Memorial Weekend

Mama and Sophie. I braided her hair and took it out a little while later. Actually, she took it out herself because she was sick of it and it ended up looking so cute. Not sure if you can really tell in this pic.
Papa and Noah hanging out. My parents are both amazed at the strikingly different personalities of Noah and Sophie. Hopefully, they'll balance each other out and get along well!
Auntie Michelle and Noah. The happiest kid in the world....as long as he's being held!

I Can't Work in These Conditions!

This past week was an awful week dealing with the weather at work. It was 86 degrees in my office because we have no air conditioning....it's been broken for years now. We have our outside door held open to the wall with two paper clips and 2 school chairs next to one another to hold the $10 fan blowing hot air into our office. I tried opening my window and the blinds fell on my face. I finally got it open and learned I have no screen. I had to shut the window 5 minutes later because of the dirt blowing into my office due to the construction happening onsite. On top of all this....we have mice and I literally have two binder clips holding the left side of my desk together. Gotta love the life in public education!!! I could go on and on and on, but you get the picture.

Boys Are Different

Gave Sophie and Noah a bath tonight. Sophie was helping me with Noah when he decided to pee in his own eye. Seems nearly impossible, but if the little wee wee is pointed just right, it is definitely possible. Straight up like a fountain and straight into the eye. He laughed like crazy while Sophie screamed, "Ewwwww!!!" Funniest part of my day, by far.

Cuddling

Sophie is already very protective of her baby brother. I'm sure some of these feelings might change when he's actually mobile and trying to play with some of her toys, but we are truly relishing these moments. It's already easy to tell she is an empathetic and caring little girl. I'm certain Noah knows he's lucky to have her.

Fear of Bugs and One Bad Role Model

It is unfortunate my daughter has me for a role model sometimes. The fact that the hair on my own head has a way of making me jump a mile because I often mistake a strand of hair for some deadly bug ready to attack my insides. I can't help it; I'm jumpy. I don't like bugs, never have, never will. I have no qualms about waking Tim up from a dead sleep to kill a bug on the wall. If I'm home alone and I come face to face with a critter, I don't just grab a tissue to get rid of it, I opt for Tim's size 13 shoe or a 33 inch bat, whichever is handy at the moment. People that grab jars to "capture" these bugs and then find a new safe habitat for these creatures because they don't believe in harming them need not be friends with people like me. One time a bee flew into my car and I almost drove myself and three of my friends off a cliff. Makes sense, right? Get stung by a bee or drive off cliff....I'm crazy, I know. But give me a break....I didn't grow up on a farm, I grew up in the desert where bugs can barely survive, and I don't have any brothers who tortured me and desensitized my fears.

Anyway, Sophie has inherited this debilitating illness from me. She is preoccupied by every bug in the backyard, squeals when one gets too close to her face, often takes the scenic route to avoid a bug, pretty much copies my model behavior. Although I'm glad she's not the kid who eats worms and picks up creepy crawlers like they're actually cute, I wish she wasn't so grossed out by it. These creatures, I suppose, should be appreciated as well. Unfortunately, she just can't look to me as a role model in this department!

The Never-Ending Project

I debated whether or not to actually post this particular blog, but in an effort to get my butt in gear, I thought actually documenting my motivational block might help me get through it! We decided a couple of months ago to put up new doors in our house. Every door, bathrooms and bedrooms, was replaced. Tim also put brand new molding around each door. Obviously, Noah and Sophie's rooms were priority (just in case we needed to lock them in their room). Then the bathrooms, and of course, our bedroom. We (more like Tim) completed every task within a reasonable amount of time.....and then came our room. We still don't have handles on our bathroom or bedroom door and the moldings still need to be painted, including some doors. In between this project, Tim and his friends put up a trellis, Tim totally re-landscaped the backyard, fixed everything he possibly could in an effort to avoid completing the stupid door project. Finally this weekend, I said I was motivated to get it done. I was ready to paint the doors, paint the molding, putty in every stupid nail, you get the picture. And of course, Noah and Sophie took a three hour nap on Saturday and I felt my car was in desperate need of a detail cleaning. So, instead of working on the doors and moldings like I had promised Tim, my car is now spotless. Why? Why do we refuse to finish this damn project???

