That's All Folks

Today, being November 30th, is the last day of NaBloPoMo. It was challenging to post something everyday, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I don't think I posted any more than I would in a month, I just spread them out more evenly. It was a nice goal for me to have everyday in that it forced me to pay more attention to my children. Seriously! I was always on the lookout for what I could write about next. Every conversation with Padyn was analyzed as to whether or not it would make good blog fodder (to steal The Girls' Moma's word). Some have suggested I keep posting everyday (Brand New Momma, Grandma, etc...the usual fan base). We'll see. For now, I'll try to post everyday during the week, and I will be continuing Photo Fridays. That's all I can promise.

But I leave you today with something I discovered about Katelyn today. I have no idea if she is super brilliant or behind in her development because a child development expert I am not. (Ask anyone who took Human Development with me. I totally slept through every class.) Here's what she is doing:

MIMICKING

She copies Padyn mostly, when she makes sounds and when she waves her arms. It's the cutest thing. And I think she knows she's doing it because she has the biggest smile on her face and is nearly jumping up and down with excitement (Kate, not Padyn). It's so fun to watch that girl grow bigger and bigger, as Padyn would say.

Random Facts

We were out to dinner tonight for BonBon's birthday, Kate's still in her carseat asleep, and I'm tired, so this will be brief. Four facts for your enjoyment and contemplation (i.e. advice).

1. Padyn got her first real bloody nose tonight. No one socked her, she just started bleeding, probably due to the cold, dry weather we've been experiencing. I get them, too, and sometimes very severely. Like 30 minutes, super heavy, ice packs needed to stop the bleeding severe. Hers wasn't that bad, but we did have to sit and pinch her nose for a while to get it to stop. We were hoping she wouldn't get those. Oh well.

2. Kate has woken up screaming every night for a week. Always between 3 and 4am, always crying for at least 30 minutes. It's not getting shorter, and it doesn't seem to be going away. Early this morning I finally went in after 45 minutes, gave her the paci, swaddled her up, turned her music on and left. She does this funny thing where she screams two more times after you shut the door then she is completely done. She usually does it when I put her down for naps and at bedtime, so it wasn't surprising to have happen this morning. But seriously...I just couldn't handle it anymore this morning. At 4:30am all you care about is getting a couple more hours of sleep. I couldn't let it continue any longer. And the poor girl has dark circles under her eyes today. I haven't decided what I'm going to do tonight when she wakes up. I've been debating all day whether I should continue to let her scream or just go fix it so we can all get better rest.

3. Kate is learning how to wave. She was showing off this new skill that I had no idea she possessed tonight at dinner. It is highly adorable.

4. Padyn was obsessed with "Heaven" today. She wanted to see it, go there, know who else will be there...I'll have to ask her teacher tomorrow what they've been learning about in bible time. She must really be paying attention during that time. (But obviously she missed the lesson about how Jesus doesn't eat her already digested food.)

Apparently, Jesus Likes to Eat

"Mommy, I want more apricots."

"We don't have anymore, honey. We ate them all."

"We ate them all up?"

"Yes."

"And now Jesus is eating them?"

"Maybe..."

"Mommy, where is Jesus? Is He in our house and in our hearts?"

"Yes, baby, He is."

"Does Jesus like to cook?"

"I have no idea."

Birthday Pictures

Did you see that I put up the photos from Padyn's birthday on Flickr? Finally, you are saying. Yes, finally. Go check them out. And the ones of Storyhour at Red Rock. And of Padyn riding her bike. And other random photos that I can't even remember right now.

Coming soon...videos on YouTube! Yes, my technology skills are slowly expanding.

(And now that I've promised that, I really have to deliver, don't I?)

One Down, One to Go

This morning, the "dirty paci" died. You know, the dirty paci. The one that Padyn rubbed on her nose and cheek. It never went into her mouth. Maybe that's why she called it the dirty paci. Or maybe it got it's name due to the excessive amount of lint it collected on its latex nipple.

