On our way to the doctor....

J: I don't wanna go to the doctor!
Me: I promise you won't get any shots, just medicine.
J: NO! Don't wanna go to the doctor. I don't wanna be all better. I just wanna be sick.

The past few weeks, in pictures

Be quiet

Yesterday was a pretty rough day since O is cutting teeth. J woke up earlier than I did. What I didn't realize was that Matt had gotten up with him before he left for work. Matt took him potty and told him to play quietly in his room until I woke up.

I got up around 7:30 and went into his room to get him ready for school. There he is, with all his Toy Story toys. He smiles up at me.

Hi mommy. I went downstairs and got big Buzz Lightyear. But you can't push the buttons...he's too loud.

I didn't know whether to be shocked that he went downstairs or impressed that he knew to be so quiet.

Too much Diego?

It was a beautiful day and we decided to take the kids to the park. One of our favorite things to do after playing on the playground is to take a walk around the HUGE park. It's shaded, with a nice path, and J can ride his scooter.

There's a dog park at the side of the path, where you can let your dog run free. It's really an awesome idea and it's always packed. A woman passes us with her German Shepherd.

J: Look, mommy! A coyote!

Matt and I burst into laughter. The woman stifles a giggle. We figure, well a German Shepherd does kinda resemble a coyote. Then we pass a woman with 2 smaller dogs, like this. Only they were slightly less furry.

J: Look, 2 more coyotes!

This woman can't stop her laughter. At this point, we're assuming it must be the pointy ears. But, just now as I'm creating this post, he sees that same picture and says: awww, a cute wolf!

The Bible, In Summary...

I'm gonna read you this book. (opens bible) Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. (closes it) The end!

Only your fair share

While Trick or Treating, one neighbor really took a liking to J. She got down on his level and held the giant bowl of candy right in front of him.

NiceLady: What would you like?
J: I want this one.
NL: how bout this one too?

NiceLady keeps putting candy in his hands. One by one, J places them in his pumpkin basket. She must have handed him 20 pieces of candy. Finally J looks up at her and says: I think that's enough.

NiceLady gives him one more.

Buzz Lightyear, Space Ranger

J is super into Toy Story right now. He got quite a few birthday gifts from the movie too (2 of them in the picture above). I must say, I rather enjoy this new stage of playing. Action figures are much more up my alley, as I can pretend they are dolls. And let's face it, I aced playing dolls.

I usually get to be Woody and Rex. And he gets to be Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, and Mr. Tatato Head. He's been hopping around all day yelling "To infinimy let me on!" (aka To infinity and beyond).

He had jumped on the bed one too many times. As that breaks one of our rules, I kept reminding him to stop.

Finally, in exasperation, I said: James, go sit in timeout for jumping on the bed!

He looks at me and says, in all seriousness: I'm NOT James. I'm Buzz Lightyear.

Apparently I passed on the selfish gene

O man has caught a cold from J's sinus infection. This is why we were up with him all.night.long. He's currently napping on the couch. As a bride to be quiet, I offered J some popcorn.

I poured myself a tiny, measly pile of maybe 10 popcorns and I gave J the bag.

J:(points at pile) What's that?
Me: That's my popcorn.
J: Oh. I need to come share with you.
M: No, you have your own popcorn.
J: (makes a super angry face) Mommy, that's NOT good sharing!

A little later, I reach for the bag again.

J: No, mommy. You already ate your popcorn. This is mine.

Think he's my kid?

Snuggles

I've always wondered how people have pictures of their children sleeping together. I mean, the whole thing just sounds made up. Children sleeping?? Together? Surely this is a hoax. Or perhaps they are bribing their children with chocolate ice cream and presents, in order to stage this type of photo.

Sleeping pictures are my favorites. Maybe it's because that's about the only time the little demons seem sweet. But I had pretty much given up on that coveted picture of my kids sleeping together. If you've met my kids, you'll understand.

Both of them are pretty sure that sleeping is over-rated.

Which is why last week, when J climbed into our bed at 6:30 am, I was pretty certain I was doomed to a day filled with grumpy, over-tired kids. O was nursing and somehow managed to sleep through the noisy, elaborate show that is J climbing into our bed. It involves lots of toy arranging and lots of banging around, as J will not allow you to help him. I gave J the "don't you dare make a sound or else" look and closed my eyes, pretending I was asleep.

And then, something happened. I fell asleep. Sound asleep. I woke with a start and groggily looked at the clock, which read 8:19 am. Seriously?! A quick look around revealed my boys......ASLEEP!

Overcome with shock, I sat there staring at them. It happened to be a school day. And a school day meant the thing I hate the most. I had to wake them. But not before I got my much desired picture.

A note from the future

Dear Self,

When you spend 30 minutes rocking your baby to sleep, only to have him peek from beneath his eyelids just to make sure you're still there, enjoy the feeling of being so needed. When he fusses at night, only to stop the second you bring him into your bed, smell his baby head and kiss his baby cheek. You will one day miss those moments of cuddling. That baby, the one who grabs your shirt when you dare to try to put him down, holding tight like a lifeline, will one day have a baby of his own. And you will look back fondly on these moments, wondering why you ever needed 2 seconds of free time.

When your toddler follows you around, pulling on your pants-legs, screaming angrily for more snacks, take comfort in the fact that you are one of the most important people to him. If he sobbingly declares that he doesn't want to nap, take a few extra minutes to lie down with him until he's calm. One day instead of him talking your ear off in the car, there will be silence. You will miss the constant jabber of a 3 year old, telling you about his day.

One day your children will be grown and living their own lives. One day you will wonder why they haven't called or visited in a few days. You will worry whether or not they are eating right, getting enough sleep, or driving safely. You will offer your unsolicited advice, only to know deep-down that they are simply smiling and nodding. One day, these children who have occupied every single minute of your time, will be their own people.

Life is short. And time is fleeting. So enjoy what you have now.

Love,
Self