Bizarro World

When I arrived at daycare to pick up the boys last night I could tell just by looking at Dean that he was coming down with something. That kid can't hide a thing. But we had big plans last night. We had to go to our Congressman's town hall meeting. Our friend Peter is running against him and we wanted to be at the town hall meeting both to see what it was all about and also to be there for Peter who was hoping to have people asking questions of his opponent that would draw some attention to himself. Wow. Long run-on sentence. Anyway, first the boys and I met Tom at the Arby's near the high school where the town hall was to be held. There was a large woman in a wheelchair in front of us at the restaurant. I heard her complaining about the access ramps to the restaurant and various other things but was just ignoring her. Then it was our turn to order and Tom asked for 2 small roast beefs and an order of chicken tenders. The cashier asked if we wanted the 4 for $5 and Tom asked what that was. The wheelchair butted in and said that we wanted the 4 for $5 - trust her. Then she told Tom to get out of her way so she could get by. Yeah, she was a gem. Tom told the guy we just wanted the 2 roast beefs and the chicken tenders and as he was saying this a toddler in the restaurant started crying. The wheelchair yelled ENOUGH!!! at the little girl. The father of the little girl told the woman that she was just a baby. The wheelchair went on a rant that children shouldn't be out but that they should be at home and that the woman was a bad mother. Tom told the cashier that we would take our food to go. We went over to the other family that was being harassed by this terrible person and we told them it was ridiculous and they agreed and said that she was mentally ill. I don't know if this woman was mentally ill or just miserable but I wanted to hurt her. I wanted to belittle her and demean her and I wanted her to be removed from the restaurant. I wanted the police called. But I have two little boys who look at me as an example and I needed to remain calm and remove us from the situation with as little trauma as possible. And on to the town hall. It was another weird thing that I can't really put my finger on. There were strange, muttering people wandering in and I looked at Tom and said this is a weird night. He agreed and called it bizarro world. We went into the town hall and sat with Peter for a few minutes but Jack was fidgety and Dean started to feel hot so we got up to leave just after the Congressman answered the first question. When we got home I took Dean's temp and it was 100.7. He has no other symptoms - just the fever. Today, they're both running fevers with no other symptoms and the good news is that once they get motrin in their systems, their spirits really improve. I hope this is just a little virus and that it moves through the house quickly. I've got way too much going on to get sick.

Superman Clothes!

Thanks Grandma!!!

Superman Shoes!

We love you Grandma!!!

Bat-Dean

Zen moments

Superheroes ready to party at Frank's costume birthday party.
Dean enjoying his sand race car.


And Jack enjoying his tub time.

Batmen

See? They're really cute. And I did a pretty good job on those bats if I do say so myself.

By the way, the naps seemed to do the trick. They each slept almost 2 hours and their attitudes improved immensely for it.

We were supposed to have Uncle Julian and Uncle Peter over for dinner tonight for an early birthday celebration for daddy but daddy is fighting a cold and doesn't feel well so we had to postpone. So, instead of having filet mignon for dinner we had lipton cup-o-noodles and peanut butter crackers. Poor daddy. Jack helped me make dessert so we also had brownies and ice cream. Then Jack and Dean played in the front yard with the neighborhood kitty and I managed to get a little video of them. It'll be loaded up soon. The boys and I went for a walk around the block and when we got back they played together in the backyard. It was by far the best behavior we got out of them all weekend!

the trolls

Who swapped out my sweet, loving children with the tantrum-throwing, maniacal trolls that spontaneously combust at the suggestion that they may not get exactly what they want exactly when they want it which is NOW.

Lest you think I just lock them in their rooms without entertainment, here's what we've done so far this weekend:

Went to a birthday party where they got to run around with 40 other kids in an indoor playplace which was air conditioned thank-you-very-much and filled with things to climb on, in, under and over. They were fed pizza and juice and cake and ice cream. They went on a treasure hunt with a pirate - a cute girl pirate and then got their faces painted. J was spiderman and D was batman. On top of that, they got goody bags filled with toys and candy. Then, because they were so hopped up on sugar, we went to the mall where they could run around the indoor playground and burn off aforementioned evil substance. Despite all this fun, there were frequent flingings to the floor, by them - not me but don't think for an instant I wasn't tempted. Finally, we headed home the long way in an effort to get them to go to sleep. It worked but it took much longer than I anticipated and still involved some screaming. I won't mention who was doing the screaming.

And today? Well, we hit Target at 9:00am where I promised them I would buy a face painting kit so I could paint their faces like batman and spiderman. Alas, Target doesn't carry face painting kits but I saw some batman pajamas and the boys fell in love so I bought those. But, they wanted toys. And again, much floor-flinging commenced. In the car we go and I ask them if we should go somewhere else for the face painting kit and they whine yessssssss. So, off to Michael's we go. One small meltdown because D's shoelace became untied. THE HORROR!!!! But, disaster was averted and we went into the store. A quick rant about the state of customer service??? PUHLEASE people, look your customer in the eye especially when you're giving a woman with two melty downy preschoolers the bad news that you don't carry face painting kits right now because it's not the season for them. The season??? What the hell season is it that requires someone to paint their kids' faces? Isn't that birthday party season? Isn't that kinda all year long? And by the way, nobody gives a rat's @$$ that you want to take boxing lessons. What they want is to know where the freaking face paint is.
So, we head over to the party store just a mile down the road. They have face paints but no book of samples. I take it anyway with the assumption that I can wing it. Ok, so this part was probably not that fun for J and D but I had to get them out of the house because we sold the jogging stroller today and they would really lose it if we sold it while they were there. We went back home and I painted their faces - both chose batman and they looked really cute. I took a picture and I'm glad I did because shortly after we were finished Jack melted down and was put in his room in a time out where he proceeded to mash his face into his pillow. There's a lovely imprint of a bat on his pillow now. Then it was D's turn to lose it and he went in for his time out. Seriously, it was insane. We had lunch and then there was more whining - J was hungry (huh? didn't you just eat?) and wanted to eat candy, go to the park, blah blah blah. I told them we were going to go for a little ride in the car. Park, Park, Park???? We'll see. J threatens that he's going to be sad, he's going to cry. I tell him it's ok to cry and it's ok to be sad but right now he needs to try to calm down a little and find a way to be happy. He tells me he loves me and now I see he's trying so hard. 3 songs later he and D are asleep and we're pulling into our driveway. That was at 1:00pm. It's now 2:30 and they're still down. Let's hope that's all it takes.

All's quiet

Finally, after an hour and a half of struggle - J's napping. When he's 15 and trying to sleep in until noon I'll be there every 15 minutes - jumping on his bed, kicking the wall, poking him in the eye and various other places, pulling open the curtains, jumping onto the floor - I could go on and on.
Yesterday was a great day. We got up early, packed up and went to the beach. The water was beautiful, calm and clear and warm enough to be in it without a wetsuit. I've never experienced Zuma like that. We saw dolphins and even a sea lion. While T played with the boys, I went for a swim with some other Tri Team members. We swam for about 1/2 mile and then I did some bodysurfing. I dried off and went for a run but not before snapping these pics.
I really wish I had taken a picture of the water, it was so beautiful. When I got back from my run, we took the boys down to the water and let them play around. D is still afraid of the surf so he wanted me to hold him. I did and we walked out into the water a bit but everytime a wave came in he would scream and cry so I gave up. I put him back on the dry sand and he wagged his finger at the ocean. Yeah, that'll teach it.
J seemed to love the surf. He'd try to jump over the waves as they'd crash in and he learned how to plant his feet so he would stay balanced. Then we had sandwiches and cupcakes and soon it was time to go home. They were both asleep by the 3rd song and slept another hour and a half once we were home so Mommy and Daddy got to take a nap, too.
Today our friends came home from their vacation so T went to pick them up at the airport while the boys and I went to the farmer's market and Costco. They were so incredibly good at both places. So, I bought them new costumes.
For some reason the pictures aren't loading. So, I'll try to put them in a separate post.

Dance Fever!

Dancing Kids


WARNING!! It's really LOUD!
I took this video of the boys on Sunday morning.

Goodnight Kisses

Me: I need goodnight kisses.
D: I don't have any more.
T: You ran out of kisses?
D: Yes. Climbs off the bed and scoops up imaginary kisses from the floor and puts them in his mouth.
T: Did you find some on the floor?
D: Yes. Comes to me and gives me a kiss. I hug him and tell him I love him just as he wipes his mouth and flings the kiss to the floor. That was an old one. Pthhhht.

Parenting while sick

Daddy had to go to Vegas on Wednesday for a convention so, naturally I got sick yesterday. I laid down in my office for an hour and a half trying to get the energy to get in the car to pick up the boys. Finally, I managed to get there but was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get out of the car without barfing. So, I called daycare as I idled on the street and asked if they would please bring the boys out to the car for me. Being the best daycare in the world, they did just that. I had put my seat down as far as it would go and was willing my stomach to stop churning when the boys approached. In they climbed and looked at me curiously and asked if I was sick. I said that I was and got out of the car to put their seat belts on. As we drove away, J suggested that maybe I ate too much at lunch and that's why my belly was hurting. I nodded and said that was very possible. Then D chimed in and thought that maybe I needed to drink more water. I agreed with him that it was important to drink water. Then I told them that they were very good suggestions and that I really appreciated their concern and that now I was going to put on their superhero music because I couldn't really talk anymore. On we went - me with gritted teeth and a tarzan popcorn bucket on my lap, them singing along to the spiderman theme song.
Thankfully, we made it home without my having to make use of the tarzan popcorn bucket. A big grateful shout out to TIVO for capturing a new episode of the Teen Titans which the boys could watch over and over. Ah, my TV babysitter - so helpful, so loving, so free - well, except for the $68 per month I shell out. Anyway, I laid on the couch while they watched the TTs kick some Slade booty and after the 2nd episode was over I finally began to feel a bit better. Did I mention what good little boys they were? So thoughtful and kind and easygoing? As I lay on the couch and watched their little faces, so completely absorbed in the graphic imagery that is TT, I marveled at their being. Do you know what I mean? They're here. How many years did I wonder what it would be like to have children; what would they look like, sound like, who would they be like? It is so much better than I could have ever imagined it.

