I have a handicap. In the grocery store. Get home and realize it's struck again.
Floyd: "Salsa?"
Me: "Yep!"
Floyd: "No chips?"
Med: "Doh!"

Same with you?

Had a meeting today, guy had a freaking staple gun in my office. Panic Button?
On the up side, it's 70 degrees and Spring is hurtling towards Greenville.

lately.

LATELY... that's all I can come up with to title this post since it covers such a broad range... and because honestly, lately work has been the order of life. It's good, don't get me wrong - i love my job. It's just that, well, I've been a bit consumed there with recent changes. And I don't really think anyone has heard from me for that reason. So, here's the domestic report.

This could be a Carter's commercial. Five kids, all in blanket sleepers, on the couch, New Years Day. We had a sleep-over with the Fisher clan. I don't know who was more excited - these five monkeys or Uncle Reid. We all had fun.

Evelyn and Floyd had a really fun date night on Valentines weekend. Ten years since the first time Floyd asked me to be his Valentine, and I'm glad to still have the honor. Even if he still hasn't quite learned how to open his eyes fully for pictures. Anyway, we went to the Lazy Goat and ate tasty tapas. Then we walked across the bridge over the Reedy River, to take in WICKED at the Peace Center. (The last broadway show we saw together, incidentally, was Les Miserables in 2000!)

Junie and Clementine, matching outfits are pretty much going to be a way of life as often as 'Antsy' and I can pull it off. We really can't resist an opportunity. Especially now that you two are sitting up so nicely and grinning and interacting together. Just too cute.

This morning: She looks so peaceful, doesn't she? At times, she can do that. But we can vouch that we've never quite heard another baby exercise their lungs in quite the same way either. She LOVES that Daddy. Stares at him, sticks her tongue out and grins. Tucks her chin and plays coy. But as soon as that smile appeared it can be replaced by screeching and tears. And he just says, "I don't know what you want baby girl." Foreshadowing of teenage years already?

This is our town

Can you tell I'm a little bit proud of where we live? Can you? Seriously, I'm doing a little dance around my office and wishing I had a bottle of champagne, and a husband in town to celebrate. But since I don't, YOU all can just know that it makes me REAL proud to call this place home. If you don't know how awesome our city is... well now there are nearly 30 pages printed in this month's US Airways Magazine to confirm it. Just in case you needed it. So thank you, local leaders, Greenville residents, for making this place so fabulous.

**photo snagged from US Airways website**

Jim Hargate III is howling at sirens outside.

RM: "He's mooing mom!"

the buggle...

i feel like 'the buggle' has gotten a bit of the shaft lately in my 'press coverage' of her. oma did a sixish month photo shoot for her recently. i say sixish month because she's seven months, but you know - that 'mid year' stage mommas want to capture when their munchkins are finally catch their balance to sit well, and are grinning that big gummy grin that is absolutely irresistable. I bet you can't resist her either. Can you?
Cute: Her impish grins. Her PEANUT sized self. Her chewing on my chin. Her keen awareness of everything around her.
Room for improvement: Her distaste for baby food. That high frequency screech. The night waking lately.

I'll take it. :)

one last group before winter is over...

i know everyone has probably had quite their fill of the snow pictures by now, but for posterity, i'm posting this group of shots too. Our sweet neighbors took them, so i was delighted to see them! Junebug was napping.

We were watching Floyd sledding. RM: "Daddy! That's SCARY!" I haven't had that much fun sledding in years.

"Mr. Jim" grew up in Wisconsin, and we wouldn't have had snowmen without his expertise. I'm not kidding - his tips were great! It is such fun to get to play in the snow with your neighbors. I still need a picture with "Ms. Mariame" and their dog Honey.

And just so you know, this was all before breakfast.

privacy

yes, i know, i know, the burning question: "Why did you password protect your blog?"

answer: we received some hits from sites that were linked to content that i do not want associated with our family, so in an effort to protect our family, this mechanism allows us to invite friends and family to participate in our virtual world.

i apologize for any inconvenience, but this day in age, you can't be too careful, right? thanks for understanding our decision!

Our Snowy Day

We were DELIGHTED to have another dose of 'white stuff' to play in for the 2010 winter season, and this time, it was light and fluffy and powdery and PERFECT. If you don't believe me, ask these two guys above. Two out of two snowmen agree, it was PERFECTION!

Anyway, enough about them, on to the real scoop: Evelyn, Floyd & Co.

Recently, we've been reading The Snowy Day to RM and J'bug. She mostly just chews on the cover while he becomes totally transfixed on the story and illustrations. You probably know it well:

The Snowy Day, a 1963 Caldecott Medal winner, is the simple tale of a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night. Keats's illustrations, using cut-outs, watercolors, and collage, are strikingly beautiful in their understated color and composition. The tranquil story mirrors the calm presence of the paintings, and both exude the silence of a freshly snow-covered landscape. The little boy celebrates the snow-draped city with a day of humble adventures--experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from a tree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day. Awakening to a winter wonderland is an ageless, ever-magical experience, and one made nearly visceral by Keats's gentle tribute.

