Maya is so honest. Jen had a really cute dress that she wanted a surprise for Maya, but wanted her to try it on. So she told Maya it was a special surprise, had her try it on, and she kept her eyes closed the entire time, feeling it with her fingers, noting how soft it was, eye still keeping those eyes closed and the surprise intact. Am sure in a few years this will all change and we will find her snooping for those surprises every chance she gets.
Ashton's favorite activity besides waking us up every night screaming is spinning in circles. Unfortunately, it also involves me spinning around as well, and far from my younger days when I could stomach anything, I have to do my best ice skating pose and try to focus on one distant object as I spin in circles giving my stomach just a few more revolutions before it calls it quits. Ash will grab my hand and spin around, and finish by body slamming into the couch. The kid does not get dizzy or feel the need to give dad a rest. It's ever better when he becomes airborne or sister Maya jumps in so the can virtually chase each other as I fling them around in circles.
Ashton rubbed his toe raw the other day on the bike as I pushed him around barefoot. Funny he did not even notice until we stopped and he wanted more, like bleeding made it cooler. On the other hand big sister tumbled to the concrete on the same day, maybe qualifying with a skuff on her knee and elbow. She cried halfway to swim lessons, and then had to be coerced into dipping her wounds into a pool for 5 minutes, petrified to move her limbs. Although I must say the contrast that was about to be set up made my day. As soon as she forgot about the wounds, she did the best floats, arms and even picked up a ring on the floor of the pool for the first time, and earned herself a ribbon into the world of the Octopus. She really impressed me in how she overcame her fears, even if it was minor, it was by far very difficult for her.
Ash is putting words together like Dada and Night-night and is constantly narrating any truck, bus or tractor that slips into his view. We must acknowledge it for him to stop bantering about it. He has become attached to a dog toy that NaNa got him at STarbucks, and calls it Nana doggie. Maya has been bringing home great Xmas artwork, and always wants to show me her work as soon as she gets into the car, even though there is a line of cars behind waiting to pick up their small child as well. The world can still wait at this age. She has also been noticing how things rhyme. Funny sometimes she will use the same word in different context, noting that they rhyme, yet not that they are the same words. Pretty cool though to see her light up on her own when she discovers something unseen before to her. Ashton has this super cute reaction to xmas lights. Every set of lights he sees he says "wha-oh" really loud, excited and undulating. He sounds so genuinely excited which each string of lights, like each on is the first time he has ever seen such a thing.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tough to keep up
I started this idea when I broke my leg, and at the time had every night off. Now that I am strapped into the working world again, it is hard to keep posts current. Thanks to my Iphone where I can jot down little things and recall them later to tattoo into writing so it will stay with me forever.
On a trip to school, Maya got philisophical on me, asking me who the world belonged to. Luckily a simple answer moved her on to the next topic, the fact that she loved animals and wished it was their world.
Maya has been doing great in swim lessons. The other day she was taken to the deep end and with little prompting, jumped into the deep end, swam in a circle and made it back to the wall all on her own. For a kid that is very timid and often needs a ton of pep talking to try something new, she was a stud. While I was entranced in this event, I turned around and found my son licking the water out of the water fountain that had settled on the bottom near the drain.
On a recent trip to the library, Maya found the book Brown Bear. She figured it out. She would say the animal, then flip ahead to the next page to see what was seen, flip back, and then finish the page. She became very proud of this, and read it through 10 times.
We went to Jen's parents for Thanksgiving this year. Ashton is always the little character. I found him in the bathroom with Chris's deodorant stick open, and he was applying it to his hair like gel. For the rest of the day when you picked him up you got a nice whiff of Speed Stick. Nana helps often, but sometimes just misses. She got up with him one morning so we could sleep, and changed his diaper. Later that morning, I noted a puddle on the front windowsill. At first though maybe some spilled water or condensation, no biggie. I then noted a large bulge near Ashton's left ankle. I went to feel his crotch to see if he had wet his diaper, and there was no diaper. That bulge on the ankle was the diaper, and the water on the windowsill was urine. Nana had forgot to strap the side of the diaper and it snuck down as an ankle weight. Free-balling.
At Chevy's the other night Maya was asked by Jen which toilet she wanted to use to pee in. She proceeded to bust out eenie-minie-mo. Ashton has now given up the nap, and when we try, he just stands up right away and screams in the crib. Funny thing is most days we find the kid crashed out on the couch in some awkward position minutes after he refused to take a nap. I guess this is good but again proves who rules who.
I had forgotten what Maya had named one of her multiple stuffed animals. When I asked her to remind me of her dog's name, instead of telling me, she gave me clues. I thought that was pretty clever.
When she went to visit Big Nana, Jen said she was really shy around old people. When she returned though she had cut out all the ingredients to a nice deli sandwich, and we sat and ate paper sandwiches together. She told me there was no mustard to cut though.
Today in gym Maya built a huge wall of foam blocks and her brother just wanted to knock it over. Such the stereotype. Ashton was able to hang on the bar and pick his legs up into a pike position. We walked to the park today and while there, I noted Ash's butt was all wet. Somehow he had peed around his diaper which was completely dry, and mess his pants. And had no diapers. So we left wet streaks on all the slides. Maya helped me put up the rainbow xmas lights today. They both stole the garland from the box and drug them around, chasing each other, until Ashton's broke. Who'd a guessed.
On a trip to school, Maya got philisophical on me, asking me who the world belonged to. Luckily a simple answer moved her on to the next topic, the fact that she loved animals and wished it was their world.
Maya has been doing great in swim lessons. The other day she was taken to the deep end and with little prompting, jumped into the deep end, swam in a circle and made it back to the wall all on her own. For a kid that is very timid and often needs a ton of pep talking to try something new, she was a stud. While I was entranced in this event, I turned around and found my son licking the water out of the water fountain that had settled on the bottom near the drain.
On a recent trip to the library, Maya found the book Brown Bear. She figured it out. She would say the animal, then flip ahead to the next page to see what was seen, flip back, and then finish the page. She became very proud of this, and read it through 10 times.
We went to Jen's parents for Thanksgiving this year. Ashton is always the little character. I found him in the bathroom with Chris's deodorant stick open, and he was applying it to his hair like gel. For the rest of the day when you picked him up you got a nice whiff of Speed Stick. Nana helps often, but sometimes just misses. She got up with him one morning so we could sleep, and changed his diaper. Later that morning, I noted a puddle on the front windowsill. At first though maybe some spilled water or condensation, no biggie. I then noted a large bulge near Ashton's left ankle. I went to feel his crotch to see if he had wet his diaper, and there was no diaper. That bulge on the ankle was the diaper, and the water on the windowsill was urine. Nana had forgot to strap the side of the diaper and it snuck down as an ankle weight. Free-balling.
At Chevy's the other night Maya was asked by Jen which toilet she wanted to use to pee in. She proceeded to bust out eenie-minie-mo. Ashton has now given up the nap, and when we try, he just stands up right away and screams in the crib. Funny thing is most days we find the kid crashed out on the couch in some awkward position minutes after he refused to take a nap. I guess this is good but again proves who rules who.
I had forgotten what Maya had named one of her multiple stuffed animals. When I asked her to remind me of her dog's name, instead of telling me, she gave me clues. I thought that was pretty clever.
When she went to visit Big Nana, Jen said she was really shy around old people. When she returned though she had cut out all the ingredients to a nice deli sandwich, and we sat and ate paper sandwiches together. She told me there was no mustard to cut though.
Today in gym Maya built a huge wall of foam blocks and her brother just wanted to knock it over. Such the stereotype. Ashton was able to hang on the bar and pick his legs up into a pike position. We walked to the park today and while there, I noted Ash's butt was all wet. Somehow he had peed around his diaper which was completely dry, and mess his pants. And had no diapers. So we left wet streaks on all the slides. Maya helped me put up the rainbow xmas lights today. They both stole the garland from the box and drug them around, chasing each other, until Ashton's broke. Who'd a guessed.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Running with Kids
Last night I awoke and heard one child awake and crying for a parent. A bit confused and tired, I just walked toward the door to appease the cries, but forgot to open the door. As I hit head first and made a loud thud, the other child awoke up screaming " what was that, I'm scared".
We went to Jonah's birthday party at pump it up. Both kids and adults loved the giant slides. Maya was a bit timid at first, yet warmed up and loved the obstacle course. Ashton wanted to do everything himself, including the giant slide. Was brave at the top but a bit overwhelmed as he plunged down solo. You liked to hit the ball and bat. During the chocolate cake, we removed his shirt so he was a naked boy with chocolate frosting all over his naked chest.
We came home and rushed through some pumpkin carving. Had the crazy idea we would morph into professional pumpkin carvers in a few minutes...way over our heads. Ashton's contribution was to pee all over the pumpkin as he wandered around bottomless.
Off to the McCoy's Halloween party. Maya dressed as Rapunzel, Ash was a tiger. They set up a spooky haunted trail including blood, severed limbs, chainsaw noises and talking heads. Maya just cruised through adn shrugged her shoulders. Ashton fell into the bobbing for apple pail, and Maya was very excited to be a part of the Halloween costume parade.
Our final trip of the day was to watch Jonah open presents. Maya was the little narrator, while Ashton fell in love with all of Jonah's glowing swords.
We went to Jonah's birthday party at pump it up. Both kids and adults loved the giant slides. Maya was a bit timid at first, yet warmed up and loved the obstacle course. Ashton wanted to do everything himself, including the giant slide. Was brave at the top but a bit overwhelmed as he plunged down solo. You liked to hit the ball and bat. During the chocolate cake, we removed his shirt so he was a naked boy with chocolate frosting all over his naked chest.
We came home and rushed through some pumpkin carving. Had the crazy idea we would morph into professional pumpkin carvers in a few minutes...way over our heads. Ashton's contribution was to pee all over the pumpkin as he wandered around bottomless.
Off to the McCoy's Halloween party. Maya dressed as Rapunzel, Ash was a tiger. They set up a spooky haunted trail including blood, severed limbs, chainsaw noises and talking heads. Maya just cruised through adn shrugged her shoulders. Ashton fell into the bobbing for apple pail, and Maya was very excited to be a part of the Halloween costume parade.
