Today I lost my mind, at least I had the camera to document it

Oh people of the interwebs, I can't put into words the type of day I had today. Just when I started to get confident about adding another child to the mix, I had the wind knocked out of my sails. Zachary has growing independence, he's 100% potty trained and he's been doing awesome with listening and following directions. Well, until TODAY.

Everything started out normal this morning. We had our breakfast and cartoon time and then headed out to story time at the library. He was a MANIAC. He literally annoyed the 2 sweet little girls that we were sitting next to, he kicked me, he threw his mat around and he disrupted the story about 98 times. I had to keep pulling him away to talk to him, only to have him thrash and kick at me. Finally, I yank his butt out of the library with him kicking and screaming all the way outside "I WANNA HEAR THE STORY!!!!!!!" Well, that was embarrassing and I will never show my face in the Shrewsbury library again.

The ride home was a mess of tears (mine) as I had shoes thrown at me. If that wasn't enough when we got home he had meltdown after meltdown. Around 11:30 I declared an early nap time to save his life. For real.

Miracle upon miracles he actually went right to sleep! I chalked his insane morning behavior to being tired and declared that when he woke up we'd start fresh. Too bad he was up a whole HOUR later and when I went to get him he had emptied the entire contents of his dresser drawers all over his floor.

After giving myself a 5 minute time out and letting him shove his clothes any which way into whatever drawer, I decided that fresh air was in order. Off to the park we went!

Yes, this angel can cause trouble

The park was short lived because we were both freezing. We headed home to warm up and play. As soon as we got home my house turned into a water park. Zachary decided he wanted to have a tea party and while I was in the bathroom filled up all of his kitchen cups with water. I can officially say that at 33 weeks pregnant I enjoyed a slip n slide INDOORS.

I decided sitting down for a minute and sobbing would clean up the water. Zachary came up to me and said "What's wrong?" I told him I was having a bad day so he made silly faces to try and cheer me up.

It worked.

After a couple of minutes to catch my breath Zachary came running up to me totally naked, holding his apron. "Mommy, put dis on me."

Voila - naked chef.

I suppose cooking naked was boring because about 10 minutes later he was covered head to toe in lotion and screaming that he was itchy. Seriously?????? Off to the bath he went at 4pm.

At this point in the day I'm waving the white flag and begging Rich to come home. All in all the events of the day weren't unusual for us (well maybe the naked cooking). However, dealing with all of these wonderful antics weren't very enjoyable when I'm walking around feeling like the Hindenburg.

If someone would like to pass me a magic clock that stops time for a few weeks I would appreciate it. I'm not feeling very confident about bringing a newborn into this crazy life!!!

Is This Thing On?

We're alive and well!  I have actually had nothing to say (shocker!) and I haven't taken a picture in weeks (big shocker!).

Ok, I lied, I do have something to say!

Z went to preschool all by himself today!!!! I hadn't planned on leaving him since last week was a bust. However, when I walked into the classroom this morning one of the parents told me to leave. She said "Go home, now!" I was a little scared so I listened to her!

Actually, I think this approach was best. It was definitely like pulling off a band-aid. I just had to do it. So I got Z all settled, told him I'd read him a book and then I was going home. He didn't seem to care. When it was time for me to leave he was getting out some blocks and I simply said "Ok, I'm leaving." He looked up at me and reached up to give me a kiss and went back to his task. Pretty easy, huh?

I went to Walmart, scrubbed toilets, vacuumed and laundry in my 2 hours of free time! I did have the parent helper texting me with updates the whole time and he did cry for 10 minutes and then he was fine.

When I went to pick him up he was playing on the carpet with the rest of the class and looked up at me and said "Oh, my mommy is here," and went back to playing. I was so so proud!!

The teacher actually said it was like meeting a new child. He was super chatty and outgoing and apparently very interested in the bathroom door...

Of course I know the chatty and outgoing Z so I wasn't really shocked by the revelation but I am glad to hear that I apparently make him a recluse when I'm around. Sheesh :(

When we got in the car I asked him if he had a fun day at school by himself and he grabbed my face and gave me a big kiss and said "Yes mommy but I got a little upset." 

I am so proud of him and happy for myself. I knew the day would come when I had to break away so that when Olivia comes he'll be prepared to attend school alone. I just didn't realize it would be so easy!!!  Yay Z! 

From the Mouths of 2 Yr Olds - Part 4

1) One afternoon after getting home I let Camden out and Z followed. I checked on both of them a minute later and found Z with his pants down around his ankles. I walked out and said "What are you doing?" and he replied "I want to poop outside like Dum-Dum!"



2) Z fell down and hurt his butt while he was playing. He got up, pulled down his pants and said "Mommy, kiss my butt."

3) Zachary: "Mommy, yook Dum Dum pooped on the porch!"
Me: "I know, it's ok."
Zachary: "He was just nerbous, that's all."

4) Me: "Zachary, what is Santa going to bring you for Christmas?"
Z: "A train"
Me: "What is he going to bring Mommy?"
Z: (looking around the kitchen he spots the painting of wine bottles) "Dat"
Me: "Santa is bringing me wine for Christmas?"
Z: "Yeah, a weally weally BIGGGGGGGG ONE."

