Andy: No Amanda!
Sarah: "No Amanda" doesn't work anymore.
Me: Really? What happens when you say it?
Sarah: She just ignores you and does it anyway.
Mmmhmm, story of my life.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Picture of the Day
Andy was reading to the girls last night. Maybe, just maybe, they are headed in the direction of liking each other. You see the wonderful parenting skills with Amanda's face. Charlie didn't realize it wasn't clean until he went to brush her teeth.
Why I Need to go to Yoga
I tell you quite a bit about how Amanda is always yelling at me, but I don't think you believe me. You just say, "sure, she's exaggerating" and laugh it off. But I'm not. When we are out and about town Amanda is very well behaved, because I'm holding her. She is perfectly happy. But when we are at home I can't always hold her. In the above video I was trying to get breakfast for the girls as well as make Sarah's lunch and probably empty and refill the dishwasher and start a load of laundry. I can't do that stuff if I have a 26+ pound baby on my hip. So she cries, and I have to let it go. I can pick her up and she'll calm down, but as soon as I put her down again she starts back up. Some times she stops, other times it lasts much of the day. I've learned to sort of block it out, but not very well. It gets on your nerves after awhile. Hopefully she'll outgrow this stage soon, because this is one of those that is not cute and you do not want to remember or cherish.
If you can't see the video above you can view it at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDZ7MklNS88
Friday, March 25, 2011
Kid Quote of the Day
Andy: What kind of music does Taylor Swift sing?
Me: Well, a lot of people say it's country, but I think it's pop/rock.
Andy: Really? I think it's Australian.
Me: Australian? Why do you say that?
Andy: I just think this song sounds like it comes from Australia.
Me: Well, a lot of people say it's country, but I think it's pop/rock.
Andy: Really? I think it's Australian.
Me: Australian? Why do you say that?
Andy: I just think this song sounds like it comes from Australia.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Kid Quote of the Day
"YAY!"
-Amanda, after Sarah started clapping in the car. Because, of course, what else would you say when you hear clapping?
-Amanda, after Sarah started clapping in the car. Because, of course, what else would you say when you hear clapping?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Kid Quote of the Day
"Can I get in [the stroller]? I've been walking so much today my quadriceps are skinny."
-Andy
-Andy
Picture of the Day
The whole family, plus Reagan, in front of Big Ben and Parliament. You can see how happy the girls are to be there.
Elmo
Amanda has a new favorite word. Elmo. She loves the guy, LOVES him. Of course, in her 19 month brain, lots of things are Elmo, not just the furry red monster, so she calls Winne the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear and almost all stuffed animals Elmo. However, when she sees the real deal, she gets very excited. It's pure entertainment for all of us, even the older kids get a kick out of it.
Here's a little peak just to show you what I mean:
If you can't see the video, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxUnXXk6Nm8
Here's a little peak just to show you what I mean:
If you can't see the video, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxUnXXk6Nm8
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Home Sweet Home
Charlie and I just got back from six days in London. Sounds awesome right? Well, I forgot to add three words to that sentence. Let's try again. Charlie and I just got back from six days in London WITH THE KIDS. Doesn't sound so great anymore, huh? Those visions you had of us walking hand in hand down the Thames, sipping wine while people watching at a cozy cafe, visiting beautiful museums and churches? All shattered to pieces. That is what children do to that wonderful image.
We went to visit our friends Jim and Sharon, who moved to London last April. The live on a quaint little street a quick tube ride from London in a great apartment or flat or whatever they call it. Their kids are so well-behaved that I was a little concerned about bringing my loud, out-spoken crazies to their house, but overall things went okay and Sarah played very well with Alex, their oldest who is almost three.
We kept the kids very busy and went into the city every day. We also brought a flat Stanley along with us, and the kids had fun getting his picture with everything we saw. In fact, we may have taken more pictures of flat Stanley than us. If you don't know what flat Stanley is, he's a guy on a piece of paper that you cut out and color or decorate with clothes. Then you take him all about town and take pictures of him wherever you go. This one we are actually doing for the son of a blogger in Chicago. I love reading her stuff and thought it would be a good activity for Andy over our vacation. Even better Sarah and Amanda wanted to do it too so we have pictures of three different Stanleys all around London.
We tried not to overdo it too much, but we ended up seeing quite a bit. The kids aren't so sure that it was the best vacation ever, but they had more fun than they realized and some day Andy at least will look back at this fondly and think it's very cool that he got to do this at such a young age. Charlie and I? Not so sure. The flights were our biggest worry and even those went better than expected. Except for all the people that gave me dirty looks when Amanda cried. She didn't cry that much, but I still got lots of dirty looks. Good thing she didn't behave like she normally does, which is crying lots and lots and lots.
