3...2...1

So today I will share with you something that is becoming somewhat of a tradition in our house.



We are big on countdowns in our house. You kind of have to be when your 3 year old is number obsessed and your 1 year old is showing the same early signs of loving numbers. (As the microwave counts down, Addi grunts as each number passes....8 (heh!)...7(ba!)...6(gah!)...so on...



(I personally am quite pleased she is becoming a numbers kid as well...she and Connor can someday have lengthy conversations about numbers and mommy wont have to pretend that numbers fascinate her)



Anyway countdowns...any time we take a trip we put up a countdown to build up anticipation for the kids... Connor loves to take a number off each morning...marking the days left before we leave. Yeah I'm that kind of mom.

A few weeks ago we went on a Disney trip and we of course had a countdown. I started laminating my countdowns because we use them so often and I was having to make new ones each time.



So we now have a permanent Disney countdown (Because our family is a Disney Family...despite my husband's grumblings...)


The number countdowns are Disney paint color samples I got from Lowes or Home Depot (I can't remember which one now...all those hardware shops are the same to me)







So basically each morning he takes a number down and the day we leave..he takes the last piece down....You can imagine how anticipation builds....especially when it's Disney! :) Iadmit....this countdown builds anticipation for me too.


We have another countdown coming up...our beach countdown. Another one Ive laminated for long term keeping.

































This one will be going up soon.



My son recently asked if we could have a countdown to our countdown.









Thats where I draw the line.

Timetable

I hate TheBump. com.

Right now someone is asking themselves....what is that? The Bump? Well it is not a website about speed humps or that weird lump on your head, that is the cause of you avoiding that super cute short summer do.

Thebump.com is a baby website. While I was pregnant with Connor I was a total Bumpee...I'll admit. It was a paranoid pregnant woman's dream come true. Don't know if you can eat fish while pregnant? Find it out at TheBump.com... Want to know if the gas you are experiencing is normal for being only 15 weeks pregnant? The Bump can tell you! Does this look like a double line on a pregancy test? Not sure? Post your peestick on The Bump.com and 35 women could assuredly tell you if it was a positive test or an evaporation line...seriously. (See this is why no men follow my blog...for posts like this.)

When I was pregnant with Addi, I went less to the site...because I already knew what fish I could eat, gas was the least of my pregnant woes, and you've seen one peestick...you've seen them all. But I did visit every so often to read up on an occasional pregnancy issue...

I still get emails from the Bump...at the beginning that was cute because it would give you a month by month insight as to what your baby was doing or how your baby was developing in the womb. Like...your baby is now the size of an ipod (I seriously got that one once) ....and your baby can suck her thumb now, can blink her eyes and can tapdance on your bladder to showtunes...that sort of thing....

But now the emails....I have begun to ignore totally.

Connor was one of those babies that pretty much did everything on time according to what various doctors and TheBump emails said. Rolling over: 3 months..Teeth: 4 months... crawling 8 months...walking 12 months....He could have been like the posterboy for TheBump...seriously...

But I have begun to resent TheBump and its assuming timetable of baby actions. Because of what my daughter is teaching me. My daughter has had her own timetable. And while it has caused us some concern, she is doing all things on her own time. And it's totally okay. These Bump emails werent worded " this normally happens at this time"...it was more like, "Oh, your baby is crawling!"...ummmm no she's not.

Addison has had some difficulty in the area of crawling and sitting up. She rolled at month 4 no problem. But when it came to sitting up and crawling...she just wasnt interested. So I did what any other concerned mother would do. I talked to friends with children., I talked to her doctor, I talked to another doctor..and most were nonchalent about it. She'll crawl when she's ready. But in my heart I felt that there was something more to this.

And you know what? She did eventually start to crawl! She started an army crawl at 11 months and started sitting up at 12 months. We found out this is due to a condion called Hypotonia..which is a fancy medical term for low muscle tone. She does not have a severe case of this, thank goodness, but she will be needing to go through some physical therapy to strengthen her muscles and to get her back on track. She now can pull herself to a standing position, loves to try to walk around the house, and we've seen her crawl on all 4s a few times and we could not be happier with the progress she is already making! We are in the process of starting some physical therapy for her soon. She is beautiful, smart, funny, amazing, and is so strong willed. We couldn't be more proud of our little Addi!

