Friday, December 30, 2005
A Funkadelic Christmas
Some fun with camera settings...
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Holiday Update
So! I am so busy, tending to children, trying to get laundry done, ect, ect, but I really want to get down how the holiday went. Here goes. We were all sick for Christmas, but I think we had a good time. On Xmas Eve, we went to Stason's house for brunch. I felt totally awful being there...I was convinced we would get Riley sick. Cam couldn't keep his germy hands off her toys. But, alas, she is well! Staci said she had put out a few of Riley's toys just for Cam and washed them off when we left. Whew. I think the 24th was like the apex of Lucas' cold. He was very cranky, mainly because he didn't get much to eat. He just couldn't breathe through his nose, which made nursing a challenge. That sucked. That evening, we went to Aunt Vicki's house. A fun time was had by all (even Lukey), until Layne got a motorized tractor from Santa, and Cam REALLY wanted to ride it and had royal fits. Too tired, too much excitement, ho ho ho! Then we went home, put the boys to bed, and wrapped, wrapped, wrapped! Well, I did most of the wrapping, but Tony put together Cam's work bench, so I think it was a fair division of labor. Christmas day was hectic, but we enjoyed it. First, we opened gifts from Santa at home (the tool bench and the cash register were giant hits). Then we went to Mom's for breakfast and more presents (tons). Next, we headed to Tony's Dad's place for their celebration. Finally, we ended up at my aunt's (Dad's family). I didn't feel stressed at all that day, which is awesome. Usually, I'm overwhelmed by the multiple stops...concerned that we aren't spending enough time with the various groups....but this year, I just didn't let it bother me. Maybe I'm just over trying to please everyone, I don't know. All I know is I hope I keep this attitude!
The kids ended up with so many toys, and we so have no room for them all! The house is still in disarray, despite the fact that we've organized the gifts/returns/put boxes & wrapping out for the trash, etc. Totally time for a new house! We desperately need more room. Stason just had their basement finished and it makes me really long for a new place. They have this giant family room downstairs now, as well as a cool craft/playroom and a half bath. It really looks like part of the house, too, not just a modified basement, if you know what I mean. I'd love to have something like that. Then I could do laundry without having to rush around, running back upstairs several times to check on sleeping/swinging/playing boys. Maybe one day! Maybe soon!
It has been super-rockin' to have Amy and Shawn home for Christmas! Cam has been in Heaven. Amy stayed with us for three days and Cam slept with her. He loved it. And he is really digging having Uncle Shawn around. A&S have been in Michigan since Monday, visiting Shawn's family, but come home today. We're meeting them for dinner out to use up gift certs we all got for O'Charley's. Then Shawn goes back to Portland tomorrow. So sad. At least we get Amy until January 1st!
OK, I must get a few things done now. I have so much more to say (random crap, of course) so I'll blog more later!
The kids ended up with so many toys, and we so have no room for them all! The house is still in disarray, despite the fact that we've organized the gifts/returns/put boxes & wrapping out for the trash, etc. Totally time for a new house! We desperately need more room. Stason just had their basement finished and it makes me really long for a new place. They have this giant family room downstairs now, as well as a cool craft/playroom and a half bath. It really looks like part of the house, too, not just a modified basement, if you know what I mean. I'd love to have something like that. Then I could do laundry without having to rush around, running back upstairs several times to check on sleeping/swinging/playing boys. Maybe one day! Maybe soon!
It has been super-rockin' to have Amy and Shawn home for Christmas! Cam has been in Heaven. Amy stayed with us for three days and Cam slept with her. He loved it. And he is really digging having Uncle Shawn around. A&S have been in Michigan since Monday, visiting Shawn's family, but come home today. We're meeting them for dinner out to use up gift certs we all got for O'Charley's. Then Shawn goes back to Portland tomorrow. So sad. At least we get Amy until January 1st!
OK, I must get a few things done now. I have so much more to say (random crap, of course) so I'll blog more later!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Dear Santa, will the sickness ever end?
Long time no blog, I know. And I don't have a lot of time for a long one now, so I'll just quickly update. I'm getting over strep throat, which really sucked. Cam has a whopper of a cold and Luke started with one last night! Both Cam's and Luke's colds are awful! Neither kid can breathe. Luke and I slept very very little last night. Christmas is going to be a bit sickly this year! The good news - Amy and Shawn are here!! Shawn got in last night and we had them over for dinner. It was a fun time, despite icky-feeling Cam.
Tons and tons of presents to wrap. Lots of laundry to do. Plus I have a few artsy-type Xmas projects to finish (actually, one needs to be started!)
Happy holidays!
Tons and tons of presents to wrap. Lots of laundry to do. Plus I have a few artsy-type Xmas projects to finish (actually, one needs to be started!)
Happy holidays!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
4 seconds till Xmas...and a healthy boy!
Luke-a-rama had his two-month check-up yesterday. All is wonderfully well. His mouth is free of thrush and his ear is free of infection. He's doing great in all areas! Weight was 15 lbs .5 oz (above the 95th percentile). Height was 24 inches (90th percentile). He's about 1/2 pound heavier than Cam was at two months. He's shorter than Cam was, but I'm not sure by how much. C-note was 23.5 inches at birth. Luke got four lovely shots. He did pretty well. I mean, he cried and all, but he didn't go nuts or anything. And neither did I. When Cam got his first shots, I cried right along with him! This time, I just put my cheek next to Luke's and held his little hand. I nursed him right after and I think that really took the edge off. So far, no reaction from the shots, although I gave him a dose of Tylenol this morning because he *maybe* felt warm. Hopefully, we won't be back to see Dr. C until February - cross your fingers!
Can you even believe how close Christmas is? My sister is coming home this weekend! I have so much to do before then. She is staying with us part of the time and with Mom the rest. Cam is just going to be over the moon. Aunt Amy is his absolute favorite person ever. Although...I hope he's in a better mood by the time she arrives. He's just been so grouchy the past two days. I hate to see him like that (and I really don't like dealing with a PMS-y toddler) but there's not much we can do except let him get over it.
Alrighty. Having writer's block now. Maybe some sleep will help with that....you listening, Luke??
Can you even believe how close Christmas is? My sister is coming home this weekend! I have so much to do before then. She is staying with us part of the time and with Mom the rest. Cam is just going to be over the moon. Aunt Amy is his absolute favorite person ever. Although...I hope he's in a better mood by the time she arrives. He's just been so grouchy the past two days. I hate to see him like that (and I really don't like dealing with a PMS-y toddler) but there's not much we can do except let him get over it.
Alrighty. Having writer's block now. Maybe some sleep will help with that....you listening, Luke??
Friday, December 9, 2005
Quick thoughts
My mother-in-law thinks we are emotionally abusing our son for giving him two-minute time-outs.
I have dried puke in the back of my hair and it stinks. Will shower soon.
Our holiday photo cards are ready to be picked up at Walgreens. Look for yours in the mail sometime next week!
We are going to Picture People tonight for Luke's 2-month shots. And family shots. Both children have been bathed. I, obviously, have not. I have backup outfits for both boys, and a backup shirt for myself. (puke) Of course, some of that stuff is still in the dryer. I can't be THAT prepared.
Speaking of vomit, Walter has vomited on the new carpet each day for the past, oh, five days, I think. He had eaten a washcloth. I think he's acting out. We have been very upset with him over the pukage on our coveted carpet. That's all I'll say about that. I lie. He hit the loveseat yesterday, too.
Stanley Steemer is coming Tuesday to clean the loveseat (and sofa).
It snowed a lot last night and the whole Greater Cincinnati area was in a panic. As usual. It took Tony 3 hours to get home from work. And he left early. So did the rest of downtown, apparently.
I have too much Xmas shopping left to do! When will I do it? I'm starting to panic. We are done with the kids' gifts, but still have the rest of the family to do! Scary!
Better get that scrubbing in now - Luke is beginning to stir.
