Two Things That Are Really Annoying Me Right Now

1) Having to run the A/C still. In December. While Corey is hanging Christmas lights. Why do I live in this state?

2) Maddie getting back out of her crib after we have put her to bed for the night to go potty. Three times every night at least. Six times last night. Can't she just wear diapers forever?

Rock-a-bye Baby

Taylor is such a little mommy. So is Maddie, for that matter. The game lately is to put all doll babies and various stuffed animals on Maddie's green potty and on the regular toilet padded seat insert (placed on the ground, of course) and talk and talk about how they all need to go potty. Here is Taylor, rocking her favorite thing to "mother".

Can you guess what it is?

How about now?

No? Look a little closer.

Why yes, you are right! It is Finn, the most recent addition to our family.


Before you call the Humane Society, she is just keeping him warm as he dries from his bath. He has a tendency to shake like crazy when he is wet, so every time we give him a bath we wrap him in a baby blanket and hold him until he warms up. No cruelty involved.

Painting

Ohh, the mistakes we make as parents.

Like buying paint kits from the dollar bin. Cheap paints=not washable.

In Memory of Hilary Jane Ferguson

Last night I found out that a dear friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. Her name was Hilary, we met at church around 20 years ago, and she was my roommate 13 years ago while living in a small apartment, when I met my first husband. In fact, he was the one who called late last night to tell me. They had remained friends, and he had found out through Facebook. What a way to learn of something like that, right? It was very unexpected and sudden, and we don't know what happened yet. I haven't seen her since Taylor's 4th birthday party in February, and it has been at least 3 months since we have even spoken. Still, I am shocked and saddened beyond belief. She was only 5 years older than me. So young to die. I just cannot understand this. It just goes to remind you that you never know when the last time you see someone will indeed be the last time. Rest in peace, Hilary. I will miss you.


***edited to add: I just received an email from her sister, and apparently she hadn't been feeling well for a few days. When she missed an appointment with her mom and sister, they sent a friend over to her apartment to check on her. She had died in her sleep on Sunday night/Monday morning. I feel for the friend who found her that way. It appears at this point that her death was due to her heart condition. I knew she had congestive heart failure, but was not aware that she was having any symptoms.

Maddieism of the Day

Me: "Are you pooping?"

Maddie: "Check in my diaper."

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to take a moment and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I have been baking up a storm. I don't mind bragging that I have managed to become quite a competent cook, however baking/desserts are not my strength. So why did I volunteer to handle the desserts this year? Who knows. Last night I made a pumpkin cheesecake, and this morning I baked an apple crisp. I'm not sure how the cheesecake will turn out as I've never made one, and you know there is a lot of room for error on that one. That is why I went with the apple crisp for the second one. Hard to mess up, that one is. I hope. It's in the oven right now. In a few hours we will be heading to my Mom's house.
Just a few things I am thankful for this year:
~four healthy children
~one supportive, sweet, affectionate, hard-working, unconditional-loving husband
~plenty of work available for my husband despite the economic uncertainty
~all extended family
~the ability this year to look back at the year and feel with complete certainty that we are a stronger family in a better place than this time last year

Have a great day all!

Ode to Conair Soothing Sounds Machine

This little machine is perhaps the best the best purchase I have ever made. I ordered it from eBay, and including shipping it was only $32. Seriously, if it was possible to love an electronic gadget, I love this one. Every night I use the "ocean waves" setting, but there are nine others. After a comment I received on my post about the neighbor's music, I should clarify that the music is not loud enough to bother the other neighbors. With the exception of the one time I was called a nasty word, the music can't be heard outside. Only in my master bedroom when all is quiet and I am trying to sleep. So, calling the police to enforce the noise ordinance is not really a solution. Something about the way the walls were built amplifies the music. Yes, I can still hear it all night long, every night. It's like there's a nightclub nearby and I am only hearing the beat of the base, but there's not one anywhere near here. Anyway, this little cheap machine is wonderful. The waves are so soothing, and the music doesn't bother me anymore. Sleep on, sleep on.