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It has been a long couple of days. I just finished making bacon and egg potato salad for the BBQ tomorrow Tim’s family in Milwaukee. We got home from my Dad’s around 5:30 and Morella was never happier to see her bed. She went and laid in it for a good half an hour before coming out to make crabby demands. Meanwhile I was on Tim’s cssemfor making dinner since he shot down my Bratfest dinner idea. After about a week of thinking up dinners out of thin air I was just done. We got into a little argument that lead me to nurse Athena in the bedroom. When I came out he told me to go….so I did. I went and grocery shopped for the menufortheweek.com lists for two weeks worthnsonthst we wouldn’t have that stupid fight again.

I got back to the house fully expecting to hear the wails of an unhappy infant…but imagine my surprise when it was quiet. Tim came and helped me unload some groceries and then even offered to go to the atore to get the potatoes that I forgot to get. He said that they went down fighting…but eventually went down. Wow. Not only that but he seemed in okay sprit is. This is officially the first night that he has put down both girls by himself.

The time that he has spent at home is really paying off in terms of bonding with Athena.

I would say more about how the last few days went but I am very tired and typing on the ipad. No one went to sleep earlier than ten and without multiple, hysterical night wakings in a very hot and stuffy attic. We are going back in two weeks for a longer visit and I am not looking forward tonit. Why does character building have to be so hard?

I was asked a serious of questions, “interview style” from two friends.

1 – Leave a comment, saying you want to be interviewed.
2 – I will respond; I’ll ask you five questions.
3 – You’ll update your journal with my five questions, and your five answers.
4 – You’ll include this explanation.
5 – You’ll ask other people five questions when they want to be interviewed.

Questions from Jadesymb

1. What book would you recommend to me that I haven’t read and why? (or at least you think I haven’t read) World War Z by Max Brooks. Without a doubt, it’s the one book that has been with me for the last three years. I think of many of the scenes while riding in the car, or laying in bed at night. I just think that so many of the scenes and descriptions are so haunting and … lifelike.

2. Do you plan on going back to work at some point? Yes. I don’t know when or what it would be though. I never know. Something just usually pops up. Maybe I’m getting too old for that now though…and will definitely be old by the time the kids are in school. Gah.

3. What are your plans for school Morella and Athena once they get to kindergarten age and Why? Since we live within excellent public school districts – we plan on just sending them to public school. By the time Morella will start school the new 4K kindergarten is going to be in effect, so that’s just what we will do.

4. What is your ideal family vacation, assuming you had some time and plenty of money? Hm A family vacation. I have no idea. I’ll be honest, I have never even thought about it, with maybe a hint of “One day we’ll go to Atlantis, or Disney”. Right now? With them being a toddler/baby? I would love to take a cruise across the ocean, visiting different ports of call…but Tim hates being confined. So, probably disney. Morella would love it, it’s kid friendly and there would still be lots of things for us to do — and I have always wanted to go.

5. Are you wanting to try and have more children? – I’ve been thinking about this the last couple of months as Athena gets bigger and her personality blossoms. I wasn’t sure how I felt about being done at the beginning, but now — I am at peace with it. We are done having our own biological children. However, not to sound cheesy, but I have a lot of love and patience to give other children — and would like to adopt…when the girls are older.

And another set from ladycoreopsis:

1) If you could tweet to yourself in the past, what 140-character message would you send to yourself 5 years ago?

Oh man. I almost want to say something like “Don’t worry you will have kids” but if I did that would I have gone through the effort to do a IUI which gave us our wonderful little Morella? Or would I waste it on something like “Tell Tim to wait until June 2nd to quit his utility job,” which at this point doesn’t feel like it would be wasting it. Or would I want to do something like lottery numbers….hm. I think I might do that one. So it would look like this: Powerball #’s 1-6-10-13-18-20-32 on 5/25/2010 for $, 11/8/08 pain is ear infection go to dr, quit XX&X for DH on 6/2/10, u r loved n happy.

That question took me 30 minutes to answer.

2) How did you find out about blogging? When did you start?

I found out about blogging when I was surfing the internet in 1999. I found this kid’s website in Australia and he was just updating his website by hand every couple of days. I loved the idea and copied it. Then 2000 he talked about blogger and had joined it and I thought it was a great idea, so I did the same. I have had a blog since … we’ll 1999.

