M: Lillian, don't touch the end of that mop. It has cleaner on it.
L: Oh no, I might get clean!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Curious Grayson
Grayson is everywhere. Last night, it seemed like he was running after Lillian or at least walking fast. Today, Lillian and I were sitting on the radiator looking out of the front window. This is a favorite pastime at our house. We keep up with the entire block. That requires a lot of surveillance. Anyway, Grayson climbed on top of the magazine rack where we keep their books and on to the radiator. Then clapped for himself and laughed. He did it before I could get to him. I am starting to wonder if he is part monkey. If you saw the way he climbs around and how much he like bananas you would wonder, too.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Bubble Girl
Tonight, Lillian was enjoying some bubble bath she got from Aunt Susan for Valentine's Day.
Not so lucky
Looks like Peter is not so lucky after all. He came home sick, today. He is in the bed. Poor guy. Hopefully, this will be the end of it.
In other news, I am calling it. Grayson is walking. He takes off whenever he wants. He still crawls some because it is faster, but for the most part he is a walker. I can't believe he is getting so big.
In other news, I am calling it. Grayson is walking. He takes off whenever he wants. He still crawls some because it is faster, but for the most part he is a walker. I can't believe he is getting so big.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Happy Valentine's Day?
Well, Maynor Puke/Poop fest 2006 continues. I am considering making t-shirts to commemorate the event. I went down last night. While not the most romantic Valentine's Day, I am positive he loves me. The kids seem to be pretty much recovered. I am glad to not be ralphing, today. I am pretty wiped out. Peter seems to be doing fine. Lucky dog.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Puke!
We have had a lot of that going on here. The kids are both sick. One out of one end and one out of the other. At least they are mixing it up for me. Last night we all felt great and went over to Barbara Hauser's (Susan's mom) for a Valentine's day party. The kids decorated cookies and played. We ordered dinner. Lillian complained of her stomach, but with all the icing she ate who wouldn't? We put her to bed. Thirty minutes later. Crying. She had ralphed on the white comforter cover. We cleaned her up and put her back down. We were discussing whether or not it was just the icing when we heard something. It was Lillian standing about halfway down the stairs puking everywhere on, you guessed it, white carpet. Pink icing. Not a pretty picture. This answered the question: stomach flu. NICE! We were in for many more hours of that all the way home from Barabara's and most of the night. Grayson woke up with a dreadful diaper and puke all over him. Poor kid. Until yesterday, I think my kids had puked twice in their combined lives. We have made up for lost time and I think Peter and I are officially parents. It is amazing what you will do for your kids. In the shower, I was questioning why I didn't become a doctor (my childhood dream). I thought I had a weak stomach. Not so, my friend. I was fantisizing about my return to medical school, after the kids start school. Then the poor Biology grades came flooding back. I mean seriously, who wants to deal with malpractice insurance, when you are practically a doctor at home for free. Hopefully, Peter and I will not fall to the stomach flu. I'll keep you posted. I am comforting myself with the thought of all the money I will save on not having to purchase an expensive colon cleanse.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Vacation
Lillian came out of her room after "nap time" dressed like this. She said she was going on vacation. Note the suitcase in the background.
Germs
Lillian and Grayson have had colds for the last few days. Lillian has a nasty cough. I told her to cover her mouth, when she is coughing.
Lillian: Why, mama?
Mama: So you don't get germs everywhere?
Her eyes got wide.
Lillian: Oh no, there are germs all over my room!
This has caused many questions about germs. Are they in my belly? Why can't I see them? Are they everywhere? I realized quickly I am in over my head. The explanation of germs has totally stumped me.
Lillian: Why, mama?
Mama: So you don't get germs everywhere?
Her eyes got wide.
Lillian: Oh no, there are germs all over my room!
This has caused many questions about germs. Are they in my belly? Why can't I see them? Are they everywhere? I realized quickly I am in over my head. The explanation of germs has totally stumped me.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
The tights monster!
Lillian scared me to death when she walked in the kitchen like this. She is all about monsters right now.
G loves bathtime
I think Grayson may be a water bug like Lillian. He loves taking a bath with his big sister.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Oh, ya!/Oh, no!
Oh, ya! The G-man took about four steps by himself, today. He took several steps a couple of times. He will be walking in no time.
Oh, no! Here is a Lillian quote from yesterday. I had made some cookies. I took them off the cookie sheet and flipped them over face down to cool on the counter. Lillian came into the living room to tell me the following....
Lillian: Mama, I flipped the cookies back over for you, so there nipples would be up.
There are some down sides to telling your three year old the actual name to body parts. You have no idea, when they will come back out of her mouth. Well, it was good for a laugh.
Oh, no! Here is a Lillian quote from yesterday. I had made some cookies. I took them off the cookie sheet and flipped them over face down to cool on the counter. Lillian came into the living room to tell me the following....
Lillian: Mama, I flipped the cookies back over for you, so there nipples would be up.
There are some down sides to telling your three year old the actual name to body parts. You have no idea, when they will come back out of her mouth. Well, it was good for a laugh.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Privacy
Lillian: Mama, please leave and close my door. I need privacy to change clothes. You need privacy when you poop, pee and change clothes.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Dogs and Dawgs
Some of you may remember a brief phase in my life, when I had a dog. A husky. Not the best apartment dog. She went to live with a big family on a farm shortly after Peter and I got married. Well, I have been thinking about dogs, lately. When you are thinking about getting a dog people are full of advise and warnings..... They shed. Never feed them from the table or they will always beg. You have to walk them. Oh, the vet bills. Don't let them on the furniture. etc., etc. I have been thinking that a lot of that advise applies to my dawgs (Lillian and Grayson). I wish someone had told me never to feed them off your plate. Lillian eats half of my food and Grayson is now begging for the other half. I am consoling myself with the thought that at least it is cheaper than Weight Watchers. And frankly, you might as well call it shedding or crumbing. You have to vaccuum behind them many times a day. The doctor bills. They really should be walked every day to get some wiggles out. And really should never let them on the furniture. (Exhibit #1: My couch.) So I'm thinkin'. I might as well get a dog, now. Maybe the dog with help with the crumb problem.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Count Down
We are on the Dora count down. Lillian has her clothes all picked out for the big event: Dora panties, Dora t-shirt and Dora sweatsuit. She is beside herself with excitment. I told Peter he better bring home some balloons, tomorrow. Somehow, she has decided that is part of the big "date" with mama and daddy.
Gin-jew-ary
You've gotta love Lillian. Lillian's been in bed about an hour. I just walked into my bedroom and found "Gin-jew-ary". She is a bookmark Lillian fell in love with at Aunt Barbara's. She named her and had to bring her back to St. Louis. She treats the bookmark like a baby. Apparently, she put Gin-jew-ary to bed in our room, tonight. We found her all tucked in with the sound maker on in our room. She is constantly coming up with names for all sorts of things.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
New Stats!
Grayson had his nine month check-up, today. He passed! No shots. That is always nice. He weighed in at 20lbs, 4ozs. Lillian didn't hit the 20lb mark until she was a year. He is in the 50th percentile for weight. He is 29 and a half inches tall. He was in the 85th percentile for height. He gained three pounds and grew three inches in the last three months. He is standing on his own now for about a minute at a time and has taken a step. He will be walking, no doubt, soon. He and Lillian are really starting to play. He was "swimming" around in the bathtub last night.
We are taking Lillian to see Dora the Explorer at the Fox on Saturday. Grayson won't be going, so she is really excited about a special day with mama and daddy. She is soooooo excited about going to see Dora. She has already picked out her Dora sweatsuit to wear. She has asked many times a day when we are going to see Dora. Sadly, she doesn't understand time very well. We have been marking the calendar and counting the number of naps. There will be a blog about the event I am sure. Today, she said, "We are going to see Dora and I will wear my sweatsuit. Then we will get balloons, a hamburger and fries!" Not sure where the balloons, hamburger and fries came from, but we can probably work that out.
At the end of the day, it is such a delight to see both kids growing and coming into their own. I can't remember what life was like without them. Maybe more sleep, but I doubt it was worth it. Although, I did sleep good last night.
We are taking Lillian to see Dora the Explorer at the Fox on Saturday. Grayson won't be going, so she is really excited about a special day with mama and daddy. She is soooooo excited about going to see Dora. She has already picked out her Dora sweatsuit to wear. She has asked many times a day when we are going to see Dora. Sadly, she doesn't understand time very well. We have been marking the calendar and counting the number of naps. There will be a blog about the event I am sure. Today, she said, "We are going to see Dora and I will wear my sweatsuit. Then we will get balloons, a hamburger and fries!" Not sure where the balloons, hamburger and fries came from, but we can probably work that out.
