What Daddy Did Today...another book giveaway!

We always love a good Daddy book in our house.  Now that I'm a stay at home mom, the girls have become really attached to me.  They love their Daddy of course, but sometimes he needs an extra shout out, and bedtime is a good time to do that.

We are very lucky that our Daddy doesn't leave the house every day.  I'm incredibly spoiled that Adam works at home. But he does go "to his office" and talks on the phone every day, and the girls have learned that "Daddy's working" when he's in his office and they can't hang out with him during the day.

But when Adam does leave the house for work, it's usually for a few days.  Madison has started becoming very aware of Daddy's travels.  Right now, she can tell you he's in Florida.  But she's sort of foggy on what he's doing there.

I was given the opportunity to review another book and Madison couldn't be happier.  Even Reagan crawled right over when we started to read.  This book is What Daddy Did Today by Walter Wally.  It's his first published story, and we're already looking forward to more!

by Walter Wally, 2011 Two Harbors Press.  15.99 hardcover

This is a REALLY cute book about what Daddy actually DOES all day, at least, what the imagination of a child tells us Daddy does.  In the author's words...

When I was a kid, I would always wonder where my father went when he left the house for work every morning. What did he do? Who was he with? Why would it take so long? Of course, I learned later that Dad was just going to the office every day. But my imagination, up to that point, told me differently. I imagined my dad traveling to space, fighting dragons, and hitting home runs while he was away “at work.” So, this is a story that, as a kid, I would have loved to hear my dad tell. And now, as a grown man and future dad, it’s also a story that I would love to tell my son or daughter before they go to sleep. Because, although the story is filled with fun and adventure, ultimately, it is about how much Daddy loves his kid. 

Madison, Reagan and I read this book together this morning.  Madison is used to Daddy getting her up in the morning, and she really missed him today.  Therefore, it was the perfect book to share together as we enjoyed our morning beverages (Milk, juice, and coffee.  I'll let you figure out who had what).

It's an adorable rhyming book.  I really love rhyming books for my girls.  Probably due to hearing so much beat keeping music in utero, they both have a good rhythmic sense and respond incredibly well to books that have that element.

Madison was also enthralled by all the things this Daddy did.  She couldn't wait to turn the page to find out where he would go next.  The illustrations are bright and colorful, and Reagan was entranced as well...definitely a sign of success for my little one who is always on the go.

Overall, another fun book that I'm glad I was made aware of!  A perfect shout out to a hardworking Daddy, who KNOWS his most important job is loving his kids.

Much to Madison's dismay, I'm offering this signed, hardcover copy as another giveaway!  To enter:

LIKE my Facebook page and leave a comment on the page (1 entry).
FOLLOW this blog and comment on the post (1 entry).
FOLLOW me on twitter and send me a tweet (or however you say that...I'm still getting accustomed to twitter) (1 entry).

You can enter one of the three...or all three!  Contest ends a week from today!

In addition, I have no way of checking this, but I'll give everyone who claims to vote for me the next two days on Circle of Moms an extra entry!  I'm SO CLOSE to #25, but I need a big push the next two days of voting to get there!

My Poor Little Second Child...

Poor Reagan.

I was thinking about this as I was doing my shopping this weekend.  The second child definitely gets the shaft in some regards.  I've been Christmas shopping (hooray Black Friday), and I had to stop myself from getting all of these things that I knew Madison would love, because she's spoiled enough by her extended family.  Yet I was wandering the stores trying desperately to find things for Reagan.

Yeah, I know.  This Christmas she'll only be 10 months old, she won't notice, she'll play with the box and tissue paper, blah, blah, blah.  But I still feel bad and I feel like I need to at least ATTEMPT to make things "equal". 

One of the issues with having girls so close in age is that we have TONS of toys that Madison has, that are now totally appropriate for Reagan.  We have them because she was our first child, AND a first grandchild on both sides, and every time someone saw something cute or fun, they would be excited to get to buy toys, and she would benefit.  This is obviously wonderful...Madison loved them, and now we've pulled all those toys out of the attic and Reagan is enjoying them just as much as Madison did (and does...she's become obsessed with them again).  The drawback is that when people ask me what Reagan would like for Christmas, I end up replying "ummm...."

She doesn't even need clothes.  She's a peanut, so it actually worked out that all of Madison's hand-me-down clothes have been working for her.  They're 18 months apart, so I figured the clothes would be completely opposite seasons - as in, clothes that fit Madison in the summer is the size Reagan would wear in the winter, and vice versa.  But that ended up not being the case.  At 9 months old, Madison was wearing 12 month clothes.  At 9 months old, Reagan is just starting to grow out of her 6 month hand-me-downs.

Also great, but Madison was pretty tough on her clothes.  She spit up multiple times a day until she was almost a year old, and even when it's breast milk, spit up stains clothing like nothing I've ever experienced.  Once she started solids, she loved playing with the textures, and although I always had a bib on her, she was pretty messy.  When I pull the bins down from the attic I always have to sigh when I see the condition some of the outfits are in.  They're fine, they're clean, they are completely wearable, but they are definitely hand-me-downs.  She gets the occasional new item, but usually I can't justify buying something when she's got so much and Madison actually NEEDS new things because her clothes don't fit.  And although I'm thrilled that some of my favorite adorable outfits are back into the rotation, and she looks cute, I do feel bad.  Silly.  I know.  But I do.

