A Holiday Weekend in the Life

As with every major holiday, AJ has to work.  Usually he is nearby and returns home every day, but this past weekend, he was sent to help out with bike week in Myrtle Beach from Thursday morning until Monday afternoon.

So to keep the boys entertained and my mind occupied (ya know, so I don’t worry about AJ), we kept a busy schedule starting Thursday afternoon.

I was off work early Thursday to sign some bank paperwork, though the bank failed to tell me they cancelled the signing after I contacted the closing attorney who I thought was late to the closing.  It was not a good start to the weekend, but at least I was able to get the boys a little early.

Thursdays in the spring and summer mean the park or the pool.  Being that I was outside a lot for work this Thursday, I opted for the pool.  We swam for an hour or so before returning home to call it a day.

Friday the boys slept in (well after 7 am is sleeping in…).  This was Aidan’s last day in 3K, so we rushed around the house to be on time at 8:30.  I dropped both boys off so I could run errands and attempt to clean and do laundry.

Adding a cushion to a very old chair, just needs finishing touches

At 4 PM, the boys and I were at the pool.  My mom came by, too, which was helpful so at least the kid to adult ratio was 1:1.  We enjoyed pizza and basically had the pool to ourselves.

Once the boys were in bed, I packed for our busy Saturday – Zoo and the pool!

The boys were up around 7am and we were out the door by 8 am on the way to the zoo.  I like to get there early for a close parking spot and avoid some of the crowds.  By 12:30 both of the boys were exhausted so we headed back to Aiken.  I had promised Aidan a new toy if he was good the last two weeks of 3k and if he was good for me – off to Target we went.  Aidan chose a transforming ninja turtle.  I HIGHLY recommend not getting this toy, it causes more tears than smiles through it’s frustrating (to toddlers) to transform.  The turtle shell comes unlatched often, and well, that’s unacceptable to a 3 year old.

Carousel ride and a pretzel are a must at the zoo for these boys

Again, we arrived home close to bed time, so after baths, the boys relaxed while watching Mickey Mouse while I unloaded the car, loaded the dish washer and washer machine, and tried to eat something. Hah.  

Sunday, I decided we would take it easy.  The boys woke up around 7 again, and I snuggled in bed with both of them, getting lots of hugs and kisses from them.  After breakfast, I attempted to clean the house while the boys played in the living room.  Owen wanted to color, so I let him have two markers.  Then I made the mistake of getting dressed to take them to the park.

Only Crayola washable products are allowed in this house for the reason you see above.. not pictured is the colored floor and walls

The boys played at the park for several hours, breaking for a snack.  We then hit up Kroger since I wanted to read the Sunday paper.  Owen fell asleep on the way home, and I was able to transfer him to the crib without interrupting his nap.  Aidan ate and played quietly while I found more laundry to do.  By the time Owen woke up for his nap, we were ready to go back to the pool.  Papa and Grammy met us at the pool, so Aidan played with Papa most of the time.  Aidan loves to dive down in the water with Papa and show off his swimming ability, plus it’s not quite hot enough for me to want to go fully under the water willingly. 

Again, another late evening at the pool, so I got the boys home, fed, and into bed.  Then I prepared for the next day, packing for the kid’s museum and possibly the pool or splash park.

The boys were up before 7 am, so we were able to leave by 7:45 to arrive at Edventure’s when they open at 9AM.  We enjoyed exploring the new Potato Head exhibit, the butterfly garden, and all of the other play areas for several hours.  Around noon, the boys were exhausted and hungry, so we headed home.

In Owen's grovery cart, he stocks up on an essential  - chocolate ice cream cones 

AJ called to tell me he would be home around 1 PM, so instead of the pool or splash park, we headed home. AJ set up the water slide and played with the boys until bath time.

bottom middle is my crazy toddler howling like a dog, so it's only fitting he uses a doggy door

I survived the weekend of solo parenting and enjoyed waking up Tuesday morning to peace and quiet.  I enjoyed hot coffee with my breakfast and not telling anyone to eat, sit down, or quit messing with your brother…but I’ll miss my boys while I’m at work, but I sure do need to recuperate from the weekend!

The not so good highlights

• Owen swallowed a penny (passed it with no issues)
• Aidan thought he would die because he had a blister on his ankle from wearing his crocs too much
• I ran out of wine!
• Seeing the family photos of everyone's fun weekend,  not going to lie, I was jealous that the entire family had quality time together for 3 to 4 days.

Being Negative

I tried to think of a somewhat attention grabbing title so that I would entice you to read – yeah, how did that work?

I’m going to be somewhat serious.

I’ve checked yes on being an organ donor for as long as I can remember having the option.

I’ve signed up to be a marrow donor after realizing I should have signed up many years ago, and after realizing how someone saved my uncle’s life. I knew if I could ever repay that favor on his behalf, I would be honored.

I’ve known my dad to give bloody for many, many, many years. He inspired me, whether he knows it or not, to also be a blood donor.

You see, I’m O-, the universal blood donor, the baby blood donor, the blood they keep on emergency helicopters. Nurses say I have great veins and never have an issue sticking me. My workplace has a blood mobile 300’ feet from my office every two months, which means I can give on my lunch break. So how can I not give? I can easily help people – save up to 3 local lives with each donation as our local blood bank tells me.