But all through these months of Addison not developing in the same way as many other babies her age....TheBump emails came along...."Month 6! Pulling up!" or "Oh Baby! Month 8! Start baby proofing your outlets mommies, because baby is about to be crawling all over your house!" or "Month 12...your baby is beginning to walk. Make sure you go out and buy baby her first pair of Adidas shoes and enroll her in her first triathlon because running is not far behind!"

Shut up TheBump.com

Click. Delete.

My baby has had her own time table. Nothing is wrong with her, she is doing things on her time and God's time. I resent the timetable when we stress in schools that EVERY child is different...and while I undertsand a time table is needed in order to make sure children are developing and are also needed so that we can have intereventions early on....I feel like sites where I can view a complete stranger's peestick is not the most credible source to tell me what my baby should be doing or how she should be developing. Send me recipies for homemade baby food, Thebump.com. Send me a list of the hottest baby name trends...send me a recall list of toys that contain lead. Dont send me an email, congratulating me of what my baby is doing...when she isn't doing it at all.

Yes, I unsuscribed by the way.

Listen to your mommy instincts when it comes to your children. Talk to your doctors with your concerns. Talk to mothers around you who have gone through similar issues.

And don't panic if a mom site sends you an email that your baby should be reciting Hamlet at age 15 months. Remember, ladies, every baby is different and if that baby can recite Shakespeare at 18 months...all is well. We must accept our own timetables after all.

In honor of those who make me a mama....

20 things I love about my kids.....

1. There's never a dull moment with them around
2. My Connor still says "Jee-jus" when referring to Jesus.
3. That they genuinely love each other. Connor has such a heart for his sister.
4. That Addi will say "No-no" and shake her finger while doing so.
5. They can entertain each other in the car.
6. They have the same nap scheddule. (Good timeout for mommy!)
7. That Addi has to hold every baby doll/stuffed animal and will pat them on a back when you tell her to "Hold them like a mommy." Nothing like seeing your daughter pat the back of a stuffed spider.
8. That they both prefer fruits and veggies to junk. (I hope this lasts a lifetime)
9. When Connor gets so excited because he is such a "big boy". He really does take a lot of pride in that.
10. When Connor gives Addison snacks and tries to feed her like a puppy.
11. They both have a love for music (also hoping this one lasts a lifetime too...sorta a requirement in our family)
12. When Addi calls out for me....Mama! Love hearing that.
13. That my son honestly just LOVES to learn. He is too smart for his own good. But I love that math and reading is his passion at 3 years old.
14. My son still insists from time to time for me to hold and rock him. I just tell myself I wont get this too much longer with him.
15. That I can look at my daughter and it takes my breath away how much she looks like me.
16. That they both have a love for Disney (Im working on Addi)...(because I love Disney...I'm working on Sean too ;)
17. That my son genuinely misses his daddy when he is away at work during the day. Makes his coming home at the end of the day so much sweeter.
18. Bath time...two kiddos in the tub...wet and lots of cleanup later ...but a lot of fun.
19. How my son can make me laugh (internally) when I am upset with him... "No mommy! Don't make that face! I only want you to make happy faces!!" -As he hides his eyes behind his hands.
20. How Addi will knock her cup off her tray purposefully and the look at us and say "uh-oh"

Who takes the FCAT

I wrote the following on a mommy board I belong to. The question was opened up... "Do you agree with the student performance teacher pay bill just signed into law in Fl?"



Who Takes the FCAT? Children do....



The Children who paid attention during the year...whose parents volunteer in school..the children who genuinely like school...who like their teacher...children who love to learn...children who pride themselves in doing a good job....



Who else takes the FCAT?



Children do....



The Children who didn't get to bed till 10:00 that night....the child who didn't eat breakfast the morning of test day..the child who has been absent over 16 days. The child who just doesn't "care" about school...The children whose parents don't care about school either...The child that hates school...the child whose attention span is too short....Children who are stressed at home...Children whose parents decided to split up that week...Children whose electricity was just cut off in their home. Children who are so stressed out at the mere mention of FCAT, because the school is that stressed out as well.



Who else takes the FCAT?
The exact same FCAT as the rest of the children?