Reagan also gets dragged along to all Madison's activities and playdates.  She has her nap schedule messed with so we can MAKE it to Madison's activities and playdates.  She doesn't get the undivided attention Madison got as a baby.

Poor Reagan.

BUT, she has a mom who is much more relaxed this time around.  Even when she's going through things that Madison didn't, I have faith that the phase will end and we'll make it through no worse for the wear.  What worked with Madison doesn't always work with her, but at least I have something immediate to try, and I can tell right away if it worked or not.  I don't worry quite as much.  I know the things that seemed totally overwhelming the first time are actually totally normal.

I've sort of ironed out my parenting kinks.  I'm not saying that I made MAJOR mistakes with Madison, but I certainly learned "on the job" and I'm not making (most) of the same mistakes with Reagan.  I'm more confident about transitioning her into new stages.  I know what products I found useful, and which I really didn't need to bother with.

She has a big sister who (most of the time) adores her and plays with her.  Madison doesn't like to share HER toys, but she's happy to get out Reagan's for her.  I think Reagan became mobile so much earlier because she's trying to keep up with her big sister.

I think I'll always feel that one of the two girls is getting a little shafted in undivided attention or opportunities or "stuff".  There are times that I feel bad for Madison too when she needs to wait her turn for mommy's lap, or we can't go somewhere because Reagan is napping, or she can't use a toy because the pieces are a choking hazard for the baby who has a talent for putting inappropriate objects in her mouth.

Forget that "poor Reagan" thing.  I have two blessed girls.

Only four days left to vote for me on Circle of Moms for the Top 25 Family Blogs.  I'm back to number 26 - so close I can taste it!  If you don't mind, head over and vote daily until November 29! 

My Friday Adventure!

Happy Beginning of the Christmas Season!

I refuse to decorate before Thanksgiving.  I'm a fall girl and I love my fall decorations.  I was recently very annoyed that Dunkin Donuts stopped making pumpkin coffee right after Halloween and pushing the mocha mint and gingerbread.  I love gingerbread as much as the next girl, but don't tell me that pumpkin's season is over two weeks before Thanksgiving!  Let fall be fall!

Gone too soon...at least from the store I frequent!

But AFTER Thanksgiving, I'm ready to dive into the Christmas season.  I don't let it stress me out.  I love the shopping, the decorating, the cards, the wrapping, the socializing.  I feel like it COULD stress me out if I stop to think about how much there is to do, but I made the decision a few years ago not to let it.

My season kicks off every year with Black Friday.  I'm not sure when I started this tradition, but I think it was our first Christmas in this house.  I go out - ALONE - in the wee hours of Friday morning, and shop the deals until mid-morning.  Because I'm not trying to get a big screen TV, an iPad, or whatever the big gaming system is, I'm usually removed from the true craziness.  I hear about all the insanity and rudeness that happens, but I've never experienced that.  At all.

So despite people thinking I'm insane, I go.  And I really enjoy myself.  I have two young kids, so it's not like I'd be sleeping in.  I get ME time, I can be efficient, and I get my DEALS!!!  So judge away...I can take it.

Adam seems to think that in a year or two I'll start taking the girls with me.  Yeah...that's not happening.  I think that would wreck it for everyone.  I overheard one woman with a toddler in a cart at Target saying "No, you can't go home.  You are out with mommy having FUN!".  Hmmm....call me crazy, but I don't think anyone was having fun there.

This year, I left the house at 4:45 (before anyone starts groaning, it turned out that Reagan was up by 5:15 - happy, but up for the day.  So I really didn't lose out on any sleep).  Before 7:00 I had hit Wal-Mart, Kohl's, Toys R Us, Target, Best Buy, and Carter's.  I didn't wait in a single line, I never parked more than 5 spaces away from the stores, I didn't encounter a single rude person, and all the deals I was going for were there.  Can't mention all my deals of course, but we did get a few things for us in there!  Our coffee maker has been broken, so we were desperate for a new one, Adam replaced the bluetooth headpiece that Madison broke, and I finally got my Shark steam mop!

I didn't see a SINGLE situation like this.  Maybe at midnight...but THAT when I'm sound asleep.

Now, in the pre-children days, I would come home, unpack my purchases, and laze around for a while.  Then I'd start getting out all my Christmas decorations.

But now that isn't really an option.  When I got home this year both girls were ready to crawl all over me.  Reagan barnacled herself directly to me, and Madison told me over and over how much she missed me.  They'd had a great morning with Adam of course, but it's not often they wake up without me, plus the drawback to having kids on a schedule means that a day like Thanksgiving, while great, means a few days of really, really, off kids who wake up early and fight naps.  Anyway, it was a gorgeous day, so Adam left to go golfing as soon as I got home, and I took over.  Even during naptime there was major cleaning to do.  Of course, I did get to break out that new mop, so no complaints.

I'm sure you've all been waiting with breathless anticipation...we ARE doing the Elf on the Shelf this year.  I went back and forth on it.  But we were gifted an Elf last year, and I think Madison is old enough to get it, so our Elf will be joining our family soon.  Originally I thought he (or she, depending on what we name it) would come out right after Thanksgiving.  But with an early Thanksgiving this year I decided he could wait until December 1.