At the end of the day, it is such a delight to see both kids growing and coming into their own. I can't remember what life was like without them. Maybe more sleep, but I doubt it was worth it. Although, I did sleep good last night.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Just Playin'
I caught this 'oh so cute moment' of Grayson this morning. Don't you just want to eat him with a spoon? He is working on more teeth. It has been hard work, today.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
I see the light
The cloud of technical difficulties seems to be lifting. We got rid of the computer virus and are now able to post pictures again. Yeah! Still down a cell phone and car. We have a plan for those. I hope you enjoy the pictures below. These were taken in the last month. Click on the flickr link and there are a few more.
Merry Maynor Christmas!
The Maynor kids doing the manager scene. Jesus was a little out of hand in the manager.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
I am Woman!!
We have had some technical difficulties of late. The volvo is in the shop. Washed the cell phone. Computer virus. etc. This morning I drove the truck to run a couple of errands while Peter was home with the kids. I don't drive it much, but pride myself on my abilities. I frequently tell myself that I am a cattle farmer's daughter from Louisiana, of course, I can drive a truck. I am woman hear me ROAR! I was enjoying toolin' around doing the errands with the window down (It is 60 degrees here, today.) listening to non-kid tunes. A couple of stops went fine. When I got back in from the grocery store. I keep trying to start it. I am doing the little speech in my head. I am woman hear me kill it seven times in a row. I am woman honk at me because I am blocking traffic. A nice man in a suit walked up to the window.
NM: Miss do you need some help?
M: Apparently.
NM: What seems to be the problem?
M: I think it may be an idoit driver problem.
NM: What is happening?
M: I keep starting it and killing it.
NM: You may be right. Why don't I push you back into the parking space and you give the car a break. Maybe call your husband.
We did that and I attempted to call Peter from the pay phone. (Not super happy with the washing of the cell phone, right now.) No answer. (Screener) Back to the truck. Started it the first time and made it home. I hope these little stories make you feel better about yourselves. At the end of all that, I may change the little speech to "I am woman hear me purr."
NM: Miss do you need some help?
M: Apparently.
NM: What seems to be the problem?
M: I think it may be an idoit driver problem.
NM: What is happening?
M: I keep starting it and killing it.
NM: You may be right. Why don't I push you back into the parking space and you give the car a break. Maybe call your husband.
We did that and I attempted to call Peter from the pay phone. (Not super happy with the washing of the cell phone, right now.) No answer. (Screener) Back to the truck. Started it the first time and made it home. I hope these little stories make you feel better about yourselves. At the end of all that, I may change the little speech to "I am woman hear me purr."
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
School
This morning we went to an open house for a school we are considering sending Lillian to next year. I told her over lunch about it and what she will be learning at school next year.
M: Lillian, if you go to Central next year you will learn Spanish.
L: Oh good, I can learn to say 'eagle'.
I have no idea where these things come from.
M: They will also teach you to read, so you can read books all by yourself.
L: That is a GREAT idea!
M: Lillian, if you go to Central next year you will learn Spanish.
L: Oh good, I can learn to say 'eagle'.
I have no idea where these things come from.
M: They will also teach you to read, so you can read books all by yourself.
L: That is a GREAT idea!
Storytime
A few weeks ago I told Lillian that my dad's name was Harry. She calls him Hap. She busted out laughing and said, "That is a VERY funny name." I suppose it is, if it is not your dad's name and you don't know how to spell. Last night, Lillian asked me to tell her a story. I am not the storyteller in the family and usually I just read books to her, instead. Last night, she had to have a story.
M: What should the story be about?
L: Hairy Larry had a nose ring and was friends with Jesus.
What? FYI, I got my nose pierced a few weeks ago. SURPRISE!! Happy 30th birthday to me! Anyway, Lillian likes it and wants one when she gets bigger. See, there are consequences to our choices. It is all well and good to get a nose ring until your three year old wants one, too. At least it isn't a tattoo. SURPRISE! Peter has one of those. We are in trouble. Anyway, there will be time enough for that later. At least there is no limit on cyber space. I am sure there will be much blogging during the teenaged years. Back to the story.
M: Once upon a time there was a man named Hairy Larry who had a nose ring. He didn't have many friends. He had one good friend named Jesus. Hairy Larry and Jesus walked around talking and laughing and being friends. Then Jesus went back to heaven and Hairy Larry looked forward to seeing him again in heaven. The End.
L: That was a good one, mama.
You can see why I am not the story teller in the family.
M: What should the story be about?
L: Hairy Larry had a nose ring and was friends with Jesus.
What? FYI, I got my nose pierced a few weeks ago. SURPRISE!! Happy 30th birthday to me! Anyway, Lillian likes it and wants one when she gets bigger. See, there are consequences to our choices. It is all well and good to get a nose ring until your three year old wants one, too. At least it isn't a tattoo. SURPRISE! Peter has one of those. We are in trouble. Anyway, there will be time enough for that later. At least there is no limit on cyber space. I am sure there will be much blogging during the teenaged years. Back to the story.
M: Once upon a time there was a man named Hairy Larry who had a nose ring. He didn't have many friends. He had one good friend named Jesus. Hairy Larry and Jesus walked around talking and laughing and being friends. Then Jesus went back to heaven and Hairy Larry looked forward to seeing him again in heaven. The End.
L: That was a good one, mama.
You can see why I am not the story teller in the family.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Lunch Lady Land
In an unfortunate turn of events, Grayson seems to have an opinion. He is refusing pureed baby food and wanting to feed himself. He has also stopped being totally silent and started occassionally screaming in a high pitched girl way. This would not be that big of a deal, if I did not know where this kind of behavior leads......Lillian. It all starts with high-pitched screaming. Here is a tidbit from lunch. Lillian declared herself the "Sneaky monster" in a deep voice. She said sneaky monsters only eat mountains a.k.a quesadillas. She discussed eating a couple of "stinky monsters" (me and Grayson). In an attempt to save our lives, we reminded her that we were not mountains. Apparently, sneaky monster was getting full or bored with the mountains and in an act of sneakiness threw a mountain (quesadilla) across the room. This afforded her an all expenses paid trip to a place I fondly refer to as Mount Time Out. Many have said your mother's view is clear from here. Sadly, sneaky monster left Mount Time Out to change into a beautiful summer dress and received a second all expenses paid trip to Mount Time Out. She stopped to check out the view on the second trip. Meanwhile, the little stinky monster was dropping his non-pureed food from the top of Mount High Chair. Do I need to say more about being disturbed?
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Resolutions
New Year's Resolutions
1: Be more organized. (This has been mine for the past five years. It hasn't worked yet.)
2: Don't wash the cell phone. (Did that on the 31st. Not my finest hour.)
I'm thirty and 2006 is gonna be my year.
1: Be more organized. (This has been mine for the past five years. It hasn't worked yet.)
2: Don't wash the cell phone. (Did that on the 31st. Not my finest hour.)
I'm thirty and 2006 is gonna be my year.
Happy Birthday!
Today is Brian's 36th birthday. When Lillian woke-up this morning, I told her we were going to Susan's to play and make a cake for Uncle Brian's birthday.
L: We are going to a birthday party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????
M: Well, we are going to make a cake for Uncle Brian's birthday and play.
L: Uncle Brian's gonna come?
M: No sweety, because where is Uncle Brian?
L: He is in heaven with Jesus.
M: Yes
L: Can we still eat the cake?
Not so much about Uncle Brian after all. Is it? However, she did pray tonight that God would make her not miss Uncle Brian so much.
L: We are going to a birthday party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????
M: Well, we are going to make a cake for Uncle Brian's birthday and play.
L: Uncle Brian's gonna come?
M: No sweety, because where is Uncle Brian?
L: He is in heaven with Jesus.
M: Yes
L: Can we still eat the cake?
Not so much about Uncle Brian after all. Is it? However, she did pray tonight that God would make her not miss Uncle Brian so much.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
It's a Boy!
Big news in the Maynor household! We have a new addition. His name is Joshua. He is a two and a half year old boy who sometimes presents as a pink monster. I suppose we have adopted him because he has no parents and arrived at some point about six or seven weeks ago from Tampa, FL. Peter and I had nothing to do with the decision to become a five person family rather than four. Joshua is Lillian's imaginary friend. And truth be told, we might as well have another kid. We are always having to keep up with Joshua. We regularly have to go back in the house for him or stop to put his seatbelt on. Lillian walks around holdling his hand. While we were in Zachary, I had to take him to the "ER". About eight hours in to the trip down to Louisiana, Lillian freaks out and says we forgot Joshua. Melissa and I told her we packed him in the front seat and she just couldn't see him. :) Lillian would have none of that. Finally, he showed up. I guess he was hiding. He likes to do that. Anyway, Joshua has won our hearts. He seems pretty lovable in a sneaky sort of way.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, All! We spent the day in Zachary with my family. We had a wonderful lazy day. I took a two hour nap! Of course, we were up for a few hours in the middle of the night with Grayson last night. I guess he was really ready to open some gifts. It was hard to say whether he liked the paper and bows or toys more. Lillian's favorite gift seemed to be a "doctor" kit. She has been "doctoring" us all day. I hope you all had a enjoyed the day. I will leave you with my favorite Lillian quote of the day.
