Big Boy Room

Joel Andrew is officially a big boy!  Well, he was when he turned three, and he got this freakin' sweet car bed for his room, but a little over a month later Mommy finally got her act together to beautify the room perfectly and make sure all everything looked great for the photos.  See the design of the room and how well it blends?  Disney meets sports - Mickey fishing and playing golf in prints, sports themed bedding and curtains, a car bed.  I think it works, right?  I am pretty sure no one cares about this in my whole house but me.  I doubt anyone reading this cares either.  But my son's room is cute and it has a theme.  I am proud.

As you can see, James wanted to be a part of the photo op.  Joel Andrew really is doing great though - he is super polite, and whomever taught him to say every night at dinner: "thank you for cooking such a great meal Mommy." - I should kiss them.  He says this every night, unprompted.  Even if he immediately afterwards will say he does not want it, and will gag if we force him to take another bite.  Eh, well.  I will take what I can.  I have friends who are just having their first, right now - and I can't believe how far away that moment was, when Joel Andrew just came out.  Boy we have come a long way - but at the same time, who is this older kid looking at me?  The school bus came today - 2 more years and he will be on it.  Scary!

And also, Mommy got a big girl room as well.  I am super, super psyched!

Mommy and James Time

This weekend it is Mommy and James time.  The Joel's went off to Maine without us.  Mommy and Daddy have a wedding on Sunday night, in York, Maine - and since Mommy cannot take anytime off from work, and I need to get things organized for the week since I have a really big week ahead with an event on Nantucket, I elected to stay back, and stay back with my number one errand running buddy, James.

Last night was awesome, I picked him up from daycare, and we went to the Beach Plum for lobster rolls.  He ate his whole hot dog in three seconds and then proceeded to eat 1/2 my lobster roll.  He is the only person I share with on this planet, literally.  It is amazing that I share with him, because he eats a lot.  Anyway, every weekend we go to Maine, and we never enjoy things around here - so I was determined to do that this weekend.  We live about a mile from the beach, and lots of awesome things - and we never go, because we are in Maine.  So, this weekend James and I are having fun.

Later that night we are home, and it is bath time.  I brought home ice cream as well, and so I let him go to town.  He loved it, so he needed a bath.  After bath time, the kiddo proceeds to make the pooping sound.  Uh, oh.  I stuck him on the toilet, and he pooped!  A 15 month old poops on the toilet, awesome!  He was so happy and I was so excited.  I let him hang out there for a minute, then took him off and let him "air dry" from his bath in his room, while I cleaned the tub.  Big mistake.  When I got back to his room, he had continued pooping, and stepped in it, and tracked it all around his room.  Additional bath, and lots of sterilizing of the carpet followed, as well as a late bedtime for bonzo.  But, at least he is cute.

Today was errand day, and James is my buddy with this.  I have decided that most parents love to go to the store without their kids, the freedom they have.  I love to go to the store with James.  Joel is good in the store too, don't get me wrong, but James is my buddy.  He just sits there, smiles, points, makes grunts to answer my random chatter to him.  I talk to him the entire time, like he totally gets it - and I think he does.  In Target today I said: "Of course our cart is full, we came in to get a couple things and we are leaving with $400 worth of stuff."  He giggled, I kid you not, and the lady next to us was astonished and also laughed.  When I go to the store by myself nowadays, I still continue to talk as if I have my buddy.  People do not look at you in the same light when you do not have an adorable toddler with you and you are just talking to yourself out loud.

We got home, and James and I both napped.  It was glorious.  I cleaned out the kids clothes, which is always a sad thing for me but is especially sad now.  We are in that wonderful time of life when your kids are still young enough that you can consider a sibling for them, but they are old enough too that you can't remember the hell days of baby time.  I know a third child is not in our cards.  Joel Husband would have to be tricked into it for one, and for two we are too into travel, and a third would make this difficult, financially and logistically.  Am I weird that I think there is a waiting line somewhere in the sky of the kids you might have one day, and my #3 (John or Jillian) is up there like "come on, just do it, I want to be born!"  Yes, I am totally weird.

But you know we are certainly not going to have another one because I made three piles when I went through their clothes today. One for donations (two huge bags), one for Auntie Bobo (Langdon and his cousins) one huge bag, and one for the attic (a very small bag).  The attic clothes are just literally for me to go through one day and say, "isn't that cute, you wore that!"

So, James and I continued to have fun.  I brought him to the park around the corner from us, and two minutes after arriving, I realized I had yet to do this with him.  Joel Andrew and I have done this a ton, but not James and I.  Last year he was obviously too young, and since the spring I have been busy with work.  So, it was his first trip.  Of course, he loved it.  But knowing the frequency with which I brought Joel Andrew to this park, and now James' first trip - it was abundantely clear how different they are.

