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.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
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.