Nico: 11 months

Dear Nico,
Wow, this past month you've changed a lot.  Luckily, I captured most of it in pictures (thanks to the iPhone).

You currently have 2 teeth.  You drool all the time now.  Last night, you were crawling around, with a steady stream of drool escaping your mouth.  I thought, "Man, he's drooling a ton," and then I thought, "Hmm.  This seems to be a different kind of drool."  I pried your mouth open and sure enough, found a broken yellow crayon.  Change #1 is that you are putting everything in your mouth these days.  We have to watch you like a hawk. I've lectured both Bode and Gianna to make sure that the floor is clear of any small objects. They understand this, but they are babies, too, so can't be expected to remember to pick up stray crayons and Legos. But they do know to tell me if they see you put something in your mouth.  They are always quick to yell, "Nico put something in his mouth! Nico put something in his mouth!" so that I can quickly fish your mouth for the object. 

Change #2: You are starting to pull up on things.  The very first time I spied you doing this was in the garage.  Whenever we go outside, we all stop at the shoe basket and put on our shoes.  And you've learned this routine, too.  Once that garage door is opened in the kitchen, you make a beeline for the garage.  (Yet another area that I have to be careful about because I don't need you attempting to crawl down stairs!) The first time I saw you pull up was on a low basket in the garage.  And now, you are pulling up on other objects, too. You are ready to stand, moving your legs out straight, so that you are doing an inverted V on the floor.

The biggest surprise was last week, when everybody was in the playroom.  You decided to crawl up on the trampoline!  That was a pretty amazing feat, and I just sat there and stared, snapping pictures while you climbed up.  When you got up there, you sat and bounced, like you knew what to do.  While you bounced, you had this big smile on your face. You were so happy.  I clapped and cheered for you.  Then I called Daddy and told him that he needed to put the trampoline in the basement ASAP.  And so it is, but you're still looking for things to climb on. 

Speaking of play, you love playing ball. You are so good at rolling it to another person, catching it, and throwing it out again.  We usually do this in the morning before your sibs wake up. It is our little morning routine, and we both enjoy it. If I need a minute to do something, I can just roll a ball to you and you will play  with it for awhile. You love chasing after the ball, rolling it away, chasing after it again. 

Change #4 would be to food.  No more baby purees for you.  You won't even let me near you with a spoon.  If I approach you with a spoon in my hand, you push your arms out as if to ward off something bad, and turn your face away.  Today, you'll only eat finger foods: shredded chicken, peas, banana,  strawberries, watermelon, pasta, and pancakes.  It stresses me out, because I worry that you're not getting enough to eat.  I just have to trust that you're going to fill yourself up. At dinner time, you're more vocal and will 'demand' food while we're eating. Sometimes I don't give you what you want and you'll grimace and demand again.  It's kind of fun, to see what you'll eat. But it's also nerve-wracking, like, "Is he going to choke on this?"  

Change #5 is to sleep. But isn't sleep always changing with a baby? And it is a Rule that if you talk about sleep and a baby, the Universe and Baby will decide to change things up on you real fast. So let me just say that I've had a good sleep this week, and leave it at that. 

Thanks for being so wonderful.

Love,

Mommy

xo

Lately

We are still here.  

Last week, I felt like I was losing my mind.  It's been hard, these past few weeks, with a lot going on.  I've been telling RWF all summer, "I need a break." Well my break finally came. The babies spent two nights at "Camp Dawnie" where they enjoyed oodles of attention from Uncle Craig, Aunt Dawnie, Aunt Debbie and Grandma. They went to the zoo, out for breakfast, to the park, etc.  I think they also enjoyed sugary snacks and TV.  Awh, camp! They had a blast and smile every time I ask them, "Did you have fun?" As for me, I missed them like crazy. I was tearful, and thinking about them constantly. The house was too quiet. There were many moments when I considered just packing Nico up and driving over to Syracuse to pick up my other two babies. But then I told myself that this break was very much needed, and I would probably not get another chance for "alone" time, as school is starting soon.  So I tried to tolerate the quiet and missing my children. I think Nico enjoyed "only child" status, but he is thrilled to have his sibs back.

