This is what I just overheard while Ryan was trying to work on getting Miles to bed:Ryan said something encouraging about brushing teeth while handing Miles his toothbrush. Then he obviously smelled an odor that wasn’t pleasant, so he said, “I detect poops.” Miles did not respond. He asked him if he was, in fact “poopy.” Miles still didn’t respond.Then my lovely, quirky husband said, “You know you can tell mommy and daddy if you have poops. Or if you think you might be about to have poops. Or if you just happen to be thinking about poops.”Miles responded by brushing his daddy’s face instead of his own teeth. We’re totally making progress on the potty training thing… Thank you for allowing me to pop up in your inbox and for reading my words, silly or serious. I appreciate you. ~Heather
Today we had tacos. Being the incredibly good mother that I am, I pulled Asher’s into bite size pieces. Then he cried and stared at me and banged his hands on his high chair while I tried to enjoy my regular-sized taco. He hates it when someone is eating something bigger than he is. Finally I handed him a full-sized taco, being the wonderful mother that I am. Just to see what would happen. And to stop the screaming. And whatayaknow, he just chomped away, taking bites while giggling and smiling. He didn’t even come close to choking. He knew what the heck he was doing. “Hmmm,” I thought. “Sometimes my boys know better than I do what they might be ready for. “ (No worries, I’m not going to hand him a whole hot dog or an apple straight off the tree, no worries…)Oh! And by the way Asher is currently beginning […]
Just so you know. When a child sticks a nut up his nose and needs a specialist to remove it, it might cost around $400. Just so you know. When the bill comes, you should probably not ignore it. Or you might get a call from someone who sounds cranky and asks you to call back about reference # blah blah blah. That call might remind you to stop pretending the nut up the nose bill is going to be paid by Oprah. The daydream you had that she feels bad for you and would rather pay a medical bill than give you a car, um…that wasn’t real. So you should probably just pay it. It’s a small price to pay for a young boy to learn what might fit up his nose and what might get stuck. It only costs $400 to provoke the “things can only come OUT your nose” conversation. […]
I love your sleepy, sharp blue eyes. I love the way those eyes light up when they see me. I love the place where your nearly hairless head meets the back of your neck. I love your squishy cheeks and thighs. Their softness makes me want to push my nose in them all day long. I love how you giggle like you’re giving a courtesy laugh, a short little ha…ha….ha…….ha… I love how you blew into our lives with such a force and have not calmed down since. I love the things I’m learning because of you. I have more strength because of you. I can be trusted with much more than I ever dreamed I could handle. I was strong even before you came, only I didn’t really know that. Until you showed me. This was the beginning of a deeply rooted love for you and I’m so thankful for the way […]
Some time ago I published a post (sounds fancy) called “15 Reasons.” Then I went on and on about the great things my husband does/is. I should do that more often. Because then he’d have an ego boost after I scold him for leaving hats on the counter all the time and having too many newspapers and driving too close to the car in front of him and not cleaning up the breakfast dishes and stepping over piles of laundry rather than picking them up….Poor guy. Just now I was thinking that he’s pretty great. Not just quirky and funny, but great. For example, this morning was a bit rough on the Miles front. We were sending him to his room to start the day over about fifty times (okay, that’s an exaggeration but I’m painting a picture here). Some days are like that, he really does “wake up on the wrong side […]
Miles’ shooting stars did their job. Yesterday afternoon my grandpa Glenn was shot straight to Heaven, just like Miles suggested. My family and I were all there, singing to him as he left. It was a beautiful and unforgettable thing to be a part of. We are relieved that he can finally be done with his many years of struggling. But we’ll miss him. I don’t really know much about my great-grandparents. I hope that reading this will teach my boys a few things about their Great-Grandpa Glenn:He was the most faith-without-a-doubt person I have ever known. He loved ice cream.He acted like he might stop breathing if he didn’t lavish love on his family.He was truly funny and his whole body would shake when he laughed. He loved to sing.He had the hugest garden I have ever seen. My favorite-raspberries. He called his wife “my beloved.” He really stunk at Wheel of […]