J and the Duck

T was reading books to the boys before bedtime one night when this conversation took place:

fart sound
T: (looks at J) What was that?
J: A duck.
T: Are you sitting on a duck?
J: nods
T: What do you say?
J: 'Scuse me duck.

D and the Button

This exchange happened just a few nights ago as we were getting the boys ready for bed. Let me set the scene a bit, shall I? Boys are in their pajamas and we are armed with their toothbrushes. It's already past their bedtime. I've got J and T has D. That line reminds me of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - but I digress. I'm brushing J's teeth and I hear the following conversation between T and D:

T: C'mon buddy. I have to brush your teeth. Open your mouth.
D: You have to push the button.
T: Oh. Which button?
D: This button. (Points to a button on his pajama shirt)
T: Oh. Ok. (Pushes button and adds a sound effect - boooop)
D: (Just looks at him)
T: (Pushes the button, again with sound effect - booooop)
D: (Just looks at him)
T: (Pushes the button again with louder sound effect - booooop)
D: It's not working.

Happy 4th

We spent the afternoon at the Sullivans and most of that time was passed in their pool. Their very hot 94 degree pool because it's been freakin' hot in the valley for the past month. While it wasn't exactly refreshing it was very relaxing. Think jacuzzi without the bubbles. Anyway, it was a great opportunity to work on the boys' swimming skills and we actually got D to swim with a vest on without us supporting him. Once he got over his fear that kid just tooled around the pool. At one point he passed one of the guests, a girl named Maggie who's about 10 years old and he said to her: So, you're swimming by yourself? And she replied: yeah. He nodded his head knowingly and said: Yeah, me too. J was jumping off the side of the pool and into my arms. Well, he would hold onto my hands and then jump but he got water splashed up in his face a few times and he just snorted it out of his nose, wiped his eyes and said "again!". He even put his whole face in the water a few times.
We got to the Sullivans at around 3:00pm and were in the pool by 3:30 and with the exception of taking a break to eat dinner, were in there until 8:30pm. Not surprisingly, the boys fell asleep on the way home.

Can you believe this??

Could they be any cuter? I don't think so . . .

This is the Bean after he ran through the sprinkler last night.

And the Jman who refuses to get his face wet.

Happy Anniversary

Today is our 7th Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated by going to breakfast at the Hideaway Cafe in Malibu, met up with Eddie, then went to the Cross Creek Shopping Center where we let the boys play in the playground for a while as we waited for the haze to burn off, then headed out to Leo Carrillo beach. D fell asleep on the way out to the beach but woke up when I tried to lay him down on the blanket. He was too excited! We had been talking about the beach for days so there was no way he was going to sleep through our beach date. We've been reading Curious George Goes to the Beach for the past two nights so the boys had all kinds of ideas about what we'd be doing out at the beach. We really only managed to build sand castles. It was too windy to throw the frisbee and too cold to swim in the water. J asked D if he'd like to go down to the water with him and D agreed. Off they went and we watched to see how close they'd get. We were very surprised when J backed off first and D went all the way to the water's edge. They got more and more brave and were soon sitting in the wet sand digging with their shovels and when the waves would come in they'd hop up and run away. There was one time though when they waited just a bit too long, or maybe they didn't hear the way because they were so engrossed in their activity, but the wave was a big one and the water came rushing up to them. They got up to ran but J was a bit ahead of D so he got away. D got a little panicked while giggling at the same time and he lost his balance and fell. The water washed over him a bit - just enough that his swimming suit got wet and he had his face in the water for the briefest of seconds. He got up crying but seemed more concerned about his shovel which was starting to wash away. A lady standing near him grabbed the shovel right as I got to him. Mostly, he was cold. The water is probably around 67 degrees. I took him up to our blanket and we put a towel around him. We gave him a drink of water to wash the salt and sand out of his mouth. As soon as he warmed up he shrugged off the towel and headed back down to the water. They played in the sand and the surf for 2 1/2 hours. They collected shells and rocks and piled them in buckets. D found a seaweed rope that he carried around. J and T went out into the tidepools to look for crabs and other sea creatures. We watched parasailers, windsurfers and surfers navigate their boards in the surf. We watched people flying kites and laughed as they dived into the water. We saw two really cool planes that looked like motorized gliders. We watched pelicans in formation skim the surface of the water looking for food. We shooed away the pesky seagulls who hovered over us expectantly. Finally, when the wind picked up again and the sun hid behind the clouds, we headed home. They both fell asleep on the way but then J woke up as we pulled into the driveway. T and D took naps and J and I started dinner. He's such a good helper. As I was picking out garlic from the basket he asked what was I getting? Then he answered his own question. As I was cutting it he commented that I was cutting it into little pieces. I asked him what was the word that I use when I want to cut something into really little pieces. He thought for a second then replied "MINCE!". I hope his curiosity about cooking continues as he gets older. I tell him everything that I'm doing and why and he seems to retain a lot of the information. Anyway, D and T woke up and we all ate dinner. As a special treat, we went to Cold Stone Creamery for dessert and met up with Peter and Julian. It was good but we felt so stuffed afterward and decided it's really too much sugar. We got home at 8:15 and the boys took quick baths and then T put them to bed.
What a day!

Happy Father's Day

Dear T,

I knew you would be a good father when I saw you playing with the McArthur kids oh so many years ago. The way Rox adored you and the patience you showed with her and her brothers. Mostly, the pure joy you exhibited just to be around them.

And now, with our own kids you seem so relaxed in your fatherhood. At ease and confident in your role as their dad. Firm when you need to be but most often you sit back and let them learn and solve problems on their own. Even when they are at their whiniest, you are patient and I so admire that trait in you.

What I'm trying to say, and I'm not sure that I've managed it very eloquently, is that I love you more than ever. You are my best friend, my partner, a wonderful father and you just got up so I have to go!!

I love you.

Oh, one more thing

I forgot to mention the phone call I got while in the Italian deli. T called me (he stayed in the car with the boys) and put D on the phone. D told me that I was taking too long and that I was going to have to take a bus home. J chimed in and said a school bus. Then D, hearing that I wasn't quite getting what he was saying, told me it was just a joke.

T claims he didn't put them up to it.

Saturday

It's 9:30pm and the first time I've sat down, besides to eat dinner, since 3:00. We took the kids to swimming lessons this morning, then over to Target to get swim vests, then to Hometown Buffet for lunch, then I had to go to the Italian deli to pick up a few things for our picnic tomorrow, then we went home. We had to drive a little out of our way because we were trying to get J to go to sleep and he was fighting it. We finally got home around 3:00 but I had to go back out to get groceries. I got home at 5:00 and, after putting the groceries away, it was time to make dinner. And I also had to start the chicken for our picnic tomorrow. We're having a backyard picnic at the Sullivan's with another family. We're all bringing stuff to eat, and then we'll all relax poolside. Thus, the swimming vests that we had to pick up at Target. We wouldn't have gotten them but the Sullivan boys have them and so our boys think they can do the same things as the Sullivans but they can't because they don't have vests on. Now - they have vests, too.
Swimming lessons went really well this morning. Both boys are becoming more comfortable in the water, especially with the floating. The teacher today pushed them a little by making them swim out to her - they really just glide to her but it was a big step forward for them. We have one more lesson in the therapy pool then starting July 8 we start the new "term" and can hopefully have their lessons in the therapy pool but it's a crapshoot. The therapy pool is a lot warmer - 90+ degrees as opposed to 83. Not that 83 is cool, not by a long shot, but D really needs the pool a little warmer since he hasn't any meat on his bones.
Speaking of meat - that kid won't eat. All he wants is warm milk and suddenly I'm having flashbacks of 2 years ago when I was trying to wean him or, really, any time in the last 3+ years that something has interrupted his comfortable routine. That kid does not like change. NOT ONE BIT. And drama??!! Oh yes, he is prone to the drama. Can't imagine where he got that from. ahem
Poor J has been sick for the last few days; fever off and on and I finally had to give him 2 breathing treatments today because he was sounding rather wheezy and I could see him pulling for air. Halfway into the first treatment I could already see that he was breathing easier. And after the first one was completed, he wasn't pulling for air anymore. Seeing that reminded me of when he was first born and in the NICU. They had to work so hard to get oxygen because their lungs were so premature and you could see the effort in their necks and chests with every breath. It's hard to believe they were ever that small and that sick. Looking at them now, I count my blessings everyday. It could have been so much worse and there were many, many things that could have gone wrong. We're incredibly lucky.

