Let's play catch.....up.

Wow-hadn't realized how long it had been since I have updated...time certainly does fly, doesn't it?

We have been having a bit of a rough patch with Owen and his sleeping. It seems as tho he has adopted the sleep schedule of a newborn again. Up at 1am, 4 am...ugh, it is grating. Not sure what to do to break the cycle! It is actually up to John to break it, since he is the one that brings him downstairs into our room, will give him some milk in the middle of the night. I figured I have already done tough love and broken my heart numerous times, he can try it now! But, the key difference is Owen is now sleeping in a big boy bed, so now he just silently drifts downstairs only waiting until he is already in our bed to make himself known.

We have added a puppy into the mix, too. He is a great dog, but a complete spaz. He just had his castration surgery, and then developed a whopper of a UTI. Poor little thing. But, he and Owen get on great most times and I hope that they will be good friends for each other. I had a black lab growing up that was always around us, and such an integral part of our everyday lives. It was a great expereince, and I hope to be able to recreate that for Owen.

Gearing up for Christmas..what fun it is! I have always enjoyed Christmas, but to have the gift of seeing it thru Owen's eyes? It is over the top! We went to see Santa, and he didn't show a moments hesitation. Let the Man in Red know he wanted a tractor, and was very preoccupied with what Santa feeds the reindeer (Cawwots, by the way). He has been great with the tree and all the lights and decorations. And the ability to hang Santa over his head when he is being naughty? Truly priceless! I am going to milk it for all it is worth!!!

Been starting to look at preschools-can't believe it is almost that time. We spent a few hours at one of the top contenders and he blended right in, was participating eagerly, and on his best behavior. Of course, once I make my decision, it will create havoc with the schedule his has had for almost 2 years, but it will be worth it. The teachers were great, and it seemed like they really did enjoy the kids. No bad vibes whatsoever. Still need to look at 2 others that are front-runners, but will do that after the holidays.

Well, the Boy has finally woken up, my time is done for now...

Hallmark Moment #182

Owen has been going thru a very Daddy-oriented period. No one can do anything quite as good as Daddy can. He has been John's literal shadow. In the bathroom, down in the basement. Out in the shed, in the kitchen..everywhere.

It was grating a bit on John (and me!~). Finally, John asked Owen

"Why is Daddy so special?"
Without missing a beat, Owen said "because you're my best friend"

All together now...Awwwwwwwwww....................

More of Why It's Good to be Owen...

Going on an authentic Steam Engine Train Ride thru the White Mtns. during peak foliage season:



Seeing a Live Bear Show:



Bumper Boat driving (and he knew how to drive it and squirt the water out!)



He got to look at this every day (multiple times~)



Just adore this picture-the real anticipation and excitement on his face is precious..



Who needs Pumpkins when you a Ham?



Decorating his own hand picked pumpkin at a craft fair:



My 2 guys getting ready to hit the Not So Scary Hayrides at a local farm:




Y'know, the more I was looking at pics for this post, the more I thought about it. Yes, it is good to be Owen, but it is GREAT to be his mother.
*Eyeroll* But it's true!!

Out of the mouth of babes...

When: Tuesday morning, 7:30 am
Where: Home


John was still sleeping, and Owen and I were playing around in the livingroom. I told him to go into the bedroom, tell Daddy that you loved him, and it was time to wake up.
Owen padded into the bedroom, then came rushing back about 30 seconds later. This is the resulting conversation:

me: Did you tell Daddy that you love him?
Owen: yes.
me: Did you tell Daddy that it was time to wakey-wakey eggs and bacy?
Owen:yes
me: Well, what did he say?
Owen: He said...........He said........(the entire time he has his index finger up to his lips, looking at the ceiling) he said he wants a lollipop.

Couldn't help but laugh my tail off at that one!!

Here is a recent picture for your viewing pleasure from the last few days...

Growing up is so hard....on ME!!

Well. Yesterday was an adventurous day for Owen. He did quite a bit of growing up, and I was completely unprepared.

First order of business on the yucky, overcast & rainy day was a haircut. Normally, we go to one of the cheapie places (Have a hard time justifying $20 plus on haircuts!) and we have had nothing but great luck with all the terrific stylists. He sits on my lap, we are both draped in a cape, and he sits still and doesn't move a muscle. He wanted none of that yesterday. He wanted to sit "all by myself" in the chair. He was animated, funny, and on best behavior. I was so proud!! It was probably the only time I didn't have my camera with me and I regretted it.

