Ah...More Fairies Must Be the Answer!

We are still away at the lake and will be for another week. It's grand--blissful, really--in a weird, masochistic sort of way. We've fallen into a pretty nice little routine, which always happens around day 3 or so, and generally are enjoying ourselves. We still, however, are seeing a lot of the naughty-ness that accompanies a family with 2 little girls and 1 baby brother. A, as the oldest of our brood, seems hellbent on waking up sleeping children. Either by touching, talking to, pinching, or tickling--it's her life's truest desire. I will not mince words: This. Pisses. Me. Off. She's pretty good about adhering to a decent time out though and for the most part (more than 50% of the time), 'gets' it and moves on. This I have to live with--and this is fine. I still hate that she must wake the littler ones, though. Can't she just awaken Hubby when HE'S sleeping? Now Little Miss C...she is a different kid altogether--and will not, I repeat WILL NOT adhere to, nor be confined to, a simple time out. No way, no how, it's not gonna happen. I was not happy about this until that article a few weeks ago about the Clean-Up Fairy enlightened me. (read past entries to catch up!) The lady who gave life to my now favorite Fairy really should be nominated for sainthood--well, in my humble little mommy opinion! C becomes very nearly unhinged when we mention the "C.U.F." She bolts around the room, doing whatever needs to be done to tidy things up, and make any mess appear far less messy. It's done as if a 3 year old was doing it still--but it works. Yay. Somehow, a small success. Trouble arose though during the first day or so of our vacation when we were really having trouble with C's tantrums and screaming fits. (Whomever said it was the Terrible Twos never had kids... in reality it's the Life-Threatening-Threes that'll give you your battle scars as a parent) I tried to think of a way in which my friend "C.U.F" could help me and then I decided to try something new. C was doing something naughty-- screaming for the sake of screaming--when I calmly told her I needed her to listen to mommy, and to calm down. I warned her again, "Please calm down and listen to Mommy or else the Listening Fairy would come and take away your corks" (now this brings up another topic entirely--my 3 year old's continuing to use her corks...that's pacifiers to the general public) Anyway--a really cool thing happened with my latest threat--it worked!! She stopped screaming, apologized, and snapped back into angelic-three-year-old-mode. **sound the alleujah chorus**

Stay tuned....

Finally on vacation....well, sort of

Friday is a blur as I look back on it--packing, packing, refereeing fights, cleaning, packing. Then the drive--oh the drive. We decided to leave at the height of a Friday rush hour. Stop saying those things--we're not stupid!! Well, yeah, maybe we are. The Baltimore Beltway can be a pain in the ass on its best day--but 4:30 on a summer Friday? C'mon. We weren't even to I-70 when the kids starting asking for food. Which at that point was still 2 hours away. I was sitting in my assigned seat in the middle row of our van. Next to B, and in front of A & C. Directly behind Hubby. I really am not a fan of this as I have always been a firm believer in the "mom and dad up front/kids in the back" way of driving. Even coming home from the hospital I didn't sit w/ my babies. Well, with A I did, but it wasn't because I wanted to! However, this perch in our van allows me to be within reach of everyone and therefore I am able to be superwife & supermom for 3, or sometimes more, hours. When we finally reached our stopping point for dinner (a McDonalds playland--oh joy!) we were all hungry and rattled from close to 3 hours in the car. I can't imagine ever driving to, say, Florida with my family. Maybe if I'm in a separate car from them! Anyway--McDonalds was pretty much non-eventful, except for the crazy clean-up attendant on duty. As she saw my flip-flop wearing daughters run to the playzone she ran after them as if they were carrying weapons of mass destruction. Why?? Because they weren't allowed to go on the play equipment barefoot!! Oy... So basically she chased my kids, she was RUNNING, all because they MIGHT put their bare feet on the stinky festering filthy equipment. Ugh. Lucky us, McDonald's sells socks at the counter, $1 per set. And believe me, I want my kids to have a layer of something between them and the awful germ-pit, but seriously...running after the kids? Get over yourself lady. Once we got back on the road again things stayed remarkably sane. We arrived into town around 9:15 at which point I ordered Hubby to the all-night grocery liquor store for a few essentials. Wine, chocolate, Cheese bread, OJ. You know, the basics. I would love to tell you that the long day and long drive made my little angels go right to sleep--that would be a good end to this little tale, but alas--it was not meant to be. It took so long to get A & C to bed...kicking and screaming is putting it mildly. At least dear, sweet little B was doing the right thing!! By the time the girls settled down and I finished unpacking the kitchen items (of which there were many) and unpacking my clothing, Hubby was passed out cold on the bed and I was a zombie. It was well after midnight and I just wanted to crash. It was only a brief 5 hours until the fun would start all over again--but it was the first time, on night one of a vacation, that I have slept that long a stretch...I normally count on no meaningful sleep at all that night because I'm forever tossing and turning and clock-watching. By the 2nd night it gets better, and if there's a 3rd and more--I'm good. Sleeping that long, and that well, was a good thing. Given that the day/night were so horrendous and the following day ended up being, well, a day with lots of yelling to say the least, I decided to be pretty damned happy about that five-hour stretch of sleep. Let's see what the next day brings!

