Random Goodness

The Pioneer Woman's post today was so sweet and tender that it made me yearn for that moment again. Oh, how I love the time in the hospital with a brand new baby. The peacefulness of holding your little baby...brushing their cheek with your finger so softly as they nurse and are comforted by the touch and warmth of your body, their Momma.

I could have so many more babies because of those precious moments after I give birth. It's so easy in the hospital. Life doesn't get in the way. It's just you and your little one. The miracle of life that you grew in your body. It is, by far, heaven on earth. And, if you haven't had a baby yet, boy, are you in for a treat. Please invite me to relish in your good fortune.

I remember my heart swelling 10x's when they brought Kale into our room back from the nursery, as it was filled with our family. I was so ready to present him to our loved ones, that I literally floated out of my hospital bed with pride and joy.

And, with Mack, I was an anxious lioness pacing back and forth in my hospital room when they'd take my baby from me. I felt with Keith tending to Kale at home in the evenings I had to be more vigilant. The nurses came in to get him the first evening for a bath. I heard him cry (my room was right next to the nursery) and I got up from my bed and headed to the door to listen. Tears streamed down my face and I just wanted him back so badly. So, I sat on the sofa and waited. Finally, the nurse brought him back in and told me that he definitely didn't like that and he sure let them know (I should've known then).

I just wanted my babies close to me. To lay in bed with them, nustled next to me nursing and both of us peacefully drifting off to sleep because that is where we felt safest. I agree with the Pioneer Woman in wanting to re-create that moment...I'd pay for it, too.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Here's something worth mulling over...

Last week, as I was flipping channels, I came across a Senate hearing that was addressing our energy crisis. It caught my attention because the speaker was T. Boone Pickens, founder of BP Capital, LP. Mr. Pickens was presenting his plan for switching our dependency on foreign oil to a renewable source of energy (i.e. wind and energy). Mr. Pickens does a good job explaining our current situation. I recommend visiting his site PickensPlan and viewing his explanatory videos.

It goes without saying that Mr. Pickens has a monetary interest in this plan. I'm sure he's tired of paying these outrageous prices for barrels of oil (and he owns land in the wind and solar corridor...and he probably has the only blue print for a super efficient wind turbine that churns out double the energy in half the time and makes Girl Scout Thin Mints while doing it). If he keeps paying out all this money for oil, how are all of his great grandchildren going to burn up their trust money on BMW's and coke???? Mr. Pickens advises that if we replace a portion of our natural gas dependency with wind and solar energy then we can use the excess to fuel our vehicles and lower our need for the millions and millions of barrels we burn through day after day. Nobody is recommending that we completely forego using oil and gas for energy, that's impossible. Just less.

There's no easy fix. But, I think most sensible people realize that we need some kind of change. I don't know what the answer is. Drilling here in the US and Alaska is an option, but until the government can get a big enough piece of the pie in tax revenue, that idea is far off from ever coming to fruition. All I know is...we're fucked. My plans for the future?...buy land in the wind and solar corridor, heavily purchase wind turbine production company stocks, try to marry off one of your kids into the Pickens family, learn how to ride a skateboard everywhere and/or build a car that runs on dirty diapers or dog turds.

Busy Bee's

How 'bout this record breaking heat? It's always record breaking. Tell me something I don't know Frank Billingsley! Yeah, it's hot. So hot, I burnt the shit outta my hand on my own vehicle...I couldn't find a tree. Ouch. We always park far, but I will circle the parking lots to find a tree to park my car under. It takes me forever to park in the summertime. Keith thinks I'm crazy sometimes. But, have you ever gotten into a blanket being warmed in an oven to oh say, 1000 degrees, buckled into it and expected to be a happy camper? Well, that's why I do it. I try to keep the carseats from scalding my youngins, those buckles and the seat, in general, can get pretty darn hot. It's Houston and when they grow up they can choose to live elsewhere. (but, I hope they know that we will be moving wherever they go. I'll live in Dubai, I don't givah f#ck)


I remember piling into my Aunt's Dodge Ram with my 3 little cousins sweating our moles off. I'd look around at the 3 little girls and confirm that yes, we were all burnin' up and about 10 degrees from having heat strokes, even though the a/c was blowing full force. Little beads of sweat forming across all of our lips. But, off we were to run errands, shop or whatever was on the agenda for that hot summer day. We always had fun. Our days often began or ended with running down the cement, burning the soles of our feet, to the neighborhood swimming pool. I know my Aunt sacrificed a lot to show us a good time and for us to have fun-filled summers. I talked to the youngest of those 3 girls the other day and she asked how my boys were doing. I said oh, they're doing great...just driving their Mom crazy, but at least their having a good time doing it...and I also know why your Mom would sometimes smack you with wooden spoons. We chuckled and she said "man, that's wrong!". I told her I was kidding b/c I don't do that, but I can see why Moms might be driven bat-shit...especially with a house full of wild and crazy kids (some of which were not her own) and in this HEAT!


