Mia Gianna - Big Girl Now

I am big girl, hear me roar....

Gianna is using le toilette (please pronounce with a Frenchy accent).  We went out a couple of weeks ago and bought big girl underpants.  She has been going strong, with just a few accidents. She is so determined. She has this "resolved" in her head that she is a "big girl" now, and doesn't need diapers.  There is a little resistance at night when I put a night time diaper on her.  But I just (gently) explain that when she is sleeping, her body "forgets" to wake up and use the potty.  

Hip, hip, HOORAY! for Miss Mia Gianna.

We also got a call from the school, and they will be setting up an appointment for her to "trial" a school day soon.  She will also get to meet her teacher. This does not worry me in the least because Gianna already knows her teacher.  It is Bode's teacher! So that works out well.  I will be curious to know how Gianna does at school the first time. I kind of don't want her to "trial" at the school, because I think once she trials there, she'll just want to keep going to school. I think she will walk through that door and never look back (at me).  But who knows.

Gianna has also stopped napping.  This is very disappointing for me.  I really need (memememe) the break of at least one child sleeping upstairs.  But these days, she does not willingly walk upstairs for a nap. I have to coax her upstairs while she protests that she wants to stay downstairs and "pway" with Bode. But I win, and she goes upstairs and "pways" (loudly) in her crib. I will keep her in a nap routine for as long as I can.  You might remember that I did the same for Bode!

I'm still going strong on the no dairy, no nuts, no eggs, and no soy.  Sometimes I think of a food that I want to eat, and then just as quickly, remember that I can't eat it because it contains cheese, or another "no-no."  (And yes, I realize I can leave cheese off, but it's really the *cheese* in the dish that I want, if you know what I mean.) At some point, I am going to reintroduce certain foods to see if there is any reaction from Master Nico.  But for now, I want to give my body a chance to clean out, and for Nico to recover fully.  The random shot of eggs, pictured above, are fresh eggs that we got this week. Fresh eggs, I love you. But sadly, I will just have to admire your pretty colors and not eat you. (and no, the eggs really have nothing to do with Gianna, except that she loves to eat them, hard-boiled.)

Nico is looking great. He is not scratching himself either.    It has been wonderful to see him clear of any redness and not scratching his little scalp.  He has, however, started waking up a lot during the night this week.   I am so tired. Last night, I waited for RWF to come home from work, and then, after exchanging a quick review of our days, I announced I was going to sleep. It was 8:15 PM.  I'm glad that I did, though.  Nico was up again at 10:32 PM.

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday! Are you ready?  I've been putting the babies to bed early all week.  We will see if it helps.  I was getting excited for Spring, but tonight's forecast and tomorrow's forecast is snow and dreary cold.  It is currently nothing but grey skies and wind today.  It is so cold.   It's very hard for me to imagine that Spring is around the corner.

Now, if you will excuse me, I will begin crying over my baby girl turned Big Girl. No, really...I could honestly weep thinking of all the changes, and how Gianna is just on the fast-track to big girl now.

Happy Wednesday to you.  

xo

Gianna's new schedule

I've decided that I need to enjoy this time with Gianna for as long as she is at home. It is not easy to carve out time to do something with her. After we drop Bode at school, I am usually feeding Nico, changing Nico, or moving Nico in tummy time, etc.  And when I am not doing that, I'm trying to clean up, do laundry, or something equally boring and mundane.  

It seems like every night, my constant lament is, "Oh, Gianna is growing so fast," or, "Oh, she is really missing me, I can tell!"  I have minimized how hard having a new baby has been on Gianna. 

On Monday, I thought, "Why am I trying so hard to keep the house neat when I have this adorable, lovable baby girl right here in front of me?"  

I decided that we needed to do more things together.  We may not be able to get out and do things, but that is no reason to not do something.  So I made up a plan: Mondays, we will bake or cook something (make a soup, prep dinner, etc). Tuesdays, we have the toddler program at the Y. Wednesdays, we will craft or run an errand.  When the weather is nicer and Nico is a little bigger, maybe we will be able to do more things outside the house.

