Orange Day

I guess I should preface this post with the history of the situation. We are realitively new to preschool. We began in September, and at the end of September it was "red day". I was so proud to be there on time, with Quint dressed in red (just a few days after Rhett was born). Until.....

We walked into the classroom and they all lined up in the front of the class. I did not know what was happening but then all the other mommies whipped out their caemeras and began taking pictures. Where were they hiding those, I hadn't even noticed them earlier! My stomach just sank as I watched them record this precious moment. I tried very hard to focus on Quint and take in the moment of my little man singing his first song in front of people. I was bummed, but I vowed to do better. I would not be caught camera-less or what ever was required of a preschool momma.

Fast forward one month to Orange day.

We had successfully done the buddy bear project, sharing day, and our day for snack between Red day and Orange day. But, none of that mattered now.

It was orange day, and again, I was standing there without my camera. Seriously! How did I let this happen again!

Rewind 15 minutes.

I had loaded the car. Quint was in his orange shirt, and I had my camera in my bag. We drove to preschool and as I hustled to get all three boys in the building I paused and looked at my bag. I thought to myself, I don't need my bag we will only be a few minutes...EXCEPT the camera was in the bag. By the time I rolled the stroller in the room and realized they were going to sing again, it was too late to run to the car. It was a feeling of dropping the ball in slow motion. I couldn't believe I had done it again. To top it off Rhett started to cry as they were singing, and I could tell some of the mommies were annoyed that my crying son would be on their video.

I was sad for a bit but realized that it was a little thing in a very big picture...that was until dinner.

Quint was telling us about his day and he said to Daddy

"we sang a song today, and all the mommies were taking pictures and mommy didn't have her camera"

At that moment my heart sank. But, what could I do? I had forgetton the camera again. I had let him down.

I apologized, I told him I would get a picture from another preschool mommy, and I would do my best to have my camera next time.

I know in my mind it is not a big thing in the big picture, but it was big to Quint, which means I let him down. And, that kills me. I know it will happen. I am human and fail everyday. But, its not ok with me, so tomorrow and everyday after that I will work to get better at this momma thing.

Hopefully someday when it is a big thing in the big picture, I won't fail him.

Its a baby penguin

Quint has been attending preschool for two weeks. His teacher has not told me much about how Quint is doing but he seems to love it. This morning we walked in and his teacher told me "Quint has been telling us all about the baby". I was happy to hear he was excited about the new baby, and that he was sharing in class.

Two hours later we arrived to pick up and Quint's art teacher made a special point to come over and tell me a story about him today. I guess she asked him if he was hoping it was a baby brother or baby sister?

Quint responded: " I hope it is a baby penguin"

His art teacher is the cutest lady, who you can tell just loves her morning spent with little ones who say hilarious things. She was giggling, and I was too. All I could say was...."that would be interesting!"

I am not sure where Quint came up with a baby penguin, but I love having a peak into how their minds work.

I guess Bill Cosby was right, kids do say the darnest things:)

Quint gives advice

I went in to wake Quint up from nap today and he wanted to wake up slow. These days I am always up to lay down for a bit, so we snuggled together. It didn't last long and soon he was poking at my belly. He is always interested in the belly but today he put his mouth right up to it and began talking.

Quint: "hello in there"

"you should come out today"

"there are pacis out here!"

"we want to play with you"

It was really cool to see him initiate conversation with his new little brother. It was also very interesting to see what he told him about. We are so excited to meet him!

Don't forget the "s"

Today we start speech group for Quint. He has been getting speech services since he was 2. We have graduated to going to a group at a local elementary school. I keep thinking we are making so much progress, "he doesn't need speech anymore...right?". This morning we went to speech, and in the back of my mind I was thinking he is doing so much better he will probably test out of it now. Well, they worked on the letter "s" and I realized without a lot of prompting, he always leaves off the "s" on the front of words. Speech class is not a huge deal but I don't think anyone wants their child to have an IEP. Even if the cause was chronic ear infections as a young child.

I remember the first time I was clued in to Quint's delayed speech. We were at our 2 year old check up. I was so proud of my little man. I thought he was doing great, until

Doctor "so does he have 50 words?"

