The One Where Mommy Messes Up

My good friend Carol is always blogging about the Bad Parenting Chronicles.

And I usually laugh, because she's one of the best moms mums I know, and her bad parenting is hardly such.

I'd have to say I had my moment in the sun pouring rain this afternoon.

MH and I went to a lovely Gymboree birthday party.

By far, I think the 3rd birthday is the best - the kids get that it's all about them, they all follow directions, and you can see how much fun they have playing together. It's fabulous.

And then, of course, comes the party favor bag.

MH has been known to go to a non-birthday party and ask one of us where her party bag is.

She's been known to carry around an empty favor bag just because she loves it that much.

This party bag was a lovely pink, had a balloon attached to it, and her name written on it.

After the party, we helped our hosts bring their gifts to the car (in the POURING rain), and then headed to our own car.

MH could not wait to open her special bag and inspect its contents.

I must admit, the party loot was fantastic! We oohed and ahhed over the candy, Hello Kitty magnetic picture frame we could put on our fridge, the Super Star stamp, and by far the most exciting of all - the Tinkerbell socks.

What thought my friend put into making MH's favor bag so special. And clearly, she loves Target as much as I do!

MH was very into her gifts, and at the same time trying to find a way to ensure that her balloon wouldn't pop on the way home.

After all the excitement and chatter about how she couldn't wait to put on her socks at home and use her new stamp, I got in the car and put it in drive.

Not two seconds into the ride, I heard what might possibly be the most hysterical wailing I've ever heard in my life.

Not the I'm hurt really badly wail.

Not the Mommy, please don't leave me at school wail (who am I kidding, this NEVER happens!).

This was not a cry I've heard often from the Mad Hatter.

I instantly slammed on the brakes as MH got herself together enough to manage "You forgot to strap me in!!!".

Ummm, could I be a worse mom?

Seriously, could I?

I have never done this in my life. Three and a half years of having a child, and I've never been so irresponsible.

I think I was so caught up in her excitement of the goodies, trying to get her settled in with all of her raingear on, and getting myself in the car before I was completely soaked.

It took me what seemed like forever to calm her down.

I pleaded with her to stop crying.

I begged.

I apologized for making such a horrible mistake.

I praised her for being such a big girl and knowing how important it is to be strapped in.

I thanked her for being such a good girl and letting mommy know that she had messed up big time.

No matter what I said, those tears kept coming fast and furious.

I felt like a total failure as a mom.

Seriously, how could I have driven off, forgetting to have strapped her into her carseat?

And the way she was carrying on, you would have thought she had been seriously hurt.

She told me her tears were going to keep coming and coming over and over again.

I felt my heart break in two.

Finally, I told her again how sorry I was and asked her what I could do to make her better.

Her answer?

I'm going to keep on crying but if I can eat some candy I'll feel better.

Seriously, that easy?

Done!

Smarties to the rescue.

That and my trusty Ahh-Pod (read: iPod).

When I asked MH what she wanted to listen to on the way home, her immediate reply was David Cook (she also knows he's the best American Idol ever).

I happily obliged, and after that we listened to her ultimate fave by Dee-Onis Yewis (read: Leona Lewis). My girl can belt Bleeding Love like nothing you've ever heard (unless, of course, you heard said wailing above). We finished off with the Bah-Dee-Ahh Song (better known to us grown-ups as September), and all was well and good in her world by the time we arrived home.

I, however, am sure my world won't ever be quite the same.

I couldn't have been prouder of her for being so concerned about her safety, and so knowledgeable about something being so wrong, but I can't shake that bad mommy feeling.

I let her down, and she let me know about it. In spades.

And sadly, I know that as a mom, this is just the beginning of many times I will let her down, without in any way meaning to.

It's a pretty scary feeling knowing that as a mom, you hold that kind of fate in your hands.

I think I can say with complete confidence today's mistake will never be repeated.

But that feeling in my heart? Not so sure.

Maybe for now I just need a little more candy, Tinkerbell socks, and good music.

Man, they ask for a lot!

As moms we know our kids ask a lot of us.

Some of their request are easy to honor, some difficult but achievable, and some not so much.

Today's request from MH was one of the most humorous I've heard in a while.

Scene: I've just returned from physical therapy and she wants some "Mommy Snuggle Time". It is dark and chilly, and the rain is pouring down outside. It's the perfect day to be doing just what we're doing - we are snuggled up in my "nest", watching Imagination Movers (I have to say, I find the show a bit strange but she loves it, and is highly responsive to it - if it means I can lie down and relax, it's good with me). MH repeatedly and randomly professes her love for me and in return I do the same. We're having a lovely time.