J's Sick Day

When J woke up this morning he emitted a seal-like cough, then started crying. Both T and I moaned "oh no" and I scooped him up and held him while listening to his raspy breathing. When I picked him up yesterday his voice was a little raspy so I'm not too surprised by this development. Especially since D had a touch of it early in the week. J told me he felt hot, then cold, then hot again. His cheeks were a little flushed and his eyes were a little glassy. We took D to school then we went to work so I could pick up my computer. I had some cheerios at work so he sat on the floor and ate cheerios and drank orange juice while I went through my emails. I also had a big pad of vellum paper so we went to the supply room and picked up some colored pencils and markers and he went to work on the paper. He was being so good that I was able to get a lot of work done and we didn't leave until nearly 11:00am. He's asleep now and I put the humidifier on in his room so hopefully that will help his cough. Whenever he gets a cold it always seems to turn into this croup-like cough and of course it's always worse at night. It's so deceiving because he's been acting pretty good, not that sick really but then tonight his breathing will turn raspy again and then that damn cough will hit in the middle of the night. Hopefully the humidifier will prevent it tonight. I think I'll keep it running even after he wakes up from his nap.

D, The Comedian

Recently, I was looking through my closet to find a dress to wear to a wedding that T and I were to attend. I pulled out my navy blue halter dress and put it on. I went out into the kitchen where T, D and J were sitting at the table having a snack. "What do you think?" I asked. D turned and looked at me and asked where were my shoes?
Me: You want me to put on the shoes?
D: Yes.
Me: Ok. (and off I go, obediently)
D watched and waited until I was out of the kitchen and then cocked his head to J and said "follow her".

And J did.

T told me this story and we laughed and laughed about it.

morning conversation

J: why your cheeks red?
Me: Because ladies put pink stuff on their cheeks so they look pretty.
J: are you pretty?
Me: I don't know. What do you think?
J: yeah, you pretty. Oh, what dat stuff in that pink thing?
Me: that's mascara. It makes my eyelashes look long and thick.
J: I want some.
Me: if I had eyelashes like yours I wouldn't need mascara. Your eyelashes are so long and thick already.
J: I will give you my eyelashes and I'll have yours.

4 day weekend

I admit that in the past I wouldn't have been that excited for a long weekend. Worn out by the work week and wary of planning too many activities for me and the boys knowing that it might result in a meltdown or end in frustration, I tended to not plan anything and then we'd sit at home bored which would result in a meltdown followed by frustration. However, as this past weekend approached I was excited about our plans. Not because we were doing anything particularly exciting but just because I would get to spend the time with my boys and without realizing it, I maintained an "open to anything" mindset that kept me from getting frustrated. On Friday morning, we went over to the Sullivan's to play then went to lunch with them. Following that, we went to costco where J and D were positively angelic despite the fact that they hadn't yet napped. I thought they'd fall asleep on the way home but they didn't and when I asked them what they wanted to do next, they said they'd like to go to the park -- so we did. Where they played and played, together and separately, and made friends with other park-goers. And then, because you have to - they got ice cream.
Saturday morning (7:30am!) we headed back over to the Sullivan's to babysit E. T joined us at 2:00 after spending the day cleaning our house (THANKS!!) and while E napped, we stuck our feet in the swimming pool. Sunday morning we went to the Farmer's Market, as usual, where I shopped and the boys bounced in the bouncy house. Then off to the Sullivan's again and we walked over to the Greek church for their annual Greek festival. It was hot and the boys were really tired after not taking naps for 2 days so it wasn't much fun. Way too crowded and the Sullivan's (and we) were a little cranky. We didn't stay too long and then headed over to Uncle Peter's and Uncle Julian's house. Peter's dad is in town and we visited with them awhile before heading out to Dr. Hogly Wogly's for some yummy Tyler Texas BBQ. Monday morning, Peter, his assistant Seth, his dad Dave and T left at 9:00am for the Canoga Park Parade of which Peter and Dave were a part and T was the driver. Julian came over around 10:00am and we headed over to watch the parade. We got settled at around 10:45 but didn't see Peter et. al. until 1:00pm. It was so hot and the boys were tired but they were so patient and blared their little trumpets when they saw Peter. I ran out to the car with the boys so Peter could do baby kisses - he's a politician, after all. As soon as they were gone, Julian and I packed up and headed out. The boys took their first naps of the weekend on our way home! They're so close to giving them up. After we all had lunch together, Peter and the gang left and we headed over to the Sullivan's for a BBQ. We hopped into the pool and the boys practiced their paddles and kicks and J is getting pretty brave in the water. Too brave.
Anyway, after lots of food and homemade ice cream for dessert (we made that) we headed home for baths, stories and bed.
The next day, when the boys were complaining about having to go to school and wishing we could all stay home, I felt - for the first time - like joining their chorus.

the weekend, belatedly

It's really scary that it's only Tuesday and I can't remember what we did on Friday night.

Saturday, well that's another story. We took the boys to swimming lessons where J did everything his girl teacher asked but wouldn't go near his boy teacher. And D cried. He sat on the step, the very top step, and cried.

Yes, they got ice cream anyway.

Then Saturday afternoon we went to the dog park to pet big dogs (in an effort to get them over their fear of dogs) and then to their favorite store - Target. It's their favorite store because that's where all the batman and spiderman stuff is. Whenever they see a batman or superman doll - oh, sorry "action figure" they always say it came from Target. They've learned to recognize that familiar "target" and say that's their favorite store.

Sunday we went to the Strawberry festival in Oxnard with our friends, the Sullivans. There we ate lots of fried foods and then feasted on a strawberry pizza. Yes, strawberry pizza - it's baked dough with cream cheese frosting topped with sugared strawberries and of course, whipped cream. J was in heaven. Then over to the Sullivans for dinner.

And now - I gotta go pick up those little munchkins.

A Belated Mother's Day Post

Until I became a mother, I had no idea how your child could make you feel such a myriad of emotions. Pride one moment when they finally master the art of using a spoon and absolute frustration the next when they refuse to do so. Overwhelming love that makes you feel like your heart will break into a million pieces to indifference when they whine that they want more cheerios. I didn't understand sacrifice until I became a mother. I was slow to realize that when I had my children, I dropped to the bottom on the list of priorities. I lost the freedom to go out for a cocktail after work or to spontaneously go to the movies with my spouse - now those things involve planning and a lot more money. I can no longer fit four people in my car because 2 spaces are taken up by enormous car seats. I can't swing by the grocery store after work to pick up dinner for the night. I can't go out for a run with my coworkers after work or go on the Tri-Team's group bike rides on Thursday evenings. I fall asleep when I read a book now, often while I'm reading "Hop on Pop" and the boys have to nudge me awake. But oh, it's so worth it. Seeing their faces when I arrive at daycare - so excited to see me, scrambling over so they can give me a hug and rub their dirty smudged faces all over my crisp white shirt. Talking over each other as we walk out to the car and they tell me about their day. J getting in the car first so he can pull my lipstick out of my purse and D crying because he wanted to bring his stuffed kitty home with him and would I please go back and get it? Walking in the door with them firing requests and questions at me that when I answer always gets the question "why?" back. The sound of their feet slapping on the hallway floor every morning at 6:00 and then folding them in my arms so we can sleep together a few more minutes. Getting to sneak out every now and then while they're still sleeping so I can get a shower only to have them stumble into the bathroom as I'm toweling off with an emotional mixture of betrayal and joy on their faces. Hearing J giggle in his sleep is one of the most wonderful sounds I've ever heard. Listening to D sing Baby Beluga is the best music to my ears. Being their mom is the best gift these boys could ever give me.

The Magic Word is Ice Cream

The boys had their first swimming lesson on Saturday morning. How did it go, you ask? Well, after much coaxing we got them to sit on the step with their feet in about 1 inch of water. The instructors tried to get them to come to them but NO WAY. D actually emitted this sort of deep, primal scream nearly caused everyone in the vicinity to stop and stare. T took off his shoes and sat on the side of the pool with his feet in the water and managed to get them to the next step. So they were sitting in an inch of water and their feet were submerged up to the knee.
They spent almost the entire lesson that way.
Finally, when the lesson was over and all the other kids got out, the instructors asked if the boys would go in with them. No. But, D did finally sit on Lizzie's lap and then she got him to sit next to her on the lower step so he was submerged up to mid-torso. When J saw that, he agreed to sit next to D.
Then, they got ice cream.
We told them that they'd get ice cream next week if they went into the water with Cory and Lizzie and kicked their feet. Sadly, I won't be there to see it because I'll be at the Mother's Day Brunch but ice cream is a powerful motivator and I'm confident they'll do what is necessary to get it.

Where a kid can be a kid

Last night Uncle Julian picked up the boys so T and I could attend a Mehndi party for our friend Rishika who's wedding we are going to tomorrow and Saturday (long story). When Uncle Julian got the boys in the car he asked what did they want to do? D said, "I wouldn't mind going to Chuck E. Cheese".

Yeah, you read that right. I wouldn't mind going to Chuck E. Cheese. Y'know, if that's what you were thinking? I wouldn't mind it at all.

So, that's what they did. Uncle Julian is so cool. They get to spend Saturday with Uncle Julian too so that we can go to the 2nd wedding. The boys asked me this morning if Uncle Julian would be picking them up from school tonight and I told them no, that it would be me. oh. they said with much disappointment. WHYY?????? with a bit of a whine. It's ok, I don't take offense. I feel the same way about not getting to go to another Mehndi party tonight.

Milestones

We sold the boys' cribs and dresser last weekend. When asked if they wanted a room decorated with sports stuff or animals or outer space they said they wanted outer space!

They start swim lessons on Saturday morning at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center.

