Feeding the Ducks

Today I got to spend special time with Maya. We never get to do this unless it is for errands, and that's not really so special. I took her grocery shopping, and we bought an extra loaf of bread so we could go and feed the ducks. We have a pond in our town that is home to tons of ducks, and in the spring there are some babies too. Maya had never been to feed the ducks before today, but she is slightly obsessed with birds, so I figured she would love it. We walked down to the pond and she was a little nervous because there are a lot of ducks, and they come right up to you if you have snacks for them. We sat on the edge throwing bread and talking, and I realized that my baby is a big girl now. I think we sat there for at least half an hour together, not talking to anyone but each other and having a wonderful time. Maya thought that it was cool when the ducks would take the bread out of my hand, but had no interest in trying it herself. I had a really good time doing something so simple with my girl. It reminded me that I need to start doing that more often with all my sweet loves. We had a great day doing nothing and everything special.

Gumball Machine

Maya loves gumballs. Loves gumballs. My friend Joan got her a gumball machine for her birthday. It came with 200 gumballs (no, not sugar-free) Yes, it was mother approved, sadly. Now we have gumballs upon waking in the morning, and before bed at night. Yes, we brush teeth afterward most of the time. My plan was to let to let them all eat a bunch, and then the novelty would wear off. It has been a week, and it is still as exciting as the first day. The gumballs are dwindling, but sadly not as quickly as I'd hoped. I do let them turn the knob until they get the color they want and the others go in the garbage, so that's a plus. The girls are surprisingly good about not sneaking them, so that's also on the plus list. On the minus list is that the green, blue, and purple gumballs stain everything known to man, and yes, those are the girls favorites. All in all I guess I really don't mind the gumball machine, but I won't be sad when it's empty. Oh, and if Joan had children, they would be getting a drum set for their next gift.

My Least Favorite Mommy Job...So Far

So I wasn't going to blog about this, because I find it absolutely disgusting and it makes my skin crawl, but this is supposed to record real life events, good and bad, so here goes. Lilly came home from school two weeks ago saying, "Mom, my head itches" so you know my first thought...head lice! I don't think I can do this. So I check her head, nothing. I mean I check it for a good 20 minutes with a comb. Nothing. I give her a bath thinking maybe I didn't get all the soap out the night before. The itching seems to have subsided, so I think we are in the clear. The next day, after coming home from school Lilly says, "Mommy, my head was really itchy today" I think that maybe my rinsing skills are inadequate, but check her head again. I see what I most feared. A little tiny (and I do mean tiny) white speck clinging to her hair. It won't blow off, it refuses to be flicked off. My blood goes cold. I know what it is. We have head lice. I send my mom to the store for the special shampoo, and we go at Lilly's head. Now we didn't find many, but we combed her head for an hour and a half to be sure. I wash all the bedding in HOT water several times (resisting the urge to burn everything) and remake all the beds in the house. I do all the laundry in hot water, and hope we are past this. This was a Friday night. Monday morning I call the school to report that we had the dreaded "hair bugs". The school nurse informs me that this is the season for it and that she has FOUR classes to check this morning because of this in other classes as well. I figure whoever brought it in would be sent home and treated and all would be well. I pick Lilly up at school and she informs me that no one checked her class today. UGH! THE NURSE DID NOT CHECK HER CLASS UNTIL FRIDAY! Now she has it again and I am ready to kill someone. I repeat all steps above and really just want to crawl into a hole somewhere. I am calling the school to complain and really just want to keep her home with us because school is almost over anyway. I never would, but I am tempted. I am thinking of shaving all of our heads. I know this sounds overly complainy, but I really really really hate this whole process, it makes me itch just thinking about it. I bet you scratched yourself at least once while reading this, didn't you? This is officially my least favorite Mommy job so far.

A Day at the Beach

We had a wonderful day at the beach yesterday. I let Lilly stay home from school to go with us and needless to say, she was thrilled. It was 85 degrees, which was a record high for us so we took full advantage of it. When we got to the beach it was low tide, and so the tide pools were fantastic. We found starfish, snails, sand dollars, and other assorted sea life. The kids were so excited to find them, and wanted pictures, but of course I did not have the camera, and I am not sure how to get pictures off my cellphone, so I will work on that. Lilly and Allie went swimming in a huge pool on the beach, probably a foot and a half deep, and didn't want to get out. There was lots of splashing, chasing birds, and running away from waves. We had the best time, and now at 7:40 am they are still asleep. I think we need more beach days. Here's to Summer!