Yesterday, we made marshmallow treats.  I wanted to bake cookies with Gianna, but thought it might take too much time.  I never know how much of a "window" I have with Nico, so I needed something simple and quick.  

It was the perfect "intro to baking" for my 2 1/2 year old sweetie.  We had a lot of fun together. And she loved eating what we made.

Last night, she was so excited about going to the toddler program at the YMCA.  When I tucked her in, she said, "Tomorrow, I go to Y."   This morning, when I went into  her room to get her dressed, she said, "Yay! I go to Y!" She reminded me all morning. When we dropped Bode off at school, she said, "I go to Y!"  Later, when I was on the phone with RWF, she interrupted, "Are you done yet, Mommy? I go to Y!" She was not going to let me forget to take her to the Y!  It was pretty funny.  We did go, and she had fun playing "basketball" with the boys (She is the only girl in the class right now. This poor girl can not get away from boys!) (sigh).  

Tomorrow, I will try to fit in a quick art project with Gianna.  Or, I'd like to get her bangs trimmed.  We will try to fit in something fun. Hopefully, this mommy will stick to her plan.  I think it will be beneficial for both of us! 

Happy Tuesday.

xo

Taking care of my baby

I'm re-thinking this 5 kids thing.  Maybe God is right - maybe 3 kids is enough!  :)

I love torturing RWF whenever the topic of pregnancy comes up (always by moi). "What if we have one more?" I ask (only half-joking).

Then there is the reality of three children, and one stay-at-home mommy.  I have very little attention to give to each child, especially because I'm busy with the baby.  And then there are the other "important" things like 3 meals a day,  clean floors, clean beds and clean bathrooms (at the minimum).  I wish I could carve out more time for each child. I tell myself that it will happen. It will happen.

There have been many mornings when I've dropped Bode off and Gianna has cried all the way home. "I ready for skool, Mama. I want to go!"  It breaks my heart.  Technically, she could go to preschool at 2.  But I was not ready to put her into school. I want her to stay at home with me for as long as possible. My thinking is, she will only be home with me for a short time. And then she'll be in school for the rest of her days. I know that socially, she is ready for school. She will make (much needed) friends and learn (hopefully) how to share, play well with others, etc.  But I think of the little time that I have left with her, just her and me (and Nico), and I am in no rush. Even if that means that she spends her "alone time" with me following me around the house while I take care of Nico and straighten the house. 

RWF and I have been talking about how we can carve out special time for Gianna. She really is the "middle child" right now.  Bode does everything outside the home (because of his age) and Nico gets all the attention (because of his age and lack of mobility/independence...ha!).

I finally found a class at the YMCA that is geared toward toddlers aged 2-3.  It is an exercise/games type class that is one hour, one morning a week.  The timing is perfect because Bode is in school on that morning. This is a big deal to me and to Gianna. For Gianna, it's special because she finally gets to do something fun on her own. (It wasn't our intention to leave her out of the fun.  She's just too young for most organized sports and classes.) For me, it alleviates some guilt about Bode getting to do "everything" (school, ski, and soccer).  And it gives me a small window of time outside the house where I can play with  Gianna.  Nico is (usually) content to sit in his stroller during the class.

