The Good, The Bad, The Concussion

This photo has nothing to do with this post, I just love when my baby sleeps in the car (and not on me!!).

Today was a day that I really could've done without. Dave was the parent volunteer at Sylvia's preschool today, so Easton and I were going for a walk on Grant's Trail and then headed to the fabric store to get needed supplies to work on Syl's quilt. As soon as I got out of the car at the trail, I tripped and face-planted onto the hard pavement, jabbing my sunglasses into my eyebrow and splitting it wide open. And as head wounds go, blood was pouring down my face. Luckily, Easton is too young to get freaked out. Syl would have been super panicky! But I did what any mom would do and found a Diego band-aid in my bag and fixed myself right up. It may have merited 2-3 stitches, but Diego has magical powers.

After walking, we headed to the fabric store. I was really discombobulated (concussion?) and forgot half the things I needed. Then I had grabbed the wrong credit card, which was promptly declined. I wonder what the young cashier thought about the crazed, sweaty mom with the suspicious looking head wound (spousal abuse?) and Diego band-aid? Who cares, really.

As I was driving home, my mom called to inform me that my brother was really sick. On the way to the hospital, the rehab center called with a bed open. So they rushed on up there and there he stays. Though it's good to know he is somewhere with people who are trained to help him, it's sad to imagine what he is thinking/feeling/experiencing.

Ahhhhhh, getting all the crap off my chest feels better. So with a head injury and bad luck, I still whipped the entire front of Syl's Christmas quilt (well, minus the top and bottom white sashing, I didn't get enough fabric, damn me).

I love it, even with it's imperfections. It's bigger had measured and planned, but that's ok. Though Syl is in a twin now, she may eventually go to a full, and this will accommodate both. I have the binding made (pain in my ass!) and the batting, I just need to get some fabric for the back. And by the way, when I said everyone gets a quilt for Christmas, I lied.

Croupy McCrouperton

After fighting over a week with a persistent cough/cold, we finally took Syl to the ped yesterday. Easton and I have long since fought the same illness, but Syl's hoarse voice and never-ending cough started before us and was still going strong. Doctor said she has croup, which is rampant right now. Most kids that come in contact with croup won't get it, and it's pretty untreatable (besides a humidifier). Plus she's had some sort of cold for 9 days now, so she's on the upswing. That didn't stop us from having to pay a copay, but that's a whole 'nother entry.

Speaking of copays, we qualified for financial aid from the hospital for Easton's birth. It took nearly 9 months, but success! Apparently, if you take the time to fill out the super detailed paperwork, you'll most likely qualify form some sort of assistance. We are thrilled to get the help, especially since my school loan is about to kick back in. Yikes! Mama's gonna have to start whoring herself.

My brother is now on the down side of his manic-drug-binging-whatever-it-was episode. The rehab clinic was out of beds on the male unit, so he is waiting for an opening. Things are uncertain and everyone is kind of on pins and needles. I'm kinda glad to be 90 miles away, it puts my kids at a safe distance from the drama. But it's hard to be removed and unable to help.

On the quilt front, I've finished piecing the stacked coins and am almost complete with the front of the quilt. Wow, this style of quilt comes together very quickly, so it looks like everyone may get one of these for the holidays. Or I may never even finish this one. The suspense is killing you, isn't it? Ok, both children are napping and I'm gonna sew.

Day O'Vomit

How much vomit can one deal with in one day? As a parent, a lot. Easton awoke at 5:15 this morning after sleeping a whopping, miraculous, astounding 10 hours!!! Of course, my boobs overfloweth from this monumental amount of sleep. He nursed and dozed for over an hour in bed. After swallowing wrong (or something of that nature) he started vomiting, and gagging, and vomiting some more. Yes, warm, fresh, breastmilk vomit, all over me, the comforter, the sheets. EVERYWHERE. I guess a solid night's sleep comes with a price.

We've all had some sort of illness going around over here all week, only to result in a nagging, productive cough (for just Syl and I). Syl's cough is super deep and terrible sounding, and a dramatic toddler only makes it seem worse. So when she lay in bed tonite and began to cough, cough, and cough some more, I knew what was about to happen. I ran up there, scooped her up, and brought her to the toilet. There, she wrenched her guts out. Ugh, it's so disheartening to see a small child hug the toilet like she's had a few too many shots. It's a glimpse into her future. Eeeekkk, what have I done?

Anyway, it's 11 pm, I really hope the puking gods have finished with their evil plan of attack on my innocent family.

Early Bird

As we've all seen by my last quilt project, it takes me a really really really long time to finish big projects. In fact, the last quilt isn't finished yet, but I've decided it's time to begin the next one. And if you're anything like me, the initial phase of creating something is the best part (ok, the finale is the best best part, this is the next in line). This is a stacked coin quilt, and I believe it'll be for Sylvia for Christmas. Will she appreciate such a gift at such an early age? Probably not, but I know that every time I go into her bedroom and see it on her bed, I will be filled with the type of pride that only a finished quilt can provide (I'm assuming, as I said before, I've yet to actually finish a quilt).So thanks to a baby who has begun to nap off of his mama, I was able to cut all the pieces last night and today during naps. Ahhhh, they look so pretty to me. Can you tell I'm not afraid of really bright colors?