Next we come to nap time. For the past 2 solid weeks, he has been taking 2 1/4 to 3 hour naps. It is like clockwork between 1-2 pm. Yesterday, we weren't so lucky. It was probably because we were stuck inside most of the day due to the weather, and he isn't used to that. So, I made many attempts in vain to get him to go down for a nap. As a last straw, I put him in the crib. Not even 2 minutes later, he silently had wandered downstairs and said "Hi Mommy". It took a minute to process this ! He NEVER has climbed out of his crib! He's been tall enough to do it for a long time, but never actually done it! His beloved "cwib"! So, spur of the moment, John and I decided to get a Big Boy Bed. He had slept in one before up in New Hampshire and had marginal success. So, we were very optimistic. Got a lovely pine Shaker mission style twin, comfy mattress, and waterproof mattress pad. He passed out at 5:30pm in the back of the car.

Got him home, laid him on our bed for a little while, set up his new bed, then figured the best way to wake him up would be move him into his new bed. Right? Wrong. He woke up of course, but rolled right over and went back to sleep. He inherits his sleeping from me, I think..he can sleep anywhere. Finally, he woke up and wanted to know every detail about his crib..where is it? Is it at the store? Is it hiding? Is it coming back?

The first night started off fine..he went to bed and stayed in bed til around 3:30am. He ended up downstairs with us and slept in on this still rainy Sunday.

This was his first time checking out his crib, way back when..



And this was last night:



It was hilarious, my parents, S&D, came over to visit, and Owen was very excited to show them his new bed! To the point that when they made it upstairs, he shouted "TA DA!". Now, that was funny.

He did so much growing up yesterday. Now if I could just keep pace with him!

The best comfort of all

So, been a bit upset lately that my cousin J, is leaving to go to Switzerland again. This has been an endless drama for a while now..quick background: her and husband M have lived in Switzerland for 12 years, J had a horribly traumitizing pregnancy and birth, and had many, many physical and psycological problems as a result.

For several months, it has been a constantly changing and evolving storyline..is she going? Is he coming? how long is she going to be gone? Will their son adapt well? etc etc.

She is leaving tomorrow. We had a playdate with Owen and her son all day on Friday,and I just didn't want it to end. Even when Owen was in the midst of his 3 hour nap. But, it did. They needed to get going. J and I were going to see each other on Saturday to have a pedicure and go shopping and just hang out. Each time after she departed, I became very upset, crying, sniffling, and shaking. At one point, Owen "patted" my head, and asked me if I was sad. I told him yes, because I am going to miss J. He put his finger to his lips, said "Hmmmm", patted me on the head again and said "We go to the playground and swing"-he paused- "Swinging makes you happy".

It was great. Trying to be positive, know she is coming back in a really short amount of time, but still...going to miss her, but trying not to be sad!!

Love Me Not So Tender

The Boy is brutal. Ruthless. A savage.
he hates me.

He has been coming out with such little gems such as "Don't want you for a mommy", "don't like you", "don't want you", "go away", "bad mommy", "You're NOT my mommy".
Most of these were in the course of one day. And up until that point? We had had a blast. I wonder what he'll say to me when we have a bad day??!!

I honestly try not to take it personally..he also does it to his beloved Nana. Trying to remember he is clinging to his male role models (and I am SO thankful to have 2 great men around, day by day trying to teach him to be a good person, and a strong, good man some day). But still. I try not to react, I try to say "I love you, even tho you don't like me", all that crap. But it still really hurts. Oh! And the best part? He furrows his brows together, and points a single tiny finger in my direction when he is saying it.

Now I know why people want another baby once their first one hits 2 years old..a little helpless creature that can't talk back and hurt you so badly.
Maybe we'll look into getting a puppy.

A taste of my own medicine

Owen has a lovely daycare provider, M. He always has fun, they do crafts, and he rarely ever wants to leave when I show up at the end of the day to bring him home. Equally, he never wants me to leave when I need to drop him off. For several weeks, he has been doing the octopus..grasping onto any part of me as hard as he can, as M. works to pry him away. Then he squinces up his face, the tears start, and the crying is shortly thereafter. I have to make a hasty getaway while M. attempts to distract him.

Then we come to this morning. Thinking it would be the same song and dance, I tried talking up all the fun he was going to have, seeing the other kids, etc. All he kept saying to me was "I want YOU Mommy!" So, tried (haha!!) explaining we have all day tomorrow together kept us busy on the few minute car ride. We get to M's house, and he peacefully lets me take him in, and he scoots down from my hold and begins engaging with the other kids. I speak to M for a few minutes, and announce I have to leave to go to work, and Owen turns around and WAVES at me. No hugs, no kisses, no clinging, no nothing. Just a wave.

