Sitting

Sitting on the couch.

Sitting on the back step wiggling our feet.

Why Will they Never Look at the Camera at the Same Time?

It's a mystery for the ages.

But I do love this one:

Waste Not

I really hate to waste food, it's such a...a...waste. And Sadie knows that we try to use things up and not waste water and all of that good stuff.

So the other day we were reading one of our Sesame Street letter and number books from the 1970's (which are awesome, by the way, and the whole set was four dollars at a garage sale), and the Count says:

I am making pancakes! But I am not going to eat them! I am going to count...

Sadie interrupts:

Hey, Mama, that's a waste of food! You can't make pancakes and not eat them!

So we decided that Cookie Monster would come by shortly and fix that situation up right quick.

I love this kid.

Dia de San Patricio

Once again we attempted to capture that leprechaun.

Sadie built a trap with the help of Grammy that was sure to entice the leprechaun to go on a ride down a slide. Unfortunately for him, once inside he would be unable to leave. It seemed perfect.

We even saw a rainbow the day before St. Patrick's Day, which we assumed was the leprechaun heading down. And when I said that, Sadie got just a tad freaked out.

I think Mama forgot that the idea of sneaky red-headed, green-clad men sneaking into your house can be a little weird when you really believe in it.

And, Silas, well, Silas had no idea what was going on.

But what we didn't count on is that leprechauns seem to have sticky feet and he left green footprints up the side of our trap and disappeared.

He did leave a some treats for the kids with a note that said Nice try!

But that stinker took our coins.

Next year, leprechaun. Next year.

Snow Day, Sort Of

Well, it was a snow day. They cancelled school and everything.

For what turned out to be about half an inch. But we bought a sled.

And dag-burn it, we were going to use that sled.

And Dada even threw in a snowball lesson.

Here's Sadie, right before she said, Let's go in and have hot cocoa!

Silas agreed. Even though he didn't know what hot cocoa was.

But he soon found out.

Isn't that the cutest little mug?

And I mean that in both senses of the word.

And this one, she's in heaven.

Extra marshmallows, need I say more?

Call My Baby Lollipop

We made some chocolate lollipops with friends using our new, natural colors.

The kids had lots of fun painting their lollies.

And showing them off.
But, I'm fairly certain, the best part was eating them.

Say-Dee

The Man of Few Words has added a few in the past couple of weeks, bringing the grand total to about 8 words. It seems as if he is deciding that Hey, I can make noises that mean something!

Yesterday he said "Sadie." Everyone was so excited but none more so than Sadie, who had a huge grin and said I love you, Brother!

Then we caught it on video later.

Excuse the unmade bed. Martha Stewart I am not.

Just So You Know

Sadie today says:

That's weird, Mama. (She said this about something random, can't remember what.)

Oh, Mama? Just so you know, my new word is 'That's weird.'

So if you hear me say 'That's weird' you'll know it's my new word, OK? Just so you know.

Sadie loves to give you Just So You Know alerts.

To My Microwave,

I know that you must beep when the time is up, but must you beep five times?

Two would work, three would be enough, four is overkill.

And five? Five makes me think that you are actually trying to wake the baby. Who, for the record, only sleeps well on the couch.

So tone it down, bucko.

Thanks.

The Joy Of Having An Older Sister

If you let her, she can fancy you up in a flash.

Now, that's better, isn't it?

Climber

Silas has learned how to climb our kitchen chairs, sit backwards on them, and rock.

I have a feeling that we are going to be getting to know the fine doctors and nurses at the local ER in the coming years.

Quiet Time

Sadie is in her room listening to Miss Hannigan growl out Little Girls. It's on repeat.

She was introduced to the Annie soundtrack earlier today.

I couldn't be happier.

Sad Sack

Poor Sy has hives. Lots of them. They started on his tummy.

And then, well, they went everywhere. Poor guy. He is not a happy camper today.

Two trips to the doc in as many days. His face was so swollen this morning he didn't even look like himself.

Aw, there you are, Sy. Still cute, even through a whole lot of red bumps.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, we are on our way to see why Silas has a mutant case of what may be hives or something. Will keep you posted!

In the meantime, here is Sadie wishing you a happy day!

Those Babies, They Really Can Make You Crazy

Sadie to me, yesterday:

Mama, I think I'd be a lot nicer if there wasn't a little baby buggin' me.

The State of Our Union

We were heading out for a fun day of playing today when I noticed Sy's eye was really goopy. So instead of playing we heading to the doctor where he was diagnosed with pink eye and a virus. Now his eye is little and pink and his nose is running like crazy and he started coughing on the way to the doctors. Sheesh!

This house feels like it has been transformed into a sick bay. Finally we're all well and boom- sick again! Blargh!

Sadie was disappointed to be changing plans at the last minute but I must say she is so good about things like that. Really, beyond her years good.

Well, OK, mama, but can we see them next week?

And I wouldn't blame her if she had squeezed a tear or two out. If you had seen her jumping and dancing around the living room earlier because we were going to Laila's house!!! you would be surprised at how she took it in stride.

Our natural food colors arrived today- stay tuned for treats that have been colored naturally. And, yes, I have cut out all FD&C food colors for the most part. I am now that mom.

I read a bunch about them and really, who the heck needs petrochemicals that have been found to truly cause behavior issues?

We're looking forward to Pancake Sunday this week!

We have been invaded by mice. Armed with my caulk gun I have attempted to seal the house. And I think we may almost have 'em.

The cats have been wandering around sniffing and loitering in a couple spots today so I think there may still be one in the house.

We caught FIVE after I sealed up all the entry holes.

Did you know it was possible to have that many extra creatures in your house and not know it?

Yikes.

Sadie has been cracking me up. Whenever she bites a carrot she says: Hello, doc! And even though she's been told Bugs Bunny says What's up, doc? she never remembers. And, frankly, I won't correct her anymore because I think it's cute.

We have been reading A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein. She loves his poems. But she calls it There's a Light Bulb in the Attic. Don't even try to tell her different, she won't believe you.

So I'm off to hang with my crusty eyed baby. Poor fella.

There's just a little of what we've been doing around these parts.

Lunch

Eating lunch the other day.

Hi, Silas. Didn't your mother ever tell you to chew with your mouth closed?

That's better.

Yes, you are very cute.
You know it too, don't you? Stinker.

Hey there, Sadie!
Yep, that does look like a fish. Indeed.

Yes, I am going to show these to the grannies. Yes, they will like them and think they're "shunny."

Um, you missed a spot. Right there...and there...and...

Don't worry about it. You're gorgeous, even with a yogurt beard.

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!