Yesterday I took Gianna to her special "toddler fun" class at the Y.  It was going well, until she started losing interest. I could tell because she walked off in the middle of a game (ha!).  I walked over to her and asked her to join the game. She said, "I have to go potty."  Oh boy.  I ran over to Nico's stroller and grabbed our shoes and bag.  I took her hand while wheeling Nico out of the gymnasium.  I spotted the ladies locker room and opened the door for Gianna.  I used my foot as a doorstop and, with one hand, pushed the stroller through the doorway while keeping the door propped open (if you've ever done this, you know that it's not easy). We walked into the locker room and women were in various stages of dress. I wheeled the stroller straight to the back where I vaguely remembered that showers and restrooms were situated.  (It's been a LONG time since I've worked out here!)  I did sense that we weren't welcome in there.  (Pay attention! This is called foreshadowing!) The area between the dressing room and the bathroom stalls was small.  I didn't know where to park the stroller so I parked it as close as I could, but without it being too close to the bathroom stalls (euuw).  I helped Gianna with her clothes, and put her on the seat.  And then I stood there, halfway in the stall, halfway out of the stall. I needed to watch both children. And then Gianna was updating me on her status, and my attention was turned completely on her.  Suddenly, I heard someone say, "Excuse me,"  I turned and there was a woman THISCLOSE to me. I startled and she half-hissed, half-whispered, "You can't bring children into here."  I blinked.  She continued, "The women don't like it."  I took a deep breath and said, "And I'm sure the women remember how hard it can be to HOLD IT when you have to GO....especially when you are 2 and a HALF years old." Then the lady said, "I'm sorry, (ed: not sounding at all "sorry") but there is a family restroom next door."   The lady had already walked off, having gotten that off of her chest.  And left me feeling....scolded. And young.  And wrong.  Here I am, a grown woman with 3 children, and I felt like a child!  Then I felt more anger at that lady. The nerve!  As we were leaving, I could not help myself. I took Gianna's hand, and while leading her out of the dressing room, I could not resist saying in a louder-than-normal voice, "Come on, Gianna, the ladies don't like it when little girls use this restroom." (Now who is really juvenile? But I couldn't help myself.)

One lady was walking in, and held the door open for us.  And then I remembered, a long time ago, when we were given the tour of the facilities, how the YMCA representative had stressed that there was a family restroom and locker room, and we needed to use that when our children were present.  Ooops. 

If you're ever out in public, and see a person walking with children and/or a stroller trying to enter a building, please hold the door open for her/him! It will take a minute out of your busy day, and it will help her/him immensely.  Thank you.

xo

Happy Friday

This morning began with French toast and strawberries (made by Mommy), kisses (from Daddy), music & dancing (Bode and Mommy).

Someone asked, and yes, Gianna does wear Bode's old pajamas.  I saved everything of Bode's from day one (well, almost).  I love reusing his pajamas, and any other appropriate clothes, for Gianna.  It reminds me of when Bode was a baby, and I love "recycling" the clothes.  This is becoming a problem though.  I am saving all of Gianna's clothes, too.  So between the two of them, you can imagine that the amount of stuff is getting kind of crazy. Am I a candidate for that "Hoarders" show? Ack!  I am at a loss about this, so any advice is appreciated!



Gianna's breakfast: bananas, strawberries, hard-boiled egg, French toast



Dude, your head is huge!



Same noses!

We skipped our usual morning walk (sorry, Priscilla) and went to the park. We went to the Friday play date with Gianna's play group.  This time, we stayed in the sand lot, instead of joining the other babies on blankets in the grassy area. Gianna had to climb the play structure several times.  She is so mobile, and loves climbing stairs (yikes).  Bode friended a couple of boys with his construction trucks again (win).  And this cute little girl came over and played with him, too.  She was a cougar, that one...obviously older than Bode and a little fashion plate, to boot.  She looked right at him and asked, "Can I play, too?"  So sweet!

Barefeet! Ugh!

Gianna "lost" her socks somewhere between the car and the park.  She is always pulling them off. I was a bit self-conscious about my baby being shoeless & sockless at the park.  But I didn't have any extras. I had to just watch her like a hawk. Nothing new there!  Bode insists on pushing Gianna in her stroller. This means it takes us twice as long to get anywhere. But I let him do it, because it is important to him.  And this is what I keep repeating to myself, "It is important to him, it is important to him..."  No matter how excrutiatingly long, no matter how frustrating, it is important to him!

Here are some pics from yesterday's park excursion. Gianna is trying to keep up with her brother.

Check out the rubberbands on her wrists! Love! Nom, nom.

