Mama Romano

It was a BIG day at our house!

2006-05-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

We have been talking about ordering Lindsey's bed for awhile and since her bedding will finally be here anyday, we were going to order it this week. Well Ryan crawling out of his crib has moved that timeline up! We went today to Costco to get her, her big girl bed! She was very excited and even helped her daddy push it to the front. When we got home, we moved it upstairs, unwrapped it and made it with her new sheets. She promptly got all of her animals and Dora and tucked them in!

Then I said ok, the pacis go with the crib because the next baby that gets the crib will need pacis (I was only testing the waters - because I really don't care if she gives it up). But she was ok with it - she went down for her nap (never slept - but not unusal), I asked her when she got up if it was still ok, her answer 'yes'. So then bedtime came.....and she did it! She went to bed for the first time in over three years with not even one paci! I am not sure if this will keep up - but we are proud of her no matter what! 1 night is an accomplishment as far as we are concerned.

Hi Mommy!

2006-04-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

The kids were upstairs napping and Matt and I went downstairs to get dinner ready. About five mins later we hear "Hi Mommy!", um from the landing of the stairs and it's Ryan! Our boy has discovered how to crawl out of his crib!!!

Lindseyisms!

2006-04-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

I recently overheard Lindsey saying "I am Buzzlightyear - I come in PIECES"

And as I was leaving last night - "Do I get to go to Sammy's TEASPOON party tonight??" Because I had told her she would be going when Maga and Paga watched her. What she didn't realize is that they are watching her Saturday and Sunday while we sneak away for an overnighter and the party is on Saturday - all she remembered is what I had told her :D

Ryanism for the day....

2006-04-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

go in E-E car - meaning go in Mercedes car which is what 'indseeee calls it.

I'm seeing stars!

2006-04-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

We have started a 'big girl' chart for Lindsey in hopes of teaching her new habits with praise and of course, bribes! The other day she really wanted a new pair of Dora shoes and so Matt and I decided to have her earn it - by being a big girl and earning stars doing so - 7 to be exact. The way she could earn them was to go potty on her own, picking up her toys and listening. She earned the first 7 quickly and then was on to wanting a new baby, so the stars come into play again - this time 10! And now we are working on her staying in bed at night and not GETTING UP 10,000 TIMES!!! So far, so good and she has one more star to earn before she gets her baby. She even upped the ante by emptying the dishwasher on her own. I guess you could say this is the beginning of chores and allowance!

Nap is still in effect and potty is going good...

2006-04-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

shhhhhhhhh.....don't tell anyone but Lindsey is back to regular napping and Ryan has no more then one accident a day and he tells us - we don't have to ask!!! I am liking this 'phase' and hope it doesn't pass too quickly!

Bedtime Routine

2006-04-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Every night we have our routine, jammies, teeth, each one picks a book which one or the other of us reads, then mommy rocks then Daddy picks a bed to run to and the kids go running after. We put Lindsey in bed first, kiss her, including Ryan and then Ryan closes the door 'gently' behind us. Then we put Ryan in bed, he lays down, we tuck him in and as I walk out, he says 'night mommy' and as I close his door, Lindsey says, 'love you too Mom!!!"

"I ned you"

2006-04-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is what I hear when Ryan needs me!! Parenting at it's finest, it's things like this that keep me going.

A snaaa, I'm gungry

2006-03-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

That is what Ryan tells me all day - I swear at 2 this boy could eat me out of house and home - scary what the future brings!!!

And the potty saga continues

2006-03-12T23:08:00.000-08:00

This weekend was really our first time going out and just going cold turkey. We put Ryan in underwear and pants and just went and what did he do....he remained accident free and even went on the potty while we were out!

L-I-N-D

2006-03-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

is what I heard come out of Lindsey's mouth the other day as she started to spell her name. I had no idea she knew how - guess Kolbe's is paying off.

Why do I bother doing this Matt asked me...

2006-03-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

Because it's not like anyone is going to read it - I explained to him that I don't care that it was strictly for me and the kids baby's books - anyone else was just a bonus.

We took the plunge

2006-03-11T16:10:00.001-08:00

And went out on an outing with no safety net - plenty of new pants, but no training pants - just big boy underwear and toilet in hand (well under the stroller anyways) and we were off to the mall. He did great! He actually peed when we went and kept his pants dry. Tomorrow is the big test, we have two birthday parties - hopefully he will keep it up, if not - I am armed and ready!!!

Maybe I spoke too soon

2006-03-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

but she has napped the past two days for 3 hours - yeah, yeah I know, I just jinxed it! Oh well, what will be, will be.

The end of an ERA

2006-03-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Lindsey is one of the best sleepers I know and has been since birth. She has always gone to sleep well, slept long and late, took great naps, you name it.......that is until now. She now no longer naps - at 3 1/3 years of age - she has officially given up her 3 hour afternoon nap - cold turkey - just like that! So now I get 90 minutes of quiet time but even better - 90 minutes of Mommy and Lindsey time - we will definitely have to think of some great things to do! So while it is a sad thing that it is ending, it is also a good thing, because now I get time with just my baby girl - time that I missed so much.

Balance is a good thing

2006-03-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

I planned on spending some time with just Lindsey after she got up today and we spent an hour and a half, reading, eating popcorn, coloring and just talking - so much fun. I am going to make that a habit.

We also did something different before bed tonight - instead of the usual jammies, potty, water, rock and bed - we played school and Lindsey was our teacher. This was our first real glimpse into what her day is comprised of, complete with the prayers from God's house. She read to us, let us play outside, gave us snacks, took us to God's house and then our mommy's and daddy's were there to pick us up.

Wow I had no idea

2006-03-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

That the 'Trying 3s' could be just that - T-R-Y-I-N-G!!!!! Somebody, anybody, help me and let me know I am not in this alone. The not listening to everything being the end of the world - I had no idea. We have been so spoiled with Lindsey that the littlest of episode sends both her and me, over the edge. We fell off that edge today at lunch and I am hoping after naps, we will have gotten back on that edge and dusted ourselves off - hopefully her two hour nap helped us.

Edited to add: The time after naps was beautiful and she definitely still needs her naps!!!

