normans’s blog

R2-D2 The Skater?

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:14:53 -0330

2009 February

The Frosty Festival was hosting the annual kids "Costume Skating". When Joe and Alex arrived home at 3:00ish, Joe mentioned that Alex had informed him "Mommy is going to make me an R2-D2 costume for the skating party."

Time between 3:00ish and skating = 3.5 hours.

I asked Joe "so did you tell him no?" Not so lucky. Instead, Joe picked up a bowl and some white poster board and came home to me. Challenge accepted!

Materials to make 1 kids R2-D2 costume (about $10 for us):
- scissors
- duct tape
- glue gun (and glue!)
- black marker
- aluminum foil
- blue and red construction paper
- one plastic bowl

The looks on Alex's face when he burst in the door after skating because he won first prize at the Costume Skating party? - Priceless :)

When remarked "How cool! Did they call you by name when you won?"
He replied: " Nope, they called out for "R2-D2!!!"

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Three Years Later: The Oblivious Shopper

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:50:08 -0330

December 5th was exactly three years to the day that I found out about the twins and was told there was no hope for my pregnancy. I was blissfully oblivious, walking through Costco with a friend while trying to pull the date out of my Christmas-fogged mind. When it hit me, I had to stop walking and catch my breath because I felt like someone
had kicked me in the stomach. What an odd feeling.

For the last two years, I had a lot of emotions and anxiety leading up to Dec 5th which is not typical for me. I was going to throw a party the first anniversary but I just couldn't do it. It came on me this year with such stealth that it both shocked me and made me a little proud of the progress we've obviously made getting over that chapter in
our lives.

At 2 and a half, Sarah's biggest issues are height and ear infections. She is a smart, delightful little girl with beautiful brown eyes and no quams about telling you "I don't like that!". She's learning to potty, loves pirates and gives the world's best hugs (not kidding). Samantha is somehow a tom-boy and a drama queen in one little package and it is so fun! Life is never dull with her around. Her obvious affection for her siblings would make the Grinch smile and she always includes and fiercely protects her sister Sarah.

So folks for the third year I want to say thanks to everyone who was there for us during that crazy time and wish you all a Merry Christmas :)

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Control Your Kids

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:52:32 -0230

Control You Kids?

I almost feel bad for the lady who said this to me today. I don't agree with her, but I probably didn't have to call her a nasty old hag.

Lets wrap some perspective around the situation. Sarah woke up in pain yesterday morning about 2am which lead to an entire day at emergency getting tests done. She started off fussy, progressed to a bad temperature, then vomitting and total lethargy during our visit. When we were sent home last night they still didn't know what was wrong and it was scarey (she's fine now). So no sleep Friday, hospital all day then she was also up last night around 3:30am.

Despite the fact that everyone had already picked out costumes, yesterday the kids decided to be pirates for halloween. Since this would illiminate in-fighting on all hallows eve when one person had on a costume someone else wanted, I decided to see what I could pull off. The catch: Joe had to work today, my parents are at the cabin, Joe's mom is sick and Stewart is away - I'm on my own.

I've done this before, so I tried to call Value Village to see when they open... no answer. Checked the website: 10:00am! I packed everyone up and off we went. The plan was to get there as they opened to avoid the crowd and therefore keep a closer eye on the kids. However someone lied to their web site author and they in fact have new "extended hours". They open at 12:00 (irony at it's finest).

So instead we went to wallmart for a while first. I put the kids in a cart and they were awesome. We went back to Value Village at 12:07 and the kids were so excited, they had their little noses squished against the glass looking in the window of the store while I locked the truck. This wonderful fellow who worked there helped us drag up some clothes for 3 pirates and the kids played at pushing through clothes on the racks and coming out the other side and saying "boo" to their sibling. I thought this was cute as I remember doing this myself as a child.

Then this lady with a cart walked up the isle and snapped something at Alex that I couldn't hear. He looked dejected. As I walked up, she pushed past me saying "you should learn to control your kids". She mumbled something about how they should stand next to me and how one of them could get hurt.

