Liam: "mamamamama!"
Reina: "I just want to cuddle you then eat my scone."
???: "I'm borderline a bonafide genius!"
Which is the most endearing? The world may never know...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Piggies and a New Poop Chute
Bill got home safe and sound, and we are all the happier for it. Despite his constantly busy schedule, he still has some flexibility to say, go with us to Reina's ballet class, or to spend a morning blowing a bajillion leaves out of the yard. (I don't know if I should tell him to look up...there's a quadrillion more waiting to fall still). We've been enjoying the brisk autumn weather and rediscovering our warm clothes. I've been making soup and Reina has been making progress with her behavior.
Today was a great day for us as far as the epic Mommy vs. Reina battle goes. Yesterday we round-tripped it to my parents for dinner while Bill worked and perhaps the extra attention helped her get her back on track. Today she was all cuddles, hugs and kisses, even at bedtime! Not counting on this to be a trend...just hoping.
Liam is working very hard at growing. That's still his biggest accomplishment. No rolling. No crawling. Barely sitting before his tremendous head topples him over. That's cool. We'll be climbing over baby gates soon enough.
The yard is a disaster. Trenches of pipe and mud and gravel and mud everywhere. The following photos are before the rest of the damage was done...in five years none of this will matter...right? There still seems to be about a week's worth of work left to do, including ripping out some shingles and part of the roof to get our basement plumbing up to code. Sigh. I hope we'll be able to get some grass seed down this fall before it gets too cold. Otherwise the yard will look scarred until spring.
They only hit the water main once. After I told them where it was.
The Twins, over 5000 gallon capacity. Mind boggling.
Aunt Lisa M. and Liam at the Kentucky Wool Fest.
Bill and Liam, checking out the livestock. I cannot tell you what a close call is was we didn't end up bringing a live chicken home.
Reina liked the little pot belly piggies. She even "God Blessed" them at nap time.
Big Giant Tusky Hog got a "God Bless" too, but just so it didn't feel left out.
Today was a great day for us as far as the epic Mommy vs. Reina battle goes. Yesterday we round-tripped it to my parents for dinner while Bill worked and perhaps the extra attention helped her get her back on track. Today she was all cuddles, hugs and kisses, even at bedtime! Not counting on this to be a trend...just hoping.
Liam is working very hard at growing. That's still his biggest accomplishment. No rolling. No crawling. Barely sitting before his tremendous head topples him over. That's cool. We'll be climbing over baby gates soon enough.
The yard is a disaster. Trenches of pipe and mud and gravel and mud everywhere. The following photos are before the rest of the damage was done...in five years none of this will matter...right? There still seems to be about a week's worth of work left to do, including ripping out some shingles and part of the roof to get our basement plumbing up to code. Sigh. I hope we'll be able to get some grass seed down this fall before it gets too cold. Otherwise the yard will look scarred until spring.
They only hit the water main once. After I told them where it was.
The Twins, over 5000 gallon capacity. Mind boggling.
Aunt Lisa M. and Liam at the Kentucky Wool Fest.
Bill and Liam, checking out the livestock. I cannot tell you what a close call is was we didn't end up bringing a live chicken home.
Reina liked the little pot belly piggies. She even "God Blessed" them at nap time.
Big Giant Tusky Hog got a "God Bless" too, but just so it didn't feel left out.Saturday, September 26, 2009
Flying Solo
Since this past Sunday, I've been flying solo in the parenting department. After a whirlwind weekend for a friend's wedding in Chicago, Bill turned around the same day we got home to fly to California for a research course that will last until this coming Monday. Yes, that's 7 full 8 hour days of statistics. And no beach...Sacramento. Yuk. So, unfortunately neither of us has been enjoying this week much. Reina and I have gone round and round until we're dizzy. She misses Daddy, I miss Daddy, Liam misses Daddy...the dogs miss Daddy. The cats, well, what DO they care about?
I'm really not sure how I would fare doing this long term. I suppose I would get into the swing of things, but I certainly have increased admiration for all those parents who always do it, or the ones whose spouses serve in the military.
