The Martin's

Who's the Softee??

2010-08-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Another four-legged friend has joined our family. Ryan called me last week at work to tell me to check my email. So I did....

To find that he wants to adopt an adorable kitten. My better sense told me NO NO NO. My love of kittens however won this time. So now we have a dog, THREE cats, and a frog!!

She is very sweet. Cuddle bug and loves to cuddle with Ryan. She is also super patient with Skylar wanting to carry her and show her the world. Our female cat Sasha is having some major adjustment issues, our male cat D'mitri could care less (go figure), and Max feels that he has a new best friend. Pashka (the new kitten) feels differently and HATES Max. He's persitent however and is winning I think.

So I am officially an old cat lady.....

Traveling with Skylars

2010-06-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

So Skylar and I went on an adventure to "Debbie's House". Ryan wasn't able to come with us due to work but he encouraged me to take Sky while I was on break from school and it wasn't awful hot out there. So I book our tickets. I bought one-way tickets from Columbus to AZ (which sounds silly but I saved $300 doing it this way...and the trip on the way back had a layover in Cleveland. So we just got off!)

Now I have to give you some background into Skylar and our parenting style. Sky is an independant spirit. Something that I completely foster (most of the time) because I don't want her to grow up dependant on anyone. Hmmm.... Anywho, because of this Sky can be pretty stubborn and impatient. She is also 2 1/2. Which catapults things way out of control without warning. Ryan and I however, have no patience for impromtu tantrums for no reason and don't tolerate them. Sky has had time-outs in public on numerous occasions and I have no qualms about that. I would like to think that this is why these tantrums are rare and pass fast. I could be completly wrong--I like to live in my oblivion. However, I know how airports run. Where exactly amongst all of these strangers am I to give a timeout? I can't spank her because it's unheard of to give your kid a swift knock on the rear when they are out of line. So all of our disciplinary actions are out of the picture. Hence my extreme nervousness. I know I am going to have to tolerate actions from Sky that normally I wouldn't and the constant worry is that we will now erase all our progress.

Ryan drove us down and as we get closer I am getting more and more nervous. Ryan must have picked up on this because before he put Sky in the stroller, he looks at me and says "Breathe, be patient, it's an adventure--just have fun.". Thank you honey, I needed that.

So off we go. People in the airport were nice, security was great. Airline people were fabulous. I was so pleasantly surprised, I was thinking "This is nothing. I can do this!" The trip out there was awesome. Sky did amazing except for spilling my water on her lap and then sitting naked for about a half hour on the plane (Sky didnt' care, she loves being naked). The last 20 minutes were a hair rough but that was my fault because I said "We're here!!!" And then we taxi'd for 20 minutes.

LESSON # 1: Don't promise things. There is no such thing as 'we're here" until everyone else is off the plane.

Eventually we get off the plane. Sky is so excited. And sooo tired but we make it through the airport. Now get a visual pic here: I have a carseat on my back like a backpack, a carry-on on wheels with Sky's bookbag and my purse on the handle. Sky is pulling her 'wagon' ((princess backpack on wheels like a suitcase)). She is the star of the airport as she is walking with Purpose...Nose up, Strutting along...until she walks into a wall. And I am sorry to say I laughed. LOL. She gets in stroller--I add another bag to my load and we're off.

There's Debbie!! THANK GOD! My arms are chaffed from the carseat straps.

LESSON #2: Wear longer sleeves when carrying backpack-carseat.

We had an absolute blast at Deb's and Skylar actually started to throw a mini-fit in the car on the way to the airplane because she wanted to "turn 'round, we go Debbies house, I push button".

LESSON #3: This is an ominous sign. Lord, Help Me.

LESSON #4: "Breathe, be patient, it's an adventure--just have fun."
((I forgot this lesson....))

Deb drops us off. I am saddled back up with all of my goodies. I see the Sky look. Breathe Di Breathe.

We go straight to security...to the family lane. Thank you family lane. Sky is as usual the star of the airport. She is chatting it up with a rather nice looking guy from Australia (whom I think was trying to hit on me....nah...), a young lady from Canada, and a grandmotherly type from Idaho. I don't know if it was the nervousness written on my face or the carseat on my back but the other passengers were so helpful and friendly. However...the security officers not so much.