This is a lame post but all I have time for.

weekend

Saturday night Amanda came over so we could go out to Fish and Brooksie's house for dinner. It was so nice to get out for an evening. Expensive even with the free meal since Amanda's very pricey but worth it! We had a great time with Fish and Brooke - great wine and the food was excellent. Sunday morning our friend Step came over and we all squeezed into the Hyundai - well, just me between those two enormous carseats. We went up into the Angeles National Forest to have lunch at the Hidden Springs Cafe. Then drove to Switzer's to go for a hike. The boys were little troopers on that hike over big boulders, across little streams and along treacherous terrain - well, treacherous for 3 year olds. It was so beautiful with those tall oak trees and the rushing stream. J loved throwing rocks into the stream. D liked slashing at the thorns with his stick. I think this will be a regular hike for us. It's a great way to expend some energy (not us, them!) and also gives us an opportunity to introduce nature to the boys.

2 stoplights

We were just 2 stoplights from daycare when D announced that his tummy wasn't feeling well. And then he lost his breakfast. Again. Again. Again. Great pools of curdled milk and banana muffin bar on his clothes, in his seat. Ugh. This is so my least favorite part of parenting. We got to daycare and got a change of clothes from his cubby. M brought me a roll of paper towels and a bucket in case D got sick again. I cleaned him up and changed his clothes. I happened to have 2 moist towelettes in my car so we each used one. Within 5 minutes he was saying he felt fine and wanted a banana. I told him he would have to wait until we got home. J went into the daycare and I put D in J's car seat - one of the benefits of having twins. When we got home D sat on the couch and watched spongebob while I took his car seat out of the car and cleaned it up. When will car seat makers create a car seat that is easy to take apart for the purposes of cleaning it?? Don't they know how hard it is to get the belts out when they are covered in puke? And the belts don't just come out - it requires a screwdriver to take off the back plate to reach the . . . oh, it's just too annoying. Anyway, apparently he just got carsick because he's been fine since we got home. He ate a piece of banana bread -- I know what you're thinking . . . what's with the banana theme?? What can I say? I made banana bread last night and on Saturday when I took J to the grocery store I asked him what kind of breakfast bar he wanted and he wanted the banana muffin bars. I digress - then he ate 2 bowls of cheerios. For lunch he told me he wanted a quesadilla and chicken noodle soup. I made that and sliced up some apple for him. He ate half the apple, most of the soup and took one bite of his quesadilla. Now he just fell asleep watching Bambi. I can finally get the car seat cover out of the dryer and put the car seat back together. JOY.

Grandma

We had a lovely visit with my mom. First of all, she brought them spongebob pajamas and that is gold to those two. She discovered the joys of trying to get J dressed in the morning -- by the end of the visit she was referring to him as "Hef" 'cause the kid would live in his PJs if he could - well, actually he does because it's just not worth the fight to get him to wear only daytime clothes so he's usually wearing his pajamas under his regular clothes and the second we get home, he strips 'em off. Whattayagunnado? Anyway, they loved having her here! The two nice days that we had, she took them to the park and they had a picnic lunch. They made cookies with her and got high on sugar on a daily basis. They are now going through rehab because their mean parents don't give them anything. I'm putting money away each month for their therapy bills.
One morning as I was getting dressed, mom came in to tell me that J went outside to go pee (he likes to do that - makes him feel like a man) and when he came back in he said to her, "When I pee I make smoke and I breathe fire!" That's J.
So, we had a great time and the boys are detoxing nicely, not just from the sugar (I'm kidding, but I'm not) but also from the wonderful attention and devotion that they received from Grandma. That's really the best part.
Mom if you're reading this - thank you for taking time off from work to come out here to give us a hand. Sorry you got sick! I do so appreciate how hard you try to be a part of their lives and please know that we talk about you often - about your visit with us, what they did when you were here, the things they made from cookies to puppets. You're an important part of our family and we love you very much.

he's just fine

D's surgery went very well. He only had the right hernia (they checked for one on the left) so they only had one repair to do. Thursday was kind of a tough day for him - he was in some pain and when the motrin/tylenol combo would wear off, he was pretty miserable. But on Friday morning he was acting a lot better and didn't need the pain relieving combo - just motrin. Today we went to the Farmer's Market, where he jumped in the bounce house for 15 minutes then we went to Balboa Park where he played for 2 hours. You'd never know he had surgery a few days ago.

diagnosis

I was wrong. D has an inguinal hernia and needs surgery. We meet with the surgeon tomorrow so he can take a look at the misbehaving bowel and determine when to operate.

Stay tuned . . .

Emergency

Had to go to the emergency room Saturday night with the Bean. T noticed some swelling in his right testicle as he was getting him ready for bed. He was sick one day last week - frequent coughing and 8 hours of vomiting, then a low-grade fever. I paged the doctor then hopped on my friend the internet to do some research. From what I could tell on WebMD, he either had a twisted testicle (requires emergency surgery), an inguinal hernia (requires surgery), or a hydrocele (might require surgery). None of it looked good. We called our neighbors to stay with J, who thankfully was already asleep, and we went off to the emergency room. Apparently, 9:00pm at the emergency room in Tarzana is a very good time to have an emergency. Good information to file away later. Anyway, we got to see a doctor fairly quickly and he was concerned that it may be either the twist or the hernia. So, they called in the ultrasound technician. I curled up with the Bean to try to get him to go to sleep and about a half hour later, the ultrasound technician came in. D slept right through it. Doc came back in and said that it wasn't a twisted testicle (whew!) - it probably is a hydrocele which is when a little tissue seeps into the testicular sac and then fluid accumulates around it. At worst, it may require surgery but most likely, it was go away on it's own. We have to call the pediatric urologist on Monday and do a follow up with him. Today I checked him and the swelling has definitely gone down.
We won't know if he'll need surgery until we meet with the urologist but judging by the difference in swelling, I'm hopeful that he won't need it. There were funny moments throughout that evening as T and I questioned D about his testicle. We've determined that a 3 year old makes a very poor witness.

Sunday

I got to sleep in until 8:30!! That's 2 whole hours! Then we went to Weiler's to have breakfast with Uncle Peter and Uncle Julian. The boys were extremely well-behaved and ate a ton of food - and they had already eaten breakfast at home so I was surprised. Then we went to the Farmer's Market. I didn't really need to buy much there but we went anyway because there was a petting zoo with llamas, a pig, some ducks, some bunnies, a mama sheep and her babies and a goat. We got to see the babies nursing from the mama sheep. That was neat. Brought back some painful memories though! Then we went to the other side of the market where there was a giant bounce house with a rock climbing wall and a slide. The boys went in there with Daddy assisting and they had a ball. D still needs some help getting up the rock wall but once he's up, he's fearless. It was a fun morning -- especially since it seemed like all they did was fight with each other on Saturday. I don't like it when they fight and I'm afraid I don't handle it well sometimes. It is just so nit-picky what they do to one another and I find myself telling them to just leave each other alone but of course, they can't. And it's such little stuff like one of them was saying "no" in kind of a sing songy way and it absolutely drove the other one crazy so he starts screaming and the whole time I'm thinking - just ignore him. It doesn't have to drive you so nuts! But then when the one realizes how much it drives the other one crazy, he does it louder and longer until it's now driving me crazy! You see what I mean? So, I really like it when they're getting along and being good to each other. I have to figure out a way to make that happen more often.

twenty

That's how many teeth J and D each have. 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. They had their first dental appointment today. We've been prepping them for a few months now but even with that preparation, I am amazed at how well they did. She was able to do a complete examination on both of them, complete with whirring instruments and bright overhead lights. She's really happy with their teeth and said they're teeth are better than 90 percent of the 3 year olds she sees. Their jaws are developing normally, there's no overbite with either of them, and they're nicely spaced although D's are a little tighter. We treated ourselves to In 'n Out afterwards - well, that was more of a treat for mommy and daddy although J does like their french fries. They took very late naps today and didn't wake up until 7:30pm for J and 7:45pm for D. So, naturally they didn't want to go to bed at 8:30pm. I'm afraid we're losing the afternoon nap with them. Maybe not D but definitely J. It's 10:00pm now and they're both sitting on the couch next to us. Hmm - I just looked down at J and he's asleep! Not D though. He's busy playing with his Stanley colorforms.
Tomorrow my uncle Layne is dropping by with his friend Paula for a short visit on their way through town. I haven't seen him for 2 years and it's been nearly 3 years since I saw Paula. I'm looking forward to seeing them. First, we head to the Farmer's Market in the morning. I'm trying to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and also support local farmers. The produce is so much better there and there's really no change in the price. Most of it is organic and I feel better about the boys eating organic foods. Now if I can just reduce our intake of animal protein, I'll be really happy. My cholesterol is far too high and T's is moderately high so that's my motivation. However, T is (and so am I) a carnivore. This isn't going to be easy!