I am struggling with balance

2006-03-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

and the only loser is Lindsey. I think this has to do with the overplanner, procrastinator in me and Lindsey is getting the brunt of it. I mentally plan on completing numerous tasks in a day - which is not even a reasonable assumption - and I am putting off things with Lindsey such as reading a book to her or just even sitting with her for five minutes. Thinking about right now as I type, I could just cry. Like it matters if that one extra load of laundry wasn't done or my work wasn't done - when truthfully those things didn't even get done because I was playing on the computer and procrastinating - the only thing that really matters is that she is only going to be little once and if I miss it now, it will be gone.

My plan for tomorrow....spend as much time doing the little things with my kids and not worrying so much that my other work gets done because in the big picture.....it just doesn't matter!!!!

Try as I might...

2006-03-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

potty training stresses me out!!! I hate that I constantly think about it...Does he have to pee, should I ask him to try, no he just tried, he'll tell me, no he won't tell me, he's not ready, he is ready, he only does it naked and won't be able to do it with pants on - oh man, thinking about it, I could pull my hair out - remind me again that I am not potty training, I am simply potty practicing and only following his lead!

Mommy - I feel like crum...

2006-03-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

That is the response I got when I asked Lindsey how she was feeling. Yep, you guessed it, the sickies have hit our house again. Runny noses and coughs - hopefully nothing more.

Moving, moving, moving

2006-03-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

on to big boy pants to see if he can keep them dry. We had 8 successes and no accidents yesterday doing the naked method and seeing if we can do the silent timer method today with big boy pants - keep your fingers crossed.

Edited to add - 4 successes and no accidents before lunch, hope this keeps up.

First time in a movie theater and survey says....

2006-03-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

aaaaaannnnnnhhhhhh - dumb movie! We took the kids tonight to see Curious George and it just could hold anyone's attention. Funny thing is - it was virtually just us in there, that and some young couple on a date, and right before it got dark, who comes strolling in....Aunt Shannon, Uncle Ben and Madison. So we got to see the kids first movie with their cousin. We went to dinner after. It was a fun night overall.

We are back on Ryan-time

2006-02-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

We stopped potty training over a week ago because we did not feel like doing battle everytime to get him on the potty. After his bath yesterday he was insistent on running around naked - my cute little nudist. After about a half hour, he says pee-pee. Ok go pee-pee, so he goes over to the potty, puts his ring on, I lift him up and he goes....So later that day after naps, I change his diaper only he won't let me put his diaper on, so again, I let him run around naked and this time brought his potty out to the kitchen (well actually the hall because in the kitchen is just gross) and within 10 mins, he sat on it and went. When we went upstairs to get jammies on, I again tried to put his diaper on and he screamed, pee-pee, ok go! And sure enough, he went in, sat down and went....so now I guess we are doing Ryan's version of potty training again - I am just going to follow his lead and who knows where that is going to take me.

Mama - what day is it?

2006-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Lindsey always wants to know what day it is so she can know what we are doing that day. She knows we walk Monday, Wednesday and Friday and school is on Tuesday and Thursday.

Mommy, Moooooommmmmeeee, Momeeee....

2006-02-25T08:17:00.000-08:00

That is how Ryan calls for me in the morning when he is ready to get up. In every tone imaginable. So I went up there this morning to get him and he starts by telling me the blind is 'konken' (broken) - so I fixed it for him. Then he tells me ' a ouuuuu' (out) so I get him out. He then grabbes his backside and says 'cange' (change), meaning to change his diaper. He then goes on to tell me he has pee pee and grabs a diaper and wipes and lays down - oh the morning has started out good!

Nicknames

2006-02-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

Ryan
Ry Guy
Little Man
Pumpkin
Bugga Bug
Prince
Buddy

Lindsey
Booga Bear
Little Lady
Princess
Lady

We have hit the all important milestone.....

2006-02-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

COMMUNICATION!!!! Ever since Ryan was about 18 mos he has been trying to tell us something and because he couldn't tell us, he would just scream or throw a fit. I am happy to report that today, that all changed! He is finally communicating his needs with words and told me today that he was hungry and then again that he was thirsty! Also while playing today with Burke, Ryan grabbed a toy and Burke grabbed his hand and took his hand off of it and Ryan just sat there and glared at him. Then shortly after that, Burke grabbed a toy and Ryan grabbed his hand and had this ever-so-slight grin on his face as to show him.

Today was also the first time that Burke and Lindsey actually played 'together'. They have been playing together since about 4 months old, but today was actually together and they played school and hockey.

Mommy was much too ambitious!!

2006-02-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

Potty training has now been halted in our house.....just didn't want to do battle everytime. That's ok, he will, as always, in Ryan-time :D

Lindsey - how did you sleep?

2006-02-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

"Mom, I am not discussing this!"

He did it again!

2006-02-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Who knew #2 could be so exciting, but I'll tell you, when it ends up where it is supposed to be and he is the one telling me, it is exciting stuff. Now if I could just get him to do it when he has pants on ;)

Brunch with a 2 & 3 year old

2006-02-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

My family insists on a family brunch even though they are fully aware we have a 2 and a 3 year old but I have to say - my kids were incredible. They sat there for two hours, in their chairs, and were great! Thanks babies!

He told me again (shhhhhhh)

2006-02-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

This time #2 - in the potty where it belongs - keep it up little man! (Shhhhh don't tell him I am secretly routing him on - he hates that!)

Silent voice reaps rewards

2006-02-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

I am ever amazed when my husband gives me a hint about parenting and he turns out to be right...Just last night he tells me, you know it is the tone in your voice that gets Lindsey upset. So I tried on a quieter, caring voice with her this morning and you know what, it fits - so much nicer! Thanks hon!

By the Grace of God!!!

2006-02-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

This afternoon my little man told me he had to go potty and we went in and he did it!!! I cannot believe it! Absolutely amazing....

Edited to add that he did it two more times after nap and before bed with no accidents - I hope it keeps up!

Crazy, crazy day, but it ended good!

2006-02-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

This morning was one of 'those' mornings - everyone is upset about something, even Mommy and when that happens - it's just not pretty!

We struggled through our morning, did our walk (6 laps today=4.8 miles) and then we had Lindsey's dr appt. to check her hearing and vision. I am happy to report that all is good and she could hear the little beeps and was so cute because when she could hear it, she would whisper, "I can hear it".