In addition to battling with small people who tag team their naps each day, there has been rain EVERY DAY of Bill's absence. Normally this wouldn't bug me. I'm not someone who has to be outside all the time. I think we're getting a little cabin fever, however. On top of that, "The Mess" occurring in our yard has essentially been on hold since it is so wet.
The Mess is our new/revised septic system. We bought the house knowing this would become an almost immediate issue with the county. So here we are. Digging miles and miles of muddy trenches in the side yard. Uprooting landscaping in the front. Anticipating some very muddy dogs for several weeks as our back yard recovers from the injury it is about to sustain with the delivery and installation of two new tanks. All for a place to put...well, you know.
Today was the first day without rain, alas, a Saturday, so no further work done. I have little hope that the original 2 week estimation will be enough time to install this monster. We were able to finally get out to take some pictures of the disaster in our yard, including the heavy machinery scattered about the property. I sense the world watching as nothing seems to progress.
Today we also got some updated photos of (mostly) Liam, but at a new place that doesn't give us digital copies. It was in JCPenney's actually. Not exactly happy about the experience. We had an appointment which we rushed out the door to make only to find we had a 45 minute wait before our turn. So much for happily fed kids in the photos. We finally get in the studio and the computer breaks, which caused the photographer to miss a number of great and cooperative poses from two decreasingly cooperative children.
The high point of the day, however, was when I was re-dressing Liam (yes, naked baby shots) Reina decided to take off. Not just run to the other side of the studio.
She ran away. Into the department store. My heart stopped.
I noticed within seconds, but the aisles are situated in such a way that there is no clear view over long distances. She did not answer me despite my yelling her name like a crazy person. People were staring, no one seemed interested in lending a hand or even saying they saw her. When I caught site of her 50 feet away in bedding, she ran the other direction, giggling. I was scared and now furious. She still has no idea what she did was wrong despite my very serious conversation with her and repeated references the rest of the day. What was/am I supposed to do or say to get through to her to prevent this from happening again? I can only keep her strapped into the double stroller for so long...
Bill, come home!
curious little fungi, about 6 inches tall!
yeah trucks! dirt! SNORT! Too bad Liam isn't a little older. Reina doesn't nearly appreciate enough the potential coolness of all these dirt movers.
sad face :(
the pile of sand out back...half as high as it used to be
Mr. Golden Sun
Chicago Morning
Our bunch of weirdos. Love the look on Hermes' face. Barf.
I'm really not sure how I would fare doing this long term. I suppose I would get into the swing of things, but I certainly have increased admiration for all those parents who always do it, or the ones whose spouses serve in the military.
In addition to battling with small people who tag team their naps each day, there has been rain EVERY DAY of Bill's absence. Normally this wouldn't bug me. I'm not someone who has to be outside all the time. I think we're getting a little cabin fever, however. On top of that, "The Mess" occurring in our yard has essentially been on hold since it is so wet.
The Mess is our new/revised septic system. We bought the house knowing this would become an almost immediate issue with the county. So here we are. Digging miles and miles of muddy trenches in the side yard. Uprooting landscaping in the front. Anticipating some very muddy dogs for several weeks as our back yard recovers from the injury it is about to sustain with the delivery and installation of two new tanks. All for a place to put...well, you know.
Today was the first day without rain, alas, a Saturday, so no further work done. I have little hope that the original 2 week estimation will be enough time to install this monster. We were able to finally get out to take some pictures of the disaster in our yard, including the heavy machinery scattered about the property. I sense the world watching as nothing seems to progress.
Today we also got some updated photos of (mostly) Liam, but at a new place that doesn't give us digital copies. It was in JCPenney's actually. Not exactly happy about the experience. We had an appointment which we rushed out the door to make only to find we had a 45 minute wait before our turn. So much for happily fed kids in the photos. We finally get in the studio and the computer breaks, which caused the photographer to miss a number of great and cooperative poses from two decreasingly cooperative children.