Cousin M

I'm really behind in posting about our visit with C, J and M but you'll forgive me since I've spent nearly every day since they left with a feverish, whiny, clingy boy draped across my body. D was hardest hit though J certainly didn't get by unscathed. However, when J gets sick, he can still manage a smile. He isn't so needy. But D, who T has referred to as "Keanu" for his melodramatic flair, is so miserable when he's sick. One evening he woke up around 10pm and started crying so T brought him out to the living room. He moaned and kicked and screamed that he wanted his mommy so T gleefully handed him to me. He proceeded to moan and kick at me and when I asked him what was wrong he angrily whined, "I'm tiiiiiiiiired". To which I said - ok, what do you want to do? Him: Iiiiiii waaaaant toooooo gooooooo toooooooo beeeeeeeed. Me: ok, my bed or your bed? Him: MY BED!!!!!!! Me: off you go, can't get you there fast enough, why the heck did you get out of your bed in the first place???? - ok, I didn't say any of that but that's what was floating through my mind. So, you understand, right?
Well, here it is. We had a fanfreakintastic time with C, J and M. First of all, M is the most easygoing kid; very few meltdowns, goes to bed easily, naps easily - I'm so jealous. Plus, he absolutely fell in love with D and walked around saying "D?" whenever D wasn't in sight. J got a little jealous that M wasn't as enamored with him. I think his feelings were a little hurt but we didn't make a big deal of it. I was especially impressed with the way C and J handle M. I've never seen my brother be a DAD and it was really cool to see how instinctive he seemed to be. The first day we all had together we went to Travel Town to ride the train. Then we went into Griffith Park to have a picnic lunch and let the kids run around. Next, to get them to take a decent nap, we took a long drive through Hollywood, West Hollywood, West LA and Santa Monica until we got to Venice. There we walked the boardwalk to look at all the crazies and then went out onto the beach to gaze at the hazy ocean. Then we went to Marina Del Rey for dinner at C&O Trattoria for the yummiest Italian food. The next day was Super Bowl Sunday and we had Fish, Brooke and Eddie over for dinner. They left the next day and the fevers started the day after that! I'm so grateful that J and D didn't get sick until after they left. Especially since the last time C and J were supposed to visit (before M was born) D was hospitalized for pneumonia. The time before that was when I was pregnant and they were going to come out for the babies shower and I was hospitalized with preterm labor so they didn't come out. They did visit after the boys came home from the hospital but I was so sleep deprived and was just trying to keep it all together so I don't remember much. So, you see we haven't had much luck when trying to get together! Maybe that's what made this visit especially sweet. I will post pictures as soon as I get them loaded.

Idyllwild

This picture was taken
in our cabin in Idyllwild.

This photo of D on left was taken when we went for a 2 hour hike in Idyllwild. He walked the whole time and pretended to hack away at all the thorns, just like Prince Phillip does in Sleeping Beauty.











This photo of J was also taken while on our hike. J wanted to be carried alot but whenever we got near a large rock or boulder he had to climb it. The bigger the rock, the better.




J was asking us how to get in there.

Tell me what you want, what you really, really want

The other night as we were driving home from daycare, J started saying that he wanted to be a girl. He said he wanted a "gina" - he always forgets the first syllable "va". Then he started singing as loud as he could,"I want a gina. I want a gina!" over and over. Soon, D joined in singing the same thing as loud as he could. When there was a break in their singing, I said, "hey guys. If you had a vagina you wouldn't be able to stand up to pee." *silence***********************
D: Well, he started it.

Edit (2/7/06)
I was re-reading this post over T's shoulder one evening and I suddenly realized that most of the people who read this blog are members of my family and I got a little embarrassed as the word "vagina" jumped off the page at me. Here's the deal: we use the correct terminology in our house for all our anatomical parts. I don't want the boys to ever be embarrassed at the words or be afraid to call "it" what it is.

One of those embarrassing moments

One of J's favorite movies is the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. His favorite part in the movie is when the gum-chewing girl turns into a blueberry after chewing a piece of gum that is still being tested. This particular gum is like no other piece of gum in that when you chew it, it's like eating a 3 course meal. Unfortunately, Wonka hasn't gotten the kinks out of it yet and it always goes wrong at the dessert course. In this case, when she gets to the blueberry pie she starts to blow up into a big ball and turn blue - turns into a blueberry. Recently, T took the boys with him to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. While he was waiting in line, a very, very large man got in line behind him. He started making small talk with T - oh, twins huh? how old are they? - you get the gist. J looked at the guy and said, "You big!". Then he looked at T and with a scrunch of his nose remarked, "Daddy, he a blueberry!!"

The Princess

J has started referring to himself as "The Princess". For instance, this morning when T was putting him in his carseat he called him by name and J said, "no, I'm not J. I'm The Princess." Then later as we were driving to school, I don't know what D said to J but J's response was, "I don't care. The Princess doesn't care." So, we'll see how this progresses. Perhaps I should go to the Disney Store and pick out one of the Princess costumes. Hmmm, maybe at lunch.

potty mouth

D has taken to spending mass quantities of time on the potty. He fights going and then when I finally put him on it he instantly pees and poops and then thinks he's got more poop in there so he doesn't want to get up. He stays there for 20 minutes at a time. Literally, when he finally gets up the line of the toilet seat is embedded into his tiny butt. So, we tell him that he should yell for us when he needs us and we leave. Sometimes he yells for us but it's only because he's lonely. So we ask him if he's done, he says no, it's stuck (meaning the poop) and we say, well, call us when you need us. This morning I took a shower while he sat there. When I got out I told him I was pretty sure he was done and that as soon as I got my robe on that he was going to get off the toilet. He sighed, "ok mom. If you think so."

He's three.

Talks to himself

Tonight on the way home from daycare I overheard D have this conversation with himself.


Mmmmm, something smells good! *pause* I think it's chocolate. *pause* No (fake laugh) I'm just kiddin'!

evening conversation

J: We're gonna go home and get dat dinner and den we gonna eat ice cream!!
Me: We'll see.
D: I say we do!!

Morning Conversation

D: Remember that time when I saw the tiger come and bang on the door?
Me: You saw a tiger bang on our door at our house?
D: No, it banged on this door (pointing to his car door) and it scared me and then I woke up and went into Daddy's bed and then that tiger ran away.
J: And den I close dat door and dat tiger can't get in and it went away.
D: And then the tiger it say "roar" (in whisper).
J: No, (nose scrunched up) it canna say "roar" (with lilt at end).
D: No it do, it do say "roar"(so earnest).
J: I don't think so (nose scrunched up).

Pennsylvania Visitors

Fred and Cece Citron were in town for meetings and dropped by our house Saturday night to visit us. We got to visit with Fred when we were in PA last October but Cece was busy that night. Anyway, it was great to see them. They're such nice people and were so excited to visit with the boys and get to see their personalities. They had toured the Getty before they came over and they brought with them thick pads of craft paper, markers, crayons and paints. J made quick work destroying the markers but I'm grateful that he didn't break every one of the crayons, as he has done in the past. D was napping when Fred and Cece first arrived and just as I got done telling them how he doesn't like change, he woke up, stumbled into the living room, saw strangers and immediately melted down. It's almost like I planned it. After much wailing and hiding in the kitchen, T finally managed to coax him into the living room where he proceeded to charm the pants off our visitors. He's just brimming full of elven magic, that little one. J didn't nap that day so he was by turns manic and full of rage. I feel a little pressure with this because Fred runs a daycare center and even though I know he isn't grading me (is he?), I still feel extra vigilant about the way I'm disciplining and communicating with my kids. We were planning on making dinner but both T and I were feeling kinda crappy with seasonal allergies so, we ordered in Thai food instead. I had 2 glasses of Thai ice tea and thought I'd never be able to fall asleep but I did except that when D came into bed at 4:00am I woke up and stayed awake and started thinking about the letter I had to write for the SFVMOMC fundraiser and I just couldn't turn my brain off and do you think the Thai ice tea had anything to do with it? Maybe, a little. Either that or the 10 Advil cold and sinus capsules I had to take yesterday just to keep from blowing my head off. Seriously, when I woke up yesterday my head hurt so bad, but just over my right eye like I had a hot poker stuck into my forehead over my right eye that was speared through my brain and came out the back of my head and it throbbed so bad that I lay in bed awake unable to sleep because of the pain and when I got up to sit with the boys I found that I was shaking and nauseous and I couldn't take it anymore. I took AC and S and told T he had to go out and deal with the boys or I was going to throw up. 2 hours later I woke up and felt much better. Yeah, so that's why we had Thai food. And it was so nice to see Fred and Cece and as soon as I get my pictures loaded up to snapfish, I'll post one here.

Overheard conversation

J: There was a rainbow and dat dog was goin woof woof, like dat. I close my eyes and then I waked up and went into mommy's bed. I don't want dat dog anymore. I want to leave him in the car and get a cat.
D: We can get you a cat someday.
J: Someday?
D: Yeah, someday.
J: (with nose scrunched up) I don't think so.

Preschoolers

Yesterday was the first day back to the daycare after the holiday break. It also marked the boys' first official day on the preschool side. T and I had been prepping them, not only about returning to school, but also about the fact that they were moving to the other side. When we got there, M's son A greeting the boys with hugs and they walked in and immediately showed me where their cubbies were. Then they got down to the business of playing. Usually I have to pull J off my leg with a shoehorn, but not this time. Off he went with barely a glance behind him and a half-hearted "Bye Mom" thrown over his shoulder. So, I asked them to come back and give me hugs and kisses, which they did, and then they ran off again. Clearly, I wasn't needed to help ease this transition so I headed back to my car. As I was leaving, I suddenly started to feel really emotional. After all, this was a big milestone for J and D and I was so busy prepping them that I forgot to prep myself. I suddenly remembered the early days when I first went back to work. They weighed less than 10 pounds and stayed with one caregiver in a small room off the preschool side. I used to go to the daycare every lunch hour to nurse the boys and I could watch the preschoolers running around the back yard and I thought I'd never see the day when my boys would do that. It seemed so far away. Now, those days seem like ancient history. Flashing through my mind went all the little milestones that we've had at the daycare. Moving from that little room with the one caregiver to the "infant" room when they were deemed strong and healthy enough. Then from the infant room to the toddler room. And now, this is the last move they'll make before they go to kindergarten. It's happening so fast. I wasn't prepared for this part, well let's be honest - any part, of motherhood. And the thing is, I'm so proud of them. So impressed with D's self awareness, independence and cleverness. Then there's J who wants to help me with everything, who's so strong and athletic. So, to see them integrate into the preschool life without a care in the world just brought their young lives into focus for me. I wish I could just take a moment from their babyhood and wear it around my neck so that whenever I longed to smell their baby soft skin or touch their silken hair, I could do so. Is that so wrong?