Our final trip of the day was to watch Jonah open presents. Maya was the little narrator, while Ashton fell in love with all of Jonah's glowing swords.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Trick or A handful of treats
We all were excited today to wake up to Halloween. We braved Costco as task number one. The kids survived on samples, and Ashton by throwing samples and trying to find the forklift. In Trader Joes Ashton was a maniac. Either we let him run down the aisles chasing his sister and weaving between baskets, or he screamed to be let down. Which option makes us worse parents? Let me say the screams were more like screeches and shrills, where everyone just looked at you happy that it was not their kid. Yet they kept commenting how cute it was.
Stopped by the Nyquist's house and picked up the train table and desk and added it to the furniture collection inhabiting my garage. Dad whipped out a ghost pumpkin and Thomas the train before the trick or treaters came around, and the kids prepared to be Ariel and Doggie. We strolled around the neighborhood first. Ashton grabbed his first piece of candy, a sucker, and that is all he needed. He was done and content, unless someone had a dog at their door, where he was more interested in entering their house to pet the dog. We then loaded up the carriage and took off to the Nunes house. Dad put 24 glow sticks on and became "glow man" per Maya. We trekked around some cool houses, Maya in the lead, while Ash being already cranky, fell and cried for most of the night, again until he saw a dog. We dragged ourselves home and frosted cookies, where Ash decided to frost his face with an array of colors. Driving home he was wide awake, always happy to see a bus or truck, and pissed when ever we passed one.
Stopped by the Nyquist's house and picked up the train table and desk and added it to the furniture collection inhabiting my garage. Dad whipped out a ghost pumpkin and Thomas the train before the trick or treaters came around, and the kids prepared to be Ariel and Doggie. We strolled around the neighborhood first. Ashton grabbed his first piece of candy, a sucker, and that is all he needed. He was done and content, unless someone had a dog at their door, where he was more interested in entering their house to pet the dog. We then loaded up the carriage and took off to the Nunes house. Dad put 24 glow sticks on and became "glow man" per Maya. We trekked around some cool houses, Maya in the lead, while Ash being already cranky, fell and cried for most of the night, again until he saw a dog. We dragged ourselves home and frosted cookies, where Ash decided to frost his face with an array of colors. Driving home he was wide awake, always happy to see a bus or truck, and pissed when ever we passed one.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Snail
The other day we were doing yardwork and Maya called my attention to Ashton. She told me sternly that he had just picked up a snail and sucked it out of it's shell. Ugh!
Don't know if I jotted this one down yet but Maya told me on the way to school that she wanted a magic wand in order to turn everyone into mushrooms as we passed the mushroom farm. The other day Maya was really embarrassed to be dropped of at school. She did not want to get out of the car with the teacher standing right there. It was a bit awkward. Not sure if she had peed her pants, or she was hiding something, but eventually she exited with some prompting. Come to find out that she was embarrassed to let her teacher see her boppy. Thought she would think she was a baby. Torn between 2 worlds now.
Today I dropped her off at school, had to strike a deal in order not to get out of the car. She said only if I could pick her up in the driveway. She was beaming when I pulled up and she got in the car like it was her coach. Made her feel very important I guess. She showed off some of her pumpkin artwork today, as every day she is excited to surprise us with all the crafts she has put together for her school day.
While she was at school I pointed to the bike and asked Ash if he wanted to go for a ride. I was still unsure if I was up for it, but his big smile and nod yes sealed the deal. We did the Santa Teresa Golf trial loop in no time, and not a peep out of him the whole trip, except I felt his had hit my back when I hit a bump too fast...still no complaints. Played some train with him and tried to find something he would eat besides squeezers.
Took Maya to swim lessons. I told her that I had secret. When she did arms, she needed to go slow and big, and push the water. She asked if she could share her secret with Kyle, who is in her class. Afterwards, her teacher approached me and said Maya had done well, except she was moving her arms too slow. Whoops.
Stopped by Kyles on way home and Maya snuck out of her car seat into my lap. I let her help me drive around the cul de sac.
Maya got there little wooden decals that she can color for a Halloween boo. She has been very into coloring them and hang them on the plant. She says they are xmas tree ornaments because everything that has a little sting on the top is a xmas tree onrnament...even if it is a pumpkin with a ghost and bat on it.
Ashton no refuses to be fed. He is his own little man and will only settle for feeding himself. Now more of a mess.
Don't know if I jotted this one down yet but Maya told me on the way to school that she wanted a magic wand in order to turn everyone into mushrooms as we passed the mushroom farm. The other day Maya was really embarrassed to be dropped of at school. She did not want to get out of the car with the teacher standing right there. It was a bit awkward. Not sure if she had peed her pants, or she was hiding something, but eventually she exited with some prompting. Come to find out that she was embarrassed to let her teacher see her boppy. Thought she would think she was a baby. Torn between 2 worlds now.
Today I dropped her off at school, had to strike a deal in order not to get out of the car. She said only if I could pick her up in the driveway. She was beaming when I pulled up and she got in the car like it was her coach. Made her feel very important I guess. She showed off some of her pumpkin artwork today, as every day she is excited to surprise us with all the crafts she has put together for her school day.
While she was at school I pointed to the bike and asked Ash if he wanted to go for a ride. I was still unsure if I was up for it, but his big smile and nod yes sealed the deal. We did the Santa Teresa Golf trial loop in no time, and not a peep out of him the whole trip, except I felt his had hit my back when I hit a bump too fast...still no complaints. Played some train with him and tried to find something he would eat besides squeezers.
Took Maya to swim lessons. I told her that I had secret. When she did arms, she needed to go slow and big, and push the water. She asked if she could share her secret with Kyle, who is in her class. Afterwards, her teacher approached me and said Maya had done well, except she was moving her arms too slow. Whoops.
Stopped by Kyles on way home and Maya snuck out of her car seat into my lap. I let her help me drive around the cul de sac.
Maya got there little wooden decals that she can color for a Halloween boo. She has been very into coloring them and hang them on the plant. She says they are xmas tree ornaments because everything that has a little sting on the top is a xmas tree onrnament...even if it is a pumpkin with a ghost and bat on it.
Ashton no refuses to be fed. He is his own little man and will only settle for feeding himself. Now more of a mess.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A swimmer is born
We pass the pumpkin patch everyday on the way to Maya's school, and Ashton is forced to go by, pointing like he wants to go, yet never able to get out of the carseat. Poor little guy. Him and I handled the store today, full of moms with their kids, we bucked the trend and cruised Trader Joes without a list and on a mission to find good snacks at not the mommy price. Picked Maya up and had picture day pickups. Ashton fell asleep as usual and used that as his excuse for a nap.
We had Maya's swim lessons and Maya is a champ. She figured out that when she kicks really hard and moves her arms that she moves. So she spent all lesson just cruising at rapid fire arm speed not moving much but with huge effort in her new found talent. On the way home we rocked out to music doing the crazy Ashton head bang dance. Funny at the pool there is a dad who I think is a pretty handsome looking gent. Maya saw him today and said " Daddy look there is a daddy that looks like you" Alrighty!
Ashton likes seaweed unless he is really tired and just done, where he then throws a fit and needs to retire. We watched the first game of World Series together and wrestled some until mom came home and made us behave.
Maya and Ash helped me clear out the tomato bushes from the garden. Maya found a caterpillar and fell in love, while Ashton dug out grubs and smashed them with the shovel. We had our first raspberry that Maya had the honors of taking to palate.
We had Maya's swim lessons and Maya is a champ. She figured out that when she kicks really hard and moves her arms that she moves. So she spent all lesson just cruising at rapid fire arm speed not moving much but with huge effort in her new found talent. On the way home we rocked out to music doing the crazy Ashton head bang dance. Funny at the pool there is a dad who I think is a pretty handsome looking gent. Maya saw him today and said " Daddy look there is a daddy that looks like you" Alrighty!
Ashton likes seaweed unless he is really tired and just done, where he then throws a fit and needs to retire. We watched the first game of World Series together and wrestled some until mom came home and made us behave.
Maya and Ash helped me clear out the tomato bushes from the garden. Maya found a caterpillar and fell in love, while Ashton dug out grubs and smashed them with the shovel. We had our first raspberry that Maya had the honors of taking to palate.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
My first ribbon
Today Maya transformed from a seahorse to a jellyfish (not sure how that evolution works) but she did great during swim lessons and received her first ribbon. She was very proud. On the way out we tried to guess how many candy corn were in the bucket, and her guess was " a bunch". Today was picture day at her new school and she told me instead of cheese the man made her say "banana head". The teacher also told me that out of all the kids at school, if she had to pick one she could take home, she would pick Maya. Cute and scary.
Crazy news day today. Gunmen running around nearby Jen's work and Steve Jobs died. : (
We all went over to Linda's for dinner and the kids played. I was the token father. Ashton loved all the guns, and somehow has learned that pointing them and making banging noises is cool Don't know where he picks this stuff up.
Crazy news day today. Gunmen running around nearby Jen's work and Steve Jobs died. : (
We all went over to Linda's for dinner and the kids played. I was the token father. Ashton loved all the guns, and somehow has learned that pointing them and making banging noises is cool Don't know where he picks this stuff up.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Big Questions
So I am navigating through rush hour traffic and Maya lays the question on me, " How big is the world Dad?"
How do you put that on into words. A follow up question was that she wanted to go into space, and wondered if I had ever been there, and why not?
We drive by the mushroom farm every morning before school. There are always a lot of cars parked the the parking lot. Yesterday she wished that she had a wand that would turn all the cars into mushrooms. That progressed into turning Ashton, the cat and everyone into mushrooms. Did you know dad that mushrooms are nocturnal because they grow in the dark?
Maya is doing great in AVAC swim lessons. Held her breath for 7 seconds, has become comfortable with Kyle squirting her in the face. Dad has fun trying to figure out new ways to retrieve is son from the women's bathroom.
Ash was pissed because all I seem to do is tote him around and take Maya places. So we went to the museum. Until we got to the door and it was closed for "cleaning" . Another dad fail.
We had a great time in Monterey with the family. Grandma successfully injected every meal with some sort of cheezy chip or candy, and now Maya has discovered Fruit Loops at the store. Ashton just hung on the dog the whole time. Ashton now calls the cat Lucky, and for the longest time we thought he was just calling it doggy, but finally worked out the nuances between the words, and realized he knew the cats name.
