July 4th

Waiting (impatiently) for the parade to start

We had a simple, lovely 4th of July holiday.  Our weather was hothothot, but we spent it outside.  We went to our town's little July 4th parade in the morning.  RWF and I discovered that Gianna is pretty aggressive when it comes to getting candy!  Any time someone would throw a handful in the street, she was on it.  It made me nervous, but RWF was right there with her. She came home with a (sandwich) bagful  of candy, like it was Halloween. Bode didn't get any, until a (nice) lady made her son give Bode a piece. (And of course, Gianna has to share her bounty with her brother.) We came home, and the children lounged like cats, tired from the parade and the heat.  I made my mom's macaroni salad, because I've been craving it like crazy for the past month. The 4th of July was a good excuse to make it (not that I need an excuse). We ate dinner outside, a departure for us but it was a nice little event all the same. 

I can't believe we are already in July!

xo

A fun party

We had a wonderful birthday party and I think Gianna was very pleased to be reunited with all of her school friends.  I think all of the school friends were happy to be together again!

Look closely and you see a small smile!

We had the party at a local children's gym, and the two teachers who put it together did a great job keeping everyone moving and entertained.  They played music, jumped around and even played hide and seek.  Hide-and-seek was hilarious because all of the children hid in the same place, together. Seeing them all smush together, and then break apart trying to make room as they all moved under a mat to be "hidden" was hilarious. Not to mention hearing them (loudly) whisper, "Move over!" or "I need to get in!" etc. while hiding.

The cake (the "caaaake" a la Franck/Father of the Bride) was a complete disaster.  It is comical now, but when I picked it up, I almost fainted.  First of all, it is all my fault.  Last week, I was debating over and over (as I tend to do) about whether to go to the (real) bakery where I got RWF's birthday cake, or if I should just order simple cupcakes from the grocery store bakery.  I texted RWF for his "final answer" as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. Getting no answer from him (and no doubt, on purpose for his part, because he got tired of my obsessing over the birthday party details), I went in and ordered birthday cupcakes at the store bakery.  When I approached the bakery person, she got - honestly - this deer in the headlights look on her face and asked me if my order would be simple, or if I wanted something from the cake order book (featuring Disney characters and "fancier" stuff). I told her that I just wanted simple, pink cupcakes, put together to resemble a whole cake (but that could be pulled apart for serving).  She asked me what color pink, and I produced a napkin from Gianna's birthday theme.  It was a pale pink, and I asked that the darker pink be used in the frosting to spell out "Happy Birthday Gianna."  She nodded, wrote everything down, confirmed the spelling of the name, and I walked off....with a feeling of, "Oh, I should have gone to the bakery."  But instead of turning right around and canceling the order, I just let it go.

On Sunday, I went to pick up the cake at the appointed time. Another lady was behind the counter and that was my first, "uh oh" moment because she didn't know about a cake order but then said, "Oh, here it is."  She came out with a NEON PINK cake, with light pink icing. But that color wasn't the problem. The problem was the cake looked terrible. Awful. Horrible.  I could not believe it. I kept looking at it, like, I don't know what...maybe there was something wrong with my eyes and I would start seeing the beautiful simple cake it really was...only it didn't change into a beautiful simple cake.  I saw more flaws...her name was spelled correctly (thank God) but the writing was not centered and it was too high, the (neon) pink frosting dribbling over the sides, frosting spread too thin on some of the cupcakes, blue frosting on the bottom of the cakes...huh?  I walked off and finished my last-minute shopping. I still had to buy baby carrots, celery and other snack foods for the party. I walked around the store with the cake glaring up at me in all of its gloopy, neon horribleness. Every time I walked back to the cart, I peered at the cake to see if it had changed into something pretty. No such luck.  I lined up to pay, thinking, "Why am I paying for this?" I wheeled my cart around to the front of the store to "Customer Service," except there was nobody there. The store was packed with Sunday afternoon shoppers trying to check out with a week's worth of groceries. None of the checkers or baggers would meet my eye, so I couldn't get anyone's attention.  Finally, I lined up again to check out.  Then I saw a lady wearing a sweater and button down shirt, checking in the next aisle over and thought, "She must be a manager."  "Excuse me..." I said very loudly.  She finished checking and walked over. "I'm not happy with this cake," I said.  She glanced down at it and said, "I agree," and to the checker she ordered, "Give her 10 percent off."  "Excuse me, do you see what I see? Look at this..." I gestured at the frosting. "And look, look at this blue frosting on the bottom..." She frowned as she examined the cake. "Wait," she said, and her eyes bugged out,  "Is this a custom order?"  She rolled her eyes and said, "Give her 20 percent off."  Turning her attention to me, she said that their bakery department was short-staffed and they were having trouble finding cake decorators.  We both lamented about the sad cake. I said, "I could have done a better job myself." But I paid for the cake and walked off.   As I drove home, I kept thinking about the stupid, ugly cake.  I thought about stopping at another grocery store and buying another cake. I thought about hiding the flaws under flowers maybe? Or maybe rose petals?  Ridiculous. At home, I showed RWF and his face confirmed what I was thinking. Suddenly, I was furious: WHY DID I PAY FOR THAT CAKE?  