Today started out as a not-so-good potty day - but we ended on a high note - he actually told me he had to go and we went upstairs and he went - just a drop - but he went and by george, I am counting that as a success! We had just one accident and two successes today - not sure why there were so few trips, but I'll take it!

And guess who is back - THE FROGS - when it gets warm at our house - the frogs come out - heck I didn't even notice, but Lindsey was sure to point it out! And Ryan showed me they were coming from the 'nindow'.

3 successes in a row!

2006-02-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

The day started out wet! Accident, accident, accident, but it ended dry, dry, dry!! We had 3 successes in a row - let's hope this keeps up!

Definition of pure bliss....

2006-02-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

3-3.5 hours of nap/down time from both kids - now that is what I call bliss - hope this keeps up!

Oh the things she remembers

2006-02-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Lindsey has the memory of an elephant. She just came running out of her room from her nap in a very anxious tone, to let me know that we forget to have her lollipop after she ate her hamburger, fries and milk - as if she could never have one again since she missed it earler.

Let the games begin!

2006-02-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well after 10 days of my little man being sick as a dog with bronchitis, yesterday marked the first day of potty training - I know I must surely be nuts, but I really think he is ready!

We had a success yesterday and he is doing great. We even had dry pants during our walk yesterday. Today not as good, but that is ok - he'll get it!!! I have decided to give it two weeks and see how he does - as long as there is forward progression, we are moving on.....

We went today and got some big boy pants -what is with those things - they are just not as cute as little girls, but they do look sooooo cute on him.

So wish us luck!

Out of the mouth of babes!

2006-02-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

Lindsey comes running over to Daddy only to show him her underwear and tell him "Daddy these are dirty" and after looking at them at what looked like she had gone from 60 to 0 in 3 secs flat, we agreed and laughed under our breath - man the things kids say ;)

My little man is turning two!

2006-01-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, hard to believe my baby is two.....seems like just yesterday when we were shocked to find out that #2 was on his way. You are definitely the exclamation point at the end of my sentence and have made our family complete!

You have the strongest personality I have ever seen in my life but with parents like yours, nobody is really surprised. This last year has been amazing development for you and you have gone from baby to little man.....

We have had our power struggles, mostly related to the lack of communication, but now you are getting so much better with words and the struggles are getting fewer and farther between, that is when you get your way ;)

You love Dora, just like Lindsey. Actually you love anything that your sister has and love to swipe it from her. But you are also starting to develop your own likes. You now love your race cars, trains and trucks! When you first got your shake-n-go racetrack - you played it ALL day!

We had your party here at the house and you played with your friends and had a great time. You always answer no - even when you mean yes!

You have all of your teeth, with the exception of the top two molars - which are well on their way.

You love for mommy to hold you - all the time and Mommy is taking advantage of it, while you still want it!

We go to Gymboree on Tuesdays and you love to climb and slide and shoot baskets and say "Nice shot" everytime you shoot.

You definitely pull on Mommy and Daddy's heart strings and we love you very much our baby boy!

Love Mommy

My baby girl is turning 3!

2005-11-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

Wow hard to believe three years ago you came into our life. It seems like yesterday. I can remember you snuggling up on our chest and screaming if we didn't hold you, your first steps, the first time you said I love you and now look at you, 3 and full of such spunk and independence. You love to play with your cousin and your brother and giggle, giggle, giggle! You love to do things yourself. We learn together everyday how to be a parent and child and you teach me things I didn't even know I needed to learn. Parenting has been a definite learning experience on me and I am sure glad you are easy on me....most of the time. You have a very level head but in the same sense you know what you want and will stop at nothing to get it. You love your babies and your books. You could play for hours as a Mommy or reading your books.

You are definitely becoming your own person and when I call you my baby girl you get very upset and tell me no, you are my big girl.

You love still love Dora but have let Strawberry Shortcake and Princesses into your life.

You are a nuturing person and love to take care of anyone who needs it, especially Ryan. You love to help us make your eggs and english muffin - your favorite breakfast.

I love you baby girl! and looking forward to growing even more.

Love,
Mommy

Halloween!!!

2005-11-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

Everyday gets more and more fun. We decided to go to my sister's for Halloween and the kids had a great time. Lindsey and Madison are really starting to play together like kids and it is just so much fun to watch them. Lindsey chose going there vs. staying home. Lindsey was Cinderella - she was supposed to be Dora, but the costume didn't fit right and she looked silly. Ryan was Diego, Dora's cousin and so cute. He didn't know what to make of it at first but once we did it a couple of times, he knew just what to do. At first he would walk up to the door with just him, say Twik o tweat, take a candy, say thank you and walk back and put it in his basket. Later he realized it was better to bring his bag with him but give it back to Mommy after since it was so heavy. We did about 2.5 blocks, both sides, and by then, the kids were pooped but successful!

She is a true princess....

2005-10-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Lindsey had her first school function, a Halloween parade, and she chose to be 'Cinderbella'. We got there on time, movie camera in hand, and watched as our little girl paraded around with her classmates as mommy had a tear in her eye.

We are recovering.....

2005-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ryan is finally able to communicate...mostly....and I think this phase in our life, the one with a bunch of screaming because there is no other way to communicate, is now passing. Ryan now tries very hard to tell us what he wants in his own little way....Thank God!! It is so cute, he will talk about something in some other language and people look at me and wonder what he is saying - as if I speak Ryanlingo...

Man he is strong...

2005-10-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

not only physically but willfully too. I love my little boy but at almost 2 and 25 lbs, those are two strong combinations, enough to make mommy pooped ;) and fast. I cannot imagine for the life of me, where he gets that strong will ;)

I stuck....

2005-10-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

That is what Ryan says alllllll the time. Everything is stuck! He is in his chair, he is stuck, can't move something, it is stuck - so cute!!!

Packed up and ready to go.....

2005-09-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today we were awaken by a knock on our door at 6:30 am - when I went to see who it was, it was our neighbor, Derek, apparently the fire we were not so worried about last night, has now crept up onto the ridge behind our house overnight and is moving pretty fast. His suggestion, the fire is not too close, but it is coming, you might want to start thinking about it. Think about it?!?!?! What I just woke up??? We looked out the window and this is what we saw

So I put all the 'important' items in the car and an overnight bag in the car for each of us, just in case and we waited. Thankfully, by 1:30pm, the fire that was threatening us was out.

