Love Bites and Runaways

I don't know what has gotten into Mia. She's usually an affecionate "Momma's Boy" (still working on our gender issues.) A couple days ago, while fiercely hugging my leg, she nipped me. Those little front teeth left a bruise on my thigh. We talked about biting, she got a time out, etc. Then yesterday while having another of those intensely affectionate hugs, she bit my shoulder. I almost dropped her. It stung for the rest of the day. I think Mia got the message when I showed her the bite and said "Owie for Momma! NO BITE!" because now, whenever she glimpses my shoulder, she searches for the bite mark and says "No bite! No! Momma owie. I saw-y (sorry)." Well, now it sounds cute, but it really wasn't at the time.

And then there's Ali. Highly emotional Ali. Getting ready to go to the park, I sent the girls in to put on closed toe shoes. Apparently this is not specific enough. Ali came out wearing ballet shoes (has a closed toe), then white sandals (no closed toe, but closed heel) and finally white patent leather dress shoes (has a closed toe). When I did not agree to her choice in footwear and insisted on her Nikes', she lost control - "But my Nike's are BORING. Nobody will play with me because I don't have pretty shoes! They're so WEIRD!" This was followed by lots of crying. When she finally grasped her options: Nike's or no park - she packed a bag with winter clothes, blankies, and the patent leather dress shoes and stood at the front door. When I asked what she was up to she said, "You never let me wear what I want to so I am running away to my friend Audreys' house. I am going to live there!" I said that I'd miss her, and in case she hadn't noticed Audrey's shoes lately, I don't think her mom lets her wear what she wants either. It didn't work, Ali still thinks running away is like going on vacation. "Please Mom? Why can't I run away? I know how to get to there!" I recently found out that a friend may have a connection with a policeman who may be giving Ms. Runaway a call. I'll be keeping his name and number for situations I anticipate coming up in about 12 years. Scary thought.

45 Pictures?!

Oh, my girls. We had a long day at the pool. We played until we were literally ready to drop. My eyelids were even heavy driving home. Ali dozed in the backseat, Mia sang her version of the Sunday sing-a-long on the CD player. We get home, get everyone in their pajamas, teeth brushed and sent into the playroom to watch Enchanted. About 20 minutes later, as I walk past the playroom with my arms full of laundry I think I see a flash out the corner of my eye. So I stand there in the hallway thinking I must be seeing things. The hushed voices were my first clue that they were up to something. Mia spotted me first. "Uh-oh Ayee (Ali), Momma... !" With heads ducked down avoiding eye contact, Ali hands over my camera. I'll spare you the majority of Ali's new love for photography, but I do have 45 pictures of Mia modeling dress-up clothes and showcasing favorite toys if you're interested.... Here are my favs:

At least she gets the whole "point and click" concept.

Happy Memorial Day!

We spent our long weekend doing what we like to do... hanging out at the pool!! The girls are getting really brave - both swimming with just water wings!

My first attempt at posting a video... I wanted you to be able to hear their little voices! So cute! It's from my camera - not the best quality. But better than nothing! Enjoy!!

A New Baby

What?? It's not what you think....Joe went out of town for a few days on business, and while he was gone, the girls and I adopted a new sister.... We did let him in on it before we finalized the deal, and he took it well. In fact, I think he's coming home tonight! The puppy is 7 weeks old and is an Australian Shepherd. That's what the owner told me anyway. According to the vet, she's got a Bermese gene in there somewhere. The 40 lb dog I thought I was getting is now a 60-80lb dog... but it's all good, right? She's very laid back and likes to cuddle. Hates her crate at night. We left the naming up to Ali. What were we thinking?? "Puppy Doggy" (Mia's first choice for a name) wore several monikers before we found something suitable. "Daisy" was Ali's first suggestion, followed 10 minutes later by "Minnie Mouse". Then she was "Ariel" for half a day followed by "Sleeping Beauty" because she sleeps a lot. Then she was "Lazy" because it rhymes with "Daisy" and then she was Kasey because Ali likes that name, followed by "Cheese" because, well, Mia likes cheese. Finally Ali suggested "Cali" because it rhymes with "Ali" and I clung to it hard because it's the most normal pet name she's come up with so far. So "Cali" it is.

Just a Great Afternoon!

Summer's almost here and the pool at Grandma and Pop Pop's is ready for action. We've already spent many afternoons poolside - playing and grilling yummy food. I am so greatful for my family! I feel so blessed that the highlight of my week is usually spending time with my kids and my nephew!

Here's Pop Pop telling Mia, "No, don't pour water on Pop Pop's head... "

And here's Mia laughing hysterically after she did exactly what he wanted her to do....

Is this a "fish kiss" then?

And While the Cat's Away..

Mia will play! I find this funny...