It's all so silly now.  And it really didn't matter because they are children and they don't care what the cake looked like...but for me, it was the principle.  And also, I didn't fight the store because (a) damage done (and we needed a cake), and (b) I learned a lesson: never going to a grocery store bakery again.  There are no pictures of Gianna's party cake because it was just...awful. Seriously awful.

When it came time to sing Happy Birthday, Gianna kept blowing out the candles before Shayla (teacher) even set the cake down! As soon as Shayla leaned down to set her cake down, Gianna would start blowing.  We had to start over 3 (!!!) times. I guess Gianna just knew that she was supposed to blow out the candles and by golly, she was going to do it immediately. Finally, we convinced her to wait until after we sang "Happy Birthday." It was pretty funny. 

But the real fun was the party itself.  I had a lot of fun watching the children running around, squealing and laughing.  I was 'stuck' sitting down because Nico was gassy and unhappy (which is unfortunate). The blessing in having a gassy baby is that at least I had to sit, hold the baby and just watch the party...instead of running around trying to snap photos and worrying about that damn cake. 

Making funny faces

Everyone had fun.  Gianna had a great day and as we were driving away, she said, "Mommy, that was a fun party."    Yes, I agree: that was a fun party.

xo

Gianna's birthday party

Gianna had a Fabulous (capital F) birthday party with all of her school friends.  You can't tell from the pictures though.  The birthday girl refused to smile for me.  But it might have been that she was just too busy having fun to stop for photos.

We were almost late for our own party. Well, that's what I thought, anyway. But in reality, we got there 15 minutes ahead of the party start, which is exactly what we had planned.  Sure, we had to hustle, and maybe Nico isn't wearing socks, but we're all there, and I guess that's what matters!

Pre-party and stressing about the caaaaake and who all is coming. Because I'm not Martha and parties stress me out, even when they are being handled by someone else.  And I'm all, "I've got a gassy baby on my hip, who is going to take pictures? WHOOOOO?" and the girl behind the counter was all, "Hi, I can operate a camera." So I smushed everyone together for a pre-party family photo. And Gianna didn't smile in that one, either.

Tonight we are happy and tired. I'll report more tomorrow...like how horrible the cake turned out (the caaaaake a la Franck Eggelhoffer/Father of the Bride), but also why the cake really didn't matter because of how much fun was had by all.
xo

The Graduates

The morning of graduation

Bode and Gianna's graduation went very well and  was a pretty "dignified" ceremony for such little people (well, almost...).  The ceremony was filled with a lot of spirit and love as well.

The two classes walked to the bridge, Bode's older class taking a longer route, while the younger children in Gianna's class got the shorter, more simple route so that they met up on opposite sides of the bridge. The parents met early and walked over to stand on a hill at the side of the bridge, awaiting the graduates. The two classes met up at just the same time, a feat that the teachers smiled about,  calling over to each other, "Can you believe we met up at the same time?!" and "So unlike last year!"  