Funny, when we bought our house, you know, the one that backs the open land, I never really gave it much thought, how close to nature (coyotes) and fires we really were...we were only one ember away this time, hopefully next time and yes there will be a next time, we are just as lucky.

God Grant me the patience.....

2005-08-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Oh it has been one of those days - one of those hair-pulling days!!! I have a touch of the stomach flu and both the kids have a runny nose and turns out Ryan got some of my stomach bug too. Well the runny nose also makes their voices whiney - whiney all day long!!! Normally this wouldn't drive me half as crazy but when I am not feeling great and we are getting ready to leave for the lake in the morning - I am just pulling my hair out. Dora has saved us again. Because we are leaving, I am not able to just sit and hold them - I know, bad mommy - so I turned Dora on and life was better ;) Please tell me tomorrow will be better, our trip will be good, kids will be good and Ryan will sleep through the night. He has been doing so well lately - going to bed by 8 - not a peep through the night and getting up after 7:30 - let's hope we are on that trend again soon because middle of the night wakings are just no fun - well maybe just a little, because it is a fun time to cuddle! (But only when it happens every now and then)

I try to enjoy every minute

2005-08-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

but yet time still flies by. It seems like just yesterday I was yearning for a child with every bone in my body and now I have two and not two babies but a toddler and a kid - how does time move that fast? Lindsey, my virtual binkie lover, is honestly now contemplating trading in her paci for Dora the Explorer sheets - just for her even to consider that shows how fast she is growing. She has what would be considered a paci addicition and yet, she has actually tried twice to go to sleep without it. Didn't work, but it will. The Dora sheets and jammies are in the mail - one of my addictions, Ebay - and will be here soon - she knows they are coming and I suspect once they are here it might just be an easier trade. I had considered the paci-fairy or Santa Claus or something along those lines to help her get rid of the habit, but I think in all fairness to her, this should be one she does on her own. I mean I honestly do not care if she keeps it or not. She only uses it in bed and the car and she is a fantastic sleeper - so why get rid of it?!?!? I know I could just yank it - but at this point, I will let her control it.

Ryan just had his first official haircut on Saturday, 8/20, and that among everything else, just confirms even more that my baby is no longer a baby but definitely a toddler. Most days are easy with him but he is definitely my more opinionated child and will let you and everyone know what he is feeling. Resaturant outings have become challenging, well they have have been that way for awhile, but lately if we don't time it just 'right', it is brutal! I would say we shoot about 50/50 right now with good vs. bad. All typical things, you know, don't stick me in this chair - I want to sit with you Mommy, I am done eating, let's go, etc. He is so cute though even despite our fun eating outings, we were at Shannon/Ben's last night and to watch him follow the girls around is so cute, he just wants to play with the big kids. The other day we were at the park and he went down the big tube slide all by himself and wanted to do it over and over!!!

The two of them, I could just eat them up!!! Now if time would just slow a little....

I have trained all my life for this...

2005-08-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Growing up with three sisters, I have been conditioned for a battle of the wills since I was Lindsey's age. That is what it is like raising an almost three year old. You have to pick your battles and stick your heals in. We now want Lindsey to do little things around here to help like setting the table, taking her plate over, etc. This morning, she just didn't want to take her plate over and after 20 mins of crying and time out, we worked it out and the plate made it to the counter. Hopefully next time, it won't take the 2o mins of crying but if it does, I am ready for the battle

Spin, Spin, Spin....

2005-08-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

till you fall on your rump and then laugh hysterically. Ryan could spin for hours and thinks it is the funniest thing. He'll spin, fall, spin, fall, over and over and you can see his little head just spinning, but he keeps doing it over and over. I am not sure how he even learned this because it's not like we run around spinning all the time. I think it is just one of those milestones that are just in you when you are born and you hit them when it is your time.

Fumble Bees and Dirsti

2005-08-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

Lindsey calls all bugs, whether flying or crawling, bumble, I mean, fumble bees :D She even calls the speed bumps which are striped, fumble bees.

Ryan's new thing is Dirsti - or thirsty - too cute!

Lindsey is so funny, whenever she sees that someone is doing something - today was the lady in her garage rummaging through paper - she always asks - what is she doing mommy?

I am holding Ryan today and talking to my mom and she is asking why Lindsey hasn't called in a couple of days and I tell her she said she didn't want to talk to Grandma - Ryan immediately says phone, MaMa (name he uses for Grandma) so I give him the phone and he is having some big long winded conversation in some other language.

So we win the bad parents of the day award....

2005-08-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ryan is going through the screaming till I get attention phase, yet again, we thought we were out of that. He hit it really bad from about 12.5 months till about 17 mos and then he was fine, but the last couple of days, he has started again. Matt and I decided that it is best to just ignore him and today was no exception. He woke up earlier then usual - about 7:30 and just screamed - no Mimi, no Dada, just crying - so we both agreed, ignore him till he stops, then get him. Well after I got out of the shower and dried off - about 5 mins or so, he was still crying, so I went in there to make sure he was ok and he had gotten his knee wedged in between the slats of the crib and was stuck - usually he yells "I stuck" but not this time, this time he cried, and Mimi and Dada didn't come running - talk about bad parents, or is this a case of a boy cries wolf??? You know come to think of it, he hasn't cried as much since, nah, he is too young for that reasoning. So for now, we will go on ignorining - once we know he is safe!

Yizzards and Bubby on our walk

2005-08-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

That is what we saw. Lindsey saw a yizzard and Ryan saw a bubby (bunny). I am often thankful for my children to help me stop and smell the roses. Do you know how many yizzard (lindsey-lizzzard), bubbies (Ryan-bunny), beerds (Ryan-birds) and fowders (Lindsey-flowers) I would have missed without them. Also the mooooo (Ryan-moon). Thank God for my children, they stop and help me enjoy life to the fullest!

Such a better day!!!

2005-08-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

This are the days that I remember exactly why it is I stay home with my kids. We went to lunch with Grandma and Aunt Danille and then to the new outdoor mall. They got to run around the grass, bridge and play in the sand. Just so lucky to be able to watch just about every moment as they grow up!