M: Lillian, would you like to open another present?
L: No, thank you, mama.
P. S. Happy Birthday, Buh! Hope you had a great day!
M: Lillian, would you like to open another present?
L: No, thank you, mama.
P. S. Happy Birthday, Buh! Hope you had a great day!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Tag Team
I think the kids are starting to gang up on me. I overheard this conversation while I was fixing my coffee this morning.
L: Okay G, here is the plan for the day. I want some treats, so you need to create a distraction. Make it good because I have to get a stool and climb on the counter to get the Christmas cookies.
G: I know, I'll act like I'm gonna bite an electric cord. That gets her every time. I hate it when she is too slow, though. I get zapped! We better let her finish her coffee.
L: Don't worry man, it's worth it. I'll hook you up with some cheerios or something for your trouble. That covers the morning. You better take your nap because we are pulling out all the stops this afternoon.
G: Yeah, let's try to make her cry or call Daddy and freak out.
L: I know! I won't take a nap. I'll trash my room and that will wake you up. We will both start screaming bloody murder. That makes her cry everytime.
G: Then we will run the "tear off the bows open the presents" play and score some more Christmas cookies.
L: Okay, hundle up.
L/G: One, two, three, TEAM!!
My life is over! I hope Santa brings me a babysitter.
L: Okay G, here is the plan for the day. I want some treats, so you need to create a distraction. Make it good because I have to get a stool and climb on the counter to get the Christmas cookies.
G: I know, I'll act like I'm gonna bite an electric cord. That gets her every time. I hate it when she is too slow, though. I get zapped! We better let her finish her coffee.
L: Don't worry man, it's worth it. I'll hook you up with some cheerios or something for your trouble. That covers the morning. You better take your nap because we are pulling out all the stops this afternoon.
G: Yeah, let's try to make her cry or call Daddy and freak out.
L: I know! I won't take a nap. I'll trash my room and that will wake you up. We will both start screaming bloody murder. That makes her cry everytime.
G: Then we will run the "tear off the bows open the presents" play and score some more Christmas cookies.
L: Okay, hundle up.
L/G: One, two, three, TEAM!!
My life is over! I hope Santa brings me a babysitter.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Conversations
This morning Lillian came into the dining room all dressed up.
M: Oh, you look so pretty! Are you an angel?
L: No
M: Are you a butterfly princess?
L: No
M: Are you a fairy?
L: No, my just a person with butterfly wings on.
That was my next guess.
M: Oh, you look so pretty! Are you an angel?
L: No
M: Are you a butterfly princess?
L: No
M: Are you a fairy?
L: No, my just a person with butterfly wings on.
That was my next guess.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Lillian, on religion
Lillian went to the dentist with me, today. The dentist was talking with her and trying to make her feel comfortable. She didn't do such a good job of making him feel comfortable.
Dentist: Did you get that blonde hair from your mama?
Lillian: (Laughs as if to say, "My mama has brown hair.) NO, from Jesus!
He didn't know what to do with that. I was thinking right on sister!
Tonight, we were reading our advent literature for the day. Lillian wanted to have a turn "reading". She said she would read out of the "Bible" which was actually a book about baseball by Tony LaRussa.
L: A whale swallowed Jesus and Grayson. They were in his belly and he spit out Jonah. The end.
At least, she has the important stuff right.
Dentist: Did you get that blonde hair from your mama?
Lillian: (Laughs as if to say, "My mama has brown hair.) NO, from Jesus!
He didn't know what to do with that. I was thinking right on sister!
Tonight, we were reading our advent literature for the day. Lillian wanted to have a turn "reading". She said she would read out of the "Bible" which was actually a book about baseball by Tony LaRussa.
L: A whale swallowed Jesus and Grayson. They were in his belly and he spit out Jonah. The end.
At least, she has the important stuff right.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
An original
Lillian didn't ever fall asleep during naptime today, but she played in her room for about two and a half hours. I was so pleased with the independent play. After it was over, I went in her room to get her and discovered that everything she owns was out in her room. She was pleased as punch with herself and having a blast.
L: Oh mama, look what I did. (smile)
(She drew a picture that is about two feet high and three feet wide with a purple marker on the wall. )
M: Lillian, you are not supposed to draw on the wall. Do you know why you aren't supposed to draw on the wall? (Hello, you can't get it off.)
L: Because it makes Jesus very sad and if I do it again you should spank me. (Key word: again)
I gave her a time out. The drawing was pretty good and I have always wanted a piece of original artwork for my walls. I suppose today was my lucky day.
L: Oh mama, look what I did. (smile)
(She drew a picture that is about two feet high and three feet wide with a purple marker on the wall. )
M: Lillian, you are not supposed to draw on the wall. Do you know why you aren't supposed to draw on the wall? (Hello, you can't get it off.)
L: Because it makes Jesus very sad and if I do it again you should spank me. (Key word: again)
I gave her a time out. The drawing was pretty good and I have always wanted a piece of original artwork for my walls. I suppose today was my lucky day.
He's a Bunny!
Grayson actually crawled with proper form this weekend. G-daddy (Peter's dad) must have talked him into it. G-daddy hung out with him then he started crawling. Hand, knee, hand, knee, hop. Hop? We finally know why he is so cute. He is part bunny. He is crawling with an occassional hopping action. It is too cute. He also pulled up today on my face while I was playing with him on the floor. Our little bunny is growing up.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
She got me!
Tonight, Lillian hit her head on the corner of something. She was screaming and crying. She said it was bleeding and she needed to go to the doctor. This brought back a bad flashback of a fairly recent ER visit. I was trying to calm her down and look at her head. No blood. She was still crying and walked into the dining room to a plate of cookies we decorated this morning.
L: A cookie will feel me better, mama. And I won't have to cry anymore.
M: Are you trickin' me girl?
L: smiles
I know what your saying. Melanie, don't give her the cookie! Only a novice mom would. I thought that was so creative that I gave her one. She did get hurt and then added the smooth move about the cookies. Hey, I have a bunch of people coming for Thanksgiving tomorrow and I had stuff to do. You and I both know I bought her off with the cookie, so she would be quiet.
P. S. novice moms. This is not a good idea, but it does work in a pinch.
Happy Thanksgiving!
L: A cookie will feel me better, mama. And I won't have to cry anymore.
M: Are you trickin' me girl?
L: smiles
I know what your saying. Melanie, don't give her the cookie! Only a novice mom would. I thought that was so creative that I gave her one. She did get hurt and then added the smooth move about the cookies. Hey, I have a bunch of people coming for Thanksgiving tomorrow and I had stuff to do. You and I both know I bought her off with the cookie, so she would be quiet.
P. S. novice moms. This is not a good idea, but it does work in a pinch.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Heaven Talk
Today, we were in the car going to do a little Christmas shopping. I was talking to Lillian about Christmas and telling her we were going to cut our Christmas tree down this weekend.
L: Mama, Uncle Brian, Aunt Susan, Max and Briggs gonna get a Christmas tree, too.
M: Well, not Uncle Brian because...
L: He's in heaven!
M: Thats right, so he isn't. Aunt Susan, Max and Briggs are going to get a Christmas tree with us.
L: Mama, I think Aunt Susan, Max and Briggs might like to go to heaven this year for Christmas.
(I was about to start sobbing at this tender comment. I was also thinking about how selfishly I always want Brian here rather than thinking about going to heaven with him.)
L: Wow Mama, look at that red airplane.
And the moment was gone.
L: Mama, Uncle Brian, Aunt Susan, Max and Briggs gonna get a Christmas tree, too.
M: Well, not Uncle Brian because...
L: He's in heaven!
M: Thats right, so he isn't. Aunt Susan, Max and Briggs are going to get a Christmas tree with us.
L: Mama, I think Aunt Susan, Max and Briggs might like to go to heaven this year for Christmas.
(I was about to start sobbing at this tender comment. I was also thinking about how selfishly I always want Brian here rather than thinking about going to heaven with him.)
L: Wow Mama, look at that red airplane.
And the moment was gone.
First Word???
Tonight at dinner, Lillian was making Grayson laugh. He thinks she is hilarious. He spit a month full of peas and corn in her face, when she said, "Boo". So we, of course, said boo about 1,000 times to make him laugh more. Then in a sudden turn of events, Grayson said boo back. Lillian and I totally believe he said it twice. So you know what we will say 2,000 times tomorrow to see if he says it back.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Houston, We have a problem!
The other night Grayson was crawling around the floor naked. Lillian was playing with the game pieces from Candyland.
M: Lillian, please don't stick toys up your brother's bootie.
Didn't see that one coming.
