Act #3

In honor of Noah Pozner:

Today our cleaning lady came by herself. Usually she comes with her son. It takes her a lot longer when she comes by herself. So I left her $10 extra.


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Christmas Cheer

Act #2 in honor of you, Charlotte Bacon:

Spent the morning at Children's Healthcare sorting gift bags and giving gifts to the patients in the hospital. I think we have done it about 7 times in the last 10 years. It's always a sobering experience but especially so this year.

It's always a breath holding experience walking into the NICU, TICU, and PICU. I'm always thankful for my four healthy children and will hope and pray for the best for the children and families there.


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26 acts of kindness

It has been difficult for me to talk about the Connecticut shooting without getting choked up. Partly because I am the mom of a first grader. A first grader who attends public school. A public school in an affluent suburb. A public school with amazing teachers, a dedicated principal, and classrooms full of adorable lively children. Children that look just like the 20 pictures I've seen floating around Facebook and the news. I know what it's like to send my first grader off to school and give up my sense of control of what happens to her every day. I know that I fully expect her to get right back off the bus that I put her on. But what happens between those hours to her is out of my hands. Ever since that August day last year when she started school, I've tortured myself with the what ifs. It could have been me. But I can't understand the pain that 20 moms are feeling.

This was a response written by my rabbi.

"When facing tragedy Judaism doesn’t look for answers it looks for a response.

And Judaism’s response is twofold:

1. Express sympathy to the community and families in mourning. Let them know that they are not alone in their pain. We mourn together with them. This is the greatest source of comfort.

2. Channel the pain into positive action. We must become even more determined to bring goodness into this world as a result of the evil we have witnessed.

Share even more love with those you come into contact with, and they will share it with others. If everyone moved by this tragedy increases their love and acts of goodness and kindness we will introduce into the world a massive power of good, and that is the only response to such utter evil!"

So in honor of the 26 souls who are making their journey, I will do one act of kindness for each of them. I will not stop there and will commit to continue those acts long after the 26 so that I can do my small part in bringing some goodness into the world. Hopefully also my children will see this and will learn to do their own acts of kindness.

#1 - yesterday I purchased coffee for the person behind me in line at Starbucks. That was some goodness for you Emilie Parker.


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Nine Nights of Hanukkah

Yes, I am well aware that Hanukkah is only eight nights.  But since Ben was not with us for nights seven and eight, we decided to have a ninth night.  Plus, we weren't home for the last two nights so we didn't get to see our menorahs all lit up.  And with the weekend full of saddness and darkness surrounding the ultimate tragedy in Connecticut, we wanted to fully experience the miracle of Hanukkah and see the bright menorahs.  So we had Needle Night Nine. 

All throughout Hanukkah, we talked with the kids about the story of Hanukkah, what it means, and the spirit of the season.  We tried very hard not to make it about the presents.  Don't get me wrong, they got PLENTY of presents.  Far beyond what they could ever need or even want.  But of course, it is exciting for them to open presents and get cool things.  We just want to instill the giving and the spirit rather than the tangible gifts that really have no connection.  You can do what do and hope that somehow the message makes it through their 2, 4, and 6 year old heads. 

As we were lighting our full menorahs, I asked them, "so guys what is Hanukkah about?".  I was hoping that I wouldn't regret asking the question by getting an answer I really didn't want to hear (i.e., presents).  Simultaneously, Max and Alexis replied.  Alexis said, "family" and Max said, "miracles".  Hallelujah, we did our job. Yes, it is about family and miracles.  Maizy didn't have a response, but I did ask her yesterday morning what was the best part about Hanukkah and she said, "the candles".  I'll take that too. 