We've all flown, we know how this goes. Everything on the conveyour belt. Shoes off. Wait for control-freak security person to wave you through. In Columbus, I was told Sky had to walk through by herself because she had her own ticket and could walk. Did it with remarkable colors in Ohio. However just prior to this Sky is throwing her baby doll on the ground and trying to drive her stoller around. Which of course upsets security guy--"Miss, that has to go on belt." Yes I am aware...do you see me yanking it from her kung-fu grip? "Miss on the belt." Sky is now full-fledge thrown herself down on the floor screaming. I am so embarassed I can't look people in the face. I attempt to get her to walk through. She won't because the security guy is snearing at her. ((At the time I was mad at Sky, today I realize she was smart. Good Girl, snearing men do not deserve to be listened to)) Snearing Security Guard: "Just pick her up Miss." Oh, I'm sorry I thought I couldn't. SSG: "Pick her up". Walk through...BEEP BEEP BEEP. SSG: "Cellphone in your pocket by chance?" Oh yes, in the middle of the tantrum I forgot the phone. SSG: " Take it out". Listen jerk, I will stab you with a Barbie shoe. Back off.

We get out of there. I am so embarrassed. I am near tears. I set down boarding passes to put Sky's shoes on and get stoller back together. OOop. The fan blows my boarding passes away. Tears welling. Nice Australian runs over and picks them up. Thank you so much. Hot Aussie: "You look like you need a drink." I need the bottle. Swallow tears. I go back to business. ((Note to self today: He really was hitting on me. DANG!))

LESSON #5: Relish Hot Aussie. Skylar's a babe magnet.

LESSON #6: Don't pack Barbie shoes. There is too much temptation. Too Too Much.

Now we continue on. Skylar is screaming she wants coffee (which is actually hot chocolate.) She is again throwing her baby doll on the ground. As I am trying to bend down to pick it up...Idaho Grandmother from Security walks by and picks it up for me. Thank you Idaho Grandmother. She says I'm her hero. I say I should be locked up. She giggles. Wait Idaho Grandmother Come Back, I NEEEEEDDDD YOU!

LESSON #7: Other travelers are kind. Be nicer to strangers in airports.

We get to food court. Skylar sees Wendy's "I WANT NUGGETS". Now normally this kind of screaming gets ZERO results but I am desperate and fearing for Sky's safety at this point so I cave. We get in line to find out that they don't serve nuggets until 10am. It's 947am. Do you see the look of desperation in my eyes? Drop them early...please???!! What? No? I tell Sky they're broke. She screams. I glance at oh-so-professional-Wendy's-employee who shrugs. Where's that damn Barbie shoe??

Look Sky there's coffee.....

Cup of Hot chocolate later. Peace has been restored.

Now online the Phoneix Airport says there are playlands in each terminal. I find ours should be near Gate 13. Oh what HEAVEN. Except that at Gate 13, NOTHING. I ask. Oh it's moved to Gate 4. Except that at Gate 4, NOTHING. However, gate 4 is empty...Run Skylar Run. She's running and hollering. I say nothing. I am getting the stinkeye from another flyer....I seriously was thinking "Please say something, I am dying to scream". He sensed the warning signs and shushed. Darn.

It's almost time to board, we stop for nuggets and off to the gate we go. Skylar is again making friends with other passengers to which I am grateful. And then she hurls her half-eaten chicken nugget behind her and narrowly misses a man. I apologize and cringe. This is going to be a long day.

LESSON #8: Benedryl you say, yep Benedryl didn't work for Skylar.

We get on plane. Now I obviously have my hands full. This guy behind me literally reaches over my head and in front of me to put his bag in the overhead compartment I am reaching for. Ok, buddy, calm down...I will put mine next to yours. I try to get stuff together and sit, he sits down next to me. Oh Gee. BONUS. Top it off, he promptly places both elbows on the arm rests and closes his eyes. He was a twirp the whole ride. Let's leave it at that.

I have portable DVD player ready. Cheetos, check. Water in bottle this time, check. M&M's, check.

SMALL ASIDE: I actually hate when people plug their kid into a movie everytime they are in public because it doesn't teach a kid how to behave in public. So I was against a portable DVD player until the airplane came into the picture. We bought one. Best investment ever. Reason Sky did so well on the flight to AZ. So I am all for whipping that baby out as soon as we sit our fannies in the seat.

LESSON #9: You will be asked to put DVD player away during take-off. Remember this. It's not pretty when you forget.

Thats right, Sky is screaming again. She loves seatbelts...because 'we be safe' just like Dora says---refuses to wear it. I am a half second away from beating her when she passes out. I place seat belt around and breathe. Now tears are falling down my cheeks. I am exhausted. Starving. So anxious I am nauseous and can't stop crying. I have no tissues and can't reach them for fear of waking the monster. I calm down. I breathe. I reach for my book.

LESSON #10: Keep tissues in reaching distance. They are handy for more than one reason.

Sky's been napping in her seat for about a half hour. I now feel it is safe to reach for a couple cold leftover nuggets because my stomach is in a knot and I need to relax. I take one bite--my nose is dripping. Wierd, I wasn't crying that hard. Remember I have no tissus. I wipe with my hand--Ew. To realize, it's not runny nose, it's BLOODY nose. WHAT THE FRICK IS THIS? I haven't had a bloody nose since I don't know...puberty? Maybe once when I was pregnant...but seriously since puberty. I have nothing and I am bleeding like a sieve. I press call light with my only non-bloody finger. She must have known, has tissues with her. I fix bloody nose. Skylar wakes up. SERIOUSLY I JUST WASTED 15 MINUTES OF NAP TIME ON BLOOD....%&#*^@( %^$*(@*%&^ @&#($%. I can't type what I was thinking.