I have dried puke in the back of my hair and it stinks. Will shower soon.
Our holiday photo cards are ready to be picked up at Walgreens. Look for yours in the mail sometime next week!
We are going to Picture People tonight for Luke's 2-month shots. And family shots. Both children have been bathed. I, obviously, have not. I have backup outfits for both boys, and a backup shirt for myself. (puke) Of course, some of that stuff is still in the dryer. I can't be THAT prepared.
Speaking of vomit, Walter has vomited on the new carpet each day for the past, oh, five days, I think. He had eaten a washcloth. I think he's acting out. We have been very upset with him over the pukage on our coveted carpet. That's all I'll say about that. I lie. He hit the loveseat yesterday, too.
Stanley Steemer is coming Tuesday to clean the loveseat (and sofa).
It snowed a lot last night and the whole Greater Cincinnati area was in a panic. As usual. It took Tony 3 hours to get home from work. And he left early. So did the rest of downtown, apparently.
I have too much Xmas shopping left to do! When will I do it? I'm starting to panic. We are done with the kids' gifts, but still have the rest of the family to do! Scary!
Better get that scrubbing in now - Luke is beginning to stir.
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Colds, Part 2
We're all sick again. We includes me this time. So, like, Luke was cold-free for two weeks, I think. And now he's acting really off. I'm concerned he has another ear infection...or the old one didn't go away and is getting worse? He's like inconsolable, especially at night. He's been waking up several times the past few nights. And not to eat...to cry. And his cry is different. So, we have another pediatrician appointment today at 1pm. At the rate we're going, we'll be at that damn office once a week...His two-month appointment is next Monday!
Buggers! Literally!
Buggers! Literally!
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Da Mall. Da Carpet. Da End.
Today was the first big outing for the boys and me! I mean, I've taken them to doctor appointments and such, but we have not been out and about for "fun" by ourselves yet. I packed them up and went to the mall. It was also my first time dealing with the double stroller by myself. That this is a behemoth, to say the least. And it's not very user-friendly. Luke slept the whole time we were at Stride Rite (and that was quite some time). Then he woke up when I was ordering at McDonald's. He stayed awake (sometimes quietly observing, sometimes screaming angrily) for dining at the food court, The Children's Place, Gymboree, Macy's and The Children's Place again. When we left, it was snowing! Cam loved it. Pretty substantial flakes, but no stickage. He was having a ball as the snow it his face. So, I'd call our first big outing sans Daddy a success. It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought, even though it was freaking freezing out.
Hey, we got our carpet installed Tuesday. We love it! It looks and feels awesome (and smells awesome, too). The installation went nothing like I expected. At 9am, there was a knock at the door. I opened it and there stood a scrawny old man with like 2 teeth, who said, "Da carpet." Oh my. I show him where the rooms are and he starts moving the furniture in Cameron's room. By himself! I'm thinking, "well, maybe help is on the way?" So, I have Cam and Luke and some strange toothless man in my house. He tells me he needs a broom and dustpan. What? He doesn't have his own supplies? So I scramble around, looking for a broom (we Swiffer) with children in tow (and in arms). I finally find a broom in the basement, but the dogs get upstairs. I round them up and send them back down and give Mr. Carpet (don't know his name...he never told me and I was too scared? nervous? stunned? to ask) the broom. He says, "Don't let them dogs back up again. They scare me." OK. Sorry. Really, I am. I keep looking for a dustpan, but can't find one. I didn't know I'd be put to work. OK, so, I can't explain why, but I'm feeling very off about this whole situation. I didn't think there'd be only one installer and I feel a little uncomfortable. I called Tony at work and he said he'd come home. Good thing he did, because after Mr. Carpet installed the carpet in Cam's room, he told us to vacuum it. How would I have vacuumed and kept track of a toddler and an infant with a stranger in the house? I mean, I am not going to turn my back on my kids with some man I don't know in my house. I guess Mr. Carpet heard my phone conversation with Tony, because he poked his head into Luke's