Another Month Gone By

Dearest Lydia,

Once upon a time you screamed. A lot. Even when you were sleeping, you'd still moan, wiggle and let out an uncomfortable wail on a quite frequent basis.

As it turns out you have some intestinal, slash, digestive, slash, the docs aren't sure what's exactly wrong with you because all allergy tests came back negative issues. We've narrowed down a few things your belly will not tolerate, corn, dairy and soy, a probiotic (which really threw the allergist through a loop), but there are other things that still bother your stomach and your father and I are having a hard time figuring out exactly what we're doing wrong. These foods interfere with your poop and from time to time this poop makes your tiny hiney look like we sat you down in a pot of acid and gave you 2nd and 3rd degree burns. I'm sure it hurts something fierce but I'm not sure exactly what do with you.

You had your 9 month check up today, and everything seems fine. The doctor gave Daddy and I the same basic talk about how you may grow out of this around the age of 2. Try to not give you the offending foods. There's not much he can do. You're fine on formula don't worry about it now.

I did all I could not to shove the doctor's pen right down his throat as he apparently didn't hear or sense the urgentness in my voice that I'd like you to be seen by a pediatric gastrointestinal doctor. He relented, agreed to put in the referral, and then explained to us that there is only one such doctor in our area and thanks to that they are selective upon who they see. Even with a referral, you may not get the help I think you need. And that scares Mommy just a bit.

It's not that I think you have a life threatening illness or anything. I'm thinking more of long term here. The last thing I want to do for the next 15+ months is to continue to "test" random foods by shoving them down your throat and watching and waiting to see if your ass starts to bleed again. It's just not my idea of fun and I don't think you'd appreciate the gesture either.

My dream scenario would be to have you seen by someone, ANYONE at this point, who can tell me what we are feeding you that is so heinous to your system, thus making it so that, in 3 months, when your first birthday comes around you, too, can graduate from formula milk to something that doesn't cost $26 for a 16 ounce can. I'd like you to be able to eat and drink things made more by God and less by Similac.

You see my point, don't you?

At least the days of screaming have all but left us. Today you sleep well and, for the most part, you sleep peacefully. That is until you hear an ant crawling on your window or someone dropping a dollar bill two houses down. You are a very light sleeper is my point. But, at least you sleep without the screaming now. You're much cuter for it, too.
Happy 9 month birthday Lydie Kate. I hope this next month turns over a few more stones for you and your continued peaceful sleep.

Raining: Day 3

**updated**

Three days of rain really stinks.

I mean, sure, day 1 wasn't so bad when all we did was skip church in lieu of hanging around the house in our PJs all day and cleaning.

Day 2 was full of ALL TV ALL DAY which, if you remember, drives me batty when Kyra is being babysat by the television for more then an hour or so of a Disney movie.

Day 3, today, Kyra and I took a nice 3+ hour play date over a friend's house which seemed to let Kyra run off enough energy that she is currently taking a nap without the aid of threats, but when she wakes up... I've got nothing but a movie in mind to entertain her and keep her from being under my feet while I cook supper. I mean, I could let her help me make supper, which she will claim she wants to do, but lately her idea of "helping" is stirring the pot or bowl of whatever with such force that nothing stays in the pot or bowl but is now spread about whatever corner of the kitchen she's working in- and then maybe I could put in a movie to get some cleaning done.

Lydia has taken these rainy days in stride. With being locked in the house all day she's taught herself how to climb the stairs. And, man, is she good. She can shoot up to the landing with lightning speed, swing around the hand rail and start up the second half before we notice she's no longer downstairs.

I have successfully taught her to NOT go near the stairs when she's on the second floor but when we're on the first floor she seems to think the phrase "No, Ma'am" doesn't apply to her. She climbs up without any reservation and then when we fetch her and bring her back down she has this happy little smile to accompany her outstretched arms. It's almost as if she's saying "Hey, thanks for helping me back down so I can do it again RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU this time!"

At least tomorrow the rain is supposed to take a pause. It'll still be cloudy, breezy and in the 50's, but there will be no rain. I'm thinking it might be high time to start raking the leaves so Krya can wear herself out jumping in the piles and Lydia can see how many she can shove into her mouth before I figure out what she's chomping on.

Any one wanna bring a rake and join me?