Plus I couldn't find him easily.  And I didn't have time to look.

AND I was suprised by the arrival of my new camera (which was NOT a Black Friday deal...purely coincidental) and a new toy like that pretty much demanded that I take it out of the box immediately and try it out.

So despite my lofty ambitions, there was no decorating.  I need to get creative this year as it is, since I have TWO mobile children who are fascinated by shiny objects, especially those in their reach.  Last year Madison was pretty good, but she was old enough to understand when I taught her what not to touch.  Reagan is moving MUCH more effectively than I anticipated she would be at this point, and she's crafty.  So I'll have to adjust, and that will be an adventure itself.

I can see the two of them teaming up to wreck havoc like this.

Can't wait to see what the season brings!  I definitely had a fun kick off!

Only five days left to vote for me on Circle of Moms for the Top 25 Family Blogs.  I'm back to number 29 (I flirted with 27 but quickly dropped back down).  If you don't mind, head over and vote daily until November 29!  I'm more competitive than I seem, and being so close has me itching to squeeze into that Top 25!

30 Days of Thankful...in one Bite Sized morsel

It seems like everyone on Facebook is doing the "30 Days of Thankful".  I haven't done it.  First, because whenever "Facebook" challenges me to do something, I feel compelled to resist.  Second, because I would end up having to post three or four things at once because I would forget.  And third, I'd rather post statuses that aren't so....themed.

Plus, I've got this blog!  So if you want to read, great, if not, it's a lot easier to stop reading now than to scroll past me every day in November!  My 30 things are all going to be mommy related.  Sure, I'm thankful for other things too.  But this will keep me focused.

1) I'm thankful for naptime.  I'm thankful both girls still take an afternoon nap and usually at the same time.  I have no idea how I'd ever clean, blog, and get dinner ready without it.

Madison at about one week old.  Awww....

2) I'm thankful for pacifiers.  Seriously.  When Madison is resisting her nap, I offer her the blue pacifier that lives in her crib (and only in her crib...it's not allowed out), and suddenly she's much more willing to go upstairs.

3) I'm thankful that both girls have their health.  There was a time not long ago where that wasn't a given.  I will never take health for granted.

4) I'm thankful my girls have four grandparents who love them.

5) I'm thankful for Clorox wipes, handiwipes, and baby wipes.  Pretty much any kind of wipe. 

6) I'm thankful for the ability to stay home and raise my girls full time. 

7) I'm thankful for a working washer and dryer.  Never appreciated that as much as I should have.

8) I'm thankful for Disney Jr and the face that DirecTV added it to their programming.  We've already watched Sofia the First six times, and it's a perfect distraction when I need a moment, or when I need someone to sit still so I can change a diaper or get dinner on the table.

Seriously.  Thank goodness.  Doc, Little Einsteins, Sofia, Mickey...they've got it all.

9) I'm thankful for a husband who insists that I take time for myself weekly to recharge.

10) I'm thankful for the internet, and the ability to research things like "8 month old liquid strike" or "weird colored toddler poop".  I don't know WHAT other generations did when their kids did wacky things that aren't covered in the baby books.

11) I'm thankful for DumDum lollipops, and how their small size and the mere promise of one in the car can stop a tantrum before it starts in public (mostly).

12) I'm thankful for my bathtub, bubble bath and my ability to wind down nightly.  Even when the girls were tiny, I manage to take that for myself every day.  It keeps me calm and sane.

13) I'm thankful for my online mom community.

14) I'm thankful for my "in person" mom community.

15) I'm thankful for coupons.  The ability to save our family money (in a non crazy way of course) makes me feel much more confident about not bringing home income.

16) I'm thankful for fruit snacks.  We now have no tears when I do Madison's hair.

17) I'm thankful that my girls are sized just right where they can share clothes.  Reagan needs the occasional supplement, but I don't need to buy two new wardrobes for each new size or season, as I feared when I realized their birthdays might not line up with the seasons. 

18) I'm thankful my girls have a father who changes diapers, puts tights onto squirmy legs, cuts up chicken, and allows himself to be used as a jungle gym every day.

They both love riding on Daddy's shoulders.

19) I'm thankful to have a best friend I can call multiple times a day to share completely inane things.  I know she's never judging me, and I can just vent away...and she can do the same.

20) I'm thankful to have this blog so I can let her live her own life every once in a while.

21) I'm thankful to have the opportunity for my girls to try activities like art, dance and Gymboree.

22) I'm thankful to have a two year old who is incredibly smart, verbal, and FUNNY.  Madison makes me giggle daily, and I'm constantly impressed by what she knows and can do.  I try not to go overboard with mommy bragging, but I'm bragging to myself daily.

23) I'm thankful to have sisters who adore each other...most of the time.  They make each other laugh, and play together.  It's amazing to watch.  They also got their first cousin this year, and both of them just adore her already.

24) I'm thankful for coffee.  And flavored creamer.  And a husband who brews it for me daily.

25) I'm thankful for DVR. 

26) I'm thankful that I have two little girls who sleep all night.  Even if night ends for them at 6:00 am, I'll take it!  Especially when it starts at 7:00 pm!

