Smart Guy

I got the kiddoes to bed a little late tonight due to my appointment so they were pretty much ready to go. We had our snack, bath, jammies, and Natalie even picked up the part of her room that I asked her too. Of course, I had to threaten no movie, but it worked. So then I asked Matthew if he was ready for night night and milk. He laughed, which in his language means, "You bet I am," and headed for the stairs. I got his bottle ready and then went to get Nat's movie (Sleeping Beauty) ready in my bed. It wasn't rewound so I had to do that. I put Matthew down and he immediately walked to the office and stood in the doorway, pointed and said (in his language),"Mom, I am ready. Let's go." What a smart little guy. He has never done that before, but he knows that's where Mommy puts him to sleep.

Earlier at dinner I had given him apples. He wanted more and when he wants something he points to it and either grunts caveman style or attempts to say the word if it's an easy one. Well the other day I taught him more in sign language. When he pointed at it and grunted I told said, "Matthew, do you want more? Show me more." And he did it! What a smartie!

He also likes to push my nose and say, "beep, beep." He can find Mommy's hair and he knows nice touches versus not-so-nice touches. When he wants to watch his "movie" he'll bring me the remote control and point to the tv and if he agrees with whatever you are saying or about to do, he laughs to show acceptance and agreement. He loves to read books and will bring them to me and sit on my lap to listen and turn the pages.

And dancing . . . this kid is musical. He loves to sing and dance like nobody's business! In fact, it's one of the few things that can get him out of a funk. It's my secret weapon. Feeling grumpy, sing a song. Don't want your diaper changed, sing a song.

Oh, and another thing. . . he never stops! So that is my exercise!

Oh, I can't wait until Friday. I'll be on vacation and have my time to spend with both of my little punkins. We're looking forward to it.

The One Where I Visit the Midwife

I visited my midwife today. No, I am not pregnant. That was the first thing one of my coworkers asked me. I saw her through both my prenancies so I just feel comfortable seeing her for all aspects of my female health. Anyway, it was a strange visit in the sense that the usual high of going to the third floor in the Kaiser building was absent. Of course, she was happy to see me for what she called "pap and chat" time. (I hope that's not too graphic!) Not that it ever was pleasant, but I did enjoy going when I was pregnant. There was always that nervousness wondering if everything was okay or the excitement of hearing the heartbeat or seeing an ultrasound. And I loved the attention I got from the nurses and my midwife. It was like we were friends. Today was a decent visit. We chatted about how things have been going since the last time I saw her a year ago at my six weeks postpartum and talked about other things like kids, life, etc. She was pretty impressed that I dropped all the baby weight and a little more. And she "oo"ed and "ah"ed over my photos. I got the usual advice - do my exam. Ugh! I never do that but I guess I better start. Also, I got some new advice: exercise (hey, I try) and take vitamins to maintain my health. So, while it was a good visit, I still left a little empty. It was kind of like going back to your alma mater after graduating. You don't get the same welcome you used to and some of the faces have changed. While I did get a big hug from my midwife, no one fawned over me and gave me that extra special attention that the pregant ladies get. Oh well. She did inform me that if I wanted another, the time is now. Scary thought and that brings on a whole other bout of issues. On a side note, this eating healthy (sans exercise) is doing something right - my blood pressure was great, the lowest it's ever been: 113/59. That actually made my day.

Getting Ready for the Next Holiday

With Valentine's Day fast approaching . . . well, for us it is because I go off next Friday and I have to make sure all the little kiddoes get their treats, cards and party AND we have to prepare Natalie's for her school . . . it's no surprise that the products and displays are popping out in all the stores. We were looking for Valentines for me to give to my students (Nat already has her Ariel ones) and I came across Valentines for grownups. Not just like cards in the card section, but a box of small, pass to your friends Valentines in the Valentine aisle. There were boxes of Grey's Anatomy, The Office, Desperate Housewives, and more. At first I thought, "Hey, cute, I want some." And then I thought, this is crazy - anything to push the consumerism and at $9.99 a box. I love those shows. They are all on my favorite list, but I can do without the expensive cards to send to my friends or coworkers. Sorry, guys I love you and all, but I'll probably just wish you a happy Valentine's Day via the internet. Instead, I settled for a princess box for the girls and a football set for the boys.

My Memory Fails Me

I am usually an elephant when it comes to remembering things. Ask Ryan. I can remember when and where we did anything. I can remember things that were said and even odors or scents in the air. But now, my memory seems to be failing me. Perhaps it's due to the childbirth myth of "losing" some intelligence and memory points. I don't know what it is, but the funny anecodtes I had - all gone.
With this trimester winding down, I have been pretty busy with grades, field trips, and soon I'll be packing to track off. I just haven't had time to post anything. I've had lots of good ideas and Natalie and Matthew have said and done some cute things, but I can't remember them! I think that I need to keep a little journal handy so I can make a list. One thing I do know, though, is ... only one more Friday until vacation. Hurray! That went by fast.