However Skylar wakes up with Angel-Skylar-Face. I feel instant relief. Ok we're good.

LESSON #11: Don't get hopes up. It hurts too much when they fall.

She truely did alright for most of the rest of the flight. Until the end. I actually ended up putting her in time out in her seat (this consisted of turning off Wonder Pets) for 1 minute (1 minute less than usual but I'm in a losing battle here.) Note to Continental: How are you supposed to eat a salad on a plane? Oh wait, my seat buddy did in three bites. Can everyone see me gagging? However the rest was the cheeseburger and a bag of M'M's. Honestly decrease your flight costs and give me pretzels. Skylar doesn't eat cheeseburgers so I say to the flight attendant--don't waste the salad or cheeseburger but can I have the M&M's for her. She rolls her eyes and hands me the salad as well. Yes my 2 year old can manage a salad on an airplane.

Refer back to LESSON #6.

Needless to say, when they come back as sweet as pie, I smile and say "You can save the salads, they weren't even opened." Peanut-brain.

At this point I am counting minutes.

LESSON #12: Don't do this.

Skylar is losing it again and screaming " I Want To Go Down. I Want Off Plane." And kicking. And kicking. [Enter time-out]

I have remembered my previous Lessons and didn't mention "almost there". We played games out the window for all of 3 minutes--she saw cactus in the lake Deb. LOL

We get off plane. Thanks to the help of a couple stewardesses. Who still sucked but at least tried. We get through airport with Skylar again strutting her stuff with her 'wagon' stopping to say Hi to everyone. They are smiling at me...I can't even manage a smile. I grimace at best and scoot Sky along.

There's Mama O. I get in car. I CRY CRY CRY.

Today it's funny. She really is a good girl. And I can't expect much more from a 2 1/2 year old. I take for granted how much of a partnership Ryan and I have at times. He keeps my patience in check and Sky's independance as well. He does things completely different from me but thats what makes it work. If I can give any advice to new mommies out there is to let the guy do it their way so they stay involved. If we become over judgemental of their ways, they back off and stay off. A wise matriarch told me this once. Wonder where she gets her wisdom from....
Love you all :)

Why do I keep this thing going.....

2010-06-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

I hear a lot of grief from my big sister about my inconsistent blogging....I really do want to be better at it. My sis recently created a book of blogs between some family members and it is so great....my cousin actually does this every year to put their year in review in writing. I love that idea! Now where to find the time!

SO much has happened in the past year that I am not sure where to start. I changed jobs and now teach fulltime. I no longer take call or work the weekends except one Sat a month and therefore have much more time to explore the world with Sky. I enjoyed my first Christmas without call with Sky---but I am on call this Christmas so I guess we will see how that goes. Sky and I took our first trip to AZ to visit Aunt Debbie which has resulted in endless questions of going to 'Debbies house'. She had such a great time. Maybe I will just repost that experience in the airport! LOL

Sky is now almost 3 and quite a bundle of craziness. She is still super-independant, still not potty trained (mommy isn't crying about that), and still the center of our world! She is quite dramatic these days and really should be in acting classes. She loves to sing and one of these days I will get her rendition of 'Part of Your World' from the Little Mermaid on video--it's priceless! She is now in swimming lessons and to the instructor and my own horror...has ZERO fear of water and would prefer to JUMP in without Mom catching her. We are still working on water safety!

Skylar also believes she's a princess (which in all honesty, she is!). She must at all times be wearing a dress, skirt, overflowing shirt when at home. If you tell a story, the girl in the story must be named SkylarMartin. All one word...and she will correct you. She talks a mile a minute and now refers to me as Diana---a Skyism that will be corrected!

So here is my attempt to update the blog....

Who has bets on how long until the next one! LOL

Meaning of Motherhood

2009-09-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

This was an essay contest for Parenting magazine. I am still not sure I am going to submit it but figured....HEY IT'S A BLOG! LOL

Well the meaning of motherhood carries different meanings depending on the time of day and who is being asked.

To my commander-in-chief: In her 2-year old eyes, Mommy is the all-knowing keeper of the Goldfish. I am the rescuer from the crib, the genie who takes the poopies away. I keep the boo-boos from hurting with my magic kisses. I can sing any Diego song known to man and I can make up a song to cure those tears on the spot. My make-believe stories are sub-par but as long as they contain animal sounds, they are golden. I rule the day with ‘night-nights’ and ‘nummies.’