I have some anxiety about school.  I'm so glad that Bode is going to a private school right now.  Today we drove by the public elementary school that he would attend, and it looked huge. I can only imagine that the class size is as enormous as the school.  Afterwards, we went to the park (attached to the school) and the children played on the playground while I watched, standing beside Nico (in his stroller).  Bode and Gianna were up on a slide structure, high up.  And as I looked at them, I saw this boy push Bode.  I blinked.  I thought, "Surely I did not just see that kid push my son."  But yeah, he pushed him. He pushed him again. This boy was Bode's size, so I don't think he was older (does it matter? No.). Bode just stood there, and kind of looked at him.  I could tell Bode didn't know what to do, and wouldn't do anything to challenge this kid. Then this boy pushed Gianna.  And after he pushed her, he stood behind her, wrapped his arms around her and picked her up.  He stood there, with his arms wrapped around her, lifting her...what he was going to do, I don't know. Gianna was rigid in this boys arms, her feet not touching the ground. She didn't say anything but her eyes were looking around, looking for help.  "HEY!" I yelled and ran over there. I climbed the structure and got real close to him. "HEY! LET GO OF HER NOW."  I nearly ripped his head off. I was thisclose to becoming physical with this kid. I could NOT believe what I was seeing and my blood was boiling.  He stood there and looked at me.  He didn't blink.  But I could see a ripple of attention behind his face.  I took a breath (I was seriously about to LOSE IT) and  sharply hissed, "Don't ever do that again.  Not to her. Not to him. Not to anyone."  And then I remembered my children. They were staring at me, scared.  I said, more calmly, "We don't push. It's not nice. Someone could get hurt. Especially up here."   Bode found his voice, and echoed, "Yeah, we don't push."  Gianna repeated, "Yeah, we don't push." The boy still stood his ground, as if to let me know that he wasn't impressed. I turned around, and found the boy's mother, her face hidden behind huge sunglasses, tucked into her iPhone, oblivious.  "Hey!" I yelled, "Your son just pushed my children!"  She looked up, and weakly called toward him, "Don't do that!"  The boy ran over to her. They had a brief exchange, and then  he was off again. I stood there, my whole body shaking.  How in the world do I release my children to this?  I know that I can't control everything and everyone. I know that my children can't live in a bubble. But the idea that my children are going to be subjected to mean behavior, to this....oh, it rattles me. 

As for the rest of the summer (we still have over 2 weeks until school starts), I don't know.  I will try to pack in some more park days (hopefully without mean behavior), gardening, farmer's market trips, etc.I guess we will just enjoy the schedule-free time that we have right now.  

Happy Wednesday.

xo

Cousin Danielle

Cousin Danielle (and Aunt Debbie, Aunt Dawnie, and Grandma) paid us a visit yesterday.  I think Gianna found her new BFF!  She thoroughly enjoyed sitting on Dani's lap and talking to her.  The two girly-girls had a lot of fun together, brushing hair, playing dolls, and talking about boys (Dani gave Gianna some great advice: "You're the boss!").

It was a great afternoon hanging out with family. Thanks for visiting us, Dani! We hope that you have a wonderful school year!
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

Cooler mornings and last day of camp!

Chilly morning

This week has been so wonderful, weather-wise!  It has gotten down to 48.  We wake up to a chilly house because our house is opened up all day and night.  We have been putting footie pajamas on the baby, and everyone wears fleeces in the morning. In the afternoons, it's been low 80s. Hooray! I of course love this weather.   I know it won't last, but I'm going to enjoy it while we have it.  

I have started Fall shopping! Hooray!  It is my favorite time of year, and back-to-school shopping is probably one of my most favorite activities, ever. But more on that later.

A warm and stripey outfit today

Bode and Gianna  have their last day of camp today.  They've had fun, but it's definitely been rough in the woods. They've gotten bitten by mosquitos all over, and Bode has blisters on his  heels.  I think Bode enjoys playing with new friends, but Gianna has a harder time friending others, because she is the youngest of the bunch. Yesterday when I dropped them off, Bode ran off with a friend and Gianna lagged behind. I stopped, midway to my car and looked at her. She stood there and looked at me.  And my heart  hurt a little bit, wondering if she wanted me to stay or if she wanted to go with me. I told her that I loved her and to have fun. She yelled back, "Okay, take care!" But she still stood there and watched me. Finally I took a deep breath, blew her a kiss, and walked to my car, hoping that she would have fun.  As I pulled out of the driveway, I looked back and saw that she had joined Bode and his friend.