3) What did you want to be when you grew up? How did that change as the years progressed?

I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to be. I never gave it much thought, though when I did I guess I wanted to be a writer. I also wanted to be a Mom, but I sort of took that for granted (though I shouldn’t have). Oh I remember now, when people asked me what I wanted to be I usually replied “A lady.” By that, I meant articulate, polite, kind, strong and gracious. I guess that ultimate goal hasn’t changed too much – I still want to be those things.

4) Do you want to return to work as the kids get older? If so, what’s your dream job, and do you think it’s attainable?

My dream job. I don’t know. I guess you could say I am doing my dream job – being a stay at home Mom, raising kids and pursuing a varied of interests. Though the latter isn’t in effect as much right now…but it will be again. In the meantime, I work on building communities around me to the betterment of everyone involved. One dream job I can think of along those lines would be philanthropy. I would love to be a philanthropist. This job would be easily attainable if I were to receive that tweet…

5) What character from The Breakfast Club were you most like in high school?

I didn’t see that movie until I was well into college. I think though that I identified with that dude with the long hair and big nose.

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There. If you would like me to interview you, please comment I’ll come up with some questions. I find it so much easier to think of and ask the questions than answer them.

Today is the fourth day in the Month of Tim. He is out checking out some bike gear (having taken his bike) and both of the girls are asleep. It’s been a little weird having him home. For one, he wants to “get stuff done” during the day. I haven’t yet reached that sweet spot where I feel completely comfortable with him getting stuff done at the expense of me still doing the bulk of childcare. That isn’t right. I mean, he is doing a lot in terms of helping out with the kids and getting stuff done around the house — it’s just that I want my priorities to take place first. Does that make sense? I guess at this point it still feels like an extended weekend instead of the work week. That said, it’s been awesome having him around because I got to sleep in for two days in a row now. Today wasn’t as long because a sudden thunderstorm happened this morning catching us all by surprise.

Also, Morella is still feeling the effects of the rotovirus she had last week. She can’t wear panties without having explosive bouts of “donna-wee-ya”. There are lots of trips to bathroom to clean up poopy pullups, and the training potty. Meanwhile, Athena is inexplicably clingy. I can’t see any teeth coming through, and her poops and eating are just fine so I am not sure what the deal is. I am starting to think that she might have used up all her teething power on that one tooth she was born with, and will never grow any more teeth. She is doomed to live a life as a one toothed wonder. While it’s cute in a baby, I’m not sure what her dating chances are when she’s a young woman.

Oh no, the after school buses are driving loudly by and Athena is doing that classic yelping baby cry. Go back to sleep baby! I need more time to do a proper post! Ugh, this morning it took me 45 minutes to send a stupid email regarding playgroup tomorrow. I had to take Morella to the bathroom three times, change Athena’s diaper and get her dressed, and then hold her off and on while I tried to peck out a message, all while answering Morella’s numerous questions. The email wasn’t even that long!

Sigh. She is getting louder.

I guess to sum it up, right now I am wondering how best to navigate this awesome opportunity with Tim being home and how I can really get some “vacation” time for me. More later…I hope.

One more thing, we are looking into buying a new car and it’s hard. We have little confidence in navigating the hardcore salesman field. Oh crap, her crying is waking up Morella.

Today is Tim’s last day at his current job. It’s been a tumultuous past couple of weeks in coming to a decision regarding this job. I’ll be upfront and honest and say that I am not entirely excited about the prospect of this job based solely on how it affects me. I am happy for Tim in that he has a new opportunity and will hopefully find happiness and finally, a little job satisfaction in this new job. However, this new job is on the other side of town in Verona which means Tim’s commute is twice as long and we will have to buy a new car to go along with this job. But I think the biggest reason for not liking it is that we are going to be losing our superb insurance with GHC. Before he started at his current place, I was pretty ambivalent about doctors, health insurance and what have you. I only cared about how much we paid each month to be a part of a plan that I never really participated in. However, with the infertility treatment, two pregnancies, labor and delivery, and two kids (one of which had a hospitalization) — ambivalence about health care is the last thing on my mind. Over the past four years I have developed a relationship with the medical industry, with my doctor and the kids pediatricians, and the Urgent Care staff. I have grown used to paying next to nothing for these services and have taken advantage of them, but that is all about to change. We will go from paying $107 bucks a month for peace of mind, and the occasional $10 co pay, or $5 generic prescription to $30 co pays and tiered prescription costs — the lowest of which is $20 bucks. Oh and lets not forget that we have to pay 10% of whatever we go to the doctor for, on top of that stupid copay, then there are deductibles and …. we will have to pay $400 a month for the privilege of being a part of this wretched plan. Thinking of this just makes me sick. At times like this, I really hate america’s health care plans.

