How to Shoplift At Target

1. Take a preschooler and a toddler with you (I take boys)

2. Seat one in the seat and one in the cart

3. Use the underneath part to hold your bags that you brought with you

4. Also use the underneath part to pile your intended purchases

5. Remove items from underneath and place on conveyer belt

6. Pay for items

7. Bag your own items in your own bags (Why is it that no cashier knows how to bag things in bags you bring yourself?)

8. Wheel cart with kids still in it, out to your car

9. Put bags in trunk

10. As you start to lift the preschooler out of the cart, notices items still in the underneath part that weren't paid for

11. Wheel cart and kids back inside store

12. Pay for items you almost shoplifted

13. Don't expect a thank you, it was only $10 worth of stuff

Frustration

I didn't think I would write another post about this so soon, but it is on my mind and it is making me lose my mind.

Potty Training.

I hate. it. It is so far, the hardest thing I have done/gone through as a parent.

Yesterday, not so good in the whole potty training realm. He pooped in his pull up during nap time and the pull up leaked pee on my bed, on the quilt that Drew's grandma made, the quilt that I can't put in the dryer.

He holds his poop in. He squeezes his cheeks together and walks around on tip toes.

He has accidents all. the. time. He doesn't care if he pees in his underwear.

I have prayed. This morning, I gave it all to God. But, the first accident he had this morning, I felt the frustration flare up. I am half tempted to go back to diapers. Let him pee and poop in his pants for as long as he stinkin wants. I am ready to throw in the towel.

I know he can do it. This morning as I was getting up to go running, he was in the bathroom and had just finished peeing by himself! No one told him to go to the bathroom, he just went. I don't get it. I am at a loss. His pull ups from nap time and overnight have been dry (except yesterday and he didn't want to go pee before he took his nap because he had to poop and he coudn't pee without pooping) for a week.

Is he rebelling? Is he controlling me? Has he found something to hold over me? Or can he really not hold his pee? Is he too young? Am I a wimp?

I am open to advice, not criticism. I am open to help, to encouragement. If you want to refute my methods, keep your mouth shut, I don't need that right now. If you want to offer encouragement, a funny story, or something that might be helpful, please write a comment. I write that I am not open to criticism because I am already down about this subject and don't need to be brought lower. My thoughts tell me enough that I don't do it right, that I am failing, I dont' need to hear it from the internet.

What's In A Name?

My parents named me Kristy Marie. I was named after my Aunt Marie Kristine. They wanted to call me Kristy so they named me Kristy because they always said, “we’ll name them what we are going to call them.” (Never mind that my older brother is named Bradley and he was called Brad, unless he was in trouble)

I always thought Kristy was such a little girl’s name. I thought I forever sounded like I was a six-year old girl with braids. What if I wanted a career? And my name is Kristy. It doesn’t exactly command respect.

Did you know that when you get married, you could change your name to anything you print and then sign? I had thought about it a little bit and didn’t think of it again until the day Drew and I went to get our marriage license.

As we stood there, making the most important decision of our life by obtaining a marriage certificate, I made another decision. I dropped my middle name, Marie, and used my maiden name as my middle name and changed my first name from Kristy to Kristin.

At first it didn’t matter because I lived in the same city and everyone knew me as Kristy so it kind of seemed like a joke, something my brothers made fun of me for, something that didn’t really mean anything.

Then we moved. I could introduce myself as Kristin. Except, I wasn’t Kristin. I tried to become Kristin and there are still people who know me as Kristin, but it always sounds funny to me when they call my name, leave a message or introduce me to someone else.

And, not too long ago, I decided that I should have thought about the spelling more. K R I S T Y. I should have spelled it K R I S T Y N. Then, it makes sense as to why Kristy is spelled with a y.

Five years after changing my name, I kind of regret it. I wish I kept my name as just Kristy or maybe I wish I had spelled it differently. But, I probably would have regretted if I hadn’t changed my name, I wouldn’t have known what it was like to be called Kristin and I wouldn’t have known that it would never feel or sound right.

I don’t regret dropping my middle name and using my maiden name, I love my maiden name. I love it so much, Kolby’s middle name is my maiden name and consequently, that is how we got his nickname, Bo. And he is such a Bo. And such a Kolby.

I love my kid’s names. I hope they don’t want to change them!

On Potty Training

Sage has been potty training since we got back from MN. Literally, the day after we got home, I announced "No more pull-ups." And he went with it. The first 2 days were horrible. Accidents all. the. time. The third day dawned and I thought if it doesn't get better, he is going back to pull ups.

And miracle of miracles, no accidents!

The next day, we had planned to drive into Boston and tour Fenway and Harvard. I was nervous about Sage and public bathrooms and accidents. I packed 4 pair of clean clothes and ended up using one of the pair of shorts for Kolby because I forgot to change his diaper! Oops. I felt like we were on our way. The sticker chart was working, everything was great. I bragged to my sister how good he was doing.

Then I don't know what happened. Different accidents started. The kind where he starts going in his pants and then stops and finishes in the toilet. It was exasperating but I played it cool, no big deal. And then I played it disappointing. The accidents didn't let up. They got worse.

You might have read the letter. I was fed up. I called in reinforcements and called grandma. She said, it sounds like he has found something to be rebellious and control you. It sounds like you need to spank. She said the S word!

I decided to threaten Sage with the S word. I told him that accidents are not tolerated in our house. If he is going to choose to pee on the couch or floor instead of in the potty, he will have to get a spanking because he is disobeying.

He has had one accident since and it seemed to truly be an accident.

We are still working the sticker chart and I don't even want to think about how much money we have spent on cars and books to get to this point. The guitar is still looming over his head. I still have to tell him to go to the bathroom. Or maybe I am not brave enough to find out what happens if I don't! I hope when he is sixteen I am not calling him on his cell at school telling him to go to the bathroom.

Don't get me started on going number two. Battle. He holds it. He walks around on tip toes with his cheeks squeezed together. We talk about how everyone poops. He names everyone he knows. Yep, our neighbors, mailman, dogs, friends, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Why does he continue to look amazed everytime we answer, "Yes, grandma poops."

Yesterday, as we drove home he asked "Someday, when me get bigger, me not poop anymore?" No, buddy, you will always poop.

Third Times a Charm

Today is Drew's birthday. His 27th! Happy birthday, love you!

I wanted to make a dessert. My first choice, cupcakes. After lunch, I mix the ingredients together and fill the tins. I stick them in the oven and set the timer for 10 minutes and start to wash my dishes. About 7 minutes in, it starts to smell like something is burning. But, it can't be the cupcakes, they are supposed to bake for 12 - 15 minutes and it has only been 7. I peer inside the oven looking for whatever is burning on the oven ground.

After 10 minutes, I take the cupcakes out and they are smoking. They are most definitely what was burning. I had the rack on the bottom, that is all I can figure out.

And then I threw away 23 cupcakes.

So, I finish the dishes, get the boys tucked in for their naps and decide chocolate chip cookies are the way to my mans heart. I mix all the ingredients together. While adding the Crisco, I think, weird, it seems to smell funny and the 2 Crisco sticks I used look white and fresh and this jar that I never purchased but it must have been purchased by the people who lived here this summer so how old can it be looks yellowy and odd. I thought it was my garbage that was smelling and surely this won't be a problem. I dump it in, mix everything together, add the chocolate chips and take a big old bite of cookie dough. It tastes like stale nuts.

And then I threw away 4 or 5 dozen cookies worth of dough.

And I am not going to find out if the third time is a charm because I refuse to mess up more yummy desserts that my mouth has already been watering to eat.

Another Kolby Post

Kolby had a doctor appointment yesterday with his orthopedic doctor.