So you see, I’m negative, and it’s a wonderful thing. Less than 7% of the population is O-.

I’ve tried to give blood regularly but between my hemoglobin being slightly low for donation requirements and pregnancies, I wasn’t able to give as much as I would like.  However, since Owen, my hemoglobin has been fantastic, and I believe I was only turned away once.  I recently received another gallon pin donation, and I had a goal to donate 6 times this year!  The first donation of the year went well, and I was looking forward to my next one in March.

But plans changed…and they changed again.

I thought, how much do I share? I didn’t want to share, but then I realized the gift I had received and its impact.

Last week, I had a blood transfusion. Some wonderful donor out there potentially saved my life.

I didn’t want the blood, and at first I tried to turn it down. Knowing that I can only receive O- and knowing that there has to be more critical people out there who needed it – I felt guilty and selfish for even the suggestion of a blood transfusion. To me, donated blood was for those who had cancer, babies in dire need, life or death situations, I didn’t feel like my situation met those criteria in my mind.

But that’s why we have doctors, because they know what we really need. They’re looking out for our health, they know the risks, and they don’t make decisions lightly, at least I believe this to be true of my doctor. 

My doctor had asked me how I was able to stand, let alone function without passing out…I wanted to be a smart alec and tell him on my own two feet, but I refrained

Thinking back, I had been tired and having headaches the past week, I figured it was my body recovering. I was also taking iron because I knew I had lost blood. I didn't realize how dire my situation was or could have been. 11 days later my blood loss, my blood levels were bad – hematocrit, hemoglobin and especially the Red blood count.

I mean, otherwise, I felt relatively healthy. I did. 

I never thought at any point when I donated blood that I would one day need someone else's donation. Never

When I woke up after surgery and the blood transfusion, I could tell a significant difference in my body, my headache was also gone. When I woke up the next morning, I didn't feel any sort of dizziness. I felt like a new person. I couldn't believe the difference since receiving the blood transfusion.  

I felt I could run a marathon – rest assured, I continued to rest, I realized how much I needed to follow doctor’s orders.

That day, I penned an email to our local blood bank thanking them for everything they do.  Without them, who knows how my body would have replenished itself - what if something bad did happen due to the low levels? Passing out while driving my kids? Or just passing out while my husband was at work? What if I hit my head?  Not good thoughts…

I’m still taking lots of iron as part of recovery, and I know I’m not 100% but I am getting there, slowly but surely. Frustrating because I want to run, I want to work out, I want to pick my kids up and spin them in circles – okay one circle, I get dizzy even when I’m 100%.  But I am OKAY, and I am better each day.  Just a week later, I am amazed at the difference in how I feel physically.

No worries either, the reason for the blood levels being so low is known and not occurring again, so no further health risks or blood loss.

So what made me share today?

My local blood bank sent me a birthday email – someone possibly ensured me that I saw my 32^nd birthday. 

I am sad because I cannot donate for an entire year because I had a blood transfusion.  There goes my goal…

But I went on to blood bank website, and one of the many ways to help the local blood bank is 1. Donating! 2. Advocating 3. Holding a Blood Drive

So by sharing, I hope to advocate.  Maybe you’re a sometimes donor or a one-time donor or a never donor.  Can you help me – can you donate one time for me? Just once…help me ease my guilt of taking blood by you giving some. You don’t need to be local, any donation anywhere helps!  So I’m advocating, and I’ll advocate for the next year until I can get back to Number 1 – Donating.  

And thank you to the regular donors – thank you to whoever was my donor.

Oops Paint - A Project's Beginning

Have you ever had a project in mind but feel you can't get started until you figure out a paint color? Why does the finish hold up the start?

I knew I had a color in mind that I wanted for the pantry. Wait back up, I knew, even when we moved in that I wanted to replace the wire shelves in the pantry.  They bend under weight, they let food slip through the openings, and they look awful.  So it made sense (to me) to replace them eventually.  At the time the house was built, we had the option of laminate or wire shelves, but for cost cutting measures, we kept everything wire shelves, even the master closet.

So the time came when I found inspiration to renovate the pantry, but I need a paint color.  I did not want the plain white walls, which only highlights the white ugly shelves.  I knew I wanted an orangish, maybe pinkish color.  I need something brighter.  The light in the pantry is partially blocked by all the shelving and the food, so a neutral darker color wouldn't work.

For several weeks, I stopped by Home Depot and Lowe's to check out their supply of "oops paints" to see if a color caught my eyes.  Two weeks in a row, neither store had more than one color, so disappointing!  But the third week, I found a color I thought would do.  For $5.00, it was worth a chance, surely better than plain white walls.



Upon finding a suitable paint color, I went home and cleaned the pantry out.  Between the sunroom and our counter in the breakfast area, I was able to temporarily store everything in our pantry.  Though it made it harder to hide the sweets from the boys, and Bo thought he was being spoiled rotten with all the new food in his room.

The worst part about taking out the wire shelves was patching all of the support holes.  Though I did have some choice words to say to the nails that would not easily come out, and I did pinch part of my skin.  Once the patching was behind me, and I patiently waited for it to dry, I taped so I could paint after the boys went to bed.  Painting in such a small space seems to require some talent.  You have to be careful with the order you paint the walls so that you don't back yourself up into wet paint.  I put two coats of paint on, and once it dried, I took down all the tape.