Lindsey is turning into a KID...

2005-08-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

How did this happen? When did this happen? Today we were at the Janss mall getting her a rail so that we could convert her crib into a bed and we were pushing Ryan in the shopping cart together and I look down and she is hanging from the shopping cart - accckkkkkk only kids do that sort of thing.

Today was also a big day - we converted her crib into a toddler bed and she actually slept in it!!!

I ask her, are you Mommy's baby and her answer - No I am a big girl!!!!

Rough, Rough day...

2005-08-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

but as Matt reminds me, could be worse, could be a day at the office - have to agree with that and then I don't complain. Kids were just generally whiney and we were at home and I of course was trying to get something done and that coupled with whineness just doesn't flow! Lindsey decided not to use the potty today and Ryan decided that he wanted me to hold him, ALL DAY!! Oh well, could be worse, right????

Forgot one last thing. Lindsey pushed Ryan so I said to her - You need to say you are sorry - she said "I am ignoring you" as she looked the other way!!

Some of my favorite firsts :D

2005-07-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

So I winked at Ryan today and what does he do......He winks back at me with both his eyes closed tightly - so cute. I do it to Lindsey and she cocks her head to either side and then closes the lower eye all the way and the top one is only 1/2 open. These are the things I live for.

Ryan is now saying Love You. There is nothing better then being a parent then when your child says I love you - especially for the first time!!!

Notes for today

2005-07-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ok so we decided against 'really' starting on the potty training and at this point, just following his lead. My thoughts are to start after summer, maybe October.

Places I found Ryan today-----Walking down the stairs, standing on the living room table, crawling on the patio table, playing in the mud, playing in the fountain (thanks Grandma or MaMa as Ryan calls him) ----oh the joys of boys ;) Ryan is too cute, everytime the phone rings, he wants it. So I give him the phone and he starts some long conversation and definitely knows what he is saying.

Lindseyisms for today---Puts on Daddy's glasses and says "I'm cute!", goes upstairs to get new pants and Ryan is crying and she turns around and says, "I'll be right back, jeez", Ryan cries and she says, "It's ok", Her friend Burke comes over for dinner and we have a small park bench outside that they are sitting on, she has her leg behind him and is rubbing his back and all of a sudden he leans into her and we all just sat there expecting the two of them to make out ;)

We had one of those days, it would be 10 mins of fun and then 5 mins of screaming-this is tough sometimes, but worth it.

Ready.....at 18mos???

2005-07-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Good thing Ryan is the 2nd child, because if he had been my first, I would have never believed it. He is showing signs of potty-readiness and I think I just need to bite the bullet and try to train him - what a scary thought. Today at the park, before he went, he told me and not a second later, he went...

He has told me three times he had to go and went running into the bathroom. Something tells me I am going to have very yellow floors in the near future. I keep saying tomorrow, but I am thinking Friday would be a good day to start. Wish me luck!

Day 2 of preschool-The special bracelet

2005-07-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

Maybe just a little better. A fellow blogger that I follow gave me an idea about a special bracelet http://ministones.blogspot.com/, one just for school - one that would allow Lindsey to be strong in school and then my spin, one that would allow her to remember that Mommy was indeed coming back!

I dropped her off a 9am with no problems. We went to the bathroom and then off to class, kiss, hug and then she was on her way. At 10:30, Ryan and I were on our way to an errand when I got that dreaded call, Ms. Paula calling to tell me that Lindsey was again crying for Mommy. After talking with Ms. Paula and Ms. Paula going back to check one more time, we decided to leave her to see how she did. I made sure to tell Ms. Paula about the special bracelet so that she could tell Ms. Sededgie about it. Well it worked!! She stayed and had a fine time and I picked her up with all of the rest of the kids!

She was so happy to see me and told me all about her day, even the part where "I cried for you Mommy" :( I asked her why and her response, I don't know, I cried for you Mommy. I just told her that is ok, but just remember you have that special bracelet on and that it means Mommy will ALWAYS come back.

Well melt my heart!!!

2005-07-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Lindsey woke up tonight not too long ago, saying I want you Mommy - ok, no problem, unusual for her so of course I am concerned. I go in there and she tells me she wants me. So I suggest we go in my room, I can rock her for a minute. We go in my room and we are talking and I ask her what is on her mind. She says - I don't know - which is the answer for anything and then it is usually followed by the real answer. I say to her is Ryan on your mind - her response - "yes Mommy, he is my best friend!"

My heart has just melted, yet again!

We went camping this weekend....

2005-07-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

and what a blast it was! The kids had a great time! Or at least it appeared that way. Ryan - what a boy he is. Our campsite was up on a slight hill - what does he do - rolls down it, over and over. Our trailer had a screen door - he leans on it and falls out and rolls down the stairs. All this time, he just keeps on going. Ryan went in the water too, off the back of the boat for a prop check like the rest of us. He was even jumping off.

Lindsey - she is more like mommy - she actually got down to the 2nd rung - just the fact that she was anywhere near the water - well that is remarkable in itself.

One more Lindseyism for the books: The dog was rolling around on the grass and she asks me what he is doing - I say, rubbing his back on the grass, it feels good, why don't you try it? Her response - I am not a doggy Mommy, I am a girl - too cute!

Lindsey's 1st day of preschool

2005-07-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the day. The day my oldest 'baby' goes to school without her Mama - can she do this? Can I do this???? That is the real question. We got to Mrs. Segredy's class at exactly 9am, talked to the teacher for just aminute and then got down told Lindsey to have a great time and go play in the water with Libby - what did she do......exactly that! No tears, nothing!

Class is 2.5 hours during the summer and just about 2 hours into class, I got the dreaded, or not so dreaded phone call....Lindsey wants her Mommy now....Yipppppeeeee!!! I got there about 15 mins later and she was fine, back in class - they think it was just a chain reaction from some other kid that wigged - figures. We'll try again next Tuesday and see how she and Mommy do ;)

Fireworks are the new favorite

2005-07-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

We went to watch fireworks at the park with my family and both of my kids loved them. Ryan kept saying oooo, what's that and pointing. Lindsey just kept talking about all the colors and how big they were - Who knew they could stay up past nine and still have fun :D

Took a trip to the beach....

