Sunday, December 19, 2010
Just FYI...
...I haven't checked My Charming Kids since she officially gave the thumbs down to gay marriage. Just couldn't support her in any way any more. I wasn't an every day checker anyway (any more), but sometimes when I think of all the secrets of a stranger's life I could unlock with a simply URL, it's really hard. That's it. Not caving. Not even interested anymore. But, just thinking that the internet works in funny ways.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Giant Meatballs are Out.
I know--less than 24 hours later. But, Eleanor later asked what exactly meatballs are. The vegetarian in me happily obliged. Now, "Not meatballs. Meatballs have dead animals in them."
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
I'm here at work.
But I need a break from the tapping. So, I'm just here with a quick update on the kids.
Eleanor loves me. I know, you're thinking, of course she loves you. But there was a while there that she did NOT love me. Or wouldn't admit it more than once a day. Now, she cries for me. She snuggles me. She falls asleep in bed with me at naptime. It is heavenly.
She loves to replace words in songs with "Giant Meatball." Like, "The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the...GIANT MEATBALL." And then she cracks up. So, not rapier wit. But she's getting there. She'll pretend one thing is another or give me a silly answer just to make us both laugh. All with a mischievous smile.
Josephine has not yet stopped being obsessed with me. But she's taken it to the next level with the holding. She'll ride my leg like a needy child in a movie about needy children. And she'll yell, "PICK ME UP! HOLD ME NOW!" It's vicious. She's a little more polite when she's trailing friends or family wanting to be held, but just as insistent.
She is Diego. Or so she says. She's doing so well with imaginary play (just like her sis). And they're even making believe together. What a great skill set. They have full conversations and argument as themselves and other people.
Jo: "I'm Diego. Diego goes first."
E: "No! Dora always goes first, because her's a girl and a star."
Jo: "I'm Sigga. She's makes spicy noodles."
E: "No way! Your noodles aren't spicy enough, Sigga. Mommy actually eats cheese now. Make it spicy with cheese."
Jo: "No, Klona. Actually, cheese is not spicy, no!"
E: "Ye-es, Klina, cheese is spiiiiicy."
Jo: "NO, Klona, I'm Diego!!!!"
Eleanor loves me. I know, you're thinking, of course she loves you. But there was a while there that she did NOT love me. Or wouldn't admit it more than once a day. Now, she cries for me. She snuggles me. She falls asleep in bed with me at naptime. It is heavenly.
She loves to replace words in songs with "Giant Meatball." Like, "The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the...GIANT MEATBALL." And then she cracks up. So, not rapier wit. But she's getting there. She'll pretend one thing is another or give me a silly answer just to make us both laugh. All with a mischievous smile.
Josephine has not yet stopped being obsessed with me. But she's taken it to the next level with the holding. She'll ride my leg like a needy child in a movie about needy children. And she'll yell, "PICK ME UP! HOLD ME NOW!" It's vicious. She's a little more polite when she's trailing friends or family wanting to be held, but just as insistent.
She is Diego. Or so she says. She's doing so well with imaginary play (just like her sis). And they're even making believe together. What a great skill set. They have full conversations and argument as themselves and other people.
Jo: "I'm Diego. Diego goes first."
E: "No! Dora always goes first, because her's a girl and a star."
Jo: "I'm Sigga. She's makes spicy noodles."
E: "No way! Your noodles aren't spicy enough, Sigga. Mommy actually eats cheese now. Make it spicy with cheese."
Jo: "No, Klona. Actually, cheese is not spicy, no!"
E: "Ye-es, Klina, cheese is spiiiiicy."
Jo: "NO, Klona, I'm Diego!!!!"
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Yo yo yo!
Hey. So, highlights:
My kids are awesome.
Eleanor loves school and learning
Jo talks like a seven year old.
I still sice Bill.
I made it through October.
My classes are tolerable.
My work is cool too.
I cut all my hair off.
Then I cut it again even shorter (not pictured).
I officially realized I'd been walking around looking in need of a sandwich. With cheese.
I started eating cheese.
Onto pictures.
My kids are awesome.
Eleanor loves school and learning
Jo talks like a seven year old.
I still sice Bill.
I made it through October.
My classes are tolerable.
My work is cool too.
I cut all my hair off.
Then I cut it again even shorter (not pictured).
I officially realized I'd been walking around looking in need of a sandwich. With cheese.
I started eating cheese.
Onto pictures.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Girls.
I'm back with a pithy update. Since everyone who reads this seems to be my friend on facebook. Or almost. And the others are people I keep in contact with.
Anyway, the girls.
They are playing together! Like, really playing. It certainly helps that Jo is super verbal. She is using full sentences regularly. Loudly. I know, I say that all the time. She is kind of hilarious, because she's so little and baby-like, but says things like, "Come on, Mom, we're going to Great Valley!" or "Dinadoos are a little scary, and they eat tree stars!" (Can you tell she likes "The Land Before Time"?) She is also a hot mess. There is no other way to describe her look. She's totally adorable. But, her face and shirt always painted with dirt. Because she eats it. (Even though, each time she says, "It's dirt. Dooon't eat it.") And her hair is absolutely always a muss. Mainly because it's truly, intensely, wildly curly. Like, when it's wet, it hangs to the bottom of her shoulder blades. (I know, can you believe it?) And, when it's dry, it is above the nap of her neck. Also, I guess curly hair is like this, but it pulls away from her scalp immediately at the root. So, a part is almost impossible (although, it is attainable if I can trick her into sitting still while I comb it sopping wet). When she smiles she lights up the room. And I forget not to take her big mouth for granted. (Anatomically, because she just has a big old mouth.) Her teeth are roundish and have a gap in them. So she cheeses in a way that makes me smile every time. And she squints in a way that always makes me think of mischief. She smells like her tevas, even though she's sadly outgrown them. She runs like a little robot. And when she gets ready to pounce on me, she yells, "Ready, set, go, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7!!!"