With the high cost of this “health plan” and the purchase of a new car, plus mileage and car costs, we will not actually be making any extra money in this job move of his. At best it will be a lateral move. Aside from the Tim’s potential happiness (which is big, I agree .. but at this point is still a total unknown) I don’t see how any of this is going to benefit me at all. What’s that you say? I get a new car? A Mazda 5? I don’t care. I’m happy with our fully paid for car. The only bright spot I have at this moment is that Tim is going to be taking a month off between his current job and his next job.

But you know, it isn’t by choice. He decided to give his current job at month’s notice — to finish up projects, help with transition and generally help them out because they need it. They on the other hand decided “We don’t like long good byes” and so a month’s notice became five days. A rather unexpected turn of events if you ask me. So our insurance ends at the end of this month, and we had to use our FSA before the end of this month and we will have to buy a month of COBRA for June.

Anyway. A month. It starts tomorrow. I have been trying to just focus on this month. The one thing that is making this whole situation seem better.

I am just not handling this change very well. I can’t help but to feel that I am unhappy for nothing because this is the standard by which most of America lives. Long commutes, shitty health care plans, two car environments, blah blah blah. I know I will get used to it — because I have too.

In other news, Morella has had a rotovirus all week. It’s been pretty wretched cleaning poopy panties, pants, and wrangling a super sensitive, crabby, sometimes pukey kid, and a baby. Oh man, there was one point the other day we had come back from the park, and were standing in the bathroom. Morella was about to throw up and I could tell, but I couldn’t do anything about it because I was holding Athena. She threw up all over the bathroom floor. Thick, milky vomit falling to the floor in heavy waves. I let her finish and then wiped her face with the wet washcloth in my hand (I had been giving Neener’s a quick towel bath). I put Athena on the floor in the hallway and quickly started to clean up the vomit — but not fast enough because Neeners crawled under me, slipped on the wet surface and smeared puke all over herself! Oh man. It was one of those moments you just want to freeze in time and savor.

Wednesday we went to our regular Wednesday outside playdate. She seemed okay, just sensitive and tired, but then puked afterward. Thursday I thought for sure she was better — nope — we made it to the Spring Potluck outside where she crapped her pants and I think was hallucinating (she saw a fox on an empty hill, and a little kid house in a wide empty field). To today where we dropped Tim off at work so that he could enjoy a few after work beers with his soon to be ex-coworkers. He didn’t ride bike because he had to bring the work laptop with him to return. I stopped at an estate sale on the way home and had to carry both kids, though she had warmed up to it by the end. It’s fun looking inside other people’s houses! If I were rich and had the know how, that would have been awesome house to take on and fix up.

After we got back, I put Athena down for a nap — which she has been doing for the last two hours! Morella has turned into a TV junkie this week because of the illness that will not go away. By junkie, what I really mean to say is a Max and Ruby junkie. She just wants to watch endless episodes of Max and Ruby.

Throughout it all, I’ve been remarkably okay. I think having summer like weather really helps. I went on Wednesday night with my friend Ann. I rode bike with her to a local bar – Mickey’s and had three…count em…. three drinks over the course of the evening. I got home late at 12:30 — and paid for it the next day. Ugh. But my friend Lowen came over for a visit yesterday afternoon and brought some chex mix. I made us some awesome espresso and we took the kids on a walk in the neighborhood where Morella feel asleep in the stroller (that never happens anymore) and of course Neeners demanded to be carried. Then Emily and Leo came over for a short visit on … Wednesday afternoon? It’s hard to be depressed when you can just go outside.

Hey I got cleared (called Diggers Hotline) to start a garden in the patch of land next to the drive way that actually gets full sunlight. I’m pretty jazzed about that, and it’s one of our projects in the Tim Month. Geez, it needs it’s own name I think. I am going to plant tomatoes and sunflowers…maybe something else. Flowers I suppose since Morella loves them.