Me (in my head) who has fifty words at age 2!

Me out loud "I think he has more like 3-5"

Doctor "He had tubes put in last spring, so he may benefit from speech services to catch him up" "he is probably just a little behind because he couldn't hear very well all last winter". "here is the # to have him assessed."

Me: "I thought he was just kinda quiet, not very verbal, like his daddy"

I guess I should have noticed, but I was proactive and we were assessed. Since then we have been working on it. I guess we are not ready to be done yet. I will continue to get Quint to speech until his teacher thinks he is ready to graduate:)

You can't turn down free help

Today we did the big grocery store trip. When we got home the boys wanted to help put the groceries away. I would prefer to do it myself. But, I could not turn down their helpfulness. It went fast, and jelly was dropped on my toe in the process. I know it was an accident. They were so great and helpful. It is possible that I may find freezer food in the pantry later today, or vice versa. But, despite my misplaced food and my hurt toe, it was totally worth it. They are growing into such helpful little men:)

Missing one...

Today was the first day of preschool. It was a big day around here to put it lightly. I was trying to take it all in because people tell me this time in life goes too fast. But, what really stuck out to me was after Russell and I left preschool. I strapped him in his car seat and got in the car to go. Russell yelled from the back

"Quint!" "Mommy, Quint!"

I was surprised for a moment but then I realized they go nearly everywhere together. Even when I do drop them off somewhere for a class, we always leave together. I told Russell we would be back to pick Quint up in a few hours and he he said:

"No!"

I reassured him, and he was awesome.

When we returned to pick Quint up we had to wait till class was over.

Russell kept trying to open the door. He was excited to regain his buddy.

They are bonded.

It was an awesome realization.

Bk or grill utensils?

Its Labor Day, and we have been fighting sickness in our house. We were stir crazy, and BK went out for a few hours to meet with a good friend. I know he needs some man time. But, I am not a great sharer, and even after an hour I was missing him. He rode his bike, so I knew he would return by the porch door. As I was trying to get some stuff done around the house every few minutes out of the corner of my eye something would catch my attention. I would immediately get my hopes up that he was back already. Turns out it was the grill utensils clanging together in the breeze. I know it is ridiculous, and every time it would catch my eye and I would look to see if he was home, I would have negative self talk. I know it is not a great trait, but I was being a bit silly.

IN my BRAIN

"Christy, don't be ridiculous, BK needs to bond with other people besides you"

"He basically just left, of course he isn't home yet"

"Stop being so pregnant and moody"

A little while longer he was home.

I admitted that I missed him and nearly cried.

Sometimes I am too needy even for me.

Some days, survival is enough

I woke up this morning feeling yucky. No energy, head cold symptoms, drippy nose. I just wanted to crawl back in bed. I think both the boys were not feeling themselves either. We aborted our plans to go to the park, and just hung around the house in the morning. I always feel terribly guilty staying inside when the weather is nice, but I didn't think we had it in us to enjoy it. Or maybe I just wimped out. I tried to make it a good indoor morning.

I was thinking....positive self talk....you can do it.

You can be a good momma till nap time!

I pushed on, played blocks, train, and made lunch. The boys napped long and I was so grateful to get my own nap. I knew I was on my own till after bedtime (BK working late) so I prepared. I was not feeling up to it, but we pushed on for a walk, and played by the marching band. We ate dinner, built a boat and playground out of blocks, bath, grams, video, and bed.

WOW. I SURVIVED.

I think despite my yucky feeling body, I mustered out an ok day as a momma.

Hopefully tomorrow we will be all better.

But, for tonight....victory!

Playing together?

The boys woke up with such a sweet demeanor. Many mornings they need to get out to an activity, but today they seemed so content playing on our home. It was very peaceful and quiet so I went to see what was happening. They were both hiding under the play structure, doing something which involved trucks. Quint was talking to Russell and Russell was giggling. It was a perfect momma moment. I hope they keep up this angelic behavior when the new baby comes along:)

The pager incident

My hubby left his work pager home on Friday. It wasn't urgent so I put it in our bedroom in a safe spot. Well, tonight he came home flustered...I can't find my pager. Well, we paged it, and it didn't go off. Hummm. I told him, I left it on the dresser in our room.

