrets.

water babies

Cody is practically a fish during the summer. Multiple times a day, you can hear him say, "Can we go swimming?" Thankfully, Jay is also part fish, and usually is ready and willing to take Cody for a dip. I love that we have the pool, but really, I'm a sissy. If the water is not bathtub warm, I generally can be found watching from a lounge chair or sitting on the steps with only my legs in.

Well today, little Emma had her first experience in the pool. She's dipped her toes a few times, but today she went all the way in. And though she seemed to get used to the water, I'd have to say that her initial screaming as she was submerged, was much like you might hear from her mommy. I know that Jay and Cody will continue to try to tempt both Emma and I with promises of warm water, and how "good it feels," so we may become fish yet!

My cute kids!

I hate to brag, but my kids are really cute!



As you can see from the picture, Cody is an awesome big brother. He's helpful, kind, and patient. Emma is pretty easy to fall in love with too. She's really a good baby; she barely cries, smiles at almost anything, and she's been sleeping nearly 10 hours at night for almost 3 weeks now! I am one lucky mommy!

swimming lessons - take 2

Cody is doing much better in swimming lessons now that he's in the right class. (Look at him here, hanging onto the wall with all the other kiddos.) He is learning the freestyle stroke, the backstroke, and how to dive. He is still having a difficult time being as attentive as the other kids, but he is getting better every day. Just today, as a matter of fact, his instructor complimented him on his improvement, and then almost fell over when he learned that Cody is still 3. Apparently all the other kids are 6 or 7 - so I guess his immaturity makes sense.

Proceed with caution!

A terrible thing happened at our house this afternoon...

There I was vacuuming the living room, minding my own business, when Cody comes out of his room and says, "Mommy, I had a little accident in my underpants." I, the mother of the year that I am, don't turn the vacuum off and ask him any questions, but merely shrug my shoulders and tell him to go clean himself up. Moments later over the humming of the vacuum, I hear Cody calling for help. As I walk into the bathroom I am immediately overcome by the smell of poop. After I recover from the smell, I look closer and see that the smell is the least of my concerns. There is poop everywhere! Now when I say everywhere, I am not exaggerating - on the floor, on the cabinets, on the wall, on my shower towel, and on Cody. What a mess! It is then, as I gaze at my recently cleaned and scoured bathroom, that I realize my mistake. I made a very human and I think logical error - I assumed that when Cody told me that he had had an accident, that he meant a tiny, easily rectified by a change of underpants, pee in the pants accident. I guess that's what I get for assuming. Lesson learned!

There I go making this all about me, back to the story... Poor Cody was equally traumatized by this experience. When I asked him how this all happened he explained that when he was trying clean the poop from his underpants by shaking them (apparently very violently) into the toilet, "poop just kept going all over everything and I didn't know how to make it stop." After we got everything and everyone cleaned up, Cody said to me, "Mommy, I don't want to have any more accidents - It's too disgusting."

What a day!

swimming lessons

Cody started swimming lessons today. Cody has been swimming unassisted in our pool for the past two summers, so it was a bummer when we realized that I had enrolled him in the wrong section, and he ended up with the kiddos who are not yet swimmers. This was very eye opening experience for both Jay and I. As we watched helplessly from the sidelines, we discovered what happens when Cody does not feel challenged enough by an activity - he rebels. We spent a half hour watching as Cody swam off from the group, was chased back by his instructors, and then proceeded to swim off again. Fortunately tomorrow we will get him in the right class, so we're keeping our fingers crossed that he will be more challenged and more well behaved.

update on the finger debate

Well, after much debate and several rounds of finger counting and comparing, I was able to convince Cody that we do indeed have the same number of fingers - phew! Sadly, Cody has now turned his attention to poor Emma, and has thus far refused to be convinced that she too has ten fingers. "No Mom, she's just a baby. She will get ten when she's big like me!" As of bedtime tonight, Cody will only credit poor Emma with 7 fingers - I guess there is more work to be done! (Don't be alarmed, I counted Em's fingers just to be sure - there are 10, and they are perfect!)

Maybe it's the new math?

This morning as I was taking Cody to school, he said to me, "Mommy, you and daddy have more fingers than me. When will I get more fingers like you guys?" I giggled, and then I asked him to count his fingers. He did - 10. Then I asked him to count my fingers - also 10. "See Cody," I said, "we have the same number of fingers. We both have 10". He thought about this for a minute then said, "I don't know how you did that Mommy, but you tricked me." "What do you mean I tricked you", I responded. "Well, when you were driving I counted your fingers and you had 11. Where did you hide the other one?" he asked. Once again I giggled, and tried to convince him that I really, truly have always had only 10 fingers. He adamantly disagreed, and went into school still believing that I had somehow magically tricked him. What a funny little boy!

Working on our timing

Lately Jay and I have been trying to remind Cody not to talk with his mouth full. It seems that as soon as Cody takes a bite of food, and his mouth is stuffed to capacity, his brain engages and he has all kinds of important stories to recount to us. Just tonight I struggled with this issue yet again while having dinner with my little man. After dinner I asked Cody, "Why is it that you always think of something to say just as you take a bite?" His response - "That's just the way it is with me mom." He sure told me!

Say cheese!

On Tuesday I took the kids to have their pictures taken. The pictures turned out great, but I just felt like something was missing. This morning I figured out just what it was...Emma's smile. Emma found her smile today! Not her, "watch out, I'm smiling, but really I'm pooping my pants smile", but her honest to goodness real smile. Sadly, she does not yet smile on comand - thus, no picture proof, but I swear, she does, and, it can light up the room! And, check out my sweet boy - watch out ladies!

Dare to dream...

Last week the kids and I were in the car on the way to the library, when out of nowhere Cody says, "Mommy, when I'm 21 I'm going to drink beer and have hair on my chest like daddy." I laughed hysterically, and then stopped for just a moment to wonder...should I be worried that these are the types of things my 3 year old aspires to be when he grows up? Then I continued laughing, because after all - that is funny!

Here we go!

As you may know, Cody is always saying the darndest things. Last week I was relating yet another funny Codyism to a friend and she suggested that I start this blog to record all of the little "life snacks" that take place when you are the parent of two small children. Like many of you, I often find myself saying, "that is so funny, I really should write that down." And, like many of you, life gets thrown at me a second later, and I forget to document all of the antics that I hope to someday recall for my children's and my own pleasure. So, this blog is where I will attempt to record all of the little things that Cody and Emma say and do, that make us smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry.