If anyone is looking for gift ideas (big ones) for a young family, look no further. Give them a cleaning service for a year. This was my mom's present to us for Christmas. It took me forever to actually pick a service and get it all squared away, but we are now the proud owners(?) of professional cleaners.
I joke that the only reason my mom wanted to do that was so her grandbabies didn't have to live in a filthy house, but whatever the reason, this gift was GENIUS.
They will come monthly, and the first visit is a deep cleaning where they get every single nook and cranny, and then go back and get it again. Every subsequent visit is maintenance.
The first cleaning was yesterday. Chuck went home for it so he could let them in, and to make sure Tugboat didn't freak out. He was working on his laptop while they were cleaning, and at one point they kindly told him he might want to step outside, as it was "really dusty" in there. Ouch.
When I got home the difference was immediately noticeable. It smelled better. I could walk around without my shoes and not have fur on my feet. (Gross, I know.) Everything was dusted. The sink was GLEAMING. The kids' rooms were ADORABLE and all the beds were made. My duvet cover and comforter were united. My tub has never looked that good, nor has my shower. And there were no animal or human pawprints ANYWHERE.
I made the kids and Chuck parade around with me oohing and aahing. I clearly am more enthralled with this than they are. It made me SO HAPPY.
So there you have it. If you want to do something HUGE for someone, make their house so fresh and so clean.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
All Grown Up
My little guys are growing up. Inch by inch, literally. They are growing big and strong and smart and funny.
Tomorrow is Ryker's 3rd birthday. 3rd. How did that happen? I've done his birth story already (click here if you haven't read it, or want to re-read it).
It's amazing to me, as always, how much he has changed. And what I love is how DIFFERENT he is from Jackson. I remember when I first knew I was pregnant with him, and I wanted a girl baby so badly (shhh, don't tell). One of my reasons was that I felt like we had "done" the boy baby thing already. Check. I wanted something new, and gender just seemed to be the obvious way to ensure we had a completely different experience. Well, we got it. Ryker is a different boy from Jack, and the experience has been different. More challenging in some ways, easier in some, funnier in some, more stressful is some. We've gone from thinking he was perfectly healthy, to thinking he might have Cystic Fibrosis (remember THAT?!), to figuring out he was really, really allergic to some meds, and back to knowing he was healthy. And huge. I have to say, the most endearing quality we've seen so far in him is his love for Jack. He just loves him, and will protect him to no end. I love that.
Not to be outdone by Ryker's birthday, Jack has had his chance to shine recently as he gets ready to enter kindergarten. Today we had to do his early childhood screening. I read the paperwork last night because I'm a bad, procrastinating mom like that, and found out that he was actually supposed to be screened between ages 3.5 and 4. I repeat: bad, procrastinating mom. Anyway, he did AMAZINGLY well. Stud. The screener was talking to me later and was like "umm, yeah, he did VERY well. I didn't even have to prompt him or given him examples. He's very bright." Awwww... Oh, and he was one inch away from literally being off of her height chart. Ha! 95th% in height and weight.
My big boys. Happy happy mom.
Tomorrow is Ryker's 3rd birthday. 3rd. How did that happen? I've done his birth story already (click here if you haven't read it, or want to re-read it).
It's amazing to me, as always, how much he has changed. And what I love is how DIFFERENT he is from Jackson. I remember when I first knew I was pregnant with him, and I wanted a girl baby so badly (shhh, don't tell). One of my reasons was that I felt like we had "done" the boy baby thing already. Check. I wanted something new, and gender just seemed to be the obvious way to ensure we had a completely different experience. Well, we got it. Ryker is a different boy from Jack, and the experience has been different. More challenging in some ways, easier in some, funnier in some, more stressful is some. We've gone from thinking he was perfectly healthy, to thinking he might have Cystic Fibrosis (remember THAT?!), to figuring out he was really, really allergic to some meds, and back to knowing he was healthy. And huge. I have to say, the most endearing quality we've seen so far in him is his love for Jack. He just loves him, and will protect him to no end. I love that.
Not to be outdone by Ryker's birthday, Jack has had his chance to shine recently as he gets ready to enter kindergarten. Today we had to do his early childhood screening. I read the paperwork last night because I'm a bad, procrastinating mom like that, and found out that he was actually supposed to be screened between ages 3.5 and 4. I repeat: bad, procrastinating mom. Anyway, he did AMAZINGLY well. Stud. The screener was talking to me later and was like "umm, yeah, he did VERY well. I didn't even have to prompt him or given him examples. He's very bright." Awwww... Oh, and he was one inch away from literally being off of her height chart. Ha! 95th% in height and weight.
My big boys. Happy happy mom.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Corduroy - the Video
Ryker has progressed with his rendition of Corduroy, and now you can see for yourself.
A few things to note:
1. He requested that we make this movie. It's the 3rd attempt, on three different nights. First attempt was 12 minutes, second was 7, and this is 6 - a new personal best.
2. It was really hot in his room, so he's only in his pull-up.
3. I think we must say "oh my gosh" too much.
4. That big thing going up his side is a "temporary" tattoo, which has not come off in 3 weeks. It's a zebra.
5. The red dots on him are bug bites, not chicken pox.
Without further ado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdtspSbJNfE
A few things to note:
1. He requested that we make this movie. It's the 3rd attempt, on three different nights. First attempt was 12 minutes, second was 7, and this is 6 - a new personal best.
2. It was really hot in his room, so he's only in his pull-up.
3. I think we must say "oh my gosh" too much.
4. That big thing going up his side is a "temporary" tattoo, which has not come off in 3 weeks. It's a zebra.
5. The red dots on him are bug bites, not chicken pox.
Without further ado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdtspSbJNfE
There's No Place Like Home
...except I'm lucky enough to have several of them. My home sweet home in Bloomington. My home at my mom's house. My home at my aunt and uncle's house. My home at Nicki's. And my home at Carleton.
We had our 10th year reunion at Carleton this past weekend. What an amazing time.
But to back up, I had a huge panic attack Friday morning before Nikki and I left [I have two Ni(c)k(k)is]. I got nervous about the drive down there - that it would take too long and I'd feel sick. I was anxious about being down there and sharing bathrooms (that sends me into panic sometimes). I was nervous that I'd get down there and not feel well and I would have to miss all of the fun stuff. I got nervous that there would be no down-time.
Here's why that is significant - after my Ni(c)k(k)is let me breathe, then calmed me down and forced me into the car, I felt fine. I was fine. We got down to Carleton and all I wanted to do was run around and find people and reconnect and talk to everyone. I just LOVE CARLETON. I love the people. I love the campus. I love the vibe.
Nikki and I did reunion RIGHT this year. We went to a lecture. We spent quality time together. We attempted the class parade - got drenched, but attempted it. We went to Convocation and were able to witness the amazing generosity of other classes (can you say "$7.1 MILLION"????). I had goosebumps. We played trivia. We bought old Carleton gear. We did our class photo, and sat front and center. We had 2 nights-worth of gyro pizza. We sat and had the funniest conversation I will ever have in my entire life. (It's a little sad for me to know that my funniest conversation is over and done-with, but I'll cherish the memories. It's all downhill from here. And for Steph and Nik and Dotty and whoever else might be reading this - Armageddon. Tales from 5th reunion. the Kindle. Banny LaDance. That's what she said.) We danced and stayed up too late.
It was a blast. I was reminded of friends who I have lost touch with, but who are hilarious and awesome.
And if anyone asks - I cured polio. Cure B.
We had our 10th year reunion at Carleton this past weekend. What an amazing time.
But to back up, I had a huge panic attack Friday morning before Nikki and I left [I have two Ni(c)k(k)is]. I got nervous about the drive down there - that it would take too long and I'd feel sick. I was anxious about being down there and sharing bathrooms (that sends me into panic sometimes). I was nervous that I'd get down there and not feel well and I would have to miss all of the fun stuff. I got nervous that there would be no down-time.
Here's why that is significant - after my Ni(c)k(k)is let me breathe, then calmed me down and forced me into the car, I felt fine. I was fine. We got down to Carleton and all I wanted to do was run around and find people and reconnect and talk to everyone. I just LOVE CARLETON. I love the people. I love the campus. I love the vibe.
Nikki and I did reunion RIGHT this year. We went to a lecture. We spent quality time together. We attempted the class parade - got drenched, but attempted it. We went to Convocation and were able to witness the amazing generosity of other classes (can you say "$7.1 MILLION"????). I had goosebumps. We played trivia. We bought old Carleton gear. We did our class photo, and sat front and center. We had 2 nights-worth of gyro pizza. We sat and had the funniest conversation I will ever have in my entire life. (It's a little sad for me to know that my funniest conversation is over and done-with, but I'll cherish the memories. It's all downhill from here. And for Steph and Nik and Dotty and whoever else might be reading this - Armageddon. Tales from 5th reunion. the Kindle. Banny LaDance. That's what she said.) We danced and stayed up too late.
It was a blast. I was reminded of friends who I have lost touch with, but who are hilarious and awesome.
And if anyone asks - I cured polio. Cure B.
Monday, June 13, 2011
OCD - The Sound List
Christi called it in the comment section of the last post. Our sensory issues extend to sounds. Here are the sounds I cannot handle.
-Breathing (I wish I was kidding about that)
-Chewing noises
-Swallowing noises
-Cracking of joints
-Crackling of food wrappers
-Utensils on dishes
-Styrofoam (yes, it makes noises)
-Pens tapping
Again, there are more, I'm sure. Chuck can probably name them all.
I would like to take this chance to point out, as you are all sitting there shaking your collective heads in judgment, that it is NOT FUN to have this malady. I don't CHOOSE this. It makes eating with people and going to movies a horrid experience. I come away physically exhausted from shuddering and holding my hands over my ears. Plus I look like a weirdo.
We think Ryker might be developing this one, by the way. He seems abnormally tuned in, and bothered by, noises around him.
Sigh...
-Breathing (I wish I was kidding about that)
-Chewing noises
-Swallowing noises
-Cracking of joints
-Crackling of food wrappers
-Utensils on dishes
-Styrofoam (yes, it makes noises)
-Pens tapping
Again, there are more, I'm sure. Chuck can probably name them all.
I would like to take this chance to point out, as you are all sitting there shaking your collective heads in judgment, that it is NOT FUN to have this malady. I don't CHOOSE this. It makes eating with people and going to movies a horrid experience. I come away physically exhausted from shuddering and holding my hands over my ears. Plus I look like a weirdo.
We think Ryker might be developing this one, by the way. He seems abnormally tuned in, and bothered by, noises around him.
Sigh...
Friday, June 10, 2011
The OCD Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree
This morning Jack was playing in the entryway and found an extra tub of sidewalk chalk. He showed me, then announced that when he touches certain things, like paper and chalk, his whole body feels funny. Then he goes "even saying the words makes me feel weird sometimes."
Those of you who know me really well, and especially Christi, who shares these afflictions, are laughing right now.
I have a thing about textures. I can't use certain kinds of silverware because it makes my skin tingle and my teeth hurt. I can't touch my fingers, most importantly my nails, to certain kinds of towels. Unfortunately, it's the cheap kinds. I can't touch chalkboards (many people share that one with me, but they generally stop there I think). I'm not fond of chalk either. I hate paper, both because of the texture and because I'm terrified of paper cuts. I can't touch the chips in our plates because the unglazed ceramic makes my whole body shiver.
There are more, but I'm forgetting them now. (Christi - what am I forgetting???)
Anyway, poor Chuck. He's going to have two of us in this house who are afraid of inanimate objects.
Those of you who know me really well, and especially Christi, who shares these afflictions, are laughing right now.
I have a thing about textures. I can't use certain kinds of silverware because it makes my skin tingle and my teeth hurt. I can't touch my fingers, most importantly my nails, to certain kinds of towels. Unfortunately, it's the cheap kinds. I can't touch chalkboards (many people share that one with me, but they generally stop there I think). I'm not fond of chalk either. I hate paper, both because of the texture and because I'm terrified of paper cuts. I can't touch the chips in our plates because the unglazed ceramic makes my whole body shiver.
There are more, but I'm forgetting them now. (Christi - what am I forgetting???)
Anyway, poor Chuck. He's going to have two of us in this house who are afraid of inanimate objects.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Registering for Kindergarten
Today I'm annoyed. I tried this morning to get everything ready to register Jack for kindergarten - officially. The process is next to impossible. I'm not kidding. I need a NOTARIZED version of his birth certificate. I need his immunizations, plus a form filled out by his doc. I need a bajillion pieces of paper filled out by me.
I called the school to make sure I could send in what I have completed, and send the supporting documents later, just so he's on their records and lists and whatnot. I'm getting antsy. The secretary was very nice. She said sure, and then said she could take a bunch of info now and get him on their lists. Great. So we did that and then she goes "half day or full day" because the state only pays for half. I said full. She said "paying?" and I said yes. She goes "oh, you must have talked to Patty."
Umm, no. "No, I didn't talk to Patty. Who is Patty? SHOULD I talk to Patty?"
Secretary: "Oh, well how do you know you're in full day then?"
Me: "I guess I don't. I'd like for Jack to be in full day, and we'll pay."
S: "Well, it's a numbers game. I'll put down that you are requesting that and I'll get back to you....I know I know your name from somewhere...."
M: "Well, my mom brought him up to visit a kindergarten classroom a few weeks ago."
S: "Yes, that was it! So was he assessed then?"
M: "No. He just visited the classroom."
S: "Oh, well he'll need to be assessed."
M: "Is that different than Early Childhood Screening? Because I have THAT set up already."
S: "Yes, this is different. When are you available to bring him in?"
Seriously? And it's only for 15 minutes. What are they possibly going to learn about my child in 15 minutes that will affect anything? They'll learn that he is very shy around new people, that he sucks his thumb still, and that he has gorgeous blue eyes - but that's only IF they can see him when he's hiding behind me with his face buried in the small of my back. Does THAT get us into full day? Are they looking for bribes?
I don't know how anyone figures this stuff out. I'm generally a smart person, with access to a computer and a phone and the ability to take time to make a personal call from work. Not everyone has that luxury.
It will be a miracle if this child actually gets to start school in the fall. I'll throw a party.
Speaking of which, Ryker's bday party is July 2. Save the date. Everyone's invited. If I get my act together soon, I'll send an email out. If I don't have your email address, consider yourself invited anyway. Unless you're the neighbor with the criminal record. You are NOT invited, unless you are also a notary public and want to help us get Jack's paperwork ready.
I called the school to make sure I could send in what I have completed, and send the supporting documents later, just so he's on their records and lists and whatnot. I'm getting antsy. The secretary was very nice. She said sure, and then said she could take a bunch of info now and get him on their lists. Great. So we did that and then she goes "half day or full day" because the state only pays for half. I said full. She said "paying?" and I said yes. She goes "oh, you must have talked to Patty."
Umm, no. "No, I didn't talk to Patty. Who is Patty? SHOULD I talk to Patty?"
Secretary: "Oh, well how do you know you're in full day then?"
Me: "I guess I don't. I'd like for Jack to be in full day, and we'll pay."
S: "Well, it's a numbers game. I'll put down that you are requesting that and I'll get back to you....I know I know your name from somewhere...."
M: "Well, my mom brought him up to visit a kindergarten classroom a few weeks ago."
S: "Yes, that was it! So was he assessed then?"
M: "No. He just visited the classroom."
S: "Oh, well he'll need to be assessed."
M: "Is that different than Early Childhood Screening? Because I have THAT set up already."
S: "Yes, this is different. When are you available to bring him in?"
Seriously? And it's only for 15 minutes. What are they possibly going to learn about my child in 15 minutes that will affect anything? They'll learn that he is very shy around new people, that he sucks his thumb still, and that he has gorgeous blue eyes - but that's only IF they can see him when he's hiding behind me with his face buried in the small of my back. Does THAT get us into full day? Are they looking for bribes?
I don't know how anyone figures this stuff out. I'm generally a smart person, with access to a computer and a phone and the ability to take time to make a personal call from work. Not everyone has that luxury.
It will be a miracle if this child actually gets to start school in the fall. I'll throw a party.
Speaking of which, Ryker's bday party is July 2. Save the date. Everyone's invited. If I get my act together soon, I'll send an email out. If I don't have your email address, consider yourself invited anyway. Unless you're the neighbor with the criminal record. You are NOT invited, unless you are also a notary public and want to help us get Jack's paperwork ready.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Corduroy
I was putting Jack in bed tonight, when Ryker marched in and announced that he could read Corduroy to us all by himself. He hopped up on the bed and got ready. He opened to the first page, then paused, looked at the front cover, and goes "what his name?"
Mom: "That's Corduroy."
Ryker: "Oh...okay. Code-woy was by eh-fant and juh-waff."
(shows picture to me and Jack, who is playing Angry Birds at this point on my phone.)
M: (smiles)
R: "No yaffing."
M: "I'm not laughing, I'm smiling because I like how you are reading to me."
R: "No smi-ying."
M: "Okay. Sorry."
R: "Okay...(going back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. And what HIS name is?" (pointing to the next page)
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. Okay. Code-woy saw stairs. He walkin on dah stairs. See?" (showing the picture to Jack, who isn't watching, and me, who isn't smiling.)
M: (nodding)
R: "Don't go yike dis." (mimes nodding)
M: "Okay, sorry."
R: "It ok...(back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Okay...and what DIS?" (pointing at the escalator in the picture)
Chuck: "That's an escalator."
R: "What?"
C: "Escalator."
R: "Okay. Code-woy go up da esk-yatoh."
So this goes on for awhile. Every time he shows me a picture, I have to not laugh, not smile, and not nod.
Finally I lost it and cracked up laughing. I had tears streaming down my face. I couldn't stop laughing. I was talking through my laughing fit and saying "it's so hard not to laugh or smile!" He thought I was crying from sadness, so he leaned over (I was laying down), hugged me and kissed me, and goes "dat okay Mommy, you can yaff. It ok."
Mom: "That's Corduroy."
Ryker: "Oh...okay. Code-woy was by eh-fant and juh-waff."
(shows picture to me and Jack, who is playing Angry Birds at this point on my phone.)
M: (smiles)
R: "No yaffing."
M: "I'm not laughing, I'm smiling because I like how you are reading to me."
R: "No smi-ying."
M: "Okay. Sorry."
R: "Okay...(going back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. And what HIS name is?" (pointing to the next page)
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Oh. Okay. Code-woy saw stairs. He walkin on dah stairs. See?" (showing the picture to Jack, who isn't watching, and me, who isn't smiling.)
M: (nodding)
R: "Don't go yike dis." (mimes nodding)
M: "Okay, sorry."
R: "It ok...(back to the book) What his name?"
M: "Corduroy."
R: "Okay...and what DIS?" (pointing at the escalator in the picture)
Chuck: "That's an escalator."
R: "What?"
C: "Escalator."
R: "Okay. Code-woy go up da esk-yatoh."
So this goes on for awhile. Every time he shows me a picture, I have to not laugh, not smile, and not nod.
Finally I lost it and cracked up laughing. I had tears streaming down my face. I couldn't stop laughing. I was talking through my laughing fit and saying "it's so hard not to laugh or smile!" He thought I was crying from sadness, so he leaned over (I was laying down), hugged me and kissed me, and goes "dat okay Mommy, you can yaff. It ok."
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