The high point of the day, however, was when I was re-dressing Liam (yes, naked baby shots) Reina decided to take off. Not just run to the other side of the studio.
She ran away. Into the department store. My heart stopped.
I noticed within seconds, but the aisles are situated in such a way that there is no clear view over long distances. She did not answer me despite my yelling her name like a crazy person. People were staring, no one seemed interested in lending a hand or even saying they saw her. When I caught site of her 50 feet away in bedding, she ran the other direction, giggling. I was scared and now furious. She still has no idea what she did was wrong despite my very serious conversation with her and repeated references the rest of the day. What was/am I supposed to do or say to get through to her to prevent this from happening again? I can only keep her strapped into the double stroller for so long...
Bill, come home!
curious little fungi, about 6 inches tall!
yeah trucks! dirt! SNORT! Too bad Liam isn't a little older. Reina doesn't nearly appreciate enough the potential coolness of all these dirt movers. 
sad face :(
the pile of sand out back...half as high as it used to be
Mr. Golden Sun
Chicago Morning
Our bunch of weirdos. Love the look on Hermes' face. Barf.Hey, did I say today was the first day without rain? Strike that. I hear "flunder" and just saw lightening. Maybe it's just a pop up.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Backlog Blog
Once again I find myself neglecting the updates while life happens all around us...I'll try to sum up:
Nearly every other day we've had some tradesman or other in and around the house. Shower leaks=hole in dining room ceiling, fridge dies=new fridge, septic system is in violation with the county=absurd amount of $ for a large hole in the ground to put you know what in. Ah, the joys of home ownership, old home ownership. We've entered into this new phase with our eyes open, however, at times we've caught ourselves taking bets on what will go wrong next. Bill's theory is that at some point, we'll have everything fixed. At this rate, perhaps sooner rather than later.
Oh well, that's life. We've still been able to find snippets of fun here and there along the way, which I guess is the point. My trip to Chicago with the girls was a blast. We came back refreshed and happy to see our families again. It certainly is something I'd vote to do again every year! Bill and the kids fared well, as you were able to observe via his posts, and Reina even gave me a brief hiatus and insisted on Daddy Daddy Daddy for a day or two afterward. Bill and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary by buying a new fridge for the kitchen after the old one kicked the bucket. Having takeout sushi and not cooking that night was also a bonus.
Over Labor Day weekend Bill had to work nights, but we were still able to spend time with family and friends including a trek down to Kentucky to see cousin Jenna's team play cousin Kirstin's team in soccer. We had a great time, especially Reina, to whom the soccer girls were nothing less than superheros. Now she talks about it all the time.
Reina has begun her first real organized class, a ballet/tumbling combo that lasts an hour each Monday. Only 2 sessions so far but she seems to like it. I have a feeling she's not the best listener, though. I overhear the teacher calling "Reina come here, Reina line up, Reina wait your turn" a little too often for my liking. I know she's really young and hopefully her listening (and obeying) skills will improve with time. Still, for a goody goody teacher's pet like me it is frustrating!
Liam continues to be the happiest baby ever. A "jolly little fat man," according to my mom. He eats, sleeps, smiles and makes raspberries. He has finally started on solids, bananas are the current favorite. Tomorrow we find out just how big he is at his 6 month doctor visit. I feel like he's enormous, especially since his head is about as big as mine...no sitting up yet, no wonder. The kid still won't even roll over. Oh well, probably for the better for now, at least until we can figure out how to childproof around here.
clowning around with Ms. Potato Head
another spud
check out my haircut, blue steel
playing dress up ballerina
actual ballerina after class...good grief
lovey dovey moment
Cousin Jack and Liam...strong family genes or what?
Great Nana M. and a sleepy soccer fan
Labor Day feast at Gina-Mom and Michael-Dad's
Nearly every other day we've had some tradesman or other in and around the house. Shower leaks=hole in dining room ceiling, fridge dies=new fridge, septic system is in violation with the county=absurd amount of $ for a large hole in the ground to put you know what in. Ah, the joys of home ownership, old home ownership. We've entered into this new phase with our eyes open, however, at times we've caught ourselves taking bets on what will go wrong next. Bill's theory is that at some point, we'll have everything fixed. At this rate, perhaps sooner rather than later.
