What I Should Put On Our Family Answering Machine

"Hello, this is Tantrum Central. How may I help you?"

And I thought we had hit "terrible twos" already. Geez.

Regrets

I never should have looked up our Chinese zodiac signs. I keep thinking about Mama Tiger vs. little Ox when we have fights like eight times a day.

Thoughts from Tuesday's Walk

I like being a mom of two. And I'm so glad.

Mother/Son Date

The other night my boy and I went to the store just the two of us. A little over a week ago that was life, not a special date, but already I felt like I was missing something (like another child). It's so strange how what was normal just a few days ago just isn't anymore.

Laundry

Thank goodness we have a washer/dryer unit. I don't know how I would live without one. I swear I've done at least one load of laundry a day since Baby was born. Sometimes it feels like it's all I do, but, hey, our clothes are clean and there are no quarters involved!

Joy and Rejoicing

Baby is (1) down for a nap (2) in his toddler bed (3) and it's just after noon (4) and we did it all without a fight. Oh, happy day!

Free Mother

Today Baby has been sick and sleeping all day to get better. We're talking a six hour nap here, and I just don't know what to do with myself and all this free time. So I'm wasting it blogging, but I just wanted to share that I miss the sweet little guy when he's not around. Long naps are great, and needed for both of us, but after about two hours I start to miss him and get excited for him to wake up. I like that.

Lunch Today

Hot spaghetti for 1.5 (Baby #1 didn’t want any).

Sometimes I Wonder What We're Doing

Okay, it happens a lot. But especially when my one-year-old is up ALL night teething and we can barely handle it. And then I think what in the world we are ever going to do with two.

Call for Inventions

I sure would appreciate it if someone would invent the following:

(1) sippy cups that my baby likes to drink out of that don't spill all over the place when he carries them around and (inevitably) drops them.

(2) playground structures that don't get burning hot in the sun.

That's all. Thanks.

What's Great About Taking a Long Vacation at Home

1. Mom's cooking.

2. Automatic babysitters and baby entertainers any time we need them.

3. A much fuller fridge and pantry than our student budget allows, meaning everything feels like a buffet all the time.

4. Not having to cook a single meal for two weeks.

5. Only having to clean to help out and be nice instead of it being my responsibility.

6. Mom doing our laundry and ironing along with everyone else's.

7. A large screen and enough floor and ceiling space to do my pilates workout without having to re-angle my mat or laptop screen every three minutes.

8. Baby getting to know his grandparents and aunts and uncles who love him from afar.

9. Rekindling old friendships with friends I haven't seen for 4-7 years.

10. Being home. Period.

Connections

So when Dad isn't home and the phone rings, baby says, "Da--da!" When I'm not home and the phone rings baby says, "Ma-ma-mum!" We think he's brilliant.

On Spiders

"Itsy-Bitsy" or "Eensy-Beensy"? I really want to know, but I find myself singing both just randomly.

PB&J

Baby just had his first ever. This is where creativity in feeding a picky toddler has brought me. :)

Sweet Little Companion

I few weeks ago I had the chance to run errands by myself (without baby), and I didn’t want to. I knew I’d be lonesome without my little companion. I am one lucky mommy.

“I Just Haven’t Met You Yet” Sung by Michael Buble

Sometimes I think about how this song is about me and my little boy. I like it that way. A lot.

Two Babies in One House

Makes this mommy really confused. I never know which sounds are coming from mine.

The Challenge with Parenting

When you're a parent, someone needs your attention 24/7 (except when the baby is asleep). That means when you're tired, hungry, and worn-out, you can't just sit on the couch until you feel better because someone needs to be changed or fed or put to bed. And because there are two of you (parents, I mean), when one is taking care of the baby, it's not fair that the other gets to sit and veg, even though that's what you both want to be doing. So when anyone is tired everyone is frustrated because you all have to work together to take care of each other. It's hard; it's challenging; but it doesn't mean that you and you husband have problems. You just have to learn how to keep working even when you're tired and hungry and worn out. But it's not just about you. It's just because you're a parent. But this is just one side of the matter (the minuses) . . .

What Did I Do With My Life Before You Came Along?

I just can't imagine going back.

If Someone Walks Up to You to Answer Some Questions for a Class Project

Just say no. It's okay. It's snowing. You've got a baby in the stroller. And the questions on city parking are pretty leading and stupid anyway.