Chuchette

My son is the child who still sleeps with a pacifier (or chuchette)-and I stress, SLEEPS with it only. I do not allow him to have it any other place but his bed. (OK ,I take it back, if the very occasional nap time is in the car, he can have it)

Today, I couldn't figure out why he wasn't falling asleep during nap time. 1 hour became two, so I decided to go up there and investigate. He had thrown everything out of his crib, and was smiling.

Maybe he's not tired? I thought.

Not my son, he's the kind of kid who requires at least two hours of nap, and 11 hours of sleep at night.

After finding his two pacifiers on the floor, I figured he had bitten through them. When he's teething, he bites on them with all his might to relieve the pressure and bites holes in them, "breaking" them.
I snagged the reserve one in the cabinet, and he put it in his mouth, and he fell fast asleep.

I know it's a "crutch", but if it gets him to sleep, would it really be a crime if Vaughn had a pacifier until he's say...18?

Pre- School, Already?

Panic stricken, my friend Katie called me to inform me that we have to start looking into pre-schools for the kids. She spoke with my neighbor about the program she sent her kids too, and was told that there is a pretty large waiting list, and we should sign up a.s.a.p. for next fall to insure a spot. Now, there are a ton of programs we could send them, but our school district has an internal program. It makes the most sense for me to send them to the school district pre-school program.

It is so crazy how fast time goes, and how fast we are making it fly. V and A are only 2 years and 4 months old. They are starting school a year from now! Yes, it's pre-school, but real school none the less.

Swinging into Summer...too late

Last week was a great week. I finally got together with my High School friends, two of them with twins, and one is a new momma. I went over to my neighbor Katie's house for drinks after the kids went to bed. Rick and I took Vaughn and Avery for a fun day at the near by Lake Park for some afternoon fun. This week, we walked to our community center, played at the park, had a picnic snack and looked for ducks in the pond. After nap, we went over to the pool, and the kids for the first time, REALLY enjoyed themselves. Vaughn was running through the sprinklers screaming his head off. Avery was dancing under the raining flower doing arabesques. We went over to the "big" pool, and they actually walked in on their own. Avery lays on her belly in the zero depth area and kicks her feet. Finally, we had some playtime with almost all the cousins, and they really had a ball.


Every morning when I wake up, I look out the window and notice that it isn't as light out anymore, and the sun is setting earlier and earlier with every passing day. It makes me sad, because I feel like I've just now, dove into summer. As soon as it arrived, it will disappear. I'm trying to soak up every day, and enjoy the shoelessness, the easy "go throw some shorts on". I love flip flops and afternoons at the park. Grilling every night, or going out to a restaurant to sit outside with a Mojito.

Summer is the best time of year for me. This is one of the best summers I've ever had.

The few things I dislike about Summer

We all love summer right? The warm weather, being outside in the fresh air...I could go on for hours. There are some things that are really ANNOYING about summer. I know they don't out weigh the winter's crappiness, but they do exist, so let me tell you what I don't like.

There are only 3 (thank god, any I experienced all of them last night)

#3) Mosquitoes.
I would venture to guess we all hate these little buggers. At least we can repel them. This is why they are at the bottom of the list.

#2) Firecrackers.
Since having children, I have grown to HATE, HATE, HATE them. The people of the neighborhood are always firing them off when my children are sleeping ('cause it's dark). The home schooled kids down the street happen to light 'em up in the street, and scream at the top of their lungs. It kills me. I guess it is that time of year, and not much can be done about it for the next month. Thank god for the sound machines we purchased for the kids a few months ago. They muffle out a lot when they are on the highest setting, although, last night they were awakened at 10pm by the last pops of them. This too can be stopped after 10pm when the noise ordinance kicks in. It's just a quick call to the police station.

#1) Ding Dong Ditchers.

In our case since we do not have a doorbell, the little bastards either knock ferociously, or in the last situation, kick the door so hard the knocker we have knocks with the aftershock. I was watching a movie at about 11pm, when I was startled by the sound of someone kicking my door in. I slapped my husband in the face a few times (who was sleeping in my lap) to wake him screaming "wake up, didn't you hear that?". I heard the punks leaping from the stairs, and scatter. My first instinct is to open the door an let my trusty hound out to "sick 'em". But I didn't. I put Louie's leash on, and walked around outside saying,
"OK Louie, find them. Hey punks, should I let my dog find you, and you can square it up with him? Next time I will, and I'll tell the cops you were trespassing".

I saw a little punk kid scamper across the street and dodge behind a house.

There isn't much you can do. Kids will be kids. I guess it's payback for my husbands behavior as a teen.

All in all, summer is fantastic! If it was only a few months longer.

