Bweeding Wuv

One of Bryson's favorite songs is Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis... I don't really listen to the radio that often, even in the car, but for whatever reason, he's heard that song enough to pick up most of the words... yesterday morning before church, he and Dallin were playing, and Bryson just kept singing the song- he isn't quite sure of all the words, so he kinda 'blurs' over the ones he's not sure of (like we all do)... he sang it all day so much so, that by the end of the day, even Dallin was singing the song too- not very understandably, but we knew that's what he was saying- errr, singing.

I don' cawe what day say
I'm naa naaa wiv you
They tryna na me away
But they don' know the twoof
My hearts na naa na na na cwoh-sin....

Kweep bweeding kweep kweep bweeding in wuv....

Time on my hands

So I'm in Seattle this week with my sister Emily (okay, it's actually Nathan's sister, but I don't really differentiate)... we're here for some medical testing for her and are busy once every four hours- around the clock for three to five days. So we can't go too far, 'cause Seattle is expensive and every four hours we have to be back here- it's just me and Em and Eli and a really small 'hotel' room in the hospital (like cruise ship room small)- We've got season 2 of the office, the really long version of Pride and Prejudice (Emily says it's like 12 hours long) and wireless internet. So I guess I'll be blogging frequently. Enjoy.

Questions

I know it's not an uncommon 'complaint' amongst mothers of young children. And I'm not really sure that I'm actually complaining- I kinda find it humorous, the never ending barrage of absolutely pointless, unanswerable questions that come from my sweet 4 year old. Really- most of his 'questions' are completely unanswerable... a few examples from a single car ride to my mom's house...

In referring to my mom, whom we call 'Mimi': "Why is she Mimi?"

Passing a fire station: "Why is that a fire station?"

Seeing a deer on our way to Mimi's house: "Why is that a deer?"

Is he just not sure of the purpose of asking questions? Or maybe the meaning of the word why? Seriously, Nathan and I could not stop laughing at his questions- and the fact that from the time we got into the car until we got to my parents house, the child did not stop talking! No wonder Dallin isn't very verbal, he can't get a word in edgewise...

Where do babies come from?

The other day in the car, Bryson was making a comment about when he and Dallin were in my tummy together. I explained to him that he and Dal were actually not in my tummy together- First Bryson was in my tummy, then he was born, then Dallin was in my tummy, then he was born, then Eli was in my tummy and then he was born... the silence was palpable. I tried to divert the inevitable question by singing a song. No dice. From the backseat came, "Mom, how did we get into your tummy?" Hmmmmm. How shall I approach this? I really try to be honest with my kids and give them real answers, but c'mon- he's 4. I obviously don't want to scar the kid for life. I told him when a mommy and daddy love each other, Heavenly Father puts a baby in the mommy's tummy. And quickly changed the subject.

On bribery and being blackmailed

As a parent, sometimes it's hard not to bribe your kids. At least for me anyway. I really want my kids to do things for the right reason. But I am sick to DEATH of Bryson and Dallin sucking their fingers. It's just gross. If you saw where those hands have been immediately prior to going in their mouths you'd feel the same way.

Back in December and January, we had Bryson quit of finger sucking for about 4 weeks. The bribe he worked for was a big Dinoco 'Lightening Storm' McQueen from the movie Cars. I don't know what got him going again.... his preschool teacher thought it was being around a new kid at school that sucked his finger, but maybe it was all the talk of a new baby, regardless, he fell back in love with his pointer finger.

And taught Dallin to do the same along the way. Yes, out of nowhere, in June, Dallin just started sucking his pointer finger too. His poor little fingers have scabs all around them from his teeth and he complains that they hurt, but he still sucks them anyway. Ugh.

I've tried bribery, no tv (Bryson often sucks while watching tv), appealing to his sense of 'big boy' pride, 'thum' (it's bitter tasting stuff you paint on their fingers), mittens, taping his fingers together, threatening a Herps appliance (it's a pokey thing that goes in the roof of your mouth, but daddy REFUSED!!), even letting him suck ALL HE WANTS- and just about every other hair brained idea that popped into my mind.

So I asked Bryson the other day just what it would take to get him to stop sucking his finger. He was decently quick with his reply.

#1. A party at Chuck-E-Cheeses

 #2. His Dinoco 'Lightening Storm' McQueen back (I obviously took it away when he took finger sucking back up)#3. This:
Yes, I am being blackmailed by my four year old for a Ford Mustang Power Wheels. I think it may be worth the price, but I've set my own expectations.
#1. I will help him do it. I found this extremely potent and nasty stuff to put on his fingers... the 'thum' I tried before just washed off too easily- but this new stuff, (the brand is 'hoof hands'- lovely) is thick and soooo much more bitter than the other stuff and it does NOT wash off- I put it on him before school this morning and sometime a few hours after school he put his finger in his mouth and he instantly pulled it out and was spitting and wiping his tongue on his shirt. I did a little happy dance inside.
#2. He needs to cooperate and let me put the stuff on his fingers without pitching a fit.
#3. He AND Dallin both have to stop sucking- the car will be for the both of them.
#4. They have to be done sucking for several months (I just told Bryson a really really really really really long time- longer away than Christmas) before they get it.
#5. The car is a privilege and mommy and daddy can take it away for bad behavior.