And then she comes out with this (keep in mind we're in the nest, and snuggled quite closely):

MH: Mommy, can you make all that noise stop?
Me: Oh sweetie, that's just all the rain outside! I can't make the rain stop, silly!
MH: no, it's no the rain. The noise is making me cold.
Me: (confused) what kind of noise are you talking about?
MH: The one you're making.
Me: Huh?
MH: (I can't do this one justice) Whhhhsshssshhhhhhh. You're making that noise right in my ear and it's making my hair move.
Me: (still taking a minute to process): You mean my breathing?
MH: Yeah Mommy, can you stop that?

Hmmmm, I'll see if I can work on that.



**********************************************************************************
Side note: The nest is the pregnancy pillow I used while carrying MH. It made its reappearance earlier than I expected with all of this back nonsense, and MH gave it its name (which is pretty appropriate). Her favorite thing to do every morning is politely ask "can you make room for me?" and climb right in for a good snuggle. We both love it, but it's a really close fit.

An Introduction

It's not every day that I do this, but I wanted to introduce you all to a new friend of mine.

She lives in Stamford, CT and she and her husband are very close friends with some dear local friends of ours.

Our friends have had many special occasions over the last couple of years - we met at A's 30th birthday party. Then there was A & M's wedding. Then came adorable baby girl E a few months ago, M turned 30 and there was another party . . . well, you get the point.

Each time I've been at an event with Julie I've had a great time chatting with her and learning more about her. She has a great memory, and never forgets to ask how my back is feeling or how MH is. She's caring and fun, and we have a good amount in common (including the fact that both of our hubbies are accountants). I wish we lived closer to each other, because I'm pretty sure if she did, we'd hang out a lot.

Anyways, I had no idea Julie was reading my blog, but she was.

And she recently started one of her own.

And I have no idea why (Julie, I am quite humbled), but she credits me with being one of the reasons she decided to take the plunge into the blogosphere.

And regardless of her reasons, I will take them - her blog is fantastic!

You know those people who just get blogging from the minute they start?

That's Julie.

I find her blog especially refreshing because it's from a different perspective - she is not a mom yet (although I have a pretty strong hunch that the more she visits baby E, the sooner she may want one!).

She is also intelligent, witty, and a great writer, and I look forward to checking her out every day to hear about what's on her mind.

Go check Julie out at Trials and Tribulations (her blog name is perfect - she's a lawyer!) and leave her some comment love.

And of course, tell her I sent you.

I promise you won't be disappointed . . . do I ever disappoint?

On second thought, don't answer that.

Almost Wordless Wednesday - More RI Love

I am finally beginning to accept the fact that summer is over.
Yes, I'm aware that the temperatures have been dropping and there is a definite chill to the air first thing in the morning and later in the day.
However, I continue to hold out hope for a small taste of Indian summer.

Since my Top 5 Tuesday list was devoted to reasons I love Rhode Island, I thought I'd use Wordless Wednesday as a way to highlight one of my favorite reasons I live here - the absolute beauty of our summers!

One of my favorite views on the way to the beach: the Jamestown Bridge

A home I adore at one end of our beach (which without my fabulous new camera, I'd never be able to capture in such amazing detail!). Oh, to roll out of bed and onto the beach!

Cannot stand seagulls (I actually believe they are rats with wings) but somehow I find amazing beauty in this photo DH captured

The gorgeous view at the opposite end of the beach - this summer we enjoyed many family "treasure walks" down to these rocks, collecting quahog shells, stones, and anything else the Mad Hatter deemed worthy of trekking home with us (we even found a Starfish AKA sea star that we convinced her to put back into the ocean, as it was still alive)

Summer may be fading fast over, but our memories of this summer will surely be treasured for many months to come! They'll also get us through the feet of snow we're sure to endure in the long New England winter!

Top 5 Tuesday

It's Top 5 Tuesday again, and check it out - Dana finally got a tag for her weekly shindig!


This week's task is to choose your top 5 favorite or least favorite things about the place you currently live.


Since I just sent off my Favorite Things swap package yesterday (thanks again for the fabulous idea and job you did with this Wendi!), I'm going with favorites.


1) I am surrounded by my family. Mom and Dad live 15 minutes away, grandmother the same, other grandmother is here 4 months out of the year and comes home for holidays, aunt, cousins, all close by. The farthest one is my brother, and he's only an hour away. I am blessed and lucky to be so close to all of them (both geographically and emotionally!).