2005-06-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Nicole and Aunt Danille and what a great time it was! My visions of the beach were running after Ryan at a million miles a minute with Lindsey in tow, but when we got there, it was the complete opposite. We put our blanket down, our umbrella up and just played in the sand, covered in sand we were, but not running it, not even once! What a great time the kids and I had, too bad Daddy missed it
:( but definitely next time.

Now I will definitely be planning the beach vacation in Catalina- who would of thought a day at the beach would be relaxing with a 1 and 2 year old :D

I love you MORE!!

2005-06-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

So I tell Lindsey I love her and her response is, I love you so much! I tell her, I love you more and her response is I love you MORE!! and we keep getting louder and louder. What a way to melt a mom's heart :D So cute because Ryan chimes in with his version of I love you and the room gets crazy with love - these are the moments I want to remember.

Lindsey was taking her baby for a walk and I ask her where she is going and her reply---Oxnard. Ryan is watching Dora and it is over and he keeps screaming at her saying Bye Bye Dora!!

We got tickets for August to see Dora and the kids are so excited that Dora is coming to visit :D

Life is crazy busy......but oh so fun!

2005-06-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Life has been hectic and I hope to get back to this more regularly.

Lindsey just finished mommy and me preschool and starts 'regular' preschool in July. I know she will be fine, the question is, will I ;)? She is talking amazingly and is so much more clear in the last two weeks. We are in the process of teaching her to use her words and so far, so good. She told me this past weekend that she is not my 'babygirl' but rather a big girl.

Ryan has started to really talk more now too and can say a bunch of words: all done, what's this, Mimi (for mommy), DaDa, PaPa (Grandpa), MaMa(Grandma), Gigi, Danille, Shannon, Nicole, Swiper, Dora, he can repeat just about anything. He went from not walking on April 5th, to walking on April 6th, to running everywhere within a month.

We took the kids to Laughlin for our annual trip and our first outing of the year. We had a rough start with schedules and everything, but after that, it was fun. The kids do well in the boat and whenever we just drive, they just sleep :D

We took them to Sesame Street Live on Sunday and I am not sure who liked it more, Ryan or Lindsey. Ryan just stared in awwwww and Lindsey was clapping and laughing along.

Feeling Sentimental....

2005-02-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

As I look around me, I no longer have babies but a toddler and a child! How did that happen? I mean I am so happy to see them grow, but it just happens so dang fast. Ryan, my little cuddle/love bug is getting his second molar - which is always fun ;) He can walk/run behind any toy and is very close to getting brave. He can climb up on to Lindsey's table and then he falls off, cries for a second and then is at it again. He is definitely all-boy and loves to bang things, fall off of things, run around, etc.

And Lindsey, what comes out of that girl's mouth is amazing. She can talk and 80% of the time, most everyone can understand her. She repeats everything and can ask for just about anything. She is now using the potty - which I had no idea would be so freeing. When people asked me, isn't it hard, two in diapers, nah, it's just what I do, but now that she is using the potty and no diapers, oh man, I am ready to sign Ryan up for this ;) . Yesterday was our first accident free day. We had 6 successes and 1 accident on Thursday, but Friday, no accidents!!!!!!! If you had asked me last Saturday if this would actually work, I would have said definitely not. I am so impressed with her progression.

Oh man, I just want to squeeze my toddler and little kid (but they are napping) - I just love them both so darned much!!!

The score is 5 to 1 today!!

2005-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

That's right we had 5 successes and only 1 accident! I'll take that, just hope it keeps up. We even went out for an hour with no bye-bye panties and no accidents!!!

But the timer is helping with less nagging from Mommy and more successes from Lindsey! I have figured out, by turning on the timer, she goes in on her own and if in the time we read one book (right now it is either the Dora or the Elmo book) that if she hasn't done it, give another 10 or so minutes. And instead of a 1/2 hour between potties, it is closer to an hour, sometimes two, especially if she isn't drinking anything. The whole key to potty training is trying to guess when it will make an appearance and until Lindsey recognizes the signs, it is up to me to guess. She did today grab herself, not once but twice and peed shortly after, so I think she is getting it even more today.

I was also told by my mother that it doesn't happen overnight and this might take a couple of months - yikes! I had no idea that is what I was signing up for....oh well, it's just wet pants, right????

And my lil' man, he just sits back and takes it all in. Where he loves to take it in most is on my hip - he really is a Mama's boy and I wouldn't have it any other way! Those big brown eyes and they way he stands at my legs now and pushes me around and cries so as to say - Mommy pick me up. So I pick him up and he is so content!

Day 2 of Potty Training and the score is....

2005-02-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

4 successes and 3 accidents. Not too shabby if I say so myself! I think she might actually be getting this. She actually started to go and stopped and said Potty! Yippeee!!! She pooped on the potty too (Thank God for the warning sound before ;) ) But she did good and we are on to day 3 tomorrow - oh man this will get easier, right?

Today my lil' guy was able to pick out Elmo - not once but twice. He may not be able to talk, but he sure does understand. And I promise lil' man as soon as potty training is under our belt, this blog won't be all about potty training.

Potty Training.......

2005-01-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

I have this idea that Lindsey is ready to potty train, so I dove in this week feet first! I don't know who is more nervous, her or me. We are wearing big-girl-pants at home and today was our first full day! Yikes for as many accidents we had, we have had successes!!! I don't think she has completely grabbed the concept, but I will know more by the end of the week. I mean she does go, which I have heard is huge! But then again, she goes in her pants and doesn't say a word till tonight, when she said, Mommy, water! Um, no sweetheart that is pee pee and where do we do that.....in the potty mommy. Yes Lindsey that is right, let's go in.

I cannot believe how exhausting Potty training is.....but Mommy is also learning something new, Patience!!

And poor Ryan, seems like I am in the bathroom all the time or thinking about the next time I need to take her in there. Hopefully he won't be too mad at me. He just got a new molar and a new front tooth and besides that is still walking along walls and furniture with no letting go in sight!

Tomorrow is Day 2 of potty training, wish us luck!!

My lil' man turns 1!

2005-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

They say the 2nd pregnancy goes much faster than the first, but they never mentioned how fast the 1st year of life goes. Ryan turned one last Friday. We had a party for him on Saturday. This past year has been even more amazing then the last. Ryan has made our family complete and it is so fun to watch him grow from a dependent newborn to a very independent toddler, well except when he wants momma to hold him. At this point he is very much a momma's boy and I definitely would not change that.

