My children are good eaters. They're actually pretty amazing eaters, especially compared to the horror stories you hear about kids who will only eat cherry jello and saltines. There are very few foods the will not eat and/or try. Abby asks for mustard to dip her hotdogs in and Anni pretty much wants to eat whatever is on anyone's plate. The problem is, as good as eaters as they are, they tend not to be good eaters when I actually want them to be. Like at dinnertime.
Tonight Anni was a killer eater at dinner. And after a rather fussy afternoon, it was a welcome relief. I had dinner ready for her when I got the girls up from their afternoon nap and she just chowed down. Abby, however, was completely uninterested in food, dinner or otherwise, so Anni just helped herself right along to Abby's plate.
Later, Abby discovered a pot of sauce on the stove. Now, I do make a pretty good red sauce if I do say so myself (thanks to Sara's mom), but red sauce does not a dinner make. Unless, of course, your mother is desperate to get some form of food substance into your tummy before you go to bed for the next 12 hours and gives in to a request for sauce. Dinner, for Miss Abigail, thus consisted of 2 bowls (yes, bowls people) of red sauce and a phenomenon known as "dirty milk." Dirty milk is a trick we learned from our friend Riley. She likes chocolate milk but since she was much smaller and had a few less words and/or signs, has called it dirty milk. Abby loves it when she gets to have dirty milk at Riley's house, so she was very excited to learn that mom can make dirty milk too. At Riley's house, they mix 1% white milk with the skim chocolate milk. At our house, on a night when the little miss refuses to eat anything other than bowls of red sauce, dirty milk consists of 3/4 heavy whipping cream and a splash of chocolate skim milk. People, I fear for the morning diaper...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
First Step!
Sunday morning was a big treat for me! I got to have a few hours to myself, while Dana spent some along time with the girls. I'm not sure who got the better end of the deal, but I know I enjoyed myself immensely. As much as I adore my children, and my husband, I tend to forget to get some time to myself before I really, REALLY need it. And believe you me, I really, REALLY needed. Luckily for me, Dana and the girls were only too happy to help me out.
After naptime today, we made a run to Red Wing to fill a couple pesky ATMs. Then we went down to Cannon Falls for a lovely bbq dinner with Grandma and Grandpa and Dana's uncle Guy and cousin Andy. Guy and Andy drove up from Texas for Saturday's wedding. After dinner, Anni decided to show off and took her very first step all on her own! She also decided that one step was plenty, since try as we might, she refused to take anymore this evening. I think that one's going to make us work for a lot in the coming years...
After naptime today, we made a run to Red Wing to fill a couple pesky ATMs. Then we went down to Cannon Falls for a lovely bbq dinner with Grandma and Grandpa and Dana's uncle Guy and cousin Andy. Guy and Andy drove up from Texas for Saturday's wedding. After dinner, Anni decided to show off and took her very first step all on her own! She also decided that one step was plenty, since try as we might, she refused to take anymore this evening. I think that one's going to make us work for a lot in the coming years...
Playtime with Daddy and Quality Time with Auntie
Saturday mornings are a little extra exciting for the monkeys because Daddy's home. So, after a big breakfast of pancakes and sausage, we all headed over to the local playground, after quick stops at the post office (I sold another item on ebay!) and the coffee shop for caffeine and smoothies. The girls wanted to show Dana their prowess on the swings. And I think they were much more impressed with daddy's ability to do big BIG pushes on the swings.
Saturday night, Auntie Erin and Pedro came over to spend some quality time with the monkeys, while Dana and I attended a wedding. Abby is particularly taken with Pedro, much to Auntie's quasi-disappointment. Auntie is always so excited to see the girls and the first thing out of Abby's mouth is "Pedro?"
Saturday night, Auntie Erin and Pedro came over to spend some quality time with the monkeys, while Dana and I attended a wedding. Abby is particularly taken with Pedro, much to Auntie's quasi-disappointment. Auntie is always so excited to see the girls and the first thing out of Abby's mouth is "Pedro?"
Swings, Stairs and Group Bath
Friday morning the girls and I decided to take a break from the jogging stroller and took a wagon ride over to a little playground near our house. Anni LOVES the swings and just shrieks with glee when I give her a big push. The smile on that child is amazing. Abby decided she wanted to swing this time, too. She usually doesn't like the swings very much, but I think Anni was having too much fun to let Abby pass it up. They were in the swings for about 20 minutes! Then we played in the "sand" (it's really a ton of tiny rocks) for a while. Anni tried to be sneaky about eating the rocks, but she liked to show them to me before she tried to put them in her mouth. After a few tries and me constantly saying, "Anni, no!" she got sick of asking permission and just shoved a handful in her mouth as fast as she could. Abby was very busy covering her feet with the rocks in the meantime.
