Sand land

Get ready here we go

Halloween kicks off the crazy, busy time of year!

We happen to live in Halloween central, our neighborhood goes crazy and we usually service between 800-900 trick or treaters- insane!
This year we had the same routine, put up the safety gate and let the crowds flow.  The big boys (2yr olds) were in charge of candy, the girls (both under 10mths) were in charge of crumbs and everyone had plenty of social time.  Nothing like a good old sugar high for toddlers!

Setting up

Getting the goods

Can we have some....please???

Phoebe and her BFF chatting it up with the boys

The party goes on and on....

What's so funny

Many times I find myself holding in a laugh, savoring a memorable moment made by my 2year old and gushing at my cutie pie doll baby.  A couple of highlights in the past week:

Theo caught me picking my nose (not really only scratching- but to him it qualified as a pick) "put your picker away mamma"

Theo tried to take a rest with me on Sunday, but couldn't stop chatting- so I sent him downstairs to play with dadda.  He told dadda "mamma wasn't fooling around"

"mamma has whiskers on her legs"

The common "good boy dadda, good girl mamma" for making pee-pee in the potty

Coffee is VERY dangerous, VERY dangerous, VERY dangerous

These are only just a sampling.. I'll make sure to update as they come.

Here's some pics that can only be described as what's so funny.  Face painting is a trick- the kid forgets by afternoon what all the fuss is- oh yeah I'm in disguise.   Phoebe's photo speaks for itself- learning solid foods takes some time.

And then the always entertaining- diaper paddy wagon ride:

Big Boy playdate

Theo and his best pal are enjoying the last few days of nice weather at the park.  We fear rainy days, running noses and cabin fever-- at least we don't have snow?!

         

Gone but not forgotten

shame, shame, shame- I think it's been close to two weeks since my last entry.

Of course I have a long list of excuses- my computer is on the fritz and unplugged from my regular workstation, out of town visitors, yadda-yadda-yadda.  Truthfully I just haven't been motivated.
Life is good.  Phoebe has been a champ sleeping through the night in her own bedroom.  The world is a better place with a solid 5-6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  Theo is a full pledged daily bike rider, school boy, big boy bed, pull up pants- big kid.  Dadda is on fire with his work, happily situated in his prime new office location on the water and me I'm sitting pretty today with no laundry backup, no dishes, leftovers in the fridge, sipping coffee waiting for my babes to wake.  Like I said- life is good.
We had a glorious weekend with Granny- who is home from her summer life abroad. Theo immediately got her up to speed on his play essentials- bike, diggers, tree cutter man, latte man, cleaner man, etc. Phoebe was as sweet as ever and has established to all that she has the worlds biggest crush on her brother and her dad.  When they enter the room she goes goo-goo over them and lights up with chirps, kicks and big cheeky smiles.
I've been enjoying our "back to school" schedule and play routines.  I've met some new moms that I really enjoy and can see spending more time together.  I'm also entertaining the idea of working for my friend a couple of days during the week (when my parents come home).  She returned from South Africa this past weekend only to find out one of her employees gave his 2wk notice.  It puts her in a tough situation to kick off the new quarter/fiscal year- so I offered to do contract work part time until she finds a more permanent solution.  It's nice to know I could jump full time at a heartbeat- but I committed to my first priority being at home- it's a dream come true.
Enough of the update, I must shower and get ready- today is a very big day.  We're in charge of snacks at Theo's pre-pre-preschool.  The pressure is on and Theo is really looking forward to passing out the treats- thank god I remembered!

Leather is not on the list

Our third wedding anniversary is coming up in 2wks.  I thought this year I'd plan something creative, new and inline with budget reqirements.  I figured it out and booked our 'reservstions'  - we will both be going to see our new doctor on the day of our anniversary- bloodwork, physicals and who knows what else.  Maybe afterwards we can celebrate with a hamburger.