Apparently the nipple broke. Daddy had Padyn throw it in the trash.

Now there's only one more. It's the one that she actually sucks on. The one she's had from birth. Everyday I remind her that when she sleeps without it we can go buy this. She picked it out last week at Toys R Us. She calls it the Dora Cara.

We'll see if and when she actually gets it. Every morning she asks for it and I ask her if she's ready to sleep without her pacis. Her reply is usually an enthusiastic yes, but when it comes to sleepy time, she isn't willing to part with them yet.

To be continued...

Double Take

This picture just flashed across my screen saver and I thought, "Hmmm...when did I put that dress on Kate? It must have been this summer."

And then I realized it wasn't Kate.

No wonder I don't remember pulling that dress out yet. Doesn't it look cute on PADYN? She's 9 and a half months old in this picture. But boy, I really thought it was Kate for a second.

The other one? That's a 14 month old Coley.

Ok, Fine

Due to complaints from fans (Christie!) I will extend an explanation of yesterday's post, but it's not that interesting. It's just context.

Padyn, Kate and I were in Padyn's room getting Padyn dressed. Kate was on the floor putting everything in her mouth that she could (did I tell you she ate a gift receipt the other day?) and I was rubbing the snot off Padyn's face with a baby wipe. Baby wipes are fabulous. Anyway, I was telling Padyn she was silly for having snot on her face and she said, "I have SNOT on my face!"
Then she immediately turned to Kate and commented on her lack of hair.

That's it.

Happy now?

Telling It Like It Is

"[Katelyn,] you have no hair, sweetie!"

Padyn...master of the obvious.

Padyn's Photo Friday

This Photo Friday I thought we'd switch things up a bit and show you some of the photos Padyn has been taking on her new Fisher Price digital camera. Now, the quality is so below sub-par that it's amusing and she usually cuts off everyone's heads because the view finder is a bit off, but it is still fun to see what she wants to take pictures of. I downloaded 80 pictures tonight, but she has been deleting quite a few everyday, so who knows how many she has taken in the last week and a half. I keep telling her not to press the red button since that makes them go away for ever, but she doesn't seem to care. I think she has deleted some of her best shots. These were the ones I found particularly entertaining when I went through them.

Crazy Daddy

Kate refusing to eat (actually, I think Kate was eating, but she was distracted by her sister's stunning photo taking skills.)The garbage can: Vol. I and IIAll the crazy fools taking pictures of Padyn taking picturesMommy in the morning:a bit scary, isn't she?Kate crawling towards her favorite person
Unfortunately, some of the other shots just wouldn't load. If they had you would have seen that Padyn is also fond of getting shots of her placemat, her new computer and the highchair. There are also a few almost completely black shots. Maybe the back of her hand? The carpet? She took some of Papa and Kate last night, but she immediately deleted them all. She's her own worst critic.

Being Thankful

It's easy to be thankful for the obvious things--our family, our health, our prosperity. But are you thankful for the little things? The things that are easy to overlook in our hectic highly scheduled lives?

The clear crisp fall day where you can see your breath. Can't you just feel what being alive feels like? The spark of discovery in the eyes of a child who suddenly puts two and two together and understands the connection.

The unconditional love of a child.

A child's imagination.

A baby wearing sunglasses.

We hope that you believe you are as infinitely blessed as we feel we are, and that you were able to take a moment today and reflect on those blessings and be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving and Peace Be With You.

Musical Chaos

I just wanted to give you insight into how I spend my evenings when Joel is gone...

On television is the Madonna: The Confessions Tour. I secretly love Madonna even though I haven't bought an album since the Blonde Ambition era. But seriously? Don't even try to pretend you play the guitar, Madonna, when you only know two chords. It doesn't make you look like the bada** you think it does. Stick to singing. And dancing. And showing off your buff arms.