To my partner-in-crime: I have an ultra-sensitive nose to poopy diapers. I can get naps accomplished within 5 minutes flat. I can make lunch, sing songs, feed the dog, and give time-outs while still dancing around the kitchen to entertain the masses. I am not always looking beautiful, not always happy, and usually tired but I appreciate all the help my partner contributes. And more than anything, I love the giggle in our daughters’ eyes when Daddy walks through the door.

To my co-workers: I endlessly sing children songs. As a healthcare worker, I can ease any little ones fears with my endless knowledge of Disney cartoons and songs. I am an intelligent member of my workforce, all the while humming Go, Diego, Go.

But most of all, I begin the run most mornings before 7am. Most mornings before I have coffee in hand—I have provided nutrition for the munchkin, loved on all our four-legged children, and read (or sped-read) a book. I get up exhausted before the day starts but all it takes is that exclamation of MOMMY when I walk through her door. I am instantly revived with every smile, giggle, new word, and “2-3-JUMP” that I hear. It’s probably not good that my little one relates Mom to a certain coffee shop with that green symbol---referred to as “fawffee” in my house. I am brought to tears knowing that one day soon, my little jumping bean will wake up saying “coffee”—she won’t eat crayons anymore—but I will still have magic in my kisses and a song on my lips!

Tattle Tale

2009-08-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Skylar told on me yesterday.

We really encourage her to talk and 'use her words' but yesterday I was rethinking this philosophy.

I took Sky to the grocery store for a couple items and although she insisted on sitting in the big cart and directing me through the store, it was uneventful. Until we left. That is when she caught sight of the "choo-choo's".

'Choo-Choo' refers to the shopping cart with the steering wheels for kids. Whoever invented these do not have children because they would have realized their mistake. Great distractor, yes. Good for shopping, NO. They are impossible to steer (I hit displays everytime). Their cart is too small so you can't fit anything in the shopping cart. So everytime we have to go to the store...I secretly say a prayer that Skylar won't see them.

This time was fine until we left. And then she saw them. And she started. "MY CHOO CHOO", "MY CHOO CHOO". "ME GO CHOO CHOO" "ME GO CHOO CHOO".

I happened to be dialing Ryan as we walked so I handed her the phone and she proceeded to tell on me. " MOMMY NO CHOO CHOO DADDY" " MOMMY NO CHOO CHOO" "I CHOO CHOO DADDY I CHOO CHOO". Now pic this sweet little thing screaming these words and shaking her head with attitude as she walks.

GOOD LORD....WHAT HAVE WE DONE!!!

Almost Two!

2009-08-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am just sitting here watching Skylar eat her lunch---unsuccessful at the lasagna so now it is apple slices and string cheese---thinking how different life was 2 years ago.

Two years ago: I was waiting impatiently for the next 4 weeks to fly by. I was sweating to death, my toes were so swollen I didn't have spaces between them--but I felt healthy and strong. But I was impatient.

Today: I want the next four weeks to crawl. To think my little baby is a toddler. My sweet 9 lb angel is now a full-of-energy 26 lbs of love and hormones.

Two years ago: I couldn't wait (impatient again) until we could go to the park and swing, read a book together, and have lunch of apples and cheese.

Today: I miss that little baby who was happy to cuddle with Mom all day. When my body produced all she needed. When I wondered which she would like better: Swings or Slides.

Two years ago: I wondered who she would become. Who she would look like. I wanted a cup of coffee and couldn't wait until we could go to Starbucks and I could sip my mocha while she drank a cup of chocolate milk

Today: I can't even fathom expecting my Skylar-bug to sit still long enough for me to sip anything. I know she is full of boundless energy that she would prefer to expel outside. She loves to laugh and talk and read (but not with Mommy). She is an independant spirit---and I couldn't be prouder.

I think about how the last 2 years flew by, how the next 3 will fly as well and then she will be in kindergarten and not need/want her Mommy as much. She will have friends to hug and talk to. Teachers to kiss her boo-boos and read to her. And I think I won't take those 3 years for granted. I know Skylar will always need her Mommy (I still need mine!). But until then...I will live for and love every second. I will cherish the moments of sweet love....and even the moments of tantrums and hormones. Because life is too short---and too fast.

It's almost your birthday Skylar-bug---but you are still my baby until then! I love you!

HAPPY FOURTH!!!

2009-07-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello gang! Happy 4th of July!

We ended up having a cookout this year since it was my first without being on call in 3 years and Elyria cancelled theirs for budget reasons. We felt like it really wasn't the 4th....you see every year on July 3rd (because E-town is cheap and doesnt want to pay the police officers holiday pay)....we all gather on THE hill in Cascade Park and hang out. At some point, we all stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance together. Then once it's dark enough---they start the fireworks and play music to go along with the display. The fireworks are right above your head and with the music---it's the best! So needless to say, when they were cancelled---we felt lost.