On a totally different and completely unrelated note, my brother is currently (like, this very moment) checking himself into rehab. Let's hope that 6 pm rainbow was a sign of his successful recovery.

Piano Man (and Woman)

JUMP!

Face Plant

My mom's new obsession is face painting, and what better canvas to practice on then an eager 3 year old. Sylvie's been a lion, a butterfly, and now a Japanese doll. The paint lasts as long as it takes for her to throw a face-rubbing, tear-dripping tantrum. But until that point, she'll carry her mirror around and stare at herself in utter amazement.

Needing to Vent

Some days are harder than others, most days are mixed with great and terribly hectic moments, other days I just need to vent about the sucky parts. This is one of those days, where hating things out loud may make the problems better (hopefully):

~I hate that my baby won't take a nap without being on me

~I hate not having time to sew anymore

~I hate not getting 10 minutes to myself until after 9 pm

~I hate only getting 4-5 hours of sleep a night for the past several months

~I hate my post-2-baby belly

~I hate Mondays

~I hate when recipes don't turn out right

~I hate grocery shopping

~I hate my hair

Sorry, just had to do it. Deep breath in and release. Here's hoping tomorrow is filled with a better attitude and no 'I hates.'

A Weekend of Firsts

We have had a totally insane past few days, so insane that I will be going to bed as soon as possible tonite and hopefully sleeping as long as I can (which trust me, with a teething 9 month old, isn't very long). So I'm not going to write much, I am simply going to inundate you with a ton of photos from the days of chaos.

First light saber, totally entranced.

First balloon glow for the entire family. Let's just say that the 6 year old and the 9 month old loved it, the 2 and 3 year olds did a lot of screaming for their life.

First pony ride, she did it all by herself, though she held on tight!

First sucker, he grabbed it with both hands and wouldn't let go.

First "slide" down the wonky floor at the Science Center.

Huh?

Me: Hey Syl, what's your brother doing?

Syl: Oh, ya know, he's emerged in the concept.

Me: Ok.

What You've Been Waiting For (insert sarcasm here)

Life has been pulling us in a million different directions lately, and blogging has been at the bottom of the priority list. Fear not, oh beloved readers and bored housewives, for I am returning to dump a bunch of photos of my children for you to admire. Because I know that is what you want to be doing while sitting at work typing up TPS reports or whatever it is you people who go to work do.

Sylvie is tolerating preschool. She is super excited when she comes home, but doing the whole, "I just want to spend the day with you" bit when we talk about going. I'm not buying it this time. I am LOVING the time at home, and I know she'll get used to the routine soon enough.

I attempted to recreate an early block letter photo of Easton, but he is soooooooooooo busy, the blocks just called his name. There was not one photo of him looking at me. Just grab, grab, grabbing his little heart out.

He is such an excellent eater these days, and I say this because now I will be jinxing it and he will resort to eating only poop. But really, look at this tray!! Whatever you put on that magical tray, he will consume, or attempt to consume. Sure, he'll give something a go off a spoon, but chop it up and throw it on here and in the mouth it goes. At dinner tonite, he wasn't even looking at what he was grabbing. He would just scoop it up and shove it in. Loving that aspect, because I can't be bothered with the short-order cook.

After his lunchtime antics, Syl and I bathe him in the kitchen sink. Funny about this one is how I never, ever, ever bathed Syl in the sink, it was always with me in the tub. But now I'm all about efficiency and economics. Plus it gets him extremely tired before his nap. And look how cute he is all squeezed in the sink!For a "first day of preschool" sort of celebration, we took Syl downtown on a horse-drawn carriage ride. This horse was a newbie, and the ride was rather bumpy. Plus, he was like 18 hands tall which I'm sure means something significant to those who know about horse height. So as we were riding, Syl decided to lay down on the plus Cinderella-ish couches. We kept telling her to hold on, but she insisted on laying down. Sure enough, the horse jolted off at a stop sign and flew her off onto our feet. She wasn't hurt, just startled, but I have to admit it was pretty hilarious. Let's just say she's good on horse rides for the next few years!

9 months

It's hard to imagine that he has only been around the same amount of time he was in my belly. He is pulling himself up on stuff now, getting ready to give mama a heart attack every second. He doesn't really have any words, just sounds and coos and fits of rage, especially when I'm ignoring him. His sleeping is still hit or miss, he loves to nap on me, in the sling, in the car seat, or randomly in the stroller. But it doesn't really matter to him, as long as I'm close and the boob is even closer. Today he pulled himself up to standing. I know it's only a short time until the walking/running ensues!

It's so much fun to spend mornings alone with him as Syl has started preschool 3 days a week. She is loving it this time around and I am loving the alone time with Easton. Since Syl can't read this, I can admit that being away from her needs and constant chatting is a nice break. She probably feels the same about me!