I don't know that I'm going to be able to convince Charlie to take a non-beach vacation again for a while. Somehow they just seem easier, but those are a lot of work too. In a few short years, the world will be our oyster. We won't have to worry about diaper changes or urgent bathroom trips or keeping little ones occupied. We got a glimpse of it while at Windsor Castle as Andy and Sarah were walking though the amazing rooms listening to the audio tour. They were both bummed that we couldn't go slower and listen to the entire tour and instead had to rush a little because the littles were hungry, tired and bored. It was neat to see them so excited to learn about history and want to know more. Someday we will be able to do that kind of stuff more than an afternoon or two.
In the meantime, we'll have fun at the beach and try to slip in a few educational trips in here and there. Otherwise, when we do go back to Europe to visit Paris or some other amazing city, our kids won't know how to act. As long as they behave, we can get through anything. Getting them to behave, well that's another undertaking all together.
We went to visit our friends Jim and Sharon, who moved to London last April. The live on a quaint little street a quick tube ride from London in a great apartment or flat or whatever they call it. Their kids are so well-behaved that I was a little concerned about bringing my loud, out-spoken crazies to their house, but overall things went okay and Sarah played very well with Alex, their oldest who is almost three.
We kept the kids very busy and went into the city every day. We also brought a flat Stanley along with us, and the kids had fun getting his picture with everything we saw. In fact, we may have taken more pictures of flat Stanley than us. If you don't know what flat Stanley is, he's a guy on a piece of paper that you cut out and color or decorate with clothes. Then you take him all about town and take pictures of him wherever you go. This one we are actually doing for the son of a blogger in Chicago. I love reading her stuff and thought it would be a good activity for Andy over our vacation. Even better Sarah and Amanda wanted to do it too so we have pictures of three different Stanleys all around London.
We tried not to overdo it too much, but we ended up seeing quite a bit. The kids aren't so sure that it was the best vacation ever, but they had more fun than they realized and some day Andy at least will look back at this fondly and think it's very cool that he got to do this at such a young age. Charlie and I? Not so sure. The flights were our biggest worry and even those went better than expected. Except for all the people that gave me dirty looks when Amanda cried. She didn't cry that much, but I still got lots of dirty looks. Good thing she didn't behave like she normally does, which is crying lots and lots and lots.
I don't know that I'm going to be able to convince Charlie to take a non-beach vacation again for a while. Somehow they just seem easier, but those are a lot of work too. In a few short years, the world will be our oyster. We won't have to worry about diaper changes or urgent bathroom trips or keeping little ones occupied. We got a glimpse of it while at Windsor Castle as Andy and Sarah were walking though the amazing rooms listening to the audio tour. They were both bummed that we couldn't go slower and listen to the entire tour and instead had to rush a little because the littles were hungry, tired and bored. It was neat to see them so excited to learn about history and want to know more. Someday we will be able to do that kind of stuff more than an afternoon or two.
In the meantime, we'll have fun at the beach and try to slip in a few educational trips in here and there. Otherwise, when we do go back to Europe to visit Paris or some other amazing city, our kids won't know how to act. As long as they behave, we can get through anything. Getting them to behave, well that's another undertaking all together.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Weekend Getaway
Over the weekend Charlie and I went to the annual American Airlines Celebrity Ski event in Vail. It is a three-day fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis and this year we think they raised over 1 million dollars. Awesome!
It was nice to go, not only because Charlie and I got to spend some much needed time together, but also because we got to do it without the kids. Especially the one who will remain unnamed that is constantly yelling and crying and saying "Mommy" over and over. We got to ski, which was fun but I haven't done it for about ten years. The first day was challenging and I was extremely tired and sore and whiny by the time we finished, but the next day was much better (and I rested more and made Charlie quit early so we could do a little shopping).
It's a good thing that we enjoyed ourselves because that may be the last time my parents are willing to stay with the kids for a long weekend. Not that they were bad, just a lot of work, especially that baby. My dad did tell me before he left that he was glad that I was able to get away because now he knows just how difficult it is to be with the kids all day. Very sweet.
Since I have returned Amanda has been extra clingy. If I am not holding her she is not happy, which makes it pretty hard to get all the unpacking and laundry done. For a few moments I thought maybe it wasn't worth leaving her if that was what I had to come back to, but then I reminded myself that someday she will be off living her own life, and if I don't spend time with her Daddy now then we won't have much of a life of our own after the kids are grown.
That is the goal - raising self-sufficient, well-adjusted kids that leave for college and don't return so Charlie and I can travel and celebrate our greatest accomplishments, our children. Too bad right now that goal is clouded by three self-absorbed, crying, pooping, cranky pants that drain my energy more than you will ever know.
Ahh, living the dream:)
It was nice to go, not only because Charlie and I got to spend some much needed time together, but also because we got to do it without the kids. Especially the one who will remain unnamed that is constantly yelling and crying and saying "Mommy" over and over. We got to ski, which was fun but I haven't done it for about ten years. The first day was challenging and I was extremely tired and sore and whiny by the time we finished, but the next day was much better (and I rested more and made Charlie quit early so we could do a little shopping).