2) We actually do have four seasons here in New England! Although this year we didn't have so much of a spring and kind of leapt into summer. But I was reminded today after I dropped off MH at preschool and went for a lovely walk (go ME!) that the air has definitely changed and fall is here. Although I am mourning the end of beach weather, the fall foliage will be beautiful. Winter is another story, but I'm trying to keep this to my favorites.


3) I live 30-45 minutes from the beach! I spend all summer trying to get there as much as possible! THIS is one of my favorite views on the way there (it's the Jamestown bridge, kind of resembles the Golden Gate, huh?). I never realized how much I took the beach for granted since I grew up going there all summer long, but I have since realized that there are people who have never been on a beach!!! Come visit me!


4) Dunkin' Donuts. They are literally everywhere you turn around here. And in the last year or so, I've become a bit of a coffee addict. Of course I love my Starbucks, but when it comes to affordable and yummy selections, you can't beat DD!


5) Rhode Island may be the SMALLEST state in the country, but it is rich in history and culture. I love perusing the shops on Thayer Street, right in the heart of Brown University's campus. I love that we can take a trip to Newport and play tourist for the day - the mansions are truly amazing (not to mention all the awesome little shops!). I love that Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is here and we can go peruse their local museum. I love that you can cross the entire state in about 45 minutes! And I also love that in an hour, I can be in Boston and have the total city experience, where there is also tons of history and culture.


All in all, RI is a pretty great place to live!


Now, it's your turn! I want to hear your fave (or least fave) things about where you live. Heck, I don't even know where some of you live!


So go link up at Supernanny, Where are You?, or leave me a post right here in my comments section!


xoxo,

Literally

Lately DH and I have noticed just how literally MH takes everything we say. Most of the time we find it humorous, others we end up having to give a long sordid explanation for something we wish we'd never said (when do they learn the term figure of speech?) just because of the long tedious process associated with what we really meant.

Anyways, this AM I was awaked by MH to her latest greeting (I have to say, I do prefer it to the screaming of MO-MMY! over and over until I can unglue at least one eye and figure out that it's not still the middle of the night).

MH:(wearing her Flounder hat and carrying her light-up butterfly from yesterday): Mommy . . . wake up! It's morning, time to open your eyes!

Lucky for her she's adorable and her little sweet voice is the best thing to hear first thing when I wake up (I just wish that happened at say, 10AM. OK, I'd even take 9 - I'm not that greedy).

(For those of you with older kids, do they ever get that "waking up" thing like we do? As in, I am most definitely not one of those peeps who opens their eyes, pops out of bed, and shouts "Hello, Day! Let's get going!" C'mon - I know the rest of you are {insert eye roll here}. I need a little time to greet the world.).

Me: Did you have a good night sleep? Look at you with all your stuff!
MH: Yeah, I had so much fun yesterday. (Then she gets all serious) But next time I'm going to hold the bag and share my cotton candy with Daddy.
Me: We did share our cotton candy with Daddy (she doesn't need to know that Mommy is a glutton and ate the majority of the bag, she's still young).
MH: Oh. Well maybe if they come back and we can go again, I can hold the bag.
Me: OK, well that's really sweet. But I don't know if they'll be back for a while . . .
MH: Of course they'll be back!
Me: Really MH, they travel all over the country so all the little boys and girls can see their special show. It'll probably be a while.
MH: Mommy, they're going to come back. At the end, Mickey and Minnie said "See you real soon!"

It was still early.
It took me a minute.
They did say that.
They say that at the end of EVERY Mickey Mouse Club episode.

Yep, we're definitely in that literal phase.

******************************************************************************
Sweetheart just walked in to watch her so I can go to PT. MH just proudly showed off all her garb (she's already spoken to Sweetheart about 6 times since yesterday - even made Daddy call her cell phone so she could tell her more about her day.). The first words out of her mouth after her initial excitement were "Sweetheart! Can we go to your house for a little while? Cassie (my parents' dog) would love to see my cool stuff! And as I type, she has requested a visit to Poppy's office as well - we must show off our fabulous swag.

MH, I say it every day, but I adore you. You are the light of my life. And adoration is such an understatement. You are the true light of my life.

Priceless

Tickets to Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy: $81.25
Parking: Free (we found a great spot on the streeet - $10 extra for souvenirs!)
Food: $21
Souvenirs: $20 (included Mommy getting to share delish cotton candy with MH, who was more excited about getting the adorable Flounder hat that came on top of the bag)
Mommy forgetting the small camera and having to take pics with her cell phone: Disappointing.

MH having a blast at her first Disney on Ice show: Priceless.