I'll scratch your back, if you'll scratch mine

My friend Katie and I have begun kid swapping. We started this after we watched each others kids a few afternoons to get some errands done. I finally said to her,

"Hey, why the hell aren't we doing this once a week?"

So, the birth of "Kid Swapping".

I LOVE it!! Who wouldn't? I have 2 free hours a week for anything. The best part is, it's free and guilt free since I then watch her son.

These past few weeks, all I've done is accumulate supplies for my yard. Overall, I have worked a total of 8 hours doing yard work during naptime. It is finally looking pretty nice. I have a few more things I'd like to do, but the maintenance alone will keep me busy all summer when the kids aren't.

Imaginations Gone Wild

Last week, my lovely daughter told me that she was going to run away. I was changing her diaper, and she looks at me and says

"Mom (yes Mom), I onna run way."

"Your going to run away?" I asked

"Yep Mom, run..aaaaway" and she points her finger towards the door.

"Where are you going?" I asked

"I, I , I live at store!"

I decide to inquire further.

"What will you eat and drink at the store?"

Without hesitation, " I eat Thai food, and drink coffee" she replies

"And who will change your diaper and give you a bath?"

With a big smile, "Katie will change a diaper" (she's our good friend).



After lunch today, Vaughn and I were talking about Daddy.

"Vaughn, what is Daddy?" (they usually reply"A Man")

"Daddy a bird"

"Daddy is a bird?What color is Daddy?"

"green, yeah a green bird. He fly away, to far (reaching to the ceiling) to high, can't reach 'em"

"And Mommy is...?"

"A yellow...bunny rabbit"

"What are you?"

"A green bird, no... a bunny rabbit bird" I guess her understands the blending of DNA.

"You are a bunny rabbit bird?"

"Oh" ("Oh", means "yes" to Vaughn, it's an Italian thing I think)

"What is Avery then?"

"Avey a red (her favorite color) bunny rabbit too."

It is so funny to watch how much they imagine every day. I've learned a votive candle can be a baby's bottle, a fig bar bitten a certain way can become a boot for your finger. Spitting water from your mouth makes you an elephant, and a dust bunny from under the couch is a mouse.

Facebook

I created an account a while ago, but never really got into it. I haven't got a ton of time to spare. It's not easy keeping up with the kids, the house, the yard, paying bills, making meals, my blog, and Facebook all at once. Since my friends list is growing, I can't help but run down to the computer and sign in. My lovely sister- in- law did warn me about how addictive it is. I still limit the amount of time I am logged in and try not to invest precious moments typing and searching away.


It is so much fun to find people I haven't seen in years. I am happy to see that most are doing well, and seem happy.


How many of you are addicted????















Haven't worked out since Tuesday. Yasmin is making me feel funky, but it's better than another set of twins.

???? on the lbs. I'll come bake up to speed, and have some courage to weigh myself again.

Spring is Paradise

I am really enjoying the weather these past few days! There is nothing like opening the windows to let the nice clean breeze in, and flush out the stale winter air.


All the different sounds of the birds are glorious and the small sprigs of green on the tree branches really promises that spring is finally here.


Waking up before 7am is no big deal, now that the sun is up, and we can spend the day playing and exploring the newness of spring. It is so much fun to watch the kids become so exited by what we have taken for granted for so long. Birds flying overhead, all the little flowers blooming, worms on the sidewalk, ant hills in the dirt.


I think of the sentence in the chorus of Paradise by the BoDeans:


Paradise, it aint hard to find, lookin' out your window at the world outside.


Spending hours outside is wonderful! I love digging in the sand and rolling in the grass. We have already gone through a bucket of sidewalk chalk since Easter.


What is your favorite outdoor activity??

The North Face Nation

I went to a Black Hawks game on Sunday with my friends. As we arrived to the United Center, I realized that ONE out of THREE people were wearing The North Face jacket of some kind. As we drove to the parking lot, there was just a sea of people with the white lettering on their right shoulder. There were less people wearing hockey jerseys. I have had the conversation before with ...someone, but I never saw so many of the same brand of jacket in such a small area. I guess it's the label right? I have a Colombia fleece jacket that's really nice, and I only spent $30 (at Nordstrom Rack) as opposed to close to $150.


Of course I made a comment to the girls who both had their North Face jackets on. To make it worse, I had also pointed out that most of the women and girls wearing the North Face jackets. were also wearing Ugg's. I looked at both of their feet as we got out of the car, and they two were wearing Ugg's.



What's the big deal? I know it sounds funny from someone who love designer jeans, but I love them because of the way they fit. Is there something I am missing with these jackets?



The issue is not money, it's the very specific brand. Why does everyone have one?