Now some pictures before the baby wakes up.

Classic shampoo head

Morella jumping on the bed

The only time in the last three months that Athena hasn’t wailed on the changing table. Never has a baby hated diaper changes more than Neeners.

Sad baby is sad.

I wish this wasn’t blurry. She has been sitting in the basket — got there on her own. It just seemed like such a classic shot.

Morella is playing with her new $600 dollar toy – the Ipad. She loves it, but can only play with under supervision. The touch screen is very child intuitive and there are a lot of applications that she enjoys.

I went to shopko yesterday for an eye exam (my eyes finally got worse to -4.50) where I got new glasses and contacts. I stopped by electronics and found myself a nyloprene case for the ipad — for only $14 bucks! Take that $45 dollar best buy cases! I also got myself a pair of sandals. Sandals are the type of thing that you know you like them upon wearing. It’s been three years since I have last found a pair that I really like. Woo! SO yeah, looking forward to new glasses.

Today I got to experience the joy of diarrhea and the potty trained girl. Oh the smell was awful and it wall all over her pants. She had to have a quick bath to clean that off. She had a tummy ache all day and has barely eaten anything and was having a rough time of it this evening. She was upset when she pooped in her pull up this evening and dismayed at the lingering smell in her room. Tim had to spray air freshener in her room until she said said it smelled okay. I hope this clears up by tomorrow. I think today was the second day of it, as she was complaining about tummy aches and not eating much yesterday as well.

We watered our garden today using watering cans. I can see this as a summer long project that she is going to love. Sanctioned water use. I am so looking forward to Wednesday’s weather — bring on the heat! I always lose weight in the summer without trying too hard. I think it’s that heat reduces the appetite, being outside a lot and how the sun burns calories.

One of the Mom’s in our playgroup is being induced tomorrow. I am thrilled about the arrival of the new baby boy — largely because now there will be another Mom with two kids. Of course the other Mom that is expecting is having twins in July and will be the first with multiples and three kids. Yowza. You know as summer is here, and Athena is older — I still don’t feel that pang to have another newborn baby. Maybe it will come in a few more years as we leave these baby days behind…we’ll see. I am really enjoying Athena’s independence and desire to learn to walk.

Gah, I gotta go to bed. Morella is sick and that means it might be a long night.

My head is bursting with post ideas. You know how it is when you are away from the computer, out there living life, doing things – you are making great fodder for blogs. However, if one goes to long they get overwhelmed by how much they did and then it becomes one big list.

Truth be told, I don’t blog about most of the things I do. I think it’s fair to say that I lead a pretty busy life. It’s not at all like it was two or even three years ago, and definitely not like when we first moved back to Madison. For the most part, I don’t feel overwhelmed by it. When I need a break, I take it. I stay home, or just go and do things with the kids that I want to do, or do something and then just leave when I want to. I did that last Wednesday. Story time at Monona library was over. Morella was crabby, and Athena was the baby (she had no real input). I left afterward instead of staying to socialize and let Morella play with the stuff there. It was cold out, but I took her to the park anyway and walked around with her exploring. We lasted about 20 minutes and then went home. It was so nice to just … be able to leave. I think it was the most valuable skill I learned in college. I can’t tell you how many lame parties, bad concerts, and awkward get togethers I had to endure.

We got in our garden today. Yesterday I happened to find myself at the Hilldale Farmers Market with my friends, the Spencers. You see, I had driven all the way over to the west side to attend a baby shower only to discover upon arrival that the shower was next weekend. At least I saved myself some embarrassment by calling Tim to check my Facebook account for event details before knocking on the door with the kids in tow. I was tipped off by the distinct lack of cars and a bored cat sitting in their bay window. Thankfully the Spencers were just about to leave their house for some adventure.

I bought some plants – three tomatoes, an egg plant, and a pepper, as well as three flowers that Morella picked out and some cheese that I just now remembered is my diaper bag. Nuts! Anyway, after that we headed to Bean Sprouts to check it out. The staff there was awesome. Super accommodating, wonderfully kid friendly and okay food. I wish this joint was on the East side instead of in Middleton — the prices were reasonable as well. I’m getting off track here.