We had a rock'em, sock'em week. I took the boys to see the Bee Movie on Wed morning with their cousins J&J and Aunt H. I couldn't tell you what the movie is about. I barely know that it's about bee's...thankfully that was in the title. Mack had all my attention. Phew, he keeps me busy. So so so so so so so busy. Twenty minutes into the movie I can tell by the constant flip-flopping in his seat that someone has to pee. Me, Kale and Mack leave to the potty. (Sidenote: I thought I was on the last leg of my crimson tide. So, I utilized the lower absorbency feminine product).


As were strolling across the lobby to the restrooms I feel a sudden, let's say...whooshing sensation. I quickly grab Mack in a football hold and make a beeline for a stall with Kale lagging behind. I strap Mack into diaper changing station and hold Kale up to pee. Then, it's my turn to survey the damage. I soon realize that I was totally wrong about my menstruation shutting down production. Oh, looks like we've got some late arrivers...make room guys, she's in for a show!! Am now in restroom with a destroyed pre-schooler witnessing a scene out of Trauma: Life in the ER and an even angrier toddler bolted into a horizontal contraption unable to witness the montrocity. Luckily, I had an extra plug on hand, but panties are a complete loss, so I tossed them. Would've liked to go to lunch with Aunt H and kids, just not commando.

On Thursday we went to the mall to meet up with Oliver, Jaime and Lennon. The boys played and played in the indoor playground and then went for a round on the carousel. I got a workout in, too, chasing Mack around and around and around the playground. Mack's energy is relentless and his physical ability is surprising for us and a lot of other people witnessing his prowess. He is fearless and knows no boundaries. Good and bad. Good for him at facing challenges later in life. Bad for me and Keith who have to be on constant guard and never have a moments rest. A couple of little girls were patiently following Mack as he crossed a plank. After they all had crossed, one of the little girls turned around and asked "Is he Chinese?". I was caught off guard. Do I explain that no, he's not Chinese, but his father is of Asian descent, he's actually half Filipino? And, then I thought that was too much for a 4 year old. So, I said no.

On Friday, we met up with Jackson, Lisa and Emerson at the Noah's Ark pool. Kale had so much fun again. I noticed that visiting all these places this year as opposed to last year (when Kale was 2) I'm so less nervous. I mean I still try and watch him like a hawk, but with lil' bit, that sometimes get a little difficult. Luckily, I can usually trust Kale to handle himself most of the time. It's so nice and he's having so much more fun because of it. Later that evening, we went to dinner with friends from Austin. Dinner was great, except the last 30 minutes when Mack chose to flex his baby muscle and told us to "wrap. it. up. B!". You would've thought that we were secretly removing his toenails one by one in his highchair. We took our little party to the park nearby and lo and behold, he was perfectly fine. Tracie said "hey, at least he's not a handful AND ugly". She's right.

Turn it up!

There's always one album that embodies summertime every year for us and right now, it's The Ting Tings. If I get a speeding ticket this year, it'll be because of this album. Buy it, roll down your windows and turn it up. It's perfection!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Update

Where'd the weekend go? I always feel like it's over before it begins. Friday night, my Mom put the kids to bed and we went to see The Dark Knight. My thoughts? Good movie, definitely recommend it...but, not mind-blowing for me. I think I enjoyed Batman Begins more, it was a little darker and seedier. Heath Ledger's performance was exceptional. IMO they could've picked a sexier female lead...Maggie Gyllenhaal, although fabulous and talented in her own right, doesn't fit the bombshell mold. I was also distracted by the professional woman sitting next to me, still dressed in her business suit, sneakily wiping her greasy fingers on her seat next to her leg. She thought she was being discreet. Yeah, no. Every time, after shoveling a wheelbarrow load of popcorn into her mouth, she'd slowly bring her right arm down to lie next to her thigh for a minute. And, then back up again to grab her soda. Napkins, anyone? No thanks, I'll just wipe my hands on the seat. Oh, here's a booger, too.

After the movie, we drove around in search of a place still serving sushi. Miyako's has last call at 11:45 p.m. SCORE! I don't think I need to find another place...ever. We talked about the boys, our parents, our form of parenting, our mental state of being and our future. We went home and before we went to sleep, KD said "Man, I can't wait to see the boys in the morning.". "I know, me either." I said. Then Kale came into the room at 6:40 a.m. and we changed our minds "Why are you up already???? Can you stay in your bed a little longer?". Fine.

