Mahna Mahna

One of the silliest things I've ever done was introduce my kids to the old 1961 Muppet Show with the Mahna Mahna monsters.

We've watched it so many times. Alexander is now actually acting out the part of Mahna Mahna, and can scat to it very well.

I love that he's "scatting" and starting to improve and make up songs on his own. And, his little sister supports his efforts by dancing to his melody.

Thing One and Thing Two

I sometimes refer to my kids as Thing One and Thing Two. Obviously inspired by Dr. Suess' The Cat in the Hat. Thing One and Thing Two are two lovable characters that create chaos and help teach lessons on life. Much like my two little things.

They bring chaos into my life. In a good way. They challenge me, teach me, and help me think of things I would not have otherwise imagined.

I never imagined that I'd be rejoice over something so simple as my son actually trying a potato (voluntarily, with coaxing).

And, I never thought I'd celebrate poop (in ways that only a mother can).

My Things have helped me to experience and appreciate the little things in life.

And, like The Cat, I'll take my Thing One and Thing Two with me everywhere I go.

A little commentary on snow...

It's cold.

The end

Quote of the day

I can do anything, I'm a mom!

So true.

Privacy Issues

Another thing they don't tell you when you become a mom...you have no privacy. Truly, all of that goes straight out the window.

I should have known better, afterall, I was a dog owner prior to having kids. And, my dogs dutifully follow me around the house making sure that my klutzy butt doesn't fall and injure myself. In fact, they are so good at being my bodyguards, often time they don't even move too far away (and I wind up tripping over them). Now that's dedication!

I digress...

Now that I have kids, all privacy is out the door from the moment I walk through the door. Anywhere I go, I'm stalked by tiny beady eyes following my every move.

Trips to the bathroom are accompanied by both kids and dogs. I call them my "Potty Posse". I'm unable to perform a single act of tinkle without the glaring eyes of three dogs and two children asking questions such as "what's that?" and "is that your peepee?"

Closing the door is out of the question. Usually if I even make it to the bathroom on time (thanks bladder control!) the door is out of the question. Everyone (including the little braciocephalic dogs who have no noses) know how to push the door open.

I've made peace that becoming a mom means becoming a celebrity in my household. Hollywood stars have nothing on me!

Another dinner saga...

Yesterday Me: what do you want for dinner? Eleanor: burga frea fry ABC: mac n cheese Me: no burgers and I'm out of mac n cheese ABC: I need a cold dinner Eleanor: burga frea fryyyyyy ABC: how about ice cream? Eleanor: FREA FRYYYYYYYYYY ABC: green ice cream. Dinner must be cold Me: How about green ice cream after you eat dinner? ABC: sounds like a good plan Me: so what do you want? Eleanor: BURRRRGAAAAHHHH FREA FRYYYYYYYYYYYYY ABC: hey! I know! How about hamburgers and french fries Eleanor: FREA FRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Me: How about hot dogs? ABC: OK, with green ice cream!

An interesting vacation

Vacationing as a parent is full of ups and downs.

Up: Excited child seeing Thomas the Train...
Down: 8 hr car ride to get to Thomas the Train

Up: Train Ride on the actual Thomas the Train
Down: 8 hr car ride to ride a 23 minute train? Are you freakin' kidding me?

Up: Seeing a fire engine up close and personal
Down: Having to call the fire department to examine child after choking on a pretzel

Up: Happy Children
Down: Tons of scrapped knees from dare devil stunts

Up: Garlic Festival
Down: Idiot at Garlic Festival
Up: Knowing G-ma's got my back

Up: Going home after a long weekend
Down: traffic coming home coming to a dead stop

All in all it was a memorable trip that my son is still talking about. Money well spent.