Here they are on the first night of Hanukkah 2012:

Monthly Pictures

I don't know why I find it so entertaining to compare all four kids at each age. I never did it when I had three. They are in age order with Alexis and Ma at the top and Maizy and Remy at the bottom. Here they are as newborns:

Then one month:

Two months:

Three months:

And soon Remy will be four months and I'll have to make another one! None of them really look alike to me. But my bias thinks they are all awfully cute!
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Jealousy vs. Envy

I have been pondering the difference. Neither one is good. We teach our kids never to be either. Be happy with what you have. But I am always finding myself having these feelings. I think I decided that jealousy has more of a negative connotation than envy. Jealousy to me at least means you wish for something that someone else has and also wish that they themselves didn't have it. Envy to me means more of being happy for that other person but still wishing something for yourself. Okay. So I guess then I find myself often envious.

Whenever I see grandparents with their grandchildren out and about. It always brings a couple tears to my ears and a few envious pains. I think it is so wonderful for those children and it is so sweet, yet I know my kids will never have that with my parents. Don't get me wrong, my mom is brave enough (or stupid enough) to take 3 or 4 (she doesn't often get Remy yet for the simple fact that I won't give her up and lack of a food source for her) children to a variety of places. She even one time took my three and a friend's two together by herself to Yogli Mogli. Yes, I think that was both brave and stupid. Anyway, she certainly gives them enough love and attention for two grandparents; however, they will never have both of my parents together to do those special grandparent things.

I saw two grandparents the other day walking at the park each holding a hand of their about two year old grandson and pointing out an airplane and a bird and a cloud in the sky. So simple. I was so envious. Several months ago I saw two grandparents sitting having dinner at IHOP with their two grandchildren. Just dinner. So simple. I was so envious. About a month ago my mom took us to see Sesame Street Live. We were sitting in the rows, our kids happy as clams, each one of them (except Alexis) on one of our laps. There was no shortage of attention, love, and specialness. But I looked behind me as I was standing during intermission rocking Remy, and saw two grandparents eating cotton candy with three little girls. That will never be my three little girls sitting there with both of my parents. Just sitting, watching. So envious.

I have so many memories of being with my mom's parents. They took us everywhere. The circus, dinner, the fair, shows, just shopping or the pool. They watched me when I was sick and I curled up in their bed. They came to my school performances, they picked me up from school, they brought me my homework when I forgot it, they kept secrets from my parents when I needed it. But most of all they did all this together. Both of them. I would give anything for my kids to have both my parents together. But I do have to say, while I do wish for nothing else, they have no shortage of love and attention around them. They still have three grandparents who in any combination do ALL of the above. And it's amazing and I'm sure there are many people who are envious of us. To me though there will always be a piece missing. It's funny because my kids don't know what they are missing so they don't even know they are missing it. But I know. I know what could have been. I know what Alexis had for two and half very short years. And trust me she is missing something big. Major. They all are even if they don't realize. But I realize. Every single day. So probably for eternity I will be envious of children when I see them with their grandparents and I will be envious for my children of what I had when I was little. But I will also be thankful. Thankful for what they do have and thankful that they are making lasting memories with their other three grandparents. I know they will remember having their three grandparents at every recital and sports game, every school performance, sleeping at Bubum's every Thursday, baking with Grammy, camping with Grampa, visiting Opa's stone with Bubum, Grampa coming to the bus stop, singing songs with Grammy, sleeping in Bubum's bed, working in Grampa's garage, going to shows, apple picking, etc. To them it will always be amazing. To me there will always be something missing.


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Outfit Fun

My favorite thing is putting Remy in outfits that the other girls wore. Don't know why this is so entertaining for me, but it is. Very few outfits so far have crossed all three because Alexis was born in the winter and the other two girls were born in summer. But as they get a little older and the clothes last longer.......oooh I'll be exited. Here are a couple from this week:




These two don't even look related! They would make a nice genetics study!

Here is one of Alexis and Remy!






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50 Rules - Part 3

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.--------so true. Just being with my dad made me feel safe like nothing could go wrong.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.-------I remember going to "muddy park" when I was little.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.------my dad's definition of higher and faster, hmmmmmmm?

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.------he never got tired of hearing "more, more!!"

