No Time to Write

We are enjoying this January spring-like weather we are having while laughing at y'all back east. Of course, y'all will be laughing at us in May when we are sobbing because it is still freaking raining and can't the freaking sun just shine already it's spring for the love of all that's holy!

But for now, Na-na-na-na-boo-boo! We're going out to play!

The Nerds

Nerdkin 1:

Nerdkin 2:

The Nerdkins:

Yeah, my pet name for them is nerdkin. After all, they are the progeny of a nerd, no?

Say it loud, say it proud, I always say.

And, right there, just now, I have said something nerdy, haven't I?

Yep.

One Lump or Two?

Oh, no, thank you. I just take one plastic cat in my tea in the morning.

Silas knows just how I like it.

I Won't Grow Up

Yesterday Sadie said, Mama I don't ever want to grow up and be big.

Why? I asked.

Because when you're big you have to clean and make dinner and do stuff like that...I don't want to do that stuff, I just want to play and be a kid.

Told you this kid was smart.

And, of course, I used this teaching moment in the car to teach her to sing I Won't Grow Up from Peter Pan. (What's a serious 'spression, Mama?)

Because I totally understand, Sadie. Don't all of you?

Singing in the Rain

Although the weather has been rainy recently it has been so mild out.

No wind, light drizzle and 60 degrees is actually kind of nice. So we have been out in the yard trying to get some fresh air.

Of course, kids love it outside. Rain, snow, what have you. It's us grownups that get all persnickety and whiny and cold. And by grownups, I mean me.

Sadie has been having a fine time playing with her umbrella. Which inspired me to sing Singing in the Rain to her while in the yard.

Sing the rain song again, Mama! Sadie said.

This is the kind of thing you don't have to ask me to do twice.

So, much to the delight of Sadie, but possibly the chagrin of neighbors who may also have been trying to enjoy the weather, I sang it four more times.

Because, well, singing in the rain while dancing around is actually all it's cracked up to be. Try it.

Silas did some much needed shopping.

Trucks were thrown...er, I mean played with.

Puddles were jumped in.

And I didn't whine about the cold once. In January, mind you. I could get used to this.

Open Up and Say Arrrrgh!

Today was Sadie's first appointment with the dentist.

I am making the understatement of the year when I say it didn't go well.

Yeah, it didn't go well.

She yelled and cried and clung to me like a rabid baby koala bear. She done lost her mind.

One thing to know about this child is that when she decides she doesn't like or is scared of something there is no way on goddess's green earth you are going to get her to do it.

She could teach a mule about stubbornness.

And so, with a quick peek in her mouth by the dentist, which Sadie allowed at the end (and I use "allowed" very loosely), we were out of there.

They want us back in 6 months.

Think they'll answer when we call to schedule the appointment?

Still Plugging Along

So Sadie is feeling great, but Sy and I are not. He's fairly sick. I am feeling like it is trying to take me down.

But I've got news for this virus: I'm gonna use my Super-Mama powers to kick its arse.

Well, my Super-Mama powers and some Claritin-D. And ibuprofen.

And a bit of Chloraseptic throat spray.

Watch out virus!

On Entertaining Children

So, today I wanted Silas out of my hair for a while. I suddenly realized that he's never played with beans - a fun pastime for little ones.

He played at the sand and water table all summer and fall until it was too cold and man, he loves that table, as does Sadie.

So I got out some orange lentils thinking that they were the beans least likely to choke a curious toddler who loves to taste everything.

He absolutely loved it. He was quiet and didn't try to eat them at all. After he got the maniacal throwing of the beans out of his system he got into the moving beans around with utensils, pouring into cups, and other busy toddler activities.

Then, after about 15 minutes, as soon as I got comfortable with him playing and seeing he wasn't going to eat them I, still sitting right next to him on a chair, decided to look at my computer. Of course, it was that moment that Silas took a giant bite of dried lentils and started gagging and choking. Awesome, there's nothing I love more than the good adrenalin rush of trying to get things out of a gagging, choking, crying toddler mouth. Sheesh.

Then Sister joined in the fun. Four year-olds may like bean-playing just as much as 17 month-olds.

And Silas may have learned his dry bean-eating lesson. For today, at least.

Happy New Year 2011!

OK, ok, I'm here. We're here.

Sort of.

Our week back from our visit across the country has been filled with a visit to the ER for a meningitis scare, strep throat reality, 2 doctor visits and lots of painful whimpering. It's been days and days.

In actuality I'm pretty lucky. It is only strep throat and a chest cold as opposed to meningitis, which was a terrifying thought.

And this is the first real, extended sickness she's ever had. You know, the type where you just get to lounge around all day(s) in your jammies and mama lets you watch movie after movie?

Sickness is this house usually lasts a day or so for the kids and then they are up and at 'em. Not so much this time.

I know some mamas out there deal with this constantly. They have my utmost respect.

I will be back with more soon. I promise! My goal is to post every other day or three times a week. Really. Happy new year!