September 29, 2009
September 28, 2009
Birthday post
I really think all things in life are better when shared with a child. And I don't think it has to be your child. Any one will do. I just can't get enough of the curiosity, joy and laughter that is bundled up in a toddler. And right now it's my toddler. Oh he has his moments. But Ben is generally a joy to be around and I LOVE making everything special for him and creating wonderful experiences.
And I love my birthday. Really I love any day that I get to make fun...by planing lots of my favorite things. And enjoying each activity as a blessing. And it has been SO fun sharing it with him. I am actually more excited for him to help open presents, blow out candles, etc than I am.
Today we had a special pancake breakfast. Ben got to watch a little Dora (and when I say a little, I mean a little more than usual, which is way to much because he not only asks to watch Dora first thing in the morning, but he gets kind of salty when it's time to turn Dora off) so I could sip my coffee in peace. Everyone was happy. We went to the gym. Which Ben actually loves. And I got a great work out in. Then lunch with Gramma Dorie at one of Ben's favorite restaurants. Then nap time. Which Ben loathes and I LOVE. Sorry kido....it's MY birthday. Not yours. On your birthday, you can skip naps. But not today. This afternoon we are going to play at the park, then Greg is coming home early tonight with dinner and maybe I'll stick another candle in my taco! And Yoga with my friends at 7:30. Yay!!!! Great day.
And I love my birthday. Really I love any day that I get to make fun...by planing lots of my favorite things. And enjoying each activity as a blessing. And it has been SO fun sharing it with him. I am actually more excited for him to help open presents, blow out candles, etc than I am.
Today we had a special pancake breakfast. Ben got to watch a little Dora (and when I say a little, I mean a little more than usual, which is way to much because he not only asks to watch Dora first thing in the morning, but he gets kind of salty when it's time to turn Dora off) so I could sip my coffee in peace. Everyone was happy. We went to the gym. Which Ben actually loves. And I got a great work out in. Then lunch with Gramma Dorie at one of Ben's favorite restaurants. Then nap time. Which Ben loathes and I LOVE. Sorry kido....it's MY birthday. Not yours. On your birthday, you can skip naps. But not today. This afternoon we are going to play at the park, then Greg is coming home early tonight with dinner and maybe I'll stick another candle in my taco! And Yoga with my friends at 7:30. Yay!!!! Great day.
September 25, 2009
Damn....errrr darn kids.
Our house is located directly between a large multi-family housing community and several of our neighborhood schools. And if there is one thing kids learn in school, it is the shortest route from point A to point B. And that route happens to pass directly in front of our house and often across our yard.
(I will not share exactly where I live and what high school because in all honesty, I am hoping we will be able to sell this house in the next 10 years and I don't want to deter any potential buyers!)
Shortly after we moved in, schools let out for summer. So it wasn't until one crisp September morning that I was enjoying an early morning cup of coffee with the windows open that I heard the voices. It was the walking equivalent of the 405 during rush hour traffic. The kids were coming. And going. All day long. Three schools. Start and end at different times. Constant traffic flow.
First we started noticing an occasional candy wrapper in the street. Then in our yard. An occasional school paper. Annoying, but easily cleaned up.
And there might have been a few times (let's be honest....lots of times) that I was running late for work (yes, dear readers, I use to have a J.O.B.) and almost ran over a few kids pulling out of the drive way.
Then there was the time that someone (read: obviously one of the "punk kids" as we started calling them) spray painted our neighbor's fence. And then painted it again. And again and again. Greg then added the graffiti hot-line to his speed dial. And then they "tagged" (graffiti lingo for those of you who live in 92660) our house. Awesome.
Then...they started with the sprinklers. The firs time we were sure it was an accident. Drunk kid walking home from school (what...you never drank at school?....neither did I. But I know people who did.) accidentally knocked over one of the sprinkler heads. So Greg fixed it. Reinforced it. And the next week....broken again. And obvious that it took force to do this. Which started an all out war with Greg and the sprinklers and the kids. A security camera tied to tazer gun was discussed at one point.
So I was forced to quit my job so Ben and I could stage a stake out in the bushes and catch these kids who were taking years off Greg's life. He was getting a little crazy about it. Not "shoot the black birds with pellet guns" crazy. But crazy.
Then there was the time I had to call 911 because there was a fight brewing in the street. Really all I saw was a loosely gathered group of people and someone shout, "hair pulling is for sissies." I didn't actually see a fight...but sensed West Side Story being reenacted so I acted...and called the cops.
Unfortunately at this point I think we have already been labeled "the crazy people that live in that house," which means Ben can not go to our neighborhood schools, or he will be labeled the kids that lives in the house with the crazy people.
But I have thought about opening a morning breakfast restaurant in the driveway to feed these kids...and make a buck or two. Let me know if you are available to work the morning shift.
I am writing all this because this morning I took the trash cans out in my PJs and was seen by some of the kids. And wanted to shout....."If you mess with my yard or house I will throw dirty diapers on your head!" And....."do you want a breakfast taco for $2?"