First, he had x-rays of his feet which I didn't know he was going to have. I had brought Sage with me thinking it was going to be an in and out type of appointment. As we walk into the x-ray room, Sage and Kolby both look around nervously. I had already prepped Sage that he wouldn't be able to stand next to mom and Kolby while they took pictures of Kolby's feet. As we walked in, I showed him where he would stand behind the window with the nurse. What I didn't prepare him or myself for was Kolby's fear. As soon as I set him down on the table, he started crying and wriggling. I could see Sage wringing his shirt behind me getting more and more nervous as Kolby continued to scream. I said "Sage, they aren't hurting Kolby, he is just scared." I turned back to Kolby and heard a wail behind me. The nurse helped with Sage and got him calmed down after I promised chocolate milk when this is all over. Kolby continued to scream and wriggle but the x-rays came out so we didn't have to redo anything.

First fiasco, over! Then, we waited in the examination room for probably 20 minutes. I read Tarzan about death and mean people to Sage who had many questions about why that ape is so sad and sleeping. Seriously, can Disney be any less kid friendly?

The PA walks in who is not our normal doctor. It ends up, he was in emergency surgery for many hours. We looked at his x-rays and his bones are all lining up perfectly, exactly how they are supposed to! Praise God! He said a couple of times, this is so different from 10 - 12 years ago. The correction is great and wonderful.

Our physical therapist has been wanting to get Kolby inserts for his shoes to help with his very flat foot. The PA suggested that is not something we want to do right now, as we don't want any hint of Kolby's foot to turn back in. I also asked about the type of shoe Kolby should be wearing right now and was told a shoe with a flat lace. Meaning that when you hold a pen in the middle on the bottom of the shoe all sides should be equal. We went to Stride Right today and got him New Balance size 6, extra wide running shoes. He had Converse size 4. Funny, they didn't seem small...

So, it was a good visit, he also got bigger shoes and a bigger bar. And our next visit is March 11, 2008. He'll be two. Isn't that crazy?

A Rockin Giveaway

I know, I know. I wasn't going to do anymore contests. I don't win and they are boring for you, my dear readers. But! This one is so cute! So, here it is. The contest. And the Rockin Site.

Dear Sage,

You peed on the couch today.

This is something that I don't want to forget. Not because it was funny or even brings a small smile to my mouth, just because someday, when you are doing something that I can't even think what it might be. I want to be able to respond with, you peed on the couch.

I was getting ready for the day in the bathroom and yelled at you to remember to go potty if you needed to. When I came out to the living room, you were laying on the couch and looked up at me with your half sad look and said "Me wet." That was the understatement of the year. You were soaked and laying in your own pee. Two days ago, you didn't have one accident all day, not even a whoops I started and now I am running to the bathroom accident. Same pair of underwear all day long. I was ready to buy you that guitar. Yesterday, you peed your pants twice. I wasn't sure of the circumstances and gave you the benefit of the doubt that you couldn't get your pants down by yourself. The first time, I was in the basement switching the laundry, the second, I was getting Kolby ready for bed. I should have known better the second time since the pee was right by the bookcase and there was no attempt at your pants or underwear being pulled down. But today, you were laying in your own urine, on the couch.

I immediately called my mom, your grandma, and she told me to 1) calm down 2) spank your bottom. I think you are lucky she answered her phone because I don't know what would have happened if she didn't answer but we probably wouldn't have had a fun morning at the park and instead we would have all been miserable and mad at each other at home.

I will always love you, Sage, even when you pee on my couch. Someday, I expect a replacement.

Love,

Mamma

Kolby's New Trick

Every Child is Different

I remember "baby-proofing" for Sage. We didn't do much, just kind of as needed, things that would really hurt him, we removed. When he opened cupboards or drawers he wasn't supposed to, we slapped his hand and told him no. I watched him all the time, I was always right there or close by.

Kolby's feelings get hurt when we tell him no in a firm voice. But, look what he does that Sage never did...


See the heater that runs along the baseboard, he steps on that, hoists himself on to the end table and then stands there. The time before when Drew caught him up there, he was actually standing on the windowsill waving hi.

We made it!

We are so glad to be HOME! It is wonderful to have our stuff, our space and not be in the car! I finished book 3 of Harry Potter and bought 4, 5, and 6 today. I know, why am I blogging? I should be reading!

Sage is potty training, officially. He has had three accidents today. But, he catches himself and then finishes in the potty so I am hoping he gets better at this. Someone told me 3 days. I am counting on that 3 days. Hopefully, in 3 days, we will be out buying him a guitar! That is his promised toy, it just doesn't seem to be that important to him.

I need to unpack the bathroom. Not only have we unpacked but reorganized since we had people living here all summer and now we have to put our stuff back where it belongs. Drew took the boys to the park, hopefully, I get done before they get back so they don't start dumping shampoo all over the bathroom.

Journey

Our second day of our three-day journey has ended. The first day, we drove 490 miles and sat in traffic through Chicago for 2 and ½ hours. The boys did incredibly well and we all slept until 8 am this morning. An 8:00 wake up for my children is highly unlikely. Yesterday, we drove 430 miles. Today we are scheduled to drive miles but will be going around New York City so we will see how many hours that translates to.

Our schedule is to drive about 4 hours, then stop for lunch for about an hour, and then drive the remaining time to our destination. So far, it has worked great. Kolby has been taking morning and afternoon naps and Sage slept for 2 hours yesterday.

I started the Harry Potter series and I am already sad to know that this series will end. Today is day three of our journey, which means I start book 3 of the Harry Potter series. Obviously, I do little if any driving and the kids are great!

Hi! It's been awhile since we chatted. I know you didn't miss our little chats and I am not sure that I did either. I am trying to figure that out. We went to camp and stayed the whole week (I was planning on coming back in the middle of the week and leaving Sage there) and then Drew had the computer and then I just haven't had much to say.

Our time at my in-laws is coming to an end. We leave on Sunday to start our drive back to CT. There will be so many adjustments again. No more mini-van for us, back to our small Saturn. No more Nana and Papa to listen for the boys so we can go out for an hour after they are in bed. No more Nana to clean up dinner while I bathe and get the boys to bed. No more magical food appearing in the cupboards and milk replenishing itself in the fridge. No more Nana to take Sage at just the moment that I think I might strangle him (I kid). No more dustbuster to clean up the crumbs under the high chair. No more dishwasher that works. And the saddest of all, no more Target discount.

Drew will be back on a school schedule, things never done, things always hanging over his head, night lectures, night classes. I will be babysitting again, at least two mornings a week.

There are things I am looking forward to, things like my coffee maker, my own bathroom, my own apartment, my own space. It will be nice to back in out city, with our parks, our cement backyard, our pizza places, there are definitely things I am looking forward to doing and seeing again!

I am sure you heard...

about this.

Drew and I were on a dinner boat cruise with his company. We were not traveling along 35 or were we anywhere near it.

The captain of our ship received a call from his wife and then told us "35W bridge just collapsed." At first, I thought he was joking. I kept staring at him but his expression never changed. My first thought was "I should call my mom." I went down below to grab my purse and cell phone. There were two voice messages already, I ignored them and called my mom. She hadn't heard the news yet. I listened to my sister's voice wobble as she checked up on us. And then my fried, Deb who is in Seattle. I received more calls from friends and family through out the evening and an email this morning.

Last night, as I kissed my boys, my prayer of thanks for bringing our family back together safely brought tears to my eyes.

I pray for the families who didn't get back together safely last night, prayers that they will find comfort and peace.

The BIG Announcement!!

Kolby took two steps yesterday!