On the computer I'm listening to songs on the Zach Braff playlist because I also secretly love him. I enjoy most of the music he helps get on Scrubs and in his films. Garden State should be in my list of favorite movies in my profile. I don't think it is, but it should be. (But, Zach. Post something current on your blog. Please. A month without a post? Lame.) I just bought the soundtrack from The Last Kiss even though I haven't seen the movie yet. Maybe I will love it just that much more once I finally get to see it.

Now I'm going to go listen to other artists I've never heard of and probably buy a few more songs. I LOVE iTunes. And my iPod. And I'm going to continue being amazed at how Madonna can sing AND dance without seeming to lose her breath.

Did I mention I'm also drinking wine, picking out Christmas presents for Katelyn and trying to fold laundry? It's a rough night.

All the Best Conversations Happen at Breakfast

"Mommy, is it going to be my birthday again?"

"It isn't going to be your birthday again but you are going to have a birthday party with your friends in a couple weeks."

"And there will be CAKE?"

"Yes, there will be cake. What kind of cake do you want?"

"PINK!"

"Ok, I'll get you a pink cake."

"And we'll have my cookies?"

"No, your cookies are all gone."

"Where are they?"

"We ate them. They're in your tummy."

"In my tummy? For JESUS to EAT!"

Not yet quite understanding the concept of Jesus living in her heart.

Following in Big Sister's Footsteps...Literally

This? Nothing good can come of this. NOTHING.

Too Soon to Tell

I feel great this morning. GREAT! It is probably due to the fact that I slept 8 hours in a row last night. EIGHT! IN A ROW! This hasn't happened for at least 9 months. Between getting up to pee while pregnant and getting up to feed the babe, I have forgotten what 8 hours in a row feels like.

I turned the light off at 10:05pm and woke up at 6:40am. Of course, my first response was to freak out. Usually I hear from Katelyn a couple times a night, although I don't go in to her room until after 5am to feed her. But 6:40am and I still hadn't heard her. I listened very carefully and a minute or two later, I heard her very quietly talking. She had slept 11 hours!

I don't expect this to continue. I'm going to assume it's a fluke due to teething, possible cold, growth spurts or some other inexplicable reason to break her pattern. That way, when I'm awake at 1:30am, 4am and 5:30am tomorrow morning, I won't be too disappointed.

Good Morning, Momma

Apparently Daddy had the exact same conversation with her yesterday morning.

Scene: Sitting at the table, eating breakfast.

"Momma, how is your morning going?"

"Fine, Padyn. I got a good night's sleep and I feel good this morning."

"I had a bad time sleeping last night."

"Why?"

"Because Kate was yelling. She was screaming and screaming."

"Ummm...no she wasn't."

"Yes. She. Was."

Really, she wasn't, but she was the night before last.

All Grown Up?

Last week I turned 32. Not a big deal. It doesn’t feel any different from 31, 30 or 29. And really, the only reason it feels slightly different from younger than that is because before 29 I was in the pre-baby mode. In fact, in some ways, it feels better than when I was younger. I have no research reports to complete, I’m getting more sleep and eating better, and I’m in better shape than I’ve been in since before I was pregnant with Padyn. But what strikes me as odd is just that—I don’t feel much different than I did at say 23 when we were first married, or even 20 when I was still in college. Albeit, I can see that I’m a bit more mature, and I’m a bit more set in my ways and opinions than I was then. But physically, I feel the same.

Yet, when I was younger (late teens, early twenties) I saw the age I am at now as old. Not old, as in old and decrepit needing a cane or anything. But old in the sense of being mature, having a plan for your life, knowing what you want to do when you grow up and doing it. Feeling settled, complete…I don’t know….GROWN-UP. Maybe that’s just it. I thought I’d feel like a grown-up. And I don’t.

In all outward appearances, I am a grown-up. I have two kids, a husband, a mortgage and a nice car. I used to have a steady pay check and people wanted to know my opinion and seek my advice concerning work issues. We mostly have a plan for our life. Those are all grown-up things. I even have gray hair. Well, it’s more white really, but that plum hair coloring I used two weeks ago has taken care of some of that.