It was mysteriously gone.

Soon we were all turning the house upside down looking for it. We asked the boys a few times if they had moved it, or seen it. I am a chronic rearranger but I swore innocence in this case:) My hubby is very organized and I try hard to keep our house in a level that won't drive him to insanity, but with babies it is challenging. I have to admit since our move the one room still in boxes is our bedroom which did not help in this situation! Finally, BK pulled the couch cushion off the couch and there it was. It was sitting right in the middle, like it was hidden there by a sneaky little man. It clearly did not fall down in the crack. We turned to the boys...not mad, just curious to whom may have put it there.

Quint said it wasn't him,

then Russell piped up, "me!"

We were all relieved the pager was found, and, after Russell's innocent but proud confession, we were all smiling:)

Total Meltdown....why?

Sometimes I wonder how I get in some situations. We had a rough start today. We just couldn't get going. I like to blame my very pregnant body on my lack of energy to get out the door but I think we all were having a lazy day. I was determined to get out in the afternoon. We planned to head to the pool. We made it there, swam and had a great time. We sat down in the sun to have our snack and I realized I had not divided the snack into their separate containers yet. I quickly tried to move some of the crackers in Quint' s snack bowl to Russell's and he lost it. He was not in a good place to share. He is getting far too old to melt down over sharing crackers, but I could not address that now. He was screaming. We packed it up, and headed home. My 3 year old screaming the whole way, and my 2 year old, listening, and following directions perfectly.

It was a scene. I strapped him in the stroller and we walked home. He cried half the way and never even ate a cracker.

As I was pushing my stroller away, with two young boys, one screaming and my big pregnant belly, I could feel the judgement raining down on my from the other momma's at the pool. Or even worse, the college kids with no concept of what it is like to raise babies.

Usually, this would bother me. Tragically, I am a people pleaser.

But my moment was I realized...

in momma land, as with life, some days are just rough.

I realized everyone at the pool has rough days....

The only difference was mine was currently on display:)

Some days everyone wonders, how did I get here, and can I just go back to bed and start over?

But, we press on, we persevere. We do timeout, and move on to dinner.

This was very abnormal behavior for Quint and I am still not sure why he lost it.

But, sometimes I want to kick and scream because I don't want to share too.

Maybe he gets that from me:)

I want to braid hair?

I should probably preface this post. I am a proud momma of two boys and the doctor tells me we have a third little man on the way. I love having boys, and actually get a bit anxious at the idea of a girl. That being said, maybe my heart warming toward the idea of someday having a little lady in our family.

Today I walked by a mom who was in the process of braiding her daughter's hair. I caught myself by surprise when my first thought was how fun it looked to braid little girl's hair. I could not believe it, did I really just think that? I have never felt qualified to be a momma of girls.

But, today I was jealous of a woman braiding her little girl's hair, I wonder if God is telling me something:)

Time will tell......

deserve equal enthusiasm

My hubby called me today to connect and tell me about his day. He sounded giddy. What he said to me sums up something I love about him.

He said:

"guess who got to ride in a learjet and got free Subway!"

Obviously it was him:)

But, what I took away from his statement was how he expressed each event, the learjet ride and the free subway sandwich, with equal enthusiasm. This is one of the things I love about him. He delights in the big moments and the simple things in life.

I hope I am like that too.

be careful mommy

Today I had to run into the store and my mom stayed in the car.

The store was underconstruction.

Quint yelled after me "mommy be careful the store is broken!"

He was right, it did look broken.

It was so kind, caring, and protective.

It was so simple.

I love when I get a glimpse of life threw the lenses of my little men.

Are you running out of words?

BK and I apart right now because of life circumstances. It is a huge bummer, but I love chatting on the phone at night. I love filling BK in on our day, and hearing every detail of BK's day. We chat on for an hour sometimes two. It is not a substitute for being in person, but it is fun. Last night though, I was feeling quiet. BK actually asked me on the phone, "are you running out of words?" I paused. I could not believe it, but it was true. I was running out of words. I am not sure how, maybe it is being pregnant....but I have less words. It made me a little worried.
But, tonight I was back in full force! I had loads of words for BK.
It was funny that I had a loss of words in the first place:)

Bleach on the pants.