Side note: I adore the way my child thinks. You might remember this post, where we attended a birthday party at an ice skating rink. We decided on Friday at the last minute to buy tickets for this show, and have been talking about it ever since. On the way to the show, MH innocently asked us who would be helping her when we got there. It took us a minute, but we quickly realized that she thought she'd be skating with the Disney characters!

A great time was had by all (and if the show is coming to a location near you, GO - it was really cute! Plus, there is nothing better than watching your child's favorite characters come to life through her eyes).

On Manners . . .

I always said when I had kids, they would learn as early as possible what it means to have good manners.

That we would always say please and thank you, excuse me and you're welcome.

I like to think that considering the MH's age along with a lot of hard work on the part of myself and DH (and my parents as well, with whom she spends quite a bit of time with), she's doing a great job.

Not only does she almost always remember to say please, but if she forgets and I ask her if she forgot to use a certain word, she will actually rephrase her entire question (As in Mommy, can I have some Dora snacks becomes Mommy, may I please have some Dora snacks?).

Don't get me wrong, she's most definitely not perfect. Sometimes she needs a gentle reminder to her to use her manners, but don't us grown-ups sometimes need a reminder?

MH takes preschool very seriously.

Since starting just 4 weeks ago, she comes home with new proclamations and ideas every day.

This month, they've been hard at work using remembering to use (and I'm sure for some of them, just learning!) their manners and learning about feelings.

Imagine my surprise just after her first week when she closed a baby gate on my Dad. I asked her what she should say to Poppy (expecting an "I'm sorry") and here's what we got:

Poppy, I'm so sorry I hurt your feelings. It was an accident. Will you forgive me?

We all stopped in our tracks. It was one of the cutest things I've ever seen, given the expression on her face and the little lilt in her sweet little voice.

When I pick her up from school, we always talk about her day. She'll often tell me random bits and pieces, and lately I hear a lot about how so and so bumped into her in the playground, and she said "You hurt me", and so and so said "I'm sorry, it was an accident", and she said "That's okay, I forgive you.".

I am loving this preschool thing.

Just this morning, she told me she was hungry for breakfast.

MH: Mommy, can I have something from the refrigerator?
Me: Sure, but would you like some pancakes instead?
MH: No thanks you, Mommy. But thanks you for asking me.

Again, I was floored because not only was she using manners, but she went above and beyond.

MH is a lovebug. She even has a shirt proclaiming it. Since she was a baby, she has always had a need for physical contact. Even if we're watching TV together, she likes to hold my hand, or even just have a foot touching me. While it can get annoying at times (say, I'm trying to do something important, like write a blog post about her!), it is extremely endearing.

Last night, when she got out of the tub, she was pretty riled up and exciteable. She was jumping all over the place while I tried to dry her off, and scrambling to get to Daddy. When I asked her to stop, she didn't, and I told her that her behavior was making me sad.

MH (in the tiny empathetic voice that always comes along with this sort of thing): Mommy, I'm so sorry I hurt your feelings.
Me: It's ok, I'd just like you to listen to me and let me dry you off.
MH: OK, can you please dry me off?
I proceed to dry her off while she offers me a hug.
MH: Mommy, can I touch you? (At this point, I think Daddy might laugh. And me too, becaue I'm not sure where this is going). Or do you need your space? I love you so much and I don't want to hurt your feelings again.

Put a fork in my heart, I was done.

Lest you think I some crazy drill-sargeant mom with zero tolerance, let me assure you that my choice of parenting just happens to revolve quite a bit around love and logic. Rather than say no or get angry and yell, I'd rather explain the reasons for things (believe me, I do get angry. Sometimes, quite often.) so she can understand. Isn't this how they learn?

I have always explained to MH that while she loves to give hugs to her friends and be super close to them, sometimes they don't always feel the same way and they need their space.

When we've encountered friends who get a little too aggressive (read: push her around, literally), my choice was to teach her to use her words and say "Please keep your hands on your own body".

She has taken me very literally many times.

She is taken with the phrase "I need my space" even when she doesn't realize she's not quite using it correctly (read: she is lying on top of me and says "Mommy, I need my space.").

Sometimes I'll be tickling her and instead of asking me to stop she give me a firm "keep your hands on your own body!"

But the point for me is that she is using her words. Sometimes I explain to her that she can have all the space she wants but she needs to create it rather than lay on top of me. Sometimes I just smile and hold back my giggles. Other times, she uses the words a little too inappropriately for my liking, and I explain that while those are words we do use sometimes, she is not using them very nicely.

All in all, though, I'd like to think we're doing something pretty darned right.

Besides being a typical (and slightly highly spirited) three and a half year old, she is a great kid. And I say that not just as her mom, but because of so much of what I see around her.

