Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday marked the big 2-8 for me. Despite being far away from friends (newer and older) and family, it was a wonderful day. I woke up to a house smokey from turkey bacon :) with eggs and toast. We took the boys to the big park and played in the fountain. I chatted with a mom there about things to do around here. We went home for lunch and then opened presents! Of course, I had already opened everything from my mom and my in-laws (hey, it's not my fault it's here before my birthday), but Jonathan and the boys had some wonderful things for me - a new Fossil purse, gift cards to Michaels and Kohls, three pairs of Target flip flops, and a new feather pillow. (I left my old pillow at the hotel and was very sad about it.) Then I took a nap with my new pillow. Later we went to Copelands for dinner, they serve New Orleans-type food, and it was SO good. We came home and did cake and then I headed to a journaling group. The group meets at the church and was very, very good. We did free writing and made goals for next week's meeting. So, so nice to be writing again.

My mom sent me a couple Cricut cartridges - new releases at that! I was very impressed. I didn't inherit my love of crafting from her, but it's nice to know that she pays attention when I rattle on and on about my crafting.

My in-laws sent me True Blood Season 2 (so I got to cancel my order - wahoo!). I watched it all up and am now having Sookie withdrawal. I've read all 10 books and seen both seasons and the new season doesn't start till June ... and we don't have HBO anyway, so I'll be waiting for that DVD season to come out in a year. The horror!

I have read two books recently, The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio and I'll Fly Away. Both great reads.

On my birthday, Bean got a new big kid bike with no training wheels. Mind you, he could barely ride a small bike WITH training wheels, so he's got a lot of practice to do. His little buddies two doors down both ride bikes without training wheels, so he has some peer pressure which should help in this circumstance. Also, I think he's starting to get a little self conscious about being cool. When his friends knocked on the door today and Husband said, "Bean, you want to go play?" he jumped up and said, "Yeah!!!" then he quickly collected himself and said, "I mean, I'll meet you guys outside." What was that all about?

I somehow talked my husband into going into a junk store antique shop today to look for a coffee table. We actually found lots of cool stuff, but nothing suitable for our coffee table. There are lots of antique stores around, so I'm sure we'll find something eventually. There is a trunk at Pier 1 that I like - maybe that'll go on clearance mid-summer or something.

We also ate a somewhat famous Southern diner for lunch called Strawn's. OH SO GOOD! We are quickly understanding why the Southern states are typically the most overweight. Anything that isn't deep fried is smothered in butter and/or lard and/or gravy. Even the kids' pancake platter came with a HUGE dollop of HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM. Amazing.

So, yes, we continue to love Louisiana. The only downside so far is the smelly, yucky-tasting water. All in all, though, it's a small price to pay. Oh, the flipping 8.6 percent sales tax too. Ouch. Oh, and car insurance rates (do you here DAT, Louisiana, learn how to drive!). Still, though, I'll take Louisiana over North Texas any day.

Comfort in Clutter

I'm completely uncomfortable in a tidy house. Everything is put away, all the surfaces are clear, and a mountain of packed boxes reside in Husband's former parking space in the garage. I feel restless and bored, and I just want my stuff back where it goes - in my house, cluttering tables.

I try to keep the house less than 15 minutes away from "show ready" at any given moment (my mom said to be careful doing this, because Husband might come to expect it - the horror!!!). Before I left the house for Story Time at the Library this morning, I ran through the house and left it "show ready" (except for leaving all the lights on). That way, if I got a call while I was gone, the people could come straight over without me ruining my plans.

Of course, Moose was a complete monster at Story Time. He wants to walk around and squawk and play with the damn drinking fountain over and over and over again. He also decided to crawl on top of the table today. I know it's just normal stuff, but it's exhausting and there's not a single other kid there doing such things. Why mine? Why mine every single time?

I opted not to continue the torture and skipped lunch and play time with friends afterward. We came home, and Moose went right to sleep. This morning, he was hollering at me and squawking and I put him in his crib and went to take a shower - you can act like a jerk while you follow me around and drive me crazy or you can be a jerk in your crib, and I will take a nice, quiet, hot shower.