My day was going great. We had done 4 loads of laundry, made muffins, went out for a jog, and the boys were taking a nap. I felt so great and accomplished. Note: I do not feel this efficient everyday! BK offered to get the last load of laundry out and carry it over for me. I was jazzed. Carrying the big basket is my least favorite part. He unloaded a few remaining dirty clothes that did not make the cut in this round of laundry and noticed there was bleach on his nice new dress pants and his green army socks. Ahhhhh! How could I have been so clumsy. I was in such a hurry getting the the bleach/ detergent back to our apartment, i just threw it in the basket with the few left over dirty clothes.

AHHHH.

This is when being detail-orientated would be a bonus. This is something I have been trying to work on, but obviously I am not to rock star level yet. I was very anal about making sure their were no drips of detergent and cleaning of the lid before putting it back on, but I guess I neglected to clean off the bleach.

Well, their goes $30 down the drain. Now BK needs new dress pants....and a bit got on one of my treasured new sundresses....so sad. I think I will just wear it anyways, its just a mommy dress, I am usually dirty within 5 minutes of getting dressed so I am not throwing it away!

So, if you see me in a long coral sundress with some bleach spots on the bottom, don't point them out, just know I know they are there and I treasure my new clothes too much to let a few spots remove them from my wardrobe!

Here is my warning:

Be very careful with your bleach while doing your wash this week. Or you could be then next one throwing out brand new pants and wearing a dress with new spots:)

My laundry Basket

My mom loves laundry. I don't know if it is the process or the smell of clean clothes but she never complained about it. She even offers to help with it when I come home to visit.

I have never liked it. It just feels like it is never-ending.

I am not sure why, but today when I looked at the huge pile I did not see it with my normal loathing

I saw it in a new light.

My attention was drawn to BK's t-shirt and basketball shorts. I remembered when BK and I were first married and how I loved having boy clothes mixed in with my girl clothes. I remembered how it reminded me we were a pair, we do everything together even our clothes hang out in the laundry basket together.

Then, my eyes wondered to baby socks, Lightning Mcqueen unders, and footie pajamas. Wet sheets from when Quint had an accident this week.

All the sudden it hit me. I think i know why my mom loves laundry. It is a history of our week. It shows who is a part of our team. When I look at all these dirty clothes I see a history.

I see the big man and little men in my life.

I am reminded of my life as a mom, a wife, and all that encompasses.

I see the life stages we are in,

BK's school clothes (but not dress up clothes yet!)

I see my mommy sundresses, sweats, and jeans. I am in love with my full-time mommy dress code.

I see stinky unders from little potty training accidents, t-shirts with spaghetti on them, and baby socks.

Now I think I know why my mom loves laundry. She loves being a mom, she was really good at it, and I could see how laundry reminds her of all the good, and crazy in her week.

Don't worry mom, when we come to visit this summer we will bring a lot of laundry!

It literally hit me in the face

The boys were a little sicky today. We didn't stray very far from home so when BK got home early we were all a bit edgy. BK offered to do bedtime so I could go for a jog. What a fabulous hubby. It sounded amazing. It was sunset, with a warm breeze, and for a moment I dreamed about jogging away to my ipod. But, I couldn't do it. I could not desert BK during bedtime. Russell was actually sleeping and Quint was getting ready but something in me said don't go. Not even 5 minutes later Russell woke up crying. I went in to get him and as I stepped out of the bedroom it happened.

He threw up all over me.

It literally hit me in the face, I couldn't open one of my eyes. I stood there shell shocked till the second round when I realized I should probably get off the carpet. If Gary (our landlord) asks when we move what is that stain on the carpet I will proudly state it is my youngest child's throw up:) BK was a saint and got most of it out while I tried to hose Russell and myself off in the bath.

GO TEAM:)

Having throw up dripping down your shirt is extremely gross, but one of the things I like about life is that it is messy, and I feel it is rising through those challenges that define us. I hope I easily rise above an little throw up and cranky, sick babies; because on this journey of parenting I am sure this is just the beginning of the challenge.