27) I'm thankful for Pinterest to give me ideas about things to do.  Yup.  Even though I don't DO 95% of what I pin, just looking online has inspired me to be organized, crafty, and creative.

28) I'm thankful for every piece of baby gear and/or toy that we could possibly need.  Yes, we'd certainly survive without the Jumperoo or a mini kitchen.  But I'm so thankful we have them.  By the way, I've had a few people ask me to share my favorites on here.  If that's something you're interested in, let me know!

29) I'm thankful that over the past few months, I've actually had a bit of success with this blog!  I write just so I can ramble of course, but I feel all warm and fuzzy when people actually read it!  I'm a Top 25 Home Management blog, I'm up for a Top 25 Family Blog, and I've done two (legit) book reviews, one of which got me a shout out on a really popular blog.  Crazy.

30) I'm thankful for my life just as it is right now.  I'm not a perfect mom.  I don't have a perfect house.  I don't have a perfect husband.  I get cranky.  But I wouldn't trade my life right now for anything in the world.

Yes, I am still in the running for a Top 25 Family Blog on Circle of Moms.  And much to my shock, I'm actually competitive.  As of this moment, I'm #27.  And now that I'm close, I'm starting to feel my competitive drive kick in.  PLEASE head on over and vote for me...daily if you want!  You don't need to register or anything...just click "vote" once a day!  Voting ends November 29.  Thanks!

 

#teamrobby

I've been avoiding writing this, because this situation makes my stomach churn and tears come to my eyes.  But if Robby's own mom can be brave enough, I can.

Robby K. is a four year old boy.  He's the only son of my college friend.  She and I were singers together, and she was a couple of years ahead of me.  We lost touch after college, as I did with many people.  Angela and I were never especially close, but she was an incredibly bright and cheerful person, easy to be friends with.

Robby was in a horrific accident a couple of weeks ago.  You can read the story on his Caring Bridge site.  He was playing outside and became trapped under a piece of tree.  He was without oxygen while his father and the fire department worked to get the tree off him.  Amazingly he was resuscitated, but he was without oxygen a long time.  He was moved to a hospital with an amazing PICU, but doctors aren't hopeful about his brain function.

But his mother has faith and is rallying prayers for a miracle, and so far, Robby is hanging on.  His parents made the devastating decision to remove his respirator, and transplant teams flew in from around the country while his mom and all his friends - new and old - prayed for an 11th hour miracle.  Amazingly, Robby started breathing on his own, and those teams left empty handed and he was returned to the PICU.  He's in rough shape, but God decided it wasn't his time quite yet. 

Robby needs prayers and I'm doing my part to help rally.  Go over to facebook and like #teamrobby.  Head to the Caring Bridge site and leave him a message.

Pray for Robby, and pray for his parents.  They are facing decisions that make every parent want to squeeze their eyes shut and shake their head, wanting to be ANYWHERE but where they are.  Robby was a vibrant little boy, enjoying a beautiful fall day like any 4 year old boy should.  There was no warning that their lives would be forever changing.

I'm doing my part to rally prayers for #teamrobby.  And I'm thinking of his mom every minute, amazed at her strength.  Please join me in sharing this message, and let Robby and his family know they aren't alone.

And then hug your kids tight.  I know I have been.

Do I HAVE to?

Ugh.  I've been a slacker mom the past two days and I am horribly behind with some of my chores.  It's 7:45 and I just finished putting the big one in bed.  Here's what I HAVE to do tonight to start the week off right:

• Go downstairs and clean the counters and table, wash sippy cups, and clean the high chair tray.
• Clean the kitchen floor (it's been a few meals and the girls like to leave evidence of their meals).
• Cut coupons from today's paper and pull the sale flyers I want to look at.
• Write this week's meal plan on the board and pull out the freezer meat.
• Fold four loads of laundry (told you I was behind).
• Stain treat some clothes.

I don't want to do any of those things.  Frankly, I'm impressed that I found the motivation to do any kitchen clean up at all.  At least I got the leftovers put away and the dishwasher loaded and set.  Madison did a great job picking up her toys, so I can thank her for that.

I'm having an exhausted, cranky day.  I was up at 4 am with Little Miss Crankypants herself (Reagan).  I'm not sure why she was up.  She wasn't hungry.  But since she's turned into a standing, climbing, no fear acrobat, we dropped her crib down, took out the bumper, and I don't think she likes it.   Anyway, by the time I finally got her calmed down, it was close to 5, and almost 6 by the time I managed to fall back asleep.  And she was up at 6:15 for good.

Our coffeepot is broken, so until we can get our Black Friday deal, we aren't using it.  I had to work in the church nursery this morning so I picked up Dunkin Donuts on the way.  Since I was working in the nursery and the girls would be in there with me, Adam stayed home to do some projects he's been getting behind on.  No big deal.  And I still got my coffee.

However, I didn't get to bring it IN with me, because by the time I pulled into the parking lot, Reagan had fallen asleep.  So I lugged her in the infant carrier, and between that, the diaper bag, and holding Madison's hand, there was no room for coffee (a wasted effort by the way, as she was awake before we finished crossing the parking lot). 

Then Madison had a massive tantrum leaving church, and I had to carry HER, as well as the luggage.

