Monthly Archives: February 2012

February 17, 2012 · 1:27 am

Day One

I did something both crazy and brave today.  Riley woke up with pinkeye.  That wasn’t the crazy or brave thing.  That was the gross thing that ruined my plans for the day.

Since he had to stay home from school, that meant there were five school-free days ahead of us (pinkeye day + teacher work day tomorrow + the weekend + President’s Day on Monday).  Somehow, I decided to potty train him.  Today.  As we speak write.  That’s the crazy and brave thing.

Crazy because potty training is just that – crazy.  And brave because, well, the same thing.  Doing something crazy is brave.  Plus it’s hard to know if he’s ready.  I think he is, but I’m not sure, and false starts suck.  I swear, if people knew what potty training was really like, and if they knew that it’s actually a long, exhausting process that takes months if not years, they’d never have kids.

I’m too exhausted to give you all of the gory details of theday (and there were some), but I think it’s fair to deem Day One a success.  Riley went through about ten pairs of underwear, and I’ll definitely be calling Stanley Steemer next week to get the family room carpet cleaned, but HE POOPED IN THE POTTY!  Poop.  In the toilet. On day one!  I’m one Proud (and sort of Gloating) Mama right now.  And kind of tipsy, too, because a little bit lot of wine was necessary to temper the emotional and physical exhaustion of the day.

I didn’t take a lot of pictures during the day, mostly because that would’ve been kind of weird, but this one, taken after Riley was asleep in a bedtime Pullup (thank god for bedtime and bedtime Pullups!) pretty much sums up the day.

I better sign off now and get some much needed rest before Day Two begins (today’s parenting started at about 4:00 a.m.).  You know that app that let’s you tell friends on Facebook that you’re running three or twelve miles and that they can leave you comments that you’ll hear through your iPod?  Well, I don’t have an iPod anymore because I accidentally washed and dried it (oops), but I sure could use a cheering section right about now.  Consider the comments section on the blog my app and drop me a line.  I’d love to hear from you.

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Filed under Gloating Mama, potty training, Proud Mama

February 14, 2012 · 4:32 pm

Love List

This morning, I asked Dylan what he loves.  His answer was: “everyone.”  Riley’s response to the same question was: “waffles and diapers.”  (This, I believe, is a warning sign that potty training this weekend might be a colossally bad idea.)

In the world of astrology – if you like that stuff – my boys are like water (Dylan) and fire (Riley).  Just look in their eyes and you can see it.

In honor of this Valentine’s Day, here are some things I love (besides my husband, kids, dog and all that other obvious stuff):

1. Dancing in my kitchen with Dylan and Riley to Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down.”  Riley calls it the Curious George song.  (FYI: There’s more evidence of water and fire on the dance floor: Where Dylan is a breaker, Riley is a krumper.)

2. Pinterest. I was invited to join last night (thanks Carrie!), and it was love at first sight.    I have little to no idea how it works, but I can already tell it’s going to occupy a lot of my time.  (Sociology Mama moment: Social media has completely revolutionized motherhood, especially stay-at-home motherhood!  Another post for another time…)

3. My new alarm clock/iPhone dock.

The iPhone sits on top, but I needed it to take the picture. 🙂
This was Mike’s Valentine’s Day gift to me this morning.  Before you judge the (lack of) romance factor, you should know that I’m the kind of girl who thinks practical gifts can be extremely romantic (remember the electric toothbrush?).  That, and I asked him to buy it for me.
4. Owls.  Yup, still lovin’ the owl.  Here’s my newest, most favorite owl item:
Part owl homage, part vision board.  I’m going to frame this card and hang it above my desk.  Imagine a world where I had such cool office furniture and could keep so many plants alive!

5. Kale. Random, but I love it.  Sautéed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.  Yum.

6. Today’s weather.  I’m a New England girl in my soul (Jenny from the Peabody block!), but after almost eight years in South Florida, I have grown to appreciate Florida winters.  I’ll sing a different tune in a few months when it’s 92° with 100% humidity every day until Thanksgiving, but today’s weather – sunny, dry, and 75° – is a gift.

What’s on your love list?

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Filed under owls, Sociology Mama, Valentine's Day