I had Lowe's make most of the cuts for the plywood shelving, but all of the support framing was kept whole until I arrived home.  I took out both of the car seats and folded down the back seat in order to transport the wood!

Based on stud spacing, I knew which wall I wanted to start with so not to interfere with the 16" that studs should be spaced.  I measured for all 5 shelves on the back wall, cut, fit, and then removed.  I wanted to stain the framing because I knew it would be exposed.  Some pins I found on Pinterest put 1/4" board on the bottom, but I wasn't super crazy about the added weight or found it necessary.

So I would stain, install, measure more board, ensure they fit, and stained those boards. Repeat!  It was a slow process waiting on the stain to dry, but I didn't want to cut a board based on the assumed depth of the 2" x 2" framing since the boards aren't exactly straight, which means it could cause my intersecting boards to be longer or shorter.  This project really tested my patience because when I get an inspiration, I want to complete it quickly so I can admire the finished project.

AJ had some leftover wood, and he showed me how to rip it to get it to the correct width.  We have a mix of two colors for our cabinets in our kitchen and master bedroom, so I thought the medium stain with a natural trim would look great.  I really like how the shelves turned out, and I like going into my pantry and not seeing the ugly white trim. Total spent - $85.00

No judging the contents :)

I have had numerous other house projects that I had hoped to share how I did it, but there's not much time left after doing the project and trying to share it...something about two crazy little boys consuming all of my time and energy!


A train table for the boys in the nook area, a photo clock at the breakfast table (we can say to Aidan, you need to have your dinner finished by the time the hand reaches Rosalind, and he knows where to look) photo ledge shelves on a wall outside of the master bedroom, laundry room organization for all the cleaning tools, and a ruler for marking the boys yearly growth (and they love to see how tall they are throughout the year!)

Half Birthday - An Owen Update

Owen celebrates his half birthday on Pie day, how cool is that?!  I thought about letting him have pie, but a sugar high toddler doesn't sound appealing on a rainy day.

Owen doesn't go to his well check up until the end of the month, but according to our scale he is 30+ lbs and over 33" tall, so tracking slightly behind his brother, but not by much.

Owen continues to be a great sleeper, whether it's nap time or bed time, he usually goes down without a fuss.  Though he has started waking earlier, but that's due to hearing his big brother.  He looooooooves breakfast, he cannot get enough food fast enough at breakfast.  He will cry and pitch a fit if he has to wait for his food to be prepared.  He will immediately run to his high chair and point at it, indicating he wants up.

Speaking of "up", it's one word that Owen loves to use.  He'll reach up, arch his back, move his fingers, and say "up" when he's not picked up right away.  He's also found he likes the word "mine" and "no".  While he sleeps well, when Owen is awake, he is trouble.  Dramatic, too.  He cracks me up, but at the same time, I'm not use to the drama.  Owen is also a biter and a hitter, but part of that problem is due to big brother snatching things from him or knocking him down.



Snuck a banana

Back to food...besides breakfast, we have difficulty getting Owen to eat.  Not at daycare, not a grandparent's houses, but around mom and dad, Owen is a very picky lunch and dinner eater.  Again, he's throwing curve balls at us because Aidan generally ate well and ate a lot of food.

Like Aidan, Owen loves being outside.  He understands "outside" and "park."  Though if you take Owen to a park, he cares more about petting the random dogs than sliding or swinging.  He calls all dogs "Bo" or "Bobo".  


When he's not distracted by dogs, he is trying to climb up everything to go down the bigger slides.  Most people are surprised to learn his age when they see him playing at the park, but Owen watches Aidan and feels he has to do everything Aidan does.  I'm constantly surprised by what he can climb or objects he finds to help him reach what he can't easily climb.  

 Owen has been a bigger dare devil than Aidan.  Owen months ago stood up on rocking toys, hands up, proud of himself.  He climbs on everything possible, and he will move a chair to reach something off the counter.  He is determined.


We still let Owen have his pacifier, though recently I have considered taking it away, but I really don't want to mess up the sleep routine.  We already have one toddler waking us up randomly throughout the night, we need the other to be the easy sleeper.  Owen is also obsessed with his loveys.  He has two - a monkey and a giraffe, and he has to have both at night, though he only brings one to day care.

So looking back on my Aidan blog, I apparently thought asking and answering questions based on his current actions was a good idea, so I figured I would repeat it for Owen.

1. What is your favorite color? Owen doesn't show a color preference.  Whatever color, he will try to eat it.
2. What is your favorite toy? His favorite toy is whatever toy Aidan currently has or any that are neatly organized in bins.

