Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Drama and A Fever

Let's start with my Drama Queen...GAVIN!
We had soccer tonight and truely my child is the one that every coach dreads having. He sat and cried because he didn't get to use his ball in the practice, because he didn't get to make a goal, because he got knocked down, because the grass was green (Ok, not really, but I am unsure what some of the tears were for.)??? We did this a lot in the spring, but I was hoping the fall would be better. The coach kinda just looked at him like "What the heck is your problem?" I think, in all honestly, it all comes down to being tired. He's not getting a good nap at the sitters and many mornings he's up before 6A, even when he doesn't have to be. I need to check in with his teacher and see if he's giving her the "Drama." I know everyone thinks I am crazy when I say bedtime here is 7P, but that truely is the time I start him heading to bed, so that by 8 my prayer is that he has collapsed. I get up at 4:30A and it's not unusual for that to wake him. Poor kid. He is one of those statistics, I fear, childhood sleep deprivation.

As for the girl baby...I think she's sick. The sitter called me on the way home from school with a heads up. She had a fever of 101 there, but it was down to 99 tonight. Maybe teething? She's a little pukey and not eating great. I guess we shall see what tonight and tomorrow bring. Matt is keeping her home with him all day, regardless. I hate to not stay home with her, but I trust he can take care of things and if she really needs me I will come home once my school kids go home (at 11:00A).

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

4 Months & Sweet



Call it crazy, but I had Gavin's pictures taken every month for the first year. Well, not to mess up a good streak we are working on the same for Maya. It's harder with her. Not that she isn't adorable and it's not even hard to get the pictures taken, but I am struggling with getting them shared, getting them framed and having an ounce of space to display them.

Here is the link to her 4 month pictures...they are "sweet". Her 3 month ones were just right down "spunky."

https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTPP0241112724JCP (Enter first & last name to view the pictures)

Gavin had his first homework assignment this week. I think the teacher in me turned it into too big of a deal. It is an "All About Me" poster. I will have to post a picture of it! He seemed to enjoy it, esp. when we cut pics out of a magazine. He told me that Maya is his favorite friend!!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Soccer...Playhouse Disney and other various "stuff."


Where did the weekend go? Sadly, I am saying that after my third long weekend in a row. I love being home w/ the little people (Matt too).

Saturday was Gavin's first soccer game. Yes, they did play! It was WET. I think the kids were so shocked that their parents were "forcing" them to play in the rain they really didn't know what to do. However, the game was short (less than 30 minutes) and Gavin did get a goal. Maya LOVED being in the rain, but she was the only dry one in the bunch. I had her in the snuggly, under a waterproof blanket and under my umbrella. She liked the water dripping on her hands and would suck it off. It was quiet cute.

Maw, my mom, came up in the rain to see the game. Grandma and Grandpa K. had weekend plans and while they planned on coming we encouraged them to enjoy their weekend and NOT come sit in the rain. Really, we didn't ever think they would play the game, but....

Sunday we went to church. This was my first weekend back in the nursery since Maya was born. There were a whole new batch of toddlers and some of my VERY favorites have moved on to the preschool room, but overall it was fun. We had planned on going to Saturday night's service, so I could go to a service, but Gavin asked if we could just stay home. He was tired and he LOVES the teachers in the AM, so we agreed.

Sunday afternoon we went with April, Cole and Owen to see Playhouse Disney Live. We have been to MANY kids shows and while this one was cute it was NOT among my favorites. That was a little disappointing, as Playhouse Disney was one of our very favorite things when we went to Disneyland in April 2007. I think Gavin liked it, but I think he was like me, he didn't love it. Maya could have cared less. I thought she would be interested in the bright colors and music (She LOVED Mamma Mia when we went to see it at the movies! She NEVER slept and watched and laughed the entire show!), however she slept, talked to me a little, ate, slept a little more.

Can't wait to get home and hear how week two of preschool is going for Gavin.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Another new "friend."


Today consisted of a trip to the local elementary school for day two of speech class for Gavin. I think he likes it, however he has no real clue why we are going. He thinks he just gets to go talk and play with the nice lady.

We went to the mall tonight. I had a coupon to use at Macy's and also one for Lane Bryant. Did well at both stores. However, that said, I am annoyed with Macy's and don't know how often I will be frequenting that establishment. Thanks for the great coupons, but gee... can you please show me something that I CAN use it on??? Oh-well. Also, managed to snag two pair of nice pants for work for under $12 (total) at Sears. The real reason for our trip was to eat supper w/ my wonderful friend Alana. We ended up at Red Robin. We were able to chat and Gavin enjoyed a cartoon on a close by TV. Usually I don't like him zoning out with a tv during a meal out, but today it was perfect! ;o) Maya played with her shoes the whole meal! After eating we headed to Build a Bear workshop. Gavin had money burning a hole in his pocket and I had a $5 off coupon. We were a perfect pair. He picked a koala bear that he's been eyeing for months. He named him Bindi (I have no idea why. He's never seen that show w/ the little girl or much about Steve Irwin.). With the coupon our little bear was only $7, so he had enough money that he could get a Batman t-shirt for the little guy (with a $.91 loan).