I am looking forward to a run and some solo time this weekend.  What about you, any plans?
Happy Friday!
xo

Bode: 34 months

Dear Bode,
Here are some things that you say regularly that crack me up:

• "Maybe tomorrow" (when we ask if you will do something), or, even better is:
• "Maybe Sunday"  (I don't know where you got this "Sunday" business, but it is hilarious. I love it when you think you are putting something off for a long time by declaring, "Maybe Sunday," and  I can respond, "Well guess what? Today IS Sunday." And then you are at a loss. Ha!)
• "Mommy, you need a passing move."  This is taken from a Cars story that you love.  Without going into details about the story itself, this means that Mommy needs to chill out.  Sometimes I get wound up about something, like a mess or traffic, and you will  wisely, calmly announce, "Mommy, you need a passing move." And I know that is my cue to calm down.
• "I do it myself." (self-explanatory...this is both hilarious and frustrating for Mommy and Daddy).
• "What's wrong, sweeepea?" this is said to Gianna in the most angelic, high-pitched voice, and conversely:
• "No, no, Gianna!"  you love telling your baby sister when she can't do something! I am afraid that this is going to be a more common refrain as you age.

You say a lot of great things to me every day.  I wish that I could just walk around with a video camera all day, recording every second of your beautiful life. You are so much fun, and I love hanging out with you.
love,
Mommy
xo

PS Here are some snaps of you getting ready for bed the other night. You are wearing some pajama shorts on your head as a hat, and some pajama pants around your neck for a scarf.  You don't just say funny things, you still do funny things, too! Thanks for the laughs, my happy little guy.

Hairray, hairray!

It looks like Gianna has her Grandpa's curls!  Hooray! Or, as Bode says, "Hairray!"

At least, that is what it looks like in the evenings, after her bath.

Bob noticed, too.  He was the one that reminded me that Bode's hair didn't start really curling up until he was about a year old. I'm trying not to get too excited.

Because, as they say,

hair today, gone tomorrow.

Or not!
xo

Andrew and Djerrassi

Sunday was a busy day.  First, Bob's nephew Andrew and Andrew's girlfriend Lauren visited us. Andrew is from upstate New York, and recently got a job in Fresno. We now have family nearby! He and Lauren have been doing some major sight-seeing around California. The kind of major, free-wheeling tour you can do when you're young and don't have two kids strapped to your hips.

As I was getting ready Sunday morning, I was thinking about Andrew's visit, and it suddenly occurred to me:  we are the elders.  I imagined Andrew telling his girlfriend that he needed to pay a visit to his uncle. I thought about how old that sounded.  Those of you who know me, know that I have been "29 and holding" for the past 10  few years. When I think of myself as an "aunt" I  view myself as the young, (hopefully) hip aunt Heather, who flies into town for the weekend and hangs out as "dude" to nieces Anna & Francie, and nephew Marco. But this Sunday, thinking about Andrew visiting "Uncle Bob" and his children, I had a harsh, ugly reality facing me: we are now the adults. The mature ones. The old ones. With kids.

It was unsettling.

It was so unsettling that it may have been why I kept biting my tongue every time I almost asked an "old person question."  You remember, when you were young, how older people would ask the most boring, predictable questions?  Questions like, "How is school?" and  "Do you like your teachers?" and the absolute worst, the one so awful that it is even a joke in a movie (the name of the movie escapes me now, probably because I am so old!), "Do you have a special friend?"  Even though I tried to quash any tendencies to ask "old person questions,"  I still came off as an old person.  I did ask Lauren if she is in school. When she replied that she is in her senior year, I seriously thought, for half a second, that she meant senior year in high school. Yes, they are young and beautiful. And yes, I am old and well, old-looking. I did ask Andrew some dork questions about his new job, "Do you like your job?" and "Do you eat lunch out with your co-workers?" So much for the cool factor. I might as well have asked Andrew if Lauren is his special friend.    

We are happy that Andrew and Lauren visited though! We hope that they come back and visit the old folks again soon.