Party Fun

This weekend was Maya's birthday party. We were extremely blessed with the most beautiful weather and company. My sister in law and niece and nephew told us they couldn't make it, and then surprised us and showed up, along with Irish Grandpa, so we were super happy and thankful to them for coming. We rented a bounce house (which I think is a must for a party full of children...the best babysitter!) and I think the grown-ups had just as much fun as the kids in that thing. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. My husband is so funny in a bounce house, he jumps so high that no one can stay on their feet. The kids jumped from noon until about seven pm, with breaks only for drinks and potty. They slept great that night. I can't wait until it is time for the next party!

Daisy Cake

I finished Maya's cake today, and I am pretty proud of it. It was a lot of work, but I think it was worth it. (Yes, Joan I did it without a factory!)

The Trials of Cake Making

So, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I get sort of crazy around birthday time. It's not the parties, or gifts, but it's on the cake that I go a bit overboard. I began Maya's cake today for the party, and the first cake, two twelve inch round cakes, did not do so well. I got antsy and did not allow enough cooling time and the middles fell out when I flipped them. Eight eggs, two cups of sugar, two cups of flour, one cup of cocoa powder, nearly a pound of butter (a nice light cake)...in the garbage. Well not actually in the garbage, some went into hungry bellies, and some went into the freezer for a trifle at a later date. I began again, this time with half the recipe for two eight inch cakes and all went well. I then moved on to the twelve inchers again, they came out beautifully, thanks to my sister in law, who recommended I line the pans with parchment paper. This is going to be a HUGE cake, and we're not even expecting that many people. Tonight I have to make the ganache, assemble the cake and then cover it in fondant. I have never worked with fondant before, so I hope it's not too hard. I'm not sure why I create such work for myself, but I do find it fun. I am hopeful that it will turn out well, as I have it pictured. I'll keep you posted.

Tiny and Big Big

At bedtime every night before I leave her room I give Maya a hug and kiss. Just recently she has been saying, after her hug, "no, I want tiny" and putting her thumb and forefinger really close together. So I give her a tiny hug and she says, "again, tiny" so I give her another tiny hug and she says, "no, I want big big hug". It goes on like this for some time, until I distract her with a smattering of kisses - the louder the better - and she says, "again!"
I love bedtime.

Birthday Cakes

I have gotten into a birthday cake making contest with myself. Last year for Maya's birthday party, I made a carousel cake. It was my first fancy cake, and I was very proud of it. I stayed up way too late, and was way too anal about certain details and not attenive enough to others. The cake had sugar cookie carousel horses which I decorated painstakingly, but forgot to frost the backs before attaching them to the cake. No one else had noticed when I mentioned it, but that's all I could focus on. It still bothers me when I see a picture of it. I know, let it go. So this year I have found another amazing cake to make. It has 120 daisies that I have to make by hand with different frosting tips, then allow them to dry for a day or so, then apply to the finished cake. I decided to practice tonight so I wouldn't be up all night this year. I made the frosting, tinted it to the appropriate colors and began. I made about 50 flowers when I realized that I had been using the wrong frosting, and that the flowers I had spent a good hour making would not be drying as the correct recipe would have. So now I have 50 daisies that I put in the freezer and will be putting on the girls' pancakes in the morning. I figured it was just sugar and butter, so I am sure they will make pancakes quite tasty. As for the flowers that still need to be made...tomorrow is another day for trying. I will post a picture after the party this weekend. Here is a picture of the carousel cake from last year. (See what I mean about the backs of the horse cookies?)

Wonderful Birthday

Today at 1:55 pm my baby turned 2! We had a great day full of playing, presents and cake. She had a blast with her new water table, and picking all the chocolate kisses off her cake. Have a wonderful year, big girl.

The Birthday Girl

Maya is turning two tomorrow. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. She had her well child check up today, and her doctor was floored by all she can do. I am always impressed with her, but she's my kid, so I should be. She has come so far since her last birthday. She is speaking in paragraphs, she is completely potty trained, she loves fruit snacks and juice boxes (she calls them jewwwwwwwww bock), she is a great sharer (for a two year old), she is very loving and incredibly funny. I am so proud of the person she is becoming. She asks why twenty seven times an hour and I try to answer every one. I see her changing every day, becoming more independent little girl, less toddler. She has become very particular about her wardrobe lately, and is also suddenly a huge fan of gum. I know, gum is not the best choice for a two year old, but it makes her really happy, and I don't let her jump around when she is chewing it, so I think it will be okay. She carries around a stuffed monkey she calls Aaht all the time. We actually have three, all the same in case one gets lost. She is in love with that monkey. She started carrying him around for about a year now and he(all three of them) looks a lot more loved than when he was new. In fact, we bought her another one recently and she hated it because it was too soft. Go figure. She is a fantastic little person and I am looking forward to all the adventures in the years ahead.