Happy, Healthy, and Big!!!

Noah had his 4 month visit to the doctor last Thursday and did impressively well. He showed off his laugh and smile, he shared how strong he was by jumping up and down when she held him, and he almost scooted right off the exam table when she put him on his tummy!!! Tim and I knew he was a big little boy because he's been wearing clothes no smaller than 6-9 months and even fitting well in some 9-12 month sizes. Even knowing this, we were both a little surprised to find out he's in the 90th percentile for both height and weight at 26 1/4 inches and 16.11 lbs! He still takes after Mommy and Daddy in the big head department, topping off in the 95th percentile.

The last four months have been such a whirlwind, I'm finding myself enjoying every moment with him, even his crying fits. His personality is already proving to be a lot different than Sophie's. He loves to be held by everyone and offers a smile to anyone who looks his way. He doesn't seem to have the stranger anxiety the way Sophie did at such a young age. For the longest while, Sophie only wanted to be held by either Tim or me, but Noah doesn't seem to mind who is holding him.....he just loves the attention! He is sleeping through the night, about eight hours, which is absolutely wonderful.

I'm finally beginning to get back on a regular evening routine and not feeling so brain dead when I'm at work. Everyone always tells me they don't know how I do it, although everyone that tells me this has been in this position before....working full-time, full-time Mommy, etc. It's one of those times in your life when you really can't think about how hard it is, you just do it. I'm still figuring out how to balance my work life, home life, and personal life. With two, I've learned the value in "me time." I'm learning in small doses, but I have committed to walking a few miles with a friend from work right after school a few times a week. It helps get the energy out and leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to tackle everything that hits me at home!!! Tim and I are still figuring out how to make sure we get enough time together. Hard when we don't have immediate family close by who can watch the kids for a couple of hours here and there, but we do our best to make time away from our busy lives. I sit back often feeling very lucky to have what I have, especially my two beautiful children. They constantly offer me perspective and bring me down to earth...and of course, the type of joy I never imagined.

Softball and Shopping Alone

Sophie, Noah, and I went to Tim's game this evening. Fun was had by all. Tim got a brand new bat for his birthday and was very excited to try it out. He finished with three doubles and Sophie had lots to cheer about. I haven't gone to many of his games, mostly because they're usually later at night, which means bedtime for the kids would be 9:30 or 10:00 pm, which would equate to a midnight bedtime for Mommy (cranky kids + tired Mommy = hell). Tonight was an early game, so I was glad to go! Not sure why I haven't gone to ALL his games because the few I've gone to, I barely had to watch the kids. Everyone else seems to entertain Sophie and she doesn't really care to have anything to do with me. I think I might just come by next week and sneak off to Target while they're playing!

Which brings me to my next subject....the joy of shopping alone. What's that like? Shopping now feels like Supermarket Sweep. No longer are the days of strolling the aisles or reading labels. Now are the days of lists, sticking to lists, strategic exit plans, and ridiculously large shopping carts shaped like cars (if anyone has seen me on a bike, imagine me trying to maneuver one of these things through a store....lots of apologies from me and dirty looks from others). Sophie and Noah are generally good, but I know their limits. And I'll be totally honest, even though I work in the education field, I seriously don't have the patience to create some sort of learning experience out of our shopping trip...it's grab 'n go!!!

Camera Hog

She calls this hat her "garden hat" and wears it often. Since we're growing some of her bangs out, hats and headbands are our friend.

She's getting some early practice in for senior pics. Seriously, who told her to pose like this?

Basketball Baby

Grammy went to China on business early this year and brought back some beautiful traditional attire for Sophie. She has fallen in love with this outfit and feels very special when she wears it. And yes, my daughter is and will be a baller. She has a mean jumpshot already and we're working on layups. Never too early, right???

