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!

Sadie, On the Eve of Your Turning Four, You Are...

You are quick and funny and silly and smart as a whip.

You are enthusiastic and impatient and can argue until your opponent just wants to give up and give in.

You are beautiful, inside and out. Pretty is as pretty does. And, Bubba, you do pretty.

You are snuggly and soft and crass and loud and shy and stubborn as a mule.

You will push your brother to the ground to get past him but also spontaneously declare your love for him.

You ask what the people's signs who are asking for help on the street corners say, and want to give them all something.

You hate admitting you are sad, but will admit to needing a hug. You feel things so deeply.

You love to draw and sing and dance and every day I am amazed at what you can do.

You are honest, except when you're telling silly little-kid fibs, of course. But you're honest when it counts.

You are your own delightful, wonderful, awesome, kooka-banana, crackerdog, shining soul.

You are the best little girl in the world. Seriously, how'd I get so lucky?

Don't ever change.

Pancake Sunday

Inspired a couple of months ago by Jim's Pancakes I decided it would be fun to institute our own pancake day where we try to make fun pancakes.

After all, I make pancakes a good bit and Sadie is always asking for an S or a gingerbread person or something interesting.

So, armed with my favorite pancake recipe* and a bunch of squirt bottles we have been doing some sort of pancake on Sunday mornings.

*Old-Fashioned Pancakes

1.5 c. all-purpose flour

2.5 tsp. baking powder (original recipe calls for 3, you can go with 2 if you want them not as fluffy)

1 tsp. salt

1 TB. sugar

1.5 c. milk

1 egg

3 TB butter, melted

1tsp. vanilla

In large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in center and pour in remaining ingredients. Mix until mostly smooth. For squeezing out of bottle you must blend or food process or use a mixer to make pancake batter smooth. Otherwise some lumps are OK.

Heat griddle and cook pancakes.

Our first attempts involved fairies and blueberries.

Then the next week we moved on to cats and birds with crowns and hearts. And I found out that trying to color the pancake mix with strawberries makes grey pancakes.

Grey pancakes are not so delicious looking. So, much to my chagrin I used food coloring.

Now I'm no fan of food coloring, but I'm not so stringent about whether they do get some in their foods. But actually adding it to something that I make from scratch using healthy and mostly organic ingredients just seems...wrong, you know?

Halloween. Pumpkins, of course! The brown is cocoa powder, much to Sadie's delight. I have found a source for natural dyes and intend to buy those soon, since this is a tradition that seems to be sticking.

Today Sadie asked me, Mama, what day is today?

Saturday, I replied.

That means tomorrow is pancake day! she says.

We went fancy one Sunday and made strawberry-banana pancakes with fresh whipped cream. Sadie will eat anything if it has whipped cream on it.

See, here she's eaten the cream and strawberries off and is getting into the syrup.

Real maple syrup, friends.

We don't hold with any of that brown corn syrup that passes for pancake syrup these days.

And another Sunday we decided to do a Dutch Baby.**

This is like a pancake, French toast and souffle got together in a pan and made a delicious, crusty, powdered sugar-sprinkled baby.

And can you see the oven mitt on the pan handle above? I have to put that on because my brain absolutely refuses to believe that that handle is hot after cooking the whole pan in a 425 degree oven for 30-40 minutes.

Brain says, Pan not hot. Handle what we hold to cook on stove top, not get hot then. Just touch.

So Hand touches, and gets burnt. Every. single. time.

But it's worth a burn. Look at it, covered with pear sauce.

And the latest. Turkeys, and a cornucopia.

I'm getting better at this, I think.

On the menu for tomorrow, as per Sadie's request:

Birthday cake pancakes. With candles.

**Dutch Baby Recipe from Cooks.com

FOR 4 1/2 TO 5 QUART PAN:

1/2 c. butter
6 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. flour

Put the butter in the pan and set it into a 425 degree oven, then mix batter quickly while butter melts. Put eggs in blender container and whirl at high speed for 1 minute. With motor running, gradually pour in milk, then slowly add flour; continue whirling for 30 seconds. I use my Kitchen Aid mixer with the whisk, you could totally use a hand mixer as well.

(With a rotary beater, beat eggs until light and lemon colored; gradually beat in milk, then flour.)

Remove pan from oven with the butter melted and pour batter into the hot melted butter. Return the pan to the oven and bake until puffy and well browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Mine always takes longer to puff up, like 30-40 minutes. But my stove sucks.

Serve at once with any fruit topping, i.e. canned pie filling, hot fruit, fresh fruit. Syrup or powdered sugar is good, too.

Tip: Have everyone waiting at the table when the Dutch Baby comes out of the oven, while it is puffed up.

If I Could Save Time In A Bottle

I would actually save a scent. The scent of my babies. Sadie had it, and Silas still does.

It's of new skin and baby sweat. It's sweet and spicy and buttery and breastmilky and so absolutely delicious and addictive that I find myself burying my nose in his neck and head countless times a day.
Time is running out, and I know that soon that smell will be gone for good.

There will be a time when my big, stinky teenagers will seem like they never could have been so small and sweet-smelling.

So I just want a bottle, a small one, with a tiny cork, that I can open and sniff 12 years from now.

But there's just no way to bottle it. So I'll have to get my fill while I can.

Done and Done

Well, I'd planned a long post full of pictures to finish out the month. But, fittingly, I am lying in bed next to my cranky youngest laboriously typing this with one finger on an ereader.
So forgive me for just leaving you with this post, I promise I'll be back soon. With pictures.