I'll Take One Square Peg, Please...

Women intimidate me. Groups of women make me wish I was a turtle. Then I could just leap into my cozy little home when those women got scary and poke my head out to say hello when someone friendly drops by.

I have been attending a monthly mom group that focuses on community service, fundraising and special interest playgroups. A close friend is very involved and new friend I've made recently is also a member. Easy peasy, right?

Mmmhmmm...

After dropping off Bella without a look back (her, not me) and then handing off my screaming two year old to the very kind nursery worker, I hang around the front desk as my good friend C gets the little ones registered in the nursery. In part so I can listen for Ava to calm down (she does, rather quickly) and so I don't have to walk down the loooong hall to the big room full of women. My friend is awesome about introducing me to people but I swear the more I'm introduced, the more I am wishing for a shell to retreat to.

I'm a social tard. Why blame the other women? Most were friendly, some avoided eye contact, a few looked like they also wish they were turtles.

As the meetings go on, I begin to realize why these groups exist. We women often need a support group and sometimes don't want to admit it. Whether it is regarding our spirituality, our marriage, our children or various other reasons.

In this case, it is for our children as well as for ourselves. We all want to be the best parents we can be using fresh ideas and approaches, some old school but alot of it new. We want to set a good example for our children through community service, which is important for every citizen to be a part of. We want our children to see us socialize and become friends with those who may be a little or even a lot different than we are.

I like that. I really do.

So I will leave my shell at home, or at least in the car, and keep going to these meetings. It is healthy for me to continue developing new relationships and since I'm always harping to my children about acceptance of others, I should probably do the same.

Women can be alot of things but motherhood often helps us look past ourselves for the sake of others.

*gulp*

Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction?

This week at school was all about authors and books.

Bella and her friends wrote this cute little story.

Or...not so cute.

Should I be more concerned that the elephant's name is "Reno"...

that Mom is such a hardass...

...or just the state of healthcare?

Now I want to know what the other kids' books were about!

Party On, Dude.

What do you do when Daddy buys the wrong pull-ups?

Wear them on your head and dance, of course!

A welcome distraction from a very boring debate.

And apparently, a recurring theme in our home.

This is Bella in July of 2006.

Hubby is just glad I didn't post HIS picture with a diaper hat.

Terrific Two's! (wishful thinking?)

Sigh...my baby is a little less baby now.

Ava turned 2 last Thursday and her present to me? Peeing in the potty for the first (and so far, last) time in her life! We whooped and hollered like all kinds of crazies over it. She was quite pleased once she got over the freak factor of something leaving her body and traveling so far down.

Bella has taken it upon herself to be Ava's English teacher.

On the way to school Thursday, Ava was asking for her dad. Bella told her that Daddy was working and took the opportunity to help Ava improve her vocabulary.

"Ava, Daddy is at wuhk. Can you say wuhk?"

"Momma, what does "wuhk" start with? Dubba-yew?"

"Okay, Ava, can you say wuh-WUH- WUUUUUUHK."

Thank goodness they sit in the back seat cuz I was crackin up in the front!

Then we had a family party at our home yesterday. Just a little get together to stuff our faces and get sugar highs. Mission accomplished!

Ava is an inventor, did you know? After blowing at her candle (I had to blow it out) , she had the brilliant idea to use the end of the candle to scoop up the tasty chocolate frosting. How cool is that? Use your birthday candle as cake fork! The downside was when she got more wax than frosting in an eager bite, so maybe next year she'll come up with something better.

Her favorite present? Birthday Bear from her Daddy, of course!

Our sweet Ava Elizabeth. She's funny, sassy, smart and loving. I can't wait to see what she's got in store for us as a two year old!

The End of a Long Chapter...

She has finally come to our home and put an end to over 4 years of really awesome and pretty bad. We've been wanting to invite her over for a visit since we first heard about her but until 2 weeks ago, it seemed she would never be able to.

Who could she possibly be, you ask?

The Paci Fairy.

Did you know that she even existed? We sure didn't. At least not until 1 1/2 years ago when we were told that Bella needed to let go of her pacifier for good. We tried everything from "oops where have they all gone" to snipping the end off and hoping she'd find no use for it. Have you ever heard a kid desperately slurp on a tipless pacifier??