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.-------ha! He never bought me a pony as much as I begged for a horse but he did pay for my riding lessons for many many years.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.------I'm pretty sure I always had plenty of both.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.------I was always welcome. Especially since my dad's one of like three rules ever was don't live with someone before you are married.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

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50 Rules - Part 2

Continued from post below.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.-------definitely not high on my dads list of enjoyable activities but once I got married he was a sport for Ben's sake. On his first deep sea fishing trip with the Needle boys he "lost his sea legs" I quote from him. And had to ask the captain "where is the best place to hurl". He even went fishing again after this.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.--------I was a pretty good kid and he didn't often say no but as a result when he did. I knew he meant it.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.--------he always did. I think my self esteem was always normal as a result.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.--------well my dad's version of this was to say "just call me". He knew better than to even try. As a result, now I just call Ben or AAA.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.------he was many things but the outdoorsy type was not one of them.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.-------I remember sitting in his lap to drive from our house to the pool. It was so awesome!

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.-----smarter!

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.-------I always felt loved

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.--------always good for a road trip.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.-------I remember sitting up there with my hands in his curly afro.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.-------he always taught us to let go, be free, and make a fool of yourself.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.-----we didn't have a splash park near us but my dad always took us to the pool. And during adult swim he would do cannon balls next to the old ladies with coiffed hair just for fun.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.------when I was little and my dad had a great well paying job with Morgan Stanley, he was never home. I would wait up until ten or get up at 4am to see him. He quit the job. He loved us more than money.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.---------my dad was often the only dad around with the other moms. He didn't care. Neither did I.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.-------I can't remember him ever missing one. Until I turned 28.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.-----again I must reiterate his lack of athletic prowess.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.-------he was always rolling around playing with us.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.------shopping was pretty high on my dad's "I would rather pluck out my eye lashes than _______" list.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.------I don't remember

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.-------I think I usually wanted my mom in these situations but one time I was sick and puked in my bed and he cleaned it while puking himself from the grossness and I sat comfortably in his bed.




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50 Rules for Dads with Daughters

Found this great website that I was going to send on to Ben since he has three daughters, but as I was reading it I was flooded with thoughts of my dad. I thought I would give him a grade and go though the rules to see how well he did. Here is the website in case you want to check out the real deal: http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

I will probably break this post up into a few so it isn't soooooooo long!

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good. ---------I'd say A+ on rule #1 since Ben is pretty much a clone of my dad in soooo many ways.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.-----------odd that this is what actually gave me comfort in those early days. I know without a doubt my dad was always there. Whether it was a school play, a track meet, chaperoning a school field trip, driving carpool, helping with homework, cooking dinner, prom, my wedding day, the delivery room (not during actual birth!), he was there. Big stuff, small stuff, didn't matter. So in those early days of missing him, I would rationalize to myself (often, and often while driving in the car I have no idea why) that most people can't say that. Most people can't say my dad was there for everything. Not a thing I could think of that he missed.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.--------I'd say he did pretty good here too. He'd have chased down anyone for me. And he did too. During prom picture taking a car drive too close to us kids on the road getting into a limo. He chased them down screaming and yelling about safety and children.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.----------I don't really think he ever took life for granted. He was always behind the camera capturing the moments to savor in the future. It's how he earned the name Opa. He was always lolly gagging behind snapping memories.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.------not real sure about this one although in pretty sure he probably said "please god don't let her marry this one" once, "please god don't let her live with a boyfriend....ever", and "please god let her marry someone Jewish". I guess I answered his prayers :)

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.-----my dad wasn't much of an athlete himself but he always told me that I threw like a girl. He told Alexis that a few times as well. But he just couldn't quite do anything about it!

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.-------love this one. He wisely always chose my mother. She was always right, right?