The "ceremony" began with Gianna's class singing a song called "We are All the Leaves of One Tree."  Hearing their sweet, baby voices singing the words and using their tiny hands to mime leaves, ocean waves, and stars was almost too much for me to handle.  It was then that I started to cry (silently).  But I held it together, lips clamped together in a smile as I watched the little friends all singing together.

Then the procession began, with the preschool children who were leaving the school walking across first.  Next, Gianna's friends who graduated to Kindergarten.  And last, Gianna (and friends) were supposed to walk across....except...the first boy got scared, ran over to his mother and hid his face in her legs the whole time.  This set the tone for the next graduate, Gianna's friend Kate, who cried out, "Mama!" and then started bawling.  Kate's mother ran over to her and held her. I knew Gianna was next, and I was just willing her to be the strong, fearless girl-child she is and to show her friends how to do it. When Gianna's turn came,  Gianna looked at her teacher, and then turned around and scanned the crowd for me. Finding me, she ran over to me and refused to cross the bridge!  I whispered, "Go on, Gianna, Mr. Trent and Bode are on the other side waiting for you."  But it was too much after her other friends had cried, and she refused to move. ("And they all fall down," I thought.)  Her teacher smiled, turned her attention back to the bridge, and nodded to the Kindergarten teacher, Traci, to start her ceremony.  

So next, the Kindergartners went: those who were leaving the school for new adventures and then those who were graduating (but staying).  When his name was announced, Bode practically skipped over the bridge, a happy smile across his face.

Only I wasn't there to give him a hug. :(   At the start of the Kindergarten ceremony, I had slipped on the muddy embankment, and had fallen -"Boom!" as Nico says - right on my behind.  Two fathers helped me up, each taking one of my arms and lifting me, standing, back to my feet. I was wearing Nico in a backpack and even though we were fine, Nico was startled and was crying loudly.  So I had walked away from the parent group so that everyone could enjoy the ceremony.  I was watching from a distance, but I still feel bad that I wasn't "right there" for Bode when he crossed.  Luckily, I had quieted Nico enough that I could run over to Bode and give him a hug soon after he had crossed over!  

(It is so hard to be a single parent! I feel for single parents everywhere. I feel so bad, always having to divide my time amongst three needy loves! Luckily, Bode is pretty forgiving. Gianna takes it more personally, or at least, lets me know that she *knows* when I am absent, or less than present.)

After the ceremony, we all walked back together to the school for a picnic lunch.  Of course, all the children ran around and played with each other while the parents exchanged memories, tears, and "Can you believe it's over?" laments.

Gianna dances on stage, Nico contemplates someone else's froggy boot, and the boys play Legos.

We stayed too long. In fact, we were the last ones to leave!  Gianna was over-tired and refused to budge.  Unfortunately (or fortunately), Miss Kelly, her teacher, still had to "work" after graduation, because it was up to Miss Kelly to encourage Gianna to go home. ;)  I already had my hands full with Nico, Bode, last-minute school stuff, and picnic supplies. So it was Miss Kelly who asked Gianna to be a big strong helper (to me) and walk by herself up to the car!

Nico wants to hula like everyone else, but he is too tiny.

And now we are on summer break.  And while I am so happy to put away the lunch boxes and backpacks, I'm wondering what to do with these two school children!

xo

The Wednesday before the last day of school

Tuesday drop off at school.

There are three letters to sum up how I feel about this week, and tomorrow: O M G

I'm simultaneously freaking out because my children will be having a ceremony tomorrow (do not roll your eyes...when you have children, these stupid preschool graduations mean so much) and because I'm trying to finish up the teachers' gifts before tomorrow morning. 