How do you put that on into words. A follow up question was that she wanted to go into space, and wondered if I had ever been there, and why not?
We drive by the mushroom farm every morning before school. There are always a lot of cars parked the the parking lot. Yesterday she wished that she had a wand that would turn all the cars into mushrooms. That progressed into turning Ashton, the cat and everyone into mushrooms. Did you know dad that mushrooms are nocturnal because they grow in the dark?
Maya is doing great in AVAC swim lessons. Held her breath for 7 seconds, has become comfortable with Kyle squirting her in the face. Dad has fun trying to figure out new ways to retrieve is son from the women's bathroom.
Ash was pissed because all I seem to do is tote him around and take Maya places. So we went to the museum. Until we got to the door and it was closed for "cleaning" . Another dad fail.
We had a great time in Monterey with the family. Grandma successfully injected every meal with some sort of cheezy chip or candy, and now Maya has discovered Fruit Loops at the store. Ashton just hung on the dog the whole time. Ashton now calls the cat Lucky, and for the longest time we thought he was just calling it doggy, but finally worked out the nuances between the words, and realized he knew the cats name.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Big Tree
So Maya is no longer at Little Tree school, and had her first day of school at Montesouri today. I picked her up. She is in the purple group. Did not make the green group but is dealing well. Ashton was pissed as dragged him down to pick Maya up and then put him back in the car. Maya said her hardest part was that they made her play in the small playground. She said she was a big girl and wanted to be on the big playground.
Ashton continues to remind us he is a boy. A mega mess with every meal, he squeezed the juice squeezers all over and paints with them. Has started to like trains, and runs the train along the hallway. He is a runner. The whole time in the Library today he ran. Into the bathroom to stir the toilet water, pushing on the emergency exit door, and pulling multiple books off the shelf.
Maya thought she was a gym teacher, and made mom and dad take her class tonight. Dad failed. not very flexible and the ankle does not help. We caught a tomato worm and put it in a jar, and did our nightly star gazing with the Iphone. She kept asking where earth was, and had a hard time grasping that we are on it.
Ashton continues to remind us he is a boy. A mega mess with every meal, he squeezed the juice squeezers all over and paints with them. Has started to like trains, and runs the train along the hallway. He is a runner. The whole time in the Library today he ran. Into the bathroom to stir the toilet water, pushing on the emergency exit door, and pulling multiple books off the shelf.
Maya thought she was a gym teacher, and made mom and dad take her class tonight. Dad failed. not very flexible and the ankle does not help. We caught a tomato worm and put it in a jar, and did our nightly star gazing with the Iphone. She kept asking where earth was, and had a hard time grasping that we are on it.
Friday, September 2, 2011
The hair must go
So I was able to wrap Ashton's hair around his ear and thought that may be a sign calling the scissors. We both knew the time was close and needed that final push, waiting for someone to say enough. So he sat up on the bif boy chair, watched a video, and our little baby boy became a dapper little boy.
Today we had a playdate in the pool at Kira's. Ash enjoyed throwing hard plastic rings all around, more like fastballs at small kids head's. Maya did great. She walked on the bottom and kicked to the wall on a noodle all by herself, and was very comfy just being by herself in the water. They both were able to pet the chicken, as it tried to eat out cheez-its. I took Ashton home in my truck and we had fin being boys on the way home...safely reckless. We tried to take him out of the car seat and he screamed, grabbed on and would not come out. Gonna be a truck boy. Came home and both kids naked. We checked out the moon and did running hugs onto the couch.
Ashton dumped the whole bottle of windex on the carpet and I found him sitting in a puddle of blue liquid, happy, as I cleaned up the hummus that he had just thrown on the chair. Never lets up. We ran a bunch on the trampoline today at gym and loved bumping into another little boy.
After swimming today, Maya said she loved me just outta the blue. She has a big heart in that little body.
Today we had a playdate in the pool at Kira's. Ash enjoyed throwing hard plastic rings all around, more like fastballs at small kids head's. Maya did great. She walked on the bottom and kicked to the wall on a noodle all by herself, and was very comfy just being by herself in the water. They both were able to pet the chicken, as it tried to eat out cheez-its. I took Ashton home in my truck and we had fin being boys on the way home...safely reckless. We tried to take him out of the car seat and he screamed, grabbed on and would not come out. Gonna be a truck boy. Came home and both kids naked. We checked out the moon and did running hugs onto the couch.
Ashton dumped the whole bottle of windex on the carpet and I found him sitting in a puddle of blue liquid, happy, as I cleaned up the hummus that he had just thrown on the chair. Never lets up. We ran a bunch on the trampoline today at gym and loved bumping into another little boy.
After swimming today, Maya said she loved me just outta the blue. She has a big heart in that little body.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Peripheral memory
All these tidbits that pass during the day are hard to recollect at the end of long days, so most of the time I am trying to dig up that memory that I wanted to write down yet is has slipped into limbo. The IPhone to the rescue. For better or worse it has taken up residence in our family. I know can share a special moment with my kids, and instead of forming a neural pathway to commit it to memory, I just speak into the Iphone and it reminds me of that special moment later.
Does the toothfairy have siblings? Maya thinks there is a whole army of them. She stubbed her toe and after milking the injury for some time, asked her mom if the nail came off, she could put in under her pillow and the nail fairy would come. Don't know what that fairy would look like, and smell like, carrying around all those broken toenails. Back to the injury, Maya did not even know about it until Jen pointed it out, and of course then it began to hurt. Out of sight, out of mind. She also caught me repairing the dinner chair. The questions began...actually just one question..why? I told her it was old and needed some fixing. She asked if it would go to chair heaven when it got really old.
Funny. Jen was on her way to a playdate with Maya, late as usual. Maya had not had her hair done so she asked her if she wanted to do it in the front yard before they went inside or once inside. Maya neither chose A or B, yet answered that she preferred it be done in the backyard.
I took the kids to the museum by myself and the last day of the boot. We danced in the funky dance room. They have this real traffic light and intersection inside that rotates between red, yellow and green lights. Maya is the only one even paying attention and insists that we wait for the light to turn green before we proceed. So we are the only ones standing in the middle of the path waiting, while everyone else walks by. On the way out I ran a yellow light with Ashton. Super citizin Maya stopped, and got really upset because she had to wait for the next green light. Ashton loved the water section. Had to take his shirt off as water found his clothes in a matter of seconds. On the way to the parking lot is a real street to cross. It has the usual push to walk buttons, but in case you have a boot on and cannot walk fast, there is a middle button with curb to wait on. I actually can make it fine across with the boot, but Maya gets a kick out of stopping in the middle, waiting, pushing the button and crossing the second part of the street. This time I just had her push it on the way across telling her it would put more time on the clock.
Maya gets itchy on the grass, as does Ashton, thanks to Daddy's defunct genes. Maya's solution...she asked me today if I could take the itch out of our grass.
The family was headed for dinner and we stopped at a light. A man in a wheelchair was pan handling. He cruised by and Dad, with his new found soft heart for those who cannot walk, offered a few bucks. Maya threw out the question of how the man got hurt and had no legs. Jen offered her answer. Maya quipped back " No mommy, I asked Daddy" As if the guy and I were buds and I knew his story. In front of us was a old blue van that said "supervan" on the back. I commented on the label, and Maya asked if the Supervan rescued people, like Superman.
We tried Ash in Maya's gym class, and he turned into a bouncy ball, running every direction away from what he was supposed to be doing. Coach Julie was very nice, stating that all kids start out that way. Think he will finish this way for a bit.
The entry seems a bit Maya heavy, yet her words make so many wild stories.
Does the toothfairy have siblings? Maya thinks there is a whole army of them. She stubbed her toe and after milking the injury for some time, asked her mom if the nail came off, she could put in under her pillow and the nail fairy would come. Don't know what that fairy would look like, and smell like, carrying around all those broken toenails. Back to the injury, Maya did not even know about it until Jen pointed it out, and of course then it began to hurt. Out of sight, out of mind. She also caught me repairing the dinner chair. The questions began...actually just one question..why? I told her it was old and needed some fixing. She asked if it would go to chair heaven when it got really old.
Funny. Jen was on her way to a playdate with Maya, late as usual. Maya had not had her hair done so she asked her if she wanted to do it in the front yard before they went inside or once inside. Maya neither chose A or B, yet answered that she preferred it be done in the backyard.
I took the kids to the museum by myself and the last day of the boot. We danced in the funky dance room. They have this real traffic light and intersection inside that rotates between red, yellow and green lights. Maya is the only one even paying attention and insists that we wait for the light to turn green before we proceed. So we are the only ones standing in the middle of the path waiting, while everyone else walks by. On the way out I ran a yellow light with Ashton. Super citizin Maya stopped, and got really upset because she had to wait for the next green light. Ashton loved the water section. Had to take his shirt off as water found his clothes in a matter of seconds. On the way to the parking lot is a real street to cross. It has the usual push to walk buttons, but in case you have a boot on and cannot walk fast, there is a middle button with curb to wait on. I actually can make it fine across with the boot, but Maya gets a kick out of stopping in the middle, waiting, pushing the button and crossing the second part of the street. This time I just had her push it on the way across telling her it would put more time on the clock.
Maya gets itchy on the grass, as does Ashton, thanks to Daddy's defunct genes. Maya's solution...she asked me today if I could take the itch out of our grass.
The family was headed for dinner and we stopped at a light. A man in a wheelchair was pan handling. He cruised by and Dad, with his new found soft heart for those who cannot walk, offered a few bucks. Maya threw out the question of how the man got hurt and had no legs. Jen offered her answer. Maya quipped back " No mommy, I asked Daddy" As if the guy and I were buds and I knew his story. In front of us was a old blue van that said "supervan" on the back. I commented on the label, and Maya asked if the Supervan rescued people, like Superman.
We tried Ash in Maya's gym class, and he turned into a bouncy ball, running every direction away from what he was supposed to be doing. Coach Julie was very nice, stating that all kids start out that way. Think he will finish this way for a bit.