I guess what I’m really wondering is, do you ever feel like a grown-up? Look, yes. But feel? Maybe that wouldn’t be a good thing after all. I do have a few more aches and pains in my neck and back, but I just chalk that up to weight training and carrying a 17 pound infant around all the time. (That and carrying the 17 pound infant AND the 30 pound preschooler at the same time.) And why is it I thought I would feel different? What is at the heart of being “grown-up?” Certainly not age. I’ve met many adults that I wouldn’t call grown-ups. Unfortunately, some of them even have children.

I bet my babysitters think I’m a grown-up. Maybe you are a grown-up as long as people younger than you perceive you as one. Or at least your children. Which is just the way it should be, I guess.

Lambda Blog

Look! She's getting close to a fuzzy creature!

This is our new friend, Lambda. She belongs to our good friend, Dr. Stephanie. We were in Davis for the weekend and went to visit Lambda out at her barn. I think Kate liked her better than Padyn. Kate made all these squeaky cooing noises whenever she saw the little lamb. When I gave her the chance to pet her, she grabbed and pulled on her head. It was highly adorable. Padyn didn't want to have much to do with her until Steph brought out the food. I don't know why Padyn was more interested in feeding her out of her hand than petting her. Strange strange child of mine.

I keep trying to convince Steph she should start a blog for her little baby.

Accomplishments

Suddenly within the last couple weeks, Padyn is able to do things that I've been trying to teach her to do for the past 6 months:

ride her bike (peddling AND steering)
color in the lines
trace shapes

The only thing I can figure is that she does all these things at school because she certainly didn't want to hear how to do them from ME. I am amazed that within a short 2 and a half months of school (and that's only 2 days a week, so really we're talking about something like 20 days) she has pulled together all the encouragement, modeling and instruction from the last 6 months and is completely capable of doing these skills. The most amazing thing is I never saw the progress. I feel as if one day she couldn't do it, then the next she could. Well. Without my help. Because she WANTS to.

I never cease to be amazed by my 3 year old.

We're #1

Now, today, if you Google Padyn?

That's right...we've made it to the number one spot.

But how long can this newfound fame last?

So Many Ducks, So Little Time

DSC_0078
Originally uploaded by P & K's Mommy.

Can you believe she has allowed herself to be surrounded by so many ducks?

Photo Friday

Here it is...Friday again. And here we have what just might became a tradition, even after NaBloPoMo is over. Photo Friday! Featuring photos from the week (or previous weeks if I've been really lazy) that are my particular favorites, either because I feel they completely capture my children's personalities or I just like how I got the shot framed (vanity, vanity). Anyway, there are a few from Padyn's birthday that I hadn't posted yet, and some from our trip to the duck pond almost a week ago. And of course, one of the best is of Kate practicing her new-found yoga skills. Mad skillz this girl has. What's this one called, the Cobra?

The Naked Fairy

Yesterday morning I went for a run really quick since my mom was here to watch over the children. When I came home, Mom met me at the door and said, "I had nothing to do with this."

What? Your grandchild decided on her own to dress up in her new fairy costume with nothing else on totally by herself?


Apparently so.

Do you see the fuzzy slippers?

Two Snaggled Teeth

Kate cut her second tooth yesterday-7 months, 1 1/2 weeks old. I just hope that tonight there is not as much crying and gnashing of teeth as there has been over the past few nights. Will this kid ever sleep through the night again?

Padyn's Birthday Fun

I have been so tired these last couple days that all I can manage to post today is a few pictures from Padyn's little birthday celebration last night. Grandma flew in yesterday morning and is here until Saturday. She and Auntie Colleen were here for dinner, then Papa and BonBon joined us for cake and presents. Padyn was hysterical with her presents. I don't know yet which photos Blogger will manage to post, but her favorite presents were her dress-up clothes from Grandma, her new (REAL!) digital camera from Auntie Colleen and Auntie Erica, and her "computer" from Papa and BonBon. Notice nothing her parents gave her was a favorite? Actually, it was today. One of her presents from us was some pretend food. She's been playing all day with it. Even Kate's been playing with it! But her new Bob and Larry CD that I thought she'd love?