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.-------when I was on homecoming court and my dad was my escort (one of my most favorite memories) he gave me a gold and sapphire Ring on the way in the car. I loved it and felt so special.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.----------one thing he never cared about was what other people thought. Which was downright embarrassing at times. But hilarious in retrospect. He would do the krone decker walk anywhere anytime.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.------I actually can't remember who did our bath time as kids. I'll have to ask my mom!

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”-------after our first dog died my dad said no more dogs. Then a neighbor found a dog who had been hit by a car. We wanted her. My dad did not. We cried. He said yes. After he spent thousands of dollars because she had back surgery and leukemia and she died, I was a senior in high school. We still wanted a new dog. He said no. Our friends brought over a black lab puppy because one of them was allergic. He said yes. And that dog became his life! He bought a red truck so the dog would look good riding with him!

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.-------I feel like I earned the value of hard work and working for your money from my dad. I got a job at 16 so I could buy things I wanted and my parents always bought me things I needed. And of course some things I wanted too! I remember him taking me to the bank to open my first bank account and showing me how to use the ATM. I know on our wedding day there were some expenditures that he thought were unnecessary. Like chair covers. But he paid for it for me.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.-------it may or may not have been our birthdays but he always made pancakes in the shape of the letters of our name. And Mickey mouse!

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.------can't say he did that!

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.--------I have fond memories of my dad putting my feet on his and walking and dancing around. My dad was always up for a party and was always on the dance floor. And dancing with him on my wedding day to "Unforgettable" was a perfect choice of songs.

I guess I will stop at #15 for now. Check back soon for more rules!!!

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One Armed Bandit

In case I ever wanted to know Remy made sure that I could create a list of all the things I could do with one arm/hand while holding her in the other. And yes, she will at times go in a carrier but she is quite specific and prefers to lay down in the crook of my arm. All. The. Time. Here is the list which I'm sure is not exhaustive:
Pee
Put cream cheese on a bagel
Wipe someone else's butt (not my own)
Type (yup she is the crook right now)
Do my makeup
Clean up toys (this sometimes involves using my monkey toes to pick up items off the floor. I knew I had that talent for a reason!)
Tie shoes
Drag someone to time out
Button someone's pants
Open ziplock baggies
Move clothes from washer to dryer (damn if I could also master folding with one hand too)
Drag Riley inside after escaping our fence
Open a stroller (this one is surprisingly tough)

Thanks Remy for affording me the opportunity to know this special talent. It's really cool. Yeah. Really. Cool.




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Sunday Energy Burn

We had a very relaxed Labor Day weekend so far. At least relaxed by Needle standards. Friday night Ben made dinner and we got the kids to bed early. Awesome! Even Remy hit the hay early which isn't always a good thing later into the night. She awoke around 1am which meant she had slept a good 5 hours. Which is fantastic but not so fantastic when we didn't go to bed when she did. Oops. But she went back to sleep. Until we were jolted awake by my phone ringing at 3:30am. It took me a few minutes to go through the thought process of what time is it, do I know this number, should I answer it before it stopped ringin and I got a voicemail. As soon as the message started......CRAP. It's Atria. Where my grandfather lives. He fell. He cut his head. Calling 911. I jolt Ben awake and since I can't leave Remy, he had to drive over there. Luckily he was assessed there and didn't have to go to hospital and he was fine. He rolled out of his bed. Ben was home by 4:45am. Ahhh back to sleep. Only to be jolted awake again at 5:55am by Max, followed by Maizy at 6:10 and Alexis at 6:20. Seriously people. Get out. And if you wake up Remy I will personally remove all wheels from your trains, all heads from your barbie dolls, and deflate all sports balls. Finally at 7am everyone was awake. Hooray.

The girls went with Grammy an Grampa to services and we took Max to a birthday party. Suddenly we were left with just Remy for two hours!!!!!! Blissful quiet.

Took the rest of the day easy watching the game and having some nice family time.


This morning we decided to get some family exercise and hit up Walton's field for some play time!








Maizy really liked running races and maybe one day she will be a track star.


Remy really got a lot of exercise!