It's a good thing that we enjoyed ourselves because that may be the last time my parents are willing to stay with the kids for a long weekend. Not that they were bad, just a lot of work, especially that baby. My dad did tell me before he left that he was glad that I was able to get away because now he knows just how difficult it is to be with the kids all day. Very sweet.
Since I have returned Amanda has been extra clingy. If I am not holding her she is not happy, which makes it pretty hard to get all the unpacking and laundry done. For a few moments I thought maybe it wasn't worth leaving her if that was what I had to come back to, but then I reminded myself that someday she will be off living her own life, and if I don't spend time with her Daddy now then we won't have much of a life of our own after the kids are grown.
That is the goal - raising self-sufficient, well-adjusted kids that leave for college and don't return so Charlie and I can travel and celebrate our greatest accomplishments, our children. Too bad right now that goal is clouded by three self-absorbed, crying, pooping, cranky pants that drain my energy more than you will ever know.
Ahh, living the dream:)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Picture of the Day
Andy, playing the computer and refusing to get out of his pajamas because "they're comfortable and we're not going anywhere anyway." Makes sense to me!
Kid Quote of the Day
"MOO!"
-Amanda, completely unprompted as we passed a field filled with cows. I guess she does know a few more words.
-Amanda, completely unprompted as we passed a field filled with cows. I guess she does know a few more words.
Monday, March 7, 2011
MOMMY!!!
Up until a few weeks ago, Amanda's vast vocabulary was about six words. I was a little bit worried when I went to her 18 month check-up, but the doctor said not to worry at all until she's two, and since I have enough things to worry and think about I took his advice and am putting that one on the back burner for now. I should have written this post back then, because she does have a few more words now, but it has been crazy busy around here (what else is new?!?) so let's just pretend you're reading this a week or two late.
Anyway, her words include Mommy, yes, no, uh-oh, yum, and up. There may be others but I'm having a hard time remembering what they are. The two main words she uses are Mommy and no, and then she just nods and shakes her head and yells at me a lot. Think I'm kidding? Ask my parents, they were here with the kids all weekend (I'll tell you why soon, but not here). At first I was happy that my daughter chose Mommy as one of her first words, but then I realized that it wasn't a sign of affection. In fact, I'm not positive she knows what it means.
I know that sounds funny. It's not that she doesn't know who I am. If you ask her who Mommy is, she points to me. If you ask her who Daddy is, she points to Charlie. However, she uses Mommy to refer to both of us. When it's time for bed she'll cry for Mommy. I'll pick her up, she'll continue to cry, and then reach for Charlie while saying Mommy. Huh? She says Mommy all day long. When she's happy, sad, confused, upset, in general dislike of whatever is going on.
I'm not really sure how to take this. I'm sure she's heard the older kids say it so many times she knows it's an important word, but she sure doesn't seem to be using it in the right context. To her, Mommy means that lady who gave birth to me AND any situation where she doesn't feel in control or feels wronged, which is a major part of her day.
Fast forward a week or two and now she can say Daddy. She uses it sparingly, but when she doesn't she uses it correctly. She still says Mommy a lot, occasionally still when she's referring to Charlie. I'd like to think that it's because Mommy is a sign of comfort to her, but I think it's really just another indicator that she's got it out for me and is going to be a challenge for months and years to come.
Anyway, her words include Mommy, yes, no, uh-oh, yum, and up. There may be others but I'm having a hard time remembering what they are. The two main words she uses are Mommy and no, and then she just nods and shakes her head and yells at me a lot. Think I'm kidding? Ask my parents, they were here with the kids all weekend (I'll tell you why soon, but not here). At first I was happy that my daughter chose Mommy as one of her first words, but then I realized that it wasn't a sign of affection. In fact, I'm not positive she knows what it means.
I know that sounds funny. It's not that she doesn't know who I am. If you ask her who Mommy is, she points to me. If you ask her who Daddy is, she points to Charlie. However, she uses Mommy to refer to both of us. When it's time for bed she'll cry for Mommy. I'll pick her up, she'll continue to cry, and then reach for Charlie while saying Mommy. Huh? She says Mommy all day long. When she's happy, sad, confused, upset, in general dislike of whatever is going on.
I'm not really sure how to take this. I'm sure she's heard the older kids say it so many times she knows it's an important word, but she sure doesn't seem to be using it in the right context. To her, Mommy means that lady who gave birth to me AND any situation where she doesn't feel in control or feels wronged, which is a major part of her day.
Fast forward a week or two and now she can say Daddy. She uses it sparingly, but when she doesn't she uses it correctly. She still says Mommy a lot, occasionally still when she's referring to Charlie. I'd like to think that it's because Mommy is a sign of comfort to her, but I think it's really just another indicator that she's got it out for me and is going to be a challenge for months and years to come.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Picture of the Day
Last week was Andy's 8th birthday. I can't even believe he's already eight, how time has flown.
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