"I no like this one. I no want to watch it."

Ok...well, here's what she DID enjoy about her birthday yesterday.

Grandma and Grandpa Lane gave her this lovely skirt, wand and fairy wings. There are a couple feather boas that go with it, but she seems to be afraid of them. Those and the crown. She made everyone else wear the crown but she refused to put it on.

Taking pictures of everyone with her new camera was a big hit. And it takes real pictures! I'll download some and post them on Photo Friday. This is her new 'puter that plays music, shows her letters and their sounds and does a bunch of other stuff I haven't figured out yet. She'll probably figure it out before me. Mmmm...cake. I love cake. Do you think this bite is too big?

I was going to just do white whipped cream for the frosting, but when I was posting yesterday's blog, she was sitting on my lap and saw the picture of her blowing out her candles from last year. She said she wanted a cake just like that. I said, "What, pink?" Yup. Pink. It's a good thing I still had red food coloring.
And that seems to be all Blogger can handle for now. I'll post more tomorrow. And show you what I came home from my run to this morning. It was scary...very very scary.

Why Can't It Be More Than Once?

Padyn had a nice birthday. It was mostly normal--school, nap, "Curious George" in the afternoon. But everything was tinted with the pinkness that was her birthday. So tonight when I put her to bed, I wanted to warn her that tomorrow would not be the same.

"When you wake up, it won't be your birthday anymore."

"Why?"

"Because it's only your birthday once a year."

"Awww...but when I turn two I will have TWO birthdays!"

Not yet understanding the concept of birthday...

Happy Birthday Padyn!

It's hard to believe that today Padyn is 3 years old. It seems like just last week that we brought her home from the hospital. Here a look at her last three birthdays. (Yes, three. There was the first actual BIRTH day.)

More tomorrow of her celebrating turning 3.

Alison Krauss and Union Station

Joel managed to find last minute tickets to the Alison Krauss concert last night in San Francisco. (Gotta love Craigslist.) If you don't know Alison Krauss, or don't think you like bluegrass, you are really missing out. Just try it. I swear you will like it. If you appreciate true musicians, you will love it.

I've been to many many concerts. Everything from U2 to The Ramones. I don't think I've been to one where the quality of the music was as good. Vocally, Alison is amazing. The things she can make her voice blow my mind. Even I recognize the skill and strength it must take to make her voice perform the way she wants. And musically, the band is phenomenal. It helps that they've been playing together for many many years. Some 15, 8, 17...when you work that long together what you get is near perfection. They have songs of substance that immediately evoke emotion. They have created things that people think that cuts right to the heart of what I'm feeling.

But it wasn't just that the music was excellent that made the concert so memorable. They are a great group of people. All of them were charming, funny, and in no way arrogant. It seemed like they really enjoyed each others company and playing together was so much fun. The weren't afraid to poke fun at themselves or act silly on stage. Alison loved talking in silly voices and impersonating people. Who does that in concert?

I'd have to say seeing Alison Krauss and Union Station is right up there with seeing hugely famous musicians live. It may have been the very best show I've been to. It definitely ranks with U2, whom we manage to see every tour. I think we'll be adding AKUS to our "must not miss" list.

Bathtime

Don't have time to post now since we are on our way to the Alison Krauss concert. (SO COOL!) But I knew I had to get something on today, so here's a picture of Katelyn's new favorite activity--taking a bath with her sister.

Really Not Sure This Time

I'm in need of a little advice from you, my loving internet community. You are full of wisdom, experience, and advice. I know you'll come through for me. You always do. I could probably figure this one out on my own, but why, when I have you to ask?