She is clearly getting it, and although she often needs a little reminder, every day I see how grown up she is becoming, and am reminded yet again how proud of her I am.

Remember how I said sometimes us grown-ups need a reminder to use our manners once in a while too? This morning, I apparently didn't hear her say "I love you, Mommy".

MH: Mommy, I said I love you! You know, you're supposed to say it back!

Thanks for the reminder, MH. We definitely still have lots to teach each other.

And P.S. - I will truly cry the day you drop the "s" from thanks you.

Wordless Wednesday - Natural Beauty

Just some summer shots I love!

Please help a sister out!

You know how my blog title is Mommy Learns to Blog?

Well, I think I'm doing a pretty good job, considering.

Some of you even noticed that a while back, I figured out how to make my posting area bigger.

But what I want more than anything in the world (ok, maybe not anything in the world, but I do want it really bad), is a third column.

Seriously, it would make my blogging life.

And I found a tutorial on Google that would supposedly let me do this (it's the same one that showed me how to increase my blog posting space).

And while I followed each and every step, alas, I have no third column.

I am frustrated.

I don't want a whole blog makeover.

Just another column.

Can anyone help?

I would be happy to offer a reward.

I don't know what, but name your price.

I will be forever indebted to you.

xoxo,

Top 5 Tuesday - What's on my mind

Of course it is Tuesday again, and that means another Top 5 list!

This week, Dana has made it super easy - list the top 5 random thoughts floating around in your head.

There are many, this will be good for me.

1) This is my first blog post since last Wednesday and I'm so glad because it makes it really easy for me to post and I have been feeling guilty about not posting or commenting on other blogs (didn't I cover this a couple of weeks ago?).

2) I can not believe it's already Tuesday again. This MH going to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays really makes the week go so fast.

3) I feel overwhelmed right now. As in, trying to get a new business off the ground, trying to be as independent as my back will allow me to be, and doing fun, special things with MH, trying to keep up with physical therapy, having lots of stuff going on this month in our social calendar, trying to read my bloggy friends' blogs and leave comments for them (I promise, I have been reading, just through reader and have not had time for comments - much love to all of you!), being in disbelief that we're halfway through September, just OVERWHELMED in general!

4) I am pissed off that my job (which I never did get around to blogging about but was a job where I was doing bookkeeping on Quickbooks - my dear hubby the accountant taught me, the job literally fell into my lap, and the money was great) has gone to shit because the client is in such major financial trouble that she can't afford to pay for bookkeeping services. But she can't afford not to have them. And I was supposed to be working the 2 days MH is in school. And she changes her mind more often than my dad takes showers (yes that sounds weird, but my dad needs to take a shower any time he changes clothing, and has been known to take 4 in a day - sorry, Dad, for sharing your OCD compulsion with the world - this is a string of random thoughts). Ok, she changes her mind more than Britney changes her hair. Or than John Mayer goes through girlfriends. Or MH asks WHY? You get my point. For 6 weeks, I have had a job, but not really because every week it changes. One week she can't do it, the next week she can. Yesterday she told me not to come today. I'm done. I feel like I've been jerked around. She's a nice lady, and I completely understand that she's under tons of stress and not thinking about how her actions affect me. But they do. And she hasn't paid my "boss". There will be work down the pike, but for now I quit! I'll find something else to do while MH is at school. Like work on starting up that business with my Mom.

5) I'm thinking that this might just be the most boring blog post ever. I am sorry for the ranting and raving. However, it's been therapeutic and that's one of the reasons I started blogging. I am wondering if any of my thoughts have been coherent. I'm not even going to proof read like the anal self I usually am when it comes to blogging. So there.

Ahhhh, that felt wonderful. Join me by doing the same, I promise, it'll be freeing. And then go link up to Dana at Supernanny, Where Are You?

Or, just post your list right here in my comments.

And a special thanks to all of you who humored me last week and shared your top 5 list of reasons for blogging. I loved them all - even if I didn't comment (see #3).

Much love,

WW - Ballet and Tap Dance Princess!

Last week, The Mad Hatter started dance classes. Her class is called Tiny Toes (do you get any cuter than that? Yes - further evidence below!) and they do 1/2 hour each of ballet and tap dance. I may be biased, but she was the most adorable little dancer in the class!

Checking ourselves out at home to make sure we look perfect.

Making the final adjustments to our leotard (which of course, has just the right touch of bling)

No matter what you do, it's all about perfect posture!

Top 5 Tuesday - Rachael's Way!

Every day, I am amazed by the blogs I come across. Some are automatic daily reads, some I read because I want to visit someone who has left me a comment, and some I have no idea how I ended up at, but am glad I did!