M: Lillian, please don't stick toys up your brother's bootie.
Didn't see that one coming.
Monday, November 14, 2005
A day in the life...
I just spent the last hour with Princess Lillian trying to stay safe from the "scary monster" (Grayson in his feetie pajamas) that was crawling after us. We found that the safest places were the high tower of the castle (on top of the sofa) or in the dark cave (under all of the sofa cushions). The monster was not tall enough to get us in the high tower or savy enough to find us in the cave. We screamed, "Help!!! Someone save us!" The monster only laughed. This was a pretty hip medival castle for it had a cell phone (small red telephone rattle). The fair princess made a distress call to Matt and Buh (our neighbors) for assistance. They screened us as usual, so we were left to fend for ourselves. After some time of this (literally an hour), the monster became agitated and showed signs of hunger. I, being the fierce warrior maiden that I am, threw caution to the wind and approached the scary monster. I then fed him in an effort to save Princess Lillian. This was a great act of courage because this very monster bit me so hard a few days ago that he drew blood. Thankfully, I survived this attack and was able to subdue the monster. Princess Lillian and I put him in a cage (his crib), so that we would all be safe for the night. Princess Lillian was soooo tired from defending her life she only lied about have to pee and poop twice and was fast asleep by 7:10 pm. This warrior maiden is hoping the King will arrive home soon to eat a whole chicken and drink something out of a goblet.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
I'll see you tomorrow!
My dear brother, Brian, went home to be with the Lord, today. What a joy it was to be with him right before he saw Jesus. What do you say? It was the most beautiful time of my life. Standing on Holy ground. He was surronded by those he loved the most. We sang and read scripture.
I have so many wonderful Brian memories. He took me in the first time I met him and always made me feel so special. He was my partner in cards in endless battles again Peter and Susan. He talked to me on the phone right after my dad told me to come home for my mom's death and told me everything to pack. He was so excited about my pregnancies and my children. What an amazing uncle. He was the biggest fan of my blog and never seemed to mind that I had copied him. The night before my wedding Susan told him to give me a kiss and we accidently kissed on the lips. It was a running joke that he was a better kisser than Peter.
Last night, I kissed him for the first time since then. I said, "I'll see you tomorrow!" To him, I know that it will feel like tomorrow. He is dancing with Jesus as we speak.
I love you Brian! I'll see you tomorrow.
I have so many wonderful Brian memories. He took me in the first time I met him and always made me feel so special. He was my partner in cards in endless battles again Peter and Susan. He talked to me on the phone right after my dad told me to come home for my mom's death and told me everything to pack. He was so excited about my pregnancies and my children. What an amazing uncle. He was the biggest fan of my blog and never seemed to mind that I had copied him. The night before my wedding Susan told him to give me a kiss and we accidently kissed on the lips. It was a running joke that he was a better kisser than Peter.
Last night, I kissed him for the first time since then. I said, "I'll see you tomorrow!" To him, I know that it will feel like tomorrow. He is dancing with Jesus as we speak.
I love you Brian! I'll see you tomorrow.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Lillian, Grayson and Elise going trick or treating.
The kids were all dressed up to go trick or treating in the rain. My friend Sarah Davis, now Sarah Benton, her husband, Todd, and daughter, Elise, joined us. We had a great time! Lillian said, "Mama, I really liked that." She has been asking for treats about every thirty seconds, since Monday.
On the Move
Grayson is starting to crawl. Here is one of his first attempts in his Halloween costume. He was a dragon.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Poor Sock
Yesterday, we were all in the car and Lillian asked Peter to roll her window down. She took off her sock and started holding it out of the window. She has gotten in trouble for this many times and has been told not to throw things out of the window. She said, "I won't let it go." Well, she did. We saw it in the middle of a very busy street in the rear view mirror. She cried and cried for about thirty minutes. "I want my sock. Please." We tried to explain that the street was too busy and that we could not get it. M, "That is why we can't throw things out of the window. They are gone forever." Lillian, "But mama, we could all hold hands and go out in the street to get it." At least she knows, to hold hands when crossing the street.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Maynor Boys
Uncle Andy came to visit us this weekend. We had a wonderful visit. The kids had a blast playing with him. He was probably exhausted and a little ready to head back to his kid free house. He changed his first diaper, Grayson's. He did a great job, but dressing him was too hard. Grayson is a wiggle worm and I usually end up dressing him while he is on his belly. This is not super easy even for the experienced mom. At some point in the weekend, Andy said, "Maybe Grayson has a dirty diaper or something. I can't place that smell." That totally cracked me up. I thought to myself about 24 hours after you have your first kid you will be able to place that smell a mile away. Anyway, all of the diaper talk made me remember Brian and Peter changing their first diaper. They did it together. Max was about three hours old and we were all in the hospital room. Max was in that little crib and the guys decided to change his diaper. They take it off. Wipe him off and Max starts to pee. They are both looking down at him, when the peeing starts. They started yelling and jumped back. Pee is going everywhere. Susan says, "Cover it up!" They are still yelling and backing away. Susan (about three hours after delivery) jumps up and covers him. We justed started laughing. I mean two guys should now that baby boys pee on you. Brian and Peter have made a lot of progress. It is hard to believe that Max is now three and a half. He pees all by himself and even asks for privacy.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Average Nudist Teacher?
I took both children to the doctor today for their check-ups. Lillian was 29lbs and 36.5 inches. Grayson was 17lbs 5oz (He lost a little weight being sick since Monday.) and 27 inches. They are both in the 45th or 50th percentile for height and weight. They are both doing fine on their milestones. Grayson's ear is starting to look a little pink, so he may be getting an ear infection. I am praying he will fight it off and avoid the antibiotics.
When we got home, I was putting Grayson to bed and doing a few things around the house. After dinner, Lillian had taken off all of her clothes and was playing naked. She was talking in her room, as usual. I walked down the hall to take a peak. She was saying, "Okay, now get in line and stay in line." She had all of her stuffed animals lined up along the bed. She proceeded to talk to them, as if she were the teacher. I am sure quoting things she hears at school.
I often find myself wondering what I know about my children today that tells me what they will be like as adults. There are lots of things to consider. I was washing the dishes and thinking about them, tonight. I think it is very easy to want your kids to be above average. If they are below average, you worry about how to make them average. Ironically, we aren't very satisfied with average. The kids did great at the doctor, today. They are basically average. Not super smart. Not super tall or super short. Just average. I think that is really nice. I mean I'm not super smart or super tall or super short (okay sort of) and I like myself. Peter isn't either and I like him. And I like our lives. So average is great. Frankly, who won't want to be average.
So as I always do when I have these discussions with myself. I guess what the kids might be when they grow up. Today, Grayson would be a sumo wrestler eating a turkey leg listening to his wife talk non-stop without minding one bit. (This is a very hard game to play with the info you have from a baby, but I thought that was a good guess.) Now Lillian, I feel pretty confident about. I am thinking average nudist teacher.
When we got home, I was putting Grayson to bed and doing a few things around the house. After dinner, Lillian had taken off all of her clothes and was playing naked. She was talking in her room, as usual. I walked down the hall to take a peak. She was saying, "Okay, now get in line and stay in line." She had all of her stuffed animals lined up along the bed. She proceeded to talk to them, as if she were the teacher. I am sure quoting things she hears at school.
I often find myself wondering what I know about my children today that tells me what they will be like as adults. There are lots of things to consider. I was washing the dishes and thinking about them, tonight. I think it is very easy to want your kids to be above average. If they are below average, you worry about how to make them average. Ironically, we aren't very satisfied with average. The kids did great at the doctor, today. They are basically average. Not super smart. Not super tall or super short. Just average. I think that is really nice. I mean I'm not super smart or super tall or super short (okay sort of) and I like myself. Peter isn't either and I like him. And I like our lives. So average is great. Frankly, who won't want to be average.
So as I always do when I have these discussions with myself. I guess what the kids might be when they grow up. Today, Grayson would be a sumo wrestler eating a turkey leg listening to his wife talk non-stop without minding one bit. (This is a very hard game to play with the info you have from a baby, but I thought that was a good guess.) Now Lillian, I feel pretty confident about. I am thinking average nudist teacher.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Sleepy Mama!
Well, two teeth are hard work. Grayson has been up a lot for the last few nights with teeth/cold. The doctor says his ears are fine. Aunt Barbara has been visiting (thank goodness) and helping with the night duty. He is a cutie, but doesn't feel good. He did weigh in at over 18 lbs this week. Both kids have check-ups tomorrow, so look for new stats. We are very excited about the Cardinal win last night and still a little shocked. I promise to get back to regular posts as soon as I get some sleep.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
GO CARDINALS!!!!
We wore our Cardinal red today for the game. Lillian got to watch the first couple of minutes of the game. She shouted "Go Cardinals" several times. Grayson was sound asleep. Well, the game is on. We are up. Gotta go.