Magical Morning

The boys woke on Christmas morning to see the tree lit up and a train rolling around the tracks. Apparently, Santa had set it up in the middle of the night. And that made him hungry so he ate almost all of the cookies we had put out for him. His reindeer must have been hungry too because they ate almost all of the carrots. J and D were so excited to see all their presents and to see what Santa had brought them. D just now told me that his favorite toy was the Woody doll that he got that has a guitar and a real pull string. He's sitting next to me as I type this singing the theme song from Toy Story. J just told me that his favorite toy is a globe that has a joystick that maneuvers an airplane around and tells about different parts of the world. Funny, I thought his favorite toy was the train and that D's favorite was Buzz Lightyear. It was interesting watching them that morning. Everything that D opened J wanted and when he didn't get the same thing he stood in the middle of the room and lowered his head. He looked so pathetic and I felt really bad for him. I remember that feeling - wanting something so bad and not getting it, wishing it was yours. Of course, it wouldn't matter what J got as long as D got something different then that's what J would want. But seeing his little sad face made me think it's happening to J too soon. He's too young to have that feeling already. Once the excitement of the day wore off a bit J was fine and really happy to play with his train set.
The best Christmas present I got that day was that D decided he was done with diapers and didn't want to wear them anymore. And that was that - he hasn't worn them since. He's had a couple of accidents but only in the first few days. Since then, we've gone to the Uncles' house for the day and a playdate at an indoor playplace without incidence. He's still wearing a diaper at night but the rest of the time he's in underwear. I'm so proud of both of them.

I put a spell on you

Taken Saturday, December 10th just before we headed out for the SFVMOMC holiday party.

Potty Training

J has potty trained himself. He decided last week that he didn't want to wear diapers anymore and, for the most part, he hasn't. See, at our 3 year appointment the pediatrician told them that they're now big boys and that big boys use the potty and don't wear diapers. I let it slide because I am of the philosophy that they'll do it when they're ready. But, J is an interesting kid - he's very aware of pleasing others and it is extremely important to him to live up to others' expectations. So after a few days passed, he did exactly what the pediatrician told him to do. D, on the other hand, doesn't give a hoot about what other people think and seems to have gone in the opposite direction. He was really close to being potty trained but now that J is, he seems to have absolutely no interest in it. He's perfectly happy in a diaper and doesn't really care that J doesn't wear one. I plan to work with D over the holiday break but if he doesn't get trained, it's ok. They move to the preschool side of the daycare the first week of January and he'll get it. I just am fascinated by the way it seems to be playing out. It's like having my own live case study!

Snow Day

I'm a bit late in posting about this but, oh well. Last Saturday (12/10) I took the family to the feature animation Holiday party. For the last 3 years we've had parties that cater to those with children, with many different activities for a variety of ages. This year, they trucked in snow. There were several spots throughout the plaza area that had piles of snow and one spot had a large pile over several bales of hay and the kids were sliding down the "hill" on discs. This was the first time J and D have seen snow. J was especially enthralled. I imagine this is what was going through his brain - "What? You can make it into a little ball and hurl it at someone's head? COOL! And - it gets slippery and makes people fall down? AWESOME! My favorite things - throwing things at people and watching them fall down." He's so much like me it's scary. T - if you're reading this, I just can't help it. It's funny when people fall down.
Anyway, the boys had a great time playing in the snow and then they discovered the hill with the disc hurtling down it 150 miles per hour and that's what they wanted to do next. So, T took them to the top of the mountain and they waited for their turn. I stayed at the bottom so I could catch them before they hit the street a block away. No, I am not overreacting!! We told the boys they need to hold on really tight but of course the first bump they hit, they let go. But, being little kids who like to fall down, they thought that was fun. They went down the hill 4 or 5 times and then we convinced them that it was time to get some dinner. They munched on grilled cheese sandwiches and then we found out that there was prime rib inside the ABC building so we abandoned the sandwiches and headed indoors. On the way to the dining room, there was a section devoted to story-telling and the story-teller was already hard at work. The boys and I sat down to listen and T went hunting for the meat. After we ate, we found the boys' friend from daycare, F and they all played for a while. Then we discovered the craft table, where J then discovered scissors and that is where we spent the remainder of the evening. J cut up his piece of paper into as many tiny slivers as he could while D peeled off the backing from the mitten stickers, stocking stickers, heart stickers, etc. and put them on his face. A colleague of mine snapped a photo of that and I'm looking forward to seeing how it turned out. Finally, at 9:30pm we told the boys it was time to go and we headed home. What a night!

3 years

I took the boys to the Doctor today for their 3 year check up. J weighed in at 27 pounds and is 36 1/4 inches tall. D is a whopping 25 pounds and 36 inches tall. When I first went into Dr. Shulman's office for their 1st checkup, I think J weighed around 6 pounds and he was 2 months old. D was probably just over 5 pounds. We went to Dr. Shulman's office once a week for the first month, then it went down to every 2 weeks, then once a month. Even after we got through those critical first months, we were in and out of the doctor because the boys got sick so often. D has had pneumonia 3 times and has been hospitalized twice; J has had croup several times and was almost hospitalized for it once. Today, the Doctor said "either you're seeing someone else or the boys' health is very good". We've only been to the office once since their 2 year check up. What a difference! They're on track developmentally and while they may be small, they're feisty and smart and doing just what 3 year olds should do. And that is the best birthday present I could have asked for them.

Template Parenting

I had what could possibly be the best parenting day ever. First of all, let me preface this post by saying that I went out Saturday night and had a few drinsk . . . oops, I mean drinks. So when I went to bed late Saturday night (think early Sunday morning) I was really expecting to have one of those foggy, headachy days when the kids seem to whine extra long and extra loud. Especially since D was running a fever Saturday evening. So, maybe it was the low expectations. Anyway, J crawled into bed at 5:30am but fell right back to sleep . . . and stayed there until 7:30am. Ok, I haven't stayed in bed until 7:30am in years! What a luxury! We went out to the living room and put in a movie which he watched quietly while I leafed through a magazine. Yes, you heard right. I leafed through a magazine!! D joined us early in the movie and since they were being so sweet and mellow, I gave them an extra nutri grain bar. What a treat, right? Then J helped me make the waffle batter and I made waffles. After breakfast, I took them to the Farmer's Market. T's friend Step had dropped by to watch the Eagles game so I figured, what the hell - let's get out of their hair and after we shop at the FM, I'll take the boys to the playground as a reward. They were so good at the market - helped me pick out zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, apples and green beans. They only fought one time but otherwise stayed close to me and listened so well. There was a big bounce house with a rock wall and slide at the FM so we took the groceries to the car, then walked over to the bounce house. J hopped into that house and immediately went for the rock wall. He navigated that wall like a pro and before I knew it, was down the slide and running back for more. It was amazing to watch. D required a little more help. He tried to do it on his own but got scared as he reached the top. I had to go in and help him up the wall a few times but then he "got" it. Frankly, I don't blame him for being scared - that wall was steeeeep!! And when there were other kids at the top it swayed and it was a little disconcerting, even for me. Anyway, they did that for 30 minutes and then it was time to go. They protested for a while but I explained that they got to go up one last time but that their time was up and we needed to take the groceries home and have lunch. Once I got their shoes back on, both of them wanted to be carried. So, I hoisted J onto my right hip then leaned down for D to hook onto my left hip. As we were walking away from the bounce house a woman sitting on the lawn with her infant said "way to go, girl - bravo". I gotta say - it made me feel so good. Sometimes it's so hard to stay patient and of all days, yesterday should have been the worse but instead, it was the best. We went home and T had lunch ready for us. After lunch he and Step took the boys for a drive - code for you need naps!!! I took off for Target and spent the afternoon picking out accessories for my new office. The rest of the day passed uneventfully but just as peacefully. Part of me is really skeptical - like what the heck happened that I could manage things so well yesterday when other days the littlest thing will have me tearing my hair out? I don't know but I hope to take this day and use it as a "template" for the kind of parent I want to be everyday.