Bindi and Gavin are currently snuggled up in bed. It's the start of a beautiful friendship, I think.

Speaking of bed, Miss Maya went to bed without me rocking/holding her until she went to sleep. Yippie (Yet a little sad... I like the night time snuggle!). She is rolled as close to being on her belly asleep as she can, if only she could get that rolling over thing. I have tried getting her to her back to sleep a couple of times tonight. I think it's a losing battle and I don't want to wake her up!

Tomorrow is the first soccer game for the fall season! Should be fun!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Day two and already nothing to say...

Ok...I posted all of "good material" last night. Today hasn't been very eventful. I got to stay home today. My wonderful coworker, Jennifer, is working 14 of my Thursdays. It doesn't sound like much, but keep in mind I am already off every Friday. When you look at how we worked it out what it means is that the kids will never have to be at the sitter's house more than 3 days per week. They will either be with Matt or me all of those other days. I love my sitter (lots), but I love knowing they are with one of us a majority of the time.

Today Maya and I took Gavin to school, stopped by the hospital (I needed vitamins. DeKalb has this AWESOME program where they give you FREE prenatals if you are pregnant or nursing!) and then stopped by the sitter's house for a minute because I forgot to give her something. When we got home Matt had started repainting our deck. He's been a busy man since he's started feeling better. He's worked on the yard, painted some trim, done the deck and various other projects! He's a keeper! ;o)

As for school today. Gavin told me it was fun. They painted today, again, and he really liked that a lot.

Well, my time is up for tonight. I promised ME that I would be done and working by 8:50P. The house is a disaster!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Maya the Wonder Baby


Maya the Wonder Baby...


Wonder how she didn't starve the first few weeks of school (eating 2-4 oz. from 6a-5p...total).


Wonder if we will have to "roll" her to preschool if she keeps inhaling so much cereal!


Wonder how she hasn't lost any hair, but has managed to scoot lots of it off this week.


Wonder why she finds Gavin so funny...ok, really I get this one!


Wonder what she thinks about the fact that we are NEVER at home?


Wonder how we were so blessed to get her and Gavin!!!


Superman Takes Flight (AKA Gavin Starts Preschool) 9/8/2008

My "baby" boy started preschool on Monday. Happy Birthday to me, send that "baby" to school. He did great. No tears...better than me (but I did make it to the car first!). He went in, found his hook, looked around the room and took off he play. He only told us bye because we went to him and kind of made him. I took the day off so I could be there for this big day. We took lots of pictures before school and I was even able to get a few there, as they were still at recess when we returned.

After school we pick him up and he says "Yes" when asked if he had fun, but then it was like pulling teeth to get anymore input.

Me: What was your favorite part?
Him: The cookies
Me: What did you do?
Him: Umm...we just did boring stuff!

I did eventually get more out of him. They ate snack, they played with toys, they had recess.Once I got into his backpack I discovered they had read "The Kissing Hand." We have that book so we pulled it out and read it. He seemed to like the story and we have had "Kissing Hands" the rest of the week.

Day two the report was pretty much the same...more boring stuff. I did get lots of information out of him when I threatened no tv or Transformers toys. Gesh, is he 16 already?
Day three, today, he was a little more open. They did writing and painting and cutting and talking and they read "Clifford." I think they must have done some informal assessments today from what he shared with me.

I think, overall, he likes it. I think he will like it even more when he's made some friends. He tells me he has some now, but he doesn't know their names.


WATCH THE VIDEO:


View this montage created at One True Media
Gavin's 1st Day of Preschool

Our Obama Story...because you all keep asking and I have neglected to share! (8/31/08)




Ok, as many of you know (anyone in the US that I know and even beyond) Gavin, Maya and I were able to meet Barack Obama and Joe Biden on August 31, 2008 in Hamilton, IN. They made a stop at a small bar/restaurant called Pier 32.


Yes, of course we knew they were coming. Most there had no idea, but it's not every day that I hang out with my children at small lake side "joints" in their cute clothes at 4P. Wednesday, prior to the big day, local agencies were contacted to make all needed arrangements, however no times, locations or plans were disclosed even to those people. The information I was given was as follows:

Informant: I might have to work over on Sunday.
Me: Why?
Informant: Someone influential is coming to town.
Me: Who?
Informant: I can't say, but they are in Colorado right now.
Me (a day later): THE one or the vice one?
Informant: Both