So we decided to do a cookout! Nothing extraordinary happened...Skylar had a rough day but she was so cute in her Mayan dress that we bought for her last year in Mexico. That all being said, I like to think I will remember it forever as one of the best, most complete moments of my life.

Since Sky was having a rough night---trying to put her to bed was unsuccessful we decided to stay home and away from the crowds. The neighborhood was setting off fireworks---so we set out our chairs and watched. It was so sweet to see the surprise on her face! Then she settled in and fell asleep in my lap as our little family of 3 hung out at our home watching the colors spread the sky. I even sang Proud to Be An American! (sorry to all who heard it!)

These are the moments I live for. The moments of peace and realizing how blessed we truly are!

Family Day

2009-06-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday we set aside for Family Day. We went out to the zoo with Ryan's best friend since kindergarten Mike and his wife Sabrina, along with their 2 boys. Their youngest was ironically born 1 minute before Skylar....doesn't sound amazing until you know that I was one week late, she was 3 weeks early when we delivered in two different hospitals in two different counties!! Just a little tidbit!

Anywho.....the day started off rocky as all well-planned days do. We needed to leave our house by 815ish to get there on time....but I couldn't find the comb to do Sky's hair, dog peed in the basement (which is another whole story since he hasn't done that in about 2 years!) etc etc. I was getting the zoo pass while Ryan moved one of the cars when I hear a large scraping noise coming from the driveway....I look outside to see that Ryan just backed over our stroller. I think OOPS....must not have seen it behind the car---and I go back to finding the pass. I then hear a longer, louder scrape and look out the window to see him going even faster out of the driveway. I went running out the door---he didn't realize that the stroller sound was real. Now the stroller is stuck under my car---Ryan has to get a jack to lift my car off of it. We don't get many family days together so we were bound and determined not to argue and just giggled. Guess our stroller won't be sold in a garage sale someday---it looks a little rough now.

The zoo was great. We played together afterwards and had a great time. However, a day that started off so great--must end great. So Skylar decided to dislocate her elbow....AGAIN...in a store! I of course can't inflict that kind of pain with a public audience so we went to the parking lot and I relocated her elbow. The sad part was that she didn't even cry. Just whimpered a bit. No gymnastics for our baby!

Long Time, No Chat

2009-06-25T13:17:00.001-07:00

Hi All....am I the most inconsistent blogger or what?!

As summer hits without air conditioning, we find ourselves sweating a lot! But Skylar is getting into a fun stage of exploring our world...and our rules. As she will be 2 in September, Skylar now feels that starting the fun phase of terrible-two's early will be exciting. So fun :)

We have given up the bottle and paci without any problems and will begin potty training after our trip to West Virginia. Mostly because Mom can't think of anything worse than stopping every hour on a 4 hour drive to explore a new potty with a little girl. Not to mention stopping her visit every hour to take Sky to the potty. I find diapers fairly convenient and will actually miss them! LOL

Skylar does know how to play people. Especially Uncle Scott! He falls for her antics everytime! Scott caught 2 Rainbow Trout 14 years ago when we were 13....and they are mounted in Grandma Barb's house. Only when Scott is home does Skylar insist on going downstairs and seeing the fish. She always follows it up with a "Ooooohhhh". Scott beams and she giggles. Precious I tell you!

I am going to try to be more consistent with signing in and updating this blog. Don't hesitate to email and give me crap! LOL

Hi Friends!!!

2009-03-20T09:16:00.001-07:00

We have been super inconsistent with our posts so we thought we'd say

UH OH!!!

Promise more to follow.

Notice our baby boy in this pic also! LOL

Children Keep You On Your Toes

2009-02-26T05:30:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't been very consistent lately but you have to get back in the groove somehow....

I will share our interesting Sunday! Let me just start that when I was pregnant a lot of people expressed surprise that I was having a girl and that they thought that may be a challange for me since I do enjoy wrestling, football, outdoors, shooting etc. You get the picture....so pigtails and frilly dresses were interesting for others to think of. I am now here to say that I think I have found the girly side of me.....I'm just not sure Skylar has!

Sunday....Ryan gave me the best gift of all....a sleep-in morning! Ry works 6 days a week so Sundays are his sleep-in day and I gladly give it to him but sometimes after a particularly hard week, I ask for the favor---and he graciously always agrees. This particular Sunday I had a meeting at 11am so I had to be up by 930 anyways but at least it isn't 7am! So Ryan brings Sky in to wake me up (best way to wake up!)....and she is getting overly excited to be in the big bed and somehow, someway she falls. Right into the corner of the dresser. BOOM--instant goose-egg with black and blue in the middle. Sky falls all the time but ever since her platelet disorder in October every time she hits her head---I panic! So we get her calmed down, and decide to watch it. 10 minutes later----she is running, Skylars's good. We go about her day.