This morning I called my mom to find out what time she and my dad would be getting here. The plan was for them to come and spend some time with us for Mother’s Day. But my mom had received a call that my grandpa, who lives in a nursing home nearby our house, was not doing well. So instead of spending the day shopping and eating, we spent the day by my grandpa’s bed. Before I left the house, Miles was drawing and I asked him if he wanted to draw a picture for great grandpa. I explained that he’s extra sick and it would be nice to make him something, even though I knew that my grandpa is far past the point of being able to enjoy the scrawling artwork of his great grandson. After he was done with the picture I asked what it was and he said, “It’s shooting […]
Mommy- “MILES, SIT DOWN! You cannot STAND in the tub!”Miles – “Why?”Mommy- “Because it’s very slippery and you would easily fall and hit your head or something.”Miles – “Maybe I could just wear a helmet in the bath.” Thank you for allowing me to pop up in your inbox and for reading my words, silly or serious. I appreciate you. ~Heather
Yesterday we spent time in the backyard with Uncle Kevin. Here are some photos from that adventure… Asher lasted awhile in his stroller, hanging out and holding on to his feet. Miles had a CRAZY ride in the swing.At a random moment, standing by the water table, Miles looked at Kevin and said, “I miss my daddy.” I think he must miss you more than he is able to understand or articulate because he’s acting like MONSTER Miles quite frequently. Here are some quotes:“NO, I will not stop my body!!!”“Mommy, you are hurting my feewings.” (While in time out for cracking Asher on the head)“I WILL NOT listen to your words!!!”This defiant-finding-his-own-identity thing is getting tricky. The threats have become more serious – “If you don’t start to listen, we can’t go to the zoo.” Then I suddenly realize that I will have to follow through and spend the afternoon at home and […]
What a difference a year can make! We spent some time out in the backyard today. Or the “back ard,” as Miles calls it. I couldn’t believe how different Miles is from my memory of hanging out back there last time it was warm enough to do so. Last year Miles was just saying tiny little phrases. This year he’s telling stories and expressing his feelings. He said things like “I’m glad we came outside.” And “That was fun to swing.” Then he golfed and golfed. We knew last year that he was pretty coordinated for his age. We put a club in his hands this year and were shocked at his ability! He had an adult right-handed club (he swings with his left) and he could still smack the ball! It was so much fun to watch.Then we came in the house for dinner. Miles said, “tell me up a story, daddy.” […]
Here you go Mackenzie and Caleb! Look at this! Can you believe it’s been three years? Here is the first installment of photos for the wedding video… I mean… for fun! (I suggest choosing a fun song from the right-hand side under “Hear This” while you watch…just an entertainment suggestion…) Thank you for allowing me to pop up in your inbox and for reading my words, silly or serious. I appreciate you. ~Heather
You don’t have to be nice and good all the time to be unconditionally loved. Toddlers know this best. Miles: “O! That’s for Olivia!” Mommy: “That’s right! O is for Olivia!” Miles: “Yeah, Olivia…my love.” Mommy: “Your love?” Miles: “Yeah, she’s kinda good to me.” Thank you for allowing me to pop up in your inbox and for reading my words, silly or serious. I appreciate you. ~Heather
Some things to remember about 2yr. old Miles and 8mo. old Asher:Lately Miles thinks it’s really cool to say “poopy” – REALLY cool. Asher has started to talk!!! He says “ball” a lot. – his first and favorite word.Miles is totally into giants, superheros and the like and can imagine anything.We are out and about nearly every weekday morning, and home most afternoons.Both boys nap at around 12:30 or 1:00pm, leaving me a good half hour of “free time.” Miles still has the BEST sense of humor, cracking little jokes and understanding ours. Asher laughs hysterically at throwing stuff (snow off the shovel or a ball are his favs).Both boys are SUPER ticklish, all over, all the time.Miles currently LOVES to “help” do dishes. We go with it and clean the floor later.Miles is still SO into cars and tools. He helps daddy downstairs and in the garage.On Tuesdays and Thursdays when Miles […]