I was reading a quote by Tiger Woods in Golf Digest yesterday (yes, I read Golf Digest. And usually more than Keith b/c he doesn't have the time. I'll say "Did you read...?" and he's all "No, Lord, where do you find the time to read that? I make time, baby. Let's just say I'm pretty regular.) Everyone always told him, after he had his little girl, that it just keeps getting better and better. I know I've heard it and I've also said it. And, boy does it! I think that will be my staple advice for anyone having kids. Everyday we wake up eager to see these little guys- see what they're gonna do or say that makes us laugh. They are constantly growing and learning and just plain amazing us.

***

On Saturday, Kale had a girl over for a play-date. Well, it was a casual dinner with friends from KD's job, who happen to have a 4 year old girl. Kale wanted his shirt off, so Lily decided that she, too, wanted to be shirtless. Her mother said it was fine, but hoped that Lily would come to her own conclusion that this wouldn't be socially acceptable as a 12 yr old girl.

They laughed, screamed, chased each other, smothered each other with a blanket, played restaurant and at the end of the night when they couldn't play anymore, they curled up on the couch to watch Curious George sharing a blanket, all on their own. I tried to secretly take a picture, but wasn't sneaky enough. So sweet...so sweet at 3 yrs old.

***

On Saturday morning, we went to Mister Car Wash to get the oil changed and a car wash. I started talking to another Mom with a 18 month old boy. I had Mack and was letting him tear into the can car fresheners while we talked "shop". Keith and Kale were busy watching the cars get cleaned up. These conversations always start up the same, it's like dating, but instead of a love connection, you're making a Mom-connection. The questions are the same...how old is he/she?, is that you're first?, are you going to have any more?, is he/she still on the bottle?, talk a lot?, good/finicky eater?, come here often?, do you live around here? etc, etc, etc.

Our conversation soon turned to who our boys resembled (mom or dad). She asked "Can you tell he's half-asian?" "No, I wouldn't assume that at first glance. I wouldn't really know. It's like you can't put your finger on it." I said. I told her that I don't really see "color" in my kids, they're just my kids. I don't see them one way or the other. She told me that his father was Vietnamese and she was Hispanic. Okay. Cool! "My husband is Filipino and I'm Hispanic, too." I told her. Cool! We confirmed that we did indeed love our mixed babies. Keith and Kale came looking for me and Mack. I introduced them and told her it was nice meeting her. I told Mack to tell her son goodbye and thank you, afterall Mack did eat like 4 of his banana slices. Mack grunted and did a forward hand slice.

We paused and felt like we didn't want to leave things like that. I mean, we shared a moment. So, we decided to exchange numbers. She asked for my number first. So I shouldn't be the one to call her, right? And, how long do I wait to call, if I do make the first call? I don't want to seem desperate or a weirdo. And, what should the first outing be? Somewhere public for sure, but not too distracting to where we can't get to know each other and see if this has potential of going anywhere. I mean, I'm not looking for a BFF. Making friends used to not be so difficult. What if she doesn't call?...I hope she calls.

Let the Games Begin

Are the Olympics over, yet? No? They haven't even started?! Omg. I'm already sick of the coverage. And, if we have to hear about the Lopez family from Sugar Land going to the Olympics one more time- I think I'll just have to pull out my eyelashes one by one. Yes, I'm happy for them. Yes, I think this is a dream come true for thousands of athletes. But, does it have to beaten over my head every time I turn around? Mind you, all this coming from a person who forged notes of an asthma condition in Jr. High to sit out of all softball, tennis, basketball or any physical activities that required me throwing/hitting/catching a ball. (turns out I love to "play" (I use that word in the loosest sense) tennis).

In high school I immediately signed up for Dance. Ha. "Dance" meant sitting around the gym with my friends, talking about boys, painting our nails and listening to our favorite music. Every once in awhile we'd throw in a pas de bourree and hey, look, we all got A's. At one point, the highlight of my senior year was bringing in the latest Adam Sandler CD "They're All Gonna Laugh at You" to listen to during our class. Oh, that's a classic...still brings a little tear to my eye when I hear "you see that shampoo bottle?, now stick it up my a$$...". And, one time during class we walked over to watch the guys practicing their routine for the "Best Mayde Man" contest. There was a really cute Filipino boy in the competition, with boyish charm and a rapist wit. I wonder what he's doing now? Probably married with a couple of kids. :-)

Summer Fun

My blogging has come to a slow crawl. It must be the heat. It's summertime, which means we're out longer in the evenings and well, we just don't feel like coming in yet. I feel like I don't have anything to write because my brain is mush. I'm beat, man and July has flown by. My Grandmother is visiting us this week, so she's catching up on the kiddos and they're constantly making her laugh. Everything they do is AMAZING according to Great Grandparents, even when they hit their mothers/siblings/pets with a golf club, hmmm...our little Aries.