**For supper I served baked sweet potato with a glob of butter, sprinkle of cinnamon and a few extra miniature marshmallows for an added MY MOMMY IS THE BEST smile. (no, I'm not below bribery when it comes to the simple things with my kids) That's almost a full meal, isn't it?

During supper clean up I currently have Kyra watching Wheel of Fortune, which she calls her ABC show. Its a fitting name being that I used this show frequently to babysit Kyra when I was pregnant with Lydia so I could take (almost) nightly baths to soak my ever swelling body. I ought'a call the producers of the show and thank them for teaching Kyra her alphabet.

Have You Seen This Video?

Because I have. It was actually sent to me via an email with a message of detest concerning teaching such a song to school children. It was at the point after I watched the video where my jaw finally came unhinged and fell to the floor. Not because of all the political crap people are trowing back and forth, but more because of the fact that some people JUST. DON'T. GET. IT.

And this is just my personal opinion, mind you, so lets not freak out on me. Mmmm 'kay?

These two songs... ARE HISTORY LESSONS!!!! There is no agenda to warp the cute children's minds!

Follow me.

Song #1, over and over again the children sing "And he said" bla-didee-blah. They are recounting the promises Obama has made leading up to (and probably during) his presidency.

Song #2, the children are praising him for trying to do good things for this country and achieving the title of 1st Black President and encouraging the kids to be #1. They are HONORING him- exact word they use people, HONOR not PRAISE not WORSHIP not BOW DOWN AND KISS THE MAN'S DIRTY, STINKY AND SWEATY FEET but honor.

THATS IT! That's all they're singing about.

How do I come to the conclusion that it's a history lesson? Well, lets see now. I did spend the vast majority of my college years studying to be an Elementary school teacher and during this learning experience, I gained the simple, basic knowledge that children are excellent at learning and retaining information if it is displaying in a song-like version as opposed to reading it in a book or having it verbally expressed to you in a lecture format.

In my humble, totally non political, opinion is that these songs were meant to be nothing more then a history lesson. The first one teaching the kids that Hey, this is what this guys said and promised. Lets not forget that and let us not have him forget that. The second song seems (to me) to be more of a Hey, dude, YOU'RE THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT, AWESOME JOB! Oh, and by the way, thanks for trying to go about making things an equal playing field for ALL of us Americans, regardless of color. We appreciate the thoughtful gesture. Oh, and encouraging us to be #1 and get our education on? Kuddos. So far, you're not a complete jack ass. Hurray!

I could be wrong. These very well could be the first seeds that the communist are invading the country via our school systems and we should really return to the McCarthyism Era and hold inquests to question exactly what kind of socialistic crap those underpaid, understaffed, under appreciated teachers are trying to shove into our children's minds and not to mention the fact that OH MY WORD THERE REALLY ARE ALIENS AND UFO'S STATIONED AT AREA 51!!!

But I'm still going with my theory of this being more a history now kind of lesson. One in which the children will remember the words from these songs and use that to look back on- at the end of Obama's presidency- and see if he lived up to what "he said". Right now they sing Hurray!, in 4-8 years they may be singing Yo! Jackass! You's a liar and a fuck up! What happened to you? Only time will tell.

What's on the Menu Again?

Kyra was a a baby who ate EVERYTHING. She has now turned into a child who still sticks EVERYTHING in her mouth. I was told that by the age of two she'd grow out of this lovely habit. Mmmm... not so much.
Lydia has taken up the tradition of eating EVERYTHING. I'm not sure if Kyra whispered into Lydia's ear one night that this particular habit drives Mommy bonkers and it is a really fun game or if she whispered in Lydia's ear that she has already worn Mommy down enough that no matter what they shove in their mouths Mommy has learned to roll her eyes, pick up the camera and take pictures before she takes the object away.
At least during the fall season it's likely we'll have bags of apples laying around from our weekend visit to the orchard and not everything the kids put into their mouths is bad for them. I hope. Because that apple was SOOOO not washed.

On the Menu

Is Greek Chicken for supper. Crock pot style.

I mistook the ingredient of 3lbs of skinned chicken pieces for 3lbs of chicken. I have just finished skinning and separating a whole chicken. I'm not sure whether to be proud of myself or grossed out.

Also a first for me, I minced garlic for the first time. The recipe calls for a whole garlic bulb, minced, and I did it. I had to consult the internet first, though, because I thought I knew how to do it but I needed verification.

I feel like Rachel Ray. She minces garlic all the time on her show. Though I've never seen her separate a chicken. That may actually put me a step above Rachel Ray. Hmm...

