Bullseye for fun

Yesterday we ran to our favorite local store for some essentials: chocolate chips, brown sugar, nuts...oh, and some Lightening McQueen undies (for Bode, not for me).

As usual, my cart was fully loaded, even though I just ran in for some "essentials." I was unloading the cart as fast as I could, but the cashier was faster, ringing up everything I put on the belt immediately.   Then I looked up to see this:

Bode had opened the underwear package while I wasn't looking and stuck a pair of underwear on his head.  I busted out laughing.  The cashier noticed and started laughing, too.  Of course, I had to snap some pics.  There was no stopping him after I started laughing. He knows when he's being a funny guy. He insisted on wearing the underwear out of the store and all the way home.

He makes me so happy.
xo

Hop-hop

This pink bunny was sent by my sister when Gianna was a just a few days old.  Of course, I took this picture intentionally to mark how small Gianna looks next to the bunny.

And now?  Gianna is much bigger than the bunny, she calls the bunny, "hop-hop" and drags it around by its ears.  She loves this bunny.

See ya

Speaking of hopping, happy leap year, I guess?  Happy Leap Day (?).  I am so ready for this month to be over. January was awful. February was not much better.  But you know what, we got some great news today. So hopefully things are looking up.
xo

Poem

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you  like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

--Mary Oliver

Arriving tonight

We can't wait!
xo

Make way for ducklings and puddles

This morning we ran an errand downtown.  And since the sun was out and I was feeling slightly more energetic than usual these days, we walked to the park.  The park is situated between downtown and Skidmore College.  There is a long walking path and a pond.  And in that pond (and around that pond), there are ducks. Lots and lots of ducks.  

I know, I know that the hat is confusing.  You're wondering, "Did HAS shoot these pics in December, and recycled them for this post?"  Um, no.  Bode found his Santa hat this morning, and insisted on wearing it out today.  Ho, ho, ho. 

It is quite the scene with the two of them outside. Both children are running in different directions. I'm trying to watch both of them, dig through my bag for a hat for Gianna, and most importantly, snap photos. Gianna would wear one hat, and I'd look up to see it off. I'd replace it with another hat. I've started packing multiple hats and gloves for her. 

And then, Bode found a puddle. A huge puddle, the perfect puddle for splashing around.  

I don't know why I had the foresight to put Bode in his rain boots this morning, but thank goodness I did. He was absolutely soaked from his bottom to his boots by the time I finally convinced him to leave the puddle.   Then we went straight home, dried off, put on warm clothes, and ate cheese & crackers before our nap.  

Happy Friday.

xo

What I like to think of as a reward for my efforts

These past few weeks have been hard.  A real drain.  I have low energy, little interest in doing much of anything aside from the care and feeding of my children (barely), and sleep (yes, please and more).  I'm just painting the picture here. I'm really aware of it, and know the "warning signs" and all that.  No need for alarm,  or calls to the M.D.  I will be, and am, fine.  I'm so sad over my mother. The end.

So, getting the children outside to play?  Not my favorite thing to do lately.  But I do it every day.  I know that they need the fresh air. I know that, even though there is no visible sun in the sky, it is there. The babies benefit greatly from fresh air, sunshine and free play.  

This week has been particularly bleak and grey.  Today the little weather icon on my iPhone showed a frowny-faced cloud.  Okay, there really was no frowny-face, but there was a grey cloud. This again?  (sigh) After naps, I bundled everyone up and took them outside.  To distract myself, I snapped these photos:

Priscilla gives Gianna a kiss!

Gianna smiles in appreciation. They love each other.

And then, lo:  the sun appeared.

Bode driving a "snow prow"

He snow-plowed all over this pile of snow.

As Bode might say, "Hooray!" We stayed out for another 30 minutes, just to soak up the little bit of sun that graced our afternoon.

Today I noticed something. It was more like a slap in the face.  Priscilla is getting old. She has white hairs around her eyes and cheeks. I hate to even acknowledge it.  As if by even mentioning it, even thinking it, I've somehow cast a grey cloud over her.  

Oh P, please don't get old on me. I love you too much!