Miles and Tia like snowy Easters: This was the first time I have ever made an Easter meal. It was just so so if you ask me and just wonderful if you ask my kind and careful husband. Uncle Kevin was our guest The party got out of hand when Miles stripped and asked why he has nipples. Then he punched Kevin. So it was time for the Easter party to come to a close. Had we been at a bar (or drinking for that matter), we would have been asked to leave on account of being naked and rowdy. Thank you for allowing me to pop up in your inbox and for reading my words, silly or serious. I appreciate you. ~Heather
Miles is working on winking: He’ll get there! Asher LOVES Tia. Tia is indifferent. Thankfully, Tia is a gentle giant. Miles made up a little song when Asher was crying the other day: “Asher don’t cryyyyy, Cause I’m not bye byyyyeeeee.”Cause I don’t want to leave you here…Or heeeerrre.” I couldn’t believe that he made it rhyme. Kids really are amazing. Asher now has four teeth. He pretty much got them all at the same time (yow). He also rolls around to get where he wants to go (which is usually to try to grab things he shouldn’t have). Miles has learned how to act out the true tantrum (kicking, hitting and screaming included). I’ve heard that age three is like that no matter how you try to make it go away. We’ll get through it. I’m not sure that I’ll be sane when it’s over, but what parent is? We are trying […]
On Friday nights we have movie night. Every Friday, at some time during the day, Miles gets to take a trip to the “movie store” and pick out his own movie. He’s really quite good at it, choosing movies that are appropriate for a small person and ones he hasn’t seen but look good to him. Friday his choice was Monsters, Inc. He LOVED it. Meanwhile, I made a dinner from Martha Stewart’s “Everyday FOOD, Great Food Fast,” for Ryan and I. Gotta LOVE this cookbook, by the way. The recipes truly are simple and not all weird and stuff. But anyway, we had a super tasty chicken thingy with a Dijon mustard creamy yumminess over the top, and asparagus. I absolutely love this recipe! I will for sure make it again. Ryan loves anything mustardy and was a big fan. And then, on Saturday my parents, my sister, and her boys came. […]
“I’m too tired to sleep” What I’m learning about Asher is that he hates being awake. Even though he’ll act like putting him to sleep is a horrible thing to do to him at times, he sure seems to need a whole lot of z’s. We had a REALLY rough few days again, where he would scream about being put to bed and then wake up a couple of times an hour in the night. These are the times when I really wish there was a button on him that I could push and a little piece of paper would pop out his mouth with words on it that he can’t speak. Like, “My head hurts dangit.” Or, “geez lady, don’t you get it, my mouth is ablaze with gum breakage!!!” Or, “My belly is about to explode and it hurts and you think I can SLEEP???” Stuff like that. Then we’ll get […]
We’ve been away for a couple of days. To Spicer we went on Tuesday, with Mackenzie, Olivia and Ellorie. We came back today after a whirlwind of activity and time with Nanny and Bapa. They are good to us, and we are thankful.Mackenzie and I got to see friends Jenna and Kelly for dinner last night. Jenna shared her BIG news – she’s pregnant with number 3!!!! It’s so exciting. Wow. Mackenzie said, “you are so brave.” And that’s just it. She is. That is one of the many words to describe Jenna. She is brave, and she’s a great mom. Another baby will be happy to have her!The boys and I also got to see my Grandma, who was brave enough to travel snowy roads to come and see us. Thanks G’ma! It always feels so good to see her and laugh with her. This time, she gave me the giggles when […]
We recently got a Curious George book from the library. It’s one of the old ones, so George even smokes a pipe in it (the HORROR). I got to thinking as we were reading this book tonight before bed. I’ve always loved Curious George, especially since Miles came along and fell in love with him too. I realized tonight that I get such a kick out of George because he’s the monkey version of my son. The books and show on PBS always open with, “George is a good little monkey, and he’s VERY, very curious.” I love it that this repetitive statement makes sure to point out that George is good, even if he gets in lots of trouble. Because the endearing thing about George is that he is so good and sweet, you just can’t be mad at him. I love the relationship between George and the “Man with the Yellow […]