Queen of the Stink

I love to do laundry. And to vacuum my floors.

I like the smell of clean clothes and I truly enjoy walking on clean floors.

And while I've managed to stay on top of keeping my floors clean, I've avoided doing laundry for the last week. Avoided as in, YES!, I've had both the time and energy required to do five loads of laundry (at most, if I feel like sorting out all red clothing into their very own pile), but since Lydia has taken up the resident job of HUMAN TORNADO and anything that I fold must then be torn apart so she can shove it in her mouth for a taste testing effort....

The glory of doing laundry just hasn't been what it used to be for me.

At least not at this very moment in time.

However, tomorrow it is my sole goal for the day to conquer the laundry pile.

Mostly because I'm down to my last pair of underwear and my bras are all dirty and sports bras aren't really my thing but since I have no regular bras that's what I've been-a-sportin' but also in part because we are going out of town Friday and we are staying with friends and I think they might be a bit offended if we were all wearing dirty, wrinkled and smelly clothes when we showed up on their doorstep with a suitcase full of more dirty, wrinkled and smelly clothes to wear for the two days that we will be staying with them.

I'm only assuming this because I'd be offended if someone showed up on my doorstep who is perfectly capable of being clean and stink free and, yet, still smells like the inside of Jeremy's work boots.

So that's my mission tomorrow, to conquer the laundry pile. The last title I want to hold in life is Queen of the Stink but as of late, I think my family and I may soon be contenders if I don't kick myself into high gear.

Happy Birthday, Kyra

Four. You've made it through yet another year.

You are still so sweet. So innocent. Always willing to share your toys, help pick up. You are there for everyone who might possible need your assistance. And you are there without anticipation of getting a single thing back in return.
You love to DO DO DO and GO GO GO. Your father has this thought that your energy comes directly from ours. The more tired we think you ought to be, the more you move, talk, yap and suck the life out of us.

You take swimming, ballet, gymnastics, western style horseback riding, ice skating and karate. And at least once a week you ask when does soccer start again, even though you didn't really care to participate in that activity past week 4 of 8. I think it has more to do with wanting to talk and chat with old friends on the side lines then to actually, you know, try to chase down a ball and kick it.

Still, you hold the title of the Easiest Child EV-ER.

I keep waiting for the difficult, testy, determined child to show through. While there is a glimpse of that on occasion, in no way would I use these words to describe who you are.

You are easy to please, easy to entertain, a go with the flow kind of girl. Your new stint as a cowgirl suits you to a T. Hard working. Easy living. Good food. Good friends. I swear, that is your life's motto. The way I see it, it's a fabulous motto to live with and live by.
Speaking of friends, you don't have a shy bone in your body. Every stranger you encounter WILL be your friend. No one is left out, whether they be child or elder. Your goal in life, it seems, is to be the town's Miss Congeniality. You are the one who everyone loves and the one who loves everyone. There is not a single prejudice or judgmental bone in your body. This world could use a few more Kyra's, so don't ever change. M'kay?

Just last week I took you to your first "home school class" at the local state park. You were the youngest one there but I don't think you even took notice. You impressed the teacher as well as the other mom's as they all commented on your lack of shyness. They claim this attribute will easily make you fit right in with not only the home school crowd but with every crowd.

They also commented on your manners- Ooooh! What manners you have! Most everything is Please and Thank You and should you ever mess up, you are the first to offer up an I'm Sorry! to go along with a hug and kiss. It's a rare day I have to remind you of such things.

Lack of shyness and good manners I already knew about you, but it was awfully nice to be noticed and commented on by a stranger.
Four. 4. Gracious, child. FOUR!

Some days I have to look at you and remind myself that you are 4.

You know all your alphabet as well as most of the sounds. You can also write most of your letters too, and not only write them, but make them legible to others besides myself. And though you could probably start learning to read at any time now, you have no interest. Absolutely none. You are just fine and happy with the rest of the world reading to you. And because you are F.O.U.R. I'm not going to push the issue.

