I Don't Have Time for That...

So, it has been snowing non-stop for the past couple of days - and the girls are beside themselves with zeal. There has been quite a bit of sledding in the yard, and the snow is literally waist-high on the babes. (Rather entertaining for adults too.)
We've been enjoying it as well. I think having kids adds to the excitement of the first great snows. I'm still in the 'romantic' stages of winter... (In about another week, I'll be ready for spring again!)

This morning, daddy mentioned to Myla that it might be fun to go play outside. Once it got warmer out, the snow became heavy and thick - perfect for building snowmen! 
To our astonishment, her reply came as such: "No no no, Dada. I don't have time to go play outside today. I have to play with my babies...." 
Oh. Well. I see. (Sounds like the story of my life at this stage with the girls!) At least she's prepared for the responsibility of having children when that time should arrive. Many years away yet - but it does go by quickly. Before we know it - I'll be blogging about the joys of being a grandparent! (Our reward for going through parenthood!!)

TIP: If the snow is too deep and the kids just keep getting stuck and/ or falling, you can shovel a little zig-zag path around the yard. Before you know it - they will be running and throwing snow and laughing again :)
A QUOTE: "Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough." ~Earl Wilson
WHIDFML: Savored some cookies. I figure, if I give in to this weakness once per year, I can live through the mini-gluten-attack... It was worth it! 

Christmas Crabbies

The way Addie's nature has been lately - I wasn't surprised that she was crabby in general throughout much of the celebratory weekend... I was, however, a bit staggered to witness her tears as she unwrapped gifts on Christmas morning. WHAT? Seriously? Really....... Not what you were hoping for this year? Me neither! Thankfully, the deluge of sugar-laden treats and the continuous attention from various family members as the celebrations commenced, brought about a sense of contentment in her. 
So, all in all, it could certainly have been worse ;) They were both really excited for Christmas this year - and Myla was absolutely thrilled with every minute of it! I guess if one isn't crabby, the other one must take over, huh? Her teeth are almost through now, so we should be getting a more 'normalized' Addie back again shortly. She has been coming back around gradually. 
Still just can't understand how one could be happy about her gifts, yet crying at the same time. But then again - - pain can do that to a person! So I can't really blame the poor girl. The post-stress migraine I got to endure following the holiday happies, reminded me just how living with pain can affect a person. I suppose I may have needed that reminder in this case.

TIP: Baby pain relief: Don't leave home without it! (Sometimes you just have to administer the pain meds...)

A QUOTE: "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!"  ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

WHIDFML: Lazy lazy day-after-Christmas this year!! :):)

Live, Love, LAUGH Some More!!

Been a stressful few weeks - and it all came to a close with a fabulously well-spent birthday celebration: No kids for over 24 hours... Nothin' quite like a 24+ hour date with the hubby! Yay grandparents!! 
I was feeling refreshed after all of the quiet, the spontaneity, the music, the wine, chocolate, fire ablaze, card-playing, & fun-having... The perusing where we pleased with no time constraints, arguing with unruly toddlers, or wishing we hadn't bothered to leave the house in the first place. And of course... the staying up late and the sleeping-in :) Marvelous dinner for 2 at the Sample Room... and just plain ol' good times and new memories for Joel and I to revel in.
Of course, reality set back in pretty abruptly after retrieving our over-tired, under-slept, sugar-crashing babettes. (Something to look forward to as a grandparent one day, eh?) 
Taking it all in stride... (after outing some frustration via loud noise and use of profanity) I realized this is a short week... a little hop, skip, & jump on our path to the celebration of CHRISTMAS! Joel will be home from work for 4 whole days. We will eat, drink, share some love with the fam, and be oh-so-merry. 
This morning (and throughout the day) Myla was nothing less than angelic! (Thank you Lord!) Perhaps she (in her strife over the need to adjust to change while sleeping in a less-familiar locale) found herself rather appreciative of her daily (boring) routine with her good ol' mom. (I plan to mix it up once they are a little tiny bit older! Right now - Addie's going through a phase, and it truly isn't worth attempting any new and exciting "projects" with the girls at this juncture. Trust me on this one.) Maybe this newly-spun enjoyment of mommy will last?? We can hope. And hope we must!
Addie, on the other hand, is still her crabby, clingy, attention-requiring not-herself-self again... The whining. The screaming. Today - I did a remarkable job (2 days, 2 days, 2 days... Wednesday is Grandma and Grandpa day... then we're on to the weekend!!! Ohm.) of staying unfathomably calm during the continuous riot, while also ignoring all outbursts and unnecessary whimpering. She is nearly 2. She is NOT an infant... not even close. She doesn't need the coddling she thinks she does. It's hard. I mean - she is the baby. AND, she's seen too often how Myla has been able to maintain her daddy's coddling via similar means leading up to just recently. Joel and I have really turned a new leaf in the way of upholding a like-minded and consistent approach to child-rearing - together. This (combined with her recent new-found appreciation for the day-to-day) are conjoining to provide a fab and well-deserved reprieve from her previous typical, regular drama. SO BE IT. (Whoot!)