room, where we were, and said "don't worry about me being alone, Ma'am, I've been doing this for 40 years!" He sounded agitated. Great. Now I feel bad that he heard me. I start to feel guilty. Not guilty, really, but worried that he thinks I called my husband home because I was alone with an African-American man in my house. (paranoid much, Mel?) Um, it's not that your black, dude. It's just that you are a man! And creepy! And you smell like cigarettes and I can't understand you because you have no teeth! So, the day goes on and the carpet is finally completely installed...at 7:30pm! 9am to 7:30 pm! OH MY GOD! It was torture. But, I guess it was worth it for a job well done. So, as he's finishing up, his wife calls on his cell. He starts yelling at her about how she keeps the TV too loud while he's trying to sleep. He tells her that he'll be home when he gets home...IF he decides to come home! And that he's getting a bottle and getting drunk tonight and not going to work tomorrow! Yes, I'm glad I asked Tony to come home! So, I mean, don't carpet installers usually bring their own equipment and do their own vacuuming? I'm just going by past experience here. And, really, our house is not large. He carpeted 3 small bedrooms, a short hallway and a medium-sized living room. 7am to 9pm??? And doesn't more than one installer usually do a job? Do I expect too much? So, yeah, it's all over with and we are happy with the finished product, but man, it was tough getting there.
Hey, we got our carpet installed Tuesday. We love it! It looks and feels awesome (and smells awesome, too). The installation went nothing like I expected. At 9am, there was a knock at the door. I opened it and there stood a scrawny old man with like 2 teeth, who said, "Da carpet." Oh my. I show him where the rooms are and he starts moving the furniture in Cameron's room. By himself! I'm thinking, "well, maybe help is on the way?" So, I have Cam and Luke and some strange toothless man in my house. He tells me he needs a broom and dustpan. What? He doesn't have his own supplies? So I scramble around, looking for a broom (we Swiffer) with children in tow (and in arms). I finally find a broom in the basement, but the dogs get upstairs. I round them up and send them back down and give Mr. Carpet (don't know his name...he never told me and I was too scared? nervous? stunned? to ask) the broom. He says, "Don't let them dogs back up again. They scare me." OK. Sorry. Really, I am. I keep looking for a dustpan, but can't find one. I didn't know I'd be put to work. OK, so, I can't explain why, but I'm feeling very off about this whole situation. I didn't think there'd be only one installer and I feel a little uncomfortable. I called Tony at work and he said he'd come home. Good thing he did, because after Mr. Carpet installed the carpet in Cam's room, he told us to vacuum it. How would I have vacuumed and kept track of a toddler and an infant with a stranger in the house? I mean, I am not going to turn my back on my kids with some man I don't know in my house. I guess Mr. Carpet heard my phone conversation with Tony, because he poked his head into Luke's room, where we were, and said "don't worry about me being alone, Ma'am, I've been doing this for 40 years!" He sounded agitated. Great. Now I feel bad that he heard me. I start to feel guilty. Not guilty, really, but worried that he thinks I called my husband home because I was alone with an African-American man in my house. (paranoid much, Mel?) Um, it's not that your black, dude. It's just that you are a man! And creepy! And you smell like cigarettes and I can't understand you because you have no teeth! So, the day goes on and the carpet is finally completely installed...at 7:30pm! 9am to 7:30 pm! OH MY GOD! It was torture. But, I guess it was worth it for a job well done. So, as he's finishing up, his wife calls on his cell. He starts yelling at her about how she keeps the TV too loud while he's trying to sleep. He tells her that he'll be home when he gets home...IF he decides to come home! And that he's getting a bottle and getting drunk tonight and not going to work tomorrow! Yes, I'm glad I asked Tony to come home! So, I mean, don't carpet installers usually bring their own equipment and do their own vacuuming? I'm just going by past experience here. And, really, our house is not large. He carpeted 3 small bedrooms, a short hallway and a medium-sized living room. 7am to 9pm??? And doesn't more than one installer usually do a job? Do I expect too much? So, yeah, it's all over with and we are happy with the finished product, but man, it was tough getting there.