The entry seems a bit Maya heavy, yet her words make so many wild stories.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Ashton Sign Language
So Ashton has taken up sign language, yet has simplified it a bit. Grunting, point his arm and the desired object and pointing where he wants it to go seems to work. Today he woke up screaming as usual at 7 am...ugh. Then he gets up looking for mom. When she is not there he gets pissed and seems to settle for having dad to have around. Loves my vanilla yogurt. Maya awakens on her princess blanket, specially placed on her bed with Ariel on the pillow.
Maya the other day had a tissy during filling out mom;s birthday card. She was trying to write 35, yet wanted my to do it, and wanted the 3 and the 5 in a particular way and matching. She definitely has some OCD from which side of the family remains to be determined.
In the swing the other day she was hitting me hard with the "whys". I finally asked her why she followed every statement, fact or opinion with the phrase "cuz why"? It's almost if it now is a reflex, coming out before I finish my word. Her response was "I don't know dad, why?
While seated on the computer, Maya approached me cautiously and states she had something to tell me. It appeared either she was afraid to tell me, or as I discovered soon, making it up on the fly. She revealed that she had done something to Ash, and it was hitting him on the arm with the remote. I hugged her and thanked her for being forthcoming, and in stride immediately said " now can I have some icecream for telling the truth"? Funny because the last time I rewarded her veracity with icecream, honesty, although made up, is now her ticket to icecream. Clever.
Ash was being carried down the aisle in Trader Joes and we passed by his favorite fruit crushers. He took immediate notice, pointing and grunting until we turned around. He knows what tastes good.
I fixed mom's toilet today and she acted like I perfomed a miracle. she was so happy that she took a pee. Ash helped my turn a few wrenches, but mostly took my tools and ran.
Maya the other day had a tissy during filling out mom;s birthday card. She was trying to write 35, yet wanted my to do it, and wanted the 3 and the 5 in a particular way and matching. She definitely has some OCD from which side of the family remains to be determined.
In the swing the other day she was hitting me hard with the "whys". I finally asked her why she followed every statement, fact or opinion with the phrase "cuz why"? It's almost if it now is a reflex, coming out before I finish my word. Her response was "I don't know dad, why?
While seated on the computer, Maya approached me cautiously and states she had something to tell me. It appeared either she was afraid to tell me, or as I discovered soon, making it up on the fly. She revealed that she had done something to Ash, and it was hitting him on the arm with the remote. I hugged her and thanked her for being forthcoming, and in stride immediately said " now can I have some icecream for telling the truth"? Funny because the last time I rewarded her veracity with icecream, honesty, although made up, is now her ticket to icecream. Clever.
Ash was being carried down the aisle in Trader Joes and we passed by his favorite fruit crushers. He took immediate notice, pointing and grunting until we turned around. He knows what tastes good.
I fixed mom's toilet today and she acted like I perfomed a miracle. she was so happy that she took a pee. Ash helped my turn a few wrenches, but mostly took my tools and ran.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
maya's third eye
Today Maya was browsing in the pantry trying to decide which little morsel of food to request. I continued to ask her while she stared and figited silently. Finally she turned to me and said her brain wanted it all.
In the back yard she was eating an orange while I pushed Ash in the swing. She told be she had a third eye located in the back of her head. I asked what color and she stated rainbow. It hid in her hair, closed to hide and when sleeping, and also when shampooing her hair as not to get stung.
Ash has picked up sign and words but his fallback is always the same. When he likes something he gives a strong nod, and a dis-like takes on a vigorous head shaking. And anytime he wants an item, he holds his arm out in front of him and grunts, like we should curtsy and oblige his orders, Sir Ashton.
At the park he went down a long fast slide and twisty slide on his own, once emerging from the twisty slide head first and upside down, scared but still smiling. Papa Dale noted that the kid walks with confidence, his lordotic style of stance, wide gait and arms swinging, the left way faster than the right. He does not like cantalope but loves whip cream and smoothies.
In the back yard she was eating an orange while I pushed Ash in the swing. She told be she had a third eye located in the back of her head. I asked what color and she stated rainbow. It hid in her hair, closed to hide and when sleeping, and also when shampooing her hair as not to get stung.
Ash has picked up sign and words but his fallback is always the same. When he likes something he gives a strong nod, and a dis-like takes on a vigorous head shaking. And anytime he wants an item, he holds his arm out in front of him and grunts, like we should curtsy and oblige his orders, Sir Ashton.
At the park he went down a long fast slide and twisty slide on his own, once emerging from the twisty slide head first and upside down, scared but still smiling. Papa Dale noted that the kid walks with confidence, his lordotic style of stance, wide gait and arms swinging, the left way faster than the right. He does not like cantalope but loves whip cream and smoothies.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Hello calf...where did you go?
Got my cast off today. Was told I would have to have one on for 4 more weeks until they realized they made a mistake and I needed a walking boot. Was about to start swinging because there was no way in hell...
Let the kids tag the cast this am before I had it sliced off. Was supposed to be fun but with kids there are plans and then there is what ends up happening. Ash pooped so had to take the pen away from him to change his pants. He freaked and chorus one started. Then the cat lost the cap to Maya's green pen and she freaked...chorus number two.
I have been dubbed the running hug master, where the kids scream down the hallway and I catapult them onto the couch. They think I was born to be there all time running hug dad. They do not understand when after multiple sessions I have to stop, like I am some robot and you can just oil me up and I don't stop. I missed Maya and she went flying by. Sorta funny but not when she sat on my lap crying saying that I made her really sad.
Today at dinner she told me that she was up with God watching us before she was born. Maybe she was...sure am happy she picked us to be her parents.
Ash loves chapstick. Lid on...lid off and don't you dare take it away from him. He also likes to put things in the toilet...tonight's victim...my gym shorts. He is now saying hat, car and please. Both kids wanna kick my leg now, as I let them kick it with the cast on...I see pain in my future.
Let the kids tag the cast this am before I had it sliced off. Was supposed to be fun but with kids there are plans and then there is what ends up happening. Ash pooped so had to take the pen away from him to change his pants. He freaked and chorus one started. Then the cat lost the cap to Maya's green pen and she freaked...chorus number two.
I have been dubbed the running hug master, where the kids scream down the hallway and I catapult them onto the couch. They think I was born to be there all time running hug dad. They do not understand when after multiple sessions I have to stop, like I am some robot and you can just oil me up and I don't stop. I missed Maya and she went flying by. Sorta funny but not when she sat on my lap crying saying that I made her really sad.
Today at dinner she told me that she was up with God watching us before she was born. Maybe she was...sure am happy she picked us to be her parents.
Ash loves chapstick. Lid on...lid off and don't you dare take it away from him. He also likes to put things in the toilet...tonight's victim...my gym shorts. He is now saying hat, car and please. Both kids wanna kick my leg now, as I let them kick it with the cast on...I see pain in my future.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Too be a kid
I think my daughter is so cool. Today I am checking my email and allowing the kids to entertain themselves in the family room. Maya comes in, shoulders a bit shrugged carrying a winsome little smile stating she has something to tell me. Splattered with a bunch of "ums" and "well" she managed to tell me that she had done something to Ashton. I heard no screaming so hoped he was still breathing. She said she was building towers with books and little man had knocked them down. She got mad and chucked a few books at him. She had come to tell me this and that she was sorry. Wow...what do you want kid...ice cream, money. What honesty. I am sure it can work the other way and tattle taling will start soon.
Fuuny... I asked Maya where mom was. She answered that she was going to the bathroom... and was having a hard time. Shall I get the plunger? Turns out she was having a hard time with Ashton in the bathroom. That kid. Had a cookie in hand in his high-chair. He put his hand over the edge, stared at me and knew what I did not want him to do...yet with our eyes met he spiked it down to the floor, then his fork and tray all before I could hobble over to get him. Little bugger.
After playing with Kyle at his house, Maya as usual began to itch in the grass. As soon as she got home she ran to the bath. I had to grab bro from the car, and when I finally got back, she was naked in the bath without any water just pleading for me to make the itch to stop.
Maya got that blow up globe from her reading challenge, so we have been introducing her to geography. I pointed out Madagascar and she is set that she wants to go there. Actually anywhere we point out that has animals is a destination she desires. I think Madagascar is doable, but when she keeps pointing to Siberia stating she wants to go there next...not so sure.
Fuuny... I asked Maya where mom was. She answered that she was going to the bathroom... and was having a hard time. Shall I get the plunger? Turns out she was having a hard time with Ashton in the bathroom. That kid. Had a cookie in hand in his high-chair. He put his hand over the edge, stared at me and knew what I did not want him to do...yet with our eyes met he spiked it down to the floor, then his fork and tray all before I could hobble over to get him. Little bugger.
After playing with Kyle at his house, Maya as usual began to itch in the grass. As soon as she got home she ran to the bath. I had to grab bro from the car, and when I finally got back, she was naked in the bath without any water just pleading for me to make the itch to stop.
Maya got that blow up globe from her reading challenge, so we have been introducing her to geography. I pointed out Madagascar and she is set that she wants to go there. Actually anywhere we point out that has animals is a destination she desires. I think Madagascar is doable, but when she keeps pointing to Siberia stating she wants to go there next...not so sure.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Fort
Today we brought out the princess tent with the tube. We opened it up for snack time, the cat participated in destroying the set up, and Ash and Maya hung out like buds for a bit. Then I super-sized it, adding on a new room. Maya loved it, Ash tore it down. Still true to their nature.
Maya and had some good time together while Ash napped. We beaded some collars for Lucky and made an anklet for my cast. Dad then coerced her into learning time with ABC dot to dots and some thinking exercises. Quality time with Ash was just throwing some balls around...so simple. He learned how to climb up the slide today. While we waited for Mom's return we danced to salsa and did running hugs and throws onto the couch.
Maya and had some good time together while Ash napped. We beaded some collars for Lucky and made an anklet for my cast. Dad then coerced her into learning time with ABC dot to dots and some thinking exercises. Quality time with Ash was just throwing some balls around...so simple. He learned how to climb up the slide today. While we waited for Mom's return we danced to salsa and did running hugs and throws onto the couch.