So with that in mind, we've been talking about "The Snowy Day" a lot lately.

Me: "RM, see the snow in that field? And the cows?"
RM: "Dohs cows mom! Wook at dohs cows! Dey're eating The Snowy Day!"

Floyd: "Red, watch this ice dripping. It's melting."
RM: "Aheeeeeeee! See dat Bubbies!? It's melting!! HAHAHAH!!"

Me: "RM, do you want to sled with the big kids?"
RM: "Nope. I no want it. It's coooold."

Floyd: "Red, want to help make a snowman?"
RM: "And kick it? And Break it?"

Okay, so maybe those guys in the picture above wouldn't agree that it was totally PERFECT.... Maybe they got a little abused.

monday musings

So, we potty trained a few weeks ago. I have been afraid to mention it, to jinx myself/RM, but I figure I should account in some way for his amazing transition. Seriously, to say I was worried about it is a grave understatement. And he's taken to it SO well. No stage fright. And whether the reward is gummies or high fives and lots of applause, he knows my refrain. So much so that he shouts back, "I'm so proud of you, Mom!"

He also started playing the 'air guitar' more recently. I looked down at church yesterday, and he's standing their during worship strumming his air guitar furiously, and nodding his head to the beat. I-N-T-E-N-S-E.

Junie is teething. And peeing and flooding her PJ's in the middle of the night, which makes no one happy, but the teething is the real kicker. But i love her gnawing on my shoulder and snuggling her up. She also has enough hair for a hairbow.

That last point reminds me. Does anyone know how to convert a 3GP file from a phone video to upload and view on your computer? For some reason, I seem to be having trouble with it... that combined with not enough time to figure it out is the reason y'all haven't gotten to see some pretty cute 30 second clips yet.

As tired as this little season of life is, I was reminded this weekend how good and pleasant it is too. I watched a video about the persecuted church in other parts of the world. Seeing children smiling and singing while living as gypsies in a city dump. When I am woken up earlier than I want to by someone yelling "Mom!" in the monitor, I have been overcome by the gifts of a warm bed, healthy children, clean diapers, and clothes. A hot shower. Coffee. Warm food. These are no small things. And for whatever reason God saw fit to give me this very comfortable life experience. Sometimes I don't prize it as I should, and am all to prone to worry. I need these reminders.

Baby girl consistently refuses rice cereal, pureed bananas, applesauce. Tonight decided sweet potato fries were right up her alley. Skipping baby food? Hmm.

sleet-ish/snow-ish/ice-ish...

So, Floyd had to work for a few hours Saturday morning, but i was bound and determined to brave the elements for the toddler-man's sake. I bundled him up, and touting the new boots and new mittens, I hip-hip-hurrayed for our good fortune that God had sent us such a fun Winter Storm. I mean, after all, we only get one of these a year.

He wasn't buying it.

I even tried to get him to sled with me on the hill across the street, and it was an all out panic-attack response. So we did not sled. It was kind of the Captain Caution thing all over again.

We went back inside.

And back inside we "cuddled" and enjoyed the 68 degree climate our lovely furnace was providing. You know, I did the things momma is good at. Apple juice and animal crackers picnic? Sure. And then daddy came home. And I realized the error of my ways.

Apparently, I should have suggested poking the white stuff with a stick. Or tossing ice chunks into the road. Or stomping on it and watching it crack. Boy stuff.

And for crying out loud, loose the gloves mom. Boys need to have red-cold hands to put in their pockets.

And maybe one of these days i'll figure out how to convert the video from the phone to add it here. Just so you can see how happy he was once Daddy was calling the shots on winter-storm-fun.

dating

i had a date with this guy last week. and tonight we are having another. it's a new year's resolution of sorts: dating more. the truth is, sometimes i get too focused on 'what needs to be done' in my job as an employee or as a mother and fail to pay enough attention to the privilege it is to be his wife.

as you can tell from this photo - taken during one of his travels last year that took him far and wide across the country and beyond borders - he is funny. he also charms my socks off. and when we are able to sit down and focus and enjoy it for a couple of hours, we have a really, really good time.

i'm excited. and also wondering what to wear.

the half birthday

Junie Bear. What I want to remember about this time:

You've learned to hold the 'tripod' pose quite well lately. But capturing a grin like this is next to impossible. You're a rather stoic young lady.

Although you girls might not know it yet, you are best friends.

The 'half birthday' crew cuddling while you napped.