I hope BK and I can always rise to whatever is "thrown" at us on this journey, even if it does literally hit us in the face:)

Need to be more type A

It is one of my goals to be more type A. I know the type A people do have their own issues but they are so on task and efficient. The only times in my life when I have even come close to being a type A person I had a very strict schedule, distinct goals, and only me to worry about. I am working on what this would look like in my current life stage which does not lend itself to efficiency or a strict schedule.

This will be an on going battle for me since I don't know what type I am but it is far from "A". As I define how this looks I will try to keep you updated. A type A person would definitely follow through on that statement so we will see how I do:)

ahhhhhh and AHHHHHH!

Bedtime is crazy. It is my least favorite time of the day, because everyone is a bit cranky (including momma) and it usually requires me to use my patience reserves. Every night there are a few moments where I feel like "AHHHHH!!!" I am not going to make it to 8 pm. Tonight was not the exception. in the past hour or two I have stepped on multiple small toys and each time I feel like screaming "AHHHHH" It really hurts. Even as I sit down to write this blog update I sat on a toy which was on the chair "AHHHHH". My motivation is growing to pick up, and am sure I will before the night is over, but I always feel there is a calm that settles on the house as I put the last child in bed. I just love to enjoy it for a bit. I am not complaining about my day, because it is rock star, playing with the boys all day is fabulous, but by bedtime I am spent. I have built my last block tower, made my last snack, changed my last diaper. I am ready to recharge for tomorrow.

So, as the last one crawls into bed, and I close their bedroom door I have a different kind a "ahhhhhh" moment. It is the same word, with a very different vibe.

I like to just lay on the floor (if i can find a spot) and breath. Releasing all the craziness of the day.

jumping for joy

I mentioned I have been having a rough two months, well the big reason is I am pregnant:) I finally am feeling better and we hit the 12 week milestone this weekend. BK and I have been excited for some time now, but we waited to tell the boys till we knew we were 12 weeks. Today we told Quint and Russell. I think Russell is a little young to get it, but we when we told Quint this is how it transpired.

Momma: Quint remember how you asked me if there was a baby in my belly? (our friend was pregnant a few months ago so Quint was curious if I had a baby too....) Back then I told him not now but maybe someday:)

Quint: Yes

Momma: Well guess what? God put a baby in mommy's belly

Quint: Baby in there? (touching my belly)

Momma: Yes!

Quint: (Ran around in circles doing a happy dance!) Then said " I want it to come out now"

Momma: Oh, the baby can't come out yet, the baby is too small. The baby will come out after summer.

Quint: "After summer?" (standing there processing) "Hummm..... (then pointed to the belly) "baby in there Yay!"

More happy dance:)

I wish I had it on video. Bummer.

Teacher

Quint was playing play dough. He was learning how to hold the scissors. I showed him how and then he said

"thank you for teaching me mommy". I love these moments when he is so perfect and polite. I said "your welcome, I love teaching you". He then said "you my teacher mommy?"

I paused taken back by the question. I like to think of our family in terms of a team where BK and I are the head coaches. Guiding the boys in this game of life. But, a coach, also teaches skills, and the more I thought about it, my day is full of teaching.

After this realization, I responded "yes, I am your teacher"

Quint replied to me "thank you for being my teacher mommy"

Melt my heart.

Hibernating

We have been hibernating for the past month. Sickness, winter, and other circumstances has kept us home. I a running about a week and a half behind on everything so blogging has fallen off the agenda. With the beginning of March, the hope of spring, and a fairly healthy house I hope to be back in action. I am slowly catching up, mailing birthday cards for last week's birthdays, paying bills that are hopefully on time, and cleaning the neglected areas of our house.

WISH ME LUCK!

I should have worn socks

Today I got in the car and the gas light was on. Super. Everyone has had this moment...can I make it or should I stop? I have and the experience of running out of gas and it is not pleasant so I decided it was best not to put it off.

We pulled into the gas station and I began to pump the gas. As I was standing there I realized it was freezing out. The wind was blowing right through me, and in my rush I was not wearing a hat or gloves. I started bouncing to get my blood moving, and I looked down and realized, I probably should have worn socks.