Maybe It's Just Me

Right now, I'm in the process of meeting with all of my kids to discuss future plans, goals, and figure out if they are on track to graduate. Just to give you an idea, the area in which I live and work, students drive much nicer cars than any of the teachers. The student parking lot is full of BMWs and brand new SUVs. Every year, we send many students to Stanford, Ivy Leagues, MIT, etc. Basically, all the schools I was admitted to out of high school. I'm so smart, I declined and decided to go to a state school (so kidding, Go Bucks!!!). Anyway, I always ask what my kids are doing over the summer. I expect to hear, "Nothing much, maybe go to the beach.....I might work part-time.....play club (insert sport of your choice)......summer school since I slacked off big time..." Ya know, the usual. Instead, I hear the following, "I'm taking two college classes and working full-time.....I'm going to El Salvador to work with kids and then I'm going to figure out how to create a national foundation out of the club I just founded.....I'm going to take two SAT prep courses, compete with my dance team, and volunteer my usual 20 hours per week."

All admirable, I will admit. And, to be honest, these are the things most students feel the need to accomplish in order to get in the school of their choice. I went to a school where a 4.0 was THE best. Now, it's common knowledge that the average GPA of students admitted to UCLA this year was 4.30. What??? I worry my kids are going down a dangerous road with all this pressure to succeed. I mean, is there value in "taking a break?" Is it important that students learn to foster their imagination through the concept of "boredom?" Is it okay that a kid slows down and just "hangs out" with friends? I often ask my students who have admitted they feel overwhelmed what they think might happen if they chose to slow down. What might happen if they choose to play two sports instead of three and choose to be a part of two clubs instead of seven? I'm not one to judge and I must admit it is so easy to get caught up in the "race." I was a busy teenager and was involved in many activities. But not so many I lost sight of actually "being" a teenager. Maybe it's just me and my focus is off, maybe I'm so exhausted just by listening to my kids' schedules I can't even think straight! I'm sure the opposite exists out there with teenagers, but in my little bubble, it does not. Many of my kids are exceptional and I have no doubt they will make a difference in this world. In the meantime, I hope they can at least find the time to just be.

Bathtime = Funtime

Noah just loves his bathtime! The first couple of times were a challenge, but he started loving it in no time, just like his big sis.
He LOVES to kick like crazy in the bath. I'm convinced he's going to backstroke his way right out of his little tub one day.
His eyes get me every time. He turns four months tomorrow and I am floored at how much he's grown. I can't wait to visit the doctor to find out his stats!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

Unfortunately, we continue to experience problems with our computer. So, I haven't been able to post pictures or blog on a normal schedule. I hope to be up and running soon!!!

Just want to wish a Happy Birthday to Tim!!! Tim, I hope your day is going great and we can't wait to celebrate with you this afternoon!!! I know our lives seem so crazy and busy these days and we aren't always able to express our appreciation. It's days like this we have every opportunity to share how much we love you.....and we do!!!

1 Out of 5 Dentists Recommend Zoothbrush

Teeth are important to me. Healthy teeth, healthy gums, straight teeth....all important. I'm not sure why, but I totally buy into the ADA approved stuff. I don't buy toothpaste that isn't ADA approved nor do I buy toothbrushes that don't have the necessary stamp of approval. I'm a firm believer in following the "4 out of 5 dentists recommend" rule. Again, probably one big gimmick, but I happen to be sold on it. I also make sure all markers/crayons read "non-toxic" on the box, as if toxic crayons even exist anymore. So, the other day when we were shopping at Wal-Mart, Sophie finds a Barbie toothbrush that she MUST have. Didn't think anything of it until we got in the car and I looked at it. First of all, it's made by "ZOOTHBRUSH." Who the heck is that? Secondly, it is not approved, of course, by ADA. So, I freak out and Tim thinks I am the biggest weirdo over this. It bothers me to no end.....I'm concerned the bristles are not up to par, the handle must not be ergonomically designed.....who knows, really?!

Maybe I value teeth too much, maybe it's more an obsession. I think I feel the need to instill good brushing habits to counteract the foreign objects that haphazardly end up in my daughter's mouth. I hope she never has to find out how much I fret over the silliest things. I'm just waiting for her to be old enough to tell me to get over it!!!

Let's Dance!!

Another outfit for Sophie from Grammy. She was very excited to wear it and wanted me to take a picture of her. As you can see, sitting still isn't easy for Sophie these days!