We went to a puppet show, which we missed but there was a playground and Drew was making Kolby stand on his own and then just like that, one, two and grab Drew's hands.

My heart is overflowing with gratefulness to God. It is hard to express, how proud this Mama is. His next appointment to check his feet is Sept. 12 so we have more than a month for his walking to develop. At his last appointment, the doctor said that probably once he is walking on his own, he will be done wearing the Dennis Browne bar at night. My heart rejoices and my eyes fill with tears. We will definitely be having a celebration when Kolby is done wearing that bar!

Down but not Out

So, Tuesday night, I woke up with the flu, in the middle of the night. I had a stomach ache when I went to bed and hoped it would be better in the morning. No such luck.

I felt awful all day. I think Sage watched about 8 hours of tv. Both boys were generally good and for that I was grateful. Sage kept saying "Me no want you be sick anymore." And then his true confession for why: "Me want to go outside."

Today, we are expending some of Sage's energy. It is really humid and he is sweating a lot but he wants to play outside. He has sweat running down his cheek and the tip of his nose!

Too cute and funny not to post

Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam. The last question was, "Name seven advantages of Mothers Milk," worth 70 points or none at all.

One student who had also partied the night before, was hard put to think of seven advantages.

He wrote:
1.) It is perfect formula for the child.
2.) It provides immunity against several diseases.
3.) It is always the right temperature.
4.) It is inexpensive.
5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa.
6.) It is always available as needed.

And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before the bell indicating the end of the test rang, he wrote...

7.) It comes in such cute containers.

He got an A!

A Birthday Party in Pictures

Sammy blows bubbles while Sage pops them.

Sage and Sammy were the only two to run through the sprinkler. Sage insisted his shirt should be off and Sammy managed to get hers soaked.


Squirt guns were a big hit. Sammy and I are ganging up on the injured Britta (she fell off her horse, for the full story go here)

Sage is totally breaking the rules by squirting someone on the deck, my guess is his dad, which makes it a little okay!

Table full of gifts.

His favorite present from Nana and Papa, a drum set. I know his face shows no expression, but I kid you not, this is how his face looked after opening every. single. present. Maybe it is good, he won't have to fake a great reaction when he gets something he hates!

Blowing really hard! Tate, Britta and Chase making sure he does it right! The wind ended up blowing out the candle for us. He tried this one time and then told Drew he wanted him to do it. Drew refused and he just kept looking at us like, come on, already blow out the candle for me! Then, the right wind came.

Birthday Boy.

Krista and Kolby

Chase enjoying his cupcake.

He woke up, came into our room and said, "Now, me play mine drums!" The mean parents we are, we made him wait until the next day to play his favorite gift. In our defense, it was 9:30 by the time the last guests left!

He even shared with his brother!

My Sister Started a Blog

And with 4 kids, she has some good stories and quotes! Go check it out!

Tomorrow is Sage's third birthday. We're throwing a party for our family. It is our first official birthday party for Sage. I feel old saying that I have a three year old.

Then on Sunday, we are getting a family picture taken, by Drew's cousin, Molly. I am thinking white shirts and khaki shorts for the boys and a white dress for me. And I just remembered today that the pictures are Sunday, so I pray I can find something today! I am just waiting for Kolby to wake up so we can get shopping!

My Child is Branded

I don't know how it happened. Well, maybe I do. I might have let him watch tv and play with toys. I will even admit to encouraging Thomas! And here is my reasoning. It's a train. He likes trains. And he likes Thomas but guess what, he doesn't love it. He doesn't seem to love anything in particular. He will watch Cars over and over and we are throwing him a Cars themed party, but he doesn't see stuff and have to have it. He recognizes it. Like McDonalds and Starbucks. He calls McD's, cheeseburger, because that is his favorite thing to eat there. He also recognizes Target. Someone once told me that it is a form of reading.

While driving, he talks constantly. He tells me he needs things like a truck, a race car and his newest obsession, convertibles and RV's. I point out all the Jeep Wranglers and the Jeep Unlimiteds. Because someday, I will have one. Someday. My hair might be gray or gray under the blonde highlights and my underwear might be called granny, but I will have one. Way off track here.

But, I do have lines that I won't cross. I will not ever buy him or my other children character clothes. I hate, despise them. Then, the other day, I was at Target and saw some Car sandals, and thought about how much joy he would get when wearing them. I totally almost bought them for him. And then I remembered it would be cute for a day and then I would be annoyed. And, he has worn some character pajamas, they were hand me downs and he didn't have a clue who Buzz Lihtyear was, at the time.

I like that Sage is constant in liking cars and anything musical. He plays air guitar and drums all. the. time. He plays with matchbox cars endlessly. I don't think that branding my child could be avoided because of the world we live. But, I do want to teach him the importance of contentment and the difference between need and want. But really the importance of contentment. It is a lesson that I can learn and relearn every single day.

Car Accidents and Chiropractors

On July 4th, at the fireworks celebration, there was a tent set up with a sign that said "Free Massage". It turned out to be a chiropractor's office and they were doing free evaluations. I have been having low back pain for a while so I sat down and he could feel that my lower back was definitely out. He gave me a coupon for my first visit free, including x-rays. Yesterday, I went and did the first exam and got x-rays and scheduled my follow up for today. Today, when I went, I had to take the boys, which he said would be totally fine. (They were great.) He showed me the x-rays and showed me that my spine isn't straight but totally leans to the left. Then he showed me the x-ray of my neck. A normal neck is supposed to have a 35 to 40 degree curve. Mine is at negative 13. Not good. And, totally explains all the headaches that I have been having. So, there is some serious work to be done to straighten out my spine and get my neck to curve the right way again. I will be going three times a week for six weeks. That is a long time! He also popped my lower and upper back in to place and started my neck. I can't say that I feel better today. I have a really bad headache and just feel achy. But, there are other things to blame these things on, so I don't know what is caused by what.

He also said that my neck could only have gotten so out of what from a car accident and whiplash. We were in what I thought was a minor accident which I can't even remember when it was. I know we were wearing jackets. And it was cold and we were on our way home from having lunch at a friends house after church and there was a baptism at church that morning. And I am thinking that if I have whiplash, maybe the boys do too? And what about Drew? We were all in the car. And then my next thought is this. The boys were in the car, in their car seats, which we didn't replace. If I could get whiplash and not know it, can the car seats be damaged and we can't tell? Should we replace them? Is there someone, somewhere that can check them?

And I am afraid to ask him about the sling. My spine pulls to the left, the side that I wear Kolby. And it has become a necessity in my life.

And he says he can help with Kolby's consistent ear infections. So many decisions!

Does she only give things away?

Steph is at it again, giving away another baby carrier. And I am at it again by entering. Go here and check out the site that created and donated this new baby carrier. It is called a Podonbutai, it combines three Asian style carriers. I can't even begin to describe it, except to say, WOW!

I just wonder how all these contests of hers work. I mean, somehow she has to get people to give her stuff to review and then also give one to give away?! And, who pays to ship all this stuff she keeps giving away?! Too many logistics. And running to the post office with three small boys?! I guess that is why one is always attached to her!

Do you ever have one of those days where you start to type and everything sounds dumb? It just doesn't sound exciting or even entertaining. That is today.

I wanted to write about a new review site and I wanted to direct you to the cool new link on my sidebar, but I can't get it to show up and then when I decided, I will just write about it, everything sounded dumb. But, it isn't about me. Well, actually, this blog is kind of about me, because it is mine. Anyway, getting off subject.

Mama Speaks is a cool new review site. A site geared towards moms, written by moms, with reviews of things your kids or babies might need. I just entered an easy contest just be sending an email!