Now...  It's play time! I'm served a cup of tea, and when asked what flavor, Myla's response came as such, "It's Strawberry-WATERMELON!!!" (Pause... begin to walk away, and return to conclude...) "WITH chocolate-sauce with blueberries and WATERMELON!" Mmmmm. How could I refuse?! She was quick to follow-up with a warning, "Um. It's kind of spicy... It might be too spicy for little mamas... " Upon hearing this - Addie decided she'd better step-it-up a notch if she wanted to remain part of this restaurant's service. She turned to the "cabinet" and extracted the little red "bottle". "Ketchup?!!?" She asked enthusiastically, while "pouring" some into a cup for me. Sure, why not? It will probably only enhance my strawberry-watermelon tea with blueberry and watermelon chocolate sauce. 
Just when I started giggling, and didn't think it could get any cuter or funnier... it was bed-time for me (according to baby-watches, that is.) Okay! (This is my favorite game! I get to "pretend" to snooze... Yeah. I know. Best game ever.) But... this time I had a serious case of the giggles - as I lay there thinking about all of the personality and imagination just mixing away in these little, growing people... I was reprimanded without delay, "It is BED-TIME mommy! You have to be quiet and go to sleep now." This only turned up the intensity of my laughing fit (now officially a fit, indeed), because it was just too damn ironic!!!! HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! (I just got a tiny sliver of revenge, and I didn't even have to try.) Hmmmm. How's that medicine tasting there little lady of no-sleep-ever-if-she-could-help-it?? Hmm?? Kind of tart? I decided it was best to use this open window and elaborate. "What happens to me if I don't listen to you and sleep?? What are you gonna do?!" She placed her hands on her hips, gave me sly-eyes, and said without hesitation, "I will put you in, um, mommy and daddy's - wait - in YOUR - okay in YOUR room by yourself!" (She seemed to realize, as she stuttered, that when we separate her from her sister by placing her in our room - that this might not be the best form of "punishment" for me... as it is in fact, MY room.) She also said I don't get an ice cream cone. (Dang. Now that one I might have to give into! I am a sucker for ice cream.) But, nonetheless, the laughter ensued, as I had completely lost all control. (Man - it felt really good to laugh that hard - even though no one around me at the time understood.) I think the mere fact that Myla wanted me to be "sleeping" during this laugh-fest, made it that much more enjoyable - despite the fact that she was in no way whiny or dramatic at all today - [aside from this hands-on-hips sternness she'd acquired for the purpose of making sure I get my rest - like a good mommy should.]  ;) 
A friend had dropped by with a b-day and Christmas gift for Joel and I (his b-day is just a couple of weeks away as well...) We received a TJ's G.C. - which means none other than - MORE WINE! (We enjoy trying the different wines, and it really is just a relaxing thing to sip on during the weekends. Also happens to be good for you in such moderation. Hey - we have 2 toddlers, and we don't get to get out much right now... Therefore,our "going out" is often a matter of trying new wines when we can!) I expressed this to Myla as we opened our respective gifts. So fun!!
Daddy came home shortly thereafter, and Myla showed exuberance over the newly acquired goods. She held in her hand the venerated gift card while Joel asked her, "What do you have there?" (She was really excited. This is a direct reflection of my exclamation of joy earlier.) She stated in reply, "A Trader Joe's card for WINE!!" Joel and I just laughed until we cried. If only you could have heard her!
So begins a new week, shortly following a new moon, and leading up to a new year... And I too have a fresh new perspective on the day-to-day :)


TIP! We gotta stop "babying" our babies! (You know - the youngest one... the one you can't let grow up too quickly because they are your last baby.) It will catch up with you if it hasn't already. Ignoring the outbursts did result in eventual (spurts) of quiet with each occurrence, accompanied by a sudden willingness to eat meals where appropriate. I kind of like this approach. We have to be a little bit more diligent now - to reverse the trend. Seems to be helping gradually. Every bit helps when your kid is throwing tantrums!

A QUOTE: "A perfect example of minority rule is a baby in the house." ~ Milwaukee Journal

WHIDFML: Celebrated my birthday just the way I wanted to - with just the hubby and me - and a little flying by the seat of our pants into pure relaxation.

The "A" List

 Here is Addie's (growing)  list of "funnies" & follies...

Addie: (Every time a timer goes off...) "Pizza's done!"

Addie: (Every time a toaster pops...) "Waffles done!"

Addie: (Every time a phone rings...) "Phoooooone!"

While daddy was rocking Addie before bed time one night, she whimpered, "Tummy Ache" - and then forced out two incredibly audible digestive noises that just shouldn't be possible for someone so little and cute. ;) After passing the gas, she attempted to pass the blame, and accusingly stated, "DaaaaaaDaaaaa!" 


More to be added over time, I'm sure!


TIP! Laughter is great medicine - and cures pretty much everything :)
A QUOTE: "I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries." ~Theodore Issac Rubin
WHIDFML: Started working-out again - on the stationary bike. Feels FAB!

T is for Toddler...

