Thursday, January 31, 2008

Dear Tooth Fairy...the sequel

I got a text message from Andrea, a friend of mine and the mother of Ian who is Lexi's friend from school. The text said "OMG! [Oh My God] Call me". This is stirred my curiosity as she never sounds that urgent. When I called her she told me that while she was volunteering in the classroom today she was testing Lexi on a book when Lexi told her about her loose tooth (which has been loose since this time last year). This tooth has been quite the wiggler and she demonstrated that for Andrea. Andrea then told her that it was ready and if she twisted it one way and then the other and pulled, she was sure the tooth would come out. Lexi tried and the tooth began to bleed. Andrea asked the para pro for a napkin when the classroom teacher came over and reprimanded Lexi for putting her hands her mouth...again. Apparently she had been told not to, but you know how kids are! Anyway, the teacher explained to Andrea that Lexi had already been to the nurse for the bleeder earlier and explained that the nurse will usually pull the teeth if they look like they're ready. Lexi was crushed and on the verge of tears. Andrea felt terrible too because she felt like she got Lexi in trouble. When the teacher was away, Andrea apologized to Lexi and Lexi told her that she would talk to me about it after school to which Andrea said that was a great idea.

Well, today I was in school which means that Stefan met me in the parking deck with the girls and we trade so he can continue his commute to work. When I got in the car, Lexi spilled the news and she was still pretty upset. I told her not to wory about it and we'd deal with it when we got home.

When we got home I had Lexi wiggle her tooth and it was much looser than yesterday. I told her that if she continued to work on it, it would come out by bedtime. I was right! At 4:30 the tooth came out! We quickly put it in a plastic baggy and placed it...somewhere. Shortly after the extraction, I was cleaning the kitchen, talking on the phone, and getting the girls' dinner ready. In the midst of all of that, the tooth grew legs and walked away because it is nowhere to be found. I feel terrible. I went through every content in the trash can (which was full with debris and clutter that once adorned the counters) and did not find it. I wonder if Abby found the treasure and hid it, but you know she's not going to tell me one way or the other. Lexi was devastated. Without the tooth would the Tooth Fairy come? I didn't know what to do, so we wrote a letter to the Tooth Fairy explaining the situation. It was dictated to me as follows,

Dear Tooth Fairy,

I lost my tooth today. And then I lost it again. My mom and I looked everywhere but we cannot find it. We even looked in the trash! I hope you will still visit me. I will give you my tooth with the next one I lose if I find it before then.

Love,

Lexi


Heartbreaking, I know. Anyway here's Lexi's new grin.

A Dose of Cuteness

Cuddling and sleepy faces were found everywhere in the house last weekend. Even Lou was in on it! Here's proof.



Cruisin' Babes

Last weekend we were blessed with a break from the cold snap and the girls got to play outside without looking like eskimos. They enjoyed romping around in the backyard and then Lexi decided she wanted to go cruisin'. So she and Abby loaded up in her Barbie Jeep and hit the open ro-...er...lawn. I hope this isn't a look into Lexi's driving skills in 10 years because she couldn't keep her eyes on where she was going. Abby, on the other hand, had a blast!!! She kept busy giggling, dialing the play phone and manning the radio controls like a good shotgun passenger would.






Sometimes some things are better captured on film. Enjoy!

.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Could it be Time?

Abby has been doing something a bit peculiar lately. She has developed a great dislike for wearing pants and will remove them whenever she likes. But that's not it. When she wets herself she will start to remove her diaper as well. Yesterday she did this three times. Also, whenever I'm in the bathroom she wants to come in and see what I'm doing. Could this mean that she is ready to potty train? Or is it just a phase? I don't know.

I started with Lexi when she was 18 months and I think that was a bit too early. It took her a long time to finally rid herself of pull ups and training panties (this was in part due to a medical condition she had where she could not feel the sensation to go) but I still feel that I started too soon. But in Abby's case, it just seems as though she may be ready at 21 months. I don't know. I'd almost rather change diapers for another 6 months than to deal with the frustration of getting my hopes up with the whole potty training business because you know that as a parent you DO get your hopes up when the training potties come out thinking that your days of changing diapers are numbered.