Giggling

Today we had our friends Sarah and Chris' girls over to play. When all the girls are together, their ages are; 5,4,3,2,1. Well, until Saturday, then they will be; 5,4,3,2,2 not that it matters. Five under six is a lot. They girls stayed until bedtime, and wanted to be in pjs like my girls, so I got everyone in jammies and they snuggled into our big bed to watch The Curious George movie. They were so cute all lined up across the pillows watching together. Then it started, the giggling. First my Allie started, then Maya and from there it was a gaggle of giggling girls. The sound was about the sweetest I've heard. Then they started belly laughing...five sweet girls having the time of their lives. It was the best moment of the day, I will try to remember it the next time they are all hollering about the injustices of childhood. Until then...giggle on.

Animal Crackers

Tonight before bed, the girls all climbed into our bed to watch a show. My husband gave Maya a bowl of animal crackers to share with her sisters (see where this is going?). Lilly and Allie both climbed up on the bed, but Maya couldn't figure out how to climb with the bowl. Lilly said, "Maya give the bowl to me..." as soon as that part of the sentence was out, she would yell/growl, "no!". Lilly would try again and Maya would yell no again, this went on for about four cycles. Finally I said, "Maya, just give the bowl to Lilly while you climb up, and then she will give it back to you when you get up." So Maya looks at me and in this sing songy sweet voice and says, "oooooh, okay I do dat." End of problem. I think Maya was afraid of being tricked. Welcome to life as the youngest sister, it should be a fun ride.

I NO LIKEY DAT!!!

I NO LIKEY DAAAAAAATT!!!! This was the response from Maya today when I tried to put a sweater on her. Apparently it was the wrong sweater. It was 44 degrees and she had on short sleeves so I figured she'd be chilly. She in fact, didn't mind the temperature. She had such a meltdown and screamed at the top of her lungs and bawled her eyes out. Yes, I have THAT child today. She is usually pretty agreeable, but today she missed her nap, so I guess that had something to do with it. She has recently become picky at times about her wardrobe. I have never seen such a reaction to the wrong clothes from someone under two. She is loud and opinionated and sweet and she has the best little kid words. Today the whole neighborhood got to hear the loud, opinionated little kid words, and hopefully someday they will get to see the sweet. She is a funny little person, and I didn't make her wear that sweater, but I made her wear a sweater, one of her choosing so I guess we each got our way.

Mother's Day 5k

Today is Mother's Day. My mom and I decided to do the 5k in our town. Notice I said "do" not run? Just some background on us...We don't do this. We have never run, we did not decide to do this until yesterday. Needless to say, we weren't prepared, so we decided to walk instead of run. My Dad runs, and came along for support and maybe a bit of comic relief. We decided to start a tradition of doing this race every mother's day instead of going out to eat somewhere. I started running about two months ago for a race in August, and a lifestyle change. My mom started walking a few weeks ago. We took all three girls in two jogging strollers. We were slow, we had fun, and my mom, we found out, needs new shoes. They started killing her about a mile into it. We have to get her some good shoes with the consultation of someone knowledgeable. This will happen hopefully tomorrow. It was quite an experience to see the sea of runners spread out in front of us, like a beautiful quilt blowing in the breeze. We let the kids out to walk a few times, and of course had an injury, Allie fell and skinned her knee. I was prepared and got out the Care Bear band aids and she was happy, but insisted I carry her on my shoulders the rest of the way. When we came to the finish line, it was to many people clapping and cheering who had waited for the last finishers. Thank You to them. My finish line picture will be of me, pushing an empty double jogging stroller, with a three year old on my shoulders. It was a super happy moment, and we can only get faster and healthier next year. Thanks Mom, I Love You.

Fun with Irish Grandpa

The girl's Irish Grandpa was visiting with us this week. They don't get to see each other very often, but when the do it is like the oldest of friends reunited. Since our last visit, we put up a swing set for the girls. Lets just say that "Grandpa! Another push!" was the quote of the week around here. I got some great photos, (maybe not technically from a photography standpoint) that I know we will cherish and study until our next visit with our Irish Grandpa. The girls completely adore him, and he loves them more than I think he even realizes, for this visit he allowed three brand new makeup artists do full makeovers on his sweet face. I don't think there is anything more entertaining than to see a former Iron worker with his face full of eyeshadow and his lips full of glitter. You've gotta love grandparents. We can't wait to see him again.