James would run after the ball for hours, kick it, throw it, hold it.  And, when he kicked or threw it, he did a great job.  I am a little terrified actually about how good he is with this.  But, he did not find any interest really in climbing the set.  He kinda was taking it all in, looking around, but most of all, wanted to eat his snack and chill.  Joel Andrew would have climbed the thing to the slide 800 times by now.  Not James.  I had to show him what to do and then he just wanted to play with the wheel.  Different kiddos, I tell you!

James was my sous chef tonight as I took our CSA share and made it into delicious treats.  We have gazpacho, homemade salsa, ratatouille.  I need another whole day to make cole slaw and potato salad, and then we will be golden.  I am looking forward to my morning with my little man tomorrow - what will we do?  Perhaps go through and clean up the toys!

Finger Painting

What to do after a long day of work at home, when the cleaning lady was here and the house is spotless?  I know, break out the fingerpaints and play with the kids!  I am a little crazy.  This is probably, next to letting baby James go to town with his own ice cream, the scariest thing I could do to me, but we all had a great time.

The tremendous use of red by Baby James made my kitchen and bathroom look as if there was a serious accident, but it is a good thing this stuff is washable, because it is all gone now.  No evidence left!  Just two really lovely works of art and two really happy little boys.

It was nice to have an evening activity when Daddy was out of town, we played outside when they got home from school, Mommy made homemade meatloaf, supplemented by Trader Joe's pasta (my kids will eat any of the pasta combinations from Trader Joe's, tonight was bowties with brie and asparagus). Now Joel is enjoying a Mickey (wind-down time), Baby James is sleeping, and Mommy will do just two quick work things before OnDemand.  Today, was a very nice day.

(here James is blowing a kiss).

First Day of School

Today is their first day of school.  Well, not really since they were just in school last week, but really because they are both moving up in the world.  James is finally moving to the 1s room, which has my favorite teachers (since they were Joel Andrew's first teachers!).  And, Joel Andrew is - I can't believe it - moving to the 3s room!  His teachers will be his babysitter, Taylor and another really nice woman too.  So, they are certain to have a great year.

James was very happy to be taking photos, until I strapped the backpack on him.  Then, he was no longer happy as you can see. Joel Andrew of course had a great time taking photos.  He is my little star.  I can't believe he is in the 3s room!

So, I tried to take a brother's going to school photo, but that did not pan out, but hey, the effort was there.  I have two more years to perfect it for when Joel Andrew goes to kindergarten.  I can't believe how close that is away!  I have already decided that even though he is a July baby, he is going to go in the year he should.  Things may change in two years, but he is so smart and so social and so strong, I can't see holding him back. I feel like he would be bored!

Here's hoping for a great year at school!  Last year Joel Andrew learned how to go on the potty, this year I hope he learns how to read!  (is that pushing it?)

Mommy's Family Work Day

Oh boy.  Whoa.  This is a biggie.  Mommy took both boys, by herself, to work today.  It helped that I had almost 2-1/2 years experience of being a stay at home Mom and I was super-prepared with wipes, toys, portable high chairs and such, but this damn near killed me.  Combine it with work stresses that did not end even though this was supposed to be our day at the beach, and I need a nap, and a bottle of chardonnay.  Both.  At the same time.

The boys were great.  They were even better than could be expected.  The fun lasted till quarter to two, so without naps from both of them, and late lunches for both of them, things that they did not like to eat - they really were pretty good!  The beach was super fun and I think my co-workers were thinking the entire time: "this is what she goes home to?  My lord..."  My 8-1/2 month pregnant co-worker was sort of horrified, but she is just having one boy.  My other co-workers with older children looked on thinking they were cute.  I think that is so funny, people without kids think you are a mess.  People with older kids think you are "sweet" and "cute."  I only had one co-worker there who was at the same stage with two kids as me, and she and I were too busy to converse, but I bet you we commiserate.

The boys loved the beach and were pretty quickly having a good time.  Devouring the sand and the toys I brought, and stepping in the water, laughing and playing.  They charmed all the ladies, which is good, because I work with many of them.  Some work people did not bring their kids, and I think it was a good plan.  Though I am sad about this. I wanted the day with my kids, I wanted to bring them to the beach and hang out with them, I wanted my co-workers to see them.  But it was a lot.  I think if I did not have other work fires burning at rapid pace, I might have done better.

All was good until Joel Andrew, James and I went for a walk and Joel Andrew went over waist-high in the ocean, having a blast until immediately he screamed in terror.  This prompted me to collect James, who also screamed in terror.  We had to walk the full length of the beach, with two screaming boys in tow, everyone must have thought I was awesome.  But the truth was, Joel Andrew has always had his "itches" - skin rashes since birth.  Dumb me did not realize what the salt water would do to them - poor kid was screaming in agony, until I rinsed him with water and took his swim shirt off.  Then we were ok.  We then continued our beach walk, but away from the water and close to the rocks.  The two worked together to build a castle.  It was nice.