Also, since I have been entering so many contests and doing so little real blogging, I apologize. But! Guess what! I got my sling! It is this one. And it is so beautiful. The cherry color seems to be a muted cherry color which for me is just perfect. I don't like my reds to be too red, know what I'm sayin? So, now I can stop entering contests for slings, except maybe a pool sling... And, I love to use it! I have already used it so many times and it is so easy. I just put Kolby in the hip carry and off we go.

Today, we went to have lunch with Drew and of course it was the perfect opportunity to use my sling and after a little bit, my shoulder started to hurt. And I thought, oh man. I am not sayin a word to Drew about this! But then I realized that it was the shoulder that I had the diaper bag slung across, not the sling! Amazing! It is so great because a lot of his weight is sitting on my hip. I can't believe I have never had one of these. I almost want to have another baby sooner just so I can sling em around! And last night, for the fireworks, Kolby totally fell asleep in it. So sweet. I am trying to get a cute picture of us, I already have one of Drew and Kolby!

Entering Another Contest

I know, I just keep entering. It's kind of like playing the lottery. I keep entering and I keep thinking that the more I enter, the better my chances are! At least I am not wasting a $1 per ticket!

So, go here to enter. Do I need to mention that it is Steph from Adventures in Babywearing again? And then check out SuperMomz. I already see stuff that I want. I have always wanted one of those video monitors? Haven't you? I would love to watch how Bo puts himself to sleep! And next time, I am pregnant, I will definitely be buying a belly band! (To clarify, this is not an announcement, I will make it very clear when it is!)

Oh, and I am entering to win a Moby Wrap!

Relaxin

Well, I didn't think that my time here would be so wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I thought it would be great, just not wonderful. Today, my mom graciously watched the boys while I went with my best friend, her sister and her other sister to get a massage. A 60 minute full body massage. I have never had one before so I didn't know what to expect. It was fantastic, fabulous, incredible. So relaxing. Wonderful.

After that, we went to Zoey's Pizzaria for a New York Style cheese and pepperoni and a zookie for dessert. A zookie is a chocolate chip cookie freshly baked topped with ice-cream! Heavenly. A perfect lunch after a massage!

The boys are napping and we have plans for a park and maybe Cheeseburger for dinner (hey we're on vacation here)!

Another Contest

So, I have to enter another contest for a Solervei ring sling. Go here to enter yourself! If you win, you could always give it to me!

I never win.

I didn't win the sling. That is all.

Today, the boys and I drove to my home town! We are going to stay with my best friend for a couple nights, then stay with my parents and then go see my brother and family! It should be a nice change of scenery for us! The only plans we have are to hang out. I am secretly hoping we can hit a pool sometime. And by hit, I mean go to.

Kolby and Sage are taking naps at my parents house and I heard Kolby cry out so I went to check on him. I peeked in and he couldn't see me. He was fussing but still laying down. I watched him find his passy, put it in upside down, find his green, silky, soft blankie and rub it to his cheek and roll over. It was so sweet. I wanted to go in and swoop him up, but then it would have defeated the whole self-soothing thing he was in the middle of. It is moments like that, I want a video of in my head for all times.

I want that sling!

So, I have been reading Steph at Adventures in Babywearing for quite some time. I have linked to her more than a couple times siting great contests that she has. And she has done it again! This time a ring sling made from Solerveil, a fabric that blocks UVA and UVB rays while keeping you cool at the same time.

And I need it! Need, people. Let me explain. We have had swimming lessons this week. Sage and Kolby are both in the parent help class. But! Kolby's was cancelled so he joined Sage who worked with his teacher, Katie and I worked with Kolby. Kolby hasn't loved swimming lessons. Let's just say that it is an improvement that Kolby isn't crying...as much during the "lesson". By lesson for Kolby I mean, I hold him and twirl him around and give him 8 million kisses and hugs to reassure him and try to keep a smile on my face while he cries. I try splashing (but not his face, or he will cry harder), I try helping him do the back float. All this to say that I want to take the boys to the pool or lake around here, but how?! This sling would be the answer to my problems. Why not just buy it? Because I just bought a sling and lets just say that Drew wasn't totally excited about it! (Hi babe!) But it is totally gorgeous and I so need it! Remember, Kolby doesn't walk yet? I need it just to help me in and out of places like Target, pretty much anywhere we go, I am going to start sporting Kolby in that sling.

So, click here to enter the contest. And check out KimzKreations to see the woman who makes these slings! Did I mention that you get to pick the color of the fabric and slings? And if you would like to donate to my sling fund, please email me! That last part was a joke, by the way, unless it is you, mom, then it's not a joke.

Trip to the Zoo in Pics

Monkey!


Giraffe!


Tiger!


Buzz the Polar Bear doing tricks for lard!


Waiting for the seal show. At least we had snacks!


We waited 15 minutes in the burning sun for a 7 minute seal show that was less than impressive.


Uncle Achoo (Matthew) and Sage in the mist zone.


Sage is "driving"! He wasn't very good, I guess my no Power Wheels rule didn't pay off for him!


The last ride. He did much better "driving" this car er boat!

Summer Boredom

I might sound like I am complaining a bit, I just need some suggestions!

I'm bored. I think Sage is too and it is only the middle of June. We are taking swimming lessons this week and next. We went outside to play this afternoon and there weren't any neighbor kids out and Sage wanted to go in after 15 minutes. I offered to go to a park. And he declined. I offered the big park. No takers.

My other quandary? Kolby. He is hard to take places. 15 months, 26 pounds, not walking. Not loving his stroller as his big brother runs around. Did I mention 26 pounds? He crawls around on the street staining his knees, shorts, ripping some shorts and scraping knees. He likes to push the cozy coupe or big wheel around, but it doesn't last long.

And swimming lessons? Kolby is not a fan. On day 3, he has gotten better, but I can't imagine taking him and Sage swimming anywhere by myself. Sage can't be trusted because he can't swim by himself but isn't scared. Kolby has a firm grasp on me at all times. By firm grasp, I mean, legs and arms wrapped around me with his cheek smooshed next to mine or into my chest. Although, today, I was zooming him around and he wasn't holding on, at the end of the 30 minute lesson.

So, any ideas?!

I leave you with pictures!


Sage running through our crazy sprinkler! The novelty lasts about 10 minutes!


Me and my Bo.


Caught!


Learning to walk or ride?


What I do most of the day, inside, outside, on the street, on the grass, on carpet, behind a car.


We went to the zoo this weekend and this is how Kolby enjoyed the views! More pics and a special zoo post to come!

I've Been Meaning to Update

Kolby. Remember when I asked for prayer and faith that Kolby would walk by the end of May? I wanted Janelle, our physical therapist to see Kolby take a few steps.

Well, he hasn't walked yet. God answered my prayer with "Wait." I don't always understand why he tells me to wait but I am still waiting.

Kolby is cruising along everything. He pulls himself up to everything and will walk along it, around it and over it. I got him a walker and he does great with it, even turning corners! He hasn't figured out how to back it up. It comes down to the balance. He won't do it by himself. I try to let go of his hands so he can practice and if I do it more than twice in a row, he sits down. I don't think he is scared he just doesn't have the confidence. He has the strength, he just won't use it.

In other Kolby news, he fell down the stairs yesterday and it was totally my fault. I wasn't close enough to him. I was watching him go down the stairs and then he started rolling. down. the. stairs. I felt awful. And he didn't stop crying until I gave him some milk. I wished I still nursed him so I could comfort him.

The Spew

I am ready to go home now. Vacation is over. It was fun. Now, I am ready for my own house, my own stuff, my own kitchen where I know where everything is, my own bathroom, my nice shower, my house. But, we aren't on vacation, we have 11 more weeks!