About 2 days later I decided it would be an awesome opportunity for the kids.
What if we could actually meet him? What is he wanted to hold/kiss my adorable
baby for a photo opportunity? So, we got all dressed and ready, but had no place
really to go. All day "informant" and I texted and called, but still no word. I finally
decided I was going to pack up the kids and if we didn't see him we could at least
go to the Meijer in Angola for groceries. Well, we pack, we get in the car and I get
a text "Get to Hamilton ASAP." I fly there (as fast as you can with two kids in the
car, in a no passing zone behind someone's Grandma) and explore the entire city
block that makes up the great metropolis that is Hamilton. No clue where I am going,
what time I should be there, what I am looking for, etc. I decide to drive beyond the
main area of the town and along the lake. There I spot them...no, not Obama and Biden,
but instead the local media!!! Bingo! I think we are in luck. I make the four year old
ask the news reporter if we are in the right place, but "mum" is the word. We sit by
the lake, we bake in the sun, we talk to the VERY few people who are there. An older
gentleman talks to the baby and I ask him if he thinks we are in the right spot. His reply was a wink and "Yes, I think you are in the right spot." Of course, being four, Gavin has to go to the bathroom. We go inside, where I discover a 1/2 empty restaurant. I ask if we can get a seat and the girl offers up a booth of table. I opt for the table to keep the little man contained.

Let me stop here and share that he, Gavin, has been MAJORLY bribed to be good. He tends
to crumble at the worst moments and I had, in some of my best parenting style, turned to bribery to work towards what I wanted and needed. The deal? Smile with the nice man who you do not know. If you do that with no issues you will get a surprise. (Later this turned into
two surprises and he got a set of Transformers) No matter how nervous or scared you are, I will be right there with you, just smile, PLEASE! (I did ask the baby not to puke! She too held up
her end of the deal!)

Anyway, we sit, the waiter gives me a free coke (I hadn't even carried in my purse) and we wait. Finally, after some wrong turns, the buses arrive. Huge black buses with a caravan of other vehicles including the OH, MI and IN State Police. They get off the bus (we are inside watching through the windows) greet the growing crowd (news crew in Podunk America will attract that) and then come inside. I never saw Biden come in, however later I did hear someone yell, "Biden's in the back having a beer." (and he was). Obama stopped and talked to every person in that room. He shook hands, smiled, took pictures, hugged and kissed old ladies. When he got to us he shook my hand and said hi to Gavin. I asked if he would mind to take a picture with the kids. He said that he would and then asked if he could hold Maya. Some of it is a blur, as I fumbled with the camera, realized the flash was not on, etc. However, he told me she was a doll and asked me her name. When I told him "Maya" he said, "My sister's name is Maya. It's a good name. She turned out really well." Then he moved on to the next table. As soon as he left Gavin said "Mom, I used my best smile. Can I get my surprise now?" (YES, YES, YES!)
Great, we met him. Now what? The place is a buzz and we are pretty much trapped. The baby is tired. The four year old, who loved the initial energy is bored and we are trapped by two huge buses and a caravan of cars. So we sit, we wait, we wander to the bathroom, we try to peek in the bar area to see what the men are up to in there. An elderly lady sits with us briefly, but is soon whisked away by her family because Biden and Obama are sitting at HER table and eating HER order! (Seems she could have taken us with her since we were nice enough to share our table, but....) Eventually they break up the chat in the back and start heading out. This time Biden appears first and talks to a few people and kisses a few babies. As this is going on some Secret Service guy is gushing over Maya (doesn't he have some VERY important job to be doing?). He says to me, give me your camera and I will get a picture. Biden stops and talks to us, and does a great job of chatting it up with Gavin. He then agrees to a picture. "Cheese" and then he's done, however Mr. Agent didn't get the shot, so he brings him back to us. He says to me "I thought he got it, didn't you? (laughing)" I agreed and thanked him for taking a picture with us. His response was "Thank you for asking."

Outside they go, eventually, into the heat. We are still trapped, Gavin is still bored and now he's hungry. We go outside to watch and yet can only see a little. Got a few pictures and headed inside. We didn't even stay out there to see the buses leave.

Once they were gone I tried to get Gavin to eat there, but he wanted McD's. Who am I to argue with him? He's been patient, followed directions and he did smile!!!! Have I mentioned that Maya has not cried once during this entire thing and ate just enough to make me not be worried that she might starve?

So, I have bored all with the pictures, but let me share one last thing which drug out the excitement. I shared my pictures with our local paper (who didn't have a reporter there). The day after Labor Day I get the paper to discover my photos (with me credited) on the front page. There is also the picture of the kids with Obama on the back page! I was pretty excited to have my "work" published. Ok, so really I was used for free pictures, but I can live with that.

I have been asked if I would take them to see "The Other OLD Guy" and I think I would. Being able to meet the future president of the US is a pretty big deal, and while I think it might be obvious who I am supporting, for the sake of making sure we were on track I would go see "The Other OLD Guy" if he came near us and it was a similar (small) setting.

My very own blog...

Well, here I am, starting my very own blog. Do I have enough tales to bore you with? Well, I guess we shall see. Honestly, I keep getting notices in my email about spamming when I try to mass email all of you. I thought if I could write here and share the link it might (??) help. Besides, then maybe you won't have to see EVERY picture we have of the kids. ;o)