It was a nice morning! Can all weekends be three days!

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One month

Wow! How has a month flown by already? Remy girl is a month old.


She had her check up yesterday and weighed 9-0 pounds. She is porkin' up! No actually she isn't but she is 50%for weight and 75% for height but 3/4 kids started there and it was downhill and off the charts from there so who am I kidding! And the 1/4 remaining has never hit 50% in her whole life. But everyone is happy and doing great! Except for me sometimes when I think I'm about to lose my mind if someone asks me for one more drink. The thing that has been getting me the most lately is the fighting. I know sibling fighting is normal but I have absolutely no patience for it. And I have a lot of patience for a lot of things. But not that. I've strayed from the "Remy is one month old" topic.


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Oh the Insanity

See this sweet little face.....


Well this sweet little face will NEVER let me put her down. Maizy was like that but I think Remy might be worse! So we have to get creative. You can often find us like this:


And this:


She just wants me to remember what it was like when I was pregnant with her and she would like to be back inside so this is as close as she can get.

No really. It's bad. There is only so much holding and so much baby wearing that can happen.

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Children's Room?

Or college dorm? You decide.....


They look wrecked! I went in to check on them before I went to bed. We could seriously make a calendar for several years with all of Maizy's nightly poses but usually Alexis looks normal. Last night for some reason, they look like its 4am after a long night of slugging back the beers and pounding out some shots. There are so many things wrong with this picture. I will say though that there are many nights when Maizy is on the floor by Alexis's bed. I think she tries to get in bed with her and Alexis won't let her in.

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Too Quiet

The above is what Maizy did while I was feeding Remy. I thought she was playing quietly in the playroom. Not stuffing the entire roll of toilet paper into the toilet in the bathroom. Too quiet is never good. Oh Maizy!

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Welcome Remy

Welcome Remy to the craziness! Born 7/27/12 at 2:48pm at 7 pounds, 12 ounces. She has completed our Needle family.


Her proud big sisters and brother were in heaven!



And Remy was about as perfect as can be!


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Grandma

In the midst of all of our baby excitement, my grandma decided she just couldn't hang on anymore. I know she desperately wanted to see the baby but she will see in a different way. She adored the kids. In fact they were the reason she was probably still here in the first place. They spent a lot of time with her over the past several months and Maizy was obsessed with her. This picture was only about a month and a half ago. You will have to forgive Max's stoned look but getting three children and one elderly person to all be looking and smiling is 100% impossible.
We will miss going to visit her and the kids will miss doing her hair and playing games. We know at this point it was what she wanted so we can't be too sad. She lived 83 3/4 full years full of family. I hope I get the same chance.

Ready to Rock

We are ready. Ready as we will ever be I suppose. The bassinet is next to my bed, carseat is installed, room is finished, and swings all have fresh batteries. I guess we are ready for baby #4. What? How weird does it feel to say #4? After we installed the carseat and I looked behind me, my first thought was "holy crap that's a lot of carseats". It looked like a daycare bus all of a sudden.

The kids are ready. Max might be the most excited of the three. He gets a goofy little grin when we talk about the baby which is very often at this stage of the game. Alexis can't wait to change diapers and rock the baby. I know she's weird and wants to change diapers. They actually fight about who is going to do it. I keep assuring them there will be plenty of diapers to go around but I don't think they believe me.

So as the Needle Nuthouse becomes even nuttier, I know there will be plenty to blog about.

Yeah.....

Yeah, it's been two months since my last post.
Yeah, I'll blame it on my blogging app that stopped working and I never get on a regular computer.
Yeah, Max is now 4 and Maizy is now 2.
Yeah, our life is about to drastically change in less than three weeks.
Yeah, I finally updated my iPhone so I could download a different app so maybe I'll post regularly again.
Yeah, with the baby coming, don't count on it.