Normally, I'd inwardly smile and let it go because the nasty old woman is probably not used to kids and is used to getting away with nasty comments because people are too polite to be mean to the elderly... but in the wake of the day before, she had lousy timing. Also, she made the utimate mistake of saying it in front of Alex who had been so good and helpful all morning. He immediately stopped having fun and put his head down dejected and my hackels went up.

I exaggerated my reaction on purpose and snapped at the lady: "Are you serious? I should somehow contol my 3 kids under 4 in a halloween section of a second hand store because they are playing a harmless game of peek-a-boo? Come on kids, the nasty old hag doesn't want you to have any fun." Her eyes went wide and she hurried off.

*rawr*

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Beds and Babies

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:58:44 -0230

What a mixed up day. It started about 2am this morning when Samantha started crying and screaming that she "want to sleep with mommy". Joe went in to settle her down and when he came back she was still screaming. We left her (as you sometimes need to do) and a few mins later she was opening the door to our bedroom. For those who don't know, Samantha and Sarah sleep in cribs.

Or at least they did.

So today we acquired two toddler beds. One Dora, the other Princess. Sarah doesn't need to come out of her crib but if we brought a toddler bed in for Samantha and not Sarah she'd be pretty upset. We try very hard to treat them fairly. To get the new beds into the room, first I had to dismantle and remove the cribs.

The kids missed naps today and the twins are sick with a chest cold. It is bath night (all three same time) and by 6, Sarah was asleep on the couch. She woke shortly after when Samantha jumped on her.

It is 6:45PM, the twins have been in bed for 15 mins which is a full hour and a half before the usual bed time. Frankly that sucks on the first night in new beds but on the up side Alex isn't as tired and gets to stay downstairs for the screaming and bedroom visits that accompany this transition (and for the record are still happening). This is going to be a long night.

Where is Joe? Bachlor party... since 3:30pm
Where am I supposed to be? Bachlorette party.
....
He owes me.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Sarah to TO: Part 1

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:24:37 -0230

2008 Sick Kids

We made it through Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick since we left yesterday morning. Sarah has been a great traveller so far. In fact, we might try to 12 hour trip straight into Toronto tomorrow because she has been doing so well. Cross your fingers! Dale's been a welcome traveling companion. Sarah's is even calling him by his first name and tonight she put her arms up for him to put her on his lap. Very cute :)

We got across Newfoundland before it was dark with some smattering of rain but not much. We stopped in Gander, Deer Lake and Corner Brook. The ferry was loading when we arrived (early) so we literally got on, got our cabin and Sarah fell asleep curled into the crook of my arm on a bunk bed almost instantly. We didn't wake up until 20 mins before we drove off. Perfect timing :)

Dale and I giggled as we passed "Lick a Stick" and "Lick a Chick" fast food restaurants. We nabbed some Tim's and were off again. Lunch was in Moncton at Swiss Chalet and dinner in Edmunston's Boston Pizza (yum). Now I'm updating you all then heading to bed.

The cold Sarah got Saturday sounds like it has settled on her chest but she isn't showing any signs of infection so I'll see how she does in the next few days.

Right now she is snoring in the playpen at the foot of my bed. Night all :)

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

A Lie.

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:51:41 -0230

On the way home from daycare a few weeks ago, Alex and I heard a song on the radio by Simple Plan called "Your Love Is A Lie". In one of those awkward moments only your child can manipulate you into, he asked "what does he mean mommy?" So I explained that the man was upset because someone he loved lied to him.

Fast forward a couple of days later when I am trying to get Alex to bed. He is finishing the required toilet visit and we are in a struggle about him having to wash his hands and brush his teeth once complete at the porcelain throne. I was getting frustrated and told him he didn't have a choice, he had to wash his hands or I was going to be very upset with him. He replied:

"...but mommy, my love is not a lie."

How am I supposed to compete with that!?!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Joe Caught!