3. What is your favorite fruit? Banana
4. What is your favorite tv show? He doesn't care for tv, maybe the intro to Mickey Mouse Club House, which causes him to dance. Owen rarely watches tv since he goes to bed before we put a show on for Aidan.
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Again, at home, he's a pill when it comes to eating lunch.  He'll eat a banana.
6. What is your favorite outfit? He prefers no clothes
7. What is your favorite game?  He loves throwing balls to Bo
8. What is your favorite snack?  Popcorn
9. What is your favorite animal? Dogs!
10. What is your favorite song? Itzy Bitzy Spider (same as Aidan!)
11. What is your favorite book? Whatever book I read Aidan
12. Who is your best friend?  Bo or Aidan
13. What is your favorite cereal?Cheerios

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Play in the mud with his brother or be at the park
15. What is your favorite drink? Milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Any holiday
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? His loveys and pacifer
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast Oatmeal
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? We'll offer everything, and he will refuse it all. Hah
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Veterinarian or daredevil/stunt man

Making Friends in Your Thirties

I think finding friends can best be represented by a logarithmic graph, and the limit as you approach 30 (or really infinity) tapers off to some constant, let's say 20 (But you have 300 FB friends!!!). Let's be real, how many do you regularly hang out with?...and as a parent, I'll define regularly as once every 6 months.  School made finding friends (not necessarily making or keeping friends) easier.  Therefore, after it college, it appears that you start slowing down, and while you have less friends, you probably have more meaningful friendships, right?! Quality over quantity.



I have made some great friends post college days, mostly reconnecting with friends from high school who live and work in my home town.  So we generally knew each other prior to becoming friends (or better friends).



I have also been fortunate to have found some great friends when I was pregnant with Aidan due to the internet (pregnancy message boards).  So we had quite the long courtship in our friendship prior to meeting in person, though I was still nervous to meet in person, but I felt I knew them well.  My instinct was right because I don't know what I would do without these friends, and we get together regularly. We also chat a lot, and they are a big part of my life. I've now known them for close to 4 years!



But branching out from the home town and my pregnancy board friends...I haven't done that....until now.



I was nervous, like first date with a cute guy nervous.  In fact, I haven't been this nervous since AJ picked me up for our first date.



I was worried about what to wear, worried about my hair, worried about whether I should wear my cowboy boots or my camo boots (hey, it was raining, I was trying to think practical).

I was worried about being late, I was worried about the short lasting "diarrhea of the mouth" disease. 

I was worried she might cancel (because there was snow on the ground).



So I was nervous and worried, but I was also excited.  This could potentially be a new friend, how cool is that?!



It's not like we didn't know each other - it wasn't hey my kid played with your kid at the park, and I've never seen you before, so let's hang out . 

Nothing crazy or scary -  I have interacted with her over a two year period, so I kind of knew her.



Since the boys were with family, I was able to venture out by myself.  So it would really eliminate the chaos and allow to me to focus and hold a real adult conversation.  At first, it appeared that we would meet up and shop. SHOP! I'm such a picky shopper, and not really someone you want to go shopping with unless you know my tendencies.  I have such a hard time making a decision because I don't want to make a bad purchase and be out the money. I despise returning things. I usually shop online because I can research and agonize over my decision without tons of people around me wondering why I am staring at the same item for ten minutes.  Don't get me wrong, I like nice things, I have nice things, but the decision to buy them is a long process.  So not only am I a difficult shopper, but I also do not like crowds. If a sales person asks me if I need help finding anything, or if a stranger gets in my personal space, I'm ready to leave the store.  Just pretend I'm not there, is that so hard?



But fortunately, things turn to a lunch date instead of meet and go shop date.  I can do food - just not super unhealthy fried food and really, let's avoid a chain restaurant.  Also, I don't know what I want to eat, so here I go, being difficult again. However, she stuck through the decision making progress.  Basically, she did all of the work once I asked if she wanted to hang out.  I mean, asking was hard, right?! 



Lunch was great, food was great, talking was great.

But we both had a few free hours from our kids, so why waste it, let's do something.  Back to shopping, there are several new stores that recently opened, so it seemed like a good idea to check them out.



The first stop was a shoe store - I have been looking for some Ariat (see, I like nice stuff) cowgirl boots, pointed toe with a pattern but no rhinestones or weird color embroidery. Thus the shoe store sounded like a great idea.

We quickly learned, I'm country, she's not.  But we looked at all the boots and clearance shoes, and I feel like I wasn't an awkward shopping partner.  I saw some nice boots, but none were the cowboy boots that I was searching for (by the way, Amazon saves the day on those).  Then we went to a home goods store, and in fact, that might be the name of the store.  I always like a kitchen gadget, and I was in need of some storage solutions, but I found nothing.  After we were done there, it was either more shopping or go get coffee.



THANK GOODNESS I like coffee now, what would have happened if it was two years ago?! More shopping?! And what if I was too awkward because I already hit my shopping threshold?! Coffee was the best decision, and I felt comfortable. We talked for a long time, and I think it went well, but then it was time to go home.  She dropped me back off at my car, and I had some stuff to give her, so I retrieved it. But she got out of her car, and all I could think about was PLEASE do not be a hugger!  Really Diana? Really? Yes, that was my honest thought.  Nope, she grabbed the stuff, and we parted ways. Whew, saved.



So in all, I confessed to not liking being around people (like a neighborhood - I much prefer the secluded country, and there were probably several more examples)...but I hope I made it clear that I like friends. Side note, I like to control who is around me, which is why I don't shop on Black Friday and absolutely despise going into stores between Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas. I don't like being around all those people.  



I also admit to being more country, and hey, I would love cow farmers as neighbors (I mean, who wouldn't...better than people!)



And I probably talked more than I should and had a mild case of the "diarrhea of the mouth" disease.