However, the common thread is that almost everything I read has some kind of impact on me. Many make me laugh, some have made me cry, some make me feel like my life is a walk in the park, and most of all, the majority inspire me. There are some truly gifted bloggers out there, and I am honored to be part of such a diverse, intelligent, and witty group of writers!

Lately I've had some burning questions on my mind.

Okay, they're not exactly keeping me awake at night, but they're questions I'm really interested in hearing the answers to.

My dear friend Dana over at Supernanny, Where Are You was cool enough to let me use her Top 5 Tuesday festival as a forum! Thanks D!

So here we go (and of course, I've posted my own answers too!):

1.) How long have you been blogging?

My first blog post was on May 30th of this year, so I've been blogging for just over 3 months.

2.) Link to your first blog post ever?

Here is my first blog post. It was your basic introduction post - I'd like to think my posts have gotten a lot more interesting as I've continued.

3.)What is the one driving force that actually made you create that blog account?

The Mad Hatter was starting to say and do so many funny things that I was worried if I didn't find somewhere to keep track of them somewhere fairly easily and on a regular basis, we'd forget them too quickly (half the time I think of something I want to blog about in the morning, and can't even remember it a few hours later!). I wanted to create a sort of "scrapbook" where I didn't need to worry about taking pictures, designing actual pages for an album, and try to remember the exact things that were happening in those pictures when I finally got around to it. I love the idea that I can have my blog made into a book that we can treasure and laugh about in the many years to come.

4.)How did you come up with your blog name and what were other names you considered?

I thought long and hard about this one. I had no experience with blogging, knew I would have plenty to learn along the way, and I'm a Mom. So . . . Mommy Learns to Blog seemed like the perfect title for me - it's who I am! I do love to learn new things, and have taught myself quite a big along the way - so much so that many of you have suggested I changed my blog name to Mommy Teaches to Blog, but the way I see it, there is always something else to learn, and I've got a long, long way to go!

5.) Post a link to your favorite blog post ever.

Hands-down, I'd probably go with this one. I dove head-first into the blogosphere and got completely sucked into its vortex! However, since this Top 5 "meme" was my brain child, I'm bending the rules to allow myself a bit of leeway and choosing my two other faves. Those would be this one (I will never tire of watching my little munchkin sing and dance her little heart out with such tenacity!) and this one because I had so much fun celebrating my blogiversary by sharing some facts about myself that my readers (all 8 of you!) might not know!

Now, for those of you who are reading, even if it's not Tuesday anymore, please, please, please create a post of your own anyways and go link up to Dana. I AM, after all, the learning Mommy, and I want to learn more about what made you jump into this vice-grip we would never want to will never get ourselves out of!

What's For Breakfast in Your House?

I'm not sure, but I can tell you what it is in mine!

A little while ago, MH disappeared from my bedroom, where we were watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I heard a little movement in the kitchen and then things got quiet. A little too quiet if you know what I mean.

I ran out to investigate and much to my utter shock delight and surprise, there she was sitting at her little table playing with Play-Doh.

Like a complete angel.

As in, I actually felt bad for assuming that the silence in my house meant mischief.

Just 4 days of preschool and we're already making progress - normally I need to beg her to play by herself for a little while.

Anyways, she just informed me that she's making breakfast.

Just a plain sandwich with nothing on it.

Just a grilled cheese with bread, regular butter, and pickles.

Oh, and a little caffeine at the end.

You know, Mommy. Just a plain sandwich.

She is just full of gems this morning.

I love days like this -when the imagination is already in full swing.

But perhaps I refrain from the discussing my coffee IV idea when she's around?

MH, when did you learn about caffeine?

When Daddy Cuts the Cheese

Sometimes I wonder where this stuff comes from. I swear, we couldn't make it up if we wanted to.


Let's set the scene: MH and I are in bed (it's 7:27AM) watching TV. Daddy is in the bathroom clipping his toenails.


MH: Daddy's cuttin' cheese
Me: (incredulous, and thinking I'm having another misheard moment) What's Daddy doing?
MH: He's just clipping his nails.
Me: Oh. Did he tell you he was cutting cheese?
MH: No. He just does that in the kitchen.
Me: Really? When does he do that?
MH: On Fridays.


Daddy: (under his breath) Daddy cuts the cheese everyday, not just on Fridays.
Mommy: silently agrees.
Daddy: You're not going to blog about this are you?

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I'm that quick this morning. Daddy just came over and said, seriously, you're already blogging about this? Nothing is off limits, huh? I'll pay you back tonight with some fresh cheese.