That means something needs to change. Probably my attitude. It's not that I have a bad attitude, I am just ready to be back in the familiar. Ready to go back to our parks, our everything.

The suburb that I am living has a ton of shopping. Too much shopping. So much shopping it can be overwhelming, addicting and not fun at all. Everyday I think about where I could run to real quick. And then I look at the boys and realize it just won't work, none of us are up for that challenge nor is our checkbook!

We have been going to the Y most days. Yesterday, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill and was so proud of myself. Do you know how boring treadmill running is? BORING! Anyway. The kids place goes to the gym everyday at 11, it doesn't work the best for us, but Sage has been asking and asking to play in the gym and play basketball! Every. Day. So, yesterday and today, I try to make it there at 11 for kids gym time. Yesterday, Kolby's nap went too long and we got there at 11:35. Today, I had to take Drew's sister to her car (long story), we got there at 11:25. The kid were still in the gym! I said Sage would like to go in the gym with the other kids. She asked how old he is, I said 2.5. "Oh, they are supposed to be 3 to go in the gym." He turns 3 in a month, can he please go? They are too strict and won't let him. I told Sage that we have to wait until his birthday for him to go in the gym. He was so good. He just walked in the kids place like nothing was wrong. And when I picked him up, he didn't say a word. I, on the other hand, felt like crying. I went up to the treadmill and felt so sad. I wanted to start crying! I didn't even run a mile before I quit. I felt silly going to get my kids so soon, so I did some weights and then went to get them.

As we drove towards the in-laws house, I started to dread going back to the house. I don't know where I wanted to go, but it wasn't there. I contemplated a McDonalds or something, but don't know where one is.

Sage is being such a stinker lately. Like awful. He is being so disobedient and so disrespectful. This morning I was thinking about how I want four kids and how if I have four kids, I am going to be disciplining all. day. long. I read Proverbs 13:24 this morning which helped. The paraphrase is "He who spares the rod, hates his son but he who loves him, will be careful to discipline consistently." I needed to read that to stay strong in my discipline. Days like today, make it tough!

She has great contests!

Steph is at it again, another contest for a cool prize. This time, you can enter to win a $75 gift certificate from MamaKanga! It is a great site that offers different types of sling for babywearing. If I were to win, I would be getting a mei tei! I think the colors are neutral enough to carry a boy or girl so when Kolby can't be worn anymore, my next baby would get good use out of it too!

Dinner with Distractions

Saturday night, Drew and I went on a date. We did the typical dinner and a movie, I mean movie and dinner. We went to the early show so we only paid $4 a person!

Anyway, my point is the dinner part of our evening. We went to a great restaurant along the river and sat outside. We actually weren't sitting outside, we were under the canopy which the restaurant considered inside. I tell you that because it is a small detail in my story. There were quite a few open tables but we were seated directly in front of a table of about 12 guys. They were all ordering beers and smoking. The waitress had to tell them that they couldn't smoke there, but if the would step over the flower boxes, they were allowed to smoke there. They were loud. And they were staring all the waitress and any woman who walked around the restaurant at all.

I noticed something as I tried to be distracted from their obnoxious pointing and staring and loudness, why is it that the loud, annoying guys that make obscene comments and point to all the woman are ugly? And I don't mean homely, I mean just flat out ugly. I don't get it. I mean, I am sure that there are attractive men who stare at women but they just aren't as obvious. Seriously, these guys were straight arm out, pointing at women and then their creepy eyes would follow their prey across the room.

I was embarrassed for them. And if I ever have a daughter someday, she won't be a waitress.

Random Things About Me That You Probably Don't Care About

My favorite colors are green and pink, okay black too.

I like having long hair.

I love bags and purses.

I love shoes but don't buy too many because shoes in a size 10 or 11 just aren't as cute.

I think I am in the middle of being girly and a tomboy. Meaning, I keep my toes polished, and usually dry my hair but can get ready in 20 minutes if needed, usually I just need 30 - 40.

I like to blend in with the crowd.

I wear mainly plain clothes, not too many prints because in my mind, I won't get as tired of plain colors as quickly.

I love shopping at Target, could spend hundreds of dollars and way too much time.

My boys are the cutest ever!

I have a like/hate relationship with my bangs.

I probably won't cut bangs after I grow these out.

I use cloth diapers for Kolby.

I try to be "green", reduce, reuse, recycle. But will be the first to admit that I am not that great at it.

I enjoy going to the Y more after I am done than during or before.

I am a fast reader, if I am interested in the book.

A Confession

Sometimes I get bored as a stay at home mom.

And it has been more evident to me lately. I know there are other factors, like living somewhere new and temporary that play a large part in my boredom of late.

I just keep doing the same things over and over. Wake up, change diapers, feed the kids, clean up, get dressed, go to the Y, shower, play "rolling" (roll the ball back and forth, back and forth), play airplane, play with little people, watch them play while I read, change diapers, try to get Sage to pee or poop on the potty, make lunch, eat, clean up, play, lay them down for naps, play, play, play, pick up Drew from the bus, dinner, clean up and bed time.

And why is it when I am bored, the less I want to do? Does that make sense? Everything seems like such an effort. An effort to go outside and play or go to a park.

This is also compounded by the fact that Sage got sick last night. We were finishing dinner, Drew had just gone outside to mow and Sage throws up. I was so glad to have Drew's mom to help clean it up. I just can't handle throw-up. I gag and puke myself. I snuggled him on the couch until bedtime, having a sick toddler is good for something! He had a rough night too. He was up at 1 am and between 4 and 6, between the boys and the dog, there wasn't much sleeping for our family. Sage was burning up so at 4 I gave him Tylenol and at 5:45, he was back asleep and slept until 8!

DISCLAIMER: I am so blessed to be a stay at home mom. Believe me, there is nothing in the world that I would rather do, but sometimes I struggle. I am pretty sure this has more to do with being in a new place for such a short/long period of time than anything else. Also, I was so busy right up until we moved. I no longer have other babies coming into my house 3 or 4 days a week, I don't have friends to meet at the park or for lunch. But, it is temporary and I will start making the most of it. We didn't go the Y this morning, but that will be something normal in our daily routine and I can plan things for us to go do by ourselves, like the Big Park, MOA, Como Zoo, Children's Museum and I am sure we can find some other fun, free stuff! See, I am feeling better already. It is just this cooped up feeling.

I am guessing this little sickness came from the Y. Last week, they told me that someone had broken out in the chicken pox and had been in the child care the day before. So were mine. They have both had the vaccine, so I guess we'll find out if it works!

The randomness of this post is astonishing, I just need to get back in the groove of blogging again.

Suburbia Randomness

I am not sure what to write and usually when I am feeling this way, I just stay away from my blog.

I must admit, I am feeling a little lonely here in suburbia. It is so weird because there are people everywhere but everyone is in their own world. We went to the park this afternoon and were the only ones! Sage asked why we drove to the park and didn't walk.

Driving here is so easy! There are huge parking lots everywhere you go, I never have to parallel park or need change to plug $1.25 per hour in the meter.

There are so many stores here. Too much shopping. And everything is the same, by that I mean, everything is a chain store. It is weird/funny to travel through out the country and see how everyone is a lot the same and a lot different all at the same time. I should expand on that...

I am blaming my sadness/loneliness on suburbia and moving somewhere new, but honestly, that probably isn't it. I haven't been reading my Bible or keeping up in my prayer journal lately. I have excuses, but they aren't good. I know it is what keeps me going, keeps the joy in my life and yet, it is so easy to putter out on it. I wrote in my prayer journal today so hopefully I am back in the game and will get rejuvenated quickly!