A Sunday Outing

I really should be going to bed, especially after grading papers for over an hour. But I just have to make note of how much fun I had with Natalie yesterday. Other than going to work or "school" we've been cooped up for the past week. So on Sunday I decided to take Natalie to see a movie and leave Matthew home with Daddy. We went to see Athur and the Invisibles. It was a bit scary for her at times with all the ugly buglike creatures and I did have to do some explaining as certain events happened, but she did pretty well. Then we went to "Old McDonald's" for a lunch of chicken nuggets, apple slices, milk, and an itty bitty vanilla ice cream cone. We ended our day with a supposedly short trip to Albertson's; however, I let her ride in the "car" cart and she wanted to "do a lot of shopping" to get the most of her car's worth. Natalie is getting so big. I can't believe it. We can have conversations, do things together and she even helps out. Where did the time go?! I really enjoy spending time with her. We have a lot of fun. These times are so precious and I want to make the most of every minute with both of my little ones. Before you know it, they'll be big!

What's Going on in Our World

Well, now that the stomach flu has left us, the house has been cleaned (unfortunately not by the maid I really want - but Ryan will do), and the house aired out I can catch up on some things.

Here is Matthew's first haircut photo. Doesn't he look like such a little boy now? It's been two weeks and I still miss the curls!


Right before we got "hit" another Christmas package came! This was from Aunt Patty, Uncle Jimmy, and Kailey. It was mistakenly sent to our old address, sent back to the sender, and then sent back to us! Whew! It took a lot to get here and as you can see, Natalie and Matthew were thrilled. And we're still loving those boxes.

The kids love to help around the house with the daily chores. Why just tonight both Natalie and Matthew helped put dishes away. Natalie even helped load the dishwasher. She is getting to be such a big girl. Here's Matthew helping with the laundry.




Well, only two more Fridays until I am on vacation. Hopefully by then everyone will be over their colds, bugs, whatever and we can have some fun. I already have big plans in store so look for more fun photos to come.

And Then There Was One

If you've read Ryan's blog you will know that to date, he has avoided the stomach flu that wreaked havoc on the rest of us. I really thought I was going to outwit it as well. Yesterday I went to work and felt reasonably okay. It wasn't until after work when I headed to Target to buy new pillows (two were destroyed in the second coming of the stomach flu via Nat), that I started to feel a little weird. I can will it away I thought. Well, truth be told, I don't think there is any willing away the stomach bug once it gets hold of you. I made quick purchases at Target, and yes some were probably not needed, but I wasn't thinking rationally. I was thinking, I need these saltines and three cans of chicken noodle soup.

Once I got home I managed to put most of the things away and get dinner for the kids - chicken noodle soup. Hey, I had plenty! Then it was time to get Mr. Matthew to sleep. I skipped the bath, made his bottle, and settled down in the rocker when all of a sudden it came over me. "Ryan," I called, "I can't do this." And thus ended my stomach bug evasion. And let it be known, that even on an empty stomach, that darn little buggie keeps coming back for more.

Natalie tried to be a good nurse. She got me "nice and cozy" in my bed. She settled in to watch Sleeping Beauty and said that she'd take care of me. She did great until I'd make a noise like a grumble or moan. And then it was, "Sh, Mommy," I am trying to watch my movie. I am sure she meant well until I interrupted her singing!

Poor Matthew is still pretty sick with his head cold. He had a rough night and Ryan just couldn't settle him. I thought can't the stomach bug just give me a break so I can comfort my baby. "No," said the nasty bug and my poor little guy cried himself to sleep.

On a positive note, it's over for three of us. Will Ryan get it? He claims to have a cast iron stomach when it comes to ailments of the gastro area. Matthew's daycare provider said that it's been going around but in the "other" form without the vomiting. It morphed at our house. Perhaps Ryan will escape it, and I certainly hope he does because it is not pleasant; or perhaps he will find it in it's original form. As for now, the score is stomach buggie 3 - Price family 1.

I am just glad it's over!

The night of Nat's attack. She was so happy to be wearing her Christmas nightie that Santa brought and it matched her baby's.

The day after.

Poor baby. The glowworm just barely made it! Matthew's didn't and is scheduled for a washing tonight.

I am So There!

Did I ever tell you that I was a big fan of this?

Well, now I have this to look forward to.

Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yes, I know MLK did great things and gave great speeches and was a leader in the Civil Righs movements, but I what I want to say thank you for is having a day off. Yes, this much needed day off is what I need, especially after being up for most of the night taking care of babies who won't sleep and three year olds who have the "throw ups."

I was nice and cozy asleep in my bed. It was midnight and Matthew began to cry. After coming off the stomach flu he was hit with a very congested and runny head cold (turned into cough as I write this), so getting him back to sleep was no easy feat for Daddy. Ryan called in the reinforcements, me. It was at about this time when Natalie screams, "Mommy, help me!" Of course the putrid smell of vomit hits me before I even enter her room. You probably didn't need that graphic of a description. Well, she was covered. Her bed got it, the pillow, the blankets, her new nightie, and yes the beloved glowworm. (I am thinking of secretly replacing that this week, provided I don't get it.)

Needless to say we were up most of the night. Natalie got a bath, clean clothes, a bed on the floor in our room. I rocked Matthew to sleep. It only took two hours. During that time she proceeded to get sick a few more times. Then I took over and she was up probably every thirty minutes just "going through the motions." It was a long night.

She's feeling much better today. I just bathed her. She's had a little bit of white grape juice and a popsicle. She's watching Sleeping Beauty. Matthew is asleep, but coughing. I've washed all the offending matter; however, we need to buy some new pillows.

Our only worry now is that we will not be immune. Ryan and I are just kind of waiting, yes, waiting for it to sneak up on us. I mean, how can we escape this one? It's too cold to air out the house with sick kids.

So, yes, I do say thank you to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For without him, I would be stumbling through work. While I haven't gotten to nap yet, we're taking turns, I am certainly happy to be able to move in slow motion, newly showered, in fresh jammies.

A Visit from a Not-So Welcome Old Friend

After seven clothing changes (five for Matthew and two for me = with me just being in the wrong place (right for Matthew) at the wrong time, I now have a sleeping daughter and sleeping baby, uh, I mean toddler. But for who knows how long - for Matthew that is. It seems as if he has brought home yet another unfriendly virus from "school." Yes, the lovely stomach flu has entered our domain, causing upheaval (no pun intendend!) and rapid removal from both ends. Ah, the poor little guy. It put a halt on our plans of visiting with Julie, Joe, and Al today and I didn't make it to the funeral I was going to attend either.

Little Matthew is a much better trooper than I'd be with this buggy. He throws up, or the other, I change him, bath him if necessary (the last one I needed some Daddy assistance for it was a two person job) and he goes on playing with just a bit of grumpiness. Me, I'd be moaning on the bathroom floor wishing for a swift end. But really, I shouldn't talk of such things because, well, I think it might be a self-fulfilling prophecy. At least it'd give me a jump start on that ten - yes ten - pounds I gained celebrating the holidays.

Well, don't come visiting us any time soon lest you want some of what we've got. I imagine you don't.

How Appropriate! - What American City Are You?

You Are Boston

Both modern and old school, you never forget your roots. Well educated and a little snobby, you demand the best. And quite frankly, you think you are the best. Famous people from the Boston area: Conan O'Brien, Ben Affleck, New Kids on the Block

What American City Are You?

Show Me the Bum Bum

We took Matthew to see the dermatologist today - had to have that bump on his bum bum checked out. Poor little guy. He's been showing his bottom to doctors quite a bit with the whole circ thing;however, I am pretty sure that is resolved. Today he saw the full blown specialist. Those dermatologists know their skin condition when they see one. When I had my pityriasis rosea after having Natalie (oh, the nightmare - I don't even want to recollect -yes, it was that bad and even worse) I stumped three physicians and finally was sent to a dermatologist. She took one quick look and in a matter of a minute or less, diagnosed me. The same thing happened today. Matthew's pediatrician (whom we love) named off several things it could be -his first guess was right, by the way - but this doctor today, walked in glanced at it, named it and measured it before I even had Matty's diaper off. I was impressed. We were out of there before our actual appointment time even started! To celebrate that it was nothing serious we had dinner at Chilli's (even cheesecake!) and went to the bookstore. Unfortunately, Matthew's stinkies caused us to change two diapers (more bottom exposure) in the car and head for home. So, at least we know what the mysterious bump is and at least it's on his bottom - only for him to see, and those that change his diapers!

Matthew's Hair

Look what his hair could do?








I am going through long, silky curl withdrawl. But don't worry he still looks adorable. It's just now he's looking like a little boy and not my BABY anymore.

Oh well, you'll have to wait until we upload the photos. I think Ryan wants first dibs on the posting.