Bugs

My oldest daughter, Lilly has a completely irrational fear of bugs. Anything smaller than a bird that flies freaks her out. Things other than bugs tend to "fly" on windy days like today. Every two seconds she was jumping like someone pinched her when a piece of tree bud or flower or whatever it is that falls (flies) off the trees in spring would hit her. We took a walk up to a flower park near us for a change of scenery. I thought it would be fun to put the girls in the matching dresses their Nana bought them and take pictures in the flowers. The girls were all for it until we got there and they realized sitting for pictures wasn't nearly as much fun as running around and looking for (of all things) ants. Lilly decided to make a peace offering to the ants, and laid down some dandelions in one fat ant's path. I asked her why she was doing that if she was afraid of him. She responded in true Lilly fashion, " well, I want him to be happy". Yes, although my daughter hates bugs, she wants them to be happy. "Unless they fly at me" she adds.
That's my girl.

Princesses

Allie, my 3 year old is obsessed with princesses. Any princess, all princesses, non-specific princesses, you get the idea. She relates everything to princesses. She bites pretzels into the shape of glass slippers, whenever the clock chimes she runs from the room saying she is late leaving the ball, and she always wears her dress up shoes around the house and yard (incidentally, she walks better in heels than I do). She wears a princess dress over her regular clothes 9 times out of 10. She has worn them to the grocery store, out to dinner, to Target to pick out a new princess dress and pretty much any place else you could think of. We went to a princess themed party, and she was in her glory because most of the little girls were dressed in gowns, too. The other day we were in Home Depot (in full princess dress) and another little girl looked at Allie and said, "look, Mommy that little girl is a princess!" I think that made Allie's day, because she thinks that she really is a princess. I love seeing her dressed like that, especially when she is digging in the dirt, rolling around in the yard, or doing something equally un-princessy. She is just my kind of princess.

The attention span of a (nearly) two year old

Have you ever noticed that no matter what your child is doing in the car, when you drive past a playground her head whips around? Maya has this uncanny ability to look up at exactly the instant the playground is approaching and then watches it fly by. We can drive past any playground and she shouts, "Mommy! I wanna go on the rides!" (Rides=Swings) I say, "okay, Maya we can go on the swings in a little bit." So she says, "Nooooooooo, I wanna go plaaaayground!"So I counter, "We will go to the playground, later." Then Maya says, Mommy, playground later? I want playground noooowwwwa" So I say "I know you want the playground now, but we have to go do (whatever we are doing) now." So then my sweet baby looks out the window again and says," Oooh, look mommy, a bird! I wanna see the bird!" Problem solved, now we are off to catch the bird...

Family Fun

We spent the weekend away at a family birthday. Our niece turned four and had one of the most fun kids parties ever. The party was at the beach, inside a carousel. They rented out the carousel and the kids basically has free reign of the entire thing for the length of the party. They hopped from horse to horse and held hands, and did I mention that it was a princess party with full princess dress? Their faces were priceless, especially when my sister in law brought out the castle cake. We had a great time, and the girls are already asking to go back. I loving to ride a carousel, but found how much more fun it is to ride with my girls.

I wud you too bye

This is by far my favorite of Maya's sayings. She doesn't say,"I love you too, bye" when getting off the phone or saying goodbye when someone is leaving the house. She says it as if it is all one word, like this, "Iwudyoutoobye". I love that, and sort of hope she says it like this forever.

Loose teeth

I have been worrying about this day for many years. Lilly discovered that she has a loose tooth. Why worry about this you may be wondering? I was, at sevenish, a little strange. I had gotten my first loose tooth in front on the bottom. I then proceeded to lose the one next to it, so I had a rather large space in the bottom of my mouth. Somewhere in my sevenish year old mind, I thought it would be fun to have a square in the front of my mouth so I could stick my tongue through. The problem with my idea, however was that the top two front teeth were not loose at all. I, with all the knowledge of a sevenish year old, figured that I could just make them loose by wiggling them constantly. Looking back, this was one of my more terrible ideas. I wiggled those teeth all the time and soon enough I had my highly coveted square in the front of my mouth. I have to say I looked really cute, as all kids do, with no front teeth. Soon after I ripped my teeth from my head, the bottom teeth began to come in. I thought ( in my infinite sevenish wisdom) that the top teeth would be soon to follow. WRONG! It was 2 years before the top teeth came back in! I cannot tell you how many people sang that stupid song "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" to me. Needless to say I wanted those teeth so badly. I remember getting up every morning running to the bathroom mirror to see if the little white telltale bumps were peeking through. I will never forget the morning they were there. It was the best day! Since that day, I have been worrying about the day one of my children discovers a loose tooth. I didn't want to believe Lilly's tooth was loose, but it is, and she woke up this morning with another one. I guess my hope is that she will have better sense at five and a half than her mommy did at sevenish.