The kids are beyond excited and I think have made Ben and I more excited. Everything is ready. The room is ready with clothes in the closet. The minivan is just yearning for the infant carrier to be placed. A handful of items have made it into a hospital bag. I'm just not sure I'm ready for the reality of four children. A family of six. Oh and I still have to get that last pedicure and haircut.

Obviously I can picture Alexis as a big sister and Max as a big brother because they are fantastic to Maizy. I'm just having a hard time picturing Maizy as a big sister. She is often smothered by love by her siblings and doted on by most of our friends' children. I hope she can handle te displacement of attention. I know we will have to do our part because she is kinda smushed in the middle. She won't be the oldest (spot taken by Alexis), she won't be the youngest (spot taken by baby), she won't be the only boy (wahoo Max), so we will have to make an extra effort. Although somehow this crazy girl I think will fin her place.

Maizy and Jarrett Sittin' in a Tree

Last year in June (yes you will have to go back and look because I cannot link from my phone), I posted a bunch of Maizy and Jarrett's first few dates basically starting with birth since I mean they are going to get married. We are collecting for the wedding slideshow. Here is their first birthday get together:



They also had a little shopping outing at about 18 months of age!


And more recently at almost two, they had their first kiss. It was hard to catch on camera but here is Maizy waiting very innocently:


Don't worry it wasn't all "action", they also had a nice time playing together!!!


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The Ultimate Chillax

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Amendment to Last Post

I was reading my last post and realized that something was unclear. Since it was about my two grandparents who have been in rehab, going through living arrangement changes, and taking up mist of our time, I stated that they have two great grandparents who adore them. However, it was unclear because they really have four great grandparents that adore them, but the post was only about two of them.


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Pretty Lucky

I would say (with some bias of course) that my kids are pretty lucky. When I was growing up, I had four grandparents until I was 20. While my kids aren't that lucky, and they are missing one stellar Opa, they have two great grandparents that adore them. Recently, they have both been in rehab and are making transitions to assisted livings of some sort. While this has meant intense headaches for my mom and I, excessive consumption of our time, and more stress in our lives than in a while, the kids have made me see the silver lining. We used to see them on average once every two weeks. Now we have been seeing them about once every 2-3 days. And for a while there it was almost every day. This has definitely been exhausting, but it has afforded the kids an opportunity to make some more memories with their great grandparents in whatever time they have left.

Max asks almost every day "are we going to see kut and old ma today?". They call him "kut" because "Opa" was already taken by my dad at the time when Alexis was born and although his name is Kurt, my grandmother pronounced it "kut" with her German accent. Alexis picked up on it as a baby and the rest is history. Anyway, the kids love to visit them. It pretty much makes their entire day too when we do as well as all the other elderly people living where they are. Seeing bright young faces always seems to brighten their environment I guess. And both of them still have all their wits (mostly!) and really enjoy playing with them. Here is Opa the other day playing with max:


Looks pretty good for 90, right?

The kids now talk about them all the time and I while this whole experience since their respective falls has been nothing short of aggravating and tiring, in a weird way, my kids have really benefitted.

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The king

Max has just gained a title. Official Needle King. He will soon have a gaggle of sisters. If anyone can take it, it's Maxwell. After all his favorite color is pink, he voluntarily plays with lalaloopsy dolls (even without Alexis present), he wants his nails painted, and loves folding laundry. He will also have oodles of girls swarming around as a teenager, learn to deal with PMS, and be extra sensitive. His wife will thanks us later. If he can find a wife that won't be too intimidated by three sisters and a mother. That's gonna be one special girl.

He actually said all along he wanted another sister. Guess he wanted to be the only stud around. And I'm sure he will get lots of dad time down the road when they have to escape the girly screeches, fights over clothes, and mood swings. Seriously though he has graciously accepted his role as caretaker and already is so kind to Maizy (especially after he has just tormented her!). He can't wait until she comes to preschool next year and can walk her to her class and help her unpack. He even holds her hand in the car.