Desperate.

At 3 years old and up, that's what the relationship with a child and her pacifier becomes. More than a handful of times, my husband or I have had to make a mad dash to the store for a stupid pacifier because of the heartbreak and wails from our dear daughter. She would literally have panic attacks and convulsions if bedtime came and her beloved cigarette...I mean...pacifier was not to be found.

So for the last 1 1/2 years, we have waited for her mad paci sucking to stop so we could pop it out of her mouth for the night. Do you know what a pain in the butt that was?? Okay, not that bad really.

We are probably considered "soft" parents because we don't believe in pushing our kids to do something that isn't absolutely necessary or they are too far from ready to do it. Isabella has taught me that lesson because if she isn't ready for change, then it is an uphill and losing battle to attempt it.

I had cut the tip of the pacifier last year and for some reason decided to do it again 2 weeks ago. When she saw her injured love, she started to panic but then I told her that pacifiers are meant for babies and a broken pacifier just gets full of germs. When she asked if those germs get into her mouth and I said yes, the love her life was suddenly the most disgusting thing she'd ever laid eyes on. It was suddenly a long-term relationship gone really wrong.

Sunday night, the Paci Fairy in all her glittery glam showed up. She left a sweet, sparkly note for Isabella, praising her big girl choice to leave the pacifier for her so another baby girl who needs a cig can use it.

The Paci Fairy also left a beautiful wood Melissa & Doug castle for the big girl. Yeah, that Paci Fairy has good taste!

Bella was able to make the change when she was ready and she is darn proud of herself for it.

Now I am happy to report that because Ava never used the pacifier as more than a teething tool, we will not have to invite the Paci Fairy over EVER AGAIN.

However, is there such thing as a Boob Fairy? May need to contact her before too long. For several reasons...

Hey, Kids, Let's Be Tacky Today!

I like to think I'm a good influence on my kids. So last Friday I dashed all hopes of it. We crashed a birthday party at McDonalds. Oh yes we did!

The girls were promised a 1/2 hour at the indoor playground at McDonalds if they behaved that morning as we ran errands (which they loathe). We get there and I see a new mom friend that I met at my friend's Girls Day Out a month or so ago.

Turns out she was there having an impromptu birthday party for her 5 year old since Hurricane Ike was about to release his wrath on Texas and spoil her son's original fishing party.

Because she's super nice, she of course asked us to sit with them. Well, that rolled into snagging a couple of cupcakes, singing happy birthday (Bella met the boy once before) and walking away with two goody bags!

Needless to say, I feel a bit guilty. Perhaps we should've just gone to a corner table to eat and play on our own. But how could we when Bella's BFF showed up to celebrate too? I tried to politely duck out of all the mom's generous offerings, but didn't want to be a pill about it either.

So I guess we'll pay it forward. Somehow. For now, my girls think going to McDonald's is the best idea EVER and want to try every day to see if another kid is having a party.

*sigh*

Hangin In Possum Kingdom

So, if you are from Texas (particularly Northwest), you may know what Possum Kingdom is. If not, then it probably sounds pretty gross. Who wants to hang out with a bunch of possum? They all end up as roadkill anyway.



Or you may think the above even if you are Texan, like me.

Possum Kingdom, I found this summer, is an absolutely gorgeous lake surrounded by cliffs and rolling hillsides. There are possums, but only the sneaky ones who come in the night to dig up our aunt's beautiful lawn. She has one of the spectacular homes on the cliffs. To get to the dock, you are basically walking at a 30 degree angle down the cliff to a limestone rock lake. Quite a workout when you add a kid or two in your arms.




I give the wonderful description to say that NONE OF THAT MATTERS. I still got completely freaked out about the water. Lake water gives me the willies. (Did I mention Willie Nelson has a home on the cliffs too?) No matter, once my big toe dipped into the clear as a lake can be water, my heart started pounding and I swear a piranha or dead body was waiting for me in there.


However, my oldest child couldn't get enough of the lake. She flung herself in from the boat, from the dock, from the jetski. She even begged her dad to let her jump off the 15 foot high deck atop the dock. Eh, no.