Ending Tuesday on a Happier Note

Sorry for the pitiful post earlier. I don't think I sat down today for more than 5 minutes. You may laugh and think I am exaggerating. But don't, cuz I'm not. Easton took two 10 minute naps today. That's 1 less nap than normal and about 2 hours less than normal (average for him, that is). He was happy, only getting fussy when he realized how tired he truly was. Syl was great, no problems there. Who knew that the baby could out-play the 3 year old? The past week was a long, difficult one. Ever since Easton had an early 9 month check-up (which included a vaccine and a flu shot, curse you), he has been difficult to get down for naps. And by difficult I mean non-stop wild screams. So we've been nursing and napping in the sling (have you witnessed me doing this? I must admit it's an amazing freak show that attracts an embarrassing amount of attention). The past few days he's been his happy old self, but I guess he's on a nap strike. Needless to say, my back is suffering and my mind is swirling with exhaustion.

But guess what tomorrow is? Sylvia's first day of preschool. To honor her special day, I decided to go with the crazy and make a chocolate pudding pie (with homemade pie crust-crazy,right?!), manicotti from scratch (I know, I've lost my marbles!!), and homemade dough (are you calling the hospitals to see if there are any available rooms yet?). I spent last night and all afternoon preparing her this extravagant meal so I was very frustrated when Easton decided to not sleep and play in the water dish and eat stray bits of dry dog food. Yea, it was a sight to see. It turned out yummy, though meals like that always contain a fair amount of disappointment. It's like cooking for an entire party only to realize you didn't get to enjoy the party and now you have to clean up sober. Not very fun.

Another sad part of my day was packing up all of Easton's baby clothes to sell/donate/pawn off. I've been holding onto his newborn winter clothes to sell now and it was very emotional to pack away those last bits of my baby. It goes so quickly, it really seems like yesterday that I was pregnant with him. As of tomorrow, we will be alone 3 mornings a week. Don't tell Syl, but I'm really excited about this new chapter. I love spending my days with both of them, but I need to get in some solo time with the boy. His days are totally dominated by 2 obnoxious ladies!

To end on a more positive note, I needed to sew a sling for a fellow craft mafian. After finishing, I spied this awesome 80's Levi's cotton I rescued last month in my dumpster dash. I quickly made it into a super cute skirt, which put a smile on my face. I decided to drawstring the waist for now, hoping that I'll be a little skinnier next spring. But I totally love it.

What do you think?

So Many Why's, So Little Time

Why won't my 9 month old not take a nap?

Why will he fall asleep nursing in my arms, and scream wide awake the moment I put him in his crib (only to then remain awake)?

Why do I insist on doing so many things the long, hard, physically and emotionally draining way?

Why is it only Tuesday?

Why is my hair turning gray so quickly lately? Oh, I know the answer to that one.

Why am I always so damn tired?

Why can't I get a massage?

And how was your weekend? I hope you are all getting more sleep than me. And I hope some of these why's work themselves out soon.

Have you milked a cow today?

I could get all serious about the state of our household, about The Little Man and his Perpetual Bouts of Crying every night for 6 days straight (and general crankiness during the days), or about Our Lady of Dramatic Situations and Forced Fake Crying Tantrums, or about the Creator of Those That Desire to Destroy Her. Because really, the stock on boxed hair color has increased tenfold since I've birthed these 2 into the world.

No, today I'm not going to talk about it (I know, I just did). I'm going to talk about Purina Farms and how the hell could I live here and never have ventured out that way?! Not only was it free (they sure did push their brand though, which I can say I've given a few dollars to in my day with all the damn creatures I've housed), but it was awesome. Ok, let's get some back story to why I thought this mega-corporate "farm" was so great. A)the weather was unbelievably spectacular on every level B)kids are all in school and no longer taking up space at locations I'm choosing to attend C)Sylvia is in love with anything furry and petable and rampant with germs D)Easton slept the entire 45 minute drive out (note that the ride home took a mere 22 minutes because why? He was wide awake). This outing could have sucked major ass if the stars weren't aligned just so (because today, the stars were all shooting me the middle finger and laughing at my every move).

Anywhomilksacow, we witnessed the humorous and disgusting event that is actual cow milking. It's gross because we drink milk. I know, I breastfeed. I'm like this cow. I get milked EVERY F**KING minute. But really, it's weird that we humans drink another mammals milk. And we (not me) impregnate cows so they'll keep making us milk (yum, cheese). But in less than 5 minutes of being hooked up to the pump (god, I know how this cow feels) she produced almost 2 gallons. Impressive. So when Farmer Hoosier (he told an inquisitive kid that he doesn't understand goat's milk. Really dude? Are we really going to get selective about the mammals that we PUMP for MILK to CONSUME?) asked for udder-squeezing volunteers, I almost gagged when Sylvia got in line. I really thought she'd chicken out.

But here is proof that this girl can do something besides make mama's hair go grey really fast.

Girlfriend totally milked a cow and didn't even scream. And she pet some pigs, rabbits, horses, cats, and dogs. But guess what freaked her out? The chickens.

They also have a cheesy dog "show" that both kids couldn't take their eyes off of. We hung out there all morning yesterday and got home just in time for a super late, but totally needed nap.

It was a lovely morning, but those are usually omens to the hellish nights. But seriously, I'm not talking about those today.