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Murray

In the car, Max starts talking about Murray. So I ask, "who is Murray?". He says, "you know, Murray". No really I don't. He looks at me like I'm from another planet and with attitude says, "don't you know Murray had a little lamb". Ummmm don't think I've heard of that one. Do you mean Mary had a little lamb? "it's Mary?". Yes, Max, the song is Mary had a little lamb. He confidently replies, "well I like Murray better". And the he proceeds to sing Murray had a little lamb. Oh Maxwell.


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Littlest Gymnast

Maizy started gymnastics class. The difference between Maizy and Alexis when she started is that Alexis was afraid of the gym mats so forget the bars and beam and you could just about bet your life savings on the fact that she would never let the teacher touch her. Maizy on the other hand has very little fear. She won't do anything too rash but things like flipping, sliding, and jumping off things are right up her alley. She's not totally fearless in that she won't slide down the slide or jump off the mats without holding my hand but at least she will do it.


And she is so darn cute in her leotard. She liked to twirl around and let the skirt fly.


She is small enough to be a gymnast as most people are shocked that she is almost two. But she can hold her own especially against her siblings. Since in the last couple days she decided to slug Max in the eye (he cried) and she slapped Alexis in the face (she laughed), we are working on how to hold your own in a positive way! And of course she is a Needle so she is quite goofy.


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Siblings

Maizy is obsessed with her siblings. Completely in love. She will do whatever they do. Which is not always positive. Yesterday the kids had a different babysitter at the office because our babysitter was on spring break. Maizy was leery at first but then sat with her Buddy and began to play. Later I hear Maizy crying and crying. She was crying so much that the office manager took her for a bit and then she ended up back with my mom at her school. About 45 minutes later she went back to the sitter. Afterwards I realize exactly when she started cryin and why. One of the speech therapists came to take Max because he is working on eliminating his lisp. So Maizy was left without Buddy for 30 whole minutes. Hence the crying. She relies on them so much. And of course Max loves it. He defends her and takes care of her. He is so excited for her to come to school with him next year. He is already talking about walking her to her class and unpacking her backpack. He thinks she will sit on his lap during morning sing. And he will hold her hand out to carpool. We shall see if all that actually happens but it's a sweet thought.



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My Future Lives

I decided yesterday that I want to come back in a future life as a girl with Alexis as my sister. I would have to endure a little bit of tormenting and I'd have to always follow her ideas, but man, I'd be a lucky kid. She has decided that she needs to change Maizy's diaper in preparation to change the baby's diaper. So yesterday morning, she changed Maizy's dirty diaper twice about 85% on her own. Then yesterday afternoon Ben left to go to a DJ job so the kids and I went to go visit my grandparents in their rehab center. Not the most exciting place and the kids sure have spent well over their share of time in hospitals and rehabs over the last two weeks. But they were pretty good. Alexis walked down the halls holding Maizy's hand so that I could push a wheelchair. After our visit, my mom and I took them to Mellow Mushroom for dinner. She helped Max and Maizy reach the chalk so they could draw on the wall chalkboard. They will do anything she does. After dinner, Max had to go to the bathroom. They wanted to go alone because the bathroom was right by our table so I let them. Next thing I know is they go in the men's room. Not that big of a deal except that I can't go in there after them. So we wait. It takes a while. They come out. It took a while because Max pooped and they knew my mom and I couldn't come in so guess who wiped his butt? And she didn't even care!!! When they came out and said what happened, I said "wow, lex, you are a great sister". She responded, "well, I had to help him.". It was just her duty. No pun intended. Seriously a good kid. Since I have no control over my future lives, I'm sure glad that in this life since she isn't my sister that she is my daughter. Love you Lexi!


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Maizy or Madeline

I remember clearly when I was a kid loving the Madeline books. There were a bunch in the series and the covers all looked hand drawn like this.


I came across a few a while ago and now Alexis loves them.