From the Mouths of 2 Year Olds - Part 2

I knew I shouldn't start a "column" of sorts because my follow-thru with things is pretty craptastic. However! I was inspired yet again to share some of the funny things that Z has said/done recently because they were doozies!

1) On our way out of Hershey Park on Saturday Zachary spotted a large fountain in the middle of the entrance. He ran up to it and yelled "I wanna ride DIS one!" and started to remove his shirt. Yes, he thought the fountain was a ride.

2) Having me around full-time may end up being detrimental to my child.

The other morning Z and I were discussing breakfast and I asked him what he wanted. His answer, "waffles." Then he asked me for candy. I said "No, we don't have any candy and it's 7am." About 2 seconds later he says, "I want CANDY." I looked at him and said "I told you, we don't have any candy. Now what would you like for breakfast?" He looked me square in the eye and said "I TOLD YOU, WAFFLES!"

Ahhh the sarcasm. 

3) ***Warning this is gross*** Zachary was sitting on the potty going poop and started screaming "Mommy, look snakes!" I had no idea what he was talking about until I went in and saw him pointing into the potty. Yeah, he was referring to the poop as snakes. 

4) Every night when it's getting time for bed we tell Zachary that the moon is out so it's time for night night. Then we tell him that he needs to stay in bed until the sun is out in the morning. This morning he woke up and yelled "Look Mom the moon woke up!" He was actually seeing the sun rising in the sky. 

From the Mouths of 2 Year Olds

It is unbelievable just how much Zachary can say and understand these days. Everything that comes out of his mouth absolutely shocks me, and generally sends me into a fit of hysterics. I am going to start a new segment "From the Mouths of 2 Year Olds" to let you all in on the antics of this special little boy.

Feel free to send me nasty-grams if I don't keep up with this because I HAVE to document these things, and frankly, you don't want to miss out.

1) A few mornings ago I was beckoned to my son's room with these words:
"Mom, are you? Dumpy is soaking wet!"

Spunky was indeed 'soaking wet.'

2) This isn't a proud moment of mine but... Zachary spilled a drink on the floor the other day and exclaimed "DAMMIT!" in his most stern little voice.

3) Rich got up with Z yesterday morning. While he was changing his diaper and bent down to give him a kiss. Our honest little guy says to his father "brush teeth, got poop in it." Apparently Rich's morning breath was offensive.

4) At the cook-out yesterday Pop Mike gave Z a juice box. Z thanked him by saying "Tank you Pop Mike Tractor." Apparently that is his "official" name.


5) This is more of an exhibit than a saying... Zachary has refused taking a nap in his big boy bed today. Instead, he wanted to sleep on his bean bag chair. I can't say he looks too comfortable but who am I to tamper with what works for him and his sleep, DAMMIT!

Blaster Fodder!

Alright, so things got a little hairy around here this week. I went downhill and FAST! I think I went 48 hours with out speaking to Rich, I could barely eat and moving from the couch was a very large task. No fear though, I kept the family alive despite my wishes to crawl into a large black hole and never come out again! (Wow I'm not dramatic am I?)

Anyway, while I was enjoying riding the couch of life I went ahead and sent Zachary to Jedi* camp. I thought it would do him some good to become a star trooper while Mommy had fallen ill. Who was going to take care of me when the Jabberwokkis and Dark people came knocking?

Apparently he really enjoyed himself and when he returned home I felt MUCH better so he showed me all of his moves...

May the force be with you...

Nourishment

Yes people, I fed my child. Even though I felt like crap and wanted to die at the sight of food I pressed on and made sure Z was taken care of. Want proof???

Don't say you didn't ask for it!

Fuzzy Friends

Camden was also taken care of. Don't mistake the forlorn look for unhappiness. He's just pissed he didn't get to go to Jedi camp too.

*Please excuse my attempt at knowing anything about Star Wars. The theme seemed fitting for the pictures but DAYUM I don't know a cotton pickin' thing about those darn movies! Carry on.



BUMP WATCH - WEEK 9
I am soooo going to regret doing this but whatever. I promised myself I wouldn't be one of those parents who skimped on the 2nd child and not take as many pictures and yada yada. Well that starts with wombness I suppose.

Here I am at Week 9. The picture on the bottom was me pregnant with Zachary at 7 weeks.
So obviously I'm already bigger... Obviously I haven't been hitting the gym at 5:30am every single morning like I did before I got pregnant with Zachary. Obviously I didn't lose ALL of the baby weight. Obviously it gives me a sad but OBVIOUSLY I haven't had time to become Bally's fit, or get that reconstructive surgery I pray for nightly. So there you have it, I am a blimp.

Oh and don't expect any bare belly pics this time. Z made a nice road map on my stomach last time around and that's just not something I'm going to be sharing on the interwebs.

Check back in 4 weeks for another entry of Humiliation by Holly.