Just hangin' in Grayson's crib.
Lillian went in Grayson's room, when she heard him wake up. This is how I found them in his crib. They love their thumbs.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
All grown up...
Lillian is getting so big. Tonight, she buttoned her pajamas all by herself.
L: I did it, mama. All by myself! My getting bigger.
M: Way to go, Lillian. You are such a big girl.
L: No, my not a big girl. My just getting bigger. My still a little girl.
L: I did it, mama. All by myself! My getting bigger.
M: Way to go, Lillian. You are such a big girl.
L: No, my not a big girl. My just getting bigger. My still a little girl.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Peter is Bald!
Brian shaved his head on Friday night. Four of his friends, including Peter, shaved theirs, too. They said they will be bald until Brian's grows back. I think it looks really cool. If you check out the next picture, you will see it is shorter than this one. Lillian said, "I do not like your haircut, Daddy." She also said his head looks like polka dots or sprinkles. We are calling him "Sprinkles", now. In a show of affection and sisterly love, I colored my gray hairs a nice color called clove.
Brothers, checkin' out the new haircuts.
Poor Andy is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. He is likely to leave bald. I hope his new bride likes bald guys as much as the other Maynor girls.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Breaking News
In breaking news three days ago, Grayson got his first teeth. The bottom, front teeth are coming in. He also sat up for 50 seconds. Peter says this counts as sitting up. Lillian sat up for 13 seconds the first time it counted. Maybe he is easier on girls or harder on the second kid. Grayson is getting so big and very interactive.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Snuggle time.
Lillian and Grayson just hanging out on the couch. Grayson loves his big sister. Lillian loves having a constant audience. He thinks she is hilarious!
A guy thing
Yesterday, I introduced broccoli to Grayson. This is steamed broccoli that is pureed. No seasoning. Everything else he has tried, he clearly loved. First bite of broccoli and here is the conversation I imagined us having.
G: Are you kidding me? This stuff is disgusting. Would you eat this?
M: No way, it needs some seasoning or something.
G: This is the worst thing I have every tasted!
(And then his facial expressed changed, as if to say, "This is terrible, but I'm hungry. I guess I'll just eat it.")
He ate it all and I found myself thinking about how guys will eat a whole bunch of something that isn't that good just because they are hungry. I am not sure whether this is noble or stupid. I am glad he ate the broccoli without a fight. Maybe having a boy isn't so scary after all.
G: Are you kidding me? This stuff is disgusting. Would you eat this?
M: No way, it needs some seasoning or something.
G: This is the worst thing I have every tasted!
(And then his facial expressed changed, as if to say, "This is terrible, but I'm hungry. I guess I'll just eat it.")
He ate it all and I found myself thinking about how guys will eat a whole bunch of something that isn't that good just because they are hungry. I am not sure whether this is noble or stupid. I am glad he ate the broccoli without a fight. Maybe having a boy isn't so scary after all.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Shout Out!!
Thank you Uncle Brian. Brian figured out how to fix my blog, so there is not a HUGE gap. The pictures were too big.
I went out to the car eariler to run a couple of errands before picking up Lillian from school. The car was dead as a doornail. Thankfully, Alexis was home and jumped off the car. I was super glad I started out of the door over an hour early, so I was not late picking up Lillian yet again. Lillian had turned the light above her seat on and the battery died. Problem solved. It is nice to have good neighbors.
I went out to the car eariler to run a couple of errands before picking up Lillian from school. The car was dead as a doornail. Thankfully, Alexis was home and jumped off the car. I was super glad I started out of the door over an hour early, so I was not late picking up Lillian yet again. Lillian had turned the light above her seat on and the battery died. Problem solved. It is nice to have good neighbors.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Apple Pickin'
Lillian had a blast picking the apples, but eating them was more fun. We had another one with lunch, today. Apple crisp is on the menu for dessert, tonight.
This is the life.
Grayson loves taking a bath with his big sister until she dumps water on his head. Even this doesn't upset him too much.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Bad Parents
Our day started at 5:30 a. m. with Lillian yelling that she needed to go to the bathroom. Quick trip and back to bed. I was feeling all warm and fuzzy.
L: DADDY!!! My awake now.
P: (Ignores her)
M: (")
L: DADDY, DADDY, DADDY, MAMA
Peter is up telling her it is too early to get up. A few minutes go by with everyone in bed.
L: DADDY, I see the sunshine, now.
We are clearly hating life at this point.
P: I'll give you five bucks to get up with her and make coffee.
M: Do you have cash?
P: No
M: No way.
Peter starts to get up. Grayson wakes up, too. Probably due to the yelling. Now we are all up at 5:45/6:00 a. m.
On the way to school, Lillian says, "My tired. I think I'll just rest instead of going to school.
M: No way, you feel tired because you got up tooooo early.
While Lillian was at school, we decided we would pick her up and go apple picking about an hour away in Illinois. She will surely take a nap on the way. Well, with all of the getting out of the door we were 10/15 minutes late picking her up. We had to call. She was the last kid. It was embarrassing. No nap occured on the way to apple picking, but we had a great time. They have all kinds of activites: pig races, playground, miniture golf, goats, sheep, kettle corn, apple picking, etc. We had a great time. About 3 minutes into the car ride home, she was sound asleep. We got home and woke her up. She roused. I got her out of the car and stood her on the sidewalk to get the rest of the stuff out. She was talking to me, but apparently not awake. She fell straight back on the ground. Thankfully, she roused some before cracking her head on the sidewalk.
We had chili for dinner, ate apples and hung out. It was a wonderful evening. Fall is in the air here in St. Louis. When I look back, it would be easy to tell myself that we are bad parents. The truth is... I think we are just parents. I am seriously considering putting all of the cash I have next to the bed tonight, before I go to sleep. Mama needs to sleep in.
L: DADDY!!! My awake now.
P: (Ignores her)
M: (")
L: DADDY, DADDY, DADDY, MAMA
Peter is up telling her it is too early to get up. A few minutes go by with everyone in bed.
L: DADDY, I see the sunshine, now.
We are clearly hating life at this point.
P: I'll give you five bucks to get up with her and make coffee.
M: Do you have cash?
P: No
M: No way.
Peter starts to get up. Grayson wakes up, too. Probably due to the yelling. Now we are all up at 5:45/6:00 a. m.
On the way to school, Lillian says, "My tired. I think I'll just rest instead of going to school.
M: No way, you feel tired because you got up tooooo early.
While Lillian was at school, we decided we would pick her up and go apple picking about an hour away in Illinois. She will surely take a nap on the way. Well, with all of the getting out of the door we were 10/15 minutes late picking her up. We had to call. She was the last kid. It was embarrassing. No nap occured on the way to apple picking, but we had a great time. They have all kinds of activites: pig races, playground, miniture golf, goats, sheep, kettle corn, apple picking, etc. We had a great time. About 3 minutes into the car ride home, she was sound asleep. We got home and woke her up. She roused. I got her out of the car and stood her on the sidewalk to get the rest of the stuff out. She was talking to me, but apparently not awake. She fell straight back on the ground. Thankfully, she roused some before cracking her head on the sidewalk.
We had chili for dinner, ate apples and hung out. It was a wonderful evening. Fall is in the air here in St. Louis. When I look back, it would be easy to tell myself that we are bad parents. The truth is... I think we are just parents. I am seriously considering putting all of the cash I have next to the bed tonight, before I go to sleep. Mama needs to sleep in.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Bug Overload?
Maybe we over did it with all the bug stuff for the birthday. We had a little fall out last night. I was sound asleep at 11pm. When you are asleep, you are totally relaxed. So there I am totally relaxed and I am awaked to someone screaming bloody murder with that scream only little girls have. So, I go from totally relaxed to fierce warrior mama in about 30 seconds. Peter and I are in her room saying, "What is it?" L: The bugs are getting me. They are all over me. I am thinking...Oh, my gosh. There are bugs all over her. What is going on. (Remember, I have been awake about a minute, now.) We flip on the overhead and the room floods with light. No bugs. (Thank goodness. That would be weird.) Just a bad dream. This morning she said she had a dream that brown bugs were all over her. She calmed down and went back to sleep. It took me a while. It is hard to go from fierce warrior mama to exhausted mama.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Running for it...
Yesterday, I left Peter at church for a meeting and came home to put the kids down. It was pouring down rain. I was thinking that we would all be soaked.
M: Okay, Lillian here is the plan. I'll get Grayson out, then you and we will run for it.
L: I could wear my rain jacket, mama.
M: Good idea.
L: It just makes sense, mama.
Three year olds are pretty useful sometimes.
M: Okay, Lillian here is the plan. I'll get Grayson out, then you and we will run for it.
L: I could wear my rain jacket, mama.
M: Good idea.
L: It just makes sense, mama.
Three year olds are pretty useful sometimes.