(I will not share exactly where I live and what high school because in all honesty, I am hoping we will be able to sell this house in the next 10 years and I don't want to deter any potential buyers!)
Shortly after we moved in, schools let out for summer. So it wasn't until one crisp September morning that I was enjoying an early morning cup of coffee with the windows open that I heard the voices. It was the walking equivalent of the 405 during rush hour traffic. The kids were coming. And going. All day long. Three schools. Start and end at different times. Constant traffic flow.
First we started noticing an occasional candy wrapper in the street. Then in our yard. An occasional school paper. Annoying, but easily cleaned up.
And there might have been a few times (let's be honest....lots of times) that I was running late for work (yes, dear readers, I use to have a J.O.B.) and almost ran over a few kids pulling out of the drive way.
Then there was the time that someone (read: obviously one of the "punk kids" as we started calling them) spray painted our neighbor's fence. And then painted it again. And again and again. Greg then added the graffiti hot-line to his speed dial. And then they "tagged" (graffiti lingo for those of you who live in 92660) our house. Awesome.
Then...they started with the sprinklers. The firs time we were sure it was an accident. Drunk kid walking home from school (what...you never drank at school?....neither did I. But I know people who did.) accidentally knocked over one of the sprinkler heads. So Greg fixed it. Reinforced it. And the next week....broken again. And obvious that it took force to do this. Which started an all out war with Greg and the sprinklers and the kids. A security camera tied to tazer gun was discussed at one point.
So I was forced to quit my job so Ben and I could stage a stake out in the bushes and catch these kids who were taking years off Greg's life. He was getting a little crazy about it. Not "shoot the black birds with pellet guns" crazy. But crazy.
Then there was the time I had to call 911 because there was a fight brewing in the street. Really all I saw was a loosely gathered group of people and someone shout, "hair pulling is for sissies." I didn't actually see a fight...but sensed West Side Story being reenacted so I acted...and called the cops.
Unfortunately at this point I think we have already been labeled "the crazy people that live in that house," which means Ben can not go to our neighborhood schools, or he will be labeled the kids that lives in the house with the crazy people.
But I have thought about opening a morning breakfast restaurant in the driveway to feed these kids...and make a buck or two. Let me know if you are available to work the morning shift.
I am writing all this because this morning I took the trash cans out in my PJs and was seen by some of the kids. And wanted to shout....."If you mess with my yard or house I will throw dirty diapers on your head!" And....."do you want a breakfast taco for $2?"
September 23, 2009
in the car
this morning on the way to the gym we saw a flock (or bunch?) of birds flying away. and ben says, "i can't fly like the birds, can i mama? i don't have wings. i have hands. see."
of course. where does he learn these things?
of course. where does he learn these things?
September 18, 2009
livin the dream....
forget everything i have said about the challenges of life and parenthood, travel and sleep strikes.
i was just carded for a glass of wine. and a week before my birthday none the less. the waiter, bless his sweet (it must have been really dark and he did not notice the spit up on my shirt or the fact that i only had mascara on one eye) heart. he got a big tip.
i was just carded for a glass of wine. and a week before my birthday none the less. the waiter, bless his sweet (it must have been really dark and he did not notice the spit up on my shirt or the fact that i only had mascara on one eye) heart. he got a big tip.
it's a trip...not a vacation
greg and i sleep in the same bed
there is roomservice
and bathrobes
and sun tan lotion
there is at least one nap
and a quiet morning moment with a cup of coffee
and a tasty dinner with all four food groups present
and at least one conversation that does not involve diapers or time outs
we have not been on a vacation in a very long time.
September 17, 2009
parks and play dates (or police and peepee)
sometimes my days as a domestic engineer / childcare director (as I like to think of myself) are full of parks, play dates, pancakes and picnics.
today was not one of those days.
ben is retaliating against me for several reasons. but most noteworthy, taking him on two, week long, long distance, travel excursions full of sugar, sleep deprivation, and unreasonable performance (being the perfect child 18 hours a day) expectations. and for making him go to bed at 6:59 last night because i was exhausted.
so today he has demonstrated his will to disobey. over and over and over again. which makes my head (and my heart) hurt.
along with that, there have been several other, unrelated incidences that have me spinning. and not in spandex on a stationary bike at the gym where i would like to be.
i took ben to school at 9. found a buyer for my old car at 10. day off to a good start! i was 15 minutes early to pick ben up from school so i went in and found him eating his lunch. i joined he and his classmates sitting on miniature blue chairs. the lunch time conversation was priceless. 10 minutes into lunch (which was 5 minutes after i wanted to leave), i hear someone holler "lock down! lock all the doors." there was a furry of activity. teachers coming and going. checking on kids, etc. mean while ben is continuing to spread hummus all over the table as a two year old should. i look out the window and see several police cars. yellow tape being strung around the house next door to the school. a man running into the street. i was nervous for a second, but did not break into a full force mom protecting my children panic. the lock down lasted 30 minutes, during which time i was able to piece together a bed ridden lady lives next door, in distress, man arrested, crime scene investigation began....wow. i tried to pretend i was totally engaged in the train track i was helping ben build, while listening to the teachers and moms talk. apparently ben was really really engaged in the train track, because when we were finally cleared to leave the building through one secure exit, ben proceeded to throw a total crying, screaming, meltdown coniptionfit. in front of this teacher. and the other moms. awesome. so i'm trying to finagle lyle in the car seat, ben on my hip, a lunch box, a bag of wet clothes (did i forget to mention that ben had a potty accident and was wearing borrowed school clothes at this time?) and a handful of 2-1/2 year old crafts from the day. and i had to parade myself and my out of control child through three other class rooms to get out through the secure exit? awesome.