Happy Birthday D

Dear D,
You reluctantly entered the world three years ago today. You were not ready but J was anxious and so the decision was made for you. Your dissatisfaction was expressed with weak cries and whimpering - and it was music to my ears. You gave us a scare the next day when your lung collapsed and you had to have a chest tube inserted. But, you are fierce and determined and were so even then. We used to do kangaroo care with you and you absolutely loved it. I would unbutton my shirt and the nurse would slide you in, then I'd cover us with a blanket and you would nuzzle deep into my chest, curled up like a little kidney bean. That's why we started calling you "the Bean". And when it was time to put you back in your isolette, you would resist - your little fingers grasping to hold onto my skin, your face straining to stay next to my chest. I'm sorry I couldn't keep you there forever.
Sometimes I would walk into the NICU and find you with your finger on your chin, squinting through your eyes as if to ask skeptically, "what is that?". While J wanted to explore his surroundings enthusiastically, you were more wary. And today, you are by turns shy and outgoing, determined and unsure, afraid to change and quick to change. You're a bit of a mystery and I think you like it that way. Your sense of humor is quiet and smart. You're independent but sometimes just need your momma or daddy. Your memory is unbelievable and you have been known to hold a grudge for hours - but then, sweetly you will forgive us, tired of being mad and the energy it takes, with a simple hug.
My little Bean - my excitable, smart, funny, fierce, determined, cautious, lovable Bean - Happy third Birthday.
I love you.
Momma

Happy Birthday J

Dear J,
It was 3 years ago today that you quietly entered the world. Not breathing, not crying. I held my breath waiting to hear you - finally after D was born, I heard you. I'll never forget the enormous relief I felt when I heard those weak cries and whimpers. And now, you are 3 years old. I can't believe how fast these years have gone. Over the 2 months that you were in the NICU, your personality began to emerge. Your eyes were always open - those big round eyes wanted to see everything. You always seemed to be asking "what is that?", always straining to see your surroundings. The nurses would frequently take pictures of you because those big eyes would be positively comical in your tiny little face.
And today, your eyes are still enormous and so expressive - dark brown just like your daddy's, rimmed in the thickest, curliest lashes. And you often ask "what is that?", just as you always seemed to when you were a newborn. I love the way you want to hold my hand when we're sitting on the couch watching a movie. I love the way you throw your arms around my neck and kiss my cheek and say "I love you". I even love that you don't want me to leave when I drop you off at daycare, the way you wrap your arms around my leg and bury your face and say "don't go to work". Sometimes you come over to me and just kiss my hand or my leg and then you look up at me and smile. You like when I wear lipstick and want me to kiss you so you'll have some too. And what a helper! Whether it's emptying the dishwasher, running the vacuum, putting the groceries away - you love to help.
So, to my sweet, loving, affectionate, curious, energetic, helpful, wonderful J - Happy 3rd Birthday.
I love you.
Momma

Mary really gets around

When we were driving around Boston, the boys were entertaining us by singing "Mary had a little lamb". First D sang the song, well the first line of the song not the entire song but it was on key and he had that line down. Then J joined in but J's version is a little different. For one thing, it's much louder and not necessarily on key - not because J can't sing but because J has a quirky sense of humor. And another thing - his song lyric went like this "Mary had a yellow man". Like I said, J's funny. Anyway, so they're singing away back there when suddenly D yells out "NOT LIKE THAT!!!". J keeps singing the same way with the same lyric but even louder and D yells again "NOT LIKE THAT!!!". And so it went on and on until D ended up screaming and J screamed back and then suddenly there's tears and I suggested maybe we should come up with a different song to sing.
A few days after we got back to LA, as we were driving home from school, J started singing "Mary had a little lamb" with the correct lyrics and tune. He paused briefly and during that pause D chirped "yeah, like that!".

Pin Signing

Here's me looking slightly sheepish as I wait for the first people in line - the ones who've waited 3 1/2 hours for this!!

3 hours of Fame

Back in July, the CL gang sent out an invitation to all of FA to pick up a CL maquette and re-cast him into a new role - whatever we wanted. I picked one up and finally figured out what I would do - 2 days before he was due. I decided to make him into an out of work actor. After all, his movie is over and the kid's gotta find some work. So, I found green-rimmed sunglasses, a khaki visor, a green backpack and a miniature phone. I created a script to hang out of his backpack, made miniature acting books and trade magazines, made headshots and even created a miniature resume - complete with real and fake credits. I was real-ly proud of my effort and thought when I handed him in that I would never see him again. Well, it turns out that D-land loved all the maquettes that FA did and decided to choose 4 to have commemorative pins made. My little chicken was picked and on Saturday, October 15th I got to go down to D-land for a pin signing event. It was a great experience. First, to my surprise, there was a line of people waiting for the event to start who had been there since 6:00am. They were so excited about the pin, about meeting us (the designers) and about the character. It was very uplifting to see the positive response about a character whose movie isn't even out yet. We signed for 3 hours and had a steady group of people during that time. Some wanted to take our pictures, some wanted pictures with us, some wanted their pins personalized, some wanted us to sign their autograph books. All were enormous fans of Dney and their enthusiasm is contagious. It's invigorating to be around that level of Dney love - it reminds me of all the things that I love about working here.

Overheard

on the way to school this morning:

What are you doing, J? (D)

Picking my nose. (J)

Oh. (D)

The Four of us

The Wedding

. . . was spectacular. There was such a great attention to detail but not in an overwhelming way that made you feel like you were watching a "production". Just wonderful details that made the ceremony seem so intimate and personal and yet, we were part of it. For instance, one of my favorite parts was when the Reverend asked that everyone who pledged their support of this marriage to please show that committment by standing. The couple faced us as we all stood and watching their expressions as they absorbed the love that surrounded them was beautiful. Another favorite moment was when they each lit a candle from the unity candle, then walked down the aisle to light the candle of the first person in each pew who then passed the light down the pew until all the candles were lit. It was lovely. I was videotaping the ceremony for Eddie's mom, Chick which was good because I was able to disconnect from the emotion for a little bit. Later, at the reception, I was so emotional - just tearing up over every little thing. I guess it's because I've seen this couple together and apart, together and apart and I didn't think they'd ever get to this day. To see them together, so committed and to be witness to the partnership was really special. Anyway, on to the reception. Oh - one other special touch. When we exited the church, we were given sheet music wrapped up like a cone and inside were rose petals that we were to throw to the couple when they emerged. I later found out that every sheet of music was to a different love song. I really wish I had kept mine.
The reception - really fun, fantastic food, amazing wine, great music. T gave a great toast that made us laugh and cry. Eddie and Elizabeth danced their first dance to a Springsteen song "If I should fall behind". Yeah - I was a puddle during that. I don't know what else to say. Everything I write seems inadequate. I don't have the words to describe how I felt when I saw them dance together. I just don't have the words.
Look at a picture.

We're back!

It was my intention to post throughout our vacation but I just didn't make it. So, that means there is a lot to catch up on. Since I did post about the family reunion, I'll start with the next event which was the BBQ at the Reinoso's. It was wonderful to see these guys, who've been friends since high school, gathered on the deck with their respective spouses and kids, watching the game and swapping stories. A really fun day.
The next evening we went to the Hagey's (another friend from high school) for dinner. That was a stressful night for us because J and D (especially J) were absolute bullies to their kids. My theory is that since the boys always have each other to knock around that they're used to more rough play than kids who are only children or just not used to rough play. And it seems that if a kid doesn't "fight back", that J just gets rougher and rougher. That and we need to limit their sugar intake. Too much ice cream makes J a very naughty boy.
The next day we headed up to Andover, MA to visit our friends, the Tenore's. J and R are practicing Muslims and it was the first day of Ramadan, so we weren't sure what to expect and wanted to make sure we weren't keeping them from anything. We arrived just before sundown - perfect timing! - and R laid out a feast on the table. First, we broke the fast with a sweet, cold soup with fruit in it. Next, a large bowl of chicken soup with pasta and meatballs was put in front of us. Then, the main course: fried chicken drumsticks, chicken curry, jasmine rice, and baked haddock. It was utterly delicious. Finally, we finished off our dinner with tea and cake. Then the boys and their daughter, C, gave chase around the house. C took the early lead - the girl is fast and J maintained a good distance behind her. D brought up the rear and got lapped once or twice. We had a talk with the boys before we got there about the importance of sharing and being kind to C so they were much better than they had been the night previous. The next day, the Tenore's were kind enough to take us through Boston for a quick tour and walk around at Harvard Square. Then we were off for Hyannis to catch the ferry to Nantucket.
Next up - Nantucket with special devotion to the Eddie/Elizabeth wedding.

Memorable Quotes

"Uncle T - I think J is wearing too much makeup." - Cousin Joci to T after discovering J covering his face with lipstick.

Reunion

Just returned from the Rappold Family Reunion. It was really nice to have all the families together for the first time since we've all (well, most) had kids. Watching E and Joc show their cousins their playroom made me wish we could be a little closer so we could get together more often. Jam adores baseball and desperately wanted J or D to play with him but they are just too young still to know what to do. And Jam's quite good with the bat! He looks like a little pro.
It was the first time many of us got to meet our cousins' children and it was really neat to get the kids together to see the similarities. Billy Rappold's little boy Nicholas looks just like him and has an affinity for bugs. As Billy was taking him out to the car to go home, Nicholas was talking about the various bugs we were likely to see at night, why they come out at night and what they might do to us (bite us and leave pimples on our faces).
Joc reminds me so much of D with her deep brown eyes with the sloping lids, contemplative demeanor, quietly observing the action around her. E is all girly personality - already seeming like a girl I wanted to hang out with in high school - smart, pretty, and confident but still a little girl. M and S - so grown up. M is driving now and in her junior year of high school, still dancing, getting more beautiful by the day. Everyone agrees, she looks like Memmie more and more every year.
Bill and Pauline were there with Amanda, Paul and Elizabeth and their girls Madeleine and Mikayla.
Aunt Nancy and Uncle Matt were there, also and it was the first time all the children of Henry and Betty Rappold were together in some 8 years. I only met Henry once and Betty twice but as I reflect on the evening I think they would have been really proud to see their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren together today. All these different lives from all over the country came together to honor them and to celebrate family. It was really a lovely thing to be a part of. Memmie would be so incredibly proud of her grandchildren and even though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives in the souls of her children and grandchildren. I feel really lucky to have married into this family.