Oh well, that's life. We've still been able to find snippets of fun here and there along the way, which I guess is the point. My trip to Chicago with the girls was a blast. We came back refreshed and happy to see our families again. It certainly is something I'd vote to do again every year! Bill and the kids fared well, as you were able to observe via his posts, and Reina even gave me a brief hiatus and insisted on Daddy Daddy Daddy for a day or two afterward. Bill and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary by buying a new fridge for the kitchen after the old one kicked the bucket. Having takeout sushi and not cooking that night was also a bonus.
Over Labor Day weekend Bill had to work nights, but we were still able to spend time with family and friends including a trek down to Kentucky to see cousin Jenna's team play cousin Kirstin's team in soccer. We had a great time, especially Reina, to whom the soccer girls were nothing less than superheros. Now she talks about it all the time.
Reina has begun her first real organized class, a ballet/tumbling combo that lasts an hour each Monday. Only 2 sessions so far but she seems to like it. I have a feeling she's not the best listener, though. I overhear the teacher calling "Reina come here, Reina line up, Reina wait your turn" a little too often for my liking. I know she's really young and hopefully her listening (and obeying) skills will improve with time. Still, for a goody goody teacher's pet like me it is frustrating!
Liam continues to be the happiest baby ever. A "jolly little fat man," according to my mom. He eats, sleeps, smiles and makes raspberries. He has finally started on solids, bananas are the current favorite. Tomorrow we find out just how big he is at his 6 month doctor visit. I feel like he's enormous, especially since his head is about as big as mine...no sitting up yet, no wonder. The kid still won't even roll over. Oh well, probably for the better for now, at least until we can figure out how to childproof around here.
clowning around with Ms. Potato Head
another spud
check out my haircut, blue steel
playing dress up ballerina
actual ballerina after class...good grief
lovey dovey moment
Cousin Jack and Liam...strong family genes or what?
Great Nana M. and a sleepy soccer fan
Labor Day feast at Gina-Mom and Michael-Dad'sSunday, August 23, 2009
Its a marathon, not a sprint
Reina, Liam and I are cruising through the weekend. I'll let the pictures tell the stories though...
Peanut butter only Daddy! And I'll help spread with my "sharp knife"
Bravely went to the top of the tallest slide and went down. Once.
WAK IV and WAK V - self portrait
RMK tossing rocks at the fishies
Pensive
Screw you guys - I'm going this way.
Swinging
Chillin'
Saturday, August 22, 2009
While the Mommies are away, the Daddies will play
Annie and friends Dre, Steph, Jamie and Natalie packed up the wagon and headed off to Chi-town for the weekend. That left Chris, Jordan and myself to play Mr. Mom for the weekend. Jordan opted to work all weekend - that left Chris and I. No sweat, right?
Day 1: Zoo and Daddies' Hospital
Pucker up Buster.
Gimme some sugar
Dr. Chris and the kids checking out the swimming polar bear
Look Reina! There's a waterfall down there!
Proof: Liam came too. Unimpressed though.
More polar bear.
Capt Reina
Ground control to Major Logan
Roger, Roger. What's our vector, Victor?
After zoo fun, we went home and most of us had naps. And by most of us, I mean Reina and Liam. Naturally, they napped sequentially, not in concert.
After a killer 3 hour nap, of which Reina had to be woken up from at 6pm, she got a chance to talk to Gram on the phone for the first time in a long time. Lisa, Lily and Jack came over for a few, and then it was time for a Red Robin dinner with Gina-Mom, Michael-Dad, Aunt Katie and Uncle Austin.
Naturally, home too late, and up too early - but we are taking the weekend by storm.
For Saturday? I think we'll go to the Puppy Rescue Shelter to, ummm, look...
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