The pepper, flowers and eggplant went into the garden. We also planted green beans and sugar snap peas, and I transplanted some lavender that was in danger (I didn’t realize shasta daisies would get so big … so fast). We are going to put a tomoto patch in the front by the daisies. They will get lots of great sun and less grass to mow. First we need to be responsible citizens and call the diggers hotline. Sigh. I hope they come before the plants die. Morella was very helpful in planting the seeds with me. Athena crawled all over the garden. She loved playing in the dirt, and even tasted it. Both children got a bath that left a layer of yuck all over tub. I didn’t get a chance to water the plants today, but I guess I can do that tomorrow. I think the hardest part of the garden is going to be keeping the kids *out* of it now.

Compliments – I got a wonderful compliment today from a complete stranger. I took the girls to Hyvee to try out their breakfast on a tip from a fellow blogger (she said they had good breakfast). It was cheap – $7 bucks for a buffet, plus they made fresh omelets and pancakes. I was sitting across from Morella in her booster seat, picking at her food and Athena lounging in her high chair nomming on some pancake and pineapple when one of the employees walked past. She had helped me get the seats for the kids, and was overall super nice. Well she smiled at Morella and gave her a kids plastic cup. I told Morella to say thank you, which she did, with a smile.

The woman asked Morella, “Are you having fun? You have such a nice Mom.” Then she looked at me and said “You are such a good mother.”

I was a little taken aback. “Oh thank you,” I stuttered. “How can you tell?”
“Oh,” she said “You can just tell. I see a lot of kids here .. and you just are patient with them, and are nice to them and … well I see a lot of kids…and there are so many….”

“Oh, a lot of kids come here?” I asked, trying to change the subject a little and looked around.
“I work here only on Sunday’s,” she replied. “Yeah we get a lot of kids.” She started to walk away. I thanked her again and looked back at a bored Morella and agitated Neeners (stranger looking at her).

There you have it. I think that was one of the most sincere, heartfelt compliments I have ever gotten. It almost seemed like the woman was getting teary eyed too. Of course a sick part of me wants to see just how bad other Mom’s could be in a short amount of time eating out at Hyvee’s, but then again I read honestbaby and I know what other kind of Mom’s there are out there.

Lastly, I was going to address garage sales, but it’s almost midnight and I’m tired. Suffice to say, it’s in full swing and I am treasure finding heaven. Also, I apparently have a meeting tomorrow regarding my new station as a treasurer of a local Mom’s club that I don’t really participate in.

I am very happy to report that Athena is one healthy little baby girl. She weighs 19 pounds and 10 oz, and is 29 inches long. I am so glad that they don’t give shots at the 9 month appointment. It’s great that it coincides with the height of their stranger danger phase because doing something like that now would surely scar her for … well months.

I am so sick of this cold and wet weather we have been having. I’m talking 45 degree days … when it’s supposed to be at least 60. I agree that we needed the rain. I don’t mind that. I do mind the cold, furnace still has to be one, no one wants to play outside weather. It has made a huge difference on the kids too. We haven’t left the house much this week and as payment Morella only wants to watch TV and stay up late. One night she partied until 10:15 PM. It’s ridiculous! I did get out today though – went to a couple garage sales after Athena’s dr appointment on our way home and then for an hour long walk in the evening.

There has been a little turmoil around this house the past two weeks so many of the projects I have wanted to work on have been tossed aside. These include things like birthday packages that are wrapped .. but need to be put in mailing boxes and then hauled to the post office (I have three), to cleaning the house (I haven’t tried very hard at all), working on my afghan, to numerous other projects. Instead I spend what little time I have in the evenings reading, watching TV or looking at the computer. I think it part it is because of the anemia — I have started taking extra iron supplements and I threw out those prenatals and exchanged it for a different multivitamin. I think I am starting to feel better. I have a little more energy, not as many headaches and my knees don’t hurt as much.

Athena has been a terrible sleeper this whole week too. I think I am just tired by the end of the day. Well, that and the weather. I feel so much more creative and alive when it’s warm. Judging by the forecast it looks like I might get that wish.

Kid tidbits I want to remember: Morella really likes Go Dogs Go, my Ipad, music games, and a little 10 cent princess costume I got her today. She says “pincess.” She also hates the train horn and dogs barking at night. She wears a sweater over her jammies because she doesn’t like blankets. When you pick her she likes to stick a hand down your shirt (or Tim’s). She has been brimful of hugs and kisses lately and experiencing separation anxiety when I leave. I wonder if that’s contagious from Athena … or maybe I am just that awesome.