Luckily, Adam looked at me when I got home and instructed me to take some time this afternoon.  So I got myself a second coffee and drank it while it was still hot and I wandered around the mall trying to get inspiration for Christmas gifts.

The girls were happy when I got home, and the day ended well.  But I'm feeling the 4 am wake up now and I'm crashing.  So I made a choice of what I am GOING to do this evening.

• Write this blog.
• Take a bubble bath.
• Push the laundry off the bed.
• Fall asleep to my DVR.

Have to admit, I think I'm making the right choice.  It'll ALL be there tomorrow.   And a well rested mommy makes a happy mommy! 

Thanks to you who have already voted for me in the Circle of Moms Top 25 program.  I'm still in the pending tab for the Top 25 Family Blogs.  You can vote daily until November 29.  THANK YOU!!!

Time For My (Inappropriate) Check Up...by Dr. Madison

Anyone who knows Madison knows that she is VERY into being a doctor lately.  It started a few months ago with a "faux" doctor kit.  As in, the tools from the Critter Clinic (technically a vet playset) that I put in a plastic box from the Dollar Spot at Target.

By the way, the Critter Clinic comes with a little kennel.  Madison kicked the animals out and repurposed it as condo living for Mickey and his pals, since she informed me they don't LIVE in the clubhouse.  It has a set of keys with corresponding colors, and she locks them all into their cells...ahem...apartments, at cleanup time.

Mickey, Daisy and Minnie.  Must be an expensive area.  These apartments are too small for the characters to stand up in.

Anyway, about a month ago, Madison earned a prize for some potty successes, and we went to choose it.  I planned on Toys R Us, but we stopped in BJs first, and she spotted the pink and purple glittery Doc McStuffins doctor kit and instantly knew that somehow it would be hers.  She was due a prize anyway, so even though I COMPLETELY judge myself for having such an over the top girly doctor kit, I bought it.  Ten bucks.  Fine.

It's no Little Einsteins.  But it IS a cute show.

Even Reagan loves it!

Anyway, now she uses both kits, sometimes at the same time.  A minimum of three times a day, Adam, Reagan, and I are subjected to check ups.  If you are a visitor in our house, you probably will get one of your own.  We were at friends' the other day, and since she couldn't find a doctor kit, she used the Home Depot tool kit and improvised.  Very resourceful.

Doc Madison...looking ready for action. 

The check up usually follows the same procedure.  Maybe an additional step if she has a medicine dropper (unused and given to her of course) or the blood pressure cuff handy.

1) With the stethoscope around her neck (not in her ears), she puts it on your chest (or stomach, or leg, or whatever she can reach) and instructs you to say "ba-boom".  Then she tells you "that's good".

2) She puts the stethoscope on your back and tells you "breathe in" and "now breathe out".  Then the "that's good".

3) She takes the little mirror that came with the vet kit (or the otoscope that came with the Doc kit...whichever is closer at hand) and checks your eyes.  And if you are Adam, tries to touch your eyeball.  We're not sure why he gets this special treatment.

4) She takes the thermometer, which is a standard thermometer, and puts it in your ears.  She instructs you to say "beep".  Then she tells you your ears are happy.

5) She takes the tweezers from the vet kit and attempts to pull your nails OFF.  Telling you it is much easier if you hold still.

5) Finally she takes the syringe, puts it between your toes and says "TICKLE TICKLE".

Side note...Madison received shots several times a week for a full year from Adam and I (in her thighs, not her toes).  She is very aware of syringes and how they are used.  NEVER did she accuse Adam, myself, or her doctors of tickling her.  And she certainly didn't laugh.

That's the standard Madison check up.  Sometimes she tells you "you're all better", sometimes she "has a diagnosis" and puts the band-aid bracelet on your boo-boo.  We're used to them and are guilty on occasion of hurrying her through them, playing our parts are quickly as possible, so we can eat dinner, or go to bed, or get in the car, or whatever.  Refusing the check up is an exercise in futility, so we just go with it.  We know the routine.

Today's checkup was a little different for three reasons.

First, it was conducted by Doctor Madison...who was not wearing any pants.  Classic little girl from the waist up, stark naked from the waist down.  Definitely inappropriate behavior from a doctor.  Sadly, this is becoming very typical.  She takes her pants completely off to use the potty and then just leaves them.

Professional from the waist up...not so much from the waist down.

Second, she had me lay on the floor...and did the check up sitting on my chest.  She likes to climb on Adam and I "like a ladder" so when I was initially on the ground, I was anticipating that and not a check up. I have certainly never had a pants-less doctor sit on my sternum.

Finally, when it was time for the syringe, she climbed down from me and ran off to get it.  I stood up to attend to Reagan while I waited for my toe tickles....

Sparkly!  Takes away the sting!

And got a shot right in the butt.

I have been nominated for ANOTHER category in the Circle of Moms Top 25 program.  This program is for the Top 25 Family Blogs written by Moms.  This one draws from a huge pool, so I'm not expecting to win...or even make the top 25, but I'd love it if you could head over there and vote for me!  You can vote daily and the voting ends November 29.  I'll be in the "pending" tab until tomorrow evening, but you can still vote!  Thank you for reading!

A glimpse into the future...

Two girls, nineteen months apart.