Now also when she was 6 months old she dislocated her elbow. And before everyone freaks out...it's common but once it happens, it is more likely to happen until they are 7 years old. So we are cautious ---no swinging by arms, no monkey bars, no picking her up by the wrist as some do...and no matter who is babysitting they get all the instructions also. The pediatrician even taught me how to re-locate or reduce the elbow if it happens again. Yes gross....but remember what I do for a living.

So now Sunday night...we were hanging out at Mama O's and nearing bedtime so we leave. As soon as I put Sky in the carseat---she starts screaming. Ryan and I were both like calm down...it's okay, we will see Grandma again. She calms down and we express our surprise, although she loves Grandmas she has never SCREAMED her dissatisfaction. So we head home, as soon as we pull in the driveway she wakes up and starts screaming. Now we are alarmed---Skylar doesn't cry unless something is wrong and she certainly doesn't scream. This is when I realize she isn't using her left arm . OH CRAP.

I watch her for a moment and confirm the diagnosis. So Ry holds her, and in the living room I reduce it. Thank you Dr Akbar. Because if we took her to ER that night---they would have seen this....Dislocated elbow....Huge Goose-egg on Forehead....not to mention the many bruises my "girly-girl" has on her legs. Children Services anyone????

Reality Check

2009-01-17T09:20:00.001-08:00

I know that Skylar looks like an angel (at least we think so) but what most don't see is her other side.

We were scheduled to get her flu shot booster at 1pm on Wed...this is usually around naptime so I was trying to keep Skylar awake because I knew it would go better if I didn't wake her. Off to the mall playground we went (it was 2 degrees outside) and I figured we would grab lunch in the food court and it would be time to go to the doctor's office. We had fun at the playground....until she got interested in escaping so then we were off to find lunch. Long story short....Midway Mall is a tad sad these days--there is nothing there and the only thing we could find for her to eat was Auntie Annes pretzels. She thought it was great fun to sit on the table in the middle of the mall where she could check everyone out and hold her own pretzel. We were chatting, having a good time until Sky decided that she NEEDED to hold all three pretzels. I am sure you are aware that all toddlers like to put the entire contents of their fist in their mouth and then proceed to choke so obviously I didn't give them to her. In fact I put them away so the temptation was gone. Well that wasn't good enough. Like a light switch went off, Skylar noticed my cup of coffee behind her at a safe distance. She seriously looked me in the eye, leaned back and while maintaining eye contact all the while---she pushed my coffee off the table. In the middle of the mall. I was stunned. This was an obvious display of defiance...and had we been home--a swift smack on the bottom and to the corner she would go HOWEVER...we are at the mall. I can't beat her because I would go to jail. And there are no corners (and besides how stupid would I look!). And in the meantime, my child is still sitting on the table....my coffee is quickly spreading down the aisle...and I am still in shock. At that moment, Sky throws the rest of the pretzels off the other side of the table.

Needless to say we swiftly threw everything away, cleaned up the mess (bless the pretzel lady's heart--she called housekeeping), and left. She realized then how mad I was since I wasn't speaking anymore (for fear of what I would say)....fell asleep in the car because it is literally impossible to stay angry at a sleeping child, was an angel at the doctor and slept for 2 hours afterwards. Smart kid because had she continued down this devious path---I think I would have lost it.

I officially have a toddler. A terrible-twos toddler. She is only 16 months old! I am so screwed!

Snow Day

2009-01-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Enough snow to get Sky out there and see if she likes it. Sky (true to her tree-hugger name) loves the outdoors and I have been waiting anxiously for snow! So it snowed yesterday--and Ryan MADE me wait until he got home so he could enjoy this also.....

Pretty much as soon as Ry walked through the door I was jumping up and down asking if I could get her dressed up to go out. Of course, he says yes. I go running up the stairs and grab the supplies. Now this is so typical of 1st time moms: Skylar was literally wearing a short sleeve onesie, thick tights, a pair of socks, fleece lined jeans, long sleeve top, a zip-up hoodie, snow jacket, gloves, hat, and boots....that she couldn't even walk in. She looked like Ralphie from A Christmas Story but with movable arms.

We went outside....she took two steps and....fell FLAT on her face. Because she couldn't move her knees. It was absolutely hilarious. Sorry kid but what a moment. And then I look at myself....outside in a hoodie and jeans. No coat...no hat...no gloves....and Skylar is dressed like we live in the Artic Circle. (I did go in and get a hat). After about 5 minutes of Ryan trying to walk her around the yard---and picking her up every few steps (and a mini-snowball fight between mom and dad)....we went back inside. We were outside for maybe 5 minutes. I thought she wanted to be done...but as soon as we set foot inside she starting wailing. She actually liked it. Red nose, snow in gloves and all!! Maybe more tomorrow :)

Next time: thermal jeans--maybe. Boots--yes. Coat--yes. The rest: give it up, let her play, and draw a warm bath. Moments like this make life worth living....what did I do before our little snowangel!