While I can intellectually see he may be saying "Take THAT Mommy, for leaving me here" it came as a complete shock and surprise to me. I know that it should feel good that he is comfortable, confident and safe there, but no KlingOn impression? Really has shaken me. I know I will get over it, as I usually do, but...still. I guess I feel a little guilty for not getting the hugs, and not being the center of his universe at this moment. I'll be fine. Just no more of my own medicine.

Take my baby, please!

This little phase of anarchy and defiance can end ANY DAY now. We have had a really tough morning. It started out great, he was giggling, silly, and pretty laid back. Then, it all changed at 9am. His twin evil spawn side raged on to the scene with ferocity.

For the first time ever (trying to see the silver lining thru the hurricane clouds) he got undressed by himself. Diaper and all. That began the peeing on the floor. The carpet. The Toilet. The stairs. Everywhere. Cleaned up all that, and got him redressed after some stern words. 20 minutes later, he again is completely naked, holding the diaper with the morning movement in it. He kept saying "put it in trash, put it in trash, stinky diapy." At least he knows what to do with it, right? Sigh. Again, redress, more stern words. Not even 5 minutes later, naked again, pees on the floor, then runs into the potty and goes on there. Argh! Time out commences.

I started dismantling the refrigerator shelves to clean quickly before the immanent food shopping later on today. While at the sink, indrustiously scrubbing away, he grabbed the maple syrup without me seeing. He disappears into the master bedroom (which is right off the kitchen) and pours it onto the Berber rug and a 3x3 brand new play mat with trucks and sounds and everything. This is not good. Immediately I swoop him up and put him in his room for safe keeping until I can dig out every tool I have in my cleaning arsenal. How does one clean up Maple syrup (1/4 of a bottle!) anyway? Well, a combo of Oxyclean, Pine-Sol and a big ass scrubbing brush did the trick. So upset was I that I left him upstairs for 10 minutes. I know it is best not to acknowledge such abhorrent behavior, but I was ripping mad. Still am. But, at least he chilled out a bit and some semblance of my former baby is coming back.

All this and it isn't even noon. Lovely.

Try not to take it personally.

Y'know, in my line of work, I say this several times to several different people in several different instances. It is 100% true, it is a professional thing, not a personal thing.

But what happens when your husband says it to you in reaction to how 2 1/2 year old son is treating Mommy? Not an easy pill to swallow. He even tells his beloved Nana to "stop talking" "go away" etc. It is heartbreaking. He is just really going thru a very strong Male Only phase. He only wants Daddy to comfort him from a nightmare, or read a favorite book before bed, or make his dinner, or even change his diaper. Mommy can't do it without a hissy fit ensuing.

Hmph. My feelings are hurt. I know the pendulum will undoubtedly swing the other way sooner rather than later, but still. What a horrible feeling.

Hitting the wall

On a number of things...potty training has stalled and been put on the back burner, and his temper is rearing it's ugly head. He is a stubborn, strong willed child. Everyone is very quick to point out that he got those particular qualities from ME. Can you imagine?? (*Wink*)

He is so funny when it comes to water and the beach. He loves his tubs, pretends he is swimming, blows bubbles, etc. But when we get to the beach itself? Won't go in the water, won't take off his shoes, won't take off the life preserver, and can't get him out of his clothes to save my life. I guess one day (hopefully soon) we can not look like a 90 year old man beachcombing for treasures. See?



Here are a few pics from a really fun boat ride with my parents recently:

Robert DeNiro: LOOK OUT!!



Like he has been doing this for-eva!


Building Mud Castles:



Mommy and PopPop being silly for Owen's sake (it worked!)

No desire to write, feast on photos instead

Digging into that delicious pudding~!



Taking a little rest


Playing with a reflector..toy of the day!


Snoozing on Poor Felix!

You KNOW you're a bad singer when...

Folding laundry, with your newly acquired and much loved Pink Zune rocking out to Weezer's "Hash Pipe"....and your elderly cat who was very comfortably sleeping on the bed next to you gets up and lays on the kitchen floor instead.

Now THAT is bad.
:-)

So much to say..

and just not a lot of energy left to say it. Owen has been AMAZING these past few days..really making leaps and bounds in his social skills. Being able to hold a complete (altho doesn't always make sense) conversation on the phone, and be coherent? Love it.

Also? Adventures in Potty Training has gone into High G. Almost everytime it was time for a diaper change today, we went to the potty. See?



We had many riveting conversations while he was on the potty today. Including, when we did rush to the potty, he was not able to go.