Maizy recently acquired an adorable red coat with a matching hat from her cousins. It is gorgeous and Maizy loves it. She rarely takes it off and often wears it in the house. Here she is:


And even though the coat is red, not blue it just reminds me of Madeline.





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What is Important

Lately Max has been very attached to me. Perhaps it's a phase, perhaps it's his way of dealing with the fact that hi world is going to change, or perhaps he thinks I'm that awesome. But he follows me everywhere. If we are upstairs and I have to grab something from downstairs he follows, if I go to the bathroom he follows, if I go to the car he is behind me. He wants me to lay in his bed with him, cries when I leave him, and is just so darn cute doing it. Almost every afternoon Max fights his nap. And many days when he throws the biggest fit, he is asleep before we ever get home from school. Today when we get home he convinces me to sit with him for a bit. Then I leave. He comes out. Walks into my room. And stands there. We call him "the creeper" in fact because he often will come out of his bed and walk in and stand there. So I say "what do you need Max?". He says "to tell you I love you". Melt my heart but I say "I love you too Max and now you need to go back to bed". He says "but what if I need something?". "If it is something important than you can come get me otherwise you need to stay in your bed." "But mom that WAS important!". Just as I was about to respond, I hesitated and thought you know what he is absolutely right. I'll take a sweet I love you from him anytime even if it is nap time. Even though at times this attachment issue is a bit annoying, I'll take it. And I'll enjoy it. And I'll look back fondly when he is 13 instead of 3 and I have to beg him to even speak to me.


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Max. Enough Said.

Max is a character. I mean there is really no other way to describe him. He is funny. I mean really funny. What he says often loses something in writing because for him it is all in the delivery. But this morning Alexis was telling us about her bad dream. Whenever she has a bad dream it is about bugs. I guess that is about the worst thing she knows lucky for her!!!! Anyway, she says in her dream that she saw a daddy long legs and she picked it up and ripped its legs off. Max says with a face of pure disappointment, "Lexi, that is terrible. You destroyed one of God's creatures. You should probably apologize to God and he might forgive you.". She started crying of course. I explained that it wasn't actually real so she did not have to worry. Max, however, says, "it's real to the person that dreams it.". Really? Thank you Mr. Profound. Yesterday as we were leaving Alexis's ballet class, there was some trash in the parking lot. Max immediately says, "oooooohhhhh, that is so mean to the world.".

He also has developed his own gamut of profanity three year old style. He knows he shouldn't say certain words so he has made up his own.
Stookey=stupid
Butler=ass
Dummy bear=dumb ass
What the football=I think this one is self explanatory
Doom=damn
Booby boo=not sure exactly but you don't want to be called this




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Winter Break

Oh how I have enjoyed it. Sleeping in, no running around, help with the kids. It's been a nice break from our hectic lives. It's a new year and tomorrow begins again the craziness. But these two weeks have really been a gift. It has reminded me to try to slow down a little more. We spent a lot of the break hanging out with good friends. Alexis has been very social over the break and only let her double pink slow her down minimally. She looked rough though.


She got an American girl doll for Hanukkah and hasn't let the thing out of her sight.


If that's not an ad for American girl, I don't know what is!!!!!! She stayed up to midnight on New Years with her friends, has been playing endlessly with her brother and sister who worship her, and had a tea party for her upcoming birthday. She is a very social girl!

Max has really enjoyed having Ben home. They have gone to Starbucks, to the park, and wrestled around the house. One day I went to work and Ben got a whole day to himself. Of course I forgot to lay out clothes for the kids and he was so proud of getting them dressed that he texted me a picture.


I mean he did have to separately text me a picture of Alexis to ask which shoes went with her outfit but hey he did pretty good. Maizy has been talking so much. She calls Alexis "hehi" for Lexi and she calls Max "Buddy". She is so sweet but a little tougher than Lexi was. I mean if she falls down it is not crying for three hours generally she will get back up! She wants to do whatever Hehi and Buddy are doing. She is cuddly and adorable!

All in all a great break for us all!


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