Monday, August 1, 2011
I'll take two please
Today Maya and Ashton were playing on the slide together in the backyard. I was seated reading my book and just keeping their actions in my periphery, or more realistically just listening for sounds that would suggest damage or danger. I glance up once in a while to make sure all body parts are attached. One glance I noted that Ashton had a butterfly net over his head, and holding onto the other end was the Ashton catcher...Maya. I asked her quickly not to do that to her brother...that he is not a butterfly. Her response, " But he did not cry". Nice logic actually. So as long as he does not cry it flies. So if she puts tape over his mouth, or puts his head in a bucket of water...all good...don't hear him crying.
Ashton usually takes baths first, then Maya lingers in the second one. I was repairing a wire that the cat had chewed through and Jen was busy in her usual Monday "getter done" phase, I heard a splash. No crying, no screaming so all is good. Upon investigating after not seeing Ash, he had decided that we may have missed a spot and dove in with PJ's and all...happy as can be with Maya in the bath.
Maya got a sticker for reading books this summer and for some odd reason wanted to put in on her cheek...two days ago. It has remained untouched until tonight when bath time came around. She was so upset it had to come off. Tears followed comments that it was her favorite sticker and she wanted people to know she had read.
Ashton usually takes baths first, then Maya lingers in the second one. I was repairing a wire that the cat had chewed through and Jen was busy in her usual Monday "getter done" phase, I heard a splash. No crying, no screaming so all is good. Upon investigating after not seeing Ash, he had decided that we may have missed a spot and dove in with PJ's and all...happy as can be with Maya in the bath.
Maya got a sticker for reading books this summer and for some odd reason wanted to put in on her cheek...two days ago. It has remained untouched until tonight when bath time came around. She was so upset it had to come off. Tears followed comments that it was her favorite sticker and she wanted people to know she had read.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Up and Down
Today we went to Gilroy Gardens, after Jen and Maya spent oh so long in the DSW while Dad manned the empty vehicle in the parking lot. We did the baby horse carousel 2 times with big smiles. The Ferris Wheel was a hit. On the way up we said " I think I can", and on the way down we all held up our hands and then tickled each other. Both kids loved it, and Maya wanted to build a nest in the trees like a bird while we were up high. We started the maze, but then Maya burst in to tears when she saw mom lost in the maze...so we reunited mom and Maya and the all was well again in the universe. Maya drove the green car and they both saddled up the small fire truck. In the parking lot the wind blew the stroller away and Maya screamed and cried...such a sensitive little person this one. We drove by her new school today, and at bedtime, that was her favorite part of her day. The silliest was blowfish kisses.
Maya is entering the make believe era. Tonight she was balancing on my crutches. The carpet was water...bad water. When I spotted a shark and tried to rescue her, she said it was only a puppet shark and was harmless. but the whirlpools were bad and a giant crab commenced to attack her.
Had fun tossing both kids on the couch as they ran and SCREAMED down the hall.
Maya is entering the make believe era. Tonight she was balancing on my crutches. The carpet was water...bad water. When I spotted a shark and tried to rescue her, she said it was only a puppet shark and was harmless. but the whirlpools were bad and a giant crab commenced to attack her.
Had fun tossing both kids on the couch as they ran and SCREAMED down the hall.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Just Mellow
Woke up this am with an Ash man in my face. He was up and 6 and we were not ready to be parents yet, so he was tossed in between us and forced back to sleep. Of course when mom leaves he is so aware and tries to crawl out after her. Momma is something special.
We steam cleaned the couches today after Dad's nose compared them to a homeless person...Jen not so sure but sure she won't argue about clean couches. Just moving those cushions opened up a whole new world to the kids. Of course Ash dialed in on all the buttons on the machine and the outlet. He tries to hard to help yet has no idea he is just needs to try less. Good for him though...am sure he will push many more buttons in time, and not all them physical ones.
Mom took Maya to mall. I drifted off to sleep on couch and Ash woke me up with the angry cry. That boy always wakes up so pissed off. We did some yard work in the back. Ash loved to pick the roses...the live ones, and place the petals all over the yard. Is he telling us he wants to be a flower girl?
Maya asks us to clarify everything. Dad...why does the vine grow so much...and on an on. Wonder what she thinks parents. We must be so cool and wise to her.
We steam cleaned the couches today after Dad's nose compared them to a homeless person...Jen not so sure but sure she won't argue about clean couches. Just moving those cushions opened up a whole new world to the kids. Of course Ash dialed in on all the buttons on the machine and the outlet. He tries to hard to help yet has no idea he is just needs to try less. Good for him though...am sure he will push many more buttons in time, and not all them physical ones.
Mom took Maya to mall. I drifted off to sleep on couch and Ash woke me up with the angry cry. That boy always wakes up so pissed off. We did some yard work in the back. Ash loved to pick the roses...the live ones, and place the petals all over the yard. Is he telling us he wants to be a flower girl?
Maya asks us to clarify everything. Dad...why does the vine grow so much...and on an on. Wonder what she thinks parents. We must be so cool and wise to her.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Ka-Boomb
How is it that one kid is able to be controlled, yet when you add one more...you form a Tornado. Jonah, Maya and Ash have turned the place upside down...chasing the cat and taking it on the slide, throwing sand on everything that is stationary. I have decided that I am playing the broken leg card tonight, and assuming no responsibility for this creation. Will see how long I hold out...or can run.
We picked up Maya from summer school. Her last day at her old school. Was a bit sad, but feel her new school will be best. She build some crazy nail and wood structure and gave her teachers big hugs and thanks. Her arrival at her last day was more traumatic. She exited the truck while I was still fumbling with crutches and bailed, hitting her head on the door and scrapping her hands. As she lied their crying all I could do was listen and I get their as fast as possible on crutches. I was able to console her, standing, while help was offered by passerbys. Kinda a weird scene. Crying kid, dad on one leg...in so many ways I am the kid sometimes.
Jen took Maya to Lunch with Randy, so the little shark was left with me. As I checked email, I heard the familiar sound of water splashing...oh he probably got in the cats water. Upon investigation, he was laid out in a big puddle of water in the kitchen, him splashing the cat as it tried to lick all the water on the floor. Later he added to the mess by tossing his try of 8 blackberries onto the floor. Good thing blackberries don't explode when they hit the floor...right.
We picked up Maya from summer school. Her last day at her old school. Was a bit sad, but feel her new school will be best. She build some crazy nail and wood structure and gave her teachers big hugs and thanks. Her arrival at her last day was more traumatic. She exited the truck while I was still fumbling with crutches and bailed, hitting her head on the door and scrapping her hands. As she lied their crying all I could do was listen and I get their as fast as possible on crutches. I was able to console her, standing, while help was offered by passerbys. Kinda a weird scene. Crying kid, dad on one leg...in so many ways I am the kid sometimes.
Jen took Maya to Lunch with Randy, so the little shark was left with me. As I checked email, I heard the familiar sound of water splashing...oh he probably got in the cats water. Upon investigation, he was laid out in a big puddle of water in the kitchen, him splashing the cat as it tried to lick all the water on the floor. Later he added to the mess by tossing his try of 8 blackberries onto the floor. Good thing blackberries don't explode when they hit the floor...right.
Daddy don't stop me
So Ash is a boy, in case we have not guessed this by now. As Maya was very verbal by this age, he knows how to dump water, throw food and now, to add to his repitoire, he can now jump off furniture. Dad sat motionless, almost ready to grab his crutches and run forward to put an end to his new found hobby, but the risk squashing a new boys discovery at that moment outweighed his risk for injury. He has been able to mount the ottoman for some time, but yesterday he turned to face me and smiled, then looked to the floor, back at me with an even bigger smile. At that moment, I knew the next step, but again like watching a horrific video that you say "stop, no more", you can't help wonder what will happen next, so you stay tuned in. He just jumped, more like a step into space and fell until gravity brought the floor to him. He went down, all the way down. My eyes got big, my breath lagged for a few seconds, yet when that smile emerged from him as he bounced up, I knew I had made the right decision. Now was the next decision correct...well grabbing the camera and begging him to repeat this feat...not sure. But he obliged without any coersion on my part. When Maya got in on the gig, his show was over and onto the next thing. But my neglect versus permission to experiment was captured on video for mom to judge.
All day I had been passively searching for his new toothbrush, and sorta gave into the fact that like most other things...it would just show up later. Eventually things are found, as was the toothbrush. My bladder was ready to unwind for the night...in a hurry...and staring at me from the glistening toilet bowl was his toothbrush. Was he attempting to help by cleaning the porcelen, most likely not.
Maya brought home a nice green necklace purse that she laced up all her self. Never sure what to do with all these creations that she collects, but know that each one brings me such a smile. Was putting Ash down while mom was at Bunko. I heard a screaming from the bathroom, so I have no choice but to put Ash down and investigate. Maya has this habit of realizing she has to use the bathroom as pee is coming out... not much forethrought. She was sweet though and had wiped it off the floor, but her undies were wet. Ash was nearby, bottle in mouthy, wondering when he would be hopped back for his turn with crippled dad. One other funny thing...Maya caught a spider in her little cage and ran into the kitchen with an announcement. "The spider had shrunk". Actually, it had escaped, yet she was positive it had shrunk so we could not see it. Funny thing was that for a few minutes I though she said the spider was drunk. Funny...but what intrigued me most was where the term "drunk" had entered her vocabulary. What movie did I forget to edit?
We took Maya to Library. She read 30 books and was chasing the goal...an inflatable globe. Was super cool...she turned in her little sheet of books and stared eagerly at the man, anticipating her prize. She was loaded up...stickers, lollipops and an globe. She stood there so proud...and I stood by her...taking in that little face. So bright.
All day I had been passively searching for his new toothbrush, and sorta gave into the fact that like most other things...it would just show up later. Eventually things are found, as was the toothbrush. My bladder was ready to unwind for the night...in a hurry...and staring at me from the glistening toilet bowl was his toothbrush. Was he attempting to help by cleaning the porcelen, most likely not.
Maya brought home a nice green necklace purse that she laced up all her self. Never sure what to do with all these creations that she collects, but know that each one brings me such a smile. Was putting Ash down while mom was at Bunko. I heard a screaming from the bathroom, so I have no choice but to put Ash down and investigate. Maya has this habit of realizing she has to use the bathroom as pee is coming out... not much forethrought. She was sweet though and had wiped it off the floor, but her undies were wet. Ash was nearby, bottle in mouthy, wondering when he would be hopped back for his turn with crippled dad. One other funny thing...Maya caught a spider in her little cage and ran into the kitchen with an announcement. "The spider had shrunk". Actually, it had escaped, yet she was positive it had shrunk so we could not see it. Funny thing was that for a few minutes I though she said the spider was drunk. Funny...but what intrigued me most was where the term "drunk" had entered her vocabulary. What movie did I forget to edit?