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:31:15 -0230

Monday's are our crazy days. Our schedule:

8:15 get 3 kids to daycare

12:00 pickup twins, take them home to sitter

4:00 pickup Alex for swimming (4:30)

4:30 cook dinner

5:15 return from swimming and have dinner

5:45 Joe's mom arrives to babysit

6:00 Joe leave for 2 hockey games starting at 6:30

7:00 Get kids all ready and into bed for 7:30

7:30 Deanna goes to volleyball for 8-10

So yesterday when I get home with Alex from swimming, Joe told Alex to check our office for a surprise. He had found me a copy of Dance Dance Revolution for the WII and had hooked it up for us. (yay!!)

I say thanks and inquire to supper.

Joe starts making excuses.

"I tried to make pizza but didn't have enough pizza sauce."

He points to the personal sized pizza cooling on the counter.

"Do you seriously think that is enough for three kids?"

I got increasingly annoyed as I tried to find something I could make and have the kids finished eatting in 45 mins.

He finally breaks off the excuses and owns up.

"I got caught up and lost track of time."

...

He was playing Dance Dance Revolution.

...

For almost an hour.

...

I burst out laughing.

...

He points to the sweaty shirt he has on.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Deanna?

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:51:24 -0330

IMG_9014

Samantha is by far, the most vocal of the kids. When she wants someone's attention she throws back her head and yells their name loudly until they reply "Yes Sammy?!". For Joe it is "DADDY!!", for Jen it is "GRAMMA" and today, to get my attention she started screaming "DEANNA!!"

Joe and I laughed pretty hard.
He pointed to me saying asking who I was to which she replied "Deanna".
He pointed to himself and asked "Who is this?" she said "Daddy".
He asked her "Where is Mommy?" She pointed at me.
I said where is Joe?
....
She pointed at me!?

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Viruses and Volleyball

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:39:32 -0330

IMG_9090

What a fun New Year. Everyone had a cold from November until the beginning of February. Between Sarah and Samantha there have been four ear infections. Samantha woke up Wednesday night with the stomach flu (and the mess on her and the bed to prove it) which escalated to diahrrea, fever, cramping and loss of appetite. Things just got better from there. Joe was diagnosed with strep throat and as he got back to normal, fell to the stomach flu Friday evening. Sarah woke up throwing up later that same night. Even Jen caught it (sorry Jen). I was supposed to play in a volleyball tournament with work on Saturday...well stand on the court and watch other people play around me but obviously I was chasing kids around with a bucket, clean PJs and Javex :)

As I say too often, it could be worse. I'm still recovering from surgery and so far I have not shown signs of this tummy issue and neither has Alex. Joe bounded back to normal after a day and a half, Samantha has finally come around and Sarah might be. We made it through with only two visits to the hospital with Samantha, and one with Sarah but neither had to stay there. The team had enough players to play volleyball without me (I think) and Joe and I didn't get sick at the same time. Joe and Alex got to go skating - twice!

I understand that this stuff gets easier as they get older and since we made it through this week, then I think rest will work just fine :)

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Funny Bugs Graduating

nobody@vox.com(Deanna) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:00:00 -0330

2008 Little Gym Graduation

Alex's "Funny Bugs" class graduated today. They all did some of the routines they''ve been working on and stood up for medals when it was all complete. Then to end the session the celebrated with some drinks and cookies.

His friend Aiden from daycare was in this class which makes me very tempted to add him again in the class Aiden is going into. Sadly, with full time daycare, Sarah and Samantha in Little Gym, playgroup on Tuesdays, skating with daddy, and hopefully swimming, I think we should leave the rest of the time as "family fun" time. Either way, he might be back again next semester. We'll see!

After the milk and cookies, Aiden, Alex and another young girl were playing tag and I lost sight of Alex. I found him behind me in the bathroom with his pants around his ankles having a pee! I just can't believe how fast potty training happened once he started at the new daycare. I am so proud of him! :)

Read and post comments | Send to a friend