I am missing my own home and my friends. Three weeks before we moved, a really nice family moved in two houses down. She is a stay at home mom and has a two year old girl and is due the 16th. I was sad to leave them. I would have loved to make a casserole and buy a new baby gift to take over. We did get to play with them several times, especially since they have a yard!

Drew's first day of work was yesterday, he leaves at 6:45 and gets home at 6:15, thanks to a one and a half hour commute. It is a long day and he is tired when he gets home. It should be an interesting summer.

I almost forgot! I got to run yesterday and today in my new running skirt and I love it! It is so comfy and so much more flattering than shorts! I love tricks! If only my running were going as well as how much I love my new skirt!

/End rambling.

Weekend Wrap Up

We drove 900 miles, saw my cousin get married, met my new (2 month old) niece, Sophie, forgot to take a picture of the cute baby, ate pizza at Happy Joe's and had an ice-cream sundae for $2.85 (I forget how cheap the midwest is!) and now we're back. The best part was watching Sage sing, dance, wave his hands in the air, and play the air drums and guitar at my parents church this morning. Let's just say that, it is hard to get people to clap there, so he was definitely noticed. It was so cute.

Drew starts work tomorrow which means it is my first day in his parents house with the boys by myself. Kind of, his mom has Mondays off.

I'm having a hard time finding things to be positive about so I am just going to bed and leave you with this: do not read anything into the last post. If I have an announcement it will be very clear.

Purely to Link to a Contest

Steph at Adventures in Babywearing is once again hosting a contest. This time it is for a $50 gift certificate to Vincent Shoes! If I win, Sage or maybe Kolby will definitely be getting a new pair of shoes. Like Andy or Hampus or Martin or Sam or Smith or Stan or or or. I can't decide, they are all so cool!

But if I had a girl, she would definitely be getting Love, okay so nothing is definite, but...

Go check out Vincent. And shop away! They even have some on sale right now!

We're off for the weekend, have a great one!

I am a Suburban Mom

This morning, I went to a pilates class at the Y and then ran into Target, picked up Drew and we went and opened a new checking account (why are there no banks that service the midwest and east coast?), then stopped in to Starbucks for my fave, java chip frappuccino and then home again and played outside in the yard (did you catch that we played in the yard and not on concret!) and then made lunch and put the boys down for a nap after cleaning up from lunch! (I am pretty sure that was a run on sentence, but I don't care!) And I was driving a mini-van!

And now, you should go visit Steph at Adventures in Babywearing because she is hosting another contest for a cool cd! I am always on the look our for music for Sage since he takes everything and makes it a microphone or a guitar!

Settling

I think this is how I will feel all summer. Like I am settling into something. A different house, a new routine, a new YMCA, a new car. Just settling in for the next 3 months.

It is exciting and a little bit draining too. Drew hasn't started work yet, so this week we are settling into a routine with him around. Next week, the boys and I will start settling into our own routine.

We got a membership to the YMCA, signed the boys up for swimming lessons (yea!) and started working out there this morning. The boys seemed to do okay with the huge room and huge group of kids. It is like the church nursery times twenty! Sage told us that he and Kolby cried. But the workers didn't say anything, although the same girl that checked them in, checked them out and I doubt she had left the door the whole time. I think it will work out. Sage wanted to go but said he would like to come back sometime.

Sage and Kolby are both starting in the Skip swimming lessons, so I will be in the pool with both of them. Although, we have to do two different swim times so that they can both have my full attention. It will be a mad dash since we only have 5 minutes in between classes! I think Sage will love it and Kolby will hate it. I hope and pray that Kolby will get used to it. I am going to try to take the boys before we start, so we can go over our rules and hopefully Kolby will be less scared since it is a zero entrance pool.

Drew's dad wants me and the boys to use the mini van for the summer (we drive a Saturn). So in a few days, we will be settling into a new van (for the summmer).

So, the name of the game is settling. Do you think that in life I will ever feel settled? When we go back home, I will know we are on the nine month countdown of moving again, but where? Maybe that will help me clean out closets!

We Made It!

We pulled in by 1:00. Thanks to the time change, Kolby woke up at 5:15 so we were pulling out of the parking lot by 7:30 and Kolby was napping by 8.

It was another smooth drive, although there was a buzz in the air. We all wanted to be done driving and just get there! Drew might have sped and I might have stayed turned around, without my seatbelt on a little too long, but I don't want to write anything incriminating on my blog.

We are pretty much unpacked but need to make a Target and Ikea trip for some stuff we didn't want to pack, like a potty seat. It's not like Sage uses it anyway.

On the Road Again, I just can't wait to get on the road again

After 5 short hours tomorrow, we will be to our destination!

Today was another smooth sailing kind of day. I can't say enough how good my boys are, it is amazing. It doesn't bother me in the least that Kolby ate a bag of goldfish, a box of raisins, chocolate milk, one chicken nugget, one apple, some macaroni and cheese, a bag of teddy grahams, some gatorade and some juice. (That was lunch and dinner included in that list and he did eat a whole banana for breakfast.) I give him a small bag of toys and he takes everything out and throws them into every crevice that he can find and believe me, we are packed like sardines so there are plenty of crevices. I am a little scared to unpack the car and find all the food he didn't eat and just threw!

After stopping at McDonalds for lunch again and getting the big Shrek and the donkey in our happy meals today, (yesterday was one of the baby Shreks) Sage informed me that he wants baby Shrek on his cupcakes for his birthday! He has never seen any of the movies so I guess the marketing through McDonalds is working.

We bought the movie Prince of Egypt to watch on our trip and made a big deal of giving it to Sage and letting him watch a new movie. He asked to turn it off half way through.

Sage broke down five minutes from our hotel. He woke up from his nap and his pull up was wet and he wanted changed. We were at a gas station and I told him we would have to wait. He cried until we got to the hotel then I showed him the pool and he forgot about it and so did I. Then we came to our room and his jeans suddenly got wet and I was like oh no, your pull up is leaking. And I started to take his jeans off and he started crying again and then pee started coming out his jeans. I took him to the bathroom and he finished peeing on the floor. He did get to go swimming and he is so funny. He told me he didn't cry in the pool or when he took a shower.

They are both asleep in our luxurious hotel room with granite counter tops, a pull out couch, a portable crib, king size bed, fridge, and microwave, and free Wi-fi!

On the Road

We started our journey today, day one of three. It has gone so smoothly. Let me expand on how smoothly. We wake up to the boys at 6:30am, after going to bed at 1am because we are procrastinators and we waited until the day before moving for 3 months to do things like pack and clean the fridge. We were on the road by 8am watching Cars, slamming milk and eating Cheerios and granola bars. Kolby napped about an hour, Sage watched two Veggie Tales. 10:30 snack time, Teddy Grahams and juice. Time to play with toys until lunch. Drew is determined to not stop until after noon. 11:56, we pass an exit with about five restaurants. Drew turns off the air conditioning because we are low on gas and he doesn't want us to get stuck. There are no places to eat for 45 minutes. By that time, the only way, that Kolby won't cry is for me to hang my arm behind me, draped over my seat and let him pull and pull and pull. We see a gas station sign and a sign that says some town, that way, 7 miles. We get gas and I ask if we should go into some town or is there a better place to stop? Next exit, McDonalds! And not just any McDonalds, a nice, clean, pretty one. We get back in the car and tell the boys they need to nap and within 10 minutes they are both asleep. I start to doze and then Drew wakes me up because he thinks he sees a funnel cloud. It starts to rain, hard. We pull off on an exit to wait it out. The boys wake up. We pull back on. The boys go back to sleep. Sage wakes up and eats his ring pop and asks for water. Kolby took a two hour nap! We drive into our hotel and Drew notices a screw in our tire, leaking air. Drew and Sage take it to get fixed for $16 in about 30 minutes. We go swimming. Sage loves it! He can even stand in the shallow end. Kolby hates it! We go to dinner at a Hut that serves Pizza. I don't even know how to explain the most awkward meal we have ever eaten at a restaurant. The waitress stood at our table while Drew signed the credit card slip. Enough said. We came back to the hotel. Put Kolby to bed with minimal crying, like hardly any and now I am using their free high speed internet! Sage still isn't asleep, maybe because I am on the computer and Drew is watching softball? That is how a smooth day of traveling goes. Tomorrow, day 2!