Assorted Ramblings of the Last Few Days

I have missed writing...this whole blog-thing has been sort of an experiment anyway...and over the weekend and early part of this week I've left it alone. I missed it!! I don't know why that's exciting either...just felt like it should be said.

The other night Hubby and I snuck away (thanks to Grandma & Pappy) for dinner...nothing special, but it was pure carbo-licious goody-goodness. Panera!!! When I die and go to heaven I would like to eat Asiago Cheese Bagels and Soup Bread Bowls for every meal. Anyway...the real point of this particular ramble is that we went to the mall AFTER dinner to exchange some earring backings that kept falling of. Hubby gave me some diamond studs for our tenth anniversary and I was finally getting around to getting the proper backings. (for those of you keeping score, our 11th anniversary was early this spring...) I summoned a saleswoman who was kind enough to stop me midsentence and say, "You are wearing your size sticker on your shirt." As in--right down my left boob. Great....just where I want to see a 6 inch long sticker with "L" going down it. Now, it's true that my shirt had a busy print to it--but it was easy enough for the kind jewelry woman to notice it!!! My husband hadn't noticed it, I hadn't noticed it, my inlaws hadn't noticed it, I think the Panera girl must've noticed it (in hindsight) because she seemed giggly. I had also spent a decent amount of time with a JCPenney salesclerk that evening....why didn't anyone say anything earlier??? Grrr....

B is sitting up--really well I might add--and it is hard to believe this is the same kid for whom I just contacted Infants and Toddlers. However--I did, happily--and they are coming out on September 1st. C is forever finding more ways to torment Hubby and me...it is so clear to me that she was just destined to be a middle child. Tonight she refused to go to bed, she just kept 'having to go to the baff-room." She finally fell asleep, snuggled up w/ about 6 blankets, a giant cucumber named Larry, and 4 corks. (Pacifiers for those not in the know) A is out at a ballgame with Hubby tonight~a daddy/daughter date. There was a rain delay before so I'm just crossing fingers they got to see a little baseball. A is really interested in the details of the game this year...it's pretty darn cute!

I am starting to get really, really nervous because its now been a week and I haven't heard anything from Sharon at People Magazine. I'm worried they have forgotten about us!! I am sure they haven't....I mean, they wouldn't have spent that much time and then just forgot, would they??? Too much stress! MIL mentioned today, correctly, that the death of a Kennedy (Eunice K. Shriver) is enough to bump us out of a magazine for a few weeks indeed. Ho hum. (my condolences to the Kennedy/Shriver clan, of course)

Nighty night all~Have a fabulous tomorrow!

Update on the Clean Up Fairy

Man...I never, EVER, thought that she'd still be going strong!!

But, lo and behold, every night and most days C toils around the family room and her room making sure that everything is put away. It is CRAZY...I never imagined it would take off. C totally believes in this one, and every night Hubby & I get to sit in the family room and watch tv--and SEE the floor. Who knew? If I could get A on board with this I'd really have to just pinch myself, but I can't have it all here in Paradise, now can I?

Our basement is still a source of never ending discontent (mine) and utter lack of caring (also mine). One day the Clean Up Fairy may visit there too, though. Maybe. She's considering it, at least.

On a totally unrelated note...I'm sitting patiently for Mr. Mailman and hoping he's got my People Magazine in his little truck.

On another unrelated topic, Hubby and I are going out to dinner and to see a movie...a movie that doesn't have a Princess or a talking bunny or a giant drooling dog!! We're seeing "Bruno" with Sascha Baron Cohen...at least we'll giggle like frat boys! I'm such a frat boy.

Have a fun and fabulous weekend, my friends!

We're back~more updates~

This morning's visit at KKI was far less chaotic--but just as much fun--as the one on Tuesday. B got the opportunity to play with lots of neat toys and show off some of his great social skills :) There is one task he didn't do that well on today, but he did well on Tuesday--it involves a little joystick and a light up musical toy. Today's toy was a little scary and I think that affected the outcome ;) B's muscles in his neck/shoulders are seeming a little weak so I am definitely going to set up that Infants & Toddlers evaluation. Dr. Landa felt it was a good idea as well. It was neat, though, that just since Tuesday B is able to sit up for a longer period of time. Tuesday he couldn't at all, and now for a few moments. He is getting there--so cute!! I'm so glad we got our little tenth anniversary suprise~he just makes my day.

