Few things are scarier than having Lilly come downstairs to where I'm washing dishes, and hold up her hand, which has blood smears all over it. There were some on her shirt, too.
I had to remind myself to breathe. She and Patrick had been playing upstairs for the previous ten minutes; I had no way of knowing what had been going on. But nothing had ever gone wrong.
I wet a paper towel and started cleaning off her fingers. When I reached her ring finger, she said ow and pulled her hand away. I realized she'd just picked a hangnail, and it had bled. I started breathing again. And put a bandaid on it.
The funniest moment, though, was when she first came down. Patrick followed, looked at her hand, looked at me, and said, "Strawberries!" I didn't bother to correct him.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Introductions
With V working till 5:30 every day, plus being in classes for the next month, I've been wanting to pick up some afternoon jobs if possible.
Well. I think I accidentally broadcast that via telepathic satellite to all the moms I've ever sat for.
First, Seth and Isabella's mom asked me if I could swing a few hours one afternoon a week. She's only become a stay at home mom in the past seven or eight months, and now that Seth is out of preschool for the summer, she wants a scheduled break. We settled on Thursday afternoons, since Mondays and Fridays I have Bug and Andrew.
Then, I got another email from a mom. She has two-and-a-half year old twin girls; V sat for them a lot in the evenings, but now with her in classes, I've "taken" them for the time being. I sat one evening, and then she emailed me asking if I could do occasional Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons so she could go run errands.
Then, I got an email from another twin mom who V and I have both sat for. Patrick and Lilly's mom has advertised us to her twins' group, and it's certainly paid off. This mom also has twin girls, just over three, and recently had another baby girl who is about seven weeks now. She'd like me to watch her kids (mostly just the baby, since the older girls will be napping) Wednesday afternoons.
I'm currently waiting to hear back from a few of them to set things in motion, but I have a teeny tiny hunch that my schedule is filling up...
Well. I think I accidentally broadcast that via telepathic satellite to all the moms I've ever sat for.
First, Seth and Isabella's mom asked me if I could swing a few hours one afternoon a week. She's only become a stay at home mom in the past seven or eight months, and now that Seth is out of preschool for the summer, she wants a scheduled break. We settled on Thursday afternoons, since Mondays and Fridays I have Bug and Andrew.
Then, I got another email from a mom. She has two-and-a-half year old twin girls; V sat for them a lot in the evenings, but now with her in classes, I've "taken" them for the time being. I sat one evening, and then she emailed me asking if I could do occasional Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons so she could go run errands.
Then, I got an email from another twin mom who V and I have both sat for. Patrick and Lilly's mom has advertised us to her twins' group, and it's certainly paid off. This mom also has twin girls, just over three, and recently had another baby girl who is about seven weeks now. She'd like me to watch her kids (mostly just the baby, since the older girls will be napping) Wednesday afternoons.
I'm currently waiting to hear back from a few of them to set things in motion, but I have a teeny tiny hunch that my schedule is filling up...
Home again, home again
We arrived back at our house around 1:30 last night, after leaving the reception just before 7. We needed today at home.
The wedding actually went fairly well. Family behaved, and as long as I ignored the near altar-call mid-ceremony, and the creepy "he's the head of the house" "you promise to be his helper, his supporter, etc" language. The reception hall was adorable; V was adorable; even I felt adorable. Everyone (except the two of us) cried. But her parents treated me much better yesterday than they had on Friday, and I think we both enjoyed ourselves, for the most part.
Now it's into another week, full of busy-ness as usual. But I'm off from the twins tomorrow, and V only works a half day and doesn't have class. We're going to go out in the evening to celebrate.
The wedding actually went fairly well. Family behaved, and as long as I ignored the near altar-call mid-ceremony, and the creepy "he's the head of the house" "you promise to be his helper, his supporter, etc" language. The reception hall was adorable; V was adorable; even I felt adorable. Everyone (except the two of us) cried. But her parents treated me much better yesterday than they had on Friday, and I think we both enjoyed ourselves, for the most part.
Now it's into another week, full of busy-ness as usual. But I'm off from the twins tomorrow, and V only works a half day and doesn't have class. We're going to go out in the evening to celebrate.
Friday, May 27, 2011
In-laws
The rehearsal and dinner is over - long since, actually. It was good to see V's brother and his fiance again; I think they actually enjoyed seeing us too. V is a bridesmaid, and I've been invited to get ready with them in the morning. I really appreciate that.
My "mother-in-law" on the other hand... I use the quotes because she would have a lot to say about my use of the term. From what V overheard earlier, her mom referred to me as a friend of the family. I hate to break it to her, but I'm married to her daughter. She's been rather frosty toward both of us. Still oh-so-glad to see us, and we live way too far away...and then she's back to obsessing about the wedding and pretending I don't exist and her daughter is still a blond Christian ballerina.
It feels to both of us like she's just gotten set in her faith. She loves us and all, but we're wrong. That's just the end of that. I know she's excited for her son to get married, but the blatant fawning is a bit excessive. We'll see how tomorrow goes. We're driving back home after the reception (quick turnaround, I know), and in the meantime we're treating our time in the car and our hotel room as a mini-vacation, since we haven't seen each other much lately. A vacation spent making an adorable wedding banner for the reception tomorrow, but still a vacation. And it is good.
My "mother-in-law" on the other hand... I use the quotes because she would have a lot to say about my use of the term. From what V overheard earlier, her mom referred to me as a friend of the family. I hate to break it to her, but I'm married to her daughter. She's been rather frosty toward both of us. Still oh-so-glad to see us, and we live way too far away...and then she's back to obsessing about the wedding and pretending I don't exist and her daughter is still a blond Christian ballerina.