When we got home from the playground, it was time for Anni's bout of stairmaster. That child loves the stairs and climbs up them SO fast! And she thinks it's hysterically funny when you chase her up the stairs, so it's become quite the game. Now she likes to get to the top and "talk" to me until I come to the top and bring her back down...and then we start all over again. She has started to back herself down the stairs, so hopefully my stair chasing days are numbered...
After Friday naptime, the girls and I headed to Kohls. I needed a dress for a wedding on Saturday and I was pretty sure I could pull it off before either child had a major meltdown. I can't say the shopping trip was pretty, but I did manage to try on a few dresses and to walk out of the store with dress in hand. Of course, by the time I left the store, I had Abby perched on my shoulders, Anni in the stroller cart and 2 bags to carry, but that's neither here nor there...
After shopping, the three of us headed over to Riley's house for some dinner and a group bath. Abby especially loved the meatballs she got to have with dinner. During the bath, Anni ended up sitting between the two older girls and both girls proceeded to have a grand time dumping water on Anni's head. She didn't mind at all, and Riley and Abby were very amused. All in all, a good time had by all.
When we got home from the playground, it was time for Anni's bout of stairmaster. That child loves the stairs and climbs up them SO fast! And she thinks it's hysterically funny when you chase her up the stairs, so it's become quite the game. Now she likes to get to the top and "talk" to me until I come to the top and bring her back down...and then we start all over again. She has started to back herself down the stairs, so hopefully my stair chasing days are numbered...
After Friday naptime, the girls and I headed to Kohls. I needed a dress for a wedding on Saturday and I was pretty sure I could pull it off before either child had a major meltdown. I can't say the shopping trip was pretty, but I did manage to try on a few dresses and to walk out of the store with dress in hand. Of course, by the time I left the store, I had Abby perched on my shoulders, Anni in the stroller cart and 2 bags to carry, but that's neither here nor there...
After shopping, the three of us headed over to Riley's house for some dinner and a group bath. Abby especially loved the meatballs she got to have with dinner. During the bath, Anni ended up sitting between the two older girls and both girls proceeded to have a grand time dumping water on Anni's head. She didn't mind at all, and Riley and Abby were very amused. All in all, a good time had by all.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Mid-Week Wrap Up
At the request of a certain someone who had rejoined the league of workers, and for everyone else who likes to cheat when they're at work, here's a wrap up of our week so far...
Monday:
Today the girls got a little extra quality daddy time. I can't quite recall all the nuts and bolts of it, but basically Dana got done with work early and came home to spend the afternoon with his girls.
The highlight of Monday, however, other than Dana being home, was Aunt Gigi's surprise party! In honor of Gigi's 40th birthday, we had a party at Jensen's Supper Club in Eagan. Dana, the girls and I did some decoration shopping shortly before the party and then got to Jensen's early to do some party decorating. The girls especially like the balloons. They never stayed in the same spot, but they did stay in the room. The party kicked off around 6, Gigi and Jeff showed up shortly after 7, and the birthday girl was pleasantly surprised. There were a bunch of Gigi's friends and a good portion of her family too. Abby and Anni were more than happy to help Gigi eat cake and open her presents.
Tuesday:
Dana wasn't feeling well on Tuesday, so he was home all day. The girls were thrilled, of course. They wanted Daddy to do everything with them...put in their barrettes, get their juice, read the books. At some point, Dana was wearing one of Abby's Big Bird barrettes and at a later point, she decided to decorate him with more barrettes, a teething ring on his toes and a Dora shoe on one foot. It was quite a look.
In the morning, the girls and I went for our run. They're doing a stellar job helping me "train" for the marathon. And by stellar, I mean I'm able to coax them into staying in the running stroller and they don't make me stop very often. Anni usually falls asleep on our morning runs and Abby chats away.
Wednesday:
As of Wednesday, I was officially the last mommy standing. My dear friends Lisa and Sara both had babies recently and were on maternity leave. They went on maternity leave around the same time I started staying home full-time with the monkeys. Sara went back to work in June, I believe, and Lisa started back on Wednesday. To be perfectly honest, I would prefer both of them stay home and have playdates with me all week, but apparently I don't get to make that decision. I don't like that at all, but apparently that doesn't matter either. ;)
Thursday:
This morning the girls and I went for another run. At various points, Anni started squawking with displeasure, but I couldn't figure out what the problem was...until I caught stinker Abigail pinching her sister's nose shut. That is a fascinating game, let me tell you! Anni didn't think so. Then, at various points, Abby wanted me to stop and put water in her hands so she could give Anni a bath. The girls tend to get a little hot when we run some days, so I usually splash some water into my hands and rub it on their arms, legs and faces. Anni doesn't mind when I do that, but she did object to the "dry" washing Abby kept giving her.