I dressed them, in you guessed it, matching clothes and hats for the picnic.  I have to say, caterer who usually does a great job for super cheap, you disappointed me this year!  But hey, they had fun.  James ate his corn and Joel Andrew had two hot dogs.  We all enjoyed the ice cream truck.  Mommy lugged both boys by herself from beach to car and back again twice - went through two outfit changes and hopefully managed not to insult or anger her coworkers, many of which I had not seen since I was pregnant with number 1. James barely slept the ride home, and Joel Andrew did not.  Mommy had a meltdown on the way home, but more from work stresses.  I had put a lot into this day, a lot of hope for a great time with my boys.  I missed a ton of days at the beach this summer, and it was sad to miss it by being checked out today.  When I got home my husband said: you work now, they should have gone to school and you should have gone to "work" which is what it was today, don't be fooled.  I guess he was right.  Though, I did have a few laughs with my boys.  And, at least hopefully my co-workers did not see me flash when I was carrying both boys and Joel Andrew yanked my swimsuit down...

Frog Catching

This weekend we had a nice and relaxing time at Bago Lake.  Yes, Daddy rushed Mommy out of the house, and sadly, Mommy's car took the brunt of his anger, but we regrouped, went up the the lake and had a nice time anyway.  There were no guests, and Auntie Jennie and Uncle Jeremy were not there either, so we just had some quality Nana and Pa time, which was lovely.

There was lots of playing in the lake, hot tubbing, delicious meals on the porch, Mommy killing it at our favorite card game, Go Spit in the Lake (aka Oh S#%T!) and walks around the circle - but most of all, our new favorite past time, catching frogs.  Mommy is a pro at catching frogs around the cabins (I have caught way more than Daddy so far), so Pa thought I might like to catch the really big frogs and took us all on a walk, to where else, Tadpole Lane.

 This place is amazing.  We caught so many frogs, and huge ones at that!  Mommy even caught two - though I had a hard time getting them into the bucket as when they jumped out of the net I freaked and would scream and run in the other direction.  After a while I held onto one to try to get Joel Andrew to pet it, and they are quite fun to hold.  Frogs are cute.

James would of course touch and pet the things, no fear.  But generally he was not interested.  Joel Andrew caught one all by himself and even got it in the bucket too!  We were super proud.  But he still shrieked when we tried to get him to touch it. The whole walk home we were all pretty proud, and I think Nana was thankful that we were done with frogs for a bit.  See attached video here, notice what Karen says just before I cut it off. We need to get some good guests next year, because I can imagine catching a bunch of these huge guys and sticking them in their car (this was Joel Husband's idea).  Ha!

King Weekend

This weekend was King weekend at the lake.  Good times were had by all!  Even though Uncle Brian brought the rain with him, which he usually does.  Eh, he didn't fair too bad this year.  Actually, despite being kinda cloudy almost the whole time, it only truly downpoured once - and that was after a long weekend of fun and when it was time to be inside packing up and getting lunch ready anyway, so we cannot complain.

Actually, we cannot complain about anything.  My husband even looked at me today and said: "this weekend went really well, all things considered."  What he meant was, four boys 3 and under in one room, cannot be easy.  Add to it a Mommy who is tired, and potential for thunderstorms all weekend long and we all could have had massive meltdowns.  But, not at all.  Only Baby James had a meltdown or two.  He was a little angry all weekend on and off.  I wonder if he thought Declan and Nolan would eat all his food...

James did have a night of pure terror.  Joel Husband just eventually tried to hold him down on the bed to calm him down, just talk to him soothingly, but get him to stop wailing.  Nothing.  So, we put him to bed, 45 minutes earlier than normal.  The kid did not wake up until 8:10 the next morning, same for Sunday morning too.  Actually, come to think of it, Joel Andrew and Declan, who shared a room, also did not wake up until into the 8s.  I wonder if it was the gloomy weather, the damp air, or the fun.  Probably the fun!

Or, maybe it was the going to bed.  Joel Andrew would not nap, so he was a mess by bedtime both nights.  Declan did nap, so by bedtime he was not too exhausted.  Plus, he was in a new space.  During dinner Saturday night, I thought I heard something and went into the hallway to inspect.  I did not look around but just listened, which room could the noise be coming from?  Then, I hear in a low tone: "Mommy" - and look over, and Declan is sitting right there on the stairs, back lit by the night light we have in the hallway.  I almost pooped myself I was so scared.  I said "one minute, I will get her," and ran back into the dining area and told my good friend: "your son just creeped the heck out of me."  He totally did.  I went to bed that night half expecting him to be sitting there.