We took Maya to Library. She read 30 books and was chasing the goal...an inflatable globe. Was super cool...she turned in her little sheet of books and stared eagerly at the man, anticipating her prize. She was loaded up...stickers, lollipops and an globe. She stood there so proud...and I stood by her...taking in that little face. So bright.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The crutch wins
Ashton awoke at O 730 this am, not a welcome time but did get us ready to get to school on time. Picked up Luke and scurried him home without a car seat.
Today while Ash napped, Maya and I played a board game. Before this she said she wanted to play her game. It was a trophy game. Basically you lay on your back and hold your leg up in the air. I asked her how she thought about this most unusual game, and she replied it just came into her head. After a few minutes of us holding up our leg, she stated the idea has left her head, and is ready for a new game.
We played in the back yard while awaiting mom's relief. Ash could not keep the sand in the table. Mom gave rides in the swing, and Maya learned to use her legs to keep her going, and also to throw her hands in the air like a roller coaster.
All day we could not locate the brand new shark water bottle we had bough just yesterday. Along this line, Ash has figured out how do throw things away and dig trash out. What did we find in the trash...shark water bottle.
His hair is getting long and curly in the back. We don't want him thought of as a girl, but cutting it will take away his babiness and make him a little boy... not sure we are ready. Mom played little piggy and he gave his foot willingly.
We took another walk to the small park to count cars. Our favorite was a green car, and we snacked on dried strawberries. On our way back ran into Meison and Erin, so we did sommersalts on the grass and picked the neighbors flowers. Maya proceeded to roll on the carpet in despair afterward stating her whole body itched of grass. Thanks Dad.
Today while Ash napped, Maya and I played a board game. Before this she said she wanted to play her game. It was a trophy game. Basically you lay on your back and hold your leg up in the air. I asked her how she thought about this most unusual game, and she replied it just came into her head. After a few minutes of us holding up our leg, she stated the idea has left her head, and is ready for a new game.
We played in the back yard while awaiting mom's relief. Ash could not keep the sand in the table. Mom gave rides in the swing, and Maya learned to use her legs to keep her going, and also to throw her hands in the air like a roller coaster.
All day we could not locate the brand new shark water bottle we had bough just yesterday. Along this line, Ash has figured out how do throw things away and dig trash out. What did we find in the trash...shark water bottle.
His hair is getting long and curly in the back. We don't want him thought of as a girl, but cutting it will take away his babiness and make him a little boy... not sure we are ready. Mom played little piggy and he gave his foot willingly.
We took another walk to the small park to count cars. Our favorite was a green car, and we snacked on dried strawberries. On our way back ran into Meison and Erin, so we did sommersalts on the grass and picked the neighbors flowers. Maya proceeded to roll on the carpet in despair afterward stating her whole body itched of grass. Thanks Dad.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Jokes on you
So today Maya has begun to tell jokes...or at least her version of a joke.
Daddy, what did the chicken eat? The road.
Why did the chicken cross the road? Cuz he was hit by a wheel and layed there forever. Ha.
And when I do not laugh she is confused. Funny.
Today Grandma brought a cleaning toy from Ross for Maya and a talking dump truck for Ash. Maya put on her little apron and swept, mopped and starting speaking in spanish...nah. She was very elegant and thorough with her cleaning.
Later in the evening when daddy was alone they took full advantage of my handicap, throwing all the sand out of the box and into each others hair and crevasses. Maya made a blueberry muffin with frosting at summer camp (not a cupcake dad) because the teacher could not find the nails and hammer for her building summer camp...hmm. Maya decided that all the tiny ants needed food on the back porch so crumbled up a bunch of crackers and littered them all over...for the ants. Now we will have ants for sure.
Daddy, what did the chicken eat? The road.
Why did the chicken cross the road? Cuz he was hit by a wheel and layed there forever. Ha.
And when I do not laugh she is confused. Funny.
Today Grandma brought a cleaning toy from Ross for Maya and a talking dump truck for Ash. Maya put on her little apron and swept, mopped and starting speaking in spanish...nah. She was very elegant and thorough with her cleaning.
Later in the evening when daddy was alone they took full advantage of my handicap, throwing all the sand out of the box and into each others hair and crevasses. Maya made a blueberry muffin with frosting at summer camp (not a cupcake dad) because the teacher could not find the nails and hammer for her building summer camp...hmm. Maya decided that all the tiny ants needed food on the back porch so crumbled up a bunch of crackers and littered them all over...for the ants. Now we will have ants for sure.
Monday, July 25, 2011
One small word for Ashton, one stupendous word for mom and dad.
Ashton was twitching all night, up and down...not sure where his head was but not in the crib. Had to lay on the floor and hum "ants for marching" and "wheels on the bus" for EVER. Also that crazy Lucky car of ours enjoys frolicking on the bed just on that fine line where he is still cute enough to not throw our the window.
Maya started her one week of summer camp...building stuff. Picked her up and rigging 2 car seats in the truck. She was decorating her hard hat and made a marshmellow structure of some sort that was envied by Ashton's taste buds.
Maya sat down and wanted to make a list of all the names in the family. I told her the letters of every member's name and she jotted all the names down in blue. Had a hard time with "u" and figuring out if the names went left to right or right to left, but nailed them all. Next she said each letter in the name, spelling each name out. She was so excited she wanted to wrap it up for mom, so we proceeded to empty out a box, dig for some wrapping paper and a purple bow. She then hid it under the bed for mom...super excited. One other funny Maya incident. I was looking at pictures on the computer and she saw her mom and dad in a photo with some picturesque landscape in the background and asked if she could go there. I answered yes. She then said next that she wanted to go Vegas and go camping, and that Hayden had mentioned this. Is this boy thinking about taking my girl. We said that there is a lot of cigarettes in Vegas and people smell there. Ended that dream for now.
I sat Ashton down in front of the computer and typed in simple words into google images and he sounded off a few. His big word of the day was ball... the first word...or is "Ba" just a noise that sounds like a word. Other words are kitty, doggy-dog, ma-ma, thank you. Love his little brain. He was really upset when Maya got in the swing first and did not like to share. They played great though in the hall later though, screaming and running onto the couch as the cat waited to pounce, one time jumping all the way up to Maya's head.
Maya started her one week of summer camp...building stuff. Picked her up and rigging 2 car seats in the truck. She was decorating her hard hat and made a marshmellow structure of some sort that was envied by Ashton's taste buds.
Maya sat down and wanted to make a list of all the names in the family. I told her the letters of every member's name and she jotted all the names down in blue. Had a hard time with "u" and figuring out if the names went left to right or right to left, but nailed them all. Next she said each letter in the name, spelling each name out. She was so excited she wanted to wrap it up for mom, so we proceeded to empty out a box, dig for some wrapping paper and a purple bow. She then hid it under the bed for mom...super excited. One other funny Maya incident. I was looking at pictures on the computer and she saw her mom and dad in a photo with some picturesque landscape in the background and asked if she could go there. I answered yes. She then said next that she wanted to go Vegas and go camping, and that Hayden had mentioned this. Is this boy thinking about taking my girl. We said that there is a lot of cigarettes in Vegas and people smell there. Ended that dream for now.
I sat Ashton down in front of the computer and typed in simple words into google images and he sounded off a few. His big word of the day was ball... the first word...or is "Ba" just a noise that sounds like a word. Other words are kitty, doggy-dog, ma-ma, thank you. Love his little brain. He was really upset when Maya got in the swing first and did not like to share. They played great though in the hall later though, screaming and running onto the couch as the cat waited to pounce, one time jumping all the way up to Maya's head.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Boy Time
Up with Ash after singing him "The wheels on the bus" forever to get him to sleep. We go and find the girls having a pillow fight in the trailer. Sweetrolls for breakfast. Me and Grandpa pack up for trip to Gaints game. The ferry si booked so wait around the next one. Arrive and aimlessly walk toward the ballpark on crutches. Finally board the muni minus a ticket. Seats are sick...just miss the opening homer by Brewers. Ho tdogs and beer, tons of foul balls but all on the other side. Brian Wilson to close it out...fear the beard. Escalator breaks on way down, packed muni on way back...we break the law again. Buy some nasty easter egg tasting tea that we force down for the healthy ingredients. A nice ride home on the Ferry, 5 guys for some burger, fries and peanuts. Home and Maya in a pretty new purple dress. The girls are beat from kids, Teagan and Maya multiple kisses and hugs when saying bye. Kids sleep on the ride home. Two K check slipped to me by dad...feeling the love.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
more and more kids
Spending the weekend at my parent's house. Jen busy with taking her dad for walks. Papa heads a new soccer ball into Ashton's forehead, he heads it back with a solid forhead kick, falls down scared but back up for more. The kids run through some 2 dollar sprinkler in the back yard and uncle Nick entertains the kiddos while Nana Josie announces she is putting in the pasta 5 times. A nice drive through the country presents us to the Millers. We arrive late as not to wake the Trotts, and watch a movie that Jen thinks is too gory, but hangs around anyways.
We eat together for breakfast, then the girls play in the pool, making dirt bucket sand castles. Granpa brings the firetruck by and we spray some water and take some pictures. Kids to the pubic pool. Maya and Teagan are in the same Rapunzel dresses, and the boys are wrestling in the family room. We eat tacos on the deck, Ash loves guacamole and Maya her usual quesadilla. Ash is playing with rocks, falls off cough but this kid bounces. Maya and Teagan camping in the trailer with the grandparents. Night cap with starship troopers
We eat together for breakfast, then the girls play in the pool, making dirt bucket sand castles. Granpa brings the firetruck by and we spray some water and take some pictures. Kids to the pubic pool. Maya and Teagan are in the same Rapunzel dresses, and the boys are wrestling in the family room. We eat tacos on the deck, Ash loves guacamole and Maya her usual quesadilla. Ash is playing with rocks, falls off cough but this kid bounces. Maya and Teagan camping in the trailer with the grandparents. Night cap with starship troopers
Thursday, July 21, 2011
More Pizza
Something funny...caught Maya stashing a booger on the couch. I confronted her about it and she responded by saying "oh dad...that's my special place". I peeled back the cushions and discovered generations of boogers that she had found a home for, and she had decided to dedicate this area for homeless boogers. Nice.