However, that did not stop me from texting her a short while after arriving home.  It's almost like dating, hah. I hope she liked me, and I hope we can hang out again.  And then I checked my phone obsessively to see if she responded to my text.



She did...and we'll hang out again. :)



Then the next thought came - when is it appropriate for us to be FB friends? I mean, nothing is official if it isn't on FB, right?! 



And when it becomes FB official, I should probably delete this post, right?! Would it be awkward to read this? Oy, I’m so fortunate I have understanding friends.



If you haven’t made a new friend in a while, I suggest trying it out.  It was a great time. (So now I can refrain from making any more friends until my forties, hah!)

Twelve (and a Half) Months

So I tried to write a 12 month post/Dear Owen the night before his birthday, but I couldn't.  I couldn't believe I would have another toddler the next day, so I lived the next two weeks in denial.  I delayed saying I needed his 1 year stats.  All my excuses are gone, so here I am, accepting I have another toddler and most importantly, no more baby. :(

At his well visit, Owen weighed 25.4 lbs and was 32” tall.  He was in the 99^th percentile for each, and I think he was taller than Aidan was at one year.  Owen, fortunately, did not react to his shots like his brother did.  He cried for a minute, took his pacifier, and as we were leaving, he was waving and smiling at everyone.

Despite wanting to live in denial, I love how active Owen is and love seeing his personality develop. He knows when he is missing out, like daddy and Aidan riding the tractor.  But he also knows that he can cry and the toy Aidan has or has taken will be given back (in most cases).  He knows that he can try to tackle, tickle, and pat Aidan.  He knows Aidan is "bubba" and has even said "Aidan".  Owen knows that Bo's room has a baby gate, and when he sees the gate open, he looks back at me, then closes it.

Owen can practically run, and he loves chasing after Aidan.  If he hears the door open, he runs towards to see who came in or to catch whoever is leaving.  He loves to climb up stairs, climb up slides, and climb all over Bo.  

Owen is excited about remote controls and keys.  He also loves to eat puzzles and run after balls.  He likes to bring blocks and toys to Aidan, daddy or me.  He has learned to say “thank you”.  He gives you something, and he says “thank you”.

I couldn’t imagine our family without Owen. 

Aidan can be a sweet big brother, but he can also be rough.  I can’t wait for the day for Owen to hold his own.  Aidan does apologize, sometimes not very sweetly, but he’ll learn.  

Mom Fail

I have to remind myself that I create the situations that foster the behavior that my toddler exhibits.  To be upset at my kid for things he doesn’t understand isn’t fair to him.  Unfortunately, this kind of thinking doesn’t occur to me until well after the fact that the situation occurred, and I am beyond upset.

There was a toddler situation that happened a few months back that felt like the worst day ever since becoming a mom.  However, I forget whatever happened.  The only memory I have of the day is cuddling with my toddler when he’s already asleep.  So I selectively remembered the good.

On Friday, after running many errands and cleaning the house to prep for the boys’ birthday party, I was excited to pick them up early.  I had a plan – I would treat Aidan to a cheeseburger and a haircut.  Aidan loves to have his haircut now, so when I asked him if he wanted to go, he excitedly said “yes”.  Owen was in desperate need of his first real haircut (momma cut the curls and long hairs a month or so back, but he needed something).

Upon asking where Aidan wanted a cheeseburger and a toy, mom, we went to Sonic to fulfill his wishes.  He ate in the car on the way to the hair cut place, which was just a few minutes down the road.  We played with his toy, a plastic Mohawk, while he ate the rest of his cheeseburger in the parking lot.  

Aidan, Owen and I went inside of Great Clips.  They had two people in chairs receiving haircuts, but other than those customers, we were next in line.  There was a man getting a buzz haircut, and I figured the wait for Aidan would be short.

BUT! It felt like forever.  Aidan played with toys, Owen went for hair care products.  If Aidan saw Owen being bad, he had to do the same.  Aidan proclaimed he was a baby and proceeded to walk like a baby and knock stuff over.  I distracted Owen with the toys, and of course, Aidan had to scream “those are my toys.”  Owen will let out a scream, and Aidan would let out a louder scream or two…or three.  I would scold Aidan, then Owen would scream again.  I tell Owen “no” but he doesn’t understand. REPEAT. And REPEAT. And REPEAT.  After an eternity, the hair dresser was finally ready for Aidan.

AJ always tells me how great Aidan does with a haircut.  He tells me the haircut only takes a few minutes, and Aidan sits still. LIES LIES! Aidan did not sit still. Aidan did not listen, Aidan’s haircut took forever.  While the hairdresser was patiently distracting and asking Aidan to listen to her directions, the second hairdresser said she was ready for Owen.

What?! Do you not understand physics? I can’t be in two places at once (I was previously holding Owen and standing near Aidan).  Surely you can take the next customer in line…oh, you can’t? Ugh, okay, here goes nothing.

Owen does not want his hair cut. He is screaming, crying, and moving all around.  He’s in a booster seat with me closely by waiting to grab a lunging baby, errrr, toddler.  Then I hear “momma” from the first hairdresser.  I turn around to see Aidan has a nose bleed.  He kept rubbing his nose because the hair was irritating him.  He rubbed it and accidentally pushed pointy hairs up his nose.  