TWOty Fruity

Here is a glimpse of what it is like to live with a 2 year old. (This all happened in a 10 minute time frame)

First the 2 year old SCREAMS, BEGS, PLEADS for a snack. The loving, wonderful, patient mother obliged by making him a deliciously fresh fruit salad.

Here the 2 year old proudly displays the fruit salad (i.e. LOVE) that his mother made for him.

Next, the 2 year old sets the bowl on the floor with a very wide smirk on his face. The mother smiles back with pride. She thinks to herself, "Ahhh he loves me and my fruit salad!"

Suddenly the 2 yr old STOMPS on the bowl of fruit salad sending it flying around the room. Pieces of "love" sticking to the ceiling and walls. The blueberries are nowhere to be seen (those suckers can get some air)

The 2 yr old glues himself to a corner of the room admiring his work. The mother is not pleased.

The 2 yr old is put into time-out, where it appears he is using this time for relaxation instead of thinking about the consequences of his actions.

After time-out (aka his cat nap) the 2 yr old lands himself the job of cleaning up his mess. It appears it's a jolly good time. The mother feels defeated, again.
The mother seeks revenge and sentences the 2 yr old. She demanded "You will clean this house from top to bottom young man!" Ah ha, the 2 yr old is the one who seems to be defeated this time!

The 2 yr old was last seen washing blinds with a floor mop. He surely has a long way to go.

The End.

This Little Piggy Went to the Pediatrician

Well the little pig that was just supposed to stay home sure did get himself into trouble this week! Poor Z has a staph infection in his toe!! You wouldn't know anything was wrong with him by the way he continues to run around like a banshee, but it's there, oh yes, it is. I will spare you the underside of the piggy where the infection started, it's NASTY!

Exhibit A: Pointer Toe = very red and swollen
After a quick trip to the pediatrician where the nurse practitioner scoffed "I bet it's just a stubbed toe" as she walked in the door, prior to looking at said toe, the piggy is well on it's way to recovering and looking a lot less like the piggy who went to the market. ba dum bump*


Prior to our pediatric visit we met Rich at work for a picnic overlooking the quarry. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, so of course I took some pictures!

Sharing some sweet cherries

his hair is so blonde it disappears in the sunlight

I love the difference in hand sizes...



Isn't that a gorgeous background? I wish we could have a picnic there every day!

*I'm tired, again. Zachary has turned into a rooster and gets up with the sun. Forgive me my piggy jokes, for I do not know what I am typing.

Mother's Day Weekend Extravaganza!

What a busy, fun and beautiful weekend!

Saturday we packed up and went to Cecil County to celebrate Mother's Day and my Mom's birthday (the 13th) with steamed crabs. We had a great time eating, relaxing, eating, playing and eating!

the birthday girl

squishy baby lillian enjoying a nap


nana and lily

blowing bubbles

boys and a big rock pile = extreme entertainment

even fun for the big boys

aunt sarah and z enjoying ice cream cake

lily helped nana open her gifts

taking a little spin around the farm on the golf cart

One of the highlights of the weekend was getting this fantastic kitchen set for Zachary. My dad gave it to Collin as a gift a few years ago and he has since outgrown it and passed it down!


He also got this cool grill and cooked me a wonderful Mother's Day meal on it.

Mother's Day took a turn around 3pm when Zachary started running a fever and feeling miserable. He's cutting 4 teeth right now and I suspect he has another ear infection :( This is what we ended up doing for about an hour.

sadly the only time rich thinks to snap pics of the 2 of us is when Z looks pathetic

As sad as he looked I was happy to get to have some snuggle time with him for a little while. My poor baby.

the look of miserable

A Whole Bunch of Polyester Filling

Do you remember the story of Blankie Bear ?I think this is "new" BB - shhh don't tell Z that "original" BB is getting a bath

Soon after the BB obsession started Zachary became fond of a stuffed dog we had in his room (it went with the puppy theme). The stuffed dog is named Spunky and we love him. He's soft, he's cuddly and oh so cute. Not to mention Zachary makes the cutest little barking noise when he's playing with him...

Spunky - the incredible bendy dog

Then came another obsession with a smaller dog that rattles. He has no name but apparently he has a tasty nose because Zachary sucks on it frequently.

Rattle Dog McTasty Nose

You would think 3 "friends" would be enough, but no. This little blue dog, also named Spunky (the Baby Gund people need to be a little more creative) has now joined Team Lovey. I have to admit, he's the least favorite out of the bunch for me. He's easily lost, also rattles, and frankly, I don't understand the whole "blue" thing. I've never seen a blue dog, have you?

Blue Spunky

This brings me to my point... below you will see a whole lot of "friends" that must be accounted for at nap time, bedtime and pretty much 99% of the day. That's a lot of responsibility for one person to have, especially when my main focus should be keeping Zachary from coloring on the walls, pulling on the dogs tail, and flushing things down the toilet.

The "friends"

I was thinking of slowly "hiding" some of the friends, namely McTasty Nose and Blue Spunky but then things like this happen...

Who can take away friends from a face like this?

His loyalty will always be with his blankie bear though...

thank God too because we don't have duplicates for the rest of them!