Athena hates hates hates to get dressed and have her diaper changed. We all (sans Tim) took a bath this morning so I could kill three birds with one stone .. .er bathtub. She was so funny in the bathtub. I think she would love swimming. I hope I can take her this summer….maybe with the new mother’s helper. Whenever I figure out who that is going to be. Or leave one at home so I can one to the pool with me. I just don’t see how I can do it myself, you know? I do see a lot of time in the backyard in our kiddie pool. I just hope it’s warm enough this summer that I can actually do that.

Why am I still up? Athena is going to get me up like 10 more times tonight…I should be getting some winks while I can. Right?

It is so hard to choose between images…I like the second one more but I think the first one is better for the montage because it’s more of face on image.

To see the entire collection so far, Click Here.

Athena at 9 Months

-Your baby book is practically untouched, why is why it is imperative that I at least write these down here, so I can print them out and “scrapbook” them in.
-You can crawl (sort of like a monkey — not the traditional four point crawl)
-You can pull yourself up to standing…and bounce
-You love to stand up on Daddy, Me and even Morella if she will let you
-You love to be in the middle of whatever it is Morella is doing and “investigate”
-You can ride in a grocery cart pretty good
-Huge case of Stranger Danger — only Daddy, Me, Morella and Karen seem to be okay. Other women for a short while. Hurray! It means you are very bonded with us.
-Can clap
-No real baby signs yet..but you seem to understand milk and it sort of looks like have tried ‘all done’ this past week
-Likes to put stuff in your mouth
-Loves to try and drink Morella’s vanilla soy in her sippy
-Favorite foods include…uh…anything but banana’s, waffles, toast or mini pancakes
-You like to shake your head back and forth — it’s cute (and yes for a short while I worried maybe you had vision problems and were trying to hone in on your 3D vision)
-You don’t really like the exersaucer and barely use it. I wasn’t expecting that. I thought all babies loved being in one of those — Morella loved it and still goes in it every now and then. Not you. You screech to get out, and me being the sucker I am, take you out and plop you on the floor. You are happier there.
-I am sorry you are being exposed to TV shows like Max and Ruby, Yo Gabba and Sesame Street at such a young age. I try to keep you entertained or out of the field of vision while your older sister indulges.
-You are now sleeping in a crib (in our room) which we started doing two weeks ago — so far so good!
-You like to go to sleep in the complete dark, and nursing
-You nurse at around: 11:30 at night, 4:30AM, 7:00AM, 10-11AM, 1-2PM, 5-6PM, 8:00PM. I love nursing you — it’s one of the best privileges I have had being your Mom.
-Your favorite place in the house is Morella’s room
-You are in 12 mo clothing
-Your hair is all grown in
-Your cheeks are as chompable as ever
-You are an awesome little baby -and well all love you
-Nicknames we use right now: Neeners, Neen’s, Athena, Weeha and sometimes Firestarter because your rub your feet together about 60% of the day
-You hate wearing socks or shoes
-Your favorite toy is whatever Morella is playing with
-Lastly, you hate to poop solids

I don’t know how much you weigh or how long you are until Thursday for your 9 month well baby. Do you get shots at that appointment? I forget. I hope not!

–I would really like a pedicure

–I went to the doctor yesterday and she suspects my ache problems are a result of anemia. I can believe this.

–I had a great mothers day – I got an awesome gift, we did lots of yardwork and I got lasagna for dinner.

–Turbulent times over here because the DH is considering a new job, which would require us to be risk takers. If you know anything about us, you should know that we aren’t big risk takers. However, the pursuit of happiness often requires some risk, right?

–Morella’s favorite TV show right now Max and Ruby…or “Max and Booby.” She also likes Jack’s Big Music Show.

–I am sick of this rain and cold. When is Spring really going to be here? I am ready for some summer like weather!

–I need new glasses and contacts. Who wants to make that appointment for me and watch the kids while I go?

–Athena stood up (doing a down dog) in the middle of the living room yesterday. Maybe she will be walking before I know it.

–Athena is also in the height of the Stranger Danger phase. I didn’t think her separation anxiety could get any heavier but I was wrong. You are doomed if you are 1. Male and 2. Male with facial hair. You should be okay if you are 1. a kid or 2. Female (but only feminine females ….lol…where did THAT come from?)