I don't like socks. I my perfect world I would only wear them for the occasional run, but besides that I would wear flip flops and cute flats. Despite it being the dead of winter, I was wearing cute flats which I have decided was a poor choice today.

Someday I may be blessed enough to live where no socks are appropriate year round, but I need to face it, it is not now. Tomorrow I vow to live in the reality that it is below freezing outside, and I will wear socks.

Its 6:47 AM

Our house is bopping with two little men running around with buckets on their heads. Full of life and giggles, it is a great way to enjoy the morning. Next time your morning is dragging, grab a box or bucket and run around for a minute, I bet it will brighten your day!

Russell and animal sounds

Today Russell and I were reading a book about different animals. He began imitating the sounds. I would say Duck says "quack quack" and he would say "quack quack!!" I was so jazzed. He could do cluck cluck for chicken, baaa baaa for lamb and maaa maaa for goat.

These milestones, little moments make me just step back and remember how awesome it is to be a momma.

YAY RUSSELL!!!!!

He is still working on Oink Oink...that must be a funny sound!

Danger on the Road

Today I had to drive a few miles. It took 25 minutes, the car in front of me was fishtailing,I slide right through a stop sign, and I saw three cars in the ditch.

Why was my drive so brutal, one might wonder?

Was it a horrendous blizzard and the snow plows could not keep up? Was it a terrible ice storm and there was nothing they could do to fix it?

Great guesses, but no........it snowed a few inches and we live in a town who does not believe in snow removal or salt!!

Our towns' outlook on dealing with snow has boggled our mind ever since our first winter here. It is like the big snow plow boss is thinking, well, it will eventually melt, so why would we want to go outside?

In Rochester, they may get a load of snow but at least they have some rockin snow plows who know how to remove it and are not afraid to go outside!

Sharing

Today Quint had a friend over. He is learning to share. If there is a dispute over a toy he will kick and scream. It is not every time, but definitely if it is a favorite toy.

I still don't like to share, especially my favorite person.

This weekend Bk has to drill for his National Guard duty. It is far away so he will be gone Saturday and Sunday. So, I find myself in a position of sharing this weekend. Sharing my husband. I know it is the right thing to do, he feels called to the military in some form and I love that about him. Plus they pay us obscene amounts of money...so I must share.

I guess I should be a cheerful sharer....but I don't know if I am that grown up yet. I think when it comes to sharing BK I am much more like Quint with his favorite car.

If you see me this weekend, please know that even though I may act composed, on the inside I am kicking and screaming.

Is my brain still there?

Today I went into the bathroom and stood there for a good two minutes before I remembered why I went in there. "Oh yes! The dishwashing soap!" I grabbed the soap and headed back into the kitchen only to proceed to open the trash can to pour in the soap.

Wow.

I am really losing it!

Don't worry, I caught myself and the soap did end up in the dishwasher. As I writing this I am wondering, would the dish soap make my trash smell better? If so, maybe I was secretly on to something!

Hope all your brains are working better than mine today:)

The Lollipop Man

Is that a song? Well, at our gym there is an awesome guy who works the front desk most mornings. He is a tall, African-American man and he is so smiley. You can tell he enjoys his work and always gives a warm greeting. He also is the lollipop man. He keeps a secret stash of those little lollipops for the kids as they are leaving. Quint recently became aware of this, and now every time we go he asks if the lollipop man will be there.

There is some history, so today he normally works. I guess he was off so Quint was very disappointed. I told him maybe next time, but felt a little bad because I did hype it a bit thinking he would be there. We stopped at the laundry to get BK's dress shirt (he literally has one) and as I was paying for it, I saw a lollipop dispenser!

Just an aside, why do dry cleaners tend to have candy dispensers? I feel like it is common, but also weird.

I found a quarter and bought one. I also found a free soft candy for Russell so he would not be left out. I pranced out to the car so excited to show Quint. He was jazzed. Plus, it was a tootsie pop and he had never had one of those before. He was so joyful.

The funny part was, when he got to the tootsie he didn't want it.

WHAT?? That is the best part. He is so BK.

Am I like Sarah Winchester?

Today it occurred to me....am I like Sarah Winchester? Are most people?

I love to rearrange...and I kinda like moving.....