Ava hated the boat. The wind. That dang life jacket. So she napped on the boat. The entire time!

But she was quite happy to be on dry land. Like her mama.

I thank you, Possum Kingdom, for showing us your beauty and allowing my Isabella to find her adventurous side. Ava may find it next year. Or she may be more like her mother than we already know.

Bella Moment at the lake's restaurant:

She was completely baffled why anyone would chop off a deer's head and hang it on the wall.

We fielded questions for an entire evening over it. Husband's solution? He told her that the deer was just so beautiful when it was alive that when the deer died, they hung it on the wall to show everyone its beauty. She accepted the answer but still didn't understand why the entire deer couldn't jut out from the wall.

Can we get a distraction over here, please?

From Fee To Fowa.

Best advice I've heard about parenting?

If you want to know how you are doing as a parent, listen to how your children speak to you and others.

So very true. While my girls have picked up a little drama from their mama (and Daddy!) they are also very loving, kind and funny.

Oh, and an older mom of 20-something girls told my husband that the hardest and most important ages for raising girls are 11 and 14. Interesting, dontcha think?

-----

Thursday was Bella's first day of preschool. It was a completely different scene than last year when she went to school.

We ran out of time for breakfast so there is her Cheerios in a cup. First bump in the road and all of that was on the floor. Good one, Mom.

This is Bella attempting to smile at the camera but being distracted by all her friends headed into the school. Naturally.

Did she cry? No way. In fact, she didn't even say goodbye to me! Many parents might have had their feelings hurt but I was thrilled that she was more excited to be there than sad to leave me.

Who did cry? Ava. She didn't like leaving her sister there one bit.

But she got over it rather quickly.

I really didn't do anything productive in that 5 1/2 hours Bella was in school. And at 2:15, all the mothers were lined up to pick up their big little people. One mom joked that by May, we'll all be scrambling to get there by 2:30. So true!

I'm cool with preschool. It is the big "K" of next year that makes my heart leap out of my throat and slap me.

Did your kids start school this week?

Toddler Tidbits

Bella, stretching out after a long nap: "Daddy, I need some lotion. My back is KILLING ME."


Some grownups need to keep their drama in check.



------



Me, rocking Ava at 1:30am after she woke up howling and is now ready to play: "Baby, why aren't you sleepy?"


Ava: "Becuss."


Because. Did she warp speed to teen-speak in the wee hours?



------



Bella with her ever present obsession with marriage: "Mommy, can I wear your wedding dress when I get married? And can I put roses on it to make it prettier?"


Sure, babe. You might also want to get it dry-cleaned or just cut the bottom half off since I never did. An outdoor wedding and a total (but awesome!) dive jazz cafe reception leave many memories on silk.

*I recently found out that my child isn't the only pining away for love. Her friend Paige, quite the tomboy I thought, has declared that Gavyn is her "true love". Gag away, my friends*

------

This morning we were talking about Bella's friend, Rebecca, who broke her arm last week. I told Bella she'd need to be gentle with Rebecca while she healed.

Dr. Isabella said: "When everyone breaks their arm it doesn't hurt because their mommy puts a piece of paper around it and hangs it on their shoulder till they get bettah."

Yes, my little Texan has a bit of a Boston accent. For no reason at all.

------

News From Down Under...

If your child has an inexplicably bright blue bowel movement, check the color sidewalk chalks for bite marks.

Wonder Girl

My children are so different. If you have more than one, I'm sure you can claim the same.

Bella is sweet, sensitive and princessy (read that to mean theatrical if you wish). Ava is Miss Jekyl and Hyde. I mean that in the most loving way, of course. She can go from a tender kissy moment to an ear-piercing "No!" with sparks of fire in her eyes faster than you can even think to blink.

I'm not sure what to do with this tiny screaming bundle of wonder. Naturally, Ava picks the best times to display her tonsils. The store. A friend's house. Anywhere that "inside voices" are preferred.

She's smart as a whip and SHE KNOWS IT. Singing her ABCD's as loud as she can with a triumphant smile when everyone around oooh's and ahhh's. She dresses and undresses herself faster than a tire change at a NASCAR race then exclaims, "I did it!" Ava knows how to draw circles and does so on everything. She tells everyone her name with great satisfaction. "I'm Aba Eeesabef!"