–I really need to go grocery shopping but I don’t feel like taking two kids along with me to do that. Sigh.

–I would also like to take a shower. I wonder if I could pile everyone into the bathroom and pull open a drawer full of interesting, but non chokeable stuff that they could make a mess with, while I shower. What do you think? Give it a go? Maybe if I have a shower I’ll feel up to do some other stuff around here.

–I wish I wasn’t such a pansy about change. I wasn’t always like this, but it’s so true that the older you get the harder it is to accept change. At least for me. Hm. Maybe up to a certain point…at time the scale shifts more into the “have nothing to lose” category instead of “having a lot to lose.”

Upcoming – Athena’s 9 Month photo and update.

A few photos from my phone over the past couple of weeks.

Morella will sometimes turn into a bag toddler. Once she realizes that we are going to leave the house, she’ll desperately search around for stuff to take with her. On this particular outing, we were going to take a walk to the nearby grocery store to get a “no nut” (donut). It took me a little while to leave, which gave her plenty of time to gather more stuff.

She reminds me of this woman who used to live in the Menomonie area. My Mom called her The Bag Lady. She was what looked to be a homeless person living in rural Wisconsin, and played the part by carrying lots of bags of various things with her wherever she went. She often hitchhiked, or just walked along side the road picking up trash or pop cans. It was also rumored that she was actually really rich and just liked to live this life. I imagine that these sorts of local legends are quite common.

Now, these next three photos are from last Monday at the “red park” (the playground equipment is red). Morella, Noah and Kian all climbed into Noah’s hurly. It took me awhile to get a good photo of the three of them. I didn’t like that Morella looked so pinched and worried. I know that she looked worried because she was worried. She was worried that she wouldn’t be taken for bike ride. Noah’s Mom Ann, was kind enough to take them for a little ride down the side walk and back. So Morella’s doubts were for nothing. However, upon closer inspection of these photos — it looks more like the sun was in her eyes. Sure she is still worried, but not as bad I thought by looking at the 1×1 inch photo on my cell phone display.

And finally …. we have the winner.

Last Friday after a playdate I took the kids to HyVee to buy some more Morella milk. I scored a car cart and realized that Athena was probably old enough to ride in it with Morella. I plopped her in, put her belt and on and sure enough — she was ready! Finally! I don’t have to feel so guilty for taking the car cart when I have just one driving it (as opposed to just being pregnant, or having Athena’s carseat in the cart part with Morella riding in the front).

Athena loved it, and Morella was bemused with Athena’s joy at riding the cart. I loved looking at the back of their fuzzy little heads.

Last Thursday, Hilary informed me that her neighborhood was having their annual garage sales. Though the notice came late, I got the kids ready and met up with Emily and her son Leo to hit up a few. Here we see Morella and Leo sitting on a little $3 bench that I did not buy, but did use for a photo op.

Morella at a Gazebo. We had just finished looking and following some geese around.

Last Friday night, Tim and I witnessed an Athena first together. She pulled herself completely up to standing and stood for several minutes, even taking a few steps (!) and bouncing up and down. She has been working on that by trying to pull up on us when we are withing reach, or whatever else she can get too, but this was her first full on stand. Amazing. She only just learned now to sort of crawl and now she is working on standing and took a few steps? Wow. Tim has a feeling that she is going to be an early walker.

Maybe all that energy that could be used to grow teeth is being shuffled to her gross motor skills.

Anyway. There we have it. Today was a nice day. I went to a garage sale by myself this morning and got some puzzles and clothes for a friend of mine (I even delivered them on my way home!), had a wonderful girls lunch out with Morella and Athena at Cool Beans, had a nice family breakfast and dinner, and … here is the big one … got the biggest gift since my turning old camera … an Ipad. Wow. Watch out world, I might be blogging more! As if you all wanted/needed that. Hey I might even start returning emails in a timely manner. It’s like having a piece of the future in my grubby little hands. I feel like I am living in a science fiction novel having such a fancy piece of technology.

They were out of covers, so I am thinking of whipping up something myself, maybe tomorrow. Just a quick something, I do have my sewing machine table cleared off, so it wouldn’t be that hard…and I have some box board that I could sew in between cloth for sturdiness, hm. Must think on this some more. At least until I make or buy something better.

Meanwhile, Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful Mom’s out there.