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

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

Making rainbows

The other day, Bode came to me with this book in hand.  He asked me to read the page about rainbows.  So we read it together.  In the sidebar, there was an explanation on how to make a rainbow.  So we had to try it!  

It's super easy:  you put a glass of water in a window that is receiving (direct) sunlight, and then put white paper down to "catch" the rainbow. 

Once the rainbow appeared, we admired the different colors.  We talked about how rainbows always have certain colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet - or ROY G. BIV, is how I choose to remember it).  Bode loved this experiment (and Nico liked it, too!). The colors are more true in person (these were snapped using my iPhone).

It was fun and easy.  I loved that "Mommy" was able to help Bode with some science, because, honestly, RWF is usually Bode's go-to on science and math.  Also, if you have a little scientist on your hands, this book is great reading.  Bode loves to just look at the pictures and 'think' about what the pictures are about, I guess.  He will go through spells where he carries this book everywhere (and it's a big, heavy book!)...this is one of those weeks.

Have you ever made a rainbow? Try it with your babies, or just create a rainbow for yourself. ;)
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

Crafting her heart out

Mia Gianna spent a whole afternoon last week crafting Valentines for her friends and family.  

I helped her by cutting out hearts and writing her messages.  While she was crafting, I took pictures of her. I tried not to laugh as more and more marker got on her little hands, and on the end of her nose!  It was also so sweet to watch her use little mannerisms, like flipping her hair, or holding her chin in her hands and sighing as she thought about something. It was lovely watching this little girl put so much thought and attention into each card.

The design of each card, the colors picked, the sizes of the hearts, were all her ideas.  Each time that she started a new card, she would announce who the card was for, and then she would spend a long time coloring and crafting the card. After she finished all of her Valentines, I put them all out on the dining room table to dry.  We looked at them together, and I admired how she had made each one different. I told her that everyone is going to be so happy when they open the mail and find a Valentine from her.  She beamed, pleased with this news (and maybe, with herself).

Sadly, I have not put them in the mail. The snow we got this weekend kind of put a halt to my usual routines, like shopping and errands.  I am going to put them in the mail tomorrow.  Please know that Gianna made these Valentines with so much love, and I'm so sorry that I'm lazy and couldn't mail them on time!

Happy Tuesday.

xo

PS Bode made only one Valentine, for "the white-haired Grandma" (as he says). So Nana should feel extra special when she opens her mailbox and finds an envelope from Bode Wm! xo

Downtown

Saturday morning, Gianna got up, put on her fluffiest pink dress, went downstairs and told RWF, "I want to go downtown, Daddy."  So away we went.  This time of year, downtown is a zoo with people visiting for the race track and other things. Luckily, it wasn't too crowded.

DOWNTOWN! (sing it a la Petula Clark)

We had parked near an ice cream store, and the two monkeys had noticed, shouting, "Ice cream! Ice cream, Mommy, ice cream!" as if I wasn't aware of the place when we pulled into our spot.  I may or may not have said something snarky to RWF, about how had I been driving and not RWF, I would have driven around until I found a spot NOT in front of an ice cream store. We ignored their pleas for ice cream, instead suggesting that we walk downtown.

We walked around for a bit, noticing a couple of new restaurants (hooray!) and then walked over to Starbucks so that I could get a coffee.

So after I took care of myself (ha!), I whispered to RWF, "Whaddya think, should we treat them to an ice cream? They've been so good."  Of course, RWF agreed.  So we headed out of Starbucks, intending to surprise Bode and Gianna with ice cream.

Before we left Starbucks, Bode insisted that he was thirsty.  So I asked the barista for a cup of ice water.  I gave him the ice water and started off.  

But.

Gianna started whining that she was thirsty, too. I looked over at the bar. Of course, there was  a line of people waiting for their coffee drinks and the two baristas were banging them out as quickly as possible. I didn't want to bother them again for water.  So I asked Bode to share his water.  Well of course, he acted like I had just asked him to give all the toys on the planet to his sister. He shrieked, "NO!" and kept walking away from us. I finally grabbed the water from him and gave it to Gianna, insisting "Share!"  Of course, once Gianna had the ice water in her hot little hands, she wouldn't give it up.  Bode got mad and pushed a chair over.  Yes. He did.  I was horrified at this act of anger.  (More on that later!)  I told him to right the chair and step out of Starbucks immediately.  He started crying and didn't want to do anything with the chair.  So I picked the chair up and grabbing his hand, walked him out of Starbucks where I could lecture him properly.  (Hindsight...I realize that I should have just asked for 2 cups of ice water the first time around!)