but before leaving the class room, ben sure did grab a plastic coke / root beer bottle and say...in his LOUDEST VOICE..."mom, here is your BEER." to which i obviously replied, "you mean my root beer" and he repeats, "no...here is your BEER." awesome.
we drive home and ben enters into full on nap strike. he just cried and ran around his room and ran from me...for an hour (while I was reassembling the crib tent that was unfortunately taken down two weeks ago) and undoing all the big boy bed progress we'd made the last week.
and then he peed in his crib during nap time.
i'm exhausted and going to bed. after i finish my beer.
today was not one of those days.
ben is retaliating against me for several reasons. but most noteworthy, taking him on two, week long, long distance, travel excursions full of sugar, sleep deprivation, and unreasonable performance (being the perfect child 18 hours a day) expectations. and for making him go to bed at 6:59 last night because i was exhausted.
so today he has demonstrated his will to disobey. over and over and over again. which makes my head (and my heart) hurt.
along with that, there have been several other, unrelated incidences that have me spinning. and not in spandex on a stationary bike at the gym where i would like to be.
i took ben to school at 9. found a buyer for my old car at 10. day off to a good start! i was 15 minutes early to pick ben up from school so i went in and found him eating his lunch. i joined he and his classmates sitting on miniature blue chairs. the lunch time conversation was priceless. 10 minutes into lunch (which was 5 minutes after i wanted to leave), i hear someone holler "lock down! lock all the doors." there was a furry of activity. teachers coming and going. checking on kids, etc. mean while ben is continuing to spread hummus all over the table as a two year old should. i look out the window and see several police cars. yellow tape being strung around the house next door to the school. a man running into the street. i was nervous for a second, but did not break into a full force mom protecting my children panic. the lock down lasted 30 minutes, during which time i was able to piece together a bed ridden lady lives next door, in distress, man arrested, crime scene investigation began....wow. i tried to pretend i was totally engaged in the train track i was helping ben build, while listening to the teachers and moms talk. apparently ben was really really engaged in the train track, because when we were finally cleared to leave the building through one secure exit, ben proceeded to throw a total crying, screaming, meltdown coniptionfit. in front of this teacher. and the other moms. awesome. so i'm trying to finagle lyle in the car seat, ben on my hip, a lunch box, a bag of wet clothes (did i forget to mention that ben had a potty accident and was wearing borrowed school clothes at this time?) and a handful of 2-1/2 year old crafts from the day. and i had to parade myself and my out of control child through three other class rooms to get out through the secure exit? awesome.
but before leaving the class room, ben sure did grab a plastic coke / root beer bottle and say...in his LOUDEST VOICE..."mom, here is your BEER." to which i obviously replied, "you mean my root beer" and he repeats, "no...here is your BEER." awesome.
we drive home and ben enters into full on nap strike. he just cried and ran around his room and ran from me...for an hour (while I was reassembling the crib tent that was unfortunately taken down two weeks ago) and undoing all the big boy bed progress we'd made the last week.
and then he peed in his crib during nap time.
i'm exhausted and going to bed. after i finish my beer.
September 1, 2009
school
i'm sure you are dying to know, and the answer is yes. ben pooped at home before we left for school. i was SO proud and relieved. he said he also peed at school today, but he's usually only about 50% accurate with his details, so this is questionable.
regardless, he was so excited to go to school. and so busy playing as soon as he walked into the class room that he couldn't even focus to say good bye to me. and he was not at all ready to leave when i picked him up at 12:30. he'd done a craft he couldn't wait to show me. a piece of white paper with wet yellow paint all over it....that i accidentally dropped in the dirt on the way to the car, and then ben stepped on it. so now it has "texture." and it's on the fridge! i feel good about this. he is going to have so much fun and learn so much. and (bonus!) lyle and i enjoyed our time together today. we had morning cuddle time and went for a long walk.
here's a picture of our family today.
regardless, he was so excited to go to school. and so busy playing as soon as he walked into the class room that he couldn't even focus to say good bye to me. and he was not at all ready to leave when i picked him up at 12:30. he'd done a craft he couldn't wait to show me. a piece of white paper with wet yellow paint all over it....that i accidentally dropped in the dirt on the way to the car, and then ben stepped on it. so now it has "texture." and it's on the fridge! i feel good about this. he is going to have so much fun and learn so much. and (bonus!) lyle and i enjoyed our time together today. we had morning cuddle time and went for a long walk.
here's a picture of our family today.
have i told you about the time out box?
a big box. lots of markers. endless fun. and containment. if necessary.
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