Like a deer in the headlights, I froze. What do I do? Aidan is upset his nose is bleeding, and Owen is mad about his hair cut.  The first hairdresser has given Aidan tissue, and the second one is telling me she has Owen, not to worry. Okay, run to Aidan.  I calm him down and told the tissue on his nose while the hairdresser is brushing off the cut hair.  I get the bleed to stop, so I rush back to Owen to give him his pacifier.  Aidan rubs his nose like I told him not to do, and the bleeding resumes.  Owen is moving his head left and right, up and down, and squirming in his chair. I grab Owen, hold his head, and the hairdresser finishes with Owen.  

The first hairdresser takes Owen from me so I can use a cold, wet towel for Aidan and his nose.  I sit Aidan down in a chair while I fetch my purse to pay for the haircuts. I generously tip the hairdressers, take Owen, and am about to leave when Aidan asks for a sucker.  The first hairdresser promised him one (with my permission), and he wants to pick it out.  But she hands him a sucker instead…cue a meltdown.  I calm Aidan down, walk him to the counter, and I offer him the suckers.  He picks one, looks at it, and cries. Nope, he picked the wrong one.  He eventually finds what he wants (the same color as he originally chose), and we all leave NOT crying.  

I’m outside, feeling like I escaped the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, and I take a deep breath.  We survived.

I remembered I forgot cream cheese for a dip I am making tomorrow, so I think we can make a short walk to Publix since Great Clips is in the same shopping center.  We walk to Publix on the sidewalk, grab a car cart, and enter the store.  

 I think to myself, these boys deserve a cookie.  Somehow we lost the sucker on our walk to Publix.  Owen gets his first cookie, and Aidan is happily eating one, too.  We stroll through the store and find cream cheese.  Then I remembered I needed cucumber.  We past donuts.  Aidan wants donuts.  I remind him that he had a cookie, and he does not need donuts. “But I want donuts, mommy!”  So now his behavior changes, and he has to touch, grab, and demand everything he sees.  I quickly grab a cucumber (and bananas) and head to check out.

Aidan wants a balloon. Aidan wants candy. Aidan wants his cheeseburger toy. I want out of here!  

We check out, park the car cart with the other carts in the store.  I pick Aidan up first and place him on the ground. I grab the two grocery bags, the diaper bag, and my purse.  I unsnap Owen and pick him up.  Aidan is at the toy and candy machines, you know, the quarter machines.  He wants this and that, and he doesn’t even know what this and that are.  I tell Aidan to take my hand. He refuses.  I tell Aidan “let’s go.”  He refuses. I squat down to look Aidan in the eyes and give him the directions firmly.  He refuses.  He runs.  He runs out the automatically opening doors.  I yell for Aidan to stop.  He runs towards the cross walk, and I’m yelling. I grab his hand and yank him away from the cross walk.  He escapes my grasp and runs back into Publix.  He runs in circles at the entrance of Publix where I see the looks in people’s eyes. You know “control your kid” or “you poor thing”.

Aidan runs back outside again. Again I grab him. Again he escapes. Again he runs back into the store.  Fortunately for me, he stops to stare at the quarter machines, so with my one empty arm, I pick him up.  So now I’m probably toting 80 lbs in both my arms, with two kids struggling to get free.  At this point, I have tears in my eyes because my kid will not listen, my kid endangered himself, and my kid is uncontrollable.

Aidan starts to cry and scream. Walking out of the store, a man says to me “I would be crying too if I had to wear that much orange.”  Thanks dude, I needed a laugh, but I sort of feel like punching you in the face. Lucky you, I don’t have a free hand.

I can’t walk the entire way back with both boys.  Honestly, it’s 100’ give or take, it’s not far. Great Clips is the next store down from Publix.  Fortunately, Aidan walks, crying the entire way. Crying in the car seat. Crying on the way home. Crying at home.

I turned up the radio, put the widows down, and drove the whole way home not talking to my toddler who kept saying “I want to ‘pologize. Mommy, I’m sooooorrry”. I needed a mental break.  Fortunately for me, the radio was playing all the good music, so I sang. Owen smiled.

Fifteen minutes are arriving home, so a grand total of giving Aidan the cold shoulder, I hugged him. I kissed him. I accepted his apology. But I also apologized, because I’m the mom, I created the situation.  I should have buckled my kids up after the haircuts and drove 100’ to find a parking spot next to the cart return.  Then, I would have had an easy way to put my kids in the car, return the cart, and drive home. No stupid quarter machine. Or I should have been the rude person who puts the cart in the bushes instead of returning it to its proper location, seeing how I thought we could make the short walk to Publix.

So let’s hope a few weeks from now, all I

remember is having two handsome boys and Owen experiencing his first taste of a cookie. Oh, and the good tasting wine I had that night.

THREE! An Update and Interview

My brown eyed baby boy is growing up, so here's an update on him...

GROWTH

Aidan has packed on a few more months since his 2.5 year old update.  He fluctuates between 41 and 42 lbs.  He also grew a few inches, and is between 41" and 42"  as measured at Stride Rite.  If I pull out the tape measure, he thinks it is his toy, and he must have it or won't stand still long enough for me to take a measurement.  He does go to the doctor for a yearly check up in a few weeks, so they can confirm (or deny) my measurements. 