Let's just say, neither RWF nor I wanted to "treat" them to ice cream afterwards.  And they knew it. They whined the whole time we walked toward our car.  Everyone, except Nico, was grumpy.  

We got to the ice cream place and we relented on the ice cream. Why not reward bad behavior with ice cream?!! I think that I was hoping that ice cream would put everyone in a better mood.  The truth is, RWF and I were snippy and angry with each other. Neither of us had gotten a good night's sleep (up 4 times with Sir Nicholas, for one thing) and we both have a lot on our minds. Neither of us felt like dealing with parenting whiney toddlers.  

Lefty

Righty

Bode and Gianna cheered up (and quieted down) after they got ice cream.  RWF and I watched them silently. Finally, after about 20 minutes of watching Bode and Gianna smiling and enjoying themselves, RWF and I softened.  Eventually, we all made peace with each other. And so it is with parenting, right?  You just have to plug along, no matter how little energy or patience you have,  you have to be the adult and you have to be a "team" with your partner. I'm learning, little by little.  But, if you're a parent, you know that things are always changing. So once you've got one thing figured out, something new comes along.  And so it is with Bode.  I'm having a really hard time with him lately. I'll share more in another post.

Happy weekend.

xo

Independence Day!

Over the July 4th weekend, Bode surprised me by riding his bike on his own!

I drove up in the car, and Bode was on the swing outside. I walked up to him and asked him what was wrong (because he looked upset).  He said, "nothing," and then asked me to help him ride his bike.  Well. I was tired and hot (having just returned from the grocery store - quelle nightmare!).  But seeing him look so down, I said, "Yes, of course!"  And I helped him on his bike.  When Bode's grandmother gifted him this big boy bike over a year ago, RWF immediately took the training wheels off.  So whenever Bode wants to ride the big boy bike, it requires an adult to hold the handlebars and the seat while Bode "rides" (sometimes pedaling, sometimes not).  

So, we walked around the driveway, with Bode getting the feel for the pedals.  And then he was smiling again!  He said, "Let go, Mommy."  I wasn't sure I had heard him. "What?" I asked.  He smiled, "Let go."  "Are you sure?" I asked.  "Let go, Mommy!"  So I did. And he rode on his own.  "Bode! You're doing it! Bode! You're riding by yourself!"  I couldn't believe it.  I was so happy and shocked.  He looked so happy.  I ran alongside him until he wanted to stop.  I looked at him and said, "I can't believe it."  He was still smiling, "What?"  I sighed and said, "I can't believe that you're riding a bike by yourself. I'm so proud of you!"  And then of course, I started crying.  I stared at him while my eyes filled up.  He looked concerned, "Why are you crying, Mommy?"  I told him that I was crying happy tears, and that I was crying because I was so proud of him for riding his bike. I stood there, with the sun beating down on us and my firstborn staring up at me. I thought about Bode as a baby, and I thought about milestones and events in his life. Some things that I can remember and others that I can not.  I wanted to remember this one.

Then, Bode took off again around the driveway.  I went to RWF and said, "Can you believe it?"  He looked incredulous, "Are you CRYING?"  "I just can't believe it...can you believe it?"  He shrugged, "Well, we've been practicing..."  

My boy is riding his big boy bike! Another milestone. Boom.

Go, Bode, go!!!

xo

Living in the (captured) moment

These photos were the outtakes of Gianna's 3rd birthday party invitation

"To overlook the little things in life is to miss the biggest part of life itself."