I guess we'll wait a bit and see how this pans out.

Lexism of the Week

Yesterday Stefan was doing some bidding on ebay for a computer illiterate coworker of his. The auction was for a set of antique Craftsman wrenches and the dude was willing to pay A LOT for them. Apparently, he just had to have them and couldn't bear the thought of someone else winning them. Stefan and I were discussing the auction while Lexi was sitting next to me playing on the computer seemingly unaware of anything that was happening around her.

"Why pay that kind of money for old wrenches?" I asked.

"Because he collects them."

"Who collects wrenches?" I asked surprised that there are people out there that do this.

"Who collects coins?" Stefan queried trying to make a point.

"People who want to buy stuff at the store!!!" Lexi chimed.

We were stumped. Of course she was right!

Friday, January 25, 2008

A long night

Current mood: sleepy

About 11 o'clock last night I started reading a book, Hatchet, for my English class. This is the third of about fifteen I will have to read this semester. In true Young Adult Literature fashion, a lot happened in the first 30 pages. I was seriously getting into the plight of the protagonist when Abby awoke quite suddenly at 11:30. I went upstairs and she and I lay in bed until Stefan got home. Around 12:45 a.m. Stefan laid her back down in her crib and after a bit of her fussing she settled in. Imagine our surprise when she awoke again at 4! Stefan handled her until I had to get up to get Lexi ready for school at 6 although I doubt much meaningful sleep took place on my part in those two hours. So here I am. At 6:45. Stefan is sleeping. Lexi is ready for school. And Abby is still wide awake. Uggggh!!! The worst part? I'm sure she'll be ready for a "nap" within the next hour/hour and a half yet I won't be able to reep the benefits of going back to bed like Stefan because I have to go help in Lexi's class at 8:30. I need some Starbucks.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Greetings from Biloxi

Stefan and I are in Biloxi and we are having a great time. We arrived last night around 8 p.m. CT and settled in quite nicely. We're staying at the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino and it's quite nice. From our room we have a view of the river which we didn't even notice until this morning because it was so dark when we arrived. Last night we went down to the casino. Our first stop was at the Isle Club desk where we signed up for player's cards. These are cards that keep track of your play time and qualify you for comps in the long run. We then tried our hand at the slots. Stefan quickly lost $45 on a quarter machine while I seemed to be on quite a little lucky streak. Feeling sorry for him, I suggested we move to another area. We found some dime slots in an alcove with a bar. Talk about location, location, location! We played (and drank) until about 11:30 and my luck continued while Stefan's turned around a bit. By the end of the night, I was up $100. This was the first time I ever left the casino ahead!!!

This morning we had bagels and muffins delivered to the room at a low, low price. I believe this is the first time I have ever had room service. It's something I could become accustomed to. We headed down to the casino, and I quickly lost $40 on quarter slots. (I should really stay away from those!) We migrated back to the dime machines and I played the same $20 for three hours. Around 1, we went to the Isle Club desk to inquire about any comps we may have earned and we both qualified for a free lunch buffet. Jackpot!!!! After we stuffed our tummies we went back to the dreaded quarter slots where I dropped another $40 rather quickly. Darnit!

As I write this, Stefan is playing in a Texas Hold 'Em tournament. If you recall, he played in a charity tournament a while back and won. Hopefully, it wasn't just beginner's luck, but while find out soon enough I suppose. While he is doing that, I am using the time to finish reading a book for school and catch up on some homework. All for the best I suppose since I can see slot reels when I close my eyes! Anyway, I just looked at my overall money and although I paid for dinner and cocktail waitress tips last night and after all the losses I sustained today, I am only down $3 which is a small price to pay for the hours of entertainment so far! Hopefully, my luck will turn around and I can get back on the positive. I'll keep you posted on Stefan's 2nd tournament status as I learn the details myself.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Lexism of the week

Today I came home from school starving and since I have so much to do to prepare for our trip to Biloxi (we leave tomorrow) I started making dinner immediately to avoid the meal being inadvertently skipped amidst all of the hustle and bustle. About 30 minutes later, it was done and ready to eat. As we all sat around the table eating, Stefan belched and said, "That was good, babe." Of course he meant the dinner, however Lexi didn't quite follow.