It's about the pacifiers. Padyn's beloved pacis. You see, she turns three next Tuesday. And in my mind, three was always the cut off for the pacis. Pacis must go bye-bye at three. Dr. N, Padyn's unofficial dentist (unofficial because Padyn's never actually been to see her in the office) said they had to be gone by three. Three seems a good time. Preschool, big girl, potty trained...it just makes sense that these should be next. And really, I thought by now she would have decided she didn't want them anymore. But she hasn't. She loves them.

And I SOOOOOO don't want to take them away.

One--because they are just too easy. She loves the pacifiers. They are her lovies. She doesn't have a blankie or special stuffed animal that she's latched onto (although lately she's really into one of her duckies). They instantly calm her. She goes to bed without a fuss because she knows she can have her pacis there. Once her pacis are in her mouth and hand (one goes in the mouth and the other gets rubbed on her nose) there is no more crying and gnashing of teeth. There's no more tantrums and whining. There's peace. And contentment. And sleeping.

Two--because I'm afraid of what the next few weeks would be like. I'm a bit lazy and the thought of living with an extra super whiney three year old does not sound appealing.

And Three--because I just don't really know how to take them away. Paci party? Paci fairy? Pacis going to needy children in Africa? Throwing them out the car window?

I've been talking up THREE lately. Three is when you are a BIG GIRL. And big girls don't need pacis. Only babies need pacis. You'll be a big girl and you can go to sleep without them. You have your duckie. He'll help you go to sleep. Sometimes I get her to agree with me and sometimes she says she wants to be a baby.

Is it really that important for her to not have them anymore? Is it too much of a crutch? Is it harmful? I can see if she got them all the time and was walking around the grocery store with them that it would be time to call it quits. But for the most part, she only gets them when she goes to bed. And they fall out of her mouth when she goes to sleep. I'd really like to give her the opportunity to decide it's time to get rid of them rather than me deciding for her. Eventually she'll decide she doesn't need them anymore, right?

And maybe she'll just go off to college with them.

The Promised Pictures

It's Friday, and that means it's time for some pictures. I may have posted similar ones in the past, but these are cute ones from the last month that for whatever reason never made it here. Now they have.

These two were taken on the day of the little carnival . Padyn wanted to wear her costume, and when I asked her how she wanted her hair done she said, "Three on the top and one in the back." That was a new request. But we made it happen. And it looked pretty darn cute.

Kate was probably doing this while we were doing Padyn's hair. She just looks so happy with all her toys. Especially now that she can move around them.
These next three were taken when we were down south, probably all on the same day. I love how Padyn is trying to give her sister a drink in the first one. The next is her being silly for the camera and the last is her playing in the pond at my mom's house.
In early October, Daddy went with us to the duck pond one Saturday in the late afternoon. Look how close Padyn got to the geese! She is really getting over her fear of animals. The one below it of Kate is also at the duck pond. I think this was the first time she was in the "big" stroller."This one was taken at the beginning of October, just as Kate turned 6 months old. I love that squinty smile.

Happy Friday!

She's SO Bossy

I am in the office setting up Padyn with a video of Curious George so I can clean the bathrooms and get a shower while Kate is sleeping. The tape finishes rewinding and I start playing it and look back at the computer to quickly check email before I go do that fun stuff.

Padyn looks at me, points at the door and says, "Go, Mommy. You have work to do."

Apparently, I do.

I Have NO Idea Where She Learns This Stuff

I was talking to the director of Padyn's preschool today and she told me about what Padyn did on Tuesday.

Padyn goes to get a piece of paper and brings it to the table. She looks up at Mrs. M and says, "I'm making a schedule for my Mommy."

Hmmm...are we too busy?

Struggling to Find a Topic

The last couple days I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what to post about. Today I'm in a bit of a slump. When I read other blogs, I am reassured that I am not alone. So today, I'll just tell you what we did and that will be that. Not terribly exciting, but hey. I just can't be exciting 7 days a week. Feel free to skip this entry and come back tomorrow when I promise to have pictures from the week.