Good Morning

A very special thanks to Grammy for buying Sophie this adorable outfit. Sophie was very excited to wear it and even managed to keep it semi-clean throughout the day.

Notice the time I'm posting...yeah, I know. Sophie is still working on staying dry at night and woke up wet everywhere. So, after changing her pajamas twice and taking care of the sheets, I am of course wide awake. Noah's set to get up in about half an hour so I just don't see the point anymore. I'm just glad I can function (and I use this term loosely) on 5-6 hours of sleep a night. If I were to get an actual 8 hours I'm not sure how my body would react....I'd probably have the reverse effect and feel even more tired rather than refreshed. So, instead of trying to get back to sleep, blogging about it seemed like the next best option.....Is Starbucks open this early?

4-Wheeling

After having Noah, Sophie just seems like a giant these days. I have to keep reminding myself she's only 2, but I swear she's ready to baby-sit her brother. Anyway, here is a clip of her riding her little quad in the backyard. She's outgrown it already and has moved on to a bicycle. I can't keep up with these two and feel like I'll wake up tomorrow and Noah will be riding it in the backyard.

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:183671
password: sono

Oops..Maybe I Should Have Waited

I was so excited about signing Sophie up for a dance class (it's like pre-pre-ballet) this summer, I accidentally shared the news with her last night. Now this morning all she is doing is asking me when we're going to dance class, where are her dancing shoes, where is her dancing dress, are we going after breakfast, are we going after lunch, is it just you and me, let Noah stay home, on and on and on. And she's dancing around the house all morning preparing for the big event that is not going to happen until June.

I also ordered some sandals for her online and made the mistake of showing her. Now she thinks they should instantly jump out of the computer so she can wear them today. Explaining to a toddler the concept of time and patience is an arduous task! Obviously, her impatience probably comes from me since I couldn't even wait to tell her!

My New Job

I've decided I'm going to be a weather person because that would mean I could make totally wrong predictions every single day and not be accountable, blame it on mother nature every time and I could be on T.V. acting like I know what I'm talking about. I don't even know why I check the weather anymore because they're never, ever right. I don't even care if the weather fluctuates 30 degrees in one day, as long as I know about it! This week, for instance, I've been watching the weather (I've become quite obsessive and blame 99% of it on Tim, whose job relies on the weather) and looking forward to the end of the week since it was "supposed" to reach 80 degrees. As each dreary day went on, the weekend was looking more and more enticing. As I continued to watch the weather report, slowly but surely the temperature for the weekend continued to drop. I'm expecting a temperature close to 80 today and we're going to be lucky if it gets to 70...and I hate to be a wimp, but 70 out here in the bay area is a cold 70. Don't know how to explain it, maybe it has to do with the fog and ocean and all that stuff, but it's cold to me. And of course, Tim refers me to 17 different websites to check out the weather, and they are ALL wrong. Or maybe they're just not telling me what I want to hear, I don't know.

I Love Her to Pieces...

...but why does she insist on getting up earlier and earlier every day??? It doesn't help that the days are much longer now, so it becomes light out around 5:45 am. Besides the fact I get up at 5 am every morning, I actually try to enjoy this time because it's my only real "alone time" I ever get. I feed Noah, pack my lunch, get ready, and check my e-mail or watch the news. I really try to enjoy this time because it is literally the ONLY time my house is actually quiet. So why is it Sophie starts screaming my name almost 2 minutes after I'm done feeding Noah? And if anyone has ever heard Sophie scream, it could wake up the neighborhood and probably has. Everyone in my cul-de-sac knows when Sophie's throwing a tantrum because it reverberates down the street. Letting her cry it out or trying to convince her it's too early and to go back to sleep just isn't an option anymore. So here I sit, Sophie beside me cuddled in her Dora blanket, watching cartoons rather than the news. I tried to get a little shut-eye while she is watching cartoons, but apparently that is not allowed either. Sophie immediately nudges me if my blinks average longer than 2 seconds and tells me to "wake up." I love to cuddle with my Sophie and I do every morning....just not at 5:30!!!

It's just one of those mornings, I guess. I just may shut the door to my office and crawl under my desk for some quiet time.