Dearest baby girl, you are already six months old.
I'll be honest, there have been moments when I wished away your tiny baby stage - when you were inconsolible some nights early on. Lately though, I have found myself clinging to you a little bit tighter. Hoping you'll be still and let me cuddle you just a bit longer. That I can freeze frame this time in my mind and pull it back up when you are toddling away from me soon.
Today you spent the morning at Oma's house, and she took these delightful pictures. You had Antsy, G-lou, Clemie, and Reddy for company too. I went straight from work to take you to the doctor's office so we could find out about a yucky cough you've been fighting for several days. Turns out, you have your first ear infection. And getting the antibiotic in you might just take an act of Congress.
Right now you are down the hall in your crib, sleeping soundly next to the hum of the vaporizer. Your brother is potty training this week, which garners lots of attention, and you gladly offer those priceless smiles up for him. We've been keeping you awake a few minutes after that crazy boy goes to bed though just so we can stare back into those attentive eyes and get to know you a little more. I hope we are always close - that this bond we've formed in six short months doesn't dim. You make me beam with pride just by your being alive.

peas

Wanna hear the excuses i got for why RM couldn't eat his peas the other day? All phrases accompanied by wide-eyed expression of delight and wonder:

1. "Gummies!?!?!?!?"
2. "Shhhh. They (the peas) are sleeping."
3. "Hear dat? Wisten! I hear da cheese."
4. "Ice Cream!?!?!?!"
5. "Mommy bike dat pea?"
6. "Awwwergic. Reddy Awwwergic." (pointing to peas.)

Seriously. I'm not kidding. Lately, he's been using these other tactics. Humoring me. Humoring himself. Asking if I want a bite. Requesting items NOT on the menu, some of which he is actually allergic to. Insisting that he is allergic to the one nutritious option.

When people told me parenting was hard, I really didn't expect the reason to be that I was strugging against a two year old stand up comic.

mobile uploads

Not to be too graphic, but the boy darted away to the corner this evening to accomplish his business. Incidentally, his father did the same thing at this age, and told his mom, "Don't mess with me." Karma is a... bad, bad thing.


Ah yes, what would New Years Eve be without an unexpected trip to the doctor's office? RM went sliding into a corner baseboard (we think) and started gushing blood. Calm Oma encouraged superglue and a bandaid. Panicked Momma opted for dermabond from the professionals. Hopefully the scar won't be too bad.


Christmas break can best be summized in this photo right here: I call it "Elf Blur". RM, in his beloved Oma-made Santa hat, whizzing around in cozy pants at home. His mom loves cozy pants. And she had a lovely break from work, so cozy pants were a family affair.

an Epiphany Day baby and an epiphany for the bug.

I got to chat on the phone with Tootie.

Evelyn: "Ohhhh, I am so excited Toot. I can't wait to meet her. We are so proud of you."

The labor was long. But true to her nature, she kicked The Fall in the face and said, natural childbirth for me please.

Looking at J'bug I said, "You aren't the littlest pip squeak anymore. Time to get moving squirt. But not too fast. I still like snuggling you up." I put her in her crib and she pushed her chest off the mattress and grinned at me. She inched her diapered bottom up in the air and crammed her fingers in her mouth. Lights out.

Talking to Nanni ten minutes later. We're both squealing over another neice. A cousin for our baby girls. A sister for JG & E. The SIXTH baby girl in 2.5 years. They are going to have sooo much fun together.

J'bug starts screaming in her crib. The kind of scared-baby-cry that isn't normal. I run in there and find her quite startled. But she'd heeded my advice.

She'd flipped over.

Merry Merry...

Christmas Eve we got home and snug in time for Santa to get some work done... The morning was sweet and quiet, streaming carols over the computer and opening the stocking in the bed together... then presents under the tree. Here are a few photos to record it.


oooh, momma you need some cucumbers on those eyes.


Looking at loot from the stocking


The morning tree... with J'bug for size comparison.


I mean, how smitten am I by these smiles?


He got a 'spoon man' in the stocking too. Very popular.


Baby girl smocked Christmas dress? i could eat her up.


After our opening (no flash).


one of our playmobil people made it on top of the table centerpiece. Hmmm.

Photos... The Holiday Variety Pack

Just a sampling of pictures from the last month that are otherwise non-categorical.

Like this crazy boy running. I'm just liking that i caught the still frame. And that he has this cute outfit with an electric guitar on it.


We went to our friend Liam's first birthday and went home with a present too. RM loooooves "P-doh" and making the monkey's hair grow.


Baby C and J'bug together. The bestest of five month old friends and cousins.


Ya know, just 'cause i can't resist these bright eyes and lashes.


And finally, one of sweet Meredith. She has been keeping the kids one day a week since I went back to work. And kept RM when he was a baby too. My maid-of-honor, my next-door-dorm-mate in college, and the most FUN to be around for RM and J'bug. He regularly takes 4 hour naps after a morning with Mer. Anyway, she bought J'bug this cute Christmas romper so we snagged a quick picture.

Photos... Picking out the Tree

the fam

being two. checking out nature. unsure of his new boots.

watching the chain saw. measuring to be sure it's 'just right'.

J'bug working those fingers, hoping sleep will come.

going for a tractor 'ride' while we watched the tree get tied up.

Over Thanksgiving weekend we picked the Tree. RM made friends with a farmer, his chickens and rooster, his tractor, several of the hired help who cut down our tree, and basically every stick available for him to carry around.