The Great Debater

Everything is up for debate according to Kale. As his vocabulary flourishes, so does his ability to reason and question all authority. Since turning 3 he has a new lease on life and it's to make us repeat ourselves a gazillion times. Oy vey. We can't help but laugh, but sometimes the shit isn't funny. Especially when it's that time of the month. And, he's telling me over and over again why he doesn't have to _________ (fill in the blank). It's so cute, because he doesn't put up a huge fight, but just enough to prove that 'hey, if I really wanted to, I could so not do what you're asking, but I'M choosing to cooperate.' His new found personality has it's plus' too. Like he says bless you whenever anyone sneezes, he says I love you often, he tells me whatever Mack needs, he likes to request the 'cold' side of the pillow, he asks me 'what's the matter?' with genuine concern and he reminds what the hell I did with Mack's teddy when it's time for his nap. Oh, yeah, I did put it in the dryer when Mack dunked him in the dog's water bowl for the 756th time. Man, you're good kid.

We just busted out the separate pajama pieces (instead of the footsie ones) for Mack that were once Kale's. And I keep trying to envision what it was like when Kale was that little and sleeping in his crib. It seems like we had so much time with Kale. It was quiet and peaceful. Now, it seems like a whirlwind of crazy with both boys screaming and chasing each other. Poor Mack, he's grown up so fast. And he's such a little stick of dynamite. I can't imagine what he'll be like at Kale's age. We'll need a bigger house, so when Mack decides to disown us, we can stay in separate quarters. Can you say d-r-a-m-a-t-i-c?

Random thoughts

We left the house at 8:15 this morning to go to McDonald's for some coffee. Yes, all four of us for a journey less than 2 miles round trip. I can't explain it. We were pretending it was Saturday morning again just for fun. As we rolled outta the driveway things were eerily quiet and still. We were all alone.

Me to Keith "Wouldn't it be weird if nobody was around because they were all dead and
had turned into zombies trying to eat our brains?" slowly turning head left to right on the lookout.


Keith "It could probably happen because we don't watch the news, wanna get the mail?"

Gah!, and what if a zombie came up and killed me right then and there?! has he no heart?! Once we got to McDonald's they were packed and it was business as usual. Bah. Another boring Monday. But, now added to the grocery list are...guns...lots of them. Because should the end of the world occur and we are so fortunate to be the chosen ones we're gonna need to blow shit up. I can't wait.

:::

We went to a disco party for kids at Rich's downtown on Saturday with the Markers. The boys had a good time, we think. After an hour they were done with the dancing scene and just wanted to wrangle a huge fake snake. Go figure. I'm just thankful Jaime didn't give birth on the floor of the nightclub. I don't think there's enough Purell in the world. *I'll post some video footage soon. And, then we were off to our niece's 3rd birthday party where all the cousins played and chased each other around. The day wrapped up with cake and cotton candy. If Kale had a blog his post would've read more days like this, puhleeze.

A smashing success

The birthday party has passed and it couldn't have gone any better. For realzies. We had a huge turn-out! The idea of nobody showing often jumps into your head...so we were thankful that so many took the time and effort to make it for our little dudes. Everyone was absolutely great and I think a good time was had by all. Kale and Mack are lucky to have such wonderful family and friends that love them so much. Keith and I actually felt prepared and having a coordinator there, I think, made the biggest difference. Someone to guide us along the way and help make Kale feel super special. The Discovery guide, which is what the person who helps is called, kept her eye on Kale better than I did. When I couldn't find Kale, I'd just have to locate her and there he'd be. I wonder if she can be hired for outings to the mall? Highly unlikely.

Wow, now that the boys party is over it feels like Summer is just around the corner. I signed Kale up for a 2 week summer session at the church where he'll be attending pre-school in the Fall. I figured it would be a nice introduction. It's only for 4 days, but it's theme is "We all scream for ice cream". I don't know how it could go wrong. I also want to sign him up for swim lessons, but with Mack in tow, not too sure how we'll work that out.