It feels to both of us like she's just gotten set in her faith. She loves us and all, but we're wrong. That's just the end of that. I know she's excited for her son to get married, but the blatant fawning is a bit excessive. We'll see how tomorrow goes. We're driving back home after the reception (quick turnaround, I know), and in the meantime we're treating our time in the car and our hotel room as a mini-vacation, since we haven't seen each other much lately. A vacation spent making an adorable wedding banner for the reception tomorrow, but still a vacation. And it is good.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Fishies
One of the great things about living in a city and nannying is the availability of places to take the kids. The twins and I spent the morning at the aquarium, which was a blast. We saw penguins, turtles, sharks, otters, birds, spider crabs ("ew yucky! -Patrick), snakes, and "lots and lots and LOTS of fishies!"
I love experiencing places like that with children. V and I have been by ourselves many times, and we have a great aquarium. But there's something special about watching two two-and-a-half-year-olds scamper from tank to tank, asking "What's that?" or "Whoa see that big one?"
We almost didn't go, because Lilly has decided lately to pitch a silent fit for the first ten minutes of breakfast every day. She refuses to eat or drink and just squirms in her chair, whining. Eventually she'll snap out of it and be her usual happy, hungry self, but there is absolutely nothing I can do to speed up the process. When she finally came around, this morning, Patrick started having a conniption over the piece of pear on his tray, and after my nightmare-filled minimal sleep, I almost called the whole trip off.
But we went, and had fun. They should nap well, because I left the stroller in the car and they walked everywhere. I still haven't figured out if Lilly calls elevators "alligators" or if she was talking about something else.
I love experiencing places like that with children. V and I have been by ourselves many times, and we have a great aquarium. But there's something special about watching two two-and-a-half-year-olds scamper from tank to tank, asking "What's that?" or "Whoa see that big one?"
We almost didn't go, because Lilly has decided lately to pitch a silent fit for the first ten minutes of breakfast every day. She refuses to eat or drink and just squirms in her chair, whining. Eventually she'll snap out of it and be her usual happy, hungry self, but there is absolutely nothing I can do to speed up the process. When she finally came around, this morning, Patrick started having a conniption over the piece of pear on his tray, and after my nightmare-filled minimal sleep, I almost called the whole trip off.
But we went, and had fun. They should nap well, because I left the stroller in the car and they walked everywhere. I still haven't figured out if Lilly calls elevators "alligators" or if she was talking about something else.
Wedding blues
V and I are leaving tomorrow morning to go see her brother's wedding. And her entire extended family, and the entire church, and...lots of people I don't want to see.
Whine whine, I know. It's just frustrating, because her mother has been all about this wedding for months. A friend of ours expressed utter astonishment when she learned that neither of our parents gave us a wedding gift (though my dad did put us up for the honeymoon, but that was technically a belated graduation gift); the contrasts between our wedding and this one are vast.
We're staying in a hotel, partially to be closer to the venue, but also because her mother is still "not comfortable" with our relationship or the idea of us sharing a room. In our minds, we've been married almost three months. Before the wedding was one thing; V's brother and his fiance also could not share a room. But now, that should be past. So,because it isn't, we found a cheap hotel. We are looking forward to that much: getting away for a night and spending it in a hotel should be fun. Hopefully some other part of this weekend will be, too.
Whine whine, I know. It's just frustrating, because her mother has been all about this wedding for months. A friend of ours expressed utter astonishment when she learned that neither of our parents gave us a wedding gift (though my dad did put us up for the honeymoon, but that was technically a belated graduation gift); the contrasts between our wedding and this one are vast.
We're staying in a hotel, partially to be closer to the venue, but also because her mother is still "not comfortable" with our relationship or the idea of us sharing a room. In our minds, we've been married almost three months. Before the wedding was one thing; V's brother and his fiance also could not share a room. But now, that should be past. So,because it isn't, we found a cheap hotel. We are looking forward to that much: getting away for a night and spending it in a hotel should be fun. Hopefully some other part of this weekend will be, too.
Baby day
Yesterday was my baby day. I worked two jobs, and both ended up being very under-one-year centered, which of course is the last thing I mind. While Bug and mommy were at the museum and lunch, I got to play with Andrew (who took an unusually long nap anyway) and do the bottle and cereal routine. He's finally starting to learn the concept of bites, chewing, and swallowing. Sort of.
Then, I sat for a mom who had a doctor's appointment. V and I sat for her once or twice a week near the beginning of the year; she has three-year-old twin girls and was (very unexpectedly) pregnant with another girl. Her twins were born at 24 weeks, and are miracle children: they're still small, and have some medical issues, but both function just fine and are fairly normal. Needless to say, everyone wanted this baby to cook a little longer, and mommy had a cesarean at 39 weeks.
The little girl is now 6 weeks, and I got to spend two hours with her while her older sisters were napping (well, playing quietly in their rooms). Bottles and snuggles and three dirty diapers, and we both almost fell asleep together on the couch. I've missed the itty bitty babies. She's just so tiny.
Of course, that means that yesterday I got spit up on by both a six month old and a six week old.
Then, I sat for a mom who had a doctor's appointment. V and I sat for her once or twice a week near the beginning of the year; she has three-year-old twin girls and was (very unexpectedly) pregnant with another girl. Her twins were born at 24 weeks, and are miracle children: they're still small, and have some medical issues, but both function just fine and are fairly normal. Needless to say, everyone wanted this baby to cook a little longer, and mommy had a cesarean at 39 weeks.
The little girl is now 6 weeks, and I got to spend two hours with her while her older sisters were napping (well, playing quietly in their rooms). Bottles and snuggles and three dirty diapers, and we both almost fell asleep together on the couch. I've missed the itty bitty babies. She's just so tiny.