Tonight, I am meeting a friend for dinner and then dress shopping! She is having a BALL for her 30th birthday party. While I look forward to the girl time, I am most looking forward to being away from ::someone:: less than 3-foot tall who SQUAWKS all the damn time.

Last night, I noted that Moose says a lot more than Bean did at this age. At two, Bean said four words clearly (and only clearly if you were, umm, me or my husband). He said, Da-Da, no, more, and Na-Na (lazy speech for Ma-ma). Moose says Da-Da, no, Na-Na, "I do," bye, and hi (usually more of a "hey"). He also signs please, all done, more, and sippy. He also has some mish-mash of words that means "blow it up" (requesting a fist bump of sorts - I'm not kidding, thank my husband for that one). He's by no means a language genius, but we might escape speech therapy with this one.

Oh, how did I forget to mention that we had Bean's big birthday party last Saturday! It was smashing success, despite the Bounce House people canceling the bounce house just two hours before the party and me quickly indulging in two adult beverages to calm down. We borrowed a smaller one from our neighbors, and the kids had just as much fun (and we saved $80). The kids also played in the sandbox, on the playset, and enjoyed the Venom Hunt (where we searched for Venom and then sprayed him with silly string). Bean had loads of fun with his buddies - we had 22 kids here total. It sounds crazy, and it was, but everyone had a great time with it.

On Sunday, Husband was in class, so the boys and I headed out to spend some of Bean's birthday money. He chose a Spider-Man razor scooter (that he's sort of scared of - he tells me, "It falls me, Mama."). He also picked out two Batman toys (a helicopter and submarine that match his Batman castle and car) and two Thomas engines (Percy and Charlie). Bean is loving all his new toys.

Our house went on the market last Friday and supposedly hit the MLS listing Monday. The Realtor said it takes two to three days to get it up on the web, so I still haven't seen it on the company's website or on Realtor.com. A few times, I've noticed people slowing down as they drive by the house (but that doesn't mean anything). Most the houses in the neighborhood have gone in one or two weeks, so I'm really hoping we follow that trend.

A rental home in Shreveport just came on the market yesterday - it is right next to my first-choice elementary school and the property backs up to the Green Belt in the neighborhood. I think we should just go ahead and sign a lease, but Husband wants to get out there first and take a look. We may run out there for a quick look at the city and the house his weekend, but we have to be back by Sunday morning - I have most of an Easter dinner to cook.

Bean Turns 5

Dear Bean,

You hit the big 0-5 yesterday, a whole handful.  I remember being 5.  I still talk to people I've known since I was 5.  You'll learn to tie your shoes and ride a bike without training wheels.  Five is a big deal.

In the last year, you've learned so much - all your letters and the sounds they make, writing (you can copy anything we write), how to spell your last name and lots of other words, syllables (that's fun), and much more.  You play video games and just started soccer a few weeks ago.  You're the youngest on the field, but you get better every practice.  Legos are your latest obsession.  You are putting together kits that are geared for kids 7 and older.  It reminds me of when you were 2 and loved putting together puzzles.

You really thinned out this year.  You're the tallest in your classroom and a complete string bean - no wonder, because you hardly eat a thing.  Food has been a constant battle.  You don't eat anything that's been mixed together and won't touch a vegetable other than a carrot.  You favor things that are shades of white, yellow, and brown.  You still love peanut butter sandwiches and milk.

You're a great big brother - even when your little brother is being a bossy bully (which, lately, seems like all the time).  You include him in everything (except small Legos) and the two of you just adore each other (you know, when he isn't trying to bite you or hit you with whatever he's decided is a "sword").

When you were 4, your great-grandpa came out to visit.  You went to the air show on base.  We also traveled to California, Indiana, and Colorado to visit the other grandparents.  You're still a great sport on those long car rides and, thankfully for the person if front of you, have stopped kicking the seat in the airplane.

You're great fun on holidays, especially Christmas and birthdays.  You're excited enough for everyone.

There's no baby left you anymore, kiddo.  You are a total kid nowadays - as hard as that is for your mom to realize.

Just be you.