Don't worry honey, I get paid plenty. I'm stocked up for, say, a lifetime.

Homer Simpson eat your heart out . . .

Eat whatever you like.


Just NOT our donut cake!

That's right, friends.

A donut cake.

Yes, you are looking at the largest donut I've ever sunken teeth into laid eyes on.

From only THE best donut place in Rhode Island.

Where even if you don't like donuts, you will love them.

They literally melt in your mouth.

The light and airy texture is perfect.

The icing is perfect.

They are a RI legend.

Summer is not complete without at least one trip to Allie's Donuts on the way down to the beach.


And today, even though I wasn't headed for the beach, I decided to take a little trip so our family could enjoy an impromptu surprise celebration after dinner.

Surprised and delighted DH and the Mad Hatter were!

I picked the ginormous donut shaped cake, but they create all kinds of masterpieces, including this:



Seriously. A donut. A donut that you can call a cake.

Does life get much better than that?


Now, the challenge will be to NOT eat the whole thing by tomorrow.

But a to-die-for donut that is more than 24 hours old?

I think not.

Even if we don't finish it which will definitely be no problem around here, the smile on their faces was well worth every bite bit of it.

Allie's, our waistlines may not thank you but our tastebuds do!

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Author's note: let us not forget that according to this, I am justified in my gluttony . . .

Taking some great advice.

Just thought you'd all like to know that I've got 242 unread blog posts in my reader.

Nice, huh?

I've been out enjoying the last days of summer, working (gasp!), grocery shopping, cooking, spending time with family, enjoying my new washer and dryer (watch for more info on this one!)watching Gossip Girl and the new 90210, and everything else under the glorious sun.

Everything except keeping up with my friends here in Bloggeritaville.

If you haven't heard from me in a while, rest assured, I'm just fine.

And I may have even read one of your recent posts (I would just love it if I could reply directly from Google Reader! Could we start a petition? Of course, I guess that would detract from the whole idea of visiting a blog to see what else is on it . . .)

I'll be by to visit you just as soon as I can with a comment.

Know what? I do not feel one iota of guilt about my overflowing reader.

Wanna know why?

Although I can't follow her advice of hitting the "mark all as read" button, a wise woman named Dr. McMommy directed me here: http://blogguiltfree.org/

Since McMommy is the Oprah of Bloggywood (read: everything she touches turns to gold), I took her advice and headed on over.

The philosophy is great and I hopped on that bandwagon faster than the MH can spill her drink all over my kitchen floor (read: lighting speed) - I even put the Blog Guilt Free button right here on my blog.

So that's it my friends. I'm guessing many of you have overflowing readers, what with soaking up the last days of summer and getting back into the reality of day to day life with kids in school.

Follow the advice of the wise doctor (and me) - I promise, you'll feel a lot better.

And that, friends, ends today's Public Service Announcement.

Carry on. Guilt free, of course.

What a difference a week makes . . .

Dearest MH,

As we were driving to school today, just your third day of preschool, it occurred to me that it felt like a completely normal part of our routine - as natural as my racing off to physical therapy or taking you to one of the many activities we've done together over the past 3 and a half years.

If you had asked me just one week ago if I'd be feeling this way, the answer would have been a resounding "NO!"

Just one week ago, Daddy and I brought you to your new preschool for the first of many "school" days you'll experience over the next 15 years or so. As I predicted (and hoped), you were absolutely thrilled to be there. We spent so much time this summer talking about school, and in the week leading up to it, you became very excited about going to your school.

You decided the night before that the only clothing fit for the first day of school was your beloved giraffe dress from Baby Gap. When you got up in the morning, the first thing you did was get out of your jammies and into that dress - I had to remind you that you needed to put on some underwear! And everyone complimented you on your perfect choice of fashion statement - from the teachers and director of the school to many people who viewed your pictures right here on Mommy's blog. You sure do know how to push the adorability factor.

Before I had even brushed your hair, you'd eaten the special scrambled chopped eggs with mushrooms that Daddy whipped up for you. You brushed your teeth, put on your Crocs, and proudly donned your new Ariel backpack (which is incidentally almost as big as you!), ready to go! You insisted on wearing your hair in a headband, so it would look bee-you-tee-ful. And let me tell you, every little part of you was beautiful, from the inside all the way out.

Since Daddy and I were both taking you to school but driving separate cars, you proudly took the special opportunity to ride with Daddy. I'm glad you got to share a little special time with him on the way to one of the most special moments in our lives. Plus, it gave me a little time to get some great pictures of the two of you walking hand-in-hand in the parking lot, where Bob the Builder was waiting to greet you!