The girl isn't even two and already tells us "I do it mysef!"

I mean, come on!

The challenge before me? Helping this child use her abilities for good and not evil. I decided to not put her into school this year but realize now that I'll have to fill that time with things for her to do. When she's bored, she's a force to be reckoned with.

For all the itty bitty whirlwind that Ava is, her number one favorite person is still her big sister. She wants to be all that Bella is and more. Note the TWO crowns on her head...

We've All Heard It...

Kids and peanut butter can be dangerous.

Now I know another way.

Retro Superhero

After a day spent running around in superhero masks with Mitchell, Bella woke up this morning begging for one.

And here it is. She completed the outfit with the sparkly headband thingie. I think that's her superhero face, but I'm not sure.

I would like to thank State Farm for their contribution of the red and white brochure.

GDO

Saturday, my friends, was AWESOME.

One of my BFFs is turning 35 this week so she decided to have a Girl's Day Out to celebrate on Saturday. The day included my very first pedicure (sad, huh?) complete with Korean toe art.

Then we hung out at her pool all afternoon. Without children! We quickly adjusted, don't worry. Sipping sangria, reading gossip rags and talking (laughing) about how our husbands think all women talk about is sex. Then we got dressed up for dinner at the fabulous Mi Cocina followed by an eye-opening evening at a bar downtown.

It's funny because my husband and I, along with his entourage of friends, would hang out at this exact same bar about 5 years ago. The scene was so different from then! Or maybe I just am?

The band that played was called Phantom Five. They were obviously mid-lifers who'd watched one too many rock videos. The bass player was as Flea as he could be, but not. The lead singer would tuck his imaginary rocker hair behind his ears. And I swear he was wearing the exact same Cowboys t-shirt that my husband owns as a pajama set.

The highlight was the 40-something drunk woman who would dance like it was 1999 in front of the stage, only to trip on a crack in the concrete and pop back up to keep twirling.

Heeeelarious.

Being there with 3 other married moms, we all agreed that we are definitely happy where we are in life.

The long, wonderful day ended for me at about 10:30pm. Twelve hours away from my beloveds was more than enough and I felt rejuvenated, ready to resume my happy reality.

Four women who didn't know each other very well at 10:30am but were best buds by 10:30pm.

Now that is an awesome GDO, right?

Blue Pox?

The girls are both enrolled in Little Gym this summer. Bella loves it, Ava, not so much. However, they both live for the very end of class when Ms. Bubbly stamps their hands, feet and tummy with a shape ink stamper.


Yesterday, Bella was in a mood that was less than lovely (we'll chalk it up to the four stabs in her legs the day before for shots). When Ava's class was over, Bella wanted to play in the gym. I let her for a minute or two and then tried to corral her. She'd have none of it. The girl can scowl like nobody I know...well, other than her Aunt Amanda maybe. She played Dodge Mom for a bit till I got tired of looking like an idiot and scooped her up.


While she was having her fit, she missed out on getting the beloved farewell stamps. She wailed about that all the way home.


Kids are good at moving on, right?


Eh. No.


What started off as quietly coloring on paper turned into one tiny victim of a determined-to-make-it-happen stamper with NON-WASHABLE MARKERS. What kind of mother am I that those are even in the house???









Ava thought it was fun at first. Not so much when it was bath time.

Who ARE You People?

(hahaha...I accidentally typed the title and pressed Enter so it posted with just that sentence. Woulda been funny had I left it there, no?)

Let me just say that it appears I grossly underestimated my children's affection for poor, dead Willie. They've not searched for him or asked why there's a smaller feed bowl for the cats OR questioned the fact there are no more trails of cat puke (signature Willie) for them to step in.

Good thing? Or bad? In fact, a random Pomeranian showed up in our garage and Bella was all over adopting the fuzz ball in a heartbeat. Fortunately, the neighbor came to claim her runaway and now even that cute little yapper is off Bella's radar.

Egocentric, anyone?

------

Last night Ava was wearing Bella's perfectly pink bathing suit (with hearts, as she would insist I add) whilst without a diaper. Mmmhmmm.