Christmas 08

2009-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas was fun this year. I kept telling myself that Skylar probably wouldn't be too into Christmas this year but she actually was...to an extent. She loved the lights, the ornaments much to our dismay, and luckily was completely uninterested in the gifts until we said go. Here are just some pics....

Skylar helping decorate the tree.

One of my fav pics of all time.....wish she was in green...Our own little HULK!

At Grandma Barb's....She got her own easy chair and a baby Bubba...whom she loves dearly!
Mommy and silly baby....notice Great-grandpa sleeping in the background.....

Christmas morning: Skylar is saying " Oooohhhhh "

Giving her Mickey a kiss!

Skylar vs Santa

2008-12-26T19:03:00.001-08:00

Every mom dreams of the beautiful Santa pics she will have of her sweet and calm child sitting on Santa's lap. I knew Skylar wouldn't be able to say what she would like for Christmas....she has no idea what that means but in my heart I wanted her to say to Santa what she says to everything else....BUBBA??? !!

However, as every mom soons realizes....it doesn't quite go that way.

Let me just preface this with the fact that I was dreadfully sick with this everlasting cold of 2.5 weeks and so I wasn't looking my best or probably being the upbeat-get-child-excited-for-whats-to-come-mommy that I could've been but whatever. We get in line and I am slightly disappointed that the Santa and Mrs Claus that are usually at our site are replaced with one Santa with a gray beard (dude dye it!). Skylar starts to get very quiet and pensive and I slowly realize that this may not go as well as my dreams, however, she is just being quiet so I stay hopeful. But as I start to walk closer--the crying starts. Skylar becomes glued to me so that we are more one being than when she was in utero. Ryan of course has the camera and is so upset that Skylar is upset that he doesn't want to take a pic...because his baby girl is crying (how come that doesn't work for me!). Grey Santa tries his best to bribe my daughter with candy and toys but it is to no avail and I realize that we are ruining everyone's chances at smiling pics with Santa so we go. We got one pic you can barely see Sky's face in and I again have no makeup and look awful. Santa isn't even smiling. Merry Christmas to all!!!

Next year....makeup and a pre-lesson on taking the crying pic because it is at least a memory that we all laugh at later!

Daddy's Girl

2008-12-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

I just need to document on computer that Skylar loves her Daddy more than me! Sky has a cold and some serious congestion....and last night she pushed her Mommy away to get to Dad. Humph!

So little miss....when you get older and it is Daddy that says no---remember that you love him more! I love you! :)

The CLOSET

2008-12-08T18:31:00.001-08:00

One time when your mommy and daddy were very young...maybe 15 because we were too young to drive, I rode my bike to your daddys house. Now it was the middle of summer and no one else was home. I wasn't supposed to be there but we were just hanging out. We seriously didn't know any different. I believe this is the afternoon that we "walked around the kitchen table." There is this show Full House that was big when we were kids and in one episode, a couple kids participated in a Greek ritual of walking around a table vowing to spend their lives together. We actually did this....and I guess it worked. :)
ANYWAYS....all of a sudden we hear a car door. YIKES! It was your grandmother .... we didn't know what to do. Dad hid me in the closet before his mom came through the door. Dad was trying to get information out of his mom as to why she was home so early...in the meantime...daddy's dog Max was sitting outside the closet whining! This is when I noticed through the crack in the door that my extra hair clip had fallen out of my pocket and was sitting right beside the bed. All I could do was pray that daddy saw it before his mom did. It felt like an eternity but I remember her saying that she was coming home to take his brothers school shopping so it couldn't have been that long. Finally she left but I never, NEVER went over to his house again when his parents where there!

Let this be a lesson, just be honest....it saves on anxiety meds!

How Mommy and Daddy Met

2008-12-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

As I said....I am hoping to recount various events in our lives that have led us to this place so that Skylar will have all of these written down for her one day.......

Mom and Dad met in junior high. We were 12 years old and I hated your Dad. Your father had 30 girlfriends before he started dating your Mommy but that is okay because most only lasted a day. This is the perfect reason why you shouldn't allow first impressions to be your only impression. Your daddy had lots of girlfriends but most were just friends he held hands with. A couple of those girls he did love and that is okay too. Your daddy actually asked me out in junior high but I never said yes. THEN our freshman year in high school, Dad started dating Mommy's best friend....who broke Daddy's heart *not really but at 14, it felt like it*. While they dated, I got to know your Daddy and realized what a kind-hearted, good person he was. And I realized that he was sorta cute! We had study hall together and when my friend broke up with your daddy, we started to pass notes. I still have the note we wrote the day I told him I liked him. It's silly now but I love that note. Your daddy asked me out the next day on the phone. It was January 18th, 1997....and we still argue as to what time it was. Our first true date was 2 weeks later at the Winter Formal (because your daddy was grounded!). The pictures are frightful because this is before your mommy believed in makeup and doing something with her hair. And I wore a long green church dress....sad to say the least! But your daddy acted like I was beautiful!