It makes me wonder about how she's handled Kelly's death, and the move.  I remember when Sasha died, Kelly aged so quickly, turning white almost overnight. I can't handle it.  So tomorrow I'm taking Priscilla to the salon for highlights and color. 

xo

Chatty Cathy

Speed dialing and scheming at 19 months

This morning, the babies were playing around the table while I cleaned up the kitchen. I had made Bode  French toast as a special Valentine's breakfast. The kitchen was a disaster. Gianna was in the high chair snacking. Bode was underneath the table, playing with cars.  And then, this is what I heard:

"Hello."

It sounded familiar. It sounded...like my voice.  I looked around the room. Was somebody here?

Gianna said Hi.

"Hi, Gianna"

I scanned the room again.  I wasn't completely panicking but something was odd.  Was Bode playing an old video of me?

Bode giggled and said, "Hi!"

"Hi, Bode"

And then a chorus of giggles and "Hi's" from these two monkeys.

Who is it?  Was somebody really here? The voice was so familiar. I looked around again. I looked out the patio. I cautiously stepped over to the table.   And there, in front of Gianna, was my phone.  But the Contacts list was displayed, and the name highlighted was RWF's old admin.  That wasn't right. I picked up the phone and clicked it.  My sister's name appeared.  And, she was on speakerphone!

Phew!  I said, "Hello?  Did you call?"  And my sister said that "I" called her.  Oh no "I" didn't.  Gianna did!  We laughed about it.  My sister thought it was funny, and I was glad to hear her sound happy.

When I got off the phone, I gave Gianna a hug and thanked her for wishing Aunt Claudia a Happy Valentine's Day.  And then, Bode became tearful, "I want to call Aunt Craudia! I want to tell Aunt Craudia Hi and wish her a Happy Vowentine's Day!" I explained that he had already had, and Aunt Cissy was happy to hear from him. But he was more insistent on calling her, not missing the name change, saying, "Aunt Cissy! I want to call Aunt Cissy! I want to tell her Hi"   A quick distraction was needed so I suggested that we go outside.  After some outdoor fun, Chatty Cathy (i.e., Gianna) was put down for a nap.    

Just a babe in the woods, until you give her a cell phone

Grey weather + raging headache = doom

Bode and I made cupcakes. When I put the cupcakes in the oven, I told Bode that they would bake while he napped. I told him that after he got up from his nap, we could decorate them.  (oh, you liar)

These polka-dot liners were adorable!

Bode has gotten good at pouring. And making his own beaded necklaces.

Bode says that using the mixer is "like construction! Wrrr!"

Raging headache is on the menu

A few minutes after I put him down for a nap, the cupcakes were ready.  I ate one. It was delicious. It was warm and fluffy. I don't think I've ever eaten a cupcake straight from the oven.  I decided right then that this is the best way to eat a cupcake, warm from the oven and no frosting necessary. So I ate another one. Oh delicious, warm cupcake, why has it taken us so long to meet?

But later, ai-yi-yi. I had a raging headache. I am positive it was from all the sugar in the cupcake.  Deceitful sugary cupcake! I thought about how awful I felt. I thought about how little Bode is, and how I hate to pollute his body with crap. But I didn't want to take away his fun. And I didn't want to be a liar. So I decided that if Bode wanted to decorate the cupcakes and/or eat one, then I would let him.  But if he didn't say anything about them, then into the trash they would go!  He did notice them, but only in passing. He smiled at them, and then moved onto the next great thing (cars).  I kept them, along with the evil frosting and toppings, on the counter all afternoon and evening, giving him fair opportunity to pursue the cupcake decorating. He never mentioned it. I tossed them after I put Bode down for bed.  And I have to say, I'm kind of happy that he didn't want one.  Now, who wants a tub of frosting, pink sprinkling sugar, and mini candy hearts?

How was your day? Maybe you heard from somebody unexpected. Maybe you ate something sweet.  Maybe you just had some sweet thoughts to make you smile today. Whatever it was, I hope that your day was lovely.

xo

Happy Valentine's Day

Socks, stickers, books = practical and fun mommy

Bode is overcome with emotion when he sees all the Gap socks.  Kidding!

Of course the balloons were the biggest hit

They haven't stopped running

We [heart] you!  Hope your day is happy and filled with love.

xoxoxo