Kale and Mack are playing more and more. It's so great listening to the two of them cracking up when they chase each other. Kale has really been growing up these past few months by being a great big brother and helping me out so much. You can find him shaking Mack's highchair and making the "shh, shh, shh" noise to quiet him down while I prepare lunch. He also entertains Mack in the backseat when he starts to get fussy. He still tries to keep Mack from making a mess of whatever he's playing with, but I'd be frustrated too. All in good time.

:::

Tomorrow is Kale's birthday and it's been such a wonderful 3 years with him. I am so thankful that he was given the opportunity to form a relationship with my Grandfather. My Grandfather loved him so much. And, if and when, my Grandfather had to repremand him, Kale would come to me crying feeling ashamed. He knew he had disappointed my Grandfather and that was all he could bear. No one can hold Kale up as high as my Popo. I know that in my heart and that's what breaks my heart. But knowing that he's there to be with Kale whenever and wherever gives me peace. Kale already has two angels watching over him, Grandpa Tony and Popo. I hope they've met and talk about how great these boys are. I know they would have wanted to be here with them, but God had other plans.

Project Runway

Birthday parties = lot of work. At what age do kids stop enjoying birthday parties? 8? 9? 16? Oh yeah, NEVER. It comes with the territory. I was reading my latest Parents magazine and the editor was going on and on about how she puts together these awesome parties for her girls. One was a Spy Girl party and another was a Dora the Explorer party and each invitation had daughters' head super imposed on appropriate figure. They had performances and crafts lined up for the attendees. Gulp.

:::

I had my eye on a shirt at Macy's earlier this week. I was waiting in line to purchase it. There were two people ahead of me. Of course I was in a rush and the clerks and all the other innocent bystanders were idiots. Because, well...er...they were ahead of me in line and asking too many damn questions. Things were taking excruciatingly way too long. I, a person who ALWAYS returns items in their appropriate place while shopping, decided to stick it to them as I placed the shirt on the nearest rack and stormed outta there. I bet they went home and cried themselves to sleep trying to decipher why someone had done such an evil thing in a retail store.
Yeah, so nothing in my closet is better than that shirt, now. I really want it. My Mom is going to try and find it for me tomorrow morning for the party. Ridiculous. But, did I object when she offered? Nope. It was the best idea I'd heard all day long. I drew a map (I know the store too well) for her...

Spring is in the air

It's time to clean, open the windows and let some fresh air in. The blog is now ready for Spring and Summer. I'll probably change it again by then because I like change, I like change often. These sunny 7o degree days pull me outside. It makes me start thinking of the beach...which in turn makes me think about vacation...which makes me think of margaritas...which makes me think of floating around the pool with Kale...which reminds me...where's my calendar?

:::

We have a berfday party coming up this weekend. This month has been a big blur so far. We celebrated Mack's actual bday last week, this week it's their combined party, and then we'll celebrate Kale's actual bday next week. The idea of celebrating their birthdays at one time was supposed to make things easier for us. Now it seems like we're having pre and post parties with one big party sandwiched in between. Can you say--- more work? And we'll wrap up these fun birthday weeks with some nice shots at the Dr's office in the middle of next week...you know, just to make turning a year older official.

And, the 12 month'er is awakening from his nap. Time she's up.

365 days

Mack is officially a toddler today. It's redundant, but I really can't believe how quickly the year went. Watching Mack grow is equivalent to driving 90 mph on the tollway with an EZ tag as you fly by all the exits and the exits are milestones. Mack was born a year ago today and shortly after he came home he wanted to throwdown. Who's gonna hold me? Who's gonna feed me? Who's gonna stop me from walking? Get outta my way dammit...I got some ground to cover!