Why am I sitting here writing when I have so much to do?  Well. I can't finish up the teachers' gifts, because I'm waiting for one mother to bring her child's artwork to school pick up this afternoon. Yes, even though I asked for the artwork (that I gave all the supplies for so that there would be no delays) to be completed and delivered to me by last Thursday, June 5, this mother has yet to bring it to me.  Today is  her last chance. So, there's nothing else for me to do until I have everything. Ahem.   Second, I love nothing more than to write about how emotional I am feeling about my children!!! There! I said it.  I know that it can be positively grating when someone (me) is always whining about how sad everything makes her (me) and how emotional she (ME) feels.  I'm sorry if that's the case for you.  Sorry for being so grating and complaining about this one anonymous mother (grrrr) that hasn't given me the needed artwork.

But I do feel....so much....with my children. It is amazing how much emotion I feel and how strongly I feel these emotions. They are so incredible, these children (all children) and man, what a wonderful experience to have in your lifetime.  (Please don't write me emails about how you don't want to have children and how dare I suggest that the only way your life is complete is if you have children. I don't. I believe everyone has meaningful, emotional experiences in his and her lifetime as long as she/he has relationships - be that with your children, your partner, family, friends, dogs, cats, parakeets or even your garbage man! Enjoy!)

Tuesday school pick up. I've decided Nico is not going to school.

So this week has been especially trying and exhausting and emotional for me.  I'm just trying to get through tomorrow, people.  Tonight is going to be one big craftastic rush trying to get four (4!!!) teachers' gifts together by tomorrow a.m., but hey, as long as it makes them smile, all will be well. (Note to self: next time, don't volunteer. Just don't volunteer.)

Tomorrow, we have the rainbow bridge ceremony where both Bode and Gianna will say goodbye to their current teacher,  cross the bridge, and say hello their new teacher. I get so weepy just thinking about it (grate. sorry).  Unfortunately, we have been asked not to take photos or videos.  The teachers feel (strongly) that the photo-taking and video-taking during these events takes away from the experience for everyone.  They have appointed one parent to take the photo of each child crossing the bridge. Hopefully I will be able to focus on the event and Nico will be quiet so that everyone can enjoy the experience.  RWF will not be able to attend because he is in CA.  That is a big bummer for me.

After the rainbow bridge ceremony, we are going to walk back to the school for a picnic.  There is going to be a lot of walking and carrying of things (school stuff, teachers' gifts, picnic food for my family) and I really hope that I can do it all (and keep track of Nico). ;)  I want tomorrow to run smoothly and be a really happy day for Bode and Gianna. 

Wish us luck!

xo

Meeting Cinderella

This past weekend, I took Gianna* to meet Cinderella.  Cinderella was going to be at a craft event where little girls and boys could decorate a crown and hang out with her while she chatted and sang songs.  For more money, you could have your picture taken with Cinderella.

We got there super early. I didn't want to fight a potential mob of children.  We walked into the room, and Cinderella was standing right there.  We were the first ones to arrive. "Hello!" she greeted us.  Gianna's mouth dropped open and then quickly shut.  Then she put her head down and refused to look at Cinderella for the rest of the entire visit.

We had Cinderella to ourselves for about 20 minutes before other children showed up.  We sat down and worked on Gianna's crown.  While we picked out the stuff to glue onto the crown, Cinderella tried her best to engage Gianna.  She asked Gianna all kinds of questions. She described life at the castle and I asked her questions about her wicked stepmother, her stepsisters, her dog and her mouse friends. Gianna point-blank ignored her.  It was like Cinderella was a figment of my imagination. Gianna was so cool.

When we had finished the crown, it was time for the photo op.  I guided Gianna into the room and had her stand before the green backdrop.  Cinderella sat down beside her and then asked Gianna if she could stand a little closer to her.  Gianna ignored her so I kind of moved Gianna as close as I dared.

The photographers all tried to get Gianna to smile.  They complimented her on her beautiful crown, on her pretty dress, and asked her questions.  All for nothing! The girl just would not smile.  Cinderella tried to get her to laugh by telling her a joke but that failed, too.  I shrugged and said, "Just do what you can," and walked off. I thought maybe if I left, Gianna would engage.

While we were waiting for the photo to be printed, Gianna enjoyed a sparkly cupcake.  This was the only time she was animated and happy! But as soon as Cinderella approached, Gianna would turn away from her.