I get LOTS of advice.  So I have heard from many people that:

a) the girls will be best friends, and incredibly close.  I'll be so lucky, because soon they'll be playing on the same level and will enjoy each other's company.  I hear that soon they'll be on the same schedule, play independently (without me), share the same toys, and enjoy the same shows.

and

b) the girls will be at each other's throats, fighting over toys, mommy's attention, and (hopefully in the future) clothes, make-up, etc.  I'll have to do a lot of policing and take toys away

By the way, there are certain people who have told me both things.

Most people are speaking from some sort of experience.  They had a sibling close in age, they have children close in age (who may or may not be grown), they have a friend/neighbor/colleague/relative who has two of the same gender with a age separation of under 2 years.  So I should WAIT AND SEE because they know how this will turn out.  (Does anyone hate the "you'll see?".  I'm not a fan.)

What will WE experience next week, next month, next year?  Only time will tell.   I'm sure it will be

c) all of the above, sometimes in the same day.

because that's what we had today.

I realize that Reagan is still young and the girls are not even close developmentally.  Madison is a little kid with the verbal and motor skills, Reagan is still a baby.  But she's 8 1/2 months old, crawling, pulling up, and actively playing with and interested in toys.

Since Reagan was sitting up, Madison has been playing with her.  BUT Madison had control.  She brought the toys over, she took the toys away.  She determined what was "Reagan worthy" and what was "MINE!!!!!"  And Reagan didn't care.  She'd play with the Fisher Price kitchen, she'd play with a stuffed animal, she'd play with a rattle, she'd play with a random piece of paper.

Now that Reagan's mobile, it's a mixed blessing.  She can choose what to crawl to.  She can get there.  And if she pulls up, she can reach what Madison has stored on the coffee table.  Last week, she was only doing short distances, so Madison would take her "special" toys into the living room.  Now, since Reagan would crawl a mile over hot coals to get to ME, a quick jaunt to the next room to chase down the colorful today is no issue.  Madison both loves and HATES this.  She goes from encouraging Reagan to follow her to actively blocking her path.

Here are the things I said to both girls today.

To Madison:

• That is NOT a leash!  Do NOT drag your sister around!  (To be fair, a pacifier on a clip does kind of a look like an appropriate leash for a 2 year old to lead an 8 month old around on.  But I have to draw a line somewhere.  I let that slide, Lord knows what they'll try next).
• Oh, THANK you for sharing that toy with Reagan!  She is so excited to play with you!  What a great sister!
• Madison, that is a BABY toy.  It is REAGAN'S toy, and she had it in her hands!  Please give that back (I felt like adding that it wasn't even interesting toy.  I mean, if you're going to steal a toy, make it a good steal).
• What are you two playing?  Do you need mommy?  No?  Great!  (Um, both girls looked at me like I was interfering in their fun.  Fine by me...I kept loading the dishwasher).
• Just because Reagan is crawling does not mean you can try to ride her!  (Seriously, I blame Adam and his horsey rides.  She sees Reagan crawling and attempts to just hop on.  Hop right on the fifth percentile 8 month old.  SERIOUSLY!)
• Awwww...you are teaching Reagan to clap!  What a nice sister!
• Madison, when someone screams and cries, that means you are playing too rough!  We play in a GENTLE way (Thanks Kai-Lan.  Oh, and this is not specific to Reagan.  I have to tell her that when Daddy yells OW as she jumps up and down on him that it means it's time to stop.)
• A rattle for laptop is not a fair trade.  Try again.

To Reagan:

• Candy Land cards are not for eating!
• OK, Reagan, here's a life lesson.  When someone runs away as you're grabbing them, it means they don't want to hang out with you.
• Ohhh....you figured out how to get that open, didn't you?  (Madison's doctor kit.  Even Madison has trouble with it on occasion.  This is one of her "special" toys we keep out of Reagan's reach).
• OK, why are BOTH girls crying right now?  You don't need to cry just because Madison is!  (Two year old mood swings.  Ugh).
• Madison is sitting on Mommy's lap now.  You are playing with the kitchen!  (Put me down, put me down, put me down....oh....someone else is there.  Pick me up, pick me up, pick me up).
• Yay Reagan!  What a big girl you are!  
• NO!  NO!  That is a POTTY and NOT a toy!  Get out of there!  (Yeah...time to get that out of Reagan's reach).

They had both a great day and then a day where they were on each other's last nerve, which caused one to crawl for me, crying, and the other to run into the bathroom and slam the door.  They played together and then snatched toys out of each other's hands.  They giggled and rolled around and "wrestled" each other and then cried when the other touched them.  They shared a snack and then fought over whose goldfish was whose.  They kept each other amused while I cleaned and then battled over my attention.

A great day and a day full of sibling rivalry.

I think we have many, many more of these to come.

In Reagan's crib.  Because Madison thinks it is hysterical to get in there with her.

Explaining a toy.  Reagan appears to be listening.  She's even ignoring the remote.

Madison has an awesome kitchen that Santa brought last year.  But this one came back out, so it's the clear favorite right now.

Madison convincing Reagan this will be fun!

Can't wait to see where this takes us!

Oh, the annoyance...