We're Home

And I'm supposed to be packing... um yeah, I'll get to that. We're just moving for the summer, so I don't have to pack the entire apartment just the essentials and I keep telling myself that they have a Target and the Mall of America, so I can pick it up if I need it!

Seattle was incredible. So beautiful, I want to move there. I will try to post some pics and blog more about it later, like in June.

BUT, Steph at Adventures in Babywearing is hosting another contest! This time it is to win some awesome products from Skip Hop, hosted by Mason & Matisse. You may remember that I was digging the Dou diaper bag. I ordered it in kelly green from another store. I literally ordered the bag and then clicked on to Steph's site and read about the contest and the 20% just by entering the code insider.

Have fun shopping and saving!

And We're Off!

Drew and I are leaving on a jet plane and taking a "second honeymoon". My mom is here to take care of the boys and I know she will take great care of them!

I already cried last night about leaving the boys but I know it is healthy for me to leave them and I know they will be great but man, I'm having a hard time! Kolby is helping to make me feel awful by only wanting me to hold him and such and oh yeah, I took him to the doctor on Tuesday and found out he has his third ear infection and his third bronchial infection. He is on amoxicillin and albueteral inhaler. I really need to research amoxicillin and ear infections. I am not convinced that I need to give him medicine for it but this wasn't the time to mess with it when I am going out of town.

Sage is so excited for us to leave. Mom has been here for a few days and he has demanded us to leave many times!

We are getting into our crazy time. Our trip this week, then when we get home, we have a couple of days turnaround until we move for the summer. So, yeah, I am feeling a bit unsettled and I can't imagine how my little babies are feeling and wondering what is going on. It should be an interesting few weeks and then summer!

Big Decisions

This is huge, people, life changing kind of decision.

I currently carry a diaper bag everywhere I go. It carrys my wallet and cell phone and some chapsticks, my essentials. It also carries the boys essentials, diapers, wipes, 2 sippy cups, 2 snacks, bandaids, neosporin, purell, sunscreen, and kleenex with the random receipt crumpled at the bottom.

So, the life altering decision is this: do I want to carry a fun summer purse (suggestions welcome) also and leave the diaper bag in the car as I go in and out of stores or do I want something that can be taken in and out of the diaper bag like this? Really, really, serious, important decisions.

I know that I don't need to shlep the diaper bag with me everywhere I go, but I do need it in the car.

That's all I've got.

Mothers Day

It is hard for me to put into words the way I feel about Mothers Day. I remember not long ago, not really remembering Mothers Day, cards were always late, maybe I would remember to call, but now? Now, I wonder why the whole world doesn't stop for Mothers Day. And honestly, I feel like this is the first Mothers Day that I have felt this way, even though it is my third Mothers Day celebration. Something hit me today or this year or sometime.

Something that I can't quite explain. Something that is so fierce, so overwhelming, so scary. The pastor this morning was talking about what an impact our moms have on us. He was talking about Timothy and how his grandmom and momma taught him about Jesus and to love the Word of God. How, I have that power to instill the love of the Word to my kids. How, I have the power to show them that we base decisions on the Word, on what God says.

My mom showed me that. She showed me that even through tough, hard things, stick to what the Word says and you will be blessed because of it. Tough, hard things that the world and your family are telling you to do one thing, that it would be okay this time, but God isn't super clear in the Bible but we know that to do things His way are always the best, even when it seems like the hardest way.

My mom also showed me her love for the Scriptures. Many times, when I would be coming down the stairs, rubbing sleep from my eyes, she would look up from reading her Bible and writing in her journal and give me her good morning smile.

My mom also showed me the power of prayer. She kept prayer journals so she could look back and see what God had answered and how. I know she still prays for me, my husband and my kids. I know I can pick up the phone and hear her pray for me.

We laugh about how "preachy" she can get and sometimes, we tell her to stop, but it is always good stuff to hear. She can just keep talking about it like the energizer bunny.

Love you, mom! I guess I should have written this in your card, (which you will probably get in the mail tomorrow, heehee) but it just came to me!

No Title

Just jammin to my new Ipod Nano in pink that my awesome husband got for me. He combined my birthday, mothers day and anniversary and I am so excited! It is so fun. I even put photos of the boys on it. And it has a stopwatch so when I run, I can see how long I am actually running, instead of looking at my cell phone when I leave and when I get back, hey one minute can make a difference!

Now, on to what I really wanted to write about.

Yesterday, Sage, Kolby and I went to meet a family with a little girl one month younger than Kolby who was also born with bilateral club foot. She is not doing as well as Kolby. When Kolby doesn't wear shoes or when he does, no one would notice that his feet were clubbed at birth. His feet look perfect and pretty much like every other babies feet. This little girls are much worse. Her feet are still noticeable turned in. She has been through two surgeries in her short life. It breaks my heart for her. Guess what doctor she sees? The doctor we didn't go back to. When Kolby was 7 days old, we took him to Dr. Marsh at Yale New Haven Hospital. We were so glad that we were going to receive world renown care. We had done our research. We knew we wanted the Ponsetti method for treatment. It is the best. It is proven. Dr. Ponsetti is still seeing patients at the University of Iowa. He has done extensive research and his treatment is proven time and time again. In is non-invasive. It requires castings changed weekly with the casts going half-way up the baby's thigh. (I would show pictures of Kolby with them on but they are on a different computer.) We knew this was the best option for our baby. I knew it. We wanted the best and weren't going to settle. But, we were going to Yale, how can you get better than that, right? Wrong. So wrong.

We spent time talking to two residents, asking questions. Asking about the Ponsetti method. We were assured that is what Dr. Marsh practices. We asked the resident, if it were your child, would you bring him here or go somewhere else? He said he would take his child to the Childrens Hospital where the doctor is treating club foot everyday. RED FLAG! We asked how many club foot patients he sees. I don't remember exactly but I want to say 3 a year. Finally, we were taken back to the casting room and met Dr. Marsh himself. We asked him some more questions and he assurred us that he is excellent with club foot. In fact, so excellent he has been treating the same patients for 18 years! RED FLAG! Club foot is very correctable. It might take a few years and of course we expect to take Kolby in for check ups but he shouldn't need treatment at 18. 2 Red Flags. We went ahead and got casts put on Kolby. I held my 7 day old baby on my lap as the doctor "massaged" his feet and Kolby screamed and he slapped plaster around Kolby's foot and up to his knee. RED FLAG! We asked about the cast going up his thigh. Dr. Marsh looked up at me, crying and said that is the reason we don't put casts up the thigh. Implying that the reason was because of my emotions.

We made another appointment, hoping that we would find someone better. Right when we got home, we got on the internet and looked at Connecticut Childrens Hospital and found Dr. Thomson. Wonderful Dr. Thomson. We called afraid we wouldn't be able to get an appointment. We got one in less than a week. We are so fortunate. The second casting was so different. Kolby still cried. But they gave me sugar water to dip his passy in. And there were two of them doing the casting. Dr. Thomson would hold Kolby's foot in the exact position that he wanted and Tony would apply the plaster cast. Tony made sure the casts were smooth which made them look nice and he made sure Kolby could wiggle his toes. A world of difference.