Soon I heard screams of horror and disgust. Bella looked as if she'd never seen a human turd before and Ava couldn't believe that came out of her butt and rolled out of the perfectly pink bathing suit onto the carpet.

For a nano second, I was going to react with anger. But poor Bella was so traumatized over her sister's dirty deed and Ava was so beside herself (er, at least her doodoo) that I had to laugh and then reassure everyone involved that I could fix the situation. After dousing the perfectly pink bathing suit in Shout and washing it in scorching hot water, I scrubbed the floor armed with Resolve.

Ava, looking wild-eyed, kept repeating, "Aba poopoo in baving suit Bella! Ewww! Aba poopoo on da for!"

I figured today isn't the time to introduce true potty training. However, if they can forget about a cat they had all their lives, surely they can forget about this even quicker.

-----

Ava's so sweet with all her spontaneous kisses and hugs. She says "Thank you" and "Peas" and "Sowwy, Bella" (alot, actually) without prompting. She initiates the family dinner prayer by smooshing her chubby hands together, bowing her head and mumbling "Ah-men!"

Then there's my Ava who is STILL nursing. Yes, I am fully aware that she's nearly 2 years old. But dangit, she isn't giving up her mommy milk without a fight!

I am only a human pacifier at this point. And a rarely used one at that but every single day we have the same drama:

Ava: Wan mommy meyuk. K? Le bit?

Me: Ava, it is all gone, remember?

Ava, face scrunching: Le bit? Peeeeeas? (big doe eyes)

Me: Ava, no, honey, here's some water.

Ava, furious: NOOOOO! Le bit! Mommy meyuk! PEEEEEEEEEAS!!

Then she will two fist my shirt and I swear she's thinking about decking me. I set her away from me and she bursts into heartbroken tears.

I give in.

Wouldn't you?! I mean really, who's it hurting to give her a lil' mommy milk for comfort? Yeah, I'm tired of being a milking cow for 4 years but there's no law (other than the silent social one?) that you can't keep nursing.

She's sleeping through the night now, which was my biggest gripe about breastfeeding. There's no pattern to when she nurses other than she just thinks about it. In fact, she'll even tell her Gran there's no more mommy milk, which I find interesting. But like any comfort addiction, she can't quite let go. Yet. And that's okay. Today. When Ava hits the 2 year mark, it may just get ugly. Cuz I'm tough like that. HAHAHAHA

Toddler Tidbits

Bella and Ava come into the bathroom where I've just showered and they are happily munching cheese pizza.

Me: Girls, you need to eat in the kitchen like normal people.

Bella, in a rather high-pitched tone: Mom, we aren't normal.

Touche.

-----


Way too obsessive.

Bella: Mom, do I have babies in my tummy?

We've had this conversation numerous times yet she never seems to get tired of it.

Me: No, sweetie, you may have babies one day but after you fall in love and get married.

Bella: Well, I want to marry Mitchell because you married Daddy. But me and Mitchell will live with you. And we'll have six babies.

She pauses for a moment, then chuckles and says: That's going to be ALOT of diapers for six babies.

Oh, Love, you don't even know.

------

The next day she brings it up...again.

Bella, whispering with hand to her mouth: Gabyn (Gavyn) wants to marry me but I want to marry Mitchell.

Me: *sigh*

Bella: So Gabyn can marry Ava. And they will have two babies. I'm going to have six babies. Sarah, Alan, Ann, Eemy (I don't know), Lala (is she bored now?) and Ivan (the painter's name).

Me: Those are great names. But how about you just be a little girl for now and enjoy having friends to play with?

Bella: Okay. But then I'll marry Mitchell and we'll live with you and Daddy. And Mitchell's mommy can live in her house but she will help take care of the babies.

SERIOUSLY, child. Let's move on or you're going straight to an all girl's school.

-----

Name that tune!

This is Ava's favorite song of the week: Mehwee Hada Leul Lamp

We Do, But We Don't...But We Do!

That is what it is like if you know about us and our home.

Once again, we have decided to hold off placing the house on the market. Other than the fact that real estate has tanked more dramatically than the Titanic, we are nearing the end of summer and still too many projects (ie. crap) to deal with.