Of course, that means that yesterday I got spit up on by both a six month old and a six week old.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Happy happy birthday
Bug turns two today!!!
She and Mommy went to the children's museum and then out to lunch, while I stayed home with Andrew (who slept most of the time). I was around for the great unveiling of her new playset out back, too. And it must be noted that she loved the dress-up clothes V and I got her.
Oh, bug. I love you, you little stinker.
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| Isn't her birthday outfit cute? |
She and Mommy went to the children's museum and then out to lunch, while I stayed home with Andrew (who slept most of the time). I was around for the great unveiling of her new playset out back, too. And it must be noted that she loved the dress-up clothes V and I got her.
Oh, bug. I love you, you little stinker.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Pills
This isn't a post I particularly want to write, but I feel like I should. It's not about kids. Or being gay. Though it affects both of those areas of my life.
Just over a year ago, I was diagnosed with depression - a diagnosis long overdue, once I looked back over my high school and college years. I went through some medicine trial-and-error, and finally settled on one that worked for me. It took awhile to get past my hangups that I just wasn't trying enough; once I did, though, I had the sensation that I was finally feeling like I was supposed to all those years. Not happy all the time, just balanced. At peace - mostly - with the world.
In the intervening year, I've learned that my medicine has a two-day delay: the pill I take one morning impacts me forty-eight hours later. I forgot to take one on Sunday. I didn't want to wake up this morning; I procrastinated showering and work; I snapped at the kids (who whined like no other today anyway). I was grouchy.
Around eleven, I remembered my forgotten pill of two days ago. It hasn't made today all better, but having a reason for my mood has helped me deal with it. It explains why there won't be any cute kids stories today, though, nor any happy moments (even though V's class was canceled and we've spent the evening together).
Okay, I lied. One happy moment: V and I went to the thrift store tonight to buy random clothes to start a dress-up box for Bug. Her birthday is tomorrow. Everything is washed and now drying, and I get to take it with me in the morning. That does make me smile.
Moral of the post? I still need to be on my medicine. Understanding why my body does what it does helps me greatly. This too shall pass.
Just over a year ago, I was diagnosed with depression - a diagnosis long overdue, once I looked back over my high school and college years. I went through some medicine trial-and-error, and finally settled on one that worked for me. It took awhile to get past my hangups that I just wasn't trying enough; once I did, though, I had the sensation that I was finally feeling like I was supposed to all those years. Not happy all the time, just balanced. At peace - mostly - with the world.
In the intervening year, I've learned that my medicine has a two-day delay: the pill I take one morning impacts me forty-eight hours later. I forgot to take one on Sunday. I didn't want to wake up this morning; I procrastinated showering and work; I snapped at the kids (who whined like no other today anyway). I was grouchy.
Around eleven, I remembered my forgotten pill of two days ago. It hasn't made today all better, but having a reason for my mood has helped me deal with it. It explains why there won't be any cute kids stories today, though, nor any happy moments (even though V's class was canceled and we've spent the evening together).
Okay, I lied. One happy moment: V and I went to the thrift store tonight to buy random clothes to start a dress-up box for Bug. Her birthday is tomorrow. Everything is washed and now drying, and I get to take it with me in the morning. That does make me smile.
Moral of the post? I still need to be on my medicine. Understanding why my body does what it does helps me greatly. This too shall pass.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Life goes on
It's another Monday, another week. V being in classes is still strange; she was gone from eight this morning till nine this evening. I ended up working more than usual, too: the twins from ten to two and Bug and Andrew from two till eight. (I need an easy nickname for them too, like I can just say the twins.)
This weekend, V's brother gets married. But I'm not thinking about that yet - first, we have to get through the next three days of work and class. One week at a time. This will be better when she's actually in her graduate classes come fall, as opposed to quick summer session undergrads.
Also, it's raining again. And is supposed to for most of the week. Indoor playdates it is.
This weekend, V's brother gets married. But I'm not thinking about that yet - first, we have to get through the next three days of work and class. One week at a time. This will be better when she's actually in her graduate classes come fall, as opposed to quick summer session undergrads.
Also, it's raining again. And is supposed to for most of the week. Indoor playdates it is.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Dinner with Bug
I love Bug. I'm pretty sure this is common knowledge, but still. What she drives me crazy with sometimes, she more than makes up for with her charm. Tonight at dinner I had to prompt her every time to say please, but she said thank you every time I handed her a bite, as well as to the waitress when she took the plates and refilled drinks. And she ordered for herself (with me prompting) - chicken, applesauce.
She said hi to everyone who walked by our table. She sat patiently waiting for dinner (as patiently as a two year old will: crayons and books were involved). She ate a great dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed the cookies and ice cream after (her grin was adorable). No one would ever guess she usually goes to bed at eight, when we didn't leave the restaurant until almost quarter till nine.
Can I keep her?
She said hi to everyone who walked by our table. She sat patiently waiting for dinner (as patiently as a two year old will: crayons and books were involved). She ate a great dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed the cookies and ice cream after (her grin was adorable). No one would ever guess she usually goes to bed at eight, when we didn't leave the restaurant until almost quarter till nine.
Can I keep her?
Just one
I'm used to having the twins, or Bug and Andrew, and V is used to having Essie and Anne, that when there's just one kid around, it feels so simple.
Bug and Andrew's mom is away tonight, and their dad asked for some help. V and I are going to "help" by going over, putting Andrew to bed, and taking Bug out to dinner with us. Sure, it'll be a bit trying (Bug always manages to be), but just one kid? And two adults? This is a breeze.