So for now, he's happy and has several fun things to work for. Today for the first time when I asked him if he likes sucking his finger, he actually said "No, it's icky." That's a baby-step success right there.

Time to eat

Eli can not get enough of solid food. Anytime he sees anyone eating, he is begging for some. Neither Bryson or Dallin were so interested in solids at this age. Not even close. The other day I peeled and cut an apple in big chunks and let him have some fun... Then I cut another one and didn't peel it so he could actually hold on to it.

He was just so serious- all business- as he was trying to pick up that apple.

Usually he had his mouth gaping open just in case he got that apple up to it

Ahhh, success!

I ended up having to take it away because he was biting off too big of chunks. That didn't make him too happy- I'm mad at myself for not taking pictures of his pouty face.

Just in case all you husbands are cursing Nathan today...

After spoiling me so wonderfully yesterday, my hubby went out after work and played 18 holes of golf today. Didn't get home til after 8pm. Kinda tipped the scales back the other way a touch.

My better half

Today was not a very good day.

It was just one of those days that proved murphy's law true over and over again. And over again. I don't know that all three boys have ever cried so much at the same time, in unison, in the same 24 hour period. And then the spit up and getting bitten (curse Eli's razor sharp teeth! I was just trying to feed you!) and the feeling like my house is a complete disaster and I could go on and on, but I'll spare you. Suffice it to say, not one of my finest days.

Knowing I had some errands I wanted to run, and knowing just how much faster and easier it would be without three kids (and the fiasco that involves getting them in and out of the store.... let alone what happens in the store), Nathan sent me away and told me to take my time... even though I know he loves to play tennis with some friends on Tuesday nights after the kids go to bed.

Ooooh-ie. You know it's gonna be a great time at Walmart when there's only five shopping carts available.

So I did my stuff, and when I got home, my sweet wonderful thoughtful husband had the kids in bed, washed the entire kitchen floor by hand (part of why I had gone to Walmart was because I was out of Swiffer Wet Jet cleaner and my kitchen floor was FILTHY!!) and had drawn a wonderful (and SCALDING hot) bath complete with candles and bath oils. Oh, and he even put some cucumber eye treatments on me when I got in. It reminds me of the commercial where the guy is ironing the clothes while making reservations at that special restaurant for their 6 month anniversary.... really, I don't think Nathan could be any better for me. Sure, he has his moments... everyone does, but he is such an amazing man and husband and father and I love him to pieces.

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

The morning of Tuesday, September 11th, 2001 dawned sunny in Louisville, Kentucky. Just another Tuesday morning for me. Nathan was up early to catch the bus down to U of L and for some strange reason, I couldn't fall back asleep. Strange for me. I didn't have to be to work until 10a.m. that morning, so I laid in bed in our little one bedroom Charlestown Court apartment and read and thought. It occurred to me to get up and turn on Good Morning America or some other morning show, just to watch as I got myself ready that day- something I never thought of other mornings because I was usually fast asleep- but I brushed it aside.

It wasn't until I got into our little '89 Honda Civic (Silver was her name) and started my 3 minute commute literally 1 mile down straight down Shelbyville Road to work, that I first knew anything of what was occurring in our Nation that fateful day. The radio dial was on 84AM WHAS. I think it took me a the whole drive to work to even grasp the general idea of what was going on- but I'm sure I didn't really have any idea- I don't think anyone did. After I parked my car, I sat in it, radio still on, transfixed over the news reports- I sat there for probably 5 more minutes before I forced myself to turn off the car and go inside.

The dental office I worked at was eerily silent- no blaring noise from the air compressor, no whir of the drill or sound of suctioning- just the radio with the same news I had been listening to in the car. No one was really working when I walked up front- everyone was still, listening in disbelief. I called my parents in Washington (state) and woke them up telling them the basics of what I knew, and that I loved them- the unthinkable happening made my own future seem unstable. At some point we scrapped together the day and did some work- a lot of patients cancelled though. We didn't have a tv at the office, so at lunch, I quick ran home to see what I had been hearing about- but there was no way my mind was prepared for the images I saw. I was numb for several days. And I really didn't cry for several days, until it really set in... the lives lost, the kind of hatred that would drive someone to do such a thing, the way our world had changed... and then I did cry. But strangely enough, I cried more for those would rejoice and celebrate as they saw the images and heard reports of the twin towers and the pentagon. That children would cheer and dance in the streets- that they would be raised to be filled with that kind of hatred that fueled those very attacks. It's still something I struggle with to contemplate how these people will be judged in the hereafter, when they were taught animosity from the youngest of ages from their own mommies and daddies.