Depending on the brand, Aidan is wearing 4t/5t/5/XS/S.  WHY AREN'T CLOTH SIZES UNIFORM?!  Gymboree or Children's place, better buy the smaller size because they run big.  Carter's, I buy 5.  Out shopping for a t-shirt from a lighthouse we climbed, he needs a YOUTH Small. Crazy.  I had hoped that Aidan would wear the same jeans from last year since but I noticed his swim suits that were loose at the beginning of the pool season are a struggle to put on.  So I went ahead and bought clearance 5T jeans (Children's Place). 

Aidan is still in a 8.5 to 9 Extra Wide shoe.  He prefers Crocs or Flip Flops, but he is not allowed to wear those to daycare/school.  He could wear the Crocs if he kept them on his feet, but apparently he constantly takes them off.  Toddlers... 

Aidan appears to have his 2 year molars popping through the gums.  Though I haven't dared to look in his mouth for a couple of months, but I did notice the teeth peeping through.  Maybe the dentist will confirm that the molars are present when he goes to his first official dentist visit. 

Aidan needs a hair cut at least every 3 weeks, but we usually wait until a month.  He goes with AJ for his hair appointment - it's their thing.  Though that doesn't stop Aidan from reminding me every day on the way home that he needs a haircut. 

SLEEP

Sleep or resisting sleep has not changed.  Taking toys and animals friends to bed has not changed.  His bed time was not suppose to change, but hey, with the summer time, we play outside a lot.  It's hard to make Aidan go to bed when there's still daylight and fun to be had.  I know, I know, he needs routine, but momma can't resist. 

Aidan still procrastinates sleep and finds every excuse to get out of bed.  Sometimes we have to take his favorite toy away to get him to stay in bed.  Never his lovey though, we would never take his Mimi (penguin). 

I did put up black out curtains in his room, hoping that it would cause Aidan to sleep later.  Two days last week he slept until 8AM! WHAT?! But then other days, he is up around 6AM.  Those curtains have been up for at least a month with not consistent change.  I tried. 

At daycare, Aidan still takes a two hour nap. At home, we struggle with naps.  It depends on how the day is going and how Aidan's attitude is whether we push and fight for the nap.  If we're having a busy day, I hope that he takes a power nap in the car.  If he doesn't, I hope bedtime is easier. 

 

Aidan has become quite the helper

MILESTONES

I think it's fantastic that Aidan can tell me what he wants to do.  After school, I try to take the boys somewhere if the weather is cooperating.  He will usually ask to 1. Go home and ride is tractor 2. Go to Fermata (pool) 3. Go to the regular park (as opposed to the Library park) 4. Go to the water park or 5. Go to Kroger.  I love how well he communicates and knows what he likes to do. 

Aidan started 3K on his birthday, so in addition to what he learns at daycare, he will also be in a semi school setting.  I took him on his second day, and he walked into his classroom like it was no big deal and nothing new.  Growing up! 

FAVORITES

Aidan still loves to be outside.  Since he learn to swim over the summer, a lot of our weekend evenings are spent at Fermata where he jumps off the diving board, dives for toys on the bottom of the pool, or chases me around to splash me.  At home, he likes to ride his tractor, ride the real tractor with daddy, and throw sticks in the creek.  He recently became really excited when the sticks sink in the creek.  Aidan is also a fan of water fights, whether it's with water guns or him sneaking the water hose.  He was very proud and laughing a lot when he surprised me with the water hose.  Little stinker...don't worry, momma gets payback. ALWAYS. 

Aidan has recently become obsessed with Spiderman.  I'm not sure where the obsession came from, but he loves anything Spiderman related.  Jake and Mickey are still favorites, but not nearly as much.   

 

THINGS TO DO

Aidan still loves going to the Zoo.  He still insists on riding the carousel (the Tiger or Elephant), riding the training, and riding the pony.  He was afraid to feed the goats and the giraffe, but now he loves to feed them.  He giggles when he feeds the goats because their tongue tickles his hand.  The giraffe still seems intimidating, but he actually holds the food now and lets the tongue touch him. 

Aidan continues to enjoy grocery shopping, especially since Kroger recently bought new car carts.  Instead of the car being bulky and attached to the front of the car, where the kid faces away from you and is the farthest away, the new carts have the steering wheel up at the shopping car handle.  He stays entertained driving and honking at people.  He also yells "get out the way!"  Lovely for the patron in front of us... 

 

Occasionally we do something different like build a birdhouse at Home Depot or Lowe's.  Aidan really enjoys banging the wood with the hammer, and I think he has only hit my thumb twice.  I'd say that's pretty good for building two birdhouses.

FOOD

We went through a food slump, but it appears Aidan is back to eating well.  He loves chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers along with cheese and applesauce.  He will tell us what he doesn't like - like at school, he doesn't like how a certain person cooks the corn.  He's honest, so don't ask his opinion if you don't want to hear the toddler truth!  Aidan will eat fish, but shies away from eating shrimp. 

Aidan is all about birthday cake.  If you're having a birthday party, you better not skip the cake (or cupcake).  He will devour the top of the cupcake and ask for me.  Sorry kiddo, that's enough sugar. 

I also believe Aidan would drink enough milk to fill him up and not need anything else. He loves milk, and I noticed we are going through more milk than we were just a month ago. 