It's Officially Goodbye to Christmas

Goodbye to Christmas. I alwasy find it sad to "put Christmas away." So much time is spent preparing for it and then all of a sudden let's throw the tree away. Every year I'd get a bout of the holiday Last year I was more than happy to see it go with all my postpartum stuff going on. This year I am happy to have the house back, but I do miss the lights and I'll miss Natalie singing Christmas carols (although she might sing them all year) and Matthew clapping to make the Santa sing. With the way time flies, I am sure it'll be here again in no time. And hey, the stores are already getting ready for Valentine's Day. I bet we could do that holiday big! Just kidding - we're moving away from the commercialism.











Well, we went to Disneyland of Friday (I was feeling a little better) and it certainly wasn't goodbye there. They were still decked out in holiday cheer.

It was so crowded and it's not like the "old" days when Ryan and I'd go, find it crowded, and just turn around and leave. Now, not only is it a big production to get everything ready, but we have little Natalie which we can't disappoint. She doesn't mind waiting in line for a fun and exciting ride. I remember when I was a kid I didn't mind either. Now if it's more than 20 minutes I groan. But, we do it for the little uns. We were there from about noon until 6:00 in the evening. We hit all her favorites: It's a Small World, Dumbo, the merry go round, and the roller coaster in Toontown. After we went on those then we were allowed to leave. We stopped at 'Old McDonald's' where Natalie loves to get a vanilla ice cream cone - but not before some chicken nuggets and apple slices - and all was well.

** Coming soon - Oh, Matthew, I miss your long hair!

No Worries, My Daughter

I was putting Natalie to bed this evening. The whole thing is quite a process but I'll skip right to the final step - spreading the favorite blanket, her purple one. I gave it a big shake and sweep and noticed a very large blood spot. She had gotten a nosebleed the night before and this blanket must have taken the brunt of it because it was huge.

She looked at it and her face turned sad. I said, "I'll wash it." She said (sadly), "Mommy, you have to wash it because I can't go to school without my blanket." Keep in mind she doesn't go to school until Wednesday. That gives me plenty of time to get it washed. Well either she knows me pretty well (piles of laundry in my bedroom) or she was just plain worried.

I said, "Don't worry. I'll wash it tomorrow." She looked at me with all sincerity and said, "Mommy, if you say, 'Don't worry', I won't worry." I just looked at her and gave her a big hug and a kiss. My precious, little girl. Mommy will always try her best to make sure you don't have to worry.

Resoluting the New Year

Ah, a new year. Along with a new year always comes promises to make oneself better. What didn't you do right or well in the previous year that you want to fix, change, or just do? I even have a "Step up to Writing" assignment already planned with my class to do next week. I know, for me, that I usually start off all gung ho with my resolutions, but by the second or third month I've forgotten them, only to have packed them away with the leftover Christmas stuff that lingers around for awhile because it didn't make in the "Christmas Box." Well, this year I am making it public which forces me to be accountable. Also, I think I am making it reasonable too. These are all things that I think I can accomplish.


1. Lose the 6 pounds I gained these past two weeks. I have been indulging in
holiday goodness with reckless abandon.

2. Vow to read more than two books this year (both were children's books and one
was a read aloud in my class). I am actually setting a goal for
one a month, but I might have to let magazines count because with my lifestyle -
well I am afraid it might not be attainable.

3. Make it to the gym once a week. Do not laugh . . . You try to fit it in to
my schedule. I refuse to leave the kids at daycare any longer than I have to
or take time away from them - and if that means no gym, then it means no gym.

4. As much as this will torture me . . . have an unspending month. See link.

5. Finish Natalie and Matthew's baby scrapbook (but not in January because that
would involve spending).

6. Keep the house moderately clean or picked up (once it's clean to begin with).

So, for now I will choose a book to read for January, throw out tomorrow any remainder cookies, candies or goodies I may eat and do some healthful grocery shopping, work on the scrapbooks with the means I have, and start going to my Weight Watchers meetings again to get back on track.

What are your resolutions?

*I have two other posts in the works that require me uploading photos - too lazy to do it- I'll get those going by the weekend.

Oh, and I am especially proud of my links (I feel so computer savvy) so be sure to check them out.

Ringing in the New Year

Happy New Year! This is what midnight looked like at my house. Picture me and Ryan on the couch in our pj's watching the Da Vinci Code and look here to see what the kiddoes were doing.













Yes, we didn't do much. I was still in full-blown cold mode, so the idea to go anywhere just seemed like a whole lot of work for me. We went out to Target to buy forumula for Matthew and then went to see the big tree at the Target center. But to our dismay, they had turned the lights off earlier in the week because of the rain. I had been talking up that tree pretty big. Poor Natalie was disappointed that there was no big tree to see. Next year we'll have to get to it much sooner.