He has started to walk along walls now and every now and then let's go while holding on to furniture, but is not yet walking. He can recognize several words when asked including ball, doggy, Lindsey, Momma and Daddy. He is constantly saying Da-da which makes me think he will soon be a daddy's boy.

He got his first haircut on Sunday (January 16th) and looks so big now. So let's see his year in review.....

Babbling, crawling, getting into all the cupboards and exploring, playing with his sister, walking along walls, all in all a ton of fun.

He is my lovebug and loves to cuddle. Sometimes at night when we lay him down he just screams but I go in there and rock him and talk to him for just a couple of minutes and he goes to sleep fine. He mostly sleeps through the night with only a couple of wakings here and there usually because he is cold or because of his teeth. He is an early bird though and usually gets up between 6:30 and 7:00 which is fine with me because then we have our time together one on one.

I am really enjoying life with two and looking forward to an even better year this coming year.

I love you baby boy with all my heart!

No blog for two months and then two in one day.....

2005-01-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

Lindsey comes to me today and says "I have poops" and proceeds to get a diaper, wipes and lays down. So now what am I doing, getting books on potty training. She has become acutely aware of her bodily functions so I am going to jump on the opportunity.

One of my favorite sounds is listening to my kids scream with delight. For example, the kids got one of those play huts for Christmas and they both go bizerk when they get in it. Especially Ryan, he can be in the middle of a meltdown, open the hut and life is good again!!! Simple things in life - we should all live like that.

Long time, no blog...

2005-01-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well Lindsey's birthday, the death of my grandpa, Christmas, Matt's Birthday and New Years have all come and gone since my last time here, shame on me! Life was hectic but settling back down. We have Ryan's party in a week, then life as usual - which in itself is hectic!

Let's see if I can do a summation of the last 40 days or so.....

Lindsey's party was a success. We had it at Lang Ranch Park and her aunt's did painting with the kids and we just did pizza, do you know how hard it was for to have nothing to do!! I could get used to this. All of the kids seemed to have a ton of fun and of course, Lindsey was spoiled.

December came and my grandpa was still in the hospital. I saw him on November 28th and he looked bad, saw him again a couple of days later and then again on Tuesday, December 7th. I had no idea this would the last time I saw him. He looked so much better and they were talking about him coming home on Friday. Well it turns out he passed away on Friday, so I guess in a way he did come home. I am glad that he is no longer sick and that he was not in bed for too long because he would of hated that, but he is the first person close to me to pass away it is hard. His funeral was on Sunday and it was very touching. I got to read a poem and now that I did it, I am so glad I got to be a part of it.

Now it was time for Christmas and the tree. It is so cute how much Ryan loves that tree. Lindsey likes to look at it, but that look in Ryan's eye is priceless. Christmas Eve we went to Shannon and Ben's and had dinner and then after we went to Jackie and Chris'. On Christmas morning, the kids slept in till after 8am, after we got up, had coffee, opened our presents, we decided it was time to wake them up ;) Lindsey was amazed by the presents and kept saying "another one!" We had dinner here and made Prime Rib. It turned out good and clean up wasn't too bad.

Matt's birthday I made enchiladas and New Years Eve we went to Trina and Shawn's. Lindsey stayed up the whole time and at about 11:40 kept saying "bye-bye". We were able to keep her at bay until after midnight. Ryan fell asleep in my arms about 10:00pm. I love that and will take that anywhere and anytime!! We left shortly after the New Year and here we are.

We have been working like mad (or at least paying people to) getting it painted, furnished and new lights.

Our goals for this year are to enjoy our children even more then we do and to build this appraisal business.

As for the kids, Lindsey has the memory of an elephant and doesn't forget a thing! The other night I popped out of bed at midnight from a dream that I lost my bracelet, after 20 frantic minutes, I found it - on Lindsey's baby. I asked her the next am if she was playing with mommy's bracelet and she said yes. So I asked her if she knew where it was and she say 'baby has it" I put it back and asked her to show me and sure enough she went to right where I had found it and said "baby has it" Her vocabulary improves every day and she is starting to recognize her colors better, not everything is pink anymore. Another thing she does is, gives a shout out to her brother. You tell her to give one, and she says "shout out to Ryan". Also when we go shopping, grocery, clothes, etc., as we approach Lindsey cheerfully claims - "Going Shopping!" She loves to get the 'flag cart' at the market. (The little cart she can push that has a flag).

Ryan is beginning to really cruise and if you let him go, he will actually stand there by himself. I think he will be walking by the end of the month, but hey, he could be just like his sister and wait till 14 mos. Matt and I were both late walkers, so you never know. He also can get you things he is familiar with, i.e. his ball, pacifier and milk. If you tell him to drink his milk, he does. Tell him to put his paci in his crib and he takes it out of his mouth. Ryan is such a mama's-boy I love it. Whenever he sees me, he wants me and is completely content on my hip. Can't think of a better place for him. Hope he never changes that and that we are always that close.

And what is even cuter is they way they interact and play together. Sure there is a lot of "No Ryan" from Lindsey, but they will play in their rooms for over an hour together!! I could have never planned a better age gap and highly recommend closely spaced kids.

So that is the update for now, and oh yeah, one other goal for the New Year, more blogging!!!

Gymboree.....

2004-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

I took Ryan to Gymboree today for the first time, earlier then anticipated as we were going to wait till he was walking because we thought it would be a waste. Well it turns out, it is not a waste, he loved it!!! We have music to start out with, then the lesson for the day, which was crawling through things, then off to play. Ryan went on the slide for the first time and loved it!! When he got to the bottom, he would giggle. He played a little with the balls and basketball hoop and climbed on other things. After that, it was parachute time with more singing. Just to watch the look in his eyes with the bubbles, like it was the most amazing thing in the whole world. He was watching one lonely bubble for the longest time - amazing is the only word that comes to mind! I am so glad we didn't wait with him!

Weekend away....