Once the photo was printed, Cinderella walked over to me, and kind of guiltily showed me the photo. "Um, this is what we got," she whispered. I think she thought I was going to be upset, or demand a retake.  Instead, I busted out laughing. It was the perfect picture of the morning.

How  funny is that photo? Gianna looks like she is standing next to a pile of stinky garbage, and not her idol.

Of course, for the rest of the weekend, Gianna was "Cinderella this," and "Cinderella that," and skipping along with her crown and grumpy photo in hand.  She's also been holding the skirt of her dress with one hand as she waltzes through the room, as if she were wearing a big ballgown, just like Cinderella was walking around at the event.

*I did not take Bode or Nico because I wanted to have a special date with Gianna. So please don't send me angry emails about how princesses are not just for girls, or that I favor Gianna over my boys. Bode and Nico both have enjoyed wearing Gianna's princess crown.
Happy week, friends.
xo

The weekend and birthday party plans

The weekend was busy because we had plans, and I had a plan to settle on Gianna's birthday party venue!

Saturday we went to a local arts festival.  We walked around in the early morning, and some people were still setting up. It was nice to be out before the crowds.  Gianna and Bode were able to run free (kind of). We could look at the art without rushing or worrying about crowds swallowing up our children. 

Sunday, we went to a playground instead of  our usual walk.  The children were so excited! We haven't really been to a playground since we moved here.  It was small, and I soon realized that our "babies" are getting pretty big.  The playground was geared toward the 2-4 year old set, I think. I mean, it is meant for all children but it's on the small side.  It reminded me so much of when we lived in CA, and had a park that was 2 minutes from our house (that we went to every single day!). It took me back to the days of 2 year old Bode and Baby G!  I wanted to scope out the playground for Gianna's birthday party.  But I quickly realized that it would be really hard to entertain a bunch of 4 year olds at this tiny park! I was a little disappointed, but glad to come to this realization before the invites went out!

(overwhelmed)

Gianna and Bode also went to a birthday party for their friend Kate on Sunday afternoon. It was at an inflatable jump place (we had Bode's 3rd birthday here and these children seem so much smaller!).  I have also held off on deciding on the venue for Gianna's birthday party because I was half expecting Gianna to decide that she wanted her party at this place.  Gianna said nothing of the sort.  If anything, she didn't seem happy. She didn't jump very much, instead stood around and watched others. She was definitely overwhelmed by all the jumping,  sliding, lights, and noise.  So that was helpful for me, too.  She did enjoy the cake though. Some parents laughed because  after she finished her cake, Gianna took pretzels and used them to scoop up any remaining frosting that she could find. Smart girl.

(still overwhelmed)

Gianna sez, "When's cake?" (still overwhelmed)

I decided to have Gianna's party at another place, a smaller  'play gym' where the children can all run around and play games (under the guidance of 2 teachers). The idea of a birthday party at a gym doesn't do much for my aesthetic. I really want a "pretty" party for Gianna. But I guess all that matters is that the children have fun.  I can have a pretty home party for her on her actual birthday, too. 

This is the last real week of school. Next week, it's all about wrapping things up. Next Thursday, we have a picnic, and the (dreaded) "Rainbow Bridge" ceremony where the children cross the bridge into another grade.  I know that I will cry! (Yes, it's all about mememememe.)

Speaking of tears, tomorrow is Gianna's school birthday party.   I will bring a fruit plate to share with her friends.  While we enjoy our fruit, Miss Kelly will tell a story about Gianna (and I've been warned by other mothers that these stories bring tears (to the mothers, not the children!).

I'm off to iron my handkerchief (sniff). Happy Tuesday, friends.

xo

Lately...