You were quite enthralled with Bob(so was Daddy). In fact, when I asked if you were ready to go inside, you told me that you had to ask Bob one more question! When we finally got inside, you were ecstatic to find a cubby with your name on it, as well as lots and lots of great toys! Off you ran from one area to another, occasionally calling out "Mommy, Daddy, look at this!" Minus your excitement at showing us all the cool discoveries you were making, it was clear that you didn't really need us there. I needed us to be there. To be sure that my little angel was safe and comfortable, and going to be okay without me for the day.

I can easily say that three has been a tough age for us. You push us to our limits on a daily basis, but we know that a huge part of it is that you are growing and becoming an independent little lady. Many times this summer, I said I couldn't wait for school to start, because I knew we both needed it. And we do, but you are still my baby girl, and it was very hard for me to hand you over to someone else's care. Even with all of my back problems over the last couple of years, I have been home with you since the day you were born, and for a big part of me, it's hard to let you go.

However, watching you there, I had no doubt we had chosen the perfect place for you to be. It typical MH fashion, within minutes you had a pocketbook on your shoulder and were taking a baby doll for a ride in a stroller. When Daddy we decided it was time for us to leave, you were so busy playing with a cash register that you barely said goodbye to me. In reality, that's the reaction I should have, and did want you to have. It would have been so much harder if you were crying or begging me not to leave. I'd be lying, though, if I said I didn't shed some tears on the drive home. You were my big girl, completely ready for her new adventure, and you were going to be okay without me.

I managed to occupy myself for most of the day, and I have to admit, the free time was nice! I ran a few errands, caught up on a couple of things at home, but mostly, I kept checking the clock to see if it was time to go pick you up.

The best part of my day was pulling up to the school to get you. You didn't see me, but I saw you - on the big-kid swing, legs pumping away taking you high into the air, with a huge smile on your face. When I got out of the car I heard your little voice chanting "legs out, legs in" - you later told me you were teaching your friends how to pump their legs because they didn't know how. MH - I have shown you many times how to pump your legs, but the first time I saw you doing it all by yourself was at that moment. I was hit with so many emotions. The first was the warmth in my heart seeing how much you were enjoying yourself. Then there was pride - you were such a big girl on that swing by yourself! And of course a little melancholy - when did you turn into that big girl?

You had a wonderful first day. You made a very cute apple which is now hanging in our kitchen. You made a lot of friends whose names you very impressively remembered. And you were very hyped up about your day - we had to call everyone in the family to give them a full report! (To our dismay) you woke up at 4AM the following day asking if you could go to school! You never did go back to sleep, and we had to explain that you wouldn't be going every day, to which you asked your favorite question "Why?" You spent the entire day telling everyone we encountered about your school. It was absolutely adorable.

I will tell you about one moment that broke my heart. Before we left to come home that first day, I took you for one last trip to the bathroom. All of a sudden, you looked up at me with the most serious face and told me you were very sad that I left you there at school. I reminded you that you were having such a good time you barely said goodbye to me. And then I asked you if you cried, to which you giggled and said no. I felt relieved - we talked about how it's okay to miss each other, and that's what makes it so special when we're together again. Within seconds, you were chattering on about more of your day.

That's the thing about being a Mommy. Everything you do and say has such a profound impact on us - not a minute goes by when I'm not worried about your emotional or physical well-being. For one split-second I worried that maybe you weren't ready to be separated from me. But the next second when I asked if you were ready to go home, you begged me to stay and play some more in the playground. Again, I was reassured that we chose the right place and the right time to start school.

Your teachers Miss Karen, Miss Christine, and Miss Amy are wonderful. You are having a blast painting, and coloring, and doing all kinds of special projects. And you have already been dubbed "the welcoming committee" of the preschool - apparently you like to greet all of the parents and ask them their names, along with telling them yours. I love that your charisma and completely outgoing nature are shining through just as they always do. You have such a sweet and charming way about you - I could never really put it into words, but you are like a magnet - people are drawn to you wherever we go. It makes me happy to no end that your personality is just blossoming even more around all the new people you're meeting.

MH, your Daddy and I could not be more proud of you. You will always be our baby, but watching you grow into a little girl is truly amazing. I hope your days will always be filled with the kind of joy and happiness they are right now. You are the most special person I've ever met, and once in a while I need to pinch myself and wonder how I got lucky enough to be your Mommy.

And even if it does break my heart just a little, it's okay if you tell me you miss me. Because I miss you too. And the best part of my day is our reunion, and getting to hear all about the great things you did.

The other best part? The days you're home with me are even more special!

All my love,
Mommy