And yes. I've been babysitting way too much lately. Mondaymorning. Mondayafternoon. Tuesdaymorning. Tuesdaynight. Wednesdaymorning. Wednesdaynight. Thursdaymorning. Thursdaynight. Fridaymorning/afternoon. Fridaynight. Sundayevening. Mondaymorning. Mondayafternoon...
This weekend I'm off, but it's because we'll be with V's family for her brother's wedding. I think I'd rather have the kids.
Bug and Andrew's mom is away tonight, and their dad asked for some help. V and I are going to "help" by going over, putting Andrew to bed, and taking Bug out to dinner with us. Sure, it'll be a bit trying (Bug always manages to be), but just one kid? And two adults? This is a breeze.
And yes. I've been babysitting way too much lately. Mondaymorning. Mondayafternoon. Tuesdaymorning. Tuesdaynight. Wednesdaymorning. Wednesdaynight. Thursdaymorning. Thursdaynight. Fridaymorning/afternoon. Fridaynight. Sundayevening. Mondaymorning. Mondayafternoon...
This weekend I'm off, but it's because we'll be with V's family for her brother's wedding. I think I'd rather have the kids.
Child-free
My posting lately has failed, I know. This week has worn both of us out, and we've had friends in town - a good thing, but still very worn out.
Every now and then, it's nice to be young twenty-somethings without kids. The four of us went out to a bar, and, yes, I'm not entirely sober as I write this. (Drunk blogging? Is that the new drunk texting?) It's nice not to have to hire a babysitter to have an evening like this, nor to feel like we have a curfew (or draining bank account).
The flip side is that, aside from tonight, everything we've done and are doing this weekend could easily happen with a baby in tow. (Yes, Mitch Hedberg reference.) So...I'm only partially okay with the part where we don't have one yet.
In other news, I refuse to fight as much as some of my kids' parents do. I hate it. I want to shield the kids so badly.
But to leave you on a good note, there are fantastic strawberries in my fridge. Though maybe that isn't as good a note for you, since they aren't in your fridge.
Goodnight, world.
Every now and then, it's nice to be young twenty-somethings without kids. The four of us went out to a bar, and, yes, I'm not entirely sober as I write this. (Drunk blogging? Is that the new drunk texting?) It's nice not to have to hire a babysitter to have an evening like this, nor to feel like we have a curfew (or draining bank account).
The flip side is that, aside from tonight, everything we've done and are doing this weekend could easily happen with a baby in tow. (Yes, Mitch Hedberg reference.) So...I'm only partially okay with the part where we don't have one yet.
In other news, I refuse to fight as much as some of my kids' parents do. I hate it. I want to shield the kids so badly.
But to leave you on a good note, there are fantastic strawberries in my fridge. Though maybe that isn't as good a note for you, since they aren't in your fridge.
Goodnight, world.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Hugs
I love families I can hug. I sat for Seth and Isabella tonight, and while the night was good, the forty-five minute conversation with their mom when she got home, concluding in a hug, was amazing. I hug Bug and Andrew's mom all the time. Back when I watched Jacob and Caroline, I gave both their parents hugs.
Those are the relationships I build. That is why I choose my families carefully. I like knowing they seem to have the same connection to me.
Those are the relationships I build. That is why I choose my families carefully. I like knowing they seem to have the same connection to me.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Breather
This week is hectic. V has started classes - just a summer session of undergrad, but it means she's gone Monday through Thursday evenings. I babysat last night and am doing tonight and tomorrow as well, then we both are (for Bug and Andrew) on Friday, along with some friends.
I absolutely love when people come stay with us, and these are some of our closest friends, so I can't wait. Plus they get to meet the amazing Bug and Andrew. Of course, the house has turned into a disaster because we've been busy every weekend and we're both still trying to get used to V being gone all the time. So between Bug this morning, and watching Essie and Anne tonight so V can go to class, I'm cleaning like a crazy person. I made an eighteen point checklist, and I've done ten. Unfortunately, now I have to shower and go meet V, dropping stuff at the thrift store on the way.
So basically, this is my breather, and now it's over.
I absolutely love when people come stay with us, and these are some of our closest friends, so I can't wait. Plus they get to meet the amazing Bug and Andrew. Of course, the house has turned into a disaster because we've been busy every weekend and we're both still trying to get used to V being gone all the time. So between Bug this morning, and watching Essie and Anne tonight so V can go to class, I'm cleaning like a crazy person. I made an eighteen point checklist, and I've done ten. Unfortunately, now I have to shower and go meet V, dropping stuff at the thrift store on the way.
So basically, this is my breather, and now it's over.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Family again
Family is an interesting animal. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but it's such an inescapable part of life. My dad and I had one conversation on religion and "gayness" (I hate the term "homosexuality," because I can only hear it in seven drawn-out syllables spoken by a southern pastor); he made it very clear that he doesn't agree with my choices, but recognizes that I'm an adult, and also realizes that making us sleep in separate rooms won't gain anyone anything. Thankfully, while he's adamantly against the gayness, he believes (correctly) that the fundamentalist church puts way too high an emphasis on bashing it. (Since the majority of the population is heterosexual, he'd rather they put their energy into premarital sex and adultery, which is where we disagree.)
But religious conversations aside, it was nice to sit and talk to two of my sisters-in-law about natural childbirth, Montessori education, and other interests we have in common. V was in on the conversation, and it didn't seem like they were only able to think the whole time, "omg gay sex!" Whereas with one of my other brothers and sisters-in-law, you could clearly see that that was the only thing on their minds anytime we were in the room. Sigh.