fine line to staying home

Two days ago Theo was complaining about a tummy ache when he woke up from his nap.  He did look out of it and was not his normal self.  This was also followed by a morning full of fruit, smoothie shake and the night before a sold hour of chips and salsa (when we were at a party in the park).  So a tummy ache was par for the course- I thought.
Two nights ago he was up every two hours- crying, wanting juice and so on.  In the morning when he got up he was congested with a runny nose- he told me his teeth hurt.  hmmm.... this is usually a common shared gesture he likes to act out with baby to get a teething toy- except this time he was pointing to the back of his mouth with his finger.  He was still all play and full of energy, so I decided I would do the frowned upon and take him to his pre-pre-preschool- I would just be quick to wipe any signs of runny nose so we wouldn't get busted.  He played at school- did two paintings, studied the jars of bugs Ms. Miriam brought in for the kids, sang and of course was first on the bench for snacks under the eucalyptus tree.
In the afternoon he wanted to go for a bike ride.  It was too hot for the park, but a good bike ride to the new house or the tree cutters down the street would be the perfect outing I thought.  Two blocks into the ride- he jumped off his bike, wanted his helmet off and cried telling me his tummy hurt, he's tired and wants to go to bed.  One other challenging request- he demanded that I carry him home.  This of course was tough- I had the baby and the bike.  So I left the bike at our neighbors  (2blocks down the street) and carried the two of them home.  Honestly not much pitty was being spared for him at the time because I could feel my back using every muscle- probably for the last.  At home I put him to bed and listened to 40 minutes of old macdonald and ABC's- then he was ready to get up.
I couldn't figure out- what was the deal... are you sick, tired or just mimicking something that you heard over the past week (i.e babysitter was sick with a tummy ache one day).  At first  you think it's lucky you're at a stage now where your child can tell you- communicate needs, but then you realize most of the things they communicate have been recycled from other conversations they've heard.
This morning I'm waiting to see what the nose situation is when he wakes up.  I'm not worried- because we can take it easy if it seems he is still not 100%.  Also, this week Pheobe and Theo have their Doctor appointment on Friday (both get check and shots)- could be a traumatic  day for us all!

Yeah it's Friday!

It's been a long week- actually a long 2 weeks. 

Our babysitter that usually helps me out a few hours during the week has been gone.  She comes 3hrs on Mon/Wed and takes one kid and I take the other.  It's nice sometimes I have the baby and sometimes I do something special with just Theo.  But for the past 2wks it has been mom and crew nonstop- manageable, but insane at times.   Grocery shopping with 2 is no treat, sleep deprived and trying to reason with my 2yr old- isn't happening and then there is always the dreaded laundry- it could quite possibly take over our house!
Thank goodness today is Friday and we have the weekend with Dadda (and a visit from B.B.Grampa). I plan to high tail it so fast out the door Saturday morning- straight to a pedicure, eyebrows and a nice hot latte from Peet's- Baby can come if need be.

A little of this and that, but everything BIG BOY

Not much blogging this week... I've had a tough start to the mornings and little free time to spare.
Phoebe has decided she doesn't want to sleep at all even if it is next to me in my bed.  Whether it be not enough milk, to cold, to warm, wet or just the desire to chirp - she's keeping me up all night long.  By 6am she's ready to head down stairs with me and assist my morning cup of coffee.
It's a good thing for coffee...otherwise the rest of the day she wouldn't get such high cute factor points!
Theo started his first day of pre-pre-preschool.  It was the cutest thing I've ever seen.  He was all geared up with snacks in his backpack, a pen, his favorite action toy (Tony the Helicopter driver) and his new school duds.  Most of the kids in the class had already been in the previous session so he was a newbie along with one other little boy.  The class was all boys and most of them between 2/12-3.  It was great and I think we'll get alot out of it.
The rest of the week so far has been all about Theo's new BIG BOY BIKE!   This was a hand-me-down gift from the 4yr old boy across the street (Theo's idol).

He loves his new bike and basically I'm on edge everytime we go out for a ride- it's killing me!   He takes off so fast down the street that I have to run to keep up with him.  Every turn, bump, curb and corner is a near spill caught by the flimsy little training wheels that squeek the entire ride.   It's pretty impressive- he rides to the park and home.  He spends hours out front practicing on the chalk obstacle course I made for him (so he can practice his turning/circles).  I just wish I could find a suit of armour for him...I can't handle the anxiety of his dare devil bike rides. 
Our long list of "big boy" accomplishments are growing.  Theo is so proud to yell to every biker that passes by- "I have a big boy bike too."  We're getting mileage out of marketing "big boy" behavior.  Over the weekend he decided to go for a "big boy burger" at the diner with his dadda (Phoebes remains to be baby and happy with that).  Big boy school, big boy spanish class and of course the always famous comment- big boys don't hit, they're gentle and lovey (hmm... we'll see about that).