Birthday
The birthday was a success. We had a wonderful time. The kids and I took our morning walk to the Loop for veggies. We got a huge flower arrangement from Juban the flower vender and he gave Lillian a purple flower for her birthday. We, of course, stopped for everyone's favorite a smoothie. We sat outside and watched the people as we drank them. As we started to walk back home, Lillian had to go to the bathroom really bad and was asking to go on the sidewalk. (I did consider it and thought. Could one or both of us get arrested for that.) Not many places are open at 8am on the Loop. We dashed in to a coffee shop which seems to be owned by a young couple with a six year old girl. I said, "We have a bathroom emergency. Can we use your bathroom, NOW." It was upstairs and I had the massive stroller with Grayson. They said, "RUN, we'll watch the baby." I grabbed Lillian and ran for it. We made it. When we can back out, they asked how old Lillian was and we said, "three, today." They sang happy birthday to her and gave her a sticker.
Lillian and I made some decorations for the party and got ready. We made a caterpillar and a big ladybug. The kids played pin the dot on the ladybug. The party was great. Peter read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We had grapes, cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and pimento cheese sandwiches. Lillian opened her presents. She got lots of games. We played most of them yesterday because it was a rainy day. I was most excited about Candyland. She was excited about the skates and most of the kids took a turn in the grass. It was pretty funny to watch them try. Lillian attempted to skate around the apartment last night. I was holding her up. I think it will be a few days before she wins the roller derby.
All in all, it was a w0nderful day that Peter and I will no doubt treasure as a beautiful memory. It is hard to believe that she is three already. Friday night, she asked me to tell her a story. I said I would tell her about the day she was born. She couldn't believe that her friends Max and Abby were babies back then. I told her the nurses were named Lilly (L: Like me) and Rainbow. She thought that was great. I, of course, cried. She has turned into more of a little girl than a baby right before my eyes.
Lillian and I made some decorations for the party and got ready. We made a caterpillar and a big ladybug. The kids played pin the dot on the ladybug. The party was great. Peter read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We had grapes, cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and pimento cheese sandwiches. Lillian opened her presents. She got lots of games. We played most of them yesterday because it was a rainy day. I was most excited about Candyland. She was excited about the skates and most of the kids took a turn in the grass. It was pretty funny to watch them try. Lillian attempted to skate around the apartment last night. I was holding her up. I think it will be a few days before she wins the roller derby.
All in all, it was a w0nderful day that Peter and I will no doubt treasure as a beautiful memory. It is hard to believe that she is three already. Friday night, she asked me to tell her a story. I said I would tell her about the day she was born. She couldn't believe that her friends Max and Abby were babies back then. I told her the nurses were named Lilly (L: Like me) and Rainbow. She thought that was great. I, of course, cried. She has turned into more of a little girl than a baby right before my eyes.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Getting Ready
Well, we are getting ready for the big 3rd birthday party. It is all bugs per Lillian's request. I just finished the butterfly birthday cake despite saying last year I would never make another cake for a birthday party. It was a little stressful, but turned out better than expected. I did not say anything that would embarrass my grandmother or my mother-in-law (happy birthday, maryhelen) which was a significant improvement over last year. Lillian has lots of opinions about the party and is very excited. We made rice krispy treats with sprinkles for her class, today. The birthday girl gets to bring the snack. She helped me make them, yesterday. Helping involved her eating about 50 of those tiny marshmellows and drinking some of the sprinkles out of the container. She said, "Drinking sprinkles makes me feel better." I guess all of the marshmellows made her feel bad. She, of course, had to try a "rice christmas tree." I have know idea why she didn't want any dinner. Anyway, she is excited and so are we. What a joy to throw a party for your kid. She is getting Dora the explorer roller skates and a helmet. (Without a doubt we will be back at the ER, shortly.) I will post pictures of the party.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Baby Book Disappointment
It finally happened. I knew it would. Lillian got something stuck in her nose. It was a sticker. A rather large one I might add. She stuck it way up her nose and could not get it out. I had to get the tweezers to remove it. After the removal, I rushed to the baby book to document this momentous occassion only to find no spot for this in the book. I mean would you rather know what day you got something stuck in your nose or what day you got a molar. Because people are always talking about these milestones and maybe you were ahead of the game. As it stands, I have no idea where Lillian is in the game. I guess I'll have to wait and see how old Grayson is when he sticks something up his nose.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Directions
Tonight, we went over to Brian and Susan's for Max's pooping on the potty party. The kids ate pizza and sort of watched a movie to celebrate much success. We see them often and frequently at their house. When I pulled into their neighborhood on the way there, Lillian said, "I hope we can find it."
Beautiful Day!
Yesterday, we got up early as usual and Peter was off to work. About 7:15 a.m. Lillian, Grayson and I set off for our weekly walk to the farmer's market in the loop for veggies and fruit. We stepped out of the door to a cool morning. Lillian said, "What a beautiful day!" We enjoyed our walk and our shopping. We stopped for a coffee and a chocolate milk on the way back. We saw several of our neighbors and our pastor as we walked. We ate bagels on our front steps and enjoyed the morning. After naps, Peter arrived home and we walked to Forest Park for the Balloon Races. Susan's family and a neighbor joined us for a picnic in the park. We had a wonderful time playing and watching the balloons. After the kids were in bed some neighbors came over to hang out. It is easy to fantisize about a house with a driveway, but we live in the perfect location. It was a beautiful day!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
When I grow up....
Lillian likes to identify cars, jeeps, trucks, etc. Yesterday, I asked her what kind of car she wanted to drive when she grows up. She said without hesitation a red jeep.
Today, we were shopping in Sam's and she saw a staircase.
L: Mama, what is upstairs.
M: I don't know.
L: Can we go up there?
M: I think only the people that work at Sam's can go up there.
L: Mama, when my get bigger I think I gonna work at Sam's.
Today, we were shopping in Sam's and she saw a staircase.
L: Mama, what is upstairs.
M: I don't know.
L: Can we go up there?
M: I think only the people that work at Sam's can go up there.
L: Mama, when my get bigger I think I gonna work at Sam's.
First day of School
Lillian started school last Friday. She will be going Monday and Friday mornings. She is loving it and learning all about apples, the color red and circles. Some of her favorite things are the playground and snack time.
OH YA!
Breast milk is for babies. Rice cereal is for men. I had my first bites of rice cereal yesterday and thought it was interesting. Today, I gobbled it down. Finally, some variety around here. G
Monday, September 12, 2005
Poker Face
Tonight, Peter was working and I was putting the kids to bed. I got Lillian down and Grayson started crying. I go get him and she walks out of her room. I was irritated and she knew it. I try to keep these little encounters quick and I try to have on my poker face.
L: Mama, I have to go to the bathroom.
(This is frequently a stalling tactic used to stay up later. She often says this and does not go to the bathroom.)
M: You better really have to teetee. (Our word for pee.)
We sit there for a minute. I am stone faced. She is trying to chat a little. I am not happy. She pees.
L: That makes you sooooo happy, doesn't it.
I just lost it. Lillian, Grayson and I were all laughing in the bathroom.
L: Mama, I have to go to the bathroom.
(This is frequently a stalling tactic used to stay up later. She often says this and does not go to the bathroom.)
M: You better really have to teetee. (Our word for pee.)
We sit there for a minute. I am stone faced. She is trying to chat a little. I am not happy. She pees.
L: That makes you sooooo happy, doesn't it.
I just lost it. Lillian, Grayson and I were all laughing in the bathroom.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Sin
Tonight, I was putting Lillian to bed and I was praying for her.
M: Dear Jesus, Thank for you for this day. Please help Lillian to sleep well. Please forgive Lillian for her sin.
L: No mom, sins.
Believe me. She sinned multiple times at the dinner table not 20 minutes earlier.
M: Dear Jesus, Thank for you for this day. Please help Lillian to sleep well. Please forgive Lillian for her sin.
L: No mom, sins.
Believe me. She sinned multiple times at the dinner table not 20 minutes earlier.
Friday, September 09, 2005
We're Back
Sorry to leave you hanging for a while. We went to visit the fam in Louisiana. They are all okay and are assisting with relief efforts. It was wonderful to be away and is wonderful to be back. Peter's parents are here visiting Brian, so we got to see them, too. Lillian started "school" today. She will go two mornings a week. We dropped her off, stopped for groceries and came home. Frankly, I have been looking forward to school and having a little down time. I know it is terrible, but it is true. She is delightful, but she talks a lot. Sometimes my ears need a break. We were home for about thirty minutes. Grayson was sleeping. I looked at Peter and said, "It is soooo quiet here. I miss her." Who knew I loved that chatter so much. She seemed to have a good day at school, but fell asleep in the car on the way home. She woke up a couple of hours later with 102 fever. Poor thing. Of course, I felt like a terrible mother because I sent her to school. She didn't seem sick this morning. Hopefully, she will be better soon. When we got home from our trip last night, Lillian walked in her room and said, "OH, What a beautiful room." as if she had never seen it before.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
In other news
In other news, the G-man is getting big. He thinks Lillian is hilarious which she loves. He continues to love his thumb, sleeping and pooping.