2004-11-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

We had our first weekend away since we have had the kids and went to San Diego. Well not our first, but the first one where I was actually able to have a good time and from what I can tell, the kids had a great time with Magaw and Pagaw. In fact, Lindsey keeps calling me Magaw ;)

It was nice to get away with some friends and reconnect with each other. I mean we are always connected, but with just us and no other distractions. See I don't really need a break from my kids because honestly, I love spending time with them, but it is oh so nice to be able to eat dinner and not have to feed two other mouths, or pack for just myself, and not change a single diaper in two days!!! The only kind of vacation that I really need from my kids is from the responsibilities!

In just the two days we were gone, it seems like Ryan has grown bigger and he is really pulling up on everything. Lindsey has an expanded vocabulary and now repeats complete sentences.

We will be starting both the kids in mommy and me programs - Lindsey in preschool and Ryan in gymboree. I am looking forward to having that time with both the kids, just one on one.

The art of eating....

2004-10-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

I was sitting this morning feeding Ryan and Lindsey and it is so amazing to watch them eat. Ryan is mastering the pincher grab and Lindsey is mastering the utensils. Both so intent on picking up the food and getting it to the mouth. It is amazing, something that I do everyday, is something that they must concentrate to master. They are both doing so well and I am happy to report there was not much spillage, Ryan with his waffles and Lindsey with her yo-yo (which is her version of yougurt).

We went to lunch today, Ryan, Lindsey, Kaitlyn, Debbie, Kirk and I, and didn't go until 12:45 and had a really long wait, but both Ryan and Lindsey sat there without hardly a peep the whole time. It is amazing to me, how they can both sit there and not be freaking out like the typical toddlers. They definitely have mastered restaurant behavior, hopefully it will stay that way.

I really am the mom of two babies....It is important to pick your battles wisely!

2004-10-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

I often forget that my children are still babies even though they are only 9mos and 23 mos, you would think it would be easy to remember. I mean I know I have two children, but I forget that they are babies. I have to say, I have two of the easiest children and when they have an off day, it is usually together and is enough to make mom pull her hair out. Today is one of those days, and those poor babies, nothing is making them happy. They both are fighting colds and are having a hard time sleeping, so there is a lot of crying going on in our house today. Not too often do I watch the clock until nap time, but today was one of those days.

I must be crazy because we have pictures planned this afternoon-today? am I nuts, hopefully we can get a good one of the two of them in their Tigger costumes - yes that's right, they are both Tigger. Originally Lindsey was supposed to be a princess and Ryan was to be Tigger, because he has of course, been Tigger since birth and Lindsey, well she is our princess! So about two weeks ago Shirley (grandma) was visiting and since both Grandmas and Grandpa were present (well Ma-gaw and Pa-gaw as Lindsey calls them) we decided to put their costumes on to show them off. After playing in them awhile it was time for dinner, so we took them off but Lindsey wanted to play in Ryan's awhile, no problem. Well when it came time for her to take it off, it was a battle. We then decided that she would be Piglet and I would go the next day and get the costume, forget the princess idea! When we got to Target, there were no Piglet costumes to be found, so I decided that I would go online to the Disney store and purchase it from there. When I went online I was afraid that if I got her anything else then Tigger it would be melt-down city come Halloween, so Matt and I agreed that Ryan was Tigger, no changing that, but Lindsey too could be Tigger, so I purchased two Tigger costumes in the appropriate sizes. Turns out to be adorable, so we are off for pictures today.

Anyways back to my point. Poor Ryan is just not feeling good and well, expressing himself the only way a 9 mo old can, by crying and Lindsey, well she is being all of two - very indignant, if I grab the jeans out of the closet, she'll want the dress, if I tell her not to play with something, she just keeps doing it. So I wisened (is that a word?) up and let her pick out her own outfit - she chose her red shirt with black velvet pants - fine!

I have learned in my short time as a parent, pick your battles and as long as no one will get hurt, the headache and heartache, just aren't worth the battle. So I step back for a minute and think about what it is we are discussing and choose appropriately - we have a much happier house now!

Let's try this!

2004-10-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Although my writing leaves a lot to be desired, I think this might be my key to actually remembering the little things I am always afraid to forget. Like for example, I am upstairs doing God-knows-what and leave Lindsey and Ryan downstairs. Lindsey is down there singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in the cutest little voice. And Ryan, well he is doing the typical boy thing, screaming to hear himself scream in our new house with the high ceilings. Shortly after it becomes a screaming match to see who can scream louder, him or his sister. The funny thing about this is, Matt and I love it! We love when they do it at restaurants (ah, payback!) and actually think it is funny and encourage it ;) It just mortifies their grandmas, but hey, we never go to a restaurant, where this type of behavior isn't 'appropriate'!Lately, I have really been trying to take the time after the kid's afternoon naps to take at least a 1/2 hour to make it just 'their' time, time when I get down on their level and just play. It is amazing how relaxed I have felt over the past couple of days, I just love it. I love the zurbits that I get from Ryan or when I ask the kids who loves mommy and Lindsey raises her hand and says Me, me, me! (Another mommy-ism, that we just think is so dang funny)Lately I have been seeing in Lindsey the kind of job parenting I have been doing. This past weekend she was changing her baby - you know because dolls need clean diapers - and as she is changing her baby, she is tickling her. As she is putting on her shirt, she is sticking her hand through like I do and pushing on her nose and laughing. Too cute. Also, when someone sneezes she says "Bless you". It just makes me feel good that she is picking up on the good habits.Another Lindsey funny.....the other day I go into my bathroom and there are 8, yes 8, rolls of toilet paper stacked on the back of the toilet and I think to myself, well the roll on the rack is full (little background.....I hate to change the toilet paper roll and Matt is always on me for not doing this), does he think he is being funny?? So I go and find him and tell him very funny, and he has no clue what I am talking about. Well it turns out it was Lindsey who was being helpful, when Matt was changing Ryan she was walking back and forth from the hall cupboard to our bathroom, he just wasn't sure what she was doing.Oh and I will leave with this - somebody shut Ebay down - I am an addict!! and can't stop! Whenever I need something, no need to leave my house. Today I needed a costume and Thomas the Tank pjs for a bday present and what do I do, you're right, I ebayed them both and finished what shopping I need to do without leaving my kitchen table, talk about convenience! They really should have a support group for this, EA! Lord help me, good thing I am selling a couple of things, for a dang dollar, I am soon to be rich now :D