I've been meaning to take the girls in for a portrait together ever since Katelyn was born. Seven months later, I finally got around to it. It was slightly stressful. I wanted to get them in tomorrow since we have no plans on Fridays, but it being Veteran's Day Observed I couldn't get an appointment outside of naptime. I settled for today at noon, but knew that would be pushing it. Padyn gets out of preschool at 11:30. JCPenney wasn't that far away, but when I went to pick up Padyn I still had to get each of them dressed, fix Padyn's hair, and nurse Kate. We managed to roll into the Portrait Studio a few minutes after noon, albeit, Kate wasn't fed yet, but I knew I'd have to wait. You ALWAYS have to wait. We got the hair straightened and the socks on and the baby fed while we sat around. Why or why do they schedule for a time when they are NEVER ready for you at that time?

I had the girls in matching dresses that my friend Shauna gave to me when Kate was born. Miraculously they both still fit into them. Kate's is 0-3 months and Padyn's is 24 months. They were a bit short, but little girls can get away with short skirts. They looked very cute. Everyone we walked past said so.

Padyn has been in for pictures a number of times, so I knew she would be easy. The hardest part was getting her to really smile. She kept doing that fake "cheese" smile where her eyes are too squinty and her lips are thin lines. Regardless, I think we got a few that really capture her personality right now.

Katelyn was not so happy about the picture taking. Especially when taking them with Padyn. I couldn't get her to smile and she eventually ending up in tears. The ones of just her are cute. Maybe because Padyn was lying on the floor next to the photographer trying to make Kate laugh. But the ones with Padyn she was not happy about. Fortunately, we did get a couple of decent ones. I don't think Kate was ever really smiling, but she's got some cute looks on her face and she doesn't look terribly pained. The photographer was pretty skilled at catching those shots. I was so glad. It really stinks when the photographers aren't very good and you want to scream, "Just give me the camera and let me do it!" That's how I felt last time we took Padyn and Bella in for photos.

After the shoot we had to wait AGAIN because now that they've gone digital it takes longer to get the shots onto the computer for your viewing pleasure. That makes no sense to me, but 15 minutes later we were viewing the photos. The girls did super despite the waiting and the lack of lunch and the slightly stressed mommy. My goal is to get them in every 6 months for shots--around each of their birthdays. We'll see how that holds up next May/April. You can keep me accountable.

And don't worry-I'll share the pictures with you when I get them.

Lotions + Padyn = Badness

This morning Padyn was awfully quiet. Usually we can hear from her about 7am talking to herself and reading her books. Then at some point, usually around 7:45, she decides it's time to start calling for us. This morning at 7:45 we had still heard nothing, so Joel went in to see what she was up to. Quietness is always a bad sign.

Padyn was sitting on her bed with a tube of Lansinoh Breast Cream in her hands. She had managed to squeeze the thick, gooey cream all over her hands, feet, hair and sheets. Now, if this was regular lotion, it might not be such a big deal. But this stuff? It's thick. And impervious to water. And soap. And wipes. I wiped her off as best as I could, stuck her in the bath, and tried to get it all off. But even after bathing her, I could still feel the residue of the stuff on my hands. So I knew it wasn't going to leave her skin anytime soon. Oh well. At least it's good for her skin.

I have no idea how I'm going to get it off the sheets.

Lesson of the day: Never ever ever leave lotion of any kind in Padyn's room. It doesn't matter if you think she can't reach it. She can.

A New Blogger on the Rise

We're going international people...

One of my friends from Australia has started her own blog, just in time for NaBloPoMo! (I'm sure that was your intention, right, Kazz?) Anyway, you can see her adorable dogs and part of her veggie garden and their gorgeous view on a beautiful spring day in the Hunter. You make me want to come visit, Kazz. What about a picture of my roses?

So go check out the happenings at Prettydog Vineyard. And, no. She's not shouting at you. She just likes capitals.