Children who are struggling to learn the English language. Children with ADD. Children with ADHD. Children with emotional problems. Children with learning disabilities. Children who have a hard time staying in their seat for an extended period of time. The child with a tummyache on test day. These children..all of them...hold a teacher's salary in their little hands. It doesn't matter the gains they have made in the classroom that year. The small successes that teacher has seen those children reach. It doesn't matter about the C's on their report cards..the B's on their report cards...the A's...or the fact they finally may be reading on level. The fact that this teacher pours her heart, soul, and sometimes her own pocketbook into her profession.




The FCAT is all that matters. Usually 3 or 4 days of testing.



And you think teachers are mad? Rightfully so.

Take a Pregnancy Pause....

I have a lot of pregnant friends...two of them recently had their little ones...5 others are due sometime this year. It's exciting to see them in this time of their lives, growing their families, and growing themselves, literally. Recently having being pregnant last year, with my little Addi, that feeling of a growing belly is still fresh in my mind.


Maybe one of the biggest topics that come up with these pregnant mommas is the fact that some people lose all sense when it comes to a pregnant woman. Honestly.


When I was pregnant, I actually received these comments...


1. Are you sure there isn't two in there?


2. You're STILL pregnant?


3. I think you are even bigger than when you had your first baby.


4. I can tell you are having a girl. Your nose is much bigger.


5. Any day now right? (I think I was 5 months at the time)


6. Are you SURE your due date is right?


7. Oh honey, you look miserable.


The best one was "You look smaller on top....but thats probably because of your big belly makes everything look uneven."


Seriously?

Then there are those who will reach out and touch you. Literally. You are in the grocery store, minding your business, buying a KitKat bar for you and your growing baby...and suddenly....



Some lady comes up and pats your belly. "Hello in there!!!" Horrified at this act of invasion of personal space...all you can do is stare wide eyed as you eat your KitKat bar and mumble a pathetic "Oh...uh...yeah ...thanks." And move quickly on.

You know this may be a new flash to some people...but I will let you in on a little secret...here it is..listen closely.

WOMEN....NO MATTER IF THEY ARE PREGNANT
OR NOT DO NOT WANT TO BE TOLD THEY ARE HUGE OR THEY ARE GETTING BIGGER BY THE MINUTE.

They also don't want strangers coming up and touching them. Just because there is a baby in there, it doesnt mean it's free game to put your hands on their belly. If you dont want me coming up and patting your beer gut affectionately, please...don't do the same to a pregnant woman. It's weird and uncomfortable and a little on the creepy side.

And while we are on the subject....its nice to talk about something other than the baby too...because there is only so many times someone can talk about their due date, their baby's sex, or how their nursery is painted the perfect shade of sky blue.

So for your reading enjoyment...especially for you pregnant mommies out there..I give to you..."Things you WISH you could say or do while you were pregnant."

1. When the lady in the superstore asks if you are pregnant, look shifty eyed and act nervous. Whisper to her, asking her to be your lookout as you smuggle this watermelon out of the store. Promise her a slice if all goes well.

2. When people ask you if you are pregnant when you are in your third trimester, tell them, "No, I just ate waaaay too much at lunch today."

3. When people rub your belly affectionately and without permission, look at them seriously in the eye and say, "I shall grant you three wishes and three wishes only." Then sing some songs from Aladdin.

4. When people say, "You are so big! It must be twins!" Seriously reply...."No, she's just big boned. Jabba the Hut is her father. You know...genetics."

5. Tattoo the due date, the sex of the baby, your decision to breastfeed or not, and whether this baby was "planned" on your forehead... because it's everbody's business apparently.

6. "Why yes! I am huge! Thanks for reminding me!"

7. When people ask "you haven't had that baby yet?" sweetly reply, "yes, just last Thursday! We went ahead and got to work on number two!" Pat your belly affectionately.

8. Any man who tries to give you pregnancy advice, smile and ask him if his labor was intense, how long it took him to fully dilate, and if he breastfed right away.

9. At work when people say, "Oh, you're STILL here? You haven't had that baby yet???" Just reply, "No, I am a pregnant figment of your imagination. Carry on."