Sharon from People made the long trip from NYC again today, only to turn around an hour or so later and head back. What devotion! It was a good opportunity for her to see a more normal session of the tests that were done with B. Thanks, Sharon--was so nice to see you again today!

After the testing was over we said our goodbyes and hit the road. We made it to VBS just in time to get A & C. Phew!

Getting ready to make the call to Infants & Toddlers--hope that they can set us up just after vacation.

Happy Thursday!

Rain, Rain, Go Away--come back when I don't have big things on the agenda...

I hate rain. Have to get B out the door to KKI this morning, and as luck would have it I've actually done my hair--and it's raining. I really do like rain--but not when I have good hair.

Hubby is taking the girls to VBS this morning to ease up my drive downtown a bit, should be nice! Looking forward to the visit...just need to get a few more things ready and we'll hit the road. Sharon from People will be there again today, so it will be nice to chat with her again.

Oh--and in important People Magazine news...I actually do have a trial subscription in place at the moment so I am technically getting the magazine. I think I'll be re-upping though ;)

Happy Day friends ~

More details on our People Interview/Photoshoot--when I'm not so tired!

First--many of you have asked about the issue we'll be in. Nothing is set yet~I'll keep everyone posted though :)

B's assessment/Kennedy Krieger Institute: The day started yesterday as smoothly as could be--everyone up, fed, and ready to rock. I LOVE when the days start like that! Hubby's mom was here to be w/ A & C and get them off to Vacation Bible School safely while Hubby and I went along to KKI w/ B. It was a little overwhelming seeing some of the photographic equipment--the rooms at KKI's REACH center are small and down a winding hallway. We were greeted by Dr. Rebecca Landa (love her!) and the wonderful gals at KKI (love them!)--and introduced to Sharon Cotliar from People and Ray and Brian, the photographer and assistant, respectively. (they were good to us--very patient ans sweet w/ the kids) Things got rolling w/ B's assessment but it quickly turned into a photo shoot. It was great though--I've spent so much time over the last 5 years in those testing rooms at KKI, and while I love doing it all and participating in the research--it can be a bit nervewracking!! The shoot made it fun and lighthearted, which I liked. B did really well on one of the assessment tasks--what a sweet thing to see him making the social connections so crucial to every day life! Made my heart sing! During part of the assessment Dr. Landa became concerned about some of B's motor skills and she mentioned this to Hubby and to me as well. While it's always a shock or blow to hear that there is or may be something wrong with your child, I have to say I'd rather know than not know. I will call Infants and Toddlers--if nothing else they will come here to the house, spend some time doing some developmental testing, and reassure me. If something is wrong--we get the earliest possible start on early intervention. Really no downside, the best that I can see.

The Photoshoot: We had a nice break in between B's assessment/Photo Shoot part 1 and Photo Shoot part 2 so Hubby and I were thrilled to actually sit down and eat lunch--alone!! yay :) B was sound asleep from his morning of hard work and Grandma hadn't returned with the girls from VBS. I was a little concerned when Ray and Brian showed up right as Grandma and A & C returned, but they were just making sure they could find our house and said they'd return in an hour. It gave us enough time to finish lunches, feed the girls, and start dressing and primping. A kept asking about whether she'd get 'hair & make up' :) too cute!! On Monday night I became a little freaked out that I didn't have the proper clothing for all 5 of us--Olga Camacho, Photo Editor at People, was kind enough to email me some guidelines for color choices. It helped!! (I went off to buy a LOT of clothing that night...I think I helped JC Penney's 3rd quarter sales quota...) We were all decked out in our coordinating attire in time for the fun to begin. There were a lot of pictures taken~I couldn't even begin to guess how many, but lots of smiles. Of course A & C were giggling themselves to death because we allowed them to say potty words the entire time. Instead of your traditional "say cheese" there was a lot of the more non-traditional "doggy poop kitty butt." Great. This'll come back to haunt us. I'm sure of it. However--Ray seemed to thing things were turning out well, so fingers are crossed that the bad words will be forgotten (yeah, right) and that pics in the mag will be delightful. It was a little weird being on our front porch with lights rigged up on our front yard for pictures...I'm intensely curious to see how our house looks--I know not much of the house is in the pictures, but somehow I think it will look different in these pictures. As Ray and Brian were finishing up their work Sharon and Elise from KKI arrived. Elise (Media Relations for KKI) dropped Sharon to us and went on her way and we sat in Todd's office to start talking. And talk we did--for hours!! I was surprised and impressed with how much time it took, and more surprised at just how fatigued I was after it was done. It was really like re-living A's early years, so it was a little surreal thinking back to the times when she couldn't communicate. Lots of great memories were re-lived though. I do look back on those years and know that they shaped me as a mommy. They certainly shaped how Hubby and I work as a team. (well -that and having 2 more kids...) After the interview was over we got Sharon a cab to the train station and let Grandma go home too. We all put in a LONG day!! Dinner was leftover pizza and then snowballs for dessert. It was an early night too--kids to bed regular time and then we went to bed at 9. I don't even remember turning the lights out--or my head hitting the pillow.