Three Random Pictures for Your Viewing Pleasure

Kate enjoying her new walker that we borrowed from someone at church. I know walkers are supposed to be all bad for kids, but look how much she likes it. And it makes car noises. Who can resist that?



Apparently Padyn is changing her name.

A few months ago The Girls' Moma wanted everyone to see the front of her fridge. It was some wacky blogging idea she got from some book that I'm sure I'll eventually read. At the time I was hesitant to show off my fridge because, you know, it's a mess. And hers is neat. With little frames around all the photos. Well, since I have to post everyday this month, I figured that it would make good filler. Here it is. There's a closer shot in Flickr.

I Did It!

Look! Over there on the right. Under my profile but before the sidebar with links. It's my Flickr badge! I actually managed to get it on here without completely destroying the rest of my template. (SO glad I have that unpublished Test Blog to try new things on.)

Now you can click on any of those beautiful pictures of Kate stuffing her face, and it will take you right to my Flickr sight where you can view ALL the pictures of Kate stuffing her face. And crawling around on the bed. And playing with Padyn.

Go. Try it. Let me know if it doesn't work. (Although, really, I have no idea what to do if it doesn't work.)

Padyn's Pick of the Week

You know how Padyn loves to listen to the same music over and over again. Well, this week we have been required to listen to They Might Be Giants No album again and again. We hadn't listened to this one is a while because Padyn had never really been into it. But, for some reason Daddy had been singing her the Violin song off that album this week, so I decided to pull it out and try again. I figured it would be a nice break from Veggie Tales.

Note to self: Never never NEVER have Padyn listen to something that you won't be able to stand repeated over and over and over again. And? Veggie Tales isn't that bad.

It started with the Violin song. We had to listen to it like 28 times in a row. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and pulled the Mommy card. I told her it was Mommy's turn and we switched to something else. But like the almost 3 year old she is, she was asking for the Violin song again after 13 seconds.

Then it was the No song. The title of the song is "No" but she calls it the "Yes and No Song."

Then the constant requests to go back and forth between the two songs.

Finally, I forced her to listen to other songs on the album. And a strange thing happened. She wanted to listen to the new songs and not "Violin" and "No" anymore. Ok.

Now she has her own little name for all the songs and she'll ask for particular ones before we even get in the car. This morning I was putting her shoes on and she told me she wanted to listen to the Broom song when we got in the car. Of course, I started singing it because it is now trapped forever inside my skull. Here's what she said:

"No, Mommy. You can't sing the song. Wait until we get into the car."

"I can't sing it?"

"No. You have to wait until we are in the car."

Ok. So, we get in the car, I turn the key and we are about ready to roll. I told her I'd put on the Broom song.

"No, Mommy. Wait 'til we're driving."

I start backing up out of the garage.

"Ok, Mommy. You can turn it on now. But don't sing."

I'm ready to go back to Veggie Tales anytime.

The Proof is in the Pictures

My child who doesn't seem to like eating? At least, that doesn't seem to like eating solids? Well, something happened to her this weekend. I'm not sure what, but it must be some personality shift because, now? She's eating. Prunes yesterday and sweet potatoes today. And it appears she likes them. Let us please look at the evidence that supports this conclusion:

Exhibit A: The opening of the mouth for prunes
I decided to try prunes yesterday because her pooping hasn’t been regular lately. I was worried the rice cereal might be messing her up, so I thought we’d go for something a little more complimentary to non-pooping children. I had no idea she’d actually like them. And really, she didn’t just like them, she LOVED them. I’m not sure what the attraction of prunes is, but sign her up.

Exhibit B: Opening her mouth AND reaching for the spoon

Exhibit C: Smiling while eating her sweet potatoes

Exhibit D & E: Trying desperately to get those pesky Cheerios in her mouth

And now for the final, most conclusive proof that Katelyn does seem to like food:

Exhibit F: The empty sweet potato containerThe entire thing. Eaten. Today. In one sitting.

Simply amazing.