125
3.5 miles today

The Terrific Two's Emerging

How sweet they look!!!!

Yes, they are beginning to morph into screaming, hitting, pushing, defiant children. I knew it would happen. I used to be in a room filled with 10 of them. The quietest, most gentle kids seemed to be the ones who really start to act out. I guess they make up for lost time.




Vaughn has quickly found his independence, and finds that if he pushes and hits anyone, he gets a reaction one way or another. Rick and I really try not to react, and just tell him over and over again "we don't push one another", and "it's not nice to hit!" He repeats "no pushing, no hitting", walks up and smacks me in the face. We redirect, give him a ball to push and tell him, "push the ball". We have started to remove him from the room, and put him in the corner. He stands there willingly, and says "manners, not nice...corner" It's hard not to laugh, but we keep our composure.



Avery is actually manageable right now. She is spirited, and will sometimes hit or push, but when we discipline her, she crumbles. She buries her face in my lap, or falls to the ground in a fetal position. It's pretty funny too.



Meal times are especially fun when slices of apples are chucked at you. Vaughn loves to throw anything, and put his feet on the table. I know it's just a matter of ignoring behaviors, and staying calm, but some days it's really hard. If we remind him of using good manners, he says "yes, manners", laughs, takes a big sip of milk and spits it all over the place. ARGHHHHH!!!!!!! Avery is not that extreme since food is worth it's weight in gold to her. She will almost never intentionally throw food on the floor. She does, however , put her feet on the table, and scream.



I WON'T call them terrible though. They are smart kids, and are just trying to find out where the limits are. They challenge us more every day, but make us laugh just as much. It's all a phase, and if handled the right way, will pass quickly. I just really hope they do not become the kind of kids who people talk about in a negative way, like they talk about Rick or my cousin Chuck. I'll often hear, "Wow, Richie was quite a kid!!! I hope they don't act that way" Thankfully, both turned out to be wonderful caring adults.



I am looking forward to summer, when they can expel a lot of energy. Most the time, kids act out when they have an over abundance of energy, no structure, and overtired. Thankfully, I am very structured, and they get plenty of sleep.




Spring where are you!!!!!!!!!!!









126
ran 3.5 miles today

Update

Very quickly, I'm updating my progress. I started bringing the kids to the community center twice a week so I can work out. The regular teacher is in love with both V and A and is very good with them, although, they do cry for a bout 5 minutes after I leave. When I peak in after my run, they are happily playing with Mrs. Liz. They have so much fun, they don't wan to leave.



Today I ran 3.2 miles easily. Every week, I'll try to get a bit faster since I'd like to run some races this year. I'm not concerned about time right now. I just want to go the distance (maybe more) and speed up from there on in. I do feel so much better already. It's nice to drop the kids off, plug in and tune out.


126

The Biggest Loser at Home.

I love this show. It's really nice to see people achieving weight loss through hard work with diet and exercise. I get all teary eyed up when I watch it.

This is inspiring me to log in my progress every time I post. Rick and I have been working out three times a week now, and although I don't spend as much time at the gym as I'd like, at least I'm going. I run for 30 minutes, or run 20, then do the elliptical for another 10 minutes. I then end with a bit of weight training (what ever I can fit in).


I try to do "donkey kicks" and lunges at home, since my tush is starting to slide. How depressing! I also fit some ab work in, in between the loads of laundry.
I figure I might have some extra motivation to start eating more healthy again, or just eating less if I post my progress. My water consumption is way down too. I used to drink at least a liter of water a day, and I'm lucky if I drink more than 8 oz these days. Wonder why I get headaches eh?


So watch for the loss (crossing fingers) at the bottom.


128 lbs

The First Day of School

Today was our first day of our "Stay and Play" class with the park district. We walked in, took off our coats, and made our way to say hello to the teacher.


As I walked across the room, I noticed we were the only non Eastern European people in the class so far. I walked V and A up the the teacher, introduced the and myself, and greeted the teacher. I was very clearly the strange american woman.


As other class members came in, I noticed we were the minority. The "E.E" parents sat in the corner and chatted (jzib jzib) while their children ran about pushing other kids, as the rest of us supervised our children and encouraged them to share and be kind to the other kids. I was also making sure V and A weren't licking any of the sticky toys, as to not ingest any other viruses and bacteria for a while.


I was surprised to see my babies having no problem running off and interacting with other kids and adults. They were sharing toys with other kids, and would occasionally call out for one another to make sure their sibling was at least in the room. They would periodically meet up in the center of the room, say a few words and then separate again.


I tried very hard to not interfere with what they were doing, so they can initiate play on their own. I did however, as I mentioned before, keep an eye on them at all times.