"Penis is broken"
"Honey, it isn't broken, you just don't have to go pee"
**STRAIN, face turns red, give winky a good slap**
"Mommy, it's broken. Doesn't werk"
"Maybe your penis is just napping and doesn't want to work right now."
"Of course"

Many, many of these priceless conversations occurred today. It was a struggle not to laugh at some of them.

Honey of an O

I know everyone has these kind of nights..but, tonight for dinner I gave Owen a big bowl of honey nut Cheerio's. Kindly keep in mind before stoning me to death, that he ASKED for them. How can I say no to this face?



Or for that matter, this face?

Catch up

Well, not a ton going on over here to report. Finally done with all the May birthday's! We have several of them in our family, and you throw Mother's Day into the mix, May quickly becomes the 2nd most expensive month (December being the 1st).

Owen has been fabulous. More talking, more learning. He spontaneously identified a Triangle as such a few days ago. He can count to 14 on his own, and with hints, can make it to 20. He sings the alphabet song, knows Twinkle Twinkle and a few other songs. Every day he is becoming more and more independent and vocal. I know I will probably regret that in a few years when he won't SHUT UP, but now I love it.

Finally sold John's mother's house after being on the market for way too long. The buyers aren't the most ethical people in the world, but, at least it is over. Nice to have that chapter over.

Gearing up for a big yardsale this weekend. Hopefully can make a few hundred dollars, and get rid of the ugly, broken car that has been in my driveway for almost 2 years. Anyone want to buy a real fixer upper, classic muscle car? 1966 Chevelle. Name a price, it is YOURS.

Other than that, nothing more to report. All's well with Owen, and that is just fine with me!

Baby did a Bad, Bad Thing

I had a whole sleeve of Fig Newton cookies. For breakfast. All I wanted was 1 or 2. Then while I was working I just kept reaching for them. And then they were gone. Baby is so sad now.
:-)
Happily, that is the biggest ordeal of the day. And it is almost lunch time! Fancy that!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Albeit a tad late, but..I thought of you all!! All my wonderful friends who are mothers, those who desperately want to be, and those who would rather just "borrow" our kids and go home to fur babies.

A recap of my great day:

Vera Bradley WHO?? I have an OBKD Original!



Helping me open things:



My Haul: 2 8x10 frames, 2 5x7's, 2 4x6's, 3 bags of tealights, and several Yankee Candle wax tarts..does my honey know me or WHAT??



My autographed card from Owen:



Goofing around outside



The guys showed up with dinner!! First Cooke's of the season!



A walkway surprise from Owen:



It was a wonderful day, and special thanks to John and Dad and Sue for making it so wonderful for me! Pity it is only one day a year, isn't it???
:-)

Let's give it another whirl...

Let's try to share some vacation photo's with our adoring public, shall we, Blogger?

The morning of the monster trip, and my 2 guys, just kickin' back.



Let the games begin!!



It's not a REAL vacation til we break out the Orthopedic chair rides! WHOOOO-HOOO!!



This red squirrel found it's purpose in life..to drive Owen absolutely INSANE, all he wanted to do was catch him and "hug" :-)



The obligatory nature shot:



What a beautiful little boy...ontop of Cadillac Mountain




Sweetie and Me



This was so cool..a huge whale sculpture advertising a Whale Watch..so easy to impress me



WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!



Checking out the Lobsters..



And he sleeps...

Back from Hiatus..

We went up to Maine to do some visiting..We had a fun time, and we reached a landmark of sorts..Owen actually did terrific on the 6 hour car drive!! On the way up, we only stopped once and on the way home? NONE!! Have I mentioned how wonderful he is?? And he slept on an air mattress, in our room. For the most part, he did really well and stayed in it all night. One night John woke up because he "felt" someone just looking at him and there was Mr. O at 4am, just staring at him, not saying a word. John brought him into bed with us, and he slept til 6:30 that morning.

I will upload photos, but Blogger seems to be having an issue with uploading at this time.
Have a great day!

Why it is good to be Owen, Part II

These photos are courtesy of S&D's camera card, all from today!! Hopefully at least I will get a good night's sleep out of him! This kid is some busy!



We begin our day by meeting the demonic cat, Maggie.



We then hit the beach, and check out sand between our toes


Seriously? Someone needs to call GQ for me.


Getting down and dirty


Then we move on to a bit of landscaping...


A little R&R in the hammock (with mower in tow, of course!)


No rest for the weary, back to work!


Next we move on to prepping the boat to put in the water


The day wouldn't be right without a tractor ride with Pops!!


Finally, we end our day with hard earned fun at the neighbors!


I don't know about you, but I am exhausted with this kids energy level!