After a bit, Anni fell asleep and Abby commenced chatting...non stop. Now, normally I don't mind Abby chatting. She talks to herself and everyone else all the time. But I was trying to count while I was running (a training thing) and she kept talking and I kept losing track...ugh! As I was running and trying to stay on track of my counting, I was suddenly struck by the fact that my mother never lost her temper with me when I talked all the time in the car...and I have NO idea how she didn't lose her ever-lovin' mind listening to me prattle on in the backseat.
So, there's your update for the week so far. As of this moment, we don't have plans for Friday. Probably another run. Maybe a visit to the gym so the girls can play with the kids. On Saturday, Auntie Erin is coming to babysit so Dana and I can go to a family wedding. And we might do some playing with Riley and William. Other than that, there's sure to be eating...and playing...and reading...the occasional whining...a little crying...more than a couple dirty diapers...and a whole lotta love going on...
Monday:
Today the girls got a little extra quality daddy time. I can't quite recall all the nuts and bolts of it, but basically Dana got done with work early and came home to spend the afternoon with his girls.
The highlight of Monday, however, other than Dana being home, was Aunt Gigi's surprise party! In honor of Gigi's 40th birthday, we had a party at Jensen's Supper Club in Eagan. Dana, the girls and I did some decoration shopping shortly before the party and then got to Jensen's early to do some party decorating. The girls especially like the balloons. They never stayed in the same spot, but they did stay in the room. The party kicked off around 6, Gigi and Jeff showed up shortly after 7, and the birthday girl was pleasantly surprised. There were a bunch of Gigi's friends and a good portion of her family too. Abby and Anni were more than happy to help Gigi eat cake and open her presents.
Tuesday:
Dana wasn't feeling well on Tuesday, so he was home all day. The girls were thrilled, of course. They wanted Daddy to do everything with them...put in their barrettes, get their juice, read the books. At some point, Dana was wearing one of Abby's Big Bird barrettes and at a later point, she decided to decorate him with more barrettes, a teething ring on his toes and a Dora shoe on one foot. It was quite a look.
In the morning, the girls and I went for our run. They're doing a stellar job helping me "train" for the marathon. And by stellar, I mean I'm able to coax them into staying in the running stroller and they don't make me stop very often. Anni usually falls asleep on our morning runs and Abby chats away.
Wednesday:
As of Wednesday, I was officially the last mommy standing. My dear friends Lisa and Sara both had babies recently and were on maternity leave. They went on maternity leave around the same time I started staying home full-time with the monkeys. Sara went back to work in June, I believe, and Lisa started back on Wednesday. To be perfectly honest, I would prefer both of them stay home and have playdates with me all week, but apparently I don't get to make that decision. I don't like that at all, but apparently that doesn't matter either. ;)
Thursday:
This morning the girls and I went for another run. At various points, Anni started squawking with displeasure, but I couldn't figure out what the problem was...until I caught stinker Abigail pinching her sister's nose shut. That is a fascinating game, let me tell you! Anni didn't think so. Then, at various points, Abby wanted me to stop and put water in her hands so she could give Anni a bath. The girls tend to get a little hot when we run some days, so I usually splash some water into my hands and rub it on their arms, legs and faces. Anni doesn't mind when I do that, but she did object to the "dry" washing Abby kept giving her.
After a bit, Anni fell asleep and Abby commenced chatting...non stop. Now, normally I don't mind Abby chatting. She talks to herself and everyone else all the time. But I was trying to count while I was running (a training thing) and she kept talking and I kept losing track...ugh! As I was running and trying to stay on track of my counting, I was suddenly struck by the fact that my mother never lost her temper with me when I talked all the time in the car...and I have NO idea how she didn't lose her ever-lovin' mind listening to me prattle on in the backseat.
So, there's your update for the week so far. As of this moment, we don't have plans for Friday. Probably another run. Maybe a visit to the gym so the girls can play with the kids. On Saturday, Auntie Erin is coming to babysit so Dana and I can go to a family wedding. And we might do some playing with Riley and William. Other than that, there's sure to be eating...and playing...and reading...the occasional whining...a little crying...more than a couple dirty diapers...and a whole lotta love going on...
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Highlights, Lowlights and Truly Weird Points
Dana comes back from the cabin at some point tomorrow and all the girls are really ready for him to come home. The girls because they love their daddy and want to see him all the time. His wife because she misses her husband and because, let's be honest, wifey-poo could use a little break from the kiddies.
Looking back over the past couple days, we've had some highlights, some lowlights and some truly weird moments. Here are a few examples:
Highlights:
1. The girls were very excited to see me in the morning and after naptimes.
2. We got to have a high quality playdate with Riley and William today. See photos below. There was a swimming pool, tree swing, mac & cheese...what more could we ask for?