After writing all that, I want to make sure that glory goes where it is deserved. Dr. Thomson has treated Kolby beautifully. But the glory goes to God. My BIG God. He corrected Kolby's feet. Kolby is close to walking because of God, not man. Kolby went to Dr. Thomson because of God. The Lord guided us to the best doctor in our state. We are forever grateful that Kolby's feet are so beautiful. My prayer is that Kolby will use his beautiful feet for the Lord. Romans 10:14 - 15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Kolby's going to do great things!

Sage Funnies

He was looking at his football today and asked what was on it. I answered that's the Hawkeyes. He responded "Me yove hotguys!"

We were watching Rachel Ray and a cookie commercial came on. He said "What's that?" I answered "Cookies." "Me yove cookies."

We were watching Rachel Ray (still- and this is only like the second time I have ever seen it) and a commercial for Reeses Peanut Butter Cups came on and he asked what it was. I answered candy. He said. "Me yove chocolate!"

He is in a love everything phase. Pretty funny. He even told me he yoves boccolli! The sweetest is when he says, "Me yove you." Melt my heart.

He also yoves tum (gum), Bo, daddy, baseball, Cars, Boz, Veggie Tales, Coke, foffee, Yife (Life), Frosted Mini Wheats and usually whatever he is eating. These are in no particular order and he has never tasted Coke or coffee, but has declared his love for them many times. He might have heard those phrases slip out of my lips!

28

That is how old I am as of today.

10 years ago, I graduated from high school. I went to a small, private, Christian school and graduated with seven people. I think I know where 3 of them live and maybe what they are doing. Sad, huh?

Am I where I thought I would be 10 years after high school? I think so.

I am a stay at home mom with two boys. I don't think I really thought about where (in the States) I would live. I probably just assumed that I would live where I grew up. I didn't think we would live 20 hours away.

Which brings me to my new blog title, Seagulls in the Parking Lot, we live near the ocean and when I am at the grocery store or Target and see seagulls, it brings a smile to my face. To be able to tell my son, that's a seagull and not while watching The Little Mermaid, is cool. I am so glad that we don't have to tell him about crows! Yet.

I thought we would be living in a house with a mini-van.

I wanted to be done having babies by the time I was 30. (probably not going to happen!)

I'm tired and this post is going no where...

A New Title?

I am thinking of changing the name of my blog. I mean, seriously, Thoughts and Happenings? Pretty boring and unoriginal! When I first started my blog, I mainly wrote about Sage and the changes in our life. Mainly, the change of moving half way across the country. And boy, my posts were booorrrriiiing! I think the two people who read were my mom and Rach, who had a blog herself and made me think I could do that! Not that my readership is huge by any means, just that I know I have at least 3 more friends that read!

My point! Is that my title and my url are boring. I don't think I will change my url because, I don't want to confuse anyone nor do I want to confuse myself, and really, I am only thinking of myself here. But, the title of my blog could be easily changed. Drew suggets "Seagulls in the Parking Lot" because we still find it funny to see seagulls in the parking lot of Target or the mall! We have lived here two years and can't get over it!

Any other ideas?

I'm Feeling Guilty

Two words. Birthday Parties.

I haven't thrown a birthday party for either of my kids. Not a party where other kids are invited. We have had some of our friends over for their birthdays, though. Sage's one year, we had some Italian neighbors who came down and brought a pie for his cake. That wasn't American enough for me so I baked a cake and we had our own family celebration. I guess they did bring their little boy who turned one two weeks prior. Sage's second year, we had our friends Deb and Doug over for some cupcakes. Kolby's first year, we had Deb, Doug, Katy, Jeff, and Jeff. They were all over the age of 24. See a pattern here?

Sage's third birthday, we will have just moved about a month and a half earlier and will be living with Drew's parents. So obviously, they will celebrate with us, as will his sister. I don't have plans yet so maybe some more family will be around and that would be exciting because we haven't had family around for our kids birthdays.

Kolby's second birthday (I know way too far away, but I think ahead), I will probably feel more guilt because if we have a party for him, we should have a party for Sage and for Sage's fourth birthday, we will have just moved again (Lord willing) to who knows where and who knows who we will know.

Now, normally, I wouldn't feel guilt for not throwing my kids birthday parites. But, other parents throw their kids parties and invite my kids, usually feed us something and have fun activities for us. Here is where the guilt comes in. I am not recipercating the birthday party invites. Isn't that the dumbest thing?! That is the guilt I feel. But then I try to justify myself, well, we bring gifts to the parties. Does that make up for the lack of return birthday party invite? NO! Because, there are other people at the same party who had parities for their kids and recipercated the gift and the party.

Oh, the guilt!

Things:

I'm digging: Canon SD700IS, Ergo Baby Carrier- I carry my 25lb. son on my front, no problem!

I'm buying (bought): Keen's for Sage in black and Croc's in black for me! And looking for shoes with arch support for Kolbs, maybe Converse?!

I'm eating: Caramel Nips and Kettle Corn Popcorn in the 100 calorie packs

I'm wanting: Pink Ipod Shuffle for running, of course. Skip Hop Duo in denim. And in all fairness, one of the handles of my current diaper bag is ripping a handle off. (that is a whole other post) Harveys seatbelt wristlet because I really don't need to carry my whole diaper bag around Target, Stop & Shop, Sam's Club and the million other in and out errands I drag the boys to.

I'm dreading: leaving the boys to go on a 5 year anniversary trip. Seriously, I don't think Kolby has spent one night away from me and I can't remember the last time Sage did. That said, they will probably do better than me! Also, 3 days of driving with the boys.

I'm thinking: There is only 4 minutes until Gray's Anatomy!

Happy May Day!

Is anyone doing May Day baskets? I wish we were, but I don't have anything to make for them and I can't get to a store.

Anyway...

I found an addicting website called Etsy. It is a place for people to sell homemade stuff. You can type in anything you are looking for. I typed in headbands and found this wonderful lady out of Seattle. I bought a headband from Target and was wearing it quite often, but by the end of the day, it was giving me a headache. I am so glad that I found the perfect fit headband. I ordered one tentatively, because what if she thought they were the perfect fit but I thought not. I received it in the mail a couple of days later and put it on right away. By the end of the day, I was hooked. Drew thought it was really cool and liked it a lot, so I got back on and ordered two more! One of the best features, is that they are reversible, so for the low price of $7, you get not one but two awesome headbands! I can wear my hair down or up with the headbands so they make me look just that much more pulled together in two seconds!

She did not ask me to write this nor did I receive anything free, I just love them so much I want everyone to know. And I have been checking back to see if there are any other fabrics I need...

Reality is setting in

We are moving for the summer. And I have been realizing lately how much I am going to miss about summers here. I am going to miss being able to walk everywhere. To the grocery store, post office, parks, J. Crew, library, farmers market, just about everywhere we go in the summer, we walk. And I am going to miss our friends. Meeting up with other moms and kids at parks or on rainy days, the McyD's playplace or mall playground. This would be our third summer here and I feel like I know where to take kids for fun things to do and my kids are easier to take everywhere.

I am going to miss the familiar. I am going to miss our city. I am going to miss our friends. I am going to miss our farmers market with awesome produce. I am going to miss our shaded park, two blocks from our apartment. I am going to miss our neighbors and watching Sage play with their dog. I am going to miss the beach. I am going to miss Libby's italian ice. I am going to miss Pepe's Pizza.

I am ready to settle somewhere and live there longer than two or three years. Will we ever? And where will that be?


I leave you with a picture of a street full of cherry blossom trees, a street one block away.