One thing that neither V nor I had factored into our emotional assessment of the weekend was the feeling of being surrounded by straight couples who expect everyone else to also fall in love with the opposite sex. Some of our closest friends are straight (or mostly so), but they accept us wholeheartedly. With my family, and the church we visited with them (whole 'nother post), the atmosphere was one we hadn't been around in quite awhile. We were an aberration, with all the negative connotations that word can carry. But at least we were hugged, and fed, and left with a desire to return. And that, for us and family, is a good trip.
But religious conversations aside, it was nice to sit and talk to two of my sisters-in-law about natural childbirth, Montessori education, and other interests we have in common. V was in on the conversation, and it didn't seem like they were only able to think the whole time, "omg gay sex!" Whereas with one of my other brothers and sisters-in-law, you could clearly see that that was the only thing on their minds anytime we were in the room. Sigh.
One thing that neither V nor I had factored into our emotional assessment of the weekend was the feeling of being surrounded by straight couples who expect everyone else to also fall in love with the opposite sex. Some of our closest friends are straight (or mostly so), but they accept us wholeheartedly. With my family, and the church we visited with them (whole 'nother post), the atmosphere was one we hadn't been around in quite awhile. We were an aberration, with all the negative connotations that word can carry. But at least we were hugged, and fed, and left with a desire to return. And that, for us and family, is a good trip.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Family
So far, this trip is going pretty well. That's a good sentence.
They're "letting" us sleep in the same bedroom, without a comment from either party - that's new since the wedding.
My sister-in-law mentioned that she looked through our pictures (wedding!) and they looked awesome.
And we casually addressed the future a few times, without the world ending.
We're headed home tomorrow, and going into what will be an exhausting week, but we have wonderful friends coming to visit next weekend.
Hopefully tomorrow will also be smooth sailing (literally, too, with the drive back)!
They're "letting" us sleep in the same bedroom, without a comment from either party - that's new since the wedding.
My sister-in-law mentioned that she looked through our pictures (wedding!) and they looked awesome.
And we casually addressed the future a few times, without the world ending.
We're headed home tomorrow, and going into what will be an exhausting week, but we have wonderful friends coming to visit next weekend.
Hopefully tomorrow will also be smooth sailing (literally, too, with the drive back)!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Playdate
V and I are headed to my dad's for the weekend, but we got out kids together again today and it was precious.
V is now watching Essie's baby sister, Anne, during the day too. Anne is almost three months (and about half the size Andrew was at that age). I'm pretty sure this was the first time the twins have come in contact with a baby. They both stood by Anne's playyard and stared in, then asked if they could touch her. Actually I'm pretty sure Lilly said "I pet baby please?" But they were so sweet, and so gentle. When Anne grinned at Patrick, he looked at me and said, "I like baby!"
The two of them and Essie wore each other out, though. V said Essie slept till after 4, which is unheard of, and on our drive home, Patrick told me he was feeling sleepy.
Speaking of feeling sleepy, I need to stop, because I have a six hour drive as soon as my wife gets home.
V is now watching Essie's baby sister, Anne, during the day too. Anne is almost three months (and about half the size Andrew was at that age). I'm pretty sure this was the first time the twins have come in contact with a baby. They both stood by Anne's playyard and stared in, then asked if they could touch her. Actually I'm pretty sure Lilly said "I pet baby please?" But they were so sweet, and so gentle. When Anne grinned at Patrick, he looked at me and said, "I like baby!"
The two of them and Essie wore each other out, though. V said Essie slept till after 4, which is unheard of, and on our drive home, Patrick told me he was feeling sleepy.
Speaking of feeling sleepy, I need to stop, because I have a six hour drive as soon as my wife gets home.
Oh the germs
This post was written yesterday, but Blogger has been down. So here's your Thursday post...
Patrick is a germaphobe. He's about as far from the two-year-old boy stereotype as it's possible to get.
The twins just got a playhouse in their backyard, and it's on a piece of patio across the grass. Patrick asks me, every time, to carry him across the grass. My new rule is that if he wants to play in the house, he has to get there himself. I'll hold his hand, but I'm not going to carry him.
He also won't go within one foot of an ant. Usually he can identify them, but sometimes they fall under the general category "Spider!!" (always said with the two exclamation points). You can imagine how interesting this makes playing outside in a shaded, wooded backyard.
My favorite today was when he took a plastic lemon from the fruit bin in the playhouse, and threw it into the yard. He knows he's not supposed to do that, so I told him that he needed to go get it before he could play any more. Oh boy. He stood on the edge of the patio, staring away from me, for three or four minutes. At last, he gingerly stepped into the grass, tiptoed over to the lemon, picked up it with two fingers, shook it off in the air, and said, "Ew!" It should be noted that the lemon looked perfectly uncontaminated to my obviously-naive eyes.
He then returned to playing like nothing strange had happened.
(He does definitely get some of this from their mother. But still. It's ridiculously hilarious, or hilariously ridiculous.)
The other great moment of today was when Lilly picked up a pretend phone and said into it, "Hi V how you doing? Hi Essie how you doing? Essie? Essie? ESSIE?! You there??" I'm hoping we can do a playdate with them tomorrow.
Patrick is a germaphobe. He's about as far from the two-year-old boy stereotype as it's possible to get.
The twins just got a playhouse in their backyard, and it's on a piece of patio across the grass. Patrick asks me, every time, to carry him across the grass. My new rule is that if he wants to play in the house, he has to get there himself. I'll hold his hand, but I'm not going to carry him.
He also won't go within one foot of an ant. Usually he can identify them, but sometimes they fall under the general category "Spider!!" (always said with the two exclamation points). You can imagine how interesting this makes playing outside in a shaded, wooded backyard.