We have a great time listening and learning about Theo's developing skills.  At times we have to bite our lip at some of the questions or comments he makes- because it's so damn cute and so funny- however to him it's very serious.  The other day my husband and I were reminding Theo about the hummingbird nest we saw. Theo started asking about the birds, where do they go... and we said the nest is their home, they build it for their babies- he asked us "do birds have hammers..." it was classic.  We said they hammer with their beaks-  he said " they BANG we their beaks" and so the fasicnation with birds, their beaks and the banging continues on.

Bittersweet changing times

I'm not sure if times are bitter, they are sweet and yes they have changed.

This morning my family went out to breakfast to meet up with an old friend of mine
that I used to work with.  We worked together for six years and basically spent all of our time together- sat next to each other, coffee, lunch, travel- you name it.  We covered for each other when needed and made it through awkward times of me managing her even though we were clearly equals.  She was at my side when I was dating, was one of the first few who I called the moment I got engaged, joined the celebration at my wedding and was the only non family member I wanted my husband to email pics from the hospital when my son was born.  I told her when I was pregnant with my second child that I knew my professional road was going to change.
It's been almost a year (last november) since we stopped working with each other.  Our jobs were about to change so she was out pursuing new positions while I decided to ride out the current acquisition to the end.  We don't see much of each other anymore, but we check in and try to make plans about once every 3 months.  When I see her I realize how much time has gone by since we spent 50hr wks together and how much I've changed in the past year.
I listened to her work challenges and praised her promotions. She reminded me of the manager I used to be with a subtle compliment on my management skills that she now practices with her team. I sat back and thought about what a different person I am today.  For now, gone are the days of working with million dollar plus budgets, traveling all over spending a few nights away from my family, managing quarterly reviews and interacting daily with numerous "fires that took priority.  I wondered if she thinks I'm a mess... I remember when I met with a friend who left her career and by her second child I definitely thought she had lost it (I was single about to be married).  I wondered if it's a good thing or a bad thing that I've lost that part of my identity- the competitive edge that fueled me to be  one of the first in the office (by 7:30ish) everyday. The one who could never back down from a project, travel request or dinner meeting.  The one who was on a weekly routine with the dry cleaner and would never be caught in the office without maintained eyebrows, nails and hair highlights (comical but true).  I sat confused in my head as she was telling a story from across the booth.  I was lost in the moment until I heard a little voice from under the table ... "can I sit next to mamma?"  That's all I needed to bring me back. 
I can't help but smile because I know exactly what I'm doing these days-changing poops, playing at the park, picking up toys and having the time of my life with my kids and family.   These times won't last forever and I feel really lucky to be so involved.    Now if I could only get a little more competitive with the laundry.....

final thought from the morning snapshot-

My friend rolls up in her brand new Range Roover, I roll up with my brand new double stroller.
Equally as proud, but headed out on different missions- client meetings vs. park playdates!

Double the fun

It's hard to believe but bath time got even better this week (as if it was possible)!  It's now double the fun in the tub, tweedle dee & tweedle dum in bubbles.
That's right the fun multiplied last night.  Theo loved his sister joining the tub and wanted to be in charge of washing her hair or at least dumping some cups of water over her to see if she liked it (because he doesn't).
Theo loves tubbie time and it's a good 20-30 minute mellow out period before bedtime.  I fill our gigantic tub up nice and high, top it off with a good batch of bubbles and I lock Theo down in his seat so he can sit and play.  Our bathroom is conveniently located next to the kitchen, so I can leave the door open and finish some clean up.   I'm close by and I never take my eyes off of him, but I've always had the confidence of him in the chair while he thrashes around in the tub.  Now that Phoebe will be joining in the fun- I thought hmmm... it might be nice to get another seat.  Theo can definitely tub without the seat, but it wouldn't be as much fun, so another seat would be a good purchase- but I've never seen our seat online.  The seat was a handy- me-down from Grampa- who probably found the gem at a garage sale.  Anyway- I found the product name on the side of the seat and googled it- Gerry Baby Product.   Well the google results were a bit concerning.  Gerry baby company was shutdown, put out of business because of safety reasons.  It appears (after reading 2pages of lawsuit headlines from google)- they were sued and had numerous recalls b/c of some cribs collapsing- not a good thing.  Nowhere in the documents or news clips did they mention the bath seat- that has never done me wrong. 
Well my Gerry bath seat still works and unless I'm going to find a vintage one on Ebay- it will be the only one in the house.