-unknown*

Sometimes I feel bad for always stopping, mid-activity, mid-conversation, mid-whatever, to raise my phone up to eye level and snap a photo of whatever is before me.  I am always trying to snap photos of my babies, my husband, my dog, a moment in our life.  A lot of people  wonder why I don't just live in the moment and try to keep it in my memory. The truth is, I have very little memory. My brain just can not keep everything in memory that I would like to remember.  So I take photos of everything. I am the annoying person, at a family gathering, interrupting someone's conversation or special moment by stepping up and into the situation, and clicking my camera button.  I am the mother who sits in the background quietly snapping photos, so that I can capture this happy moment in their lives, a moment that they won't remember and that probably will mean nothing to them in 10 years.  But I want to remember.  So I take the photo, even at the risk of interrupting the moment. 

Today, when I dropped Bode and Gianna off at camp, a little girl ran up to Gianna and spoke to her.  And then, taking Gianna's hand, they walked off, together, hand in hand.  My heart swelled and tears popped into my eyes. It was such a simple and sweet gesture. Two little girls, one of them mine, holding hands. It was something that I want desperately for my daughter: a friend's hand through life.   

I didn't have my phone with me.  I debated running out to my car and grabbing my phone, and running out after them to snap the photo. I knew that I wanted to capture it as I saw it, their backs to me, the hands clasped like perfect paper doll cut-outs. But I didn't.  I will remember this scene. I will write it out instead:  Gianna, in her blue daisy sunhat, pink t-shirt,  and striped leggings.  Emily, in a pink flowered sunhat, pink t-shirt and grey leggings.  Both girls wore Hello Kitty rain boots on their feet (and this is why they bonded).  Emily is 3 1/2. Gianna is 2-turning-3-on-Sunday. They are the same height.  And they walked hand in hand into the woods, ready for a day of adventure and friendship at camp.

This week, I've been so busy getting ready for Gianna's 3rd birthday party. I have had no time to myself during this downtime while Bode and Gianna are at camp! It is funny how I can spend so much time cleaning, shopping and planning when I want to!  I want Gianna to have a happy birthday, a birthday that will surely be captured in several photos from a very well-meaning mommy. But a happy birthday all the same, no matter who remembers what.

Happy Thursday.

xo

* I don't know who to credit, but I love this quote.  I Googled the quote, but only came up with a bunch of random pins and sources. If you happen to know, please tell me. Thanks!

Park

Here are lots of photos highlighting my children's happiness today. Their mother finally had a good attitude and the energy to take them to the park.

- Three (!) babies in swings.
- Bode's hair looks funny because he wore 2 pigtails earlier in the day.
- At first, Bode insisted on swinging in the baby swing. I reminded him that he swings on the big boy swing. When I refused to lift him into the baby swing, he got mad and climbed in by himself!
- Bode has been wearing 2 watches for the past several days.  I showed him how to use the timer function on my running watch (that he's wearing). Any time something is about to happen, he hits one of the buttons (that beeps) and announces, "I'm going to have to set the timer for that."
- I am reminded, once more, that I keep forgetting that Gianna is almost 2 years younger than Bode. She just does everything that he does. It is easy to forget. She got on the seesaw easily for Bode when he asked her to play with him. But when he started pumping it up and down, I could see a bit of anxiety.  She was very happy when I explained to Bode that "Gianna might not like that, Bode." She got off quickly when I stopped the seesaw for her.
- Nico loves to swing.  He was awake for most of the park visit before nodding off in the stroller. We were there for a long time. It was nice to not have to worry about having to feed him while at the park! Now that he is older, he can go longer between feedings. This frees me up for the other babies (emotionally and physically).

It was nice to have the energy and to be mentally "up" for a visit to the park today. I hope that I can take the children more often! They certainly deserve it.
Happy Tuesday.
xo

Race day

Bode and Gianna, after the race

For the past 4 months, I've been working on the race committee for the Emma Foundation 5K and Kids Run, which is hosted by Bode's school.  Volunteering is important to me and to RWF, and so when the request came out for volunteers, I took it as a sign that it was time for me to roll up my sleeves and help. I also volunteered in order to meet more people, and to 'stretch' out of my comfort zone.  When I signed on, I had no idea how much I would be stretched!  It was not easy to do this gig with a 7 month old, and two toddlers.  And my respect for working parents grew once more. In addition to attending weekly meetings and posting advertisements, I was given the task of asking for sponsorships ($). Asking people (companies) for money made me very uncomfortable!  I wouldn't say that I was a complete success, but I did get a few companies on board to help us.  So it did stretch me, and I am glad that I did it. It also helped that RWF was very supportive of me volunteering, and did what he could to help me attend the meetings.  (Thanks, RWF!)