My favorite today was when he took a plastic lemon from the fruit bin in the playhouse, and threw it into the yard. He knows he's not supposed to do that, so I told him that he needed to go get it before he could play any more. Oh boy. He stood on the edge of the patio, staring away from me, for three or four minutes. At last, he gingerly stepped into the grass, tiptoed over to the lemon, picked up it with two fingers, shook it off in the air, and said, "Ew!" It should be noted that the lemon looked perfectly uncontaminated to my obviously-naive eyes.
He then returned to playing like nothing strange had happened.
(He does definitely get some of this from their mother. But still. It's ridiculously hilarious, or hilariously ridiculous.)
The other great moment of today was when Lilly picked up a pretend phone and said into it, "Hi V how you doing? Hi Essie how you doing? Essie? Essie? ESSIE?! You there??" I'm hoping we can do a playdate with them tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Emotions
Blog post overload. I know. But there's been lots in my brain.
Today was by far one of the most up and down days, emotionally, of my recent past. I had a relaxing, wonderful morning; I've cried probably close to an hour today; I swore off friends; I cuddled with my wife.
Best of all, for over an hour, I had baby Andrew against my chest, in a sling, sound asleep.
And that, my friends, is the absolute best pick-me-up there is, for me at least. I do not lie.
Today was by far one of the most up and down days, emotionally, of my recent past. I had a relaxing, wonderful morning; I've cried probably close to an hour today; I swore off friends; I cuddled with my wife.
Best of all, for over an hour, I had baby Andrew against my chest, in a sling, sound asleep.
And that, my friends, is the absolute best pick-me-up there is, for me at least. I do not lie.
Excel
I checked my email after ten hours away from home, and had emails from three moms. The twins' mom was tossing out summer class ideas (looks like gymnastics might win over kindermusik); a mom we sat for occasionally over the winter needs someone in a few weeks; one of V's regular families asked her to sit and she passed them on to me, so that mom contacted me too.
This is why I have word documents and saved emails and excel spreadsheets out the wazoo (does anyone say that anymore?). Childcare isn't all toys and snacks, you know.
Moments like this are why I absolutely love doing things for people:
Bug's mom, as she giving Bug a bath, to me: You can head home if you want, unless there's any random straightening up you want to do. The dishwasher's clean...
Me: No it isn't. It's full of dinner's dishes.
The look she gave me was priceless, as was the fact that I think she called me a sneak or stinker or something. I love it.
This is why I have word documents and saved emails and excel spreadsheets out the wazoo (does anyone say that anymore?). Childcare isn't all toys and snacks, you know.
Moments like this are why I absolutely love doing things for people:
Bug's mom, as she giving Bug a bath, to me: You can head home if you want, unless there's any random straightening up you want to do. The dishwasher's clean...
Me: No it isn't. It's full of dinner's dishes.
The look she gave me was priceless, as was the fact that I think she called me a sneak or stinker or something. I love it.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Kindermusik
This morning the twins and I tried a Kindermusik class. I sent a four-paragraph report email to their parents, but the gist of it is that the class was wonderful. Great teacher (much better than the terrible library storytime we tried yesterday), Lilly had a blast, Patrick even warmed up a bit by the end, and the other kids/moms were super friendly. One mom spent awhile telling me how her daughter was as shy as my kids looked, and she credits Kindermusik with bringing her out of her shell as much as she has. I basically heard nothing but positives.
The teacher asked me if the twins looked like mom or dad, and I pointed to Patrick and said, "Oh, he definitely looks like mom." The mom I'd been talking to piped in with, "Not to disagree, but he doesn't look a thing like you." That's the first time that's blatantly happened, and of course I liked it; I told her I wish I could claim the kids, but I'm the nanny.
This teacher really knew what she was doing, though. She said she'd been doing it for thirteen years or so, and she loved the program: both facts were evident. She related to the kids, she paused to make sure they were okay, or if they were talking about something else, she gently guided them without being pushy. Yesterday, at the library we went to, the storytime lady was clueless. She was determined to get through her agenda, distractions (i.e. kids) notwithstanding, and didn't seem to enjoy herself.
We may go try a gymnastics class, but I'm really hoping we get to go back. I think it'll be great for the kids, and even I really enjoyed it. Here's to hoping.
The teacher asked me if the twins looked like mom or dad, and I pointed to Patrick and said, "Oh, he definitely looks like mom." The mom I'd been talking to piped in with, "Not to disagree, but he doesn't look a thing like you." That's the first time that's blatantly happened, and of course I liked it; I told her I wish I could claim the kids, but I'm the nanny.
This teacher really knew what she was doing, though. She said she'd been doing it for thirteen years or so, and she loved the program: both facts were evident. She related to the kids, she paused to make sure they were okay, or if they were talking about something else, she gently guided them without being pushy. Yesterday, at the library we went to, the storytime lady was clueless. She was determined to get through her agenda, distractions (i.e. kids) notwithstanding, and didn't seem to enjoy herself.
We may go try a gymnastics class, but I'm really hoping we get to go back. I think it'll be great for the kids, and even I really enjoyed it. Here's to hoping.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Turtles that aren't
Before deciding this wasn't the right point in life for me to actually enter the grad program I'd been accepted into, I was about a month away from beginning a Women's, Gender, and Sexuality master's program. I only mention that because it was the natural conclusion to the years in college spent researching and reading about those three things, and making feeble efforts to introduce them to other people.
The two year old who I am going to be potty training soon has been taught to refer to his penis as his turtle.
This is slowly killing me inside. I'm not exactly a vehement crusader, but get me in the right mood and I can be. This will put me there. All his mother is doing is reinforcing the concept that it is shameful, that the correct word is dirty, and that it's something best not discussed. And I have to go along with it. I don't even want to think about it. I'm not sure I can say "turtle" in that context (also, seriously, turtle?), but I'm not sure how to potty train without it.