I keep debating back & forth over whether Gianna should go to school with Bode.  (Bode is going to a Kindergarten that ranges in age from 3-6, so Gianna could go there, too.) My first response is No, because I think she needs an experience independent of Bode. On the other hand, I think it might be helpful for her to have Bode around to show her the ropes.  It's hard...we want to do what's best for her (and Bode) and all we can do is make our best decision based on what we know, right?  I get a little freaked out, knowing that I will have two babies in school this Fall. Luckily, I will have one baby at home with me!

Oh, how I love you.

I have no plans for the month before school starts. I imagine that we will fill up our days with swings, water fun and other summer activities. Hopefully some relaxed downtime/play is just what the monkeys need before the Fall school schedule begins!

Happy Friday.

xo

PSA: The brothers McGee

The following is a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT for the people of Upstate New York:

Here are Cheeksy and Eyelashes McGee, two brothers that are fun, happy, charming and...dangerous.  Not a lot is known about them, but here are a few interesting tidbits about these two:

Cheeksy is the older of the two.  He is called "Cheeksy" because of his big smile. When he was a baby, he'd smile so big, all you'd see were cheeks ("Cheeksy").  He is a happy guy, and loves cars and to run around. These days, he is often seen riding his bike at full speed.  He is full of energy, and can be heard singing or shouting (happily). He is very intelligent, and will argue a point with you until he wears you down. He loves his brother, and will defend him in anything.  He calls his brother by these other names: "Neek" (rhymes with "cheek") and "Bobby Builder" (origin of this name is unknown, but Cheeksy is said to have called his brother this name since Eyelashes's birth). 

Eyelashes is the baby brother, but don't let his age fool you. This guy is quite the charmer, and can get what he wants with his smile, grunting, or yes, by batting his ultra-long eyelashes.  The eyelashes are quite disarming, because you don't see them right off.  But if he moves his head just so, BAM! there they are, and passerby are struck by the length of his blonde lashes (hence, "Eyelashes" or "Lashes").  It has been reported that when he was just 3 months old, his aunt came from Texas to meet him, and upon seeing his profile in the car, said, "All I see are eyelashes." To express his disapproval, Lashes will blow raspberries.  Eyelashes doesn't say much, but that does not stop him from taking what he wants.  He will even go as far as to cry to get what  he wants.  You have been warned!

People are warned to not engage in direct eye contact with these brothers.  If Cheeksy or Lashes starts to smile, please look away! Associating with these two brothers has resulted in loss of Goldfish crackers, sweets, water (due to frequent baths or swimming pool fun), and loss of energy (due to pushing them on swings and endless rounds of "Peek-a-boo"). 

It is important for the public to know that they do not usually dress alike. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking that you will see these two coming because they stand out in their matching outfits. They will disarm you with their smiling, happy faces and you will never even notice what they are wearing!

The brothers also have a sister, who has her own charms about her. She is kind of bossy, in a sweet way. She may in fact be the "mastermind" behind the whole crew. She is known for her pink outfits and messy hair. She is not a fan of the hairbrush, and so may sport a rather messy hairdo, despite being "girly." She has several aliases. Some of them are:  "Cakes" (or, "Babycakes"), "G" (when she is particularly sassy around her father), or "The MiaGia." Her mother has tried to call her by her given name, Mia, for years, with no success. A separate report will follow when more is learned on the female sibling of the Brothers McGee.

END OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT.

xo

Rainy days are here again

Gianna sez, "Rain? Again?"

Last night was the second trial in room sharing. It went a little better (but not much). They were both up super late (and slept in this morning).  I know that this will take time.  But let's just say I'm not moving Nico's crib into Gianna's old room yet....

It is pouring down rain.  Today is day 2 for camp and I felt a little wicked dropping the monkeys off in the downpour.  But I know that they will have fun.

Bode and Gianna insist on carrying their backpacks (gifted to them by Aunt Mary Lou) to camp every day, even though they really don't need them.  They are supposed to bring certain things to camp, and leave the items in their designated spaces.  But Bode and Gianna insist on carrying their backpacks to and from camp every day.  And every afternoon when I pick them up from camp, they are packing up their backpacks, as if they are nomads, off on another journey, and not off to the comforts of their very suburban, very modern home. While they pack, I point out that all the other kids leave their items at the camp.  I try to talk to them about maybe leaving the spare pair of undies or sunscreen at camp for tomorrow, but am told that everything must go back in the backpack. And the backpack goes with them.  It is all very official with them, you know.

I finally captured a picture of Nico with his first tooth.

This baby has curls.  And I love the curls because they remind me of my dad.
Happy Tuesday.
xo