To this day, I think your daddy is my very best friend. We still leave notes to each other but now they end with " Love, me". I am a lucky lady and I hope baby girl that one day you meet your very best friend and spend the rollercoaster of life with that person!

2008-12-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

Fun Family Times

2008-12-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

So last night I realized that I like working away from home. This may sound odd but I so enjoy coming home to that little girl running to me with arms open wide. And then dragging me through the house to show me Bubba (the dog). But last night after a particular trying day at work since my co-workers seem to be stuck in the 6th grade and after having a touch of the flu of which had me in the bathroom most of the time at work (details excluded of course)....I walked in the door to that bubble of joy. She was so excited to show me the Christmas tree just in case I forgot it was up and Bubba and her ball (all of which existed before yesterday and still exist today but her endless joy with all is just precious) and she just kept saying Mama Seeee, Mama Seeeee. LOL. I hope I never forget the particular inflection in her voice as she squeals Seeee.

And for Skylar's purpose when she is grown with a family of her own: Don't even think of getting sick. Because instantly your husband will be sick and your children will throw up and you won't have time to be sick. This happens every time and there is nothing you can do about it. It is as certain as death and taxes. BUT you can always call YOUR mommy who will come running over with open arms and help and no fear of getting sick. Your mommy will always come (just as mine does!)

Sunday Morning Treats

2008-11-30T06:43:00.001-08:00

While I was unaware until recently that I have started a new tradition, I have in fact started a new tradition. Every Sunday morning we get up and Skylar runs around the living room and kitchen while I make up some chocolate chip pancakes. Now normally, I would never eat these (although I love them) because they have zero nutritional value and mega calories but I attempted them once when Skylar wouldn't eat anything besides mac'n'cheese and yogurt. And I surely wouldn't let Sky eat them when she eats basically crap anyways. I have gotten quite savvy in hiding vege's in things or adding fruit to dishes. BUT she loves them and it is so cute how she gets excited when I pull out the mega bag of chocolate chips (BJ's wholesale of course). Somehow she always gets one or two chips to suck on while I cook. Ryan even likes them now--not a big pancake fan--but even he says they are good. So every Sunday morning we get up and make pancakes and then Sky runs around eating her pancakes and feeding the dog her pancakes. So needless to say Max enjoys Sunday mornings also! It's been about 6 weeks now and it's funny how even I now look forward to these mornings. In times of uncertainty and financial strain, it's funny how the little things brighten up your week!

Sweet Memories

2008-11-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

So what a busy week!

Our big event this week (besides Thanksgiving) was setting up our Christmas tree. I knew that Skylar would be partially interested but mostly interested in chasing the dog. I was right! But a sweet moment occurred. As I am sitting on the floor attaching hooks to ornaments, Ryan was placing ornaments on the tree. After several minutes of watching Ryan, Skylar came over and I handed her an ornament not easily broken...and as we watched...she tried to place it on the tree. Every time she let it go, it fell to the ground--but she just kept picking it up and trying again. Of course I got teary-eyed. My baby girl is officially a toddler....

When did that happen?!

Off We Go

2008-11-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I am doing this. Blogging. What in the world could I actually have to blog about! Then my sweet cousin (with the best ideas) made a point....it's a legacy. Of the ins and outs of our days. For our baby girl .... and any other babies we may have one day. How many times in my life have I told my mom to write her stories down, so now I am doing that for my girl. Sorry kid!

To bring this blog up to date:

It is Nov 2008. The family I speak of to date consists of Ryan and I, Skylar Reya who is almost 15 months old, a polka dot puppy Max, and two twin cats D'mitri and Sasha...who look about as much alike as my twin and I. We live in Lorain, OH....or the puertorician ghetto (more later) as I call it. I love our house, our neighbors, and our life but the ghetto it is. I have no doubt most of these entries will consist of Skylar's latest antics but I hope to backtrack occasionally to catch her up on past stories that make us who we are today!

Skylar today loves to dance, kiss her Bubba (Max) and pretend she can't hear her mother say no. Tantrums are a new thing...that I can't help but laugh at...and ignore. ((Oh the joys of a child going to a babysitters. Hopefully that phase will end soon.)) We are getting excited for Christmas since Skylar has expressed interest in all things glowing.

I will end today so we can decorate our Christmas tree .... hopefully this won't be a one-time thing. What kind of legacy would that be!?