Yesterday I worked on a post, and then blogger was giving me issues, so I decided to save it, put it aside, and take a bubble bath instead.  Tonight blogger is giving me EDITING issues...I can start a NEW post, but I can't work on the one I already started!  This is where blogging kills me.  I LOVE writing new posts, but the little issues that eat up all my writing time, with no product to show for them, irritate me to no end.  I write to relax, not to become frustrated!  The universe is clearly working against me.

Not a fan of technical difficulties.

That seems to fit with my last few days.  I've been stressed out over various things, and I've had some little frustrations with the girls that are threatening to get the best of me.

Reagan is currently OBSESSED with being by my side constantly.  It's the typical separation anxiety phase, but it's making it hard to do anything except hold her.  She can crawl now, so even when I leave her on the family room floor playing happily with her sister, as soon as she senses I'm gone, she cries, looks for me, and makes a beeline for wherever I am.  If I'm trying to cook and put her in the walker so she can hang out with me in the kitchen, she whimpers and scoots right over to me, holding up her arms.  Adam tries to help, but if I'm anywhere she can see or hear me, she cries until mommy takes over.  Yes, I can just wear her in the Ergo...and when I have to, I do.  But she also WANTS to be moving and playing...just not without some kind of contact with me. I understand it's normal, but it's definitely wearing. 

You are SO FAR AWAY from me!

It shows up at naptime too (oddly, NOT at night time, though I'm knocking on every piece of wood I can see now that I've said that).  I'll lay her down as usual, and she'll immediately sit up, pull up, and cry for me to come back.  Getting her down has become a three stage ordeal, and there are days it will take an hour to get her down for an hour nap...which makes her tired....which makes her clingy...which make her not want to nap...repeat until bedtime.

Madison has thrown herself into the mood swing phase of the terrible twos.  One moment she's cheerful, chatty, and agreeable, the next moment she's run into the bathroom, slammed the door, and will sit on the floor with her head down (I thought we had until the teenage years before this happened).  As for potty training, she'll be accident free for a day, then 3 consecutive accidents the next.  Sometimes she's doing naughty things I thought we had put behind us, like coloring on her carpet, sometimes she's playing completely creatively and independently with her dolls, singing made up songs and running her baby through a full daytime routine.  Sometimes she's a loving big sister who tries to share EVERYTHING (even inappropriate things) with Reagan, sometimes she doesn't even want Reagan playing with the baby toys.  I realize she's just being...two.  But that's wearing on me too.  There's a lot of comforting, cleaning, and redirecting.

I'm trying very hard to stick to my cleaning schedule, stay organized, and cook dinner every night.  Adam and I decided to see if we can go the next two weeks making meals solely from our pantry and freezer.  It's a fun challenge, but it does mean that I have to do a bit more prep in the afternoons, and lately I'm falling further behind.

Then I realized I'm annoyed because my two year old has both knowledge of her emotions and the vocabulary where she can express them. 

I'm annoyed because my eight month old has great motor skills.

I'm annoyed because my 2 year old is already (basically) potty trained.

I'm annoyed because I have a stocked pantry and freezer at my disposal.

I'm annoyed that my 8 month old is overly affectionate with me.

I'm annoyed because my children are hitting their developmental stages right on track. 

I'm annoyed because I'm fortunate enough to stay home and get chores done during the day, rather than cramming them into the weekend or evenings.

I'm annoyed because I have my evenings free to write, I have things to write about, and I have people who want to read them.

Wow.

This morning Reagan woke up pre-dawn to eat.  Afterward, I tried to get her back in the crib, but she was having NONE of it.  I tried having Adam go in and give her back her binky, but she was having none of that either.  We brought her in with us, and she curled right into me and feel asleep molded to my body.  She did the same thing for her "third nap" today...she slept 45 minutes on me in the glider, where I was forced to relax and read a book on my phone instead of folding laundry (the horror).  Ideal?  Maybe not.  But I enjoyed the snuggles from my peanut, who definitely won't be my peanut forever.

Time to enjoy each and every phase, even the frustrating ones, because they pass so quickly.  And no matter what is going on, to count each and every blessing I'm lucky enough to have.

Messy?  Sure, but they are happy and playing together!

Who knows, tomorrow Blogger may be completely back to normal and I'll get the post up that I've been working on.  But my annoyance with Blogger forced me to reflect on my cranky mood and decide to be accepting.  It forced me to have perspective. 

Darn universe. 

Tomorrow I'll be randomly choosing the winner of The Magic Word from all of you who follow me on Blogger or have liked my Facebook page and left a comment on the book review post!  If you'd like a chance to win a signed copy of the book, make sure to enter by 9:00 pm tomorrow!

A New Find For Our Book Collection!

I'm still a teacher at heart, even though I'm not currently in the classroom.  And although I was the music teacher, reading was a part of my music classes (even before it became EXPECTED that I would do literacy activities).  I LOVED to read as a child, I LOVE to read as an adult.  My master's degree is in reading, and I loved learning how to take a child from pre-literacy stages to fluent reading and true enjoyment of books. I had so many favorite books to read with my students.  And of course, I LOVE to read with my girls. 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review another book on this blog, which I am so happy to do.  I'm always excited to find new stories to share with the girls.  This book is The Magic Word by Sherrill S. Cannon, another former educator, now retired.

by Sherrill S. Cannon; copyright 2011 Strategic Book Group

I had initially thought that I'd do a first reading of the book on my own, before reading it to the girls.  I figured I'd have two initial reactions that I could weave together as I wrote the review - my own, and Madison's (a tough critic).  However, Madison was there as I opened the mail, and as soon as she saw the book come out of the envelope she was begging for the new story.