The change, a fresh start with a new arrangement or new home just invigorate me. I almost always say "this is the best arrangement ever", just to change it in a few weeks or if its really good a few months.

I lived in San Jose CA for quite a few years and it is the home of the Winchester Mystery House. This slightly crazy woman who was left a fortune by her husband of (Winchester Rifles) thought the ghosts would only be happy if there was construction going on at the mansion, therefore it was under-construction for 38 years until her death.

Now, I DO NOT rearrange to appease ghosts but I love the change, maybe Sarah Winchester did too. I am sure it is some form of OCD behavior, but oh well. But, one thing I don't see changing is my love of rearranging. I have even been known to rearrange 9 months pregnant, it is not recommended, but I needed to change it!

I am in awe of people who I frequent their home year after year and the furniture never moves. We recently saw a slide show about my Granma, and their was picture in there of people in their living room from the late 1960's. I noticed that the person was sitting in a chair in the living room that they still had, and it was in the exact same spot! As a crazed re-arranger, I found this amazing. Really in 50 years there was no need to change it up? I thought more and realized that it was the case with most of the placement of furniture in my Grandparents home.

Amazing.

Well I guess rearranging or love of change can not be for everyone.

Unfortunately, I do think it drives BK a little nuts, because he says he can't find things. I swear I tell him the new locations but I guess it can be a lot to keep up with, so maybe I need to tone it down a bit.

The good news is I do not have my own home, or millions of dollars to spend rearranging a mansion, so for now it is just furniture. It is probably a good thing, because I wouldn't want my obsession to get out of hand:)

My question is you a little like Sarah Winchester or is it just me?

Life is funny.

We are back in routine which includes the occasional trip to the gym, if it is not a blizzard or -10 outside. I have been enjoying working off my holiday binge. I don't know why I do that to my body but it sure tastes good:) Anyways, today we made it to the gym. I dropped off the boys and headed to the locker room for a quick change. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a people magazine. Our gym never has good gossip mags unless someone leaves it so I was jazzed. (just and aside, I love reading these and looking at the pics of celebs but I have never allowed myself to buy one...out if principle). I thought about grabbing it, but it wasn't very busy and I was just changing out of my boots so I left it and hustled to get on my sneakers.

I ran out of the locker room jazzed for my date with the stairmaster and a people magazine!

JUST THEN....

I see a man walking towards me in short shorts and a fitted, ribbed tank top CARRYING MY PEOPLE MAGAZINE!!!!

YES, if you are wondering I my best guess is:

MY PEOPLE MAGAZINE WAS STOLEN BY A GAY MAN!!

I might be wrong but I just don't think most men would openly read People (especially when it was about John and Kate + 8 in public).

I was so annoyed. I am sure I would have been just as peeved if it was another gym momma, but it would not have been as funny. I just had to giggle and think, well I guess I should have picked it up before it was stolen buy the gay man:)

Bill Cosby was right

Kids do say the dar est things;)

Just tonight:

Quint often will thank me for making dinner (if he likes it)

Tonight he changed it up by saying "thank you for feeding me mommy". It was totally innocent, and I truly feel he was complementing me, but I instantly thought that would sound really terrible if people didn't know us!

Note to self: don't invite social services to dinner!

Wow, I really do love my job.

Bk and I were on a fabulous two-day baby free vacation. It was awesome, just worrying about us, doing what we want to do all the time, no schedules, no naps, no worries.

That being said multiple times on our trip I thought I wish Quint and Russell were here. Not because I was not having a fabulous time with BK. We were having a fabulous time, and we did not miss changing diapers, dealing with fussy babies or bedtime, but we miss them. Honestly, I was a little surprised. I don't say that to be harsh, but as I reflected, I realized, what I missed were the fun moments. Overall, I love being a mom. I love pointing out the trains and tractors as I drive. I love explaining (on toddler level) how things work.

I knew Quint and Russell would love the subway, and the big buildings. I knew they would love the giant Toys R Us in Times Square.

Does that mean I envied the parents dragging their strollers on the subway? Or the parents trying not to lose their kids in Times Square? No......well maybe just for an instant:)

Is that bizarre?

Just so you know, BK felt the same way:)