Today Asher got some sun near a window (long winter, we’re desperate for Vitamin D…and sanity.) Miles got to go outside at school today and go sledding. He was WORN OUT when he got home. He had a good nap and was NOT worn out anymore. So he pretended he was a duck… …and also pretended that he was a monster with a laundry basket on his head. All I had to do was throw cheese at him to “save the dave,” but I didn’t know that at first….until he told me, and then I fended him off with “cheese” and he went away.These boys are really something, always keeping me laughing. Just now, after he went to bed, Miles was crying out, “Hey! I can’t find my kid!!!” We had no idea what he was talking about. I thought he was crying out, “hey, I can’t find my pig.” Ryan went in […]
Today was one of those days I did nothing productive. In the sense of “around the house” productive anyway. If we’re talking productively socializing, then I was super ambitious! I called Kate in the morning and asked her to come for coffee, which happened to last until almost three. (I love it that she and I are the same in that we can just sit and talk and figure we’ve been domestically productive enough lately.) We’re a good team, making lunch and sharing kiddo duty, all the while chatting away. I love it so much I can’t even stand it. She even does the dishes!Kim called and asked if she and baby Malayna could stop by, to which I replied, “OF COURSE!” So they got here around 1:30 and hung out until 3:30. Then Ryan and the boys and I got in the car and headed to Mackenzie and Caleb’s for dinner and […]
This is our dog, Tia Maria. She is dreaming of her high-dive position. She is a really good dog. She has had to put up with being dethroned by two screaming, drooling, tail pulling boys. But sometimes she does naughty things to try to get the attention back on her. Like eating bibs or small plastic toys. Or the ear off a brand new puppy stuffed animal a friend sent to Miles. Had she not ripped his poor unsuspecting ear off, it would have been impossible for Miles to do this: Take note of the poor, sad puppy in the corner, earless and alone.It is hard for this dear pup to feel sad because he has no brains left in his head. I went in to check on our dear son after he fell asleep. I had wondered what had been so exciting in there, hearing him giggle and squeal and talk for […]
Last night I had the kind of night out that’s rare and simply perfect. My friend Heather and I connected late in the day and decided to get together. She recently moved to the Lake Harriet area and I wanted to see her cute little place. She is in such a great location, right on the lake in a beautiful condo. Crazy sidenote: a childhood friend of ours is right next door. Heather hadn’t seen her in about twenty years, and what do you know? They moved in right next to each other all these years later. I just think that is so cool. The three of us are going to get together soon and catch up on all that’s happened since the seventh grade. That may take awhile.Anyway, Heather had been with said friend to a nearby joint called Barbette and she loved it so much, she took me there last night. […]
oh, how they grow and change! This is Miles getting ready for bed. He decided he could comb his hair on his own. While brushing his teeth. Asher is still crinkling his nose constantly and is trying to eat everything as if all of it is edible and he’s starving. Does he look like he’s starving? He had his 6 month check-up today. He’s in the 80th percentile for weight, the 44th for length, and the 99th for head circumference. Too funny. The Dr. said, “does daddy have a big head?” Um…yes. Both of these boys have very big brains. I hope to fill them with my own ideas of course. Like, “your mommy is the best lady in the world, don’t ever forget to call her.” Or, “You should never say anything bad about your mom, cause she always knows best and besides that, she’s perfect.” Okay, maybe I won’t do that, […]