Ali is at school. Mia is wearing Ali's favorite pink robe, sitting in Ali's favorite chair, drinking chocolate milk from Ali's cup and watching Ali's new Barbie movie. She likes to live on the edge. I worry there will be trouble this summer with Ali home all week...

Adios Preschool!

Ali has officially graduated from preschool. I was a little sad, but I didn't cry! She is so excited for KinderGARten (how Ali says it). She will be spending the summer learning how to spell her last name. It's a tough one.

Surfs Up!

Texas style! We are enjoying a series of nearly 90 degree days! On Friday we set up a slip n' slide in the backyard and played hard for several hours. My thinking was that the girls would be exhausted and take long naps -during which time I could take a long nap (I had to work that night). They slept 45 minutes and wanted to go back outside. I went to work sunburned and tired.

Here's Miss. Natalie. Looking way too big and cute.We're very pround of our curves.

and creases...

The Zoo Again

Mia and I took advantage of a nice afternoon while Ali was at preschool and went to the zoo with Auntie Leslie, Uncle Matt and Baby (James) (side note: Mia and James call each other "Baby". It's so cute when when they see each other, "Hey Baby!") Sitting on an alligator

Staying hydrated

Auntie didn't see much of the zoo...

Confessions of a Marshmallow Eater

Conversation from a couple days ago...

11 am. Ali: "Mom? I got to tell you something really bad that happened."
Mom: "Did it really happen, or did you imagine it happened?"
Ali: "It really happened. But it wasn't my idea."
(of course it wasn't... )
Mom: "Let's hear it."
Ali: "Well when you and Daddy were trying to sleep, Mia and me came out of our room."
Mom: "Okay. Was this at night time or in the morning?"
Ali: "It was in the morning when me and Mia got up and it was still dark so you told us to go in the playroom."
Mom: "Okay. What happened that was really bad?"
Ali: "We sneaked in the pantry and ate all the marshmallows."
Mom: "What?"
(I confirmed that indeed the marshmallows were gone and the bag neatly disposed of.)
Mom: "Thanks for your honesty. But sit in time out because it's not okay to sneak marshmallows or anything out of the pantry. You ask first. "
(Serves us right for neglecting our children for 20 more minutes of precious sleep.)
Mom: "Amelia, did you sneak marshmallow with Ali?"
Mia: (smiles) "Nummy treat!" (frowns) "No, no!"

Dad's Turn

Let me set the scene... 8:34 pm. Thursday night. Halfway through a really good, new episode of Grey's Anatomy. My kids are SUPPOSED to be in bed. Sleeping. After 3 trips to put them back in bed, I have lost my cool. I go into their room with my stern "mom voice" wagging my finger and the whole bit. Dead silence through my whole speech. I'm thinking, "Wow. They're taking me seriously!" Then I hear giggling. Down the hall... in the bathroom where the door is locked... Yep. Whole speech delivered to an empty bedroom and my kids are giggling at my raised voice from inside the bathroom. I give up. Dad's turn.

Daddy's New Ink

Nothin' like defacing your body in honor of your children. Ali thinks it's way cool to see her name on the back of Daddy's shoulder. I'd like to say (to my father-in-law especially) that I did not encourage this. I accept it. And now that it's done, it's really not that bad. It's growing on me. I wonder where the name of our third child is going to go... (Joe shudders and becomes nauseated when I say this.)

A Visitor!

Our good friend (and Joe's frat bro from back in the day) Jeromy came to spend the weekend with us. When I pointed him out in a picture to Ali before he arrived, she wanted to know if he was bringing his kids. I explained that Jeromy doesn't have any kids. She wanted to know why - I said that was a good question, go ahead and ask him when he visits. She warmed up to him right away despite his lack of children. She spent an entire morning cutting out crowns with him. Mia took him for a ride on her tricycle. It was pretty cute to see them all bonding so well. We had adult time also - went to dinner and had some (too many) margaritas.




Of course, we took our visitor to a riveting Little Dora's game. Jeromy played soccer with Joe in college. And he brought Ali some great soccer gear! And Baby Gap for Mia!





Here's the thing.. if you knew Joe and Jeromy like I knew Joe and Jeromy about 6 years ago - you would have a hard time picturing them at a table with two preschoolers cutting out crowns and tiaras. And yet, I'd like to say that I had the insight to see past the fraternity... =) Anyway it was a nice visit, and while we don't know what's taking him so long, we're sure Jeromy will be a good catch for somebody. Happy fishing, friend!

Joe's friend Tom is next to visit. Stay tuned for that report!!

Half a Century Old!

We surprised my Mom with a birthday party at a little mexican restaurant she likes. Lots of her friends came, we had good food and cake. Leslie and I did 99% of the work, my Dad took 99% of the credit. Naturally.

On the cake is a picture of my Mom on her first date with my Dad. It says "forever young" in frosting. Cute, eh? Yeah, that was all Les and I. (Give credit where it's due, right??!)