Girl....
Lillian has been saying "Girl, you're amazing!!!" to me all day. We read it in a book. It cracks me up everytime, but I could get used to that. Who says kids don't give positive feed back.
Fashion Expert
Well, I have a little fashion expert on my hands. Tonight, I went out to dinner with some girls from my Bible study. I was getting ready tonight and I put on a red shirt. Lillian was hanging out with me.
M: What do you think about this shirt?
She was sitting on the potty, looked over and said, "No."
M: Really?
L: shakes her head
We go to my closet and look in at the shirts.
M: What about this black shirt?
L: No, mama (As if to say, you wear that all the time. Which is true.)
L: You should wear the blue one. (Now that we have settled that.) How about these shoes?
Truth be told. The blue shirt looked much better. I wanted the red shirt to look better, but it didn't. She picked out my polka dot flip flops for shoes. (her favorite) I do think her choice was better than mine. It is nice to have a fashion expert in residence. I think I could get used to this.
M: What do you think about this shirt?
She was sitting on the potty, looked over and said, "No."
M: Really?
L: shakes her head
We go to my closet and look in at the shirts.
M: What about this black shirt?
L: No, mama (As if to say, you wear that all the time. Which is true.)
L: You should wear the blue one. (Now that we have settled that.) How about these shoes?
Truth be told. The blue shirt looked much better. I wanted the red shirt to look better, but it didn't. She picked out my polka dot flip flops for shoes. (her favorite) I do think her choice was better than mine. It is nice to have a fashion expert in residence. I think I could get used to this.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Updates
I feel like all I have are updates, so I will post them all here.
Brian is home and continues to recover. He went home Saturday. Please continue to pray for them. He is still feeling pretty bad.
Lillian went to the doctor today. Her stitches are healing fine and she can now go swimming. She is thrilled.
We are having a beautiful day here in St. Louis, but are glued to the Weather Channel watching what is happening with many of our family and friends. Some of you refer to the Weather Channel as the MTV for old people. I must be getting old because I am addicted, already. I have talked with my dad, Bootsie and Melissa this morning. They were okay. Sara said they were getting the worst of it while I was on the phone with her. It seems that most of them are without power. Please continue to pray for all of them.
Brian is home and continues to recover. He went home Saturday. Please continue to pray for them. He is still feeling pretty bad.
Lillian went to the doctor today. Her stitches are healing fine and she can now go swimming. She is thrilled.
We are having a beautiful day here in St. Louis, but are glued to the Weather Channel watching what is happening with many of our family and friends. Some of you refer to the Weather Channel as the MTV for old people. I must be getting old because I am addicted, already. I have talked with my dad, Bootsie and Melissa this morning. They were okay. Sara said they were getting the worst of it while I was on the phone with her. It seems that most of them are without power. Please continue to pray for all of them.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Milkin' It
Medical update on the stitches. The stitches do not seem to be slowing Lillian down at all. She seems to feel fine. She continues to attempt to climb on things. Yesterday, I said, "don't climb on that. That is why you had to get stitches." She got down and said, "I don't want stitches, today." As if maybe tomorrow she would.
Earlier
L: Mama, I need a peanut butter banana smoothie for lunch.
M: You do?
L: Yeah, because it will make my stitches feel better.
Earlier
L: Mama, I need a peanut butter banana smoothie for lunch.
M: You do?
L: Yeah, because it will make my stitches feel better.
Time Out
I was in the kitchen. Lillian came in and said she had just hit Grayson. I went to check on him. He seemed okay except for a red spot on his head where she hit him.
M: Lillian, where did you hit Grayson?
L: Right here on his head.
M: Lillian, why did you hit your brother?
L: Because my being disobedient and I need a time out.
That kind of threw me. That was the lecture I was about to give.
M: Lillian, where did you hit Grayson?
L: Right here on his head.
M: Lillian, why did you hit your brother?
L: Because my being disobedient and I need a time out.
That kind of threw me. That was the lecture I was about to give.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
First Haircut
Lillian got her first major haircut at the ER, tonight. She stood on the radiator to get a balloon off the ceiling in her room and fell. That is her story. I didn't see it happen. She came running in the living room crying. I saw a bunch of blood and couldn't hold her still. Peter was at work, so our neighbor (Alexis) helped assess the damage. Definitely, stitches. He and Jeff (his roommate) took us to the ER. (me, Lillian and Grayson)
I left Peter a message at work. It all went fairly quickly (by quickly I mean within 3 or 4 hours we were finished). Lillian never cried after the initial fall. She thought the whole thing was pretty cool. She liked getting her head shaved a little with the electric razor like daddy's. She was perfectly still while they gave her shots and stitched her up. She was watching a video and just talking to us. The doctor could not believe it. He kept saying to the resident that this was abnormal behavior. "It is never this easy." I was really thankful it was so easy, since I was there with both kids by myself. Peter called the cell during the stitches and the nurse told him what was going on. After it was all said and done, Peter arrived. He couldn't believe that we did all of that by ourselves. He brought Lillian a lollipop which she thought was super cool. I think when kids get lollipops for being tough, it is usually the mama who needs a lollipop. I guess he owes me one.
So, three stitches. This is the second time she has gotten stitches. We were there last August. I thought girls weren't supposed to do this kind of stuff. She is really tough and I discovered I am tougher than I thought I was. I guess you do what you have to do. I didn't shed any tears either, until we were home and she was in bed.
We stopped by Alexis' house to tell him thanks and show him the super cool stitches. He talked to Lillian. He walked in. I said, "He is a good neighbor." Lillian said, "He is a good man, mama. And a big one." I love being a mama.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Cock A Doodle Dooooooo!!!!
5:50 AM
L: Daddy, my awake now!!!!!
P: Talk about getting up at the crack of dawn. It is like we have a rooster.
Thank goodness for coffee.
L: Daddy, my awake now!!!!!
P: Talk about getting up at the crack of dawn. It is like we have a rooster.
Thank goodness for coffee.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
SUV
Lillian has been learning the names of cars, SUVs, trucks, etc. She loves to look for her favorites. Her current favorites are bug cars, jeeps and convertibles. She is constantly pointing them out. This morning we were walking.
L: Mama look at that yellow SUV.
It was a very bright yellow SUV. Think about what it would be like to look at the sun and you have a good idea of what this SUV looked like.
L: (very seriously) Mama, that was NOT a good idea.
M: No, Lillian it was not.
L: Mama look at that yellow SUV.
It was a very bright yellow SUV. Think about what it would be like to look at the sun and you have a good idea of what this SUV looked like.
L: (very seriously) Mama, that was NOT a good idea.
M: No, Lillian it was not.
Friday, August 19, 2005
BUSTED!
We caught Lillian red handed trying to drink chocolate "stir-up" out of the bottle. We were using zone parenting, when we clearly needed man to man.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
That Rascal
Where do you buy that plastic stuff to cover all of your furniture? You know, like the mom had in the show Everybody Loves Raymond. I need some of that. Lillian colored one of the couch cushions with a RED crayon the other day. I don't think it is coming out. I did what any smart mom would do. I flipped the cushion. Apparently, I had done that before. Oh well, it didn't look as bad as the RED crayon until she spilled chocolate milk on it today. I am reminded to hold loosely to the things of the earth. I thought, at least Grayson doesn't spill things yet. Then that rascal smiled. Oh, what a cute smile. And then he peed all over me and the rug. So, I am looking into the plastic.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Food
Some funny food talk.
M: Lillian, do you want a hot dog for lunch?
L: No, I want a warm dog.
L: Mama, I slept good! I need some chocolate stir-up. (syrup)
M: Lillian, what are you eating?
L: Just a couple of M&Ms like daddy.
M: Lillian, do you want a hot dog for lunch?
L: No, I want a warm dog.
L: Mama, I slept good! I need some chocolate stir-up. (syrup)
M: Lillian, what are you eating?
L: Just a couple of M&Ms like daddy.
Monday, August 15, 2005
You can't see me!
Now you can see her regularly on the blog. Uncle Brian helped me set up pictures. This was taken yesterday. Also, check out the link to all of our flickr pictures on the left.
What's Up?
My dad got a digital camera for his birthday. I bet you're glad! Imagine how I feel. My mama is going to take my picture all the time.
Three
Lillian picked out all of her clothes and got herself dressed this morning. She put on a long-sleeved purple shirt, blue jean shorts and red shoes. She even put a purple barrette in her hair.
L: Mama, my a big girl now. I got all dressed by myself.
M: You sure are a big girl. You are almost three.