You are smart as a whip. Sometimes this acute sense of self and surroundings comes in quite handy when I've, say, lost something. "OH, MOMMY! I THINK I SAW IT OVER THERE!" and sure enough, you were right. On the flip side of things, your pension for being a smarty pants can also get you into a bit of trouble thanks to the sassy side that likes to shine and SHINE BRIGHTLY some days. With a hand on your hip that's cocked to the side, we frequently hear you pipe up with "Well, Mommy, you SAID...." at which time you are quickly corrected with the right way to speak to a Mommy or Daddy- which is your way of recognizing any adult.Without hesitation you'll offer up an apology and melt our hearts into a puddle of mush because your apoligy is sincere. You are a pleaser, despirate to do the right thing and will sometimes fall into a pile of tears if things aren't going they way they ought to be due to your behavior or actions.
Kyra, you are a good kid. Really, though, you are a GREAT kid. If I could have pieced together the perfect child in my eyes, I would not have even come close to what you have become. You are amazing. You will continue to be amazing, of that I have no doubt.

Continue to amaze me kid. I love it. I love you.

Happy 4th Birthday, Kiddo.

Love you forever and ever,
Mommy.

First Black Eye

I was uploading pics of Kyra's birthday celebration from last night when I came across this picture taken last week. Kyra posing with Lydia... who is sporting her first black eye.
Not too severe. She was pulling up on a door from Kyra's toy kitchen when she lost her footing and caught the corner... with her eye. She cried. A lot. Was to be expected, I guess.

Hey, you think I can mark this as a milestone in Lydia's baby book?

Lydia's 1st black eye. Received on 9-7-09. Cause: unstable footing.

Saying My Goodbyes

I'm off to spend my very last day with a 3 year old Kyra Shea.

I didn't cry at last year's birthday but this year I think I might.

Dearest 3,
This has been an awfully wonderful year. You have shown me Kyra's true personality, both the good and the bad. I'm happy to report most of this 3rd year has been wonderful.
I'm going to miss you 3. You really are the magic number.

Dear 4,
You have a lot to live up to. But I'm not going to worry about you just yet. I'm still soaking up 3 for these last 24 hours. Your time will come. Until then, don't rush, we'll see you soon enough.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to stare at my baby while she's asleep before I, too, head off to bed. And yes, I'll probably shed a tear, because I love that girl, damn it. She's a wonderful 3 year old kid. Even if it is for one more day.

Birthday Planning

And this is how we are planning Kyra's birthday:

Me: What do you want for your birthday?
Kyra: Um. A present, maybe? That would be good. Ya. Someone can bring me a present.
Me: What kind of present? Do you want anything special?
Kyra: No. I just want it to be wrapped.
Me: What do you want to do for your birthday?
Kyra: Um. Play in the front yard, maybe? You can play with me!
Me: Do you want to go anywhere for your birthday?
Kyra: No. I don't think so.
Me: What kind of cake do you want?
Kyra: A flower cake, maybe? I like flowers. Remember yesterday when I had my birthday at our other house and I had a butterfly cake?
Me: Yes.
Kyra: Well, I don't want a butterfly cake again, I want a flower cake.

There you go. She wants A present, to play in the FRONT YARD with ME and a flower cake. I think we can totally handle this.

I'm wondering how many more years we have of these carefree birthdays to look forward to.

There is nothing sweeter in life then the innocence of this child.

Lydia's Latest

Along with FINALLY pushing tooth number 5 through this weekend, Lydia has made yet another accomplishment:



Our days of freedom are numbered.

For Those of You Aftraid of Bodily Functions- TURN AWAY NOW

Back story:

I have an IUD as birth control. It was put in mere seconds after Lydia was ripped out. I also had an IUD put in 5 months after Kyra was born and it was Super!Great!Fabulous! because I never had a period until it was removed to conceive Lydia.

Today's Story:

Ever had one of those weeks where you're a total horrible bitch to your husband because he deserves whatever it is you're bitching about since, you know he is a MAN and every thing in life is ALL! HIS! FAULT!...? And then when the bitching hits its peak when your husband can't even blink without you going postal on his ass because Excuse me, did you ask the rest of us if we'd be offended if you blinked?

Yes? Oh, good, it's not just me.

The good thing is my bitching has subsided. And it seemed to subside the instant my Monthly Friend came calling. There are two things to be said about when your Monthly Friend pays a visit, (1) it's another month I'm not pregnant, YEA! and (2) at least I can now apologize to Jer and place all the blame on my hormones that I can not control. The bad thing is... I'm on my monthly friend.

Four months in a row now, she's paid a weekly visit. My whole purpose of an IUD was to kick this habit without having to actually remember to do or take anything, myself.

I feel like I've been jipped.