Love,
Mama

My Sweet Moose Turns 1

Dear Moose,

Really? One? Already? While part of me can't believe a year has passed, another part of me can't remember what life was like without you. Since your arrival, you have flawlessly fit into our family. You came home and, with very few exceptions, we didn't miss a beat. You were (and are) a very easy-going guy. You're happy to get dragged along here or there without much of a fuss. In many ways, you made me a much better mom. When your brother was very little (and sometimes still), I felt like I was just surviving him - he's very strong-willed (no clue where he gets that). You, though, are very easy to enjoy.

You adore your big brother (and the feeling is mutual). Seeing you and your brother loving one another is probably my and your dad's greatest joy. Just yesterday, we caught you two holding hands in the backseat of the car. It was the sweetest thing. We know you two will be partners in crime - we wouldn't chose anything else. Your dad and I will probably never completely understand the bond you two will have. The relationship with our siblings is probably much different (separated by many more years and opposite sexes). We're both probably a bit jealous as well. (We will remind both of you how lucky you are as you get older and, undoubtedly, argue much more.)

In the past year, you have gone from a sleeping, grunting (remember the goat noises?) newborn to a crawling, splashing big guy. You also seemed quite serious when you first got here. It took you months to smile ... but now you haven't stopped. So many people call you Smiley and many point out that they've never seen you fuss or cry. (I have, but I also know that I have it pretty easy with you. Bragging about my sweet, easy baby is one of my favorite things to do.)

Happy first birthday, Moose. Now stop growing.

Love,
Mama

Who Needs the Sears Repairman? Not Me! (And Happy Birthday to Myself)

So, I'm a year older today. Doesn't feel that different. Birthdays peak at 21. Perhaps 30 will prove more exciting. (I'm trying to talk my mom into a trip to Hawaii or maybe a resort vacation in Mexico. Her birthday is just a few days after mine, and she's also reaching a "milestone" birthday that year, so it'd be fun to do something together.)

It was a fabulous day, though. The kids were a bit ornery (yes, I used the word "ornery"). I was trying to get a load of stuff ready for the consignment shop and one was fussing and the other was bouncing off the walls, so I loaded them into the car and finished my work in the parking lot on base. I've discovered that I can legally tie them both up in the car and no one says a thing about it or even looks at me meanly. Tis a wonderful discovery :)

I got home and noticed my washing machine blinking. It did this once before. It took three weeks to get the Sears repairman out here. Let me tell you, having a young child, a mother-in-law coming to visit, and no working washing machine is not a great combination in the middle of the freaking summer. Anyway, so I waited for three weeks for a smelly guy to open up my machine and reveal a pair of my underwear that the washer ate. Luckily, I paid attention and attacked the machine myself this time around. It took an hour to take it apart and clean up all the water, but I fixed it all on my own. It was quite satisfying. I am also several baby wipes, a grommet, some lint, and 39 cents richer.

My friend E. sent me the best present in the whole world. She overnighted three pints of Spinach & Mushroom Etouffee from Yats, one of our favorite restaurants in college. Seriously, when I opened the package I felt like a little kid on Christmas Day. I was so happy. A few seconds later, though, the noise and demands from Bean and Moose brought me back to reality, but at least I got 30 seconds of pure bliss!

Husband got off work early and brought me lunch. (I saved the Yats for another day, so don't go thinking I'm a pig.) Then I got a couple hours to myself - got my toes done (blue, if you must know, with white flowers painted on the big toes) and wandered around Hobby Lobby. It was weird to be out in public alone, but it was much needed. We did pizza for dinner and then I open another great present ... he made me (yes, like from pieces of wood and nails) a shelf for all my stamp pads! The best news, my current stamp pads only take up about half the space ... so I have lots of room to grow.

I had a birthday brownie, which disappointed Bean. He seems to think a cake is completely necessary for a birthday.

Me: Today is my birthday!
Bean: No it not, Mama. You no have a cake!
Me: I don't have to have a cake. It's my birthday.
Bean: I have two birthdays, Mama.

Then he goes on to tell me about his Elmo party (for this third birthday) and his pirate party (which happened this year). All day I have tried to explain that you only get one birthday a year, but he insists that he has two. Exhausting!