L: I'm as big as Uncle Greg. He's three now, too.
Uncle Greg had is 33rd birthday last week.
L: Mama, my a big girl now. I got all dressed by myself.
M: You sure are a big girl. You are almost three.
L: I'm as big as Uncle Greg. He's three now, too.
Uncle Greg had is 33rd birthday last week.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
The "car" cart
For a couple of months, I thought I could not go to the grocery store with both kids or do any shopping for that matter. I guess having two kids is my "new normal," so I go to the store with both of them sometimes. Before Grayson was born, Lillian would always request the "car" cart at the store. You've seen them. The grocery carts that have a huge plastic car on the front. I used to be able to get out of using those on occassion with just Lillian, but now they are a necessity. It is the only way I can fit both kids in a cart.
If you have never used one of these, they are massive. They are seriously longer than I am tall, which brings me to another problem with them. With Grayson's carseat on the top front, I can't see over the top of the cart. They are not easy to "drive" without two kids. No power steering. So picture it, I am pushing this massive thing, unable to see and without a doubt carrying on a conversation with Lillian. Not to mention, in fact, shopping. Who says I can't multitask?
Before Grayson was born and we were just using one for fun, we had an incident. Because they are difficult to "drive", I said to someone "Watch out." I said this quietly and calmly. Lillian then took her cue to yell "WATCH OUT" whenever we passed someone for the rest of the shopping trip. (I think her calling in life may be to humble me or at least humiliate me.)
The truth is I have had two more incidents in the last two weeks. In Target the other day, I took out a clothing rack. I mean it hit the floor. I know it was wrong, but I just "drove" away as fast as possible. In Schnucks (the grocery store), I almost took out a huge chip display. Lillian was yelling "WATCH OUT, MAMA!" I seriously don't know why that thing didn't fall, but I am glad it didn't. The funny thing about it all is that Lillian thinks she is the one that is a bad driver.
Those of you without kids should get one this week just for kicks or borrow a couple of kids and try it. It is a rush!
If you have never used one of these, they are massive. They are seriously longer than I am tall, which brings me to another problem with them. With Grayson's carseat on the top front, I can't see over the top of the cart. They are not easy to "drive" without two kids. No power steering. So picture it, I am pushing this massive thing, unable to see and without a doubt carrying on a conversation with Lillian. Not to mention, in fact, shopping. Who says I can't multitask?
Before Grayson was born and we were just using one for fun, we had an incident. Because they are difficult to "drive", I said to someone "Watch out." I said this quietly and calmly. Lillian then took her cue to yell "WATCH OUT" whenever we passed someone for the rest of the shopping trip. (I think her calling in life may be to humble me or at least humiliate me.)
The truth is I have had two more incidents in the last two weeks. In Target the other day, I took out a clothing rack. I mean it hit the floor. I know it was wrong, but I just "drove" away as fast as possible. In Schnucks (the grocery store), I almost took out a huge chip display. Lillian was yelling "WATCH OUT, MAMA!" I seriously don't know why that thing didn't fall, but I am glad it didn't. The funny thing about it all is that Lillian thinks she is the one that is a bad driver.
Those of you without kids should get one this week just for kicks or borrow a couple of kids and try it. It is a rush!
IT WORKED!!
Lillian just went to bed in less than five minutes. I am beside myself with joy! It is like the old days (before two weeks ago). I feel like celebrating, but Peter went camping until tomorrow night. I guess I'll have to celebrate alone. There were no tears. She said "goodnight mama" and went to sleep.
About one hour after the successful bedtime, our electricity went out. This has happened maybe three times since I moved to this house six years ago. Of course, Peter is out of town. I, frankly, am not real big on the dark myself and it is hot. Our phone is through the computer, so it doesn't work without electricity. The country girl in me pulled through and I located the matches and flashlight. I was just wondering what to do with myself and Lillian woke up. Her nightlight and white noise maker were off. She was pretty calm, but I had to lay in bed with her and the flash light for about 45 minutes until it came back on. Thankfully, it was only out for about an hour. Back to bed again. She came out of her room twice and then was out. Another success in five minutes or less. I am very pleased with this since we had a storm and our electricity went out tonight. Now, just 24 more hours until Pete gets home. I miss that guy already!
About one hour after the successful bedtime, our electricity went out. This has happened maybe three times since I moved to this house six years ago. Of course, Peter is out of town. I, frankly, am not real big on the dark myself and it is hot. Our phone is through the computer, so it doesn't work without electricity. The country girl in me pulled through and I located the matches and flashlight. I was just wondering what to do with myself and Lillian woke up. Her nightlight and white noise maker were off. She was pretty calm, but I had to lay in bed with her and the flash light for about 45 minutes until it came back on. Thankfully, it was only out for about an hour. Back to bed again. She came out of her room twice and then was out. Another success in five minutes or less. I am very pleased with this since we had a storm and our electricity went out tonight. Now, just 24 more hours until Pete gets home. I miss that guy already!
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Check-Up/Shut-down
The G-man had his 4 month check-up today. He weighed in at 14lbs 13 1/2 oz and 26 inches long. He is in the 85th percentile for height and 60th for weight. He lost a little ground in the weight catagory this time. (Thank goodness! He is heavy in that carseat.) He seems to be healthy and fine.
Discussed the sleep wars with the doctor. She gave me a suggestion of what to do. Peter and I have discussed it and we have our game faces on. The party is over! (I hope anyway) The doc thinks it is some little brother fall out. She woke us up at 4:30 this morning. We never got her back to sleep. That was the last straw. If you know us, you know we like our sleep. We (by we I mean Peter and Lillian) had a nap with no problem today. She is off to the Bass Pro shop with her daddy now.
Discussed the sleep wars with the doctor. She gave me a suggestion of what to do. Peter and I have discussed it and we have our game faces on. The party is over! (I hope anyway) The doc thinks it is some little brother fall out. She woke us up at 4:30 this morning. We never got her back to sleep. That was the last straw. If you know us, you know we like our sleep. We (by we I mean Peter and Lillian) had a nap with no problem today. She is off to the Bass Pro shop with her daddy now.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Sleep Wars
Frankly, I haven't written in a few days because I have nothing good to say. We have been having all out war with Lillian about her naps and going to bed. Many of you have been very encouraging and I thank you. Please pray for wisdom and strength. Lillian is rather strong-willed and can put up a good fight. I have no idea where she got that until I look in the mirror every morning. We did have a minor battle this afternoon, so Lillian, Grayson and I all took a nap. I definitely needed that. My in-laws reminded us last night that most people live through these wars even though it doesn't feel like it right now. That was very encouraging. It doesn't feel like we will live through it right now.
On a lighter note, she asked for roller skates for her birthday. I have no idea why, but I thought that was funny. I don't know if three year olds roller skate.
On a lighter note, she asked for roller skates for her birthday. I have no idea why, but I thought that was funny. I don't know if three year olds roller skate.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Some Lillian Talk
Some tidbits of conversation from Lilly-Pie today.
She was holding a football and I overheard her say to Grayson.
L: Okay, put your hands out and keep your eye on the ball.
Maybe she will be a softball player like her daddy.
We were all in Peter's truck this morning driving somewhere. Peter killed the truck, when the light turned green. (Hey, it happens to the best of us!)
L: You drive on the sidewalk daddy?
On the way home, she was singing this song.
"I want to make a hamburger, hamburger, hamburger and eat it." Repeat about 50 times.
She was holding a football and I overheard her say to Grayson.
L: Okay, put your hands out and keep your eye on the ball.
Maybe she will be a softball player like her daddy.
We were all in Peter's truck this morning driving somewhere. Peter killed the truck, when the light turned green. (Hey, it happens to the best of us!)
L: You drive on the sidewalk daddy?
On the way home, she was singing this song.
"I want to make a hamburger, hamburger, hamburger and eat it." Repeat about 50 times.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Whine, Whine
M: Lillian, why are you whining so much?
L: Because I need a smoothie mama!
M: Okay, we'll fix one.
(After a few sips of smoothie, she said these words exactly.)
L: I feel much better now, mama. This is very good.
If I had only know sooner that smoothies were the cure for a whining kid...
L: Because I need a smoothie mama!
M: Okay, we'll fix one.
(After a few sips of smoothie, she said these words exactly.)
L: I feel much better now, mama. This is very good.
If I had only know sooner that smoothies were the cure for a whining kid...
Monday, August 01, 2005
The presence
My father often speaks of a presence he would feel in the night or the early morning. He says he would be sleeping peacefully then just start to feel that someone else was present, perhaps watching him. He would roll over, open his eyes and see my sister, Melissa, standing there. He says this would usually shock or scare him a bit. I always think this story is funny, but never thought it would happen to me. Well, this morning I felt "the presence". I was still dreaming and suddenly it felt like someone was watching me. I rolled over, opened my eyes and "Good morning mama, You change my pull-up now?"
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