Playdoh!

Lately, Gracie is on a Playdoh kick... which Autumn loves because it can keep her entertained for hours (particularly on days when the weather isn't so good). We were told once by a nursery leader that Gracie was a Playdoh eater - so we have held off for a while. But Playdoh time has finally arrived for the Gracester.

Bath time

Lately, when I get home from work, if it is Jared's bath night I give him a bath while Autumn trains for the 10k we will be running at the end of July. I always recruit Gracie to help me, since she loves it and it is a good way to keep an eye on her. We put Jared's bath on the kitchen counter next to the sink and Gracie stands on a chair in front of the sink. The scene usually plays out something like this...

Me: Gracie, do not touch anything in the sink please. It is all dirty.
Gracie: I want to do an important job.
Me: Ok, you can wash the top of Jared's head. (I hand her the wash cloth)
Gracie: There ya go lil' buddy. (She dunks the wash cloth in the water and dumps it on his head and face - leaving it there)
Me: Gracie, you can't just plop it on his head and leave it there. (I take the wash cloth back)
Me: Gracie, do not touch the stuff in the sink - do you need to get down?
Gracie: I don't want to get down. (whine, sniff)
Me: Better get these toes clean, huh buddy. (I wash Jared's toes)
...
Me: Gracie, NO NO NO. That is for the dishes! (I grab the dish sponge/brush out of Gracie's hand preventing her from continuing to scrub the top of Jared's head with it)

We are lucky that Jared is such a good sport.

Growin' up...

So, I'm sitting at work, busy as always, and my phone rings. I see that it's Autumn... I also see that it is 1:30pm, which is not one of our usual times for talking on the phone as this is usually when Autumn tries fruitlessly to get the kids to nap. I know this call has got to be something big as it is breaking our routine -- I brace myself for the worst. Autumn immediately puts Gracie on the phone and coaches her to tell me that she has pooped on the potty all by herself for the first time. I breathed a sigh of relief, but then quickly realize that I am expected to be wildly excited and throw a big fit.

The problem, however, is that I don't have my own office, and that there are lots of my co-workers in nearby cubicles that probably don't want to hear me yell something like "Way to poop!" or "Good poop'n! I'm so proud of you!". So, I discretely give my praises while trying to scurry to a nearby vacant conference room where I can really let loose with my enthusiasm. By the time I get there the moment is passed. Oh well, I sort of made up for it by sneaking a balloon home from some random celebration at work as a reward for the big accomplishment. She loves her balloons. Good job Gracie!

Best Mother Ever!

Of course, I already told her but I wanted to record it here for others to see. I think Autumn is the best mother ever. I don't know of anyone else who can top her commitment in giving the very best care to her children. I often feel shamed when she discusses her concerns for our two children with me and I stammer to come up with any real ideas while she already has the right answer and has thought through the entire execution of it with brilliance. Our kids our so extremely blessed to have her. Happy Mother's Day Autumn! I love you.

Also, a big Happy Mother's Day to all of the other mother's out there. I can't think of any mothers who may read this who aren't also brilliant mothers in their own right. You all deserve a wonderful day in your honor. And of course, to my own mother - I could never say enough to thank you for the mother you've been (and continue to be) to me. I love you.

Jared Blessed

Jared was blessed last Sunday (5/4/2008). All went well... he was happy, handsome and well behaved (as usual)... Autumn's batch of white chili was very tasty... and all visiting family members traveled safely. Big thanks to all who could make it - my parents and brother, Autumn's parents and Kelly and Robin and family.

A good year ahead?

It was my birthday today... and as I walked down the stairs this morning the above is the first thing I saw. Maybe I am reading to much into this BUT the fact that my balloons died before I blew out the candles on my cake might not indicate a good (33rd) year ahead.

Actually, my birthday was great and I had a lot of family around to celebrate... but, what-the-heck!!! Balloons are supposed to make it at least 12 hours from when the man at the grocery store fills them up. Lame!

I am really not that superstitious and actually, I am predicting a great year ahead. I guess one balloon did stay afloat. I will be that one balloon that outlasts all the rest. Yes! That's it. That is what I am sticking with.