Maya said at the dinner table that she taught Ashton to bite, just the couch though, so he could leave his slime on the cushions. Our couch sure takes a beating.
Ashton vomited again in the bath. That boy is so boy. He also loves that cat. He carries that thing around in weird yoga positions and it just goes limp...like it thinks its mom is carrying it to a safe place. He also loves to have it chase the broom as he drags it down the hall. Lucky got out and he chased that thing down, cornered it behind the shed and came out holding that thing by its hide...it had surrendered.
Read Maya books in bed, she had to hide in her "pocket" covers while she thought of her favorite, hardest and silliest part of the day. Maya helped me plant peppers and harvest chard, while digging a hole for the squirrels to bury their nuts in. And we had pizza twice today. Maya ate the top off, Mom ate my scraps and Ashton just hurled it in every direction.
Maya went shopping with mom. She selected a different dressing room each time, like a little boss, and told mom she looked beautiful in everything, loving every garmet within her reach.
Maya said at the dinner table that she taught Ashton to bite, just the couch though, so he could leave his slime on the cushions. Our couch sure takes a beating.
Ashton vomited again in the bath. That boy is so boy. He also loves that cat. He carries that thing around in weird yoga positions and it just goes limp...like it thinks its mom is carrying it to a safe place. He also loves to have it chase the broom as he drags it down the hall. Lucky got out and he chased that thing down, cornered it behind the shed and came out holding that thing by its hide...it had surrendered.
Read Maya books in bed, she had to hide in her "pocket" covers while she thought of her favorite, hardest and silliest part of the day. Maya helped me plant peppers and harvest chard, while digging a hole for the squirrels to bury their nuts in. And we had pizza twice today. Maya ate the top off, Mom ate my scraps and Ashton just hurled it in every direction.
Maya went shopping with mom. She selected a different dressing room each time, like a little boss, and told mom she looked beautiful in everything, loving every garmet within her reach.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Run Ashton Run
Today I braved the two children animals alone with my crutches and green cast...bring it. Maya greeted me while I was taking a pee, stating she had been awake in bed, waiting to hear a sound, and was reading books. I went in to her room and there were no books anywhere. She has begun to make up little fibs that are cute and demonstrated that little imagination taking blood. Breakfast went smooth as long as I catered to requests, so breakfast quesadillas were a hit. I then set up the backyard with a pool, a crazy sprinkler and let the kids roam free. Ash and Maya had water fight as they aimed the sprinkler at each other and watered each other silly. Ash was cute...he was watering all the flowers like Maya and Daddy. Maya spent some time watering the fence, rocks and anything else that was fun to throw water at. She was in a water forest, and even took the plastic car in for a car wash, all the while Ashton was inside the car. The garage door man arrived to inform me that everything was working fine...all for sixty bucks...thanks cast. Maya and I played the catepillar game while Ash napped.
I next had to get the kids and three bags into the car, while at the same time not letting any animals escape. Well one animal escaped, and his name was Ash. He immediately bolted out the door and to the end of the block, Maya tugging on his shirt and he pulled her forward, as if there was some crazy treat at the end of the road that the rest of us could not see. I finally caught him and one hopped it to the car 5 houses. As I pulled out, Maya said Ash was sad so she gave him a bottle. We did the crazy dance on the way to Jonah's.
The kids ran around with an assortment of balls, flying balloons. Ash threw his fork at Jonah, and auntie Heather took silly pictures. I rocked Ash to sleep singing "California Girls"" by the Beach Boys. He fell asleep with images of girls in bikinis...nice.
I next had to get the kids and three bags into the car, while at the same time not letting any animals escape. Well one animal escaped, and his name was Ash. He immediately bolted out the door and to the end of the block, Maya tugging on his shirt and he pulled her forward, as if there was some crazy treat at the end of the road that the rest of us could not see. I finally caught him and one hopped it to the car 5 houses. As I pulled out, Maya said Ash was sad so she gave him a bottle. We did the crazy dance on the way to Jonah's.
The kids ran around with an assortment of balls, flying balloons. Ash threw his fork at Jonah, and auntie Heather took silly pictures. I rocked Ash to sleep singing "California Girls"" by the Beach Boys. He fell asleep with images of girls in bikinis...nice.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Grandma in the house
Grandma, Ash, Maya and her cat all wake my butt up at the same time this morning. At least Grandma arrives with food. Cinnamon rolls for Maya and coffee for the big people, although Ash loves to steal sips. Maya steps into her leotard and off to gym with Grandma. Ash has figured out how to carry the cat in an array of ways...some are not to pretty yet the cat seems to be OK with the arrangement, maybe because it knows later it will reap the benefits of Ashton's ability to throw perfectly good food on the floor.Grandma brings pizza home and wisks Maya away to see the movie Cars two.Ash wakes from nap really grumpy so he gets a heave hoe into the swing which brings a smile, and laughing at daddy who tries to push him on crutches. We all sit on the patio reviewing our shell collection, and tasting them to see if they still have a salt content. Of course Grandma encourages this strange activity. Ash also enjoys breaking shells. Maya takes her antibiotics well for her pimples, chased with ice cold water of course. I spend some time with Ash building book towers that he can knocked over and we all enjoy launching a loud balloon over and over in the family room. I sit with Maya on the computer playing Curious George games and love watching that little brain work. I tell her a story about a butterfly searching for the tastiest nector.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Break a leg, morph into a babysitter
I limp to greet both kids in the morning. Ashton runs to door to meet mom as she returns from kickboxing. Moods are somber as the day brings another unpacking frenzy, all knowing we must repack in the next few days. Has become a routine. Jen takes Maya to the doctor for a skin infection on her knee while dad tootles around the house. I hit the gym for the first time with my green cast. Ashton is still flinging his food, this time banked a strawberry off two walls and landed on the trash can lid. Maya made the best sweet tea in the world for us to taste today....ice and water. Dad took the kids out while mom unpacked. Maya pushed Ash on stroller, pushing him in circles, wheeles and into bushes...he loved it. We sat on park bench guessing what color car was going to come by next. Maya said she wanted a rainbow sparkly car when she grows up. Swung by Nathanial's house to pet his chicken and bounce some on the trampoline. My has perfected the "my foot hurts" in order to draw attention from parents. Doing some reading on what to do with a whiny child. Looks like I am doing the right thing, just need to work on the patience.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Camping hygee
We embarked on camping excursion number 3 this summer. The first one was cold, the next one we broke a leg. Are we pressing our luck? Five families loaded with food and large plastic toys are about to take over Big Sur. Our journey started and almost ended at the local strip mall, where we bounced around between every store possible before finally firing away down the 101. A lot of sugar and loud screaming voices, so this is what I remember.
Squirt gun fight between Ian and 4 kids. It began with watering trees, and it ended with face shots of intense water streams aimed for the eyes. Poison Oak creeping in from every corner, the phrase of the weekend was " don't touch the green stuff". The kids sitting around in the dark busting gut as they shared poo poo and pee pee stories, and soon to follow the adults doing the same thing. Ashton waking up pissed off, and sleeping in our bed, but for some time just content sitting awake in our bed not making a peep. Seeing a skunk raid our trash. No mosquitos. Exploring tree caves with the kids. Emotional breakdowns as we had to release the bugs we caught over the weekend. Carl playing tag with all the kids. Leaving 5 small kids unintended feeding a fire with small sticks. Ashton always running toward the street, and taking dad on a wild chase as I tried to coral him back to camp. Hundreds of motorcycles surrounding us on our drive home like a swarm of bees. Jen running over ladder ball, Ashton knocking on the neighbors door and running. Ash not happy when I became upset with him spilling food, but we made up in the swing later. Asking Maya to take three bites of chicken, and her putting 3 bites on one fork...clever. Rolling dice with Maya at night. And being really, really tired.
Squirt gun fight between Ian and 4 kids. It began with watering trees, and it ended with face shots of intense water streams aimed for the eyes. Poison Oak creeping in from every corner, the phrase of the weekend was " don't touch the green stuff". The kids sitting around in the dark busting gut as they shared poo poo and pee pee stories, and soon to follow the adults doing the same thing. Ashton waking up pissed off, and sleeping in our bed, but for some time just content sitting awake in our bed not making a peep. Seeing a skunk raid our trash. No mosquitos. Exploring tree caves with the kids. Emotional breakdowns as we had to release the bugs we caught over the weekend. Carl playing tag with all the kids. Leaving 5 small kids unintended feeding a fire with small sticks. Ashton always running toward the street, and taking dad on a wild chase as I tried to coral him back to camp. Hundreds of motorcycles surrounding us on our drive home like a swarm of bees. Jen running over ladder ball, Ashton knocking on the neighbors door and running. Ash not happy when I became upset with him spilling food, but we made up in the swing later. Asking Maya to take three bites of chicken, and her putting 3 bites on one fork...clever. Rolling dice with Maya at night. And being really, really tired.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Another leg to break?
Jen is home today...yeah. We did some packing, well actually Jen did some packing as I watched and just bounced around looking for things that needed to be done really slow, without nimbleness. Maya was a great helper today. I limped around with the pruning shears while she tailgated me with a small purple container where I could place all the clippings. We pulled up purple carrots, and every flower I guillotined she gently placed in water for it to continue it's bloom.
We brought some cookies over to Rick to watch the place, and she said he should eat them all tonight. We snuck a few on the trip over, just to ensure they were worth presenting to such a worthy neighbor.
She has also discovered that she can physically overpower her little brother, and is taking full advantage until she gets passed up. A smack to the face, a swift kick to knock him off the ottoman. He tolerates, so she continues, saying he must like it because he does not cry. Right. I don't like cilantro, but do not cry when I bite into a small nugget in my burrito.
Her and mom mix up more cookies while Ash continues to enjoy the humpty-dumpty routine. And still his favorite treat...sucking on one of his blanket's corners until it is soggy and brown. Maya is reading in our bed "everybody poops" while she harasses mom on the computer. Her favorite word...Dad? Her next favorite word...Why?