 

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Aidan is lucky, he sees his grandparents often, and usually his Aunts and Uncles once a month.  He loves playing with them, though he calls one of his aunts, Uncle Manda or Uncle Aunt Manda, though if it's any consolation to Amanda, he always greets her first before Uncle Chris.  He will also ask about her or where she is at if he does not see her but sees Uncle Chris.   

Aidan talks about his cousin Rozzie, and even enjoyed picking out her birthday present.  He talked non stop about her birthday and Rozzie being "one."  He doesn't pick on Rozzie the way he picks on Owen...nor does he purposefully knock her down with his butt. 

Aidan has a lot of friends, even more now that he is at a new daycare.  So he has his buddies from the "old school" as he calls it and the "new school".  He seems to see at least one friend outside of daycare at least every other week. He is still crazy for his friend named Charley.  He continues to call other girls Charley, even though he knows their name.  What can I say, those two act a lot alike when they are together, and Aidan is really excited when he can see pictures of Charley.  In fact, if he is misbehaving or having a meltdown, I'll offer him a seat beside me to look through Facebook photos
of Charley - instant mood change! 

Here's a yearly birthday interview I hope to continue.  Some questions required prompting, like giving him choices (like naming holidays off so he knew what he was choosing from) 

1. How old are you? THREE! (Also holding 3 fingers up) 
2. What are your nicknames? AA (prompted by daddy, nickname from "old school") 
3. What is your favorite color? Pink 
4. What is your favorite toy? Spiderman 
5. What is your favorite fruit? Grapes 
6. What is your favorite tv show? Rescue Rangers (recent birthday gift, so that was fresh in his mind) 
7. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Cheeseburger 
8. What is your favorite outfit? My Mickey Mouse shirt and Spiderman flip flops 
9. What is your favorite game? Football 
10. What is your favorite snack? Goldfish 
11. What is your favorite animal? Elephant 
12. What is your favorite song? Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 
13. What is your favorite book? Shark! (It's a pop up, underwater story book) 
14. Who is your best friend? (Silent, thinking) Charley (with a smile)
15. What is your favorite cereal? Oatmeal 
16. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Ride your (pointing to daddy) tractor 
17. What is your favorite drink? Milk (no surprise there, loves milk...we have to limit him) 
18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas 
19. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Spiderman, snake, Buzz Light year, Jake, Mickey (and Mimi, doggy, hard plastic toys...tons of stuff!) 
20. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles 
21. What is your favorite movie? Chipmunks 
22. What do you want to be when you grow up? Go to birthday parties 
23. What’s your favorite thing you did this year? Went up the Lighthouse 
24. What’s your favorite place to eat? At the couch (No Aidan, if we were in the car driving, where would you ask to eat?) Sonic 
25. Where is your favorite place to go? To the beach....tomorrow 
26. What makes you feel happy? You (pointing to me) make me happy (melt my heart why don't you!) 
27. What makes you feel sad? The floor makes me sad 
28. What’s your favorite thing to do with Mom? Go to the Lighthouse 
29. What’s your favorite thing to do with dad? Jump on the trampoline 
30. What did you do today? School (He said he went to school, which is true on his actual birthday, but I asked him these questions Sunday. He went to the Zoo with Grammy) 

Aidan Celebrates Being THREE

The night before Aidan's birthday, I stayed with him in his bed while he attempted to fall asleep.  We talked about him waking up three, and what it would mean.  He asked if he would have a birthday party, if people would sing him happy birthday, and if he could play on the big playground with the train.  He was stoked that I answered "yes" to all of his questions.  I also told him that Grammy would pick him up early after he takes his nap.  He was excited, and he actually stayed in bed to fall asleep by himself.

I wish I was home when Aidan woke up, but I was at work.  AJ sent me pictures of Aidan proudly wearing his "3" sticker.  He was cheesing big.

Aidan also started the 3K program at his daycare.  So he now goes to school three days a week.  He had a big day!

Grammy picked Aidan up shortly after his nap and took him shopping for his cake and balloons.  I was suppose to join them, but an urgent matter came up, so Grammy kept Aidan busy. He seemed stoked to go get ice cream and have random people tell him "Happy Birthday!".  After Grammy and Aidan had a good time, they picked up Aidan and dinner.  Then they met me at the house to continue to the celebration.

I was fortunate to find a treasure chest on a local online yardsale site.  Aidan loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates, so I figured he would like a treasure chest.  He did!  All his gifts were in the chest, and I loved watching him open the presents.  He tore into them, and he was excited about what he found.

When Papa arrived, he open the gift from Grammy and Papa.  He was also very excited about the train set.

Aidan picked out the cake and the candles.  He also acted like he was one or two, but globbing lots of icing between his hands and trying to smear it on me or have me lick it off his hands.  Um, no, it was cute when you were one, big boy. 

Whenever I asked Aidan how old he was, he would say "THREE!" and hold up three fingers.  He gets it, and I love it.  I love celebrating his birthday. 

So where was AJ?  Well, there was an incident while he was working at home, and he was taken by ambulance to the ER.  He's alright and will be okay, but he was really worried about messing up Aidan's birthday.  So he insisted I go home and celebrate with Aidan, and Aidan would have a redo...Aidan surely won't mind more cake, singing, and blowing out birthday candles.

More on that, later...just know that AJ has some amazing coworkers.