Later that day, we went to Djerrassi.  This is our third year to attend this artists' residence program in the beautiful hills.  I had the babies (and myself) completely bathed in sunscreen (see dork factor, above) because it is always hot and sunny when we visit Djerrassi.  This year, we drove up and found fog and  cool air waiting for us.  We spent a lot of our time indoors because we were dressed for summer.  While Bob watched a dance performance, I took these artistic self-portraits with my iPhone:

Self portrait with baby

Self portrait with son

Self portrait with children

Bode ran around the place like he was a special exhibit for viewing, some kind of kinetic art!  He even tripped and and busted his face. Performance art! For once, I was the owner of the rambunctious  child that makes everyone think to themselves, "Why did they bring that kid here?"  Despite his energetic bursts, Bode did win some hearts. One artist actually played "peek-a-boo" with Bode, allowing us to admire the art on the walls uninterrupted.  



Playing peek-a-boo



Bob and I viewed some great art. The kind of art that, if I had a fat bank account, I would have written a check to the artist right there on the spot. I wanted to take two of those paintings home for our bare walls.  I would love to say, "hey, nice job" and really mean it, you know?

And, of course, the highlight for Bode was the tractor outside.

Check out the fog behind them!

It was a perfect day of family, nature, and art.

xo

Dadurday

I don't know if it was all the sickness, Bob traveling, or what...but this week was hard for me.  Friday, I was such a grouch, and had zero patience for my sweet 2.5 year old.  I went to bed Friday night feeling like such a horrible excuse for a mother.

Today (and every weekend, really) Bob was such a big help.  He is always an equal partner in the parenting and the householding.  But today, he was extra helpful.  He knew that I was "done" in the mothering department and that I needed some "me" time. So, after he worked out, he sent me outside for a run and fresh air.  It felt great to be out running again.   And then later, I went out for a mocha and a maple oat scone.  I came back home and then took a 45 minute nap.  I felt so much better after I got up!

Bode and I played with his Cars friends while Daddy worked out. The sunglasses are Gianna's.

Bode loves his "buggy blanket" and decided to play on it this morning.

Suddenly, Gianna is a big fan of Bob.   He came back from a 5 day trip, and Gianna was very, very happy to see him.  Since his return, she's happy to see him every day, giving him a big smile and reaching for him when she sees him.

They spent a lot of time together today.  Again, I think Bob was trying to help me out. But I also think that they both were enjoying each other's company! This afternoon, Bob caught up on his mail and Gianna "helped" him. 

They have the same noses, and probably the same profile!

Right now, I am able to write this post because Bob is with Gianna, helping her to sleep! Thanks, Bob!
Happy Saturday, everyone.
xo

Checking in

I know, I know...you all are like, "Who cares about you and how you're doing? How are the babies? More importantly, where are (the pictures of) the babies?"

Gianna is embarrassed about how she looks, and chose to look away whenever I tried to snap her picture.

This morning, Bode and I harvested our cucumber and a tomato. Not sure if it was ready or not, but we need something to do. We all are going a little stir crazy with the sickness.



I have tried crafts, dance parties, sing-a-longs, and even resorted to tv watching (Cars movie and Sesame Street). Priscilla is the only one that is benefitting from the sickness. I take the babies (and Priscilla) out for a walk twice a day.  I think we all need the fresh air. I know that I for one really need to get out of this house! This sickness has got to end, soon!

Bode wants you to know that despite being sick, he is still  a potty rock star.



Please don't enlarge this picture because I am 99.99% sure Bode has snot all over his face.

He has almost got every Cars movie-themed car out there.  I don't know what I'm going to do when I'm out of Cars options.  I've tried Cars-themed books and those got a lukewarm reception (except at naptime and bedtime!).  Hot Wheels cars are just not "hot" in Bode's book.

The good news is, tomorrow is Friday. And why is that good news in my book?  Because Daddy is sharing parental duties Saturday and Sunday!
Happy Friday, everyone.
xo