10. A complete stranger touches your stomach, without permission, and squeals in excitement, "hello little baby!" Smile and reach out and touch their belly in return, "Hello, Subway sandwich with extra onions... hello in there!"

So let this be a lesson to us all...Pregnant women like their personal space and do NOT appreciate comments about their size.....huh...who knew, right?

No touchy.

Adorable right? Yeah...

Just so cute you wanna pinch those cheeks? Shake her little hand?

Hold the phone....

Now if you are my well known relative or a dear friend and you aren't crawling with cold and flu germs...then by all means...pinch those cheeks (Although Addi is in a biting phase, so don't say I didnt warn you...)

However...if you are a complete stranger behind me in line at Target...guess what???

I'd rather you not touch my baby.

Yeah. That happened. For real.

I'm at the checkout line paying for my Target goodies, Connor at my knees and Addi in her carseat that is attached to the Target buggy. I look up to see a lady smiling and cooing at Addi...no problem. Babies are cute...people get all mushy at babies. As I sign my receipt I look up again and the lady now is shaking Addi's little hand.

Ugh. Really? C'mon.

Non threatenly-like...I look the lady over and just say "Ohhhhkay. Time to go." And whisked her and my son away. A few steps away, I pulled out the antibacterial wipes and wiped Addi's hands.

So now following my little story...here is a Public Service Announcement...usually with public service announcements a celebrity will deliver them...so introducing...

Mary Poppins! (Because she's a nanny and she understands these kinds of things)

"Hello All! Marry Poppins here! Cold and Flu season is fast upon us! That means take good care of yourself! Lots of rest! Spoonfuls of sugar to help your cold medicine go down! Washing your hands and ...hmm..oh yes! Please don't go touching any littles babes with your germy strangers hands! The mums just don't like it! Thats all! Chim chim cheerio!"

Did you enjoy that? ....Thanks Mary!

Now I'm not a COMPLETE germ-a-phobe. I don't wipe down playground equipment before Connor goes climbing on it or anything like that. We don't walk around in the mall wearing hazmat suits. (Although I have seen weirder outfits at the mall).

But I believe in the antibacterial wipe. I wipe down my grocery cart handle. We wash hands after playing at the chickfila playarea. And I do carry antibacterial gel with me.
Annnnnd I prefer that complete strangers dont touch my children, passing who knows what to them, even though they are commenting on how absoultely charming they are.

But believe me, they are less charming with snot running down their noses.

Connor's comments...

An insight to my son and the funny things he says...


:::Playing with his cars::: Connor:"These guys need a snack. So they went to the Snack store.


Me: "What did they eat at the snack store?"


Connor: "Coke and butter." :::Looking at my disgusted face::: "No Mommy! Butter is good!"

* * * * * * * * *

Talking about his next birthday ..which is MONTHS away:::

Connor: The invitations should say Happy Birthday Connor. You are so good and happy. Please come."

* * * * * * * * *

I had just told Connor that we would be taking a Disney trip soon and told him we would be visiting EPCOT instead of Magic Kingdom::::

Connor: "But...but..I want to go to the REAL Disney!


* * * * * * * * *


:::Looking at some quarters::: Connor: This one says Texas!


Me: Don't mess with Texas!


Connor:"But....but...I LIKE to mess with Texas!"


* * * * * * * * *


:::After doing something he wasn't supposed to do, he hides his face behind his hands::::


Connor: "No mommy! I don't like that face! I wan't mommy to make only happy faces!!"


* * * * * * * * *

:::Walking in to find maybe 10 tissues on the couch::::

Connor: "It's tissue party!" (He has been fighting a runny nose)

* * * * * * * * *

:::Connor smashing a pea at the dinner table with his fingers::: "Look! My Pea hatched!"

* * * * * * * * *

:::After being in timeout twice in a row at Sunday School and many talks and an early nap for misbehaving...at the end of our day we are saying our prayers:::

Me: "Do you think we should pray about what happened in Sunday School today?"

Connor: "yes"

Me: "What happened in Sunday School?"

Connor: "I have no idea."

* * * * * * * * *

::Connor walking around the house aimlessly muttering to himself:::

"Dear Jee-jus...please help me find mommy's camera. I can't find it. Dear Jee-jus...please help me find my chocolate milk. You are the only one who knows."

* * * * * * * *