ASHER BASHER We waited a long time to find out, what with all the crying, but it seems our Asher is quite a ham, and a really sweet boy. That second picture cracks me up more than words can say. He’s been doing this thing with his nose, crinkling it up. It is so crazy to see your child’s face do things that your own face does. I can make a million folds on the bridge of my nose too! I don’t know why he started doing these faces, but the crinkly nose one seems to be a way to make you laugh. And sometimes he does it when he wants to smile at someone, but he’s being kinda shy about it. It’s so adorable. Babies really are the best. It’s so cool to watch a person unfold. To see their personality develop, watch the ways they change. It always surprises me that […]
My dear friend Carrie (Crock) came to see us today. She brought Miles and Asher all the Little People they could dream of! Practically the whole town, if not the whole town. She and I reminisced about the Little People of the 70’s. We both can vividly remember playing with the blue house and how we would arrange the furniture. Carrie had the daughter sleep on the balcony and sneak out at night. I wonder if she got in trouble with the mom with blond hair and a blue dress. Too bad that era of Little People became known as a choking hazard, in my opinion they were pretty cool. Hours of fun awaits Miles tomorrow. He could hardly stand that he had to stop playing with his new toys to go to bed, so he got to take the construction worker with him.Speaking of Little People, my friend Tiffany called today about […]
I was putting Miles down for his nap (yes, he still has the stinkin’ paci when he sleeps! Get off my back!) and he said, “Mommy, are you sleepy?” and I answered yes, of course. He then asked if Asher was going to take a nap. I told him that Asher was already sleeping. He said “yes, he is, in the closet behind a closed door.” Which totally cracked me up because it’s true! It sounds so awful when you put it that way! Asher’s current “bedroom” is the walk-in closet in our room. That way, he isn’t waking Miles up all hours of the night by sharing a room with him. So we figured either the basement or the closet. The closet won out since the basement is sort of out of the question. So we keep our baby in the closet. It’s a big closet! Anywho! It works for now. At […]
Here is magic for me: Today I went to Babies R Us and got two huge boxes of diaps, a huge tub of wipes, and bottle nipples for Asher’s ever-growing mouthy. I had coupons for 1.50 off both boxes of diaps. I had a 75cent off coupon for the wipes. THEN I had a coupon for a ten dollar gift card for buying the two boxes of diaps. AND a 15% off anything coupon that went for the bottle nipples. Sorry I keep saying nipples…. Anyway, I LOVE when I have coupons and save money on everyday things. I never knew that I would get all giddy over diaper coupons, but I do. I love impressing my husband with coupon combos. My happiness over this only proves the idea that there is joy in the small stuff.I also got a huge kick out of a new thing Miles did the other day. He […]
Today Kelly and Sabrina brought lunch over so it has been a really good day. Good food and good talks. I love the random topics the three of us came up with. From old game shows, to Nintendo, you just never know what sporadic information could be shared. These two girls made my day today, with their yummy food and big happy smiles. The best part was that I left Asher with them so I could go pick up Miles at school. It took about ten minutes and when we got back Asher was sitting with Sabrina, who was all smiles. Asher had a new outfit on. I left him with them just in time for a blow out. So they were left to find diapers and new clothes and change the mess. Just as I planned…ha ha haaaaaaaaaa………. Sabrina brought Miles an octopus. It’s one of those sticky ones that you can […]
I title this post for this short little ditty on the movie, Juno: It’s so good, go see it! It is funny and thought-provoking and heart-breaking and uplifting all at the same time. LOVE it. I got to go see it last night with Heather Spears and we both were just floored by it. It made us pretty weepy, we just couldn’t stop crying afterwards. Then we got the giggles because of all the non-stop crying. Maybe I’m making this movie sound like a downer. But it’s not, it’s just so well done. I don’t even know how to explain so I’ll stop rambling now. GO JUNO! Now onto an update on the little boys I live with. This photo is of the sticker decal thingys Miles got from Nanny and Bapa for Christmas for his walls. He also got bedding with these same vehicles on it and he loves to be in […]