Or rather, TEA is for mothers-OF-toddlers!! It supersedes all that I've tried thus far: Cookies, chocolate, alcohol/ wine, vitamin-D - - even hot baths, music, and adequate sleep! Nothing has compared to the great comfort - physically & psychologically - of sipping some hot, delish, nutrient-filled, (and mildly caffeinated) TEA! WHAT did I do before Teavana?? :)
"Tea" is for Energy, Calm, Serenity, Comfort, Peace, Clarity, Creativity, JOY! I really do relish life's simple pleasures.........



Tip & WHIDFML are obvious in this min-post :)

A QUOTE: "There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea."  ~Bernard-Paul Heroux

"My Spanks Went Away!"

OH my Lordy-Lord. Today - the spanking needed implementing yet again. Myla was being stubborn (X 2 - as she acquired this from both parents!), refusing to listen/ obey, and sass-talking... (Seriously - sometimes I think the kid is already a teenager... I have to remind myself that she's only 3.) However, I seemingly didn't apply this particular rearing with enough vigor - since she stood back, one foot forward, hands on hips with one leg bent, a gleam of defiance in her squinted, glaring eyes saying, "Hmf! My spanks went away Mama. Hmf!" So, round two... DANG! Same response from her....

So now I'm thinking, "Well SHIT. WHAT do I have to do to instill the fear of repercussion into this child!?!" I thought back to my own childhood. Many a "wooden spoon" (though cheaply made and collected by the dozen for this reason) were broken over our asses as kids - and we turned out pretty darn okay -- I think (despite the "crazy" in me!) ;) So anywho...
I pulled out the biggest rubber spatula I could find, held it up, gave her back her "glaring eyes" and asked sternly, "Maybe I'll need to use this??" She looked as though she'd just been defeated again, backed away slightly, eyes now drooped and pleading. She shook her head meagerly while uttering this reply, "No mama. I'll be good." To that I say, "Hmf!" (And THANK GOD! SERIOUSLY. What am I gonna do with her?)

TIP! The idea is really to 'scare' the kid into realizing that there are consequences to their actions... Not to physically hurt them. But apparently in my case - I have to induce pain to get my point across! HELP. (If I'm lucky - just the threat of it will do... I can hope.) Taking away the opp to watch vids, and play with dolls didn't work either! What else can I "take away" from a 3-year-old?! Can't take away food, for crying out loud!! We are in TROUBLE. Maybe if we're REALLY lucky, she'll get it out of her system now, and be a good girl in Jr. High/ High School. (Hey - like I said, I can hope! And actually, if she takes after me, this will likely be the case. If she takes after her dad - we're screwed.)
A QUOTE: "When we teach ourselves and our children discipline, we are teaching them and ourselves how to suffer and how to grow." ~M. Scott Peck
WHIDFML: Yesterday - on my day off - I ran a few errands (2 fun ones besides!)... Then, I ran a hot bath with Aveda bath salts, read a magazine by candle light, lit a fire in the fireplace, more candles, and wrapped gifts - all to the tune to Christmas music, while sipping wine! What a rejuvenating day!! I needed that!

Myla Moments... (To Be Continued, I'm Sure!)

Myla (Upon hearing that it is snowing outside): "Oooooh. We can go SLEDDING!!! Yay!"


Myla (Upon hearing that we'll soon be able to go out and play in the snow): "Oh Mama - You're the BEST mama - - EVER!" 

Myla (Randomly out of the blue), "My dada is my favorite boy!" (heeheeheeehee. And he'd like to KEEP it that way - until you're 30!)


Myla (While watching a new Disney Christmas show on ABC) "Hey - that's really Santa!!! He's riding on those silly creatures..." (Aka: reindeer!) Hahahahahahaha! Kids are funny.

Tonight while supposedly falling asleep in bed... 
Myla:(on the monitor) "Mama... Mama. Please come here. My eye is hurting. I need you... Pleaase.." 
Me: "What's wrong?"
Myla: "Addie poked my eyeball..." (whimper)
Me: "Hmmm. Let me tell you something here. If you stayed in your bed, Addie wouldn't be able to reach your eye, and poke it in the dark! Why don't you try staying in your bed to fall asleep?? Here. Now let me kiss it." (Smoooch.)
Myla: "I need Dada to fix it. He is stronger and he can make my eye feel better!" 

Myla: (During a crabby-melt-down after some much-needed disciplinary action was taken) 
"I want my dada to come home and get rid of your CRABBIES! Hmf!" (hands on hips.) lol - Sometimes he can do that... other times, he adds to 'em! Ha!

Myla: (Telling her dada this upon my exuberance over her beautiful "letter" created for me while at Grandma & Grandpa's house one day) "See dada. I know how to get rid of mommy's grumpies!" LMAO as I write this!

Myla: "Can we go outside and blow bubbles today?"
Me: "I think it's supposed to be pretty windy & cold today... I'll have to check the weather on the computer and see." 
Myla: "Oh. Okay. I can tell you how the weather is going. Look! (pointing out window) See?? (with a very matter-of-fact tone) It's not cold outside."



TIP! Memories are what matter most :)
A QUOTE: "Experience: That most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God, do you learn."  ~C.S. Lewis
WHIDFML: Had a major heart-to-heart fab talk with the hubby, completely reconnected, and laughed - a lot - outloud!