Naturally, this only reinforces my desire to give up this life of nannying and have my own kid, so I can make all my own decisions.
The two year old who I am going to be potty training soon has been taught to refer to his penis as his turtle.
This is slowly killing me inside. I'm not exactly a vehement crusader, but get me in the right mood and I can be. This will put me there. All his mother is doing is reinforcing the concept that it is shameful, that the correct word is dirty, and that it's something best not discussed. And I have to go along with it. I don't even want to think about it. I'm not sure I can say "turtle" in that context (also, seriously, turtle?), but I'm not sure how to potty train without it.
Naturally, this only reinforces my desire to give up this life of nannying and have my own kid, so I can make all my own decisions.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's day
This morning, V woke up me by bringing in pancakes, smoothies, and orange juice. And then she said, "Happy mother's day!" After asking her whether I got knocked up without knowing it, I dove into what was an absolutely delicious breakfast.
There are many, many hardworking mothers who deserve a breakfast in bed. We work for some of them (yes, you can have a nanny and still be a hardworking mom). I'm just a nanny - though I've written before about how I feel like a surrogate mother every day. But even more than that, V told me that she grew up with a slightly creepy religious tradition that honored all women on Mother's Day. Yes, it smacks of "you will grow up to bear lots of babies!"; it's also, though, a celebration of women in general. I think I can be included in that.
Plus, it's just been a rough week, and she wanted to pamper me. So, we think she's a keeper, right? And that she's going to make an incredible mommy/mama/choose term here?
There are many, many hardworking mothers who deserve a breakfast in bed. We work for some of them (yes, you can have a nanny and still be a hardworking mom). I'm just a nanny - though I've written before about how I feel like a surrogate mother every day. But even more than that, V told me that she grew up with a slightly creepy religious tradition that honored all women on Mother's Day. Yes, it smacks of "you will grow up to bear lots of babies!"; it's also, though, a celebration of women in general. I think I can be included in that.
Plus, it's just been a rough week, and she wanted to pamper me. So, we think she's a keeper, right? And that she's going to make an incredible mommy/mama/choose term here?
Ups and downs
This morning was fabulous. Patrick and Lilly and I went over to Essie's house, and those three spent two hours making a Mother's Day craft, playing, eating snack, and being adorable. Essie fell and split her lip as we were leaving, which was some drama, but nothing major.
Then it was rushing the kitty to the vet, running late, things went okay with her (she should be better soon); then I was off to Bug and Andrew's. V met me there, and we had a really good evening with them. Thank goodness, because I was about to mentally and physically collapse.
I did break down and have a good cry when we got home, about an hour ago. I think all the stresses are catching up. I also think I managed to let a good number of them go. And it's the weekend. I'm watching the twins tomorrow night, and we're going to try to make church on Sunday, but otherwise it's free time.
I'm sure there are cute anecdotes from today, but I can't think of them. Forgive me. I'll check back in when my brain is working again.
Then it was rushing the kitty to the vet, running late, things went okay with her (she should be better soon); then I was off to Bug and Andrew's. V met me there, and we had a really good evening with them. Thank goodness, because I was about to mentally and physically collapse.
I did break down and have a good cry when we got home, about an hour ago. I think all the stresses are catching up. I also think I managed to let a good number of them go. And it's the weekend. I'm watching the twins tomorrow night, and we're going to try to make church on Sunday, but otherwise it's free time.
I'm sure there are cute anecdotes from today, but I can't think of them. Forgive me. I'll check back in when my brain is working again.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Heavy
I need to post, but my heart is heavy. Quaint saying, isn't it? But it seems like the best way to describe how I currently feel. There are many stresses in life, and some things that shouldn't be stressors, I'm allowing to be. You'd think I'd know better.
One of our kitties is sick, or something. I haven't written about her yet, but it's been going on for awhile, and it's really starting to wear both of us down. She's lethargic, sneezy, and way too calm - and yes, we've taken her to the vet. We'll take her back as soon as we're able.
I really don't have too much to say. I'm looking forward to Saturday, to some me (or more like me and V) time; this has been one of those weeks where somehow I've given so much to my kids that I end up empty. It doesn't help that I've been semi sick. And I'm missing some friends terribly. And I know things will look up, but, sad for you all, I'm not waiting until they do to post.
One of our kitties is sick, or something. I haven't written about her yet, but it's been going on for awhile, and it's really starting to wear both of us down. She's lethargic, sneezy, and way too calm - and yes, we've taken her to the vet. We'll take her back as soon as we're able.
I really don't have too much to say. I'm looking forward to Saturday, to some me (or more like me and V) time; this has been one of those weeks where somehow I've given so much to my kids that I end up empty. It doesn't help that I've been semi sick. And I'm missing some friends terribly. And I know things will look up, but, sad for you all, I'm not waiting until they do to post.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Mine
Bug and I met V and Essie at the aquarium this morning, and all four of us had a blast. I particularly loved referring to them as "the girls," as in, "Will you keep an eye on the girls for a second?" It felt so...natural? Adorable? We were just running around looking at fish/sharks/penguins/jellyfish/turtles/etc with our kids. Best of all, I think it might become a Wednesday morning tradition - the playdates, not always the aquarium.
It emphasized a frustration I've been having lately, though. Nannying usually fills my kid quota, and while I want one, I at least get to spend time with some. The past week has been different. Each time I'm with a kid who's not mine, or who's only mine in that I've borrowed him or her for a bit, it rubs me the wrong way. It's so close to being right without being right. It's the fact that I have to take them home, that I have to leave the house, that I never would've given him that haircut, that I wouldn't make her eat all that, that I don't get to make the endless decisions and share the endless moments of a parent.