Tomorrow I have to take B back to KKI for the 2nd part of the assessment. I'm a little nervous I guess--knowing that there is definitely something everyone is looking for, but I'm also very excited at the same time. Sharon indicated she may be back tomorrow just to quietly observe the tests, but there won't be any photographing going on...at least not the kind meant for the shiny pages of People Magazine! (Is it Friday yet?? I can't wait to get my newest copy...)

Today was the big photoshoot and interview for People Magazine!

We. Are. Tired.

We had a great day though--in all seriousness. The day started with B's 6 month testing at Kennedy Krieger, which was less about testing and more about the photoshoot. B handled it well I think, considering he had lots of unfamiliar people and cameras in his face all morning. One of the tasks he did really well at, the other showed he could have some motor delays. We're certainly concerned--but at this point it's really unconclusive. We'll continue to have these tests every few months, and I'll call our county's Infant & Toddler program to evaluate B's development. We had such a good experience with I & T when A was a toddler and our motto pretty much goes, "if you have a concern at all--call!!"

The photo shoot was sort of surreal...you see photoshoots here and there on tv or something and then when it's in your house it feels sort of like its not your house! We got many, many family shots in our family room on our sofa and then some shots on our front porch also. Most were family shots of all 5 of us, some were just of Hubby, B and me. There were a few taken with just B & me too. I don't think we'll see most of them, just what gets in the actual article...I'm just not sure how all of that works! I would love to see them....

We had a very nice afternoon with Sharon Cotliar, the reporter from People. She was at KKI this morning for the testing with Dr. Landa and REACH staff and then came to our house after our photos were done. I was very nervous about this interview...nervous that I would say something and it would be misinterpreted somehow in print. Of course it'll be a few weeks until it's published--but we've come away from the afternoon feeling pretty postitive. Sharon asked really good questions about A's diagnosis, her early years, her school experiences, etc. We talked about B and the testing today. I loved that Sharon let us talk--sometimes I felt like I was rambling about my answers, but she was more than patient about it and seemed to really 'get' what I was talking about The message I really wanted to relay through Sharon's article is how important Early Intervention is when there are developmental delays. Children learn and grow so much in their first 3 years and it is a limited window of time, yet one where so much good can be done!

I'm so tired...I feel like I'm not writing well--and feel a little overwhelmed. I want to write more about this topic, Early Intervention I mean. It has made such a difference in our lives! Good night all :)

Date Night!!!!!

I have to admit that this is the true reason I wanted to start blogging. Date night is my FAVORITE :) :)

Oh--I promise this will be G-rated...not to worry my friends!! heehee...

I truly believe that date nights are CRUCIAL to my marriage--and I sing their praises and wish that all my married buddies would have date nights too! This is a very simple thing...kids in bed, dinner for hubby and me, and a nice evening for the two of us. And Scrabble. Our date nights usually involve Scrabble! I don't exactly remember why Scrabble came into the equation...but it's a mainstay around here. The last few date nights were spent watching, marathon-style, episodes of Mad Men Seasons 1 & 2. Regardless of the evening's activities--it's always such a treat. I figured I would share our menu too--perhaps some of you can have a date night too!! Let me know :)

One bottle of Yellowtail Wine (any kind!) $7
One package/can of Pillsbury Italian Country Bread (under $3)
One package of a precooked "skillet meal" (found in the frozen section of any grocery store) $5-$8)
One package of Hershey's Bliss Dark Chocolates ($4)

So for $20 we had a GREAT night--it wasn't 'regular' food at home, it felt special and tasted great!! We even sit at the 'little table' in our breakfast nook instead of the family sized table in the dining room--just more intimate I guess. It reminds me of Panera actually...a little bistro-sized table for two people.

Oh--and I did all of this within my Weight Watchers plan--and still managed to have a loss this week!! Whoohoo--I'm down a total of 17.6lbs so far! :)

Have a date night folks--I can't wait to hear about it~