PHL - Nonstop

Whew! What a long day that was! We left our house on Thursday, 9/29 at 9:30am, caught the bus at the local airport, checked in at the airport and were at the gate by 11:00am - and had 2 hours to kill. Finally, we got on the plane and we were so lucky because we had an extra seat and it really came in handy! D slept for 4 hours on the plane - almost the entire trip. J slept for nearly 2 hours and then sat on T's lap to color and look at books. They did remarkably well. We didn't get to Grandfather's house until nearly midnight and then they were so excited that they didn't go to sleep until 1:30am. We all took naps yesterday! We're having a really nice time. Today is the Rappold family reunion at Janine's house. That's all for now - more later.

Nautica Malibu Triathlon - Sunday 9/25/2005

I completed my first triathlon! We arrived at Zuma Sunday morning at 5:30am. I set up my transition area, applied the body glide, took a group photo with the rest of the Dney Tri Team and then walked around chatting with fellow teammates. I felt surprisingly calm even as I looked out at pretty big waves. We headed to the beach for 7:00am greeting by the race director then watched the elites head out at 7:15am. My wave wasn't until 8:00am so I went back to the transition area, did a shot of gu then headed back to the beach to contemplate going into the water for a warmup. At 7:50am I went into the water - damn it was cold! 59 degrees! Yikes. So I went in and dove under a few waves just to feel the water, feel the current, get used to the shock. Then back onto the beach to wait for the cannon to signal my start. I lined up toward the back of the pack and on the left. 8:00am - BOOM!! and here we go! I ran out to the water, there were people everywhere - nowhere to dolphin because I'd get kicked. Dolphined a couple of times, dove under some big ones and then finally had fairly calm water and started to swim. Rounded the first buoy quickly and came up to the second one pretty quickly, too. The third buoy seemed to take forever but once I rounded that it was time to turn back into shore. As I swam into shore I kept looking over my shoulder for a big wave to either ride in or dive under. Unfortunately when the big wave came I couldn't make up my mind about riding it in or diving under it and mother nature made the decision for me when that big, bad wave crested on top of my head and spun me around like the spin cycle of a washing machine. Finally, I managed to get my head out of the water for a giant breath and then started swimming again. I kind of caught a little wave that propelled me toward shore and I realized the water was shallow enough that I could start running. Except that I could barely feel my legs. Everything was pretty numb. Did I mention how cold the water was? Anyway, finally got out of the water and started shuffling through the sand. It's hard to run through sand when your body is numb and you've just swam a half mile. Somehow peeled my wetsuit off my body and got my cycling jersey on, then helmet and sunglasses, socks and shoes, got the bike off the rack and off I went. It sounds so fast as I write it but it took me 6 minutes. Nothing eventful happened on the bike - it just took forever. You know, rolling hills blah blah blah. People passing me constantly. Then finally, I'm back in the transition area racking the bike and taking off the helmet, then off I go again for the run. My goal was to complete the whole race in 2 hours 30 minutes. When I looked at my watch after the bike I realized I was really going to have to run hard to make it. Well the first mile felt like I was running on concrete pillars - everything ached and burned. But at the first mile marker I started hitting my stride and feeling comfortable. I passed tons of fellow Dney tri teamers and hearing "Go Team Dney!" as you pass them really spurred me on. At the 2 mile mark I checked the watch and realized I was going to have to run really fast to hit my time goal. I kicked into high gear and before I knew it I was nearing the finish line. The finish area was lined with people cheering and when I came through they started yelling "Go Dney" and that just made me sprint home. I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:28:19! My 4 mile run equaled 42 minutes - that's the fastest I've ever run 4 miles. It was awesome! I can't wait to do it again.
Goals for next year:
1) Shave 1 minute off the swim
2) Shave 2 minutes off T1
3) Shave 15 minutes off the bike
4) Shave 2 minutes off the run

That'll get me closer to 2:10 and then hopefully the following year I can beat 2:00.

More goals for next year:
Besides Nautica, 2 other triathlons.
LA Triathlon - maybe Olympic distance??

Fundraising note: I raised $1775.00 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Dney Tri Team together raised $168,000.00!!

MOM!

That's what J calls me now. MOM! Like he's 13 and he needs some money to go play video games with his delinquent friends. I'm too young to have a 13 year old. T is a little amused at my reaction to this new development. I suppose I would be too, if it weren't for the fact that it's happening to ME! I have noticed that if I don't answer J right away that he reverts to calling me Mommy. But that's probably not the best way to handle it. The thing about J is that he has kind of a wicked sense of humor and is getting quite a kick out of calling me MOM! So the best approach is probably just to ignore it and he'll eventually start calling me Mommy again and then all will be right with the world.

Triathlon Picture

I love this picture.

Thank God Tanja didn't snap a picture of me struggling to get out of my wetsuit.

SCARY!!

Beach Boys

Memorable Quotes

Heard on the way home from the mall last night:

Don't ever bite me. Ok moon? - Dean

Don't talk to me. I'm talking to Daddy. - Dean to Jack

Ramblings

I don't have anything really to say. But I feel guilty for not writing anything since September 4. It's not that our lives have been especially quiet lately, it's just been exceptionally busy and I haven't had the time to chronicle the funny, weird, maddening events of our lives. Plus, it seemed so trite to write about the mundane suburban adventures when so many people have been displaced with just the clothes on their backs. The President addressed the nation last week and it was the first time I was able to listen to one of his speeches the whole way through. Of course, I was just listening to him on the radio so I didn't have to see his facial expressions as he worked his way through the difficult text. The speech was fine but it was just delivered too late. At any rate, I can't really write about it in a thoughtful, diplomatic way and that's not what this blog is about.
The boys are doing well although, Dean's going through a phase which is not at all attractive. He's become very - well sensitive, I guess. He just loses it without any warning and then all is lost. Even Jack has tried to help him but that just makes him more mad. Last Sunday when he woke from his nap he just sat on Tom's lap and cried for an hour and a half. Tom and I were acting like flustered waiters - can I get you some milk? some yogurt? some applesauce? do you want some water? juice? PLEASE TELL ME!!!!! Finally, I asked if he wanted a sippy cup and he half wailed, half cried "yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". Affirmative??? Now that's something I can work with. So after he sucked down a cup full of rice milk, all was right with the world. That bipolar thing is tugging at the back of my brain - I swear! But those moments really aren't that often. Jack climbed into bed this morning, wrapped his arms around my neck and exclaimed, "I love you mommy". That's what it's all about. Bedtime with Dean is one of my favorite times of the day. He nestles into my arm to read books and then when it's time for him to climb into bed he turns to me with his lips pursed ready for kisses. And I can't help but lay my head next to his and tell him over and over what a good, sweet boy he is and that I love him sooooo much. He smiles and says "ok".
Life is good.

Heartbreak

I haven't written about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation along the Gulf Coast, especially New Orleans, because nothing I say can possibly describe the gravity or enormity of the tragedy. The entire city of New Orleans is wiped out. It and the surrounding towns are under water. The floodwaters reached the rooftops and still haven't receded because they haven't been able to repair the broken levees.
How in the world could this have happened? There was warning that a category 5 hurricane was due to hit the gulf coast. There was a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans and yet there were thousands upon thousands of people left in the city. People who were then told to take shelter in the Superdome - where they ran out of food and water within a day or two and the conditions became so unsanitary and unsafe that they began using the stairways as bathrooms.
And where was our President? What of Homeland Security? FEMA? Our Secretary of Homeland Security claimed in an interview on Thursday, Sept. 1st that he had no idea that people in the Superdome were out of food and water. How is that possible when I read about it on the internet on Wednesday?
It makes me sick. And when this administration is questioned on it's slow, inadequate response they divert the question and accuse Democrats and the media of politicking and politicizing. Everything about this President and his corrupt administration is too little, too late. I don't know if America can afford another 3 years of this.

Night Out

Last night was our friend Rishika's birthday dinner at a nice little Indian restaurant in West Hollywood. We took the motorcycle!! I had reservations about taking the motorcycle - mostly because we haven't finished our will. But, we did it anyway and it was glorious. Snaking through the canyons, smelling the eucalyptus, the wind blowing around us - feeling like we escaped the responsibilities of parenthood for a brief moment. You can see it on our faces, those smiles that broadcast our happiness. There have been other examples of it. Like when we went to Mexico for a wedding and the bridal couple thoughtfully arranged for a babysitter so we could have an evening out in San Miguel de Allende, just the two of us.
Do you see what I mean? Those smiles say so much. Yeah, that was fun.
Anyway, I seem to be getting off topic. Last night was great fun, visiting with friends we haven't seen in a while, enjoying great food and finishing off the evening with a cool ride through the canyons.

Happy Birthday Rishika! Thanks for giving us a reason to escape the valley, if only for a few hours.

Can Kids be Bipolar?

Seriously, I wonder. Last night as we were leaving daycare, Dean was screaming at the top of his voice. For a skinny little kid he sure is loud. So he's screaming and Jack is trying to calm him down which only makes him more mad. Finally, I crank the stereo to drown out the noise (Gwen Stefani seems to calm the beasts) and the back seat quiets. Until we get home when Dean starts crying and I don't know why. We get in the house and he's just crying and crying. Everything I say to him only makes him more mad and more upset. I literally start wandering around the house and into the backyard because I don't know what else to do. Suddenly, he's quiet and then he announces, "I happy now. I not crying."

Did someone slip him some paxil when my back was turned? Can I have some?