I know I've talked about this before. And I know we aren't ready. I was thinking earlier about how we want to go to a local amusement park this summer, and it crossed my mind to be grateful that we didn't have a baby, so we could go on rides together. That's just the little stuff. But at the same time, I'm so ready. I'm ready to be invested in the kid(s) I'm with. To be fully present, fully involved. I know this counts, and I know I'm involved in the kids' lives. But there's still part of me that wants the real deal. As if this isn't real. But...it's not. In a way, I'm still just playing Mommy. I've been doing that since I was four. When can I grow up?
It emphasized a frustration I've been having lately, though. Nannying usually fills my kid quota, and while I want one, I at least get to spend time with some. The past week has been different. Each time I'm with a kid who's not mine, or who's only mine in that I've borrowed him or her for a bit, it rubs me the wrong way. It's so close to being right without being right. It's the fact that I have to take them home, that I have to leave the house, that I never would've given him that haircut, that I wouldn't make her eat all that, that I don't get to make the endless decisions and share the endless moments of a parent.
I know I've talked about this before. And I know we aren't ready. I was thinking earlier about how we want to go to a local amusement park this summer, and it crossed my mind to be grateful that we didn't have a baby, so we could go on rides together. That's just the little stuff. But at the same time, I'm so ready. I'm ready to be invested in the kid(s) I'm with. To be fully present, fully involved. I know this counts, and I know I'm involved in the kids' lives. But there's still part of me that wants the real deal. As if this isn't real. But...it's not. In a way, I'm still just playing Mommy. I've been doing that since I was four. When can I grow up?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tunnel
It's raining and cold, for the millionth day in a row, and I'm not feeling well. I'm still fighting some sort of cold/sore throat/ear pressure/headache thing that I picked up from V, and it's just not a great day to entertain toddlers.
Good thing I have something else to do that for me. Sometime last year, V and I found a big pop-up play tunnel at the thrift store for $3. It's probably close to two feet in diameter, has little mesh "windows", and our cats fell in love. They stopped using the carpet next to where we put it up in the living room, and instead ran through the tunnel to get from the hall to the kitchen. When we tried to put it away, they threw a kitty-fit (is that the real meaning of a hissy-fit?).
About a month ago, we actually managed to take the tunnel down, thanks to some new toy bribes. I'm very glad to have my living room back. This morning, I grabbed the tunnel on my way to the twins', figuring I could let them have fun with it; I'm pretty sure they've never encountered a tunnel before.
Boy did this ever work. They crawl in and "lie down take nap!"; they carry their blankies and toys through it; they spent the first fifteen minutes just taking turns crawling through it. It's been over half an hour, and I've only had to intervene once. Watching them is just priceless. I'm pretty sure I'll be bringing this back. (Though I still do want the rain to go away.)
Good thing I have something else to do that for me. Sometime last year, V and I found a big pop-up play tunnel at the thrift store for $3. It's probably close to two feet in diameter, has little mesh "windows", and our cats fell in love. They stopped using the carpet next to where we put it up in the living room, and instead ran through the tunnel to get from the hall to the kitchen. When we tried to put it away, they threw a kitty-fit (is that the real meaning of a hissy-fit?).
About a month ago, we actually managed to take the tunnel down, thanks to some new toy bribes. I'm very glad to have my living room back. This morning, I grabbed the tunnel on my way to the twins', figuring I could let them have fun with it; I'm pretty sure they've never encountered a tunnel before.
Boy did this ever work. They crawl in and "lie down take nap!"; they carry their blankies and toys through it; they spent the first fifteen minutes just taking turns crawling through it. It's been over half an hour, and I've only had to intervene once. Watching them is just priceless. I'm pretty sure I'll be bringing this back. (Though I still do want the rain to go away.)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Reading material
Speaking of sharing stories, V just got out of the shower and exploded onto her laptop. Not literally, of course. But her thoughts are fascinating, and somewhat mirror mine. For those who haven't experienced it firsthand: growing up Pentecostal and then marrying a woman does very, very interesting things to one's psyche.
Go read her post Gay vs. God, and let me (or her!) know what you think. I love discussions, and this is something that desperately needs to be talked about more. Trying to integrate the spiritual and the sexual can be a nightmare. When we first decided we were together, I threw God out the window; I figured there was no way he could stick around now. V was in a similar place, so hearing her current thoughts definitely shows how much the past two years have changed us. Without doubt, for the better.
Go read her post Gay vs. God, and let me (or her!) know what you think. I love discussions, and this is something that desperately needs to be talked about more. Trying to integrate the spiritual and the sexual can be a nightmare. When we first decided we were together, I threw God out the window; I figured there was no way he could stick around now. V was in a similar place, so hearing her current thoughts definitely shows how much the past two years have changed us. Without doubt, for the better.
Sharing stories
In doing some reading around the internet (which is basically what I've spent my evenings doing), I've come across quite a few neat blogs. One I quoted the other day, and have since read all the archives; others, I've read through and am fascinated by their journeys. Most of them are related to two mamas conceiving/being pregnant/raising their kids, and I love seeing where V and I will hopefully be in a few years.
That said, please notice the dramatic unveiling of my blogroll. I feel like a grown-up blogger now. In addition to the various mommy-related blogs, I also have V's, though she almost never updates (shame on her), and one of my college professor's. I'm sure I'll come across more to add, but it's a humble start.
That said, please notice the dramatic unveiling of my blogroll. I feel like a grown-up blogger now. In addition to the various mommy-related blogs, I also have V's, though she almost never updates (shame on her), and one of my college professor's. I'm sure I'll come across more to add, but it's a humble start.
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