Highlights of the weekend included taking all the boys out to the float dock, though probably totally unsafe it was a ball.  Going for a PJ walk in the morning and watching the boys race eachother back and forth, right into the wonderful naps they hopefully all had on the ride home (mine did!).  Just catching up with friends and wine in a relaxing manner over late dinners both nights after the kids went to bed.  And, sleeping in rather late as the kids did not wake up until 8ish both days!

Lowlights: Baby James tantrum; Mommy driving Pa's boat into a "danger zone" because she wanted to snoop at the houses on shore and her husband who should have been driving the boat wanted to relax.  Special note to Pa, I really did not drive it into too bad a spot, and while panicking I watched another boat zip around the danger bouy, so we were all set.  Watching Baby James eat ice cream.  The kid is so damn stubborn that he INSISTS he use the spoon.  He gets it everywhere, and this does not bode well for OCD Mommy.  Both of us were very cranky at the end of the ice cream trip.  Biggest lowlight, having to come home.

Encounters with nature: Mommy caught 2 frogs, and one was huge!  Daddy only caught one.  Birds have also nested and hatched 4 chicks, and the nest fell out of wherever it was and is now right next to our path.  While everyone was napping, Mommy sat and watched the baby chicks for what seemed like hours.  The Mommy would come and feed them, then leave.  They all survived the fall and all seemed to be doing well.

I have learned Uncle Brian is freaked out by snakes.  Did I hear he has a birthday coming up?

A bug bite, where?

Ama and Grumpy have been visiting, and it has been a blast.  I should write about the wonderful weekend we have had, the sunset boat cruise where James was uncharacteristically relaxed; the time we went to the beach/sand bar and James just spent the whole day dropping his peach in the sand, which we then proceeded to wash in the lake and hand back to him (cue stomach bug soon); the lots of eating; the Joel Andrew playing; the fun that was had by all.

But, instead I will talk about my poor son.  It will be a post that will live in infamy.  Joel Andrew has a boo-boo of the worst kind.  Such a bad boo-boo, daycare sent him home today.  He has a bug bite, on his junk.

(editor's note: my husband has told both my children that this is what it is called, I have protested, but it doesn't matter, this is the name).

So, I am minding my own business this morning and my husband calls me into the bathroom to examine my son's privates.  I do not like to examine privates, I do not like to know they exist.  As far as I am concerned, we are all like Ken and Barbie dolls.  However, he had an issue.  It turns out that last night while driving home from Maine, Joel Andrew announced in the car ride that he needed to poop.  After a quick check-in about the status of said bowel-movement, it was determined that the need was immediate.  So, Joel Husband pulled over and stripped him down (on the side of 95) and he pooped.  But, during this time, a bug had made his attack.

This morning he woke up a little swollen.  Joel Husband relayed the terms to me, at which point my maturity just made me want to stick fingers in my ears and ignore it.  What am I supposed to do about this?  I passed my son into the loving care of my parents, at which point I explained to my father: "Joel Andrew has a bug bite, tell daycare it is nothing to worry about" assuming he would fully understand and relay the message.  I do not think I have ever uttered the P-word in front of my father before.

This sort of assumption, did not work.  Joel Andrew went to school and approximately 10 minutes after drop off by Ama and Grumpy, I got a call at my desk.  I told them I knew, he was all set.  Everything was ok, it was just a bug bite.  Until 11:30, when it was not.  Things had gotten significantly worse, swollen.  Poor guy.  I sat helpless at my desk while trying to schedule daycare, a Dr, husband and parents.  All worked out, and my parents picked him up and brought him to the Dr.

My parents got to experience a pediatrician's office for the first time in many years, which I am sure they loved. The poor guy is hanging in.  How bad is that?  I swear, my kids win the award for strangest occurrences.  Some benedryl (which I am told by my parents makes Joel Andrew a little chill) is all he needed to feel a bit better.  He will be back to new in no time.

Update

Just a small update to show we have been hanging in there.  Mommy was diagnosed with Labrinthitis, which is now gone totally and she can walk straight and everything, which is nice.

The work/family balance thing has been tough but we are sticking it out.  There is a lot going on in general with the summer months, and it is also the time that you want to be spending with your kiddos the most - out at the beach or at the park.  So, it has been tough, but we are hanging in.

Every weekend going to the lake is a blessing and a curse as it puts that much more pressure on you for the week ahead.  Sitting in traffic for 6 hours on the weekend when you could be getting things done does not help either.  But, how can you resist when the boys get to have so much fun at the lake?  This should be the least of our worries.

Joel Andrew is finishing his interminable 3rd birthday celebrations shortly with Ama and Grumpy's arrival.  He has started a stutter, which is really annoying on the one side, totally concerning on another and finally, probably just a phase, I hope...

So, we carry on!  Ama and Grumpy are visiting and so we will have lots of posts of their visits soon. Time to catch up on family fun (after Mommy catches up on work tomorrow!).