We've been keeping busy with bbqs, birthdays, and watching the boys play in some form of water at all times. Here's to more of the same for the rest of the month. Yippee!

*Jacob and Joshua's new toy. Kale and Mack loved it.

Totally!

**I found this on MSN's homepage today and it couldn't be more precise. Read on! And then try it yourself here.

Kale- Taurus

Young Taurus Children born under the sign of the bull are calm and pleasant, consistent and practical. Being cuddly and affectionate, Taurus children enjoy physical contact. Endowed with a gentle nature, they can nevertheless be extremely stubborn.
Taurus is ruled by Venus - the planet of love and beauty - and Taurus can be seen as the most sensuous of the signs. The little ones are sensitive to colors and sounds and to a harmonious environment; they care about what they eat and wear and appreciate the finer things in life from early childhood on.
Taurus children won't be bullied into anything they don't want to do. If they feel forced they turn stubborn and won't give in to anything and anybody and will always hold their ground. Most Taurus children are likely to have a naturally beautiful singing voice and a very melodic way of speaking. They should be encouraged to take part in any musical activity offered, be it singing in a choir or learning to play an instrument.
Collections and possessions are rather important to Taurus children and they love toys and things they can collect. They even like to take on little chores for money and save what they earn. They can become little money makers at a very early age.
Taurus children are extremely loving and sensitive. Physical signs of affection are especially important, and they enjoy receiving huge bear hugs from an early age. Taurus' are strong, and they will learn to make the best huggers in the world.
In general, your child is loving, generous, tender, sensitive, and for the most part, well behaved. Just make sure you don't push him too hard or force him into anything he doesn't want to do. He will process things on his own time.

Mack- Aries

Young Aries children have energy in abundance, are usually strong, active, and enthusiastic. You better be physically in great shape to keep up with the little Ram. They seem to never get tired and after a day full of physical activity, the Aries child keeps going while you might gasp for air.
Being curious and adventurous, little Arians want to know everything, explore, and investigate. Without fear they venture into new territory all the time, be it a high tree, a playground, or a year abroad. They love challenges, so offering them opportunities to compete either in sports or at play or in school keeps them from being bored too quickly.
Aries children need a lot of watching, especially when they are very young, as they can also be quite stubborn and won't accept a "No" easily. Resisting control, they need to know who is in charge, as they are very determined to do everything their very own way.
Although young Arians can be quite sweet and affectionate one minute, they can be challenging and angry the next. They need a lot of reassurance, attention, and need to know they are loved. Being ruled by Mars, it is no wonder that they can display a hot temper but they can forget it as quickly as it came.
As natural born leaders, Aries children will take the lead in their group, be it at school, or college, or in their circle of friends. However, it can be difficult for them to lose and as difficult to learn how to share and that they cannot win every game.
Young Arians are a delight to be around, and they will certainly never bore you! Your favorite moments will be when you can jump into their fantasyland with them and get swept away by their courageous lead into the unknown. They have an untamed spirit that is always ready for adventure!

My Mack-nugget

Mack is fast approaching the 15 month mark, which is the same age Kale was when we became pregnato with this little firecracker. And, I can see why people get the urge to do it all over again when they hit this age, just like we did. I said I can see why. I, on the other hand, am not willing to go forth with that plan this time. Why? Well, Mack was a demanding baby and continues to be a demanding toddler. But, these last couple of weeks, he has been such the charmer. OMG! So funny, cuddly, loving, playful and all around happy, happy, happy.


I don't want to say things started to turn around when Kale went to school those 4 days. But, we noticed he became a little more flexible and tolerant. We always felt his demanding nature was in relation to him being a little insecure. Since he was #2, he didn't get all the attention nor was he waited on every minute of the day. He had to take a backseat quite a bit and being a child made up of our personalities...that just wasn't acceptable for him. At best, I suppose Mack was just misunderstood. But, hey, we asked for it. We did in fact give him the initials MAD...so he's just fulfilling his destiny.

Mack has become a wonderful little boy with a contagious smile and unwavering determination. He lights up every room he walks into and strangers are just drawn to him to say "hi", ask how old he is or gush over how gosh darn cute he is. It's like walking around with a little celebrity. God has really blessed us with two beautiful boys, each with their own distinct personality.