"That was you, Daddy!" Of course SHE meant the belch.

Jack Frost Visits...Briefly

We got a little visit from Jack Frost yesterday. The weather forecasters were calling for a wintry mix with the possibility of snow starting around 4 and it actually happened...at 4. We went out to dinner around 4:45 and unfortunately Lexi was completely and totally unable to behave so she was not able to play in the powder before bedtime. The snow stopped around 9ish and became a slight sleet. I started getting nervous that Lexi would not be able to build her snow doll in the morning because I could see the melting occurring before my eyes. So, I did what any good (and guilty) mom would do and I scooped some snow into a ziplock baggy so she could at least make a snow ball in the morning. I'm glad I did so. Although the local schools are closed for "inclement weather", the snow is nearly gone and all that remains is dreary skies and cold wetness all around.

Of course Kennesaw would not call off school. 10 years ago this was a commuter campus and since then they have been building dorms like crazy. They are now focused on being residential and if it's safe to walk on campus, school will not be canceled. Forget about the professors that have to brave the roads from neighboring counties or us commuters...if the dorm kids can make it, everyone can. I'm not bitter...really...okay darnit, I don't want to go to school. I just want to stay at home curled up on the couch with a blanket, a cup of jo, and a good book. Is that too much to ask?

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Lexism of the week--Mr. Wizard Gone Awry

When Stefan's family was visiting for Thanksgiving his Aunt and Uncle gave Lexi a pair of oval-shaped magnets that, when you separate them in your hand and toss them in the air, make a cricket sound coming down. Lexi was playing with these last night and Stefan decided to give her a science lessons. He explained that one was negative and the other was positive and that is why the magnets stick together--because opposites attract.

"This one's the naked one and this ones the positive," Lexi said proudly holding them in each hand thinking that she fully comprehended what Daddy taught.

We laughed. Then she went on further.

"This one's the husband and this one's the wife."

Stefan and I found it hard to stifle our giggles. Who knew a simple science lesson would go XXX?

Thursday, January 10, 2008

And so begins another semester...

I am sitting here watching shows I DVRed tonight reflecting on the week so far. Lexi and I returned to our school schedules on Tuesday. Lexi was quite excited. As for me...I'm not so sure. I am only taking 6 credit hours this semester, but the workload appears to be as much as last semester when I was taking 9. I am taking an English literature class for future teachers of middle grades Language Arts (in middle grades you must chose two subjects and while I would prefer to teach Math this is a necessary evil) and a freshman level Health and Personal Fitness class that I've been putting off until I no longer could. For my English class I will need to reread many classics I was force fed in my middle grades years. Through the course of the semester, I will read To Kill a Mockingbird, Old Yeller, Call of the Wild, among many others. I started classes on Tuesday and have already read To Kill a Mockingbird in all my spare time with two kids (<--sarcasm here). By next week, I will complete another. And that appears to be my plight for the remainder of the semester. That's just for one class!

Fortunately, this semester Stefan and I were able to work it out where we will not need the assistance of family to mind the kids to suit our schedules. This is a nice break for my mom and mother-in-law who have been helping in this area for the 4 years that I have been at this whole chasing-my-dream thing. I'm sure they will enjoy their break. With the good comes the bad, though. My classes begin at 11 and end at 3:15. Since Lexi gets off the school bus at 2:30 and Stefan must be to work downtown at 4, he has to get Lexi off the bus, load the girls in the car, meet me at my car in the school parking lot, and leave for work from there while I return home with the munchkins. It is a bit hectic but it appears to be working thus far.