3. Anni almost walked...several times.
4. The girls generally played very nicely together.
5. Anni figured out this new fish face/kissing thing that's pretty freakin' cute.
6. There was lots of hysterical laughing and no trips to the emergency room.
Lowlights:
1. There was a LOT of poop.
2. We had a few moments of 2-year old-ness to the extreme.
3. Did I mention the poop?
4. A few short-tempered moments on mommy's behalf. But after a while, the poop can really get to you!
5. I did some cleaning. I hate cleaning. It's just not any fun!
Seriously weird moments:
1. Abby woke up from her nap with a strange substance on her hands. She found it quite fascinating as she proceeded to stick and unstick her fingers together. There was also some of the unknown (ok, ok, it was snot) substance on her face. After a good wipedown, we were all good, but still...very strange.
2. Anni very purposefully bit me. She's super squirmy when I change her diaper these days and just wants to be right-side up. So when I had her pinned (see poop comments above), she figured out a rather ingenious way to get me to let her go...she grabbed hold of my "pinning" hand, literally stretched her neck up toward my hand and gave me a chomp. It wasn't hard and she didn't hurt me, but it was a shock. I'm going to just chalk it up to creative problem solving.
3. Abby and I were reading the BC's book (that what she calls the alphabet) and as I'm pointing to the letters, which she requires me to do, she suddenly grabbed my hand and stuck my finger in her mouth. I have absolutely no explanation for such an action, but it was a weird one.
So, Dana comes home tomorrow and I'm sure he'll have quite the homecoming. Whenever the girls hear the door shut, they immediately think it's Dana. Abby shouts "Daddy!", Anni starts shrieking and shaking like a leaf and they both just about burst with happiness when he come around the corner. Truth be told, so does he.
Looking back over the past couple days, we've had some highlights, some lowlights and some truly weird moments. Here are a few examples:
Highlights:
1. The girls were very excited to see me in the morning and after naptimes.
2. We got to have a high quality playdate with Riley and William today. See photos below. There was a swimming pool, tree swing, mac & cheese...what more could we ask for?
3. Anni almost walked...several times.
4. The girls generally played very nicely together.
5. Anni figured out this new fish face/kissing thing that's pretty freakin' cute.
6. There was lots of hysterical laughing and no trips to the emergency room.
Lowlights:
1. There was a LOT of poop.
2. We had a few moments of 2-year old-ness to the extreme.
3. Did I mention the poop?
4. A few short-tempered moments on mommy's behalf. But after a while, the poop can really get to you!
5. I did some cleaning. I hate cleaning. It's just not any fun!
Seriously weird moments:
1. Abby woke up from her nap with a strange substance on her hands. She found it quite fascinating as she proceeded to stick and unstick her fingers together. There was also some of the unknown (ok, ok, it was snot) substance on her face. After a good wipedown, we were all good, but still...very strange.
2. Anni very purposefully bit me. She's super squirmy when I change her diaper these days and just wants to be right-side up. So when I had her pinned (see poop comments above), she figured out a rather ingenious way to get me to let her go...she grabbed hold of my "pinning" hand, literally stretched her neck up toward my hand and gave me a chomp. It wasn't hard and she didn't hurt me, but it was a shock. I'm going to just chalk it up to creative problem solving.
3. Abby and I were reading the BC's book (that what she calls the alphabet) and as I'm pointing to the letters, which she requires me to do, she suddenly grabbed my hand and stuck my finger in her mouth. I have absolutely no explanation for such an action, but it was a weird one.
So, Dana comes home tomorrow and I'm sure he'll have quite the homecoming. Whenever the girls hear the door shut, they immediately think it's Dana. Abby shouts "Daddy!", Anni starts shrieking and shaking like a leaf and they both just about burst with happiness when he come around the corner. Truth be told, so does he.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Daddy's Gone Fishing...
Last night, Dana left for the cabin. For some quality time with "da boyz". Before he left, he got in a little quality time with the monkeys. Anni decided the fun new game was to chew on Daddy's hat. And then Abby got in on the game and they all made funny faces...
Today, the girls and I had a little quality time at the gym and then we went to visit Nana. One of their favorite places to visit. Anni literally shrieked when she heard Nana's voice today. And then her entire body shakes. It's pretty funny...and I imagine it makes Nana (and anyone else she does it for) feel pretty good. I know Dana loves it when he gets home from work. After Nana's it was time to head home for dinner, baths and bed. Dinner and baths went just fine. Bed still needs to happen. As I type, the monkeys are in bed chatting away. Since they started off bedtime with significantly louder protests (read screaming), I'm just fine with the chatting. I hope they keep it down when I crawl into bed though...which will be literally any moment now...
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