I've been searching high and low for a (new) house.  It has been frustrating, disheartening and just plain exhausting.  It takes a lot of time to search houses.  We usually look at listings in the evening, after the children are in bed.  If I find something of interest (and the right price),  I'll drive by and scout out the area the next morning while the children are at school (with Nico riding in the car).  That is usually where the interest ends.     As you probably know, most photos of houses portray their best features.  It isn't until you drive up and see the junkyard across the street, or the broken-down fence attached to the yard. Also, Portland is weird, in that houses are just jammed together. And not only are they jammed together, but you will find houses behind you, in front of you and beside you.  For example, the front of our house faces the back of another house (and the back of our house faces another house...).  So we look into our neighbor's backyard.  It's just weird to me. I have not had much luck finding a mix of a good house and good location (and price).

So the search continues!

Gianna is going through a phase.  My little chickadee is spreading her wings, both metaphorically and physically.  She is more brave, riding her bike down the big hill like her brother. And she is being a bit...sassy.  I think it is because she is on the cusp of turning 4.  She has been talking back to me.  Most of the time, I remember that this is not Gianna, but a phase that she is going through at the moment.  Other times, I lose it and yell right  back at her.  But no matter what, we always have quiet time together where we talk about things, and work things out. 

Kate & Gianna at the May Day celebration

This morning, she woke up and went into my bedroom before 6 AM.  "Is it time to wake up yet?"  she whispered in the loudest voice possible (to "whisper" in).  I pulled back my covers to invite her in, and she jumped in and snuggled up next to me.  Without any preamble, she started telling me about her girl friends at school. They are a threesome, and they are so cute together. Two of her friends, Kate* and Ella, were not liking each other yesterday, and clearly this was something on Gianna's mind.  I got a flash of when she is older, and things like this are happening. I hope that she can always talk to me.  Even though lately she can be hard to handle, she brings me to my knees almost every day by (spontaneously)  declaring, "I'll love you forever!" or "I want to love you forever, Mama!"

I am still planning a birthday party for her. Location, date, and time still TBD.  (ai yi yi!)  The theme, of course, is still "pink princess."

Bode is doing well.  It's funny because he and Gianna have kind of switched places.  Where Gianna is sassy and testing limits, Bode has mellowed and seems self-sufficient right now.  It's been really fun to watch him deal with Gianna during a meltdown. It is almost like he knows what is going on, and tries to talk her through it.  One morning, Gianna wanted to wear a sundress on a cool day, and I said No.  This escalating into tears and yelling through the house.  RWF and I both tried to reason with her, and since that had not worked, we resorted to just telling her "NO."  Bode was the one who stepped in, found another dress in her closet and suggested it as a possibility. He presented it to her, "Here, Gianna, why don't you wear this pretty dress?"  It was so sweet, and also, eye opening...like, "Oh yeah, why didn't we (adults) think of that?"  Bode is now in a good place at school, and seems to enjoy the routine and his friends.  It's disappointing that the school year is about to end.  Most of the boys in Bode's class will not be returning to this school.

Speaking of school,  I've decided to stay with their current school. Both RWF and I have seen remarkable things with Bode and Gianna, and feel like this has been a good place for them.  So we are staying!  I signed a contract last week and I feel good about this decision.

Nico sez, "Your cracker bribe will no longer work!"

Nico is a happy little camper.  He loves his boots, being outside, and reading!  He has turned a corner on books, and is now obsessed.  He loves to sit and read, and will demand that I "ree" to him all the time.  Every night, I sit in the rocker with him and read three (usually more) books.  It is our special time, and I love it.  I love that he enjoys books right now. And I love that we have something "close" to do together that does not involve nursing.  I was afraid that weaning him meant that our being close was going to end (at least for awhile, because I was afraid of sending him mixed signals).  He is growing, in that he is no longer content to just sit and watch the sidelines.  Bode and Gianna have a few activities that we do during the week.  This means that Nico has to sit tight for an hour.  Well, it's getting harder to contain him.  I try bribing him with snacks and sometimes that works.  But I don't know how I'm going to get through this summer! Bode and Gianna have swim lessons every morning from June through August. They will also have other lessons, most likely gymnastics and ballet. Nico is 'done' with sitting in the stroller.