We brought some cookies over to Rick to watch the place, and she said he should eat them all tonight. We snuck a few on the trip over, just to ensure they were worth presenting to such a worthy neighbor.
She has also discovered that she can physically overpower her little brother, and is taking full advantage until she gets passed up. A smack to the face, a swift kick to knock him off the ottoman. He tolerates, so she continues, saying he must like it because he does not cry. Right. I don't like cilantro, but do not cry when I bite into a small nugget in my burrito.
Her and mom mix up more cookies while Ash continues to enjoy the humpty-dumpty routine. And still his favorite treat...sucking on one of his blanket's corners until it is soggy and brown. Maya is reading in our bed "everybody poops" while she harasses mom on the computer. Her favorite word...Dad? Her next favorite word...Why?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
50 percent flamingo
Grandma returned to our home again, accompanied with an enigma of food items, filled with love and intent to help, yet also with much refined sugar and artery glue. Maya is always thrilled with french fries in the morning, or as Grandma labels them, "potatoes". She also revealed to Maya that rose petals are good to eat. Is my kid going to spin a cocoon next and fly away? So my kids are in good hands while I take a promising trip to orthopedics.
Denied a blue cast as I might be a gang member, so I start my own gang...green. Maya sweetly requested a blue cast because it was my favorite color, but I surprised her with a green one. She plastered it with an array of letters that spell her and ashton's name in some order, and mom gave me a heart. Grandma inserted the idea that swimming would be fun, then proceeded to leave a crippled lifeguard watching two kids swim.
Maya has dipped her toes into the arena of the first ammendment. "I can say what I want daddy" or " I can choose whatever I want" . Hmm... so I answer that with the fifteenth, we have the right to vote, and both Ashton and I raise our hands...majority wins.
Maya tonight wanted to make a fan out of paper, and then asked what else I knew how to make with paper. The reason...so she could teach her kids later. Very sweet. She also traced both of our hands and cut them out for us. My hand looks like it was smacked with a hammer, but again very impressed with that little brain of hers. Another night of a "special treat" translating into "neither Jen or I have the time to dedicate reading 3 books, singing Rudolph the Red nosed "insert some person or animal we know" and You are my sunshine 3 times, a trip for cold water with ice and throw in some red medicine for that phantom foot pain that she seems to have forgotten about until we manage sneak out the door. Mmm...Jen making cookies again...at least my appetite is not broken.
Denied a blue cast as I might be a gang member, so I start my own gang...green. Maya sweetly requested a blue cast because it was my favorite color, but I surprised her with a green one. She plastered it with an array of letters that spell her and ashton's name in some order, and mom gave me a heart. Grandma inserted the idea that swimming would be fun, then proceeded to leave a crippled lifeguard watching two kids swim.
Maya has dipped her toes into the arena of the first ammendment. "I can say what I want daddy" or " I can choose whatever I want" . Hmm... so I answer that with the fifteenth, we have the right to vote, and both Ashton and I raise our hands...majority wins.
Maya tonight wanted to make a fan out of paper, and then asked what else I knew how to make with paper. The reason...so she could teach her kids later. Very sweet. She also traced both of our hands and cut them out for us. My hand looks like it was smacked with a hammer, but again very impressed with that little brain of hers. Another night of a "special treat" translating into "neither Jen or I have the time to dedicate reading 3 books, singing Rudolph the Red nosed "insert some person or animal we know" and You are my sunshine 3 times, a trip for cold water with ice and throw in some red medicine for that phantom foot pain that she seems to have forgotten about until we manage sneak out the door. Mmm...Jen making cookies again...at least my appetite is not broken.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Ready for a prosthesis
Jen up early for kickboxing today, as I continue to watch my leg atrophy, she is more capable everyday of kicking my ass, so I shower her with compliments as not to get on her bad list. Her and the kids go to Camilla's house and giant outdoor playground, as Ash returns with a different color shirt. Then her and Lucky skirt off with Maya to the Vet, Ash cuttles with me on the couch, silently begging for me to hop him down the hall for a shot of night night milk. Jen takes a nap too...guess taking care of me is exhausting.
Her and Maya go to Trader Joe's and dad attempts to control the 2 foot little beast. Strike one he tags Maya's bed spread with black chalk. Strike 2 he dumps the cats water all over the food creating a thick mixture of soggy cat soup. Strike three he bolts out the door as he sees Jen's car. Dad has to make a decision. Go for Ash so he does not run in front of the car, or grab the cat which has just seen it's opportunity to bolt out. With some strange crutch jump hop, skip maneuver, I steer him away while hissing at the cat, scaring in back into the home.
Mom puts away the multi-million dollar collection of mostly useful groceries, while dad bathes the kids. Maya freaks when shampoo gets in her eyes. Ash has fun blowing bubbles until he inhales water and decides he wants another look at the pineapple he just consumed, this time floating all over the bath water and smeared on dad's leg. I retreat, capitulating to the mess and go hide until called upon again to resume my three legged pitiful steps and contribute my ninja like movements in an effort to assist.
Her and Maya go to Trader Joe's and dad attempts to control the 2 foot little beast. Strike one he tags Maya's bed spread with black chalk. Strike 2 he dumps the cats water all over the food creating a thick mixture of soggy cat soup. Strike three he bolts out the door as he sees Jen's car. Dad has to make a decision. Go for Ash so he does not run in front of the car, or grab the cat which has just seen it's opportunity to bolt out. With some strange crutch jump hop, skip maneuver, I steer him away while hissing at the cat, scaring in back into the home.
Mom puts away the multi-million dollar collection of mostly useful groceries, while dad bathes the kids. Maya freaks when shampoo gets in her eyes. Ash has fun blowing bubbles until he inhales water and decides he wants another look at the pineapple he just consumed, this time floating all over the bath water and smeared on dad's leg. I retreat, capitulating to the mess and go hide until called upon again to resume my three legged pitiful steps and contribute my ninja like movements in an effort to assist.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Home Again
Today we left off where we started, spoiled at Grandma's and Grandpa's house, as Grandma took Maya to the farm where she fed the sheep and chickens, returning with a busted pigeon egg and three feathers in hopes to fly like Dumbo. Grandpa tidied up our car, as if they had not done enough to help us out.
Jen wiped up a yummy breakfast, one that Papa Dale would love to eat, but his surgeon would not be proud of. Uncle Nick entertained the kids with blocks and cars while Big Nana asked us where she was multiple times.
Arriving home Dad assumed the usual useless position of Dad with a non functional leg, battling debris fields of stuff with crutches or bouncing around landmines of kid clutter. Mom was busy preparing for our next camping trip, while Dad read in the back yard while trying to tame the kids. Maya made me sand snow cones while Ashton poured bubbles on me and tagged me with chalk. Our kitten Lucky welcomed us home, and is defunct of jumping skills, yet replaced by spider man like climbing of any screen or cloth material covering flesh.
Jen wiped up a yummy breakfast, one that Papa Dale would love to eat, but his surgeon would not be proud of. Uncle Nick entertained the kids with blocks and cars while Big Nana asked us where she was multiple times.
Arriving home Dad assumed the usual useless position of Dad with a non functional leg, battling debris fields of stuff with crutches or bouncing around landmines of kid clutter. Mom was busy preparing for our next camping trip, while Dad read in the back yard while trying to tame the kids. Maya made me sand snow cones while Ashton poured bubbles on me and tagged me with chalk. Our kitten Lucky welcomed us home, and is defunct of jumping skills, yet replaced by spider man like climbing of any screen or cloth material covering flesh.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Without Wheels
How many times has my child uttered something shocking or completely out of the realm of reality, and I swear I will never forget it. Yet these small treasures have become so numerous that the circuits are full and I now need backup. So hopefully my fingers will now record what my brain intends to do while my life continues to resemble a pinball.
Today we are at Grandma and Grandpa Firetruck's after Papa Dale needed to bypass some pizza filled arteries. I am now convinced Ashton was taken from a liter of pups and dropped off at the nursery, since he has decided to use the doggy door for in and out privileges, the dog bed for a napping hammock, and the dog as a pillow.
Grandpa and I also discovered how much a diaper can absorb, after allowing Ash a dip in the pool with his huggy soon to be 5 pound soggy sponge attached to his rear.
Maya is Grandma's little shadow. "Daddy?" has now been replaced with "Grandma?" fielding all the questions so now cold water with ice requests are no longer my concern. Having crutches can have their benefits.
Too the pool we go, dad sidlined with a busted ankle and crutches do not make for good oars. Grandpa and Grandma both spend time with the new and improved, swim lesson tested fish Maya and Ash. Both kicking on the noodle and Ash playing Humpty Dumpty.
French Fries and corn on the back patio while Ashton adopts multiple pet flies that circle around,he attempts to stab them with a fork. Maya proclaims that Spong Bob makes her booboos feel better, undercutting dad's usual prohibition on the sarcastic sponge man. We watch Dumbo as a treat for a bath, and Ash again cuttles with Hero, adopting him as his new father.
Today we are at Grandma and Grandpa Firetruck's after Papa Dale needed to bypass some pizza filled arteries. I am now convinced Ashton was taken from a liter of pups and dropped off at the nursery, since he has decided to use the doggy door for in and out privileges, the dog bed for a napping hammock, and the dog as a pillow.
Grandpa and I also discovered how much a diaper can absorb, after allowing Ash a dip in the pool with his huggy soon to be 5 pound soggy sponge attached to his rear.
Maya is Grandma's little shadow. "Daddy?" has now been replaced with "Grandma?" fielding all the questions so now cold water with ice requests are no longer my concern. Having crutches can have their benefits.
Too the pool we go, dad sidlined with a busted ankle and crutches do not make for good oars. Grandpa and Grandma both spend time with the new and improved, swim lesson tested fish Maya and Ash. Both kicking on the noodle and Ash playing Humpty Dumpty.
French Fries and corn on the back patio while Ashton adopts multiple pet flies that circle around,he attempts to stab them with a fork. Maya proclaims that Spong Bob makes her booboos feel better, undercutting dad's usual prohibition on the sarcastic sponge man. We watch Dumbo as a treat for a bath, and Ash again cuttles with Hero, adopting him as his new father.