It is sickening to me to see how much this country has forgotten what happened that day seven years ago. That 'United we Stand' we really are no longer. We so easily take for granted the freedoms we enjoy. As we approach another presidental election, the news is filled with hotly debated topics- I certainly am interested in the economy and how it can be improved- we own a small business and have a ton of student loans that I would like to pay off someday... but I find it interesting that so many people, so many good people, are judging their choice of candidates on issues such as the economy and their political experience, and laying aside that candidates stance on the definition of family and the value of human life! Those are two issues that will always take precedence with me.

I have never ever been much of a women's libber, but I received a great email the other day from a friend (yes, I verified it on snopes.com) about why women should vote- I must have slept through history class, because I do not remember learning about the courageous women who endured being imprisioned and beaten for peacefully picketing the White House for the right to vote. In no way do I intend to downplay their plight, but US history is filled with examples of personal sacrifices offered to extend freedoms and liberties... certainly women should not take the right to vote for granted, but really no one in this country should take for granted the right to vote- or any other of our rights for that matter.

This posts title echos' a familiar country song inspired by the 9/11 attacks, and closes with another: Have You Forgotten?

I have not.

When I grow up

Tuesday is garbage day. Every Tuesday morning, the garbage man comes at 0-dark-thirty with his loud truck with screechy brakes to pick up our refuse. We're the first neighborhood on their list. Daddy is usually up and getting ready, but fortunately, the kids and I have learned to sleep through it.

The nunnery/convent (I don't know if nunnery is a real term, but nuns live there) that sits out behind our house doesn't get their garbage picked up until noon or so. Today it came while Nathan was home for lunch. Bryson heard the tell-tale garbage truck sounds and ran to the front windows... he was a little confused at first, but then localized the sounds as coming from behind our house. He stood on our back porch staring at that garbage truck for a solid two minutes (it takes forever over there for them to get the trash for some reason) and then ran into the house and yelled (not kidding) "When I grow up, I'm gonna be a garbage man!"

Wow. All I can figure, is that it must be the truck that makes little boys want to aspire to a career of such high esteem.

Back to school

Today was Bryson's first day of Preschool.... his second year. I can't believe he'll be in kindergarten next year! He was a little disappointed that he still doesn't get to ride the bus to school... instead he wanted to ride his bike. Ya, I don't think so. It's close, but not that close.
He picked out his outfit to wear the night before, and was SO excited to get to wear his 'sketchers'... apparently, they have commercials for sketchers on nickelodeon during Go Diego, Go or something, because I have NO idea how else he would know what sketchers are... when I showed him them for the first time, he knew exactly what they were. Whatever. They were on clearance at Sears and Sears has the guarantee that if they wear them out before they grow out of it, they'll replace the item. I'm pretty sure he picked this shirt because his daddy has one just like it.
Dallin wanted a first day picture with Bryson too- note the giant bruise on Dallins forehead. Preschool orientation- Dallin vs. doorjamb. Dallin-0, doorjamb-3 (I think that's a 3-pointer!)

This was the 3rd take. The first two the camera fell over.

Mrs. Mackin is Bryson's teacher again this year- she's never taught the 4 year old class before, but since she had furthered her education, and the previous teacher got another job, she moved up- we are very happy about that- we love Mrs. Mackin!

Biter Biscuits/Face Painting

Anyone who has ever fed a baby biter biscuits knows what I mean by that title. He had fun, and then a bath.

I'm a Pir-an-AH!

Eli's got his first little Ginsu knives... errrr teeth... one right after the other on the bottom. They've been in for a few weeks, but I haven't been able to get a good picture of them...

Labor Day

We went camping over Labor Day with my family... lots of fun...

Bryson and Dallin fished.... I use that term loosely where Dallin is concerned- at one point, he dropped Nathan's fishing pole in the water, but the line was so wrapped around him that Nathan was able to pull it back up before it sank...

Bryson loved fishing... the water was beautiful and clear- I even caught FOUR fish myself! Of course none of them were keepers... one was probably only three inches long, but still, it was exciting.

Eli was cute as ever.

Bryson and Daddy went canoeing- Bryson was a great help at paddling.... ya, right, but he had to have a paddle nonetheless.

MMM, we had great food and a great time with family and friends.

First words

Bryson wrote a sentence for the first time the other day. Can you read it?

Yes, his first words were 'not come in'- and he spelled it mostly himself (I had to remind him of the silent 'e' at the end of 'come'). He wanted to put something on his bedroom door so that his friends would know not to come in while he is getting dressed. Funny for 2 reasons. 1. His friends have never even been in the house while he is getting dressed and 2. The child doesn't have an ounce of modesty in his body... we're working on that.