It was then time for "snack". We sat at the little tables, and had some dried cranberries, and cheerio's, and I tried to strike up conversations with other parents. Needless to say it was difficult with most of the other parents, but I did talk with a few. I was the most aggressive one there, 'cause once I started to talk, more people came out of their shell. After snack, I asked V and A to take their napkins to the garbage. This was amazing to the others. "Wow, did you see that?? How do you get them to help you??" I heard from some of them. I figured almost all kids love to help, and throw things in the "bargage".


Anyhow, on to circle time. If you don't know, I'm always talking to V and A. I explain almost everything we are doing, or going to do. So I prepared them. "Alright, we're having circle time! Let's clean up the toys so we can sit in a circle on the carpet!" V and A started tossing toys in the toy box, and proceeded to sit on the colorful carpet. This again was strange to most.


The teacher sat down and asked what we would like to sing. Every parent sat wide eyed, and quiet.

Are you asking us or the kids? I thought to myself.

How about the wheels on the bus? The teacher suggested.

Thinking again. This should be amusing since more than half the people in this class speak polish.

The teacher started The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. All thought the town.

Pause... blank looks....

I chime in The Wipers on the bus go swish swish swish...and so on.

Suddenly, I'm leading the song. WTF is the teacher for?? She asks us what song we'd like to sing next, and looks at me.

The itsy bitsy spider? I say

The next thing you know, I'm leading this song too. Oh, and after every song, I clap and say "yeah!!!!!" to get the kids going a bit.

I should be getting paid for this I'm thinking.

It was now time to go. The teacher was saying her good byes, but most of the parents just threw their kids jackets on and bolted out the door. I made sure to show V and A to say good bye and Thank you to the teacher and to the new kids we had met.

I guess for some, it's a place to bring your kid to play. I see it as "school", and another opportunity to teach V and A manners, and expose them to a few hours of structured play. I guess it's the preschool teacher in me.

I do look forward to going next week, and the weeks that follow. It's fun to watch the kids enjoy new experiences, and branch off. It makes me feel more comfortable that they look out for each other, and aren't necessarily looking for me.

Happy Birthday TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my Mommy!!


My Mom taught me how to be silly, creative, and use all kinds of strange words to describe almost anything.


She taught me how to whip up a meal from whatever was left in the fridge. These dishes usually turn out better than any recipe.


My Momma showed me how to be strong even when you feel you are at your weakest moment.


Tip your glass to her today!!



I love you very much and hope you are having a wonderful day!!

1,000 down the drain

Well, I ran without my SPORTS orthotics today, and whata you know? My knee didn't hurt. Now that I'm home and have my neoprene wrap off, It's a little sore, but nothing like a few days ago.

I did notice that my arch was a bit ...tense on the left foot, but I'll take that. I might just forget about them all together, because when I wear them on a day to day basis, my knee still hurts. I guess I can take them back to the podiatrist and have them fix the orthotics.

They are supposed to slow down my inevitable bunions that I have inherited. The bunions are not really even bunions yet, but do I save my feet, and spare the knee? I don't think so. Even if I wear the orthotics, I'll still eventually get the bulbous joints on my pretty little dogs anyhow. Ya gotta love getting older. At least I didn't pay for the stupid things.

Back In Action!!!!

Finally, we joined our community fitness center. Rick and I took the kids for a "look-see" a while ago, but never got the motivation to just pay the membership fee, and GO.

What's nice is they have a babysitting room for parents who want to work out. It's nicely equipped with toys, kitchen and T.V. They also limit the number of children in the room, and you have to make an appointment, which controls any over crowding.

Now, I have no excuse. Only if the babies are sick. They will turn you away if you attempt to bring in a sick child- that's nice.

After a stressful month (holiday's, cold weather, very sick babies) , I finally went. I packed up my new hot pink Nike bag, compliments of my sister and UDA, and took the one minute drive over to the community center. It is rather small, but it is clean and the staff is very friendly. Unlike the gym we used to belong too.

I fired up my ipod, and hopped onto the treadmill. I would have chosen the elliptical because of my knee, which has been acting up again, but they were all being used. I trusted the neoprene wrap would help. After the first mile and 1/2, I felt like it was time to slow down a bit and bring my heart rate down, so I dialed down the MPH, and started on a slow jog. Interestingly enough, that is when my knee started to hurt. Could it be that I put more pressure on my joints jogging, than running? I did read that in runners magazine about three years ago. I decided to speed back up again, and the discomfort lessened. When I felt like my heart rate was beyond target again, I walked and jacked up the incline to make it more difficult. Thankfully, this worked well. I guess your body has a way of letting you know your limits. It's funny, because my mind works in a similar fashion, run and walk, never can I just mentally jog anymore.