Speaking of summer, I have to figure out how to fill the hours once Bode and Gianna are out of school.  I have enrolled them in swim lessons, which are every day in the morning, but that leaves the rest of the day.  Camps are kind of out of the question, since I've committed them to swim lessons in the morning. Big "Oops" on my part, once I realized that I had messed that up. I'm still on the hunt for an afternoon camp. It would be great if I could find something for them both to do together, or at least at the same time(s). But I've found that most camps go "all day," or at least, start in the morning and end after lunch.

Everyone is doing well at this almost six-month mark of our move to Portland.  Six months!!!

I just wish that I could find a good house.  I am a bit obsessed, and I have to admit that the housing situation is coloring a lot of everything for me.  I can check the school off my list. Now the house is left.  Wish me luck!

xo

*Random trivia: Gianna's name was almost Kate.  It was number 2 on my list, after Mia (number 1!).  We tried it on her while in the hospital...it was so close that one of my sisters actually congratulated me on the birth of "Kate!" ;)

Party? What party?

It's probably best if I didn't tell you what I've been doing for the past hour (and a half) (or more).

I mean, I did do things that had to get done. I fed the children. I put the children to bed. I read them stories (4!), gave them more milk, then handled various other issues (potty, pillow fluff, tucking in, hurt hand, hurt feelings, etc.).  I cleaned the kitchen (a lot). Then I got online to start planning Gianna's 4th birthday party.  I tried to answer various questions so that I could construct the proper invitation. Where to host, at home? (Bwaahaaahaa! No.freaking.way.) Okay, if not at home, then where?  I started searching online and ended up in this black hole called "best birthday party ever!" where I was sucked into thinking that if I didn't select the perfect venue, and all the best of everything, then Gianna would be damaged.  Then I started thinking about how she's turning FOUR, and OHMYGAWD how is that possible?  And then I started thinking, "Well, what did she look like at this time last year?"  

And then went down another rabbit hole:

Baby G

And then further:

And further still:

Stop. You're killing me.

Ohmygawd. Swoooooon.

And then suddenly, I was back in California with a toddler boy and a baby girl. And that little cheeky monkey was just killing me with his smile. I had to stop the insanity! So here I am. Confession is good for the soul.  And I still have a lot of party planning to do.
Thanks for listening.
xo

The weekend

This is RWF's photo that he took of us on the Deshutes River, when we were on vacation a couple of weeks ago.  I can't edit his shadow out of it, but that's okay. I like that he's in the picture.

This morning, Bode looked taller. His legs looked longer. And to be sure, I stood next to him closely and measured us together. He is taller. The top of his head now reaches the top of my shoulder. That's not saying much, since I'm petite. But my boy is definitely growing.

Sunday morning, Gianna woke up with pink eye.  I was horrified, and immediately chastised her.  "How many times have I told you that you have to wash.your.hands. or you'll get pink eye?" I was so mad.  I thought I had sufficiently scared her into washing her hands like crazy, ever since she started potty training. And then for her to wake up with crusty, swollen eye lids first thing in the morning was just too much for me.  I got on the phone and scheduled the first available appointment at one of those walk-in clinics. While we waited, I cleaned every  bathroom, stripped bed linens, stripped the bathrooms of all towels and announced, "We're all using paper towels for hand washing!" At the clinic, the doctor examined Gianna and confirmed that it was pink eye, but viral pink eye (not bacterial pink eye).  She's had a horrible cold since last week. The doctor said that it's due to the cold that's stayed in her sinuses.  I had no idea that there were two different kinds of pink eye.  The doctor told me that Gianna's not really contagious, just to use good judgment and frequent hand washing, etc. etc.  So Gianna is at school today.  Her eyes are still a little pink. I was apologetic, and waved the doctor's diagnosis sheet in front of Gianna's teacher.

We looked at a couple of houses this weekend.  We did it in shifts, which was more time consuming. First, I would go look at the house. And then, I would go home and watch the children while RWF looked.  This way, we weren't dragging our children through other people's houses and we could take our time looking. Afterwards, we compared notes.  We still haven't found the right house. I hope that the right one comes along soon.  