We also discussed where Grand-Dad, Grandma, and Steffie live, where Grandma in the Blue House lives, and where we live. I need to get it on video and post it up here. It's pretty funny. "Teh-hiss. I live in Teh-hiss, Mama. Mama, you live in Teh-hiss?"

Also, people, enter my raffle a couple posts below! I feel totally unloved.

Go to sleep!

Dear Moose,

You were up till 11 p.m. last night. Don't get me wrong, you were happy as could be. You sat on the floor and clapped and talked. You got up at 8:30 a.m. Again, you were very happy. It's nap time now, though, and you really should nap - not because I am tired of you, but because you need to nap. You are a baby. A happy, wonderful baby, but a baby. Go to sleep.

I tried nursing you to sleep, but you wanted to sit up and look around and smile. That is not nursing or, more importantly, sleeping. Now you are in your crib and sound pathetic. You moan. You fake cry. Just go to sleep!

It is also your Grand-Dad's birthday today. Happy Birthday, Joe.

This was also your Great-Great Grandma Winnie's birthday. I called her Grandma Winnie Pooh when I was little. She made me lots and lots of dolls with big, frilly crochet dresses. They are now hidden away and sort of creep me out.

Now, go to sleep!

Love,
Mama

Bean Turns 4

Dear Bean,

Today you turn 4. I feel like at 4, all the baby is gone. You're officially a little boy now and are a quarter of the way to driving age ... scary.

You're a busy guy. You're also very loud. You're always into something and moving. You're hardly ever tired. When I tell you to nap or go to bed you say, "No bed, Mama, it's light outside!" and when you wake up too early and I ask you to go back to bed you say, "No bed, Mama, it's time to wake up. It's light outside."

You outgrew naps this year. You started pre-school this year. You started using your imagination. You make up songs.

You also became a big brother. You are a great big brother! You happily fetch diapers, wipes, and spit rags. You talk to Moose and love to make him smile and giggle. I think Moose is very lucky to have you. If I could pick any sibling to have, it would be a big brother. I always thought I'd have a girl first, but when I found out that you were a boy, I was happy I'd be giving my other children a big brother. You have a pretty important spot in our family. Of course, you have no clue of this ... not right now anyway.

You love trains and cars and pirates. Particularly, you love GeoTrax and Thomas, Disney Cars, and dressing and talking like a pirate.

Despite your constant activity, you're still rather cautious. You just started jumping off curbs with both feet in the air. You've yet to have stitches (knock on wood) or even a bad scrape.

You've always loved to play with other kids. You've always wanted to be part of the action. You have taken to pre-school exceptionally well. You're labeled the most laid-back kid in the class (I can't believe it) and are learning so much. You know all your classmates names.

You can spell and write your name. You can recognize all the letters of the alphabet ... if you're in the mood.

You like books and have been on a Dr. Seuss kick lately.

You love TV. It's hard to say what you're favorite show is. You like everything.

You've become a pickier eater. You'd live off peanut butter and jelly circle sandwiches, but every once in a while you surprise me by eating salad or some peas.

You potty-trained this year as well. It took just four days. It was actually a pretty painless experience.

Well, Bean, here's to you turning 4. I am so very proud to be your mom and can't wait to learn more about you this year.

Love,
Mama

Bean's Birthday

We celebrated Bean's 4th Birthday this past Saturday. He insisted on a pirate theme, so we had pirate invites, balloons, goody bags, pirate hats, pirate cake, and just about anything else you can think of that involves pirates.

Umm, we all know what the most important picture is ... and it's not of the birthday boy:
The captain, the first mate, and the wench:Blowin' out ye candles:
Captain Bean and a land lubber:Collecting his booty:When we got home, Bean had Husband open up a few of his gifts. While Husband was out getting my oil changed, Bean had me open a few more (I was working on our taxes and only half paying attention to his pleas). Then he brought in a few more and wanted me to open them. I said he had enough to play with and to go play ... when Husband came home he found Bean in the sunroom with just about every toy open. If Mama won't do it, well, do it yourself, I guess.