It isn't like we have to move. We just want to. However, if we are going to move it will be to another city at least an hour east of here. That means leaving friends, school, little gym, our favorite restaurants, etc. (oh come on, you have favorite restaurants too!)

Friends and loved ones have been hearing this song and watching this dance for years. I'm sure they are all rolling their eyes, throwing up their hands and ordering an extra margarita. Okay, maybe just Amanda is. (cheers, sis!)

We are in an extremely blessed situation and we have to make the best decisions because of it. Want and need are very different, ya know?

I'm disappointed, I won't lie. I've had dreams of living elsewhere for awhile. However, everything in life happens for a reason and in due time. For now, I'll practice patience, continue with the projects (ie. crap) and let Bella enjoy another year of preschool with her friends.

Who knows, maybe I'll even relax and enjoy this blessed situation! Hubby would be speechless.

I Scream, You Scream, She Screams Loudest!

This is my usual Ava.

Delightful, sweet, funny and very loving.

This is an artist's rendering of Ava as of late.

(Okay, so Edvard Munch saw her future since he's been dead 54 years)

Needless to say, she has been exercising her

vocal cords when dissatisfied, which seems to be often.

Two's with Bella were a breeze.

My littlest ladybug may make up for it.

Perfect Chaos As Usual

Sorry to be Debbie Downer as of late. Things are looking up. At least for our other cat, Mia. I swear, she's elated that whatever happened to Willie, he's out of her life. She has been ticked off at us for 6 years since we brought him home as an unruly kitten. She spent the last 6 years getting lazier and so fat that she really needs a cat Lapband. When she lays on the arm of Hubby's chair, the arm disappears, as does the remote if you were looking for it.

The girls haven't mentioned Willie at all, probably because he's a cat and if he graced you with his presence on any given day, it was like a Sasquatch sighting. And yet he was their favorite.

------

Bella's practicing for the Olympic swim team. We got our huge hot tub fixed and keep it about 80 degrees. Perfect temp and perfect depth for a 4 year old. She dives, swims, floats, holds her breath, treasure hunts and has been doing so much of it all that she has her first swimmer's ear infection.

She went to see her favorite Dr. CurlyQ yesterday and after a mini chatfest, we've battled putting ear drops in her ears. When your child is 4 and you want things to happen, you begin to barter. Put these drops in your ears and then you can go to that fabulous swim party next Sat. Put these drops in your ears IF YOU EVER WANT TO SWIM AGAIN! Okay, so my patience is running a little low.

-------

Remember those little ears listening? Same goes for the littlest ears in our family.

Last night Ava pretended to call Daddy, phone flipped open and propped between her ear and shoulder: "Hi honey! Mmhmm. *fake giggling* Bye baby!"

A good reason to keep all conversations within earshot rated G, dontcha think?

-------

Bella's been cursing. Sort of. She unfortunately heard me say "dammit" the other day when I nearly ripped my toenail off my big toe by jamming it into a stool. Now when she's frustrated or mad I hear her whisper, "Dommit!"

Kinda cute and funny. Mostly ignored. Though I did tell her it isn't even a word. She just scowled at me and I heard her curse over a broken crayon 2 seconds later.

I'm not sure what to do about Bella's newest form of insult, sticking her tongue out at me. Why does it bother me? Because it is so quietly defiant? I can not look on purpose, for the most part, but I certainly don't want her going around sticking out her tongue at teachers, other kids or other family!

Any creative suggestions? Nothing about tongues rotting off or something coming in the night to take it, k? Thought of those, decided against 'em.

-------

There's a gecko in my kitchen pantry. Guess we'll just never eat again.

Happy Thursday!

Goodbye Willie

It is a very sad day in our house and the girls don't even know it.

Willie, our orange and crazy but lovable tabby, died this morning. My husband is beyond upset because he accidentally ran over him. Willie is an indoor cat but somehow snuck out last night and I imagine got pretty disoriented and hot.

It is heart-wrenching to lose any pet but especially with Willie. That cat drove me nuts but my husband and children adored him. I'm not sure what I'll tell Bella. She's going to be very sad and confused.

Goodbye, Willie. You were loved and will be missed.