What a perfect book to read with a two year old.  This book is all about manners, learning to share, and considering others' feelings - the very things we are trying to instill in Madison right now.  It was a perfect and easy to relate to topic for a toddler.  Elisabeth wants her friends to come to her party, but she doesn't treat them well and they aren't eager to accept.  Her mother guides her in learning to say "please", "thank you" and "excuse me", as well as waiting her turn and sharing her toys.  Elisabeth learns that it's fun to play with others and everyone is happy when good manners are used.

Ms. Cannon demonstrates excellent use of rhythm and rhyme.  As I began to read (remember, my initial reading was with a two year old on my lap) I was a bit worried that it would be too much text on a page for Madison to focus on.  But the rhyme helped the story flow smoothly, and the illustrations were perfect.  Madison never rushed me through a page, and offered commentary as we went, saying "please" and "thank you" right along with Elisabeth.

This would be a wonderful addition to any library - at home or in a classroom.  I was thrilled to share it with my girls.  I'm sure we will read it many times!

I am offering a copy of this book, signed by the author, as my first giveaway!  If you would like to receive a copy of this book, you can enter in two ways:
1) Become a "follower" of my blog, and leave a comment on this post.
2) "Like" my blog page on Facebook and leave a post or comment on the page.

If you are already listed as a follower, or have liked the Facebook page, you need only add your comment to be entered.  If you comment in both places, you will be entered twice!  A week from today, I'll choose the winning comment at random and mail you out your very own signed copy!

The author is involved with the CureJM Foundation Fundraiser at http://sbpra.com/curejm/. 50%  of the cost of books goes to CureJM to try to find a cure for this incurable children's disease.

10 Things I Learned About My Girls on Halloween

Despite my fears and dire predictions, we were blessed with a clear night, electrical power, and able to go out on Halloween this year.  It was my first time trick or treating since the early 1990s and I think I was just as excited as Madison was. 

Here are the things I learned...

1) It does NOT take long for a two year old to pick up on what to do. 

Madison had never been trick or treating before, but after one house, she was a pro, leading the way.  She figured out quickly to say "trick or treat" and thanked people without being asked (sometimes 3 or 4 times if they didn't acknowledge the first "thank you" because they were focused on getting treats to the rest of the group).

Notice she is alone.  The rest of the group was way behind her.  She was ALL about charging ahead.

2) When trick or treating with four small children 3 and under, even a 1:1 ratio of child to adult may not be enough.

Three adults were carrying children, Adam was carrying a prop from another costume.

I'm not quite sure WHY that was, but it was true.  Especially with trick or treat buckets and costumes that included props.  Somehow, the toddlers were still running ahead.



3) I never realized how many people have a) multiple steps leading to their front doors and b) dogs until we went door to door with a two year old who is still learning to climb stairs without her hands and is afraid of barking.

Because it was early, we were invited IN at many house.  Nearly all these people had dogs.  Madison was much happier when we stayed outside.

4) It is REALLY hard to get a good picture of a baby and toddler in their costumes.  I was holding Reagan in one arm and trying to take pictures with the other....while Madison spun in circles and ran around.  Trying to get pictures ahead of time was impossible because Madison kept removing her headpiece and Reagan's kept falling over her eyes.  Therefore, the majority of my pictures are blurry because Reagan was batting the camera or simply don't exist because I couldn't move fast enough.  Oh well.

We tried!

5) There is a golden age where kids are cute enough to get away with being a little grabby.  Thankfully, our kids were in that range.  Every time someone held out a bowl and said "go ahead, take one or two" and we lunged to prevent them from grabbing multiple handfuls, the homeowner just laughed and said some variant of "awwww...".  That window will close soon, so I hope these kiddos enjoyed it!

Completely adorable.

6) One girl can go all night....

This kid had NO intention of stopping.  If it wasn't for the fact that she was out with a sleepy sister, as well as four adults and two other children who wanted dinner, she would have gone until she dropped.

7) And the other will fold early....

We just wanted her to make it inside the house.  Nope.

8) Even when limited to one piece of candy for eating, somehow Madison will still become completely wired and not fall asleep until TWO hours after her usual bedtime.

She ate ONE KitKat and was tearing around the house!

9) EVERY toddler and baby costume comes with some sort of head covering.  Which can become problematic.

Poor Piglet

We had one who couldn't hear, one who couldn't see, one who kept removing hers, and one who was completely fine with it.  I guess one out of four isn't bad!

10) No matter what, it's important to count your blessings.  Many, many towns on the East Coast were still facing massive devastation, clean up, and lack of electricity from the hurricane.  Halloween amusement was the furthest thing from their minds.  They would have loved to be out with a sleeping Piglet and a running Pooh.

This was a pretty massive tree that missed our house by about 2 feet.  But it didn't hit, and honestly we were very lucky.

Can't wait to see what next year brings!  I thought this would be the only year I would have enough influence to get coordinating costumes, but many moms have assured me I've got another year or two!