I also spent some time this weekend planning the Mia Gia's FOURTH birthday party.  RWF and I discussed dates, and I started scouting out locations.  We settled on a date, and all I had to do is schedule the place.  But then, I checked my email and Gianna had received an evite for a classmate's birthday party on...you guess it...the date I had wanted.  So it's back to the drawing board on the date.    As far as a cake, (cue Franck Eggelhoffer, of Father of the Bride) she wants chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting.  For theme and color, Gianna wants a "pink princess" party.  No surprise there!  I will have to focus on the fun of planning of this party, because when I think of Gianna turning four, I'm just...stunned.

Happy Tuesday.

xo

Spring Break has sprung

Bode and Gianna are officially on Spring Break!

Truthfully, when the teachers dismissed the classes yesterday, announcing, "Happy Spring Break!" I felt kind of...sad.  And unprepared. Like, "Really? Already? Are you sure that you don't want to keep them in school for the rest of the week?"  Because I was not ready to have my two monkeys full-time for the rest of this week, and the next!

After school, we dyed Easter eggs.  I had (mistakenly) told the children that we would color Easter eggs and of course, they were beyond excited.  They were so excited that I had to commit to the activity like, immediately.  

This morning, over breakfast, we brainstormed on what to do with our Spring Break. 

Here is our list (fantastically artistic styling by yours truly). You can probably guess who chose what activity.  They actually had a fun time coming up with ideas.  I only had to nix, or modify, some of the suggestions. 

1. Buy a book (Bode)
2. Buy a dress (Gianna)

(Okay, pause for my internal thoughts:  First of all, BUY A BOOK? Why? When you get a book (or two, or three, actually)  gifted to you once a month?  Also, buy a dress?  You have a closet full of dresses and really, only wear 2 of them on repeat. Moving on:)

3. Plant seeds (Bode. We already started this, but we have more to plant.)
4. Go on a trip (Bode. I gleefully wrote this one down.)
5. Go to OMSI (me, because the forecast calls for - you guessed it! - rain! all week.)
6. Go to backyard (Bode. Eh...okay.)
7. Go to library (me, I think)
7. Paul Bunyon statue (me, all of us. I searched for suggestions on my phone and they picked this from what I read aloud.)

Are you paying attention?  TWO number 7s on the list.  This is called motherhood. This is called "Me, on no coffee, at 8 AM."

8. Zoo (Bode & Gianna. Eh. I have my own opinions about zoos. This is a big MAYBE on the list.)
9. Ice cream (Gianna)
10. Eat breakfast out (Bode)

We will see how much we get done in a week's time, especially if we go on our trip.  The children are just really, really excited about having a list! of things! to do!  Bode has been walking around with the list in his hands all morning, announcing various things to do.  Of course, it's 10 o'clock in the morning and we haven't done anything but get dressed.  The delay is due, of course, to this little dude:

I insist on keeping the nap schedule.  I want him to at least get a morning nap in before we set off.  Bode and Gianna are so anxious to leave the house (it's raining!) so I need to be able to 'get' as soon as Nico wakes up. So that means I must close this and publish.  

But first...a note on our nook table. You may have noticed that our nook table does not fit the nook. It is actually (you could probably guess) the children's table.  

I'm terribly, terribly embarrassed by this set up.  So here's the story, and it's what I tell everyone who walks into the house (whether they care to hear it or not).  When we moved in, I was determined to find a nook table immediately. That nook is actually one of the only features of the house that I like.  So one of my "alone time" activities when we moved in was searching for the perfect nook table.  I soon found out that it does not exist.  Well, I found out that it does exist. You can buy it from Pottery Barn! But...I don't want to spend Pottery Barn pricing on a nook table for a house that we are soon to move out of (I hope!).  I don't want to live here anymore. So now the nook table hunt is...well, off the table (pun!).   I am annoyed by the kid table set up but not annoyed enough to fix it. And really, the children are the only ones that sit there (a lot) so it kind of fits them (???).  So! That's the story.  That is why you see a kids table (that doesn't fit)  in a breakfast nook.  Don't you feel better now that you know? ;)

Now to take something off that Spring Break list....

xo