Lexi's been thrilled to be back in school. When her homework packet came home Monday, she wanted to complete the entire week's worth of homework all at once--which is usual for her and indicative of her being back in the swing of things. While I was reading for MY homework the other night, she wanted to help me. I tried to explain that it was a book not for children so young. She then reasoned that she could read the words she knows and I could fill in the ones she didn't. That would've been fine if the part I was reading was not peppered with the "n" word. So I encouraged her to find something else to do. I sat in silence in the living room reading away when she returned with a book of her own and sat down with it on the couch opposite of me. Apparently, she has mastered the art of reading silently (finally) and we sat in silence as the words from the pages came to life in our minds. Although nothing was said between us and although we were reading different pieces I thought this was a wonderful bonding moment with her--sharing with and instilling in her one of my passions.

Abby has also been increasing her skills. Two days ago I fed her lunch and when she was done I lifted her from her high chair leaving the dishes for later. I was reading (which is going to be my life as you can tell) and I heard two plastic thunks hit the stainless sink. I turned to see Abby rounding the corner of the kitchen. When I went to inspect what I fully thought would be a mess on the floor or toys in the sink, I found that she had cleared her own dishes from the tray and placed them in the sink which is way over her head. Yippee!!!! She can also work basic, wooden toddler puzzles and will work and rework the two she has many times before she becomes bored with the process. I love to see her little mind at work and she never ceases to amaze me. She's a brilliant little girl with so much potential.

We truly are blessed.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Well, the holidays are winding down. Today the remainder of our decorations will find their ways to boxes in the attic and we're trying to Lexi back to a normal sleep schedule. She will return to school on Tuesday. Let me tell you, I'm so excited to wake her up on Tuesday as I know she will be an absolute princess about it (<--sarcasm here). I also return to school on Tuesday and am not looking forward to it. I'm burned out on school and childcare arrangements and all that it entails. This is something I have been doing since the summer of 2003 and it's wearing on my nerves. With any luck though, I'm set to graduate in December of 2009 so there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

On a brighter note, I got some Mommy time Friday night. Lexi stayed the night at my parents' house while Abby stayed with Nana and Papaw. I repaid a friend of mine with dinner for helping me with a massive school project. It was nice to get out without our husbands and kids but we did break into "kid speak" on occasion. Afterward, I went to another friend's house and was later joined by Stefan while we played Rock Band on the XBox 360 until the wee hours of the night. It was nice yesterday to wake up whenever my body deemed fit. It annoyed me bit to realize that my body thought that 8 a.m. was a reasonable time. I fought the inevitable for quite awhile but finally conceded with the realization that the kiddos must be repossessed. The rest of the morning/afternoon was spent going here and there collecting the munchkins and hearing stories of their night away. Once fully reunited we took the kids to Toys R Us to spend some gift cards they procured over the holidays. Lexi got a Barbie play set and Abby got a puzzle and a Fur Real puppy. They had a good time at their respective sleep overs to say the least.

Stefan came home from work Friday with some great news. After 10 years of loyal service to his company, he was still considered the low man when it came to seniority for vacation requests. This meant that after the three month blackout period when vacation requests are not allowed and four other people with seniority and massive amounts of vacation in their arsenals that could bump any of his requests planning vacations is always difficult. However, it recently occurred to Stefan that 2 of the other guys had breaks in their service to the company and he inquired about the legitimacy of their seniority over him. Come to find out, the last 5 years have been needlessly difficult for Stefan's vacation planning because he should have been #3 instead of #5. We're excited about this because it will allow for vacations during times considered impossible before for #5.

In other news, our winter trip is approaching. Since I was pregnant with Abby we've used this opportunity to stow ourselves away in the Great Smoky Mountains. However, we've been snowed in each time and decided to change our destination this year. Stefan found a great deal on a package to Biloxi including airfare, so we're going there in two weeks. I'm excited but I think Stefan is more so. He's called the Isle of Capri Casino (where we're staying) to see what types of tables they have. As if that wasn't enough, he got on their website last night and found out about a Texas Hold 'Em tournament they'll be having the Saturday we're there. This kid, I swear!!!! He wins his first and only tournament and thinks he can take on the professional gamblers that do this on a daily basis!!!