I was especially happy today, watching everything come to fruition. I've run in many races, but I've never been behind-the-scenes. It was great to see all of our hard work being enjoyed by so many children and adults.

Nico, not a runner, but sporting a very dangerous looking scratch

The best part of course was when my little family showed up. I was working the children's registration table, and when I saw my husband rolling up with my baby and two toddlers in tow, I left my post, and ran off to greet them! Everyone in our family was registered to run, but nobody did (because of timing issues - hello, we do have a 7 month old baby!).  But we supported the run by just showing up! Bode and Gianna wore their race shirts all day.

Later in the afternoon, Bode and I went to Starbucks together.  Downtown was packed with people walking around.  At one point, Bode hopped on a garden inset, and walked its curb. While I was watching him,  he bent over to pick up a cigarette butt.  I SCREAMED and smacked the gross garbage out of his hand.  My reaction was so violent, I  think everyone in a 5 foot radius of us stopped and looked. Bode's face crumpled, and reddened, as he started to cry.  I hugged him, and tried to explain why I had done that (and spoke loud enough for concerned passerby to understand that I didn't just randomly smack my child!). I felt terrible, but I was more horrified that he had picked up something that had been in someone's mouth and on the ground. ICK.  I made him promise that he'd never do it again, which he did. (I am still grossed out about it.)

Tonight RWF and I have a date! I am so excited. We have no plans. And as we have just discovered, Saratoga is mobbed for the Preakness and graduation, so we might just be out of luck on an actual restaurant dinner date!

Happy Saturday.

xo

Saratoga Springs Horse Show

On Sunday, after Bode's soccer practice, we went to the Saratoga Springs Horse Show.   I love horses, and getting to see them up close and personal was pretty exciting to me.   I could have stayed there all day, just looking at the horses and watching the show.  But alas, I have small children.  They enjoyed the show for about an hour. And then it was time to get home, eat lunch and take a nap.

After naps, we went outside to enjoy the sunshine. And Gianna filled up on daddy love.  She missed her daddy while he was gone (though she'd never let him know it).

Tonight, while I was bathing Nico, I found this:

Yeah, a sticker stuck into the palm of his hand.  At least it wasn't in his mouth.  This time around, baby-proofing is going to be so much harder! I've got two toddlers that have all kinds of tiny crap.  And they love to spread it all around the house, too.   I'm going to be so stressed once Nico starts moving around on his own. Ai yi yi.

And in other news, Bode insisted on going to sleep with two boxes of macaroni & cheese.  Today, I went to the grocery store, and I decided to surprise Gianna (who loooooves mac & cheese) with two boxes of the toxic orangey yellow noodles. Well. For whatever reason, Bode Wm would not let these boxes out of his hot little hands this afternoon, and even insisted on taking them to bed with him tonight! He is such a funny little guy.

Note to self: If you hear some strange rattling noise in the middle of the night, don't freak out, it's just mac & cheese!

Happy eve.

xo  

May Day Celebration

Return of the "ghost" looking children (covered in zinc oxide!)

This morning, we went to Bode's school's May Day celebration at Congress Park.  It was nice to mark the start of Spring with a fun celebration.  First, we stopped at Starbuck's for refreshments. Then we walked over to the park, hand in hand. Once there, we parked ourselves under a shade tree to watch the Maypole dance. The lower school (grades K-6) all participated in a Maypole Dance.  Each class got up and skipped around the Maypole, weaving colorful ribbons around the pole while a music group played drums and flutes.  The girls and boys wore wreaths and crowns made of flowers.  (Bode's class had their celebration on Wednesday.)

We participated with the Kindergarten class.  Bode stopped midway through the dance.  I was at a loss as to what to do.  Luckily, one of the Kindergartener teacher's encouraged the children to continue dancing on, around (without) Bode.  Gianna did great, and loved being a part of the big kids' dance. She also seemed to pretend like she was not related to Bode when he stopped the Maypole. (Just kidding.)

It was a nice start to Spring, a nice start to all of us getting out together in the sunshine as a family again.

Happy Friday.

xo