During Kale's first year, we religiously read What to Expect the First Year book, reading every chapter month by month, charting his growth, noting his milestones and predicting what to expect the following month. With Mack? I think I picked this book up 3 times this year, including the passage I read today. Do I feel bad? Yes. Do I think we could've done things differently? No. Wanna know why?...because this guy is frickin' fast. You should see him walk!!! It's not the oh, gosh, am I gonna make it? kinda walking, it's gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now walk. He's mastered it along with a long list of other things.

According to the book:
By the end of month 12 your baby should be able to...
Walk holding onto furniture totally
Will probably be able to...
play patty cake (clap hands) or wave bye bye (most children by 13 months) uh huh
drink from a cup independently (many can't do 'til 16.5 months) uh huh
pick up tiny objects with thumb and forefinger (most by 15 months) uh huh
stand alone momentarily (many can't until 13 months) frickin' yuuueah
say dada or mama discriminately (most will say at least one by 14 months) most def
May be possible to...
indicates wants in ways other than crying (most not until past 14 mos) grunts and points
"play ball" roll ball back to you (not until past 16 mos.) did it
stand alone well (not until 14 mos) hell to the yes
use immature jargoning (not many until 15 mos) not sure if you'd call it jargon
walk well (3 out of 4 are 13.5 months) can I get an AMEN
May even be able to...
Do dirty dishes, laundry, sweep, mop and sew small undergarments for Kathie Lee Gifford's
Walmart clothing line. I kid.

I can't believe I typed all that. Don't get me wrong, I am totally bragging. And I feel it's warranted 'cause it all happened so quickly and his accomplishments are something to be proud of and I am...dammit. Mack is a wonderful and charming little boy to which my heart will be forever held captive. He is my baby, my mun-chee-chee, and my nugget. I can't sum it up in one blog posting, I suppose for a lack of creativity and time. But, someone did right here, in the last paragraph. Quite nicely, I might add.

Before you were conceived I wanted you,

Before you were born I loved you,

Before you were here an hour I would die for you,

This is the miracle of life.

- Maureen Hawkins

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

It's Wednesday and I'm feeling poopy tired. I guess it's the weather. It kept looking like it was going to rain, but it never did. Ah, geez, just pick a lane would ya???

Tomorrow will be jam packed with fun because it's Mack's birthday, the big numero uno!!! I know, my wittle baby, where did the time go? More on that tomorrow. But, wait, there's more... "The Office" season premiere shows tomorrow night, too!! And, that's enough to diddle my skittle.

Is anyone watching "The Bachelor"? I got hooked a long time ago and it's so much fun to watch these girls. It's a horrible show, but we can't help but poke fun at all those chicks. Hey, at least it's not Flavor Flav's show. This last episode was killer. I kept looking at Keith and asking if the young singer/songwriter girl was for real. Oh my, she was perfect for the show. At the end, after she got dumped and was crying on camera, they asked her to sing the song she wrote for the bachelor and the tampon did. This show does wonders for mean people.

The newest addition to our ever growing family paid us a visit on Sunday afternoon. Her name is Sophia, she's 6 weeks old, and just as precious as her name. Kale was so attentive, wanting to hold her and kiss her. Mack was curious as well, swinging a huge lotion tube above her delicate head as she had her diaper changed. Here we all are with Sophia and her Momma Grace. *Don't mind Mack's I'm loaded face.

Cervix Boot Socks

I'm a fan of Margaret Cho and I came across a funny post on her MySpace page through PerezHilton.com. I don't have anything to say today, so I thought I'd pass on what made me chuckle this morning. One of the funniest analogies...

TGIF!

Why so snippy?

Ooooohhhh, I don't know...maybe because I'm sitting on the floor folding clothes, watching "The Office" reruns and my husband is at Ghost Bar in Dallas having a couple of "brewskys" with his boss and a few others. BUT-----hey, there's no one at the bar and he's not enjoying himself one bit...yuuuuueah. Talk crazy somewhere else mo-fo, cuz we're all stocked up here.

****It's that time of the month for me. Don't feel sorry for him.****