They are also fighting. But that's one of the few times lately that Eleanor gives in to being insanely mean. I guess it's her way of asserting that she is older. (Now that the size gap is neatly closing and Jo is saying whatever she wants.) Eleanor also insists that she is fast and huge. So, we go along with it, knowing of course that she is tortoisely and tiny. Right around this time last year, Eleanor also had a great phase. So, I know this moment is just that--a flash in time when she will be mature and conscientious. But I know to praise her for it and soak it up. She helps me all the time, and for once it really does help. She dresses herself, and puts on her own shoes. Accidents are mostly an issue of the past. And diapers are done at night even. And, in her infinite three-and-a-half year old wisdom, she will even take naps! It is pure glory for all of us. It feels much better to me than plunking her down for a movie so I can read, eat, or breathe. It helps that she's clearly back into growing, eating, etc. That's nice. But I attribute it mostly to school. Although she doesn't nap there, she is tired from it and she knows other kids sleep regularly, so that helps. She likes to know what other kids are doing, and plays off of that. She's starting to see big picture items and use sweeping statements and generalizations that make sense. She deduces things from her environment, which is fascinating. Of course, she's testing boundaries, but mostly so she can stay in my good graces. Which for the most part works out well. And I try to spend a little bit of alone time with her each week. It's good for us. Also, she doesn't hate me lately, which is nice. Because she's definitely known for her nonchalance concerning my presence. Another way school and my work have been good for her, I think.
So, that brings me to my work. I'm working. 20 hours a week at the University. I mostly write news items, edit web content, and lately have been taking photographs for the department. It's really cool. (The photo part because I get to use a mega-camera. Like, the lens is obscene.) Turns out I'm going to be in school forever, so it's a good thing I'm getting involved in the department. And of course, you all know I've been writing. A ton. I've been tapping at the keys nonstop, and the poetry keeps coming. Most of the time, I'm only 30% sure I'm at all good at it. But, I think that's natural. But, between two 700-level seminar classes (which, btw, are truly a different animal all together), 20 hours a week of work, 9 hours of commuting a week, the poetry, the kids, some editing on the side, and it being October, I am absolutely spent. Thank heavens for Bill. And bless his own exhausted heart. (Between working full time, 14 hours a week of commuting, his fourth guitar in full swing, working with two discussion groups he's started, writing songs and playing music, taking graduate classes, and being an awesome dad, phew, he's tired too.) Plus, we've got one other big, crazy thing going on.
We're watching The Wire. (Haha, gotcha.)
Anyway, I've been saying lately, the only problem with doing all the things you love is doing them all at once. But, privilege comes with responsibility. We're thankful that we have both in droves. :o)
Anyway, the girls.
They are playing together! Like, really playing. It certainly helps that Jo is super verbal. She is using full sentences regularly. Loudly. I know, I say that all the time. She is kind of hilarious, because she's so little and baby-like, but says things like, "Come on, Mom, we're going to Great Valley!" or "Dinadoos are a little scary, and they eat tree stars!" (Can you tell she likes "The Land Before Time"?) She is also a hot mess. There is no other way to describe her look. She's totally adorable. But, her face and shirt always painted with dirt. Because she eats it. (Even though, each time she says, "It's dirt. Dooon't eat it.") And her hair is absolutely always a muss. Mainly because it's truly, intensely, wildly curly. Like, when it's wet, it hangs to the bottom of her shoulder blades. (I know, can you believe it?) And, when it's dry, it is above the nap of her neck. Also, I guess curly hair is like this, but it pulls away from her scalp immediately at the root. So, a part is almost impossible (although, it is attainable if I can trick her into sitting still while I comb it sopping wet). When she smiles she lights up the room. And I forget not to take her big mouth for granted. (Anatomically, because she just has a big old mouth.) Her teeth are roundish and have a gap in them. So she cheeses in a way that makes me smile every time. And she squints in a way that always makes me think of mischief. She smells like her tevas, even though she's sadly outgrown them. She runs like a little robot. And when she gets ready to pounce on me, she yells, "Ready, set, go, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7!!!"
They are also fighting. But that's one of the few times lately that Eleanor gives in to being insanely mean. I guess it's her way of asserting that she is older. (Now that the size gap is neatly closing and Jo is saying whatever she wants.) Eleanor also insists that she is fast and huge. So, we go along with it, knowing of course that she is tortoisely and tiny. Right around this time last year, Eleanor also had a great phase. So, I know this moment is just that--a flash in time when she will be mature and conscientious. But I know to praise her for it and soak it up. She helps me all the time, and for once it really does help. She dresses herself, and puts on her own shoes. Accidents are mostly an issue of the past. And diapers are done at night even. And, in her infinite three-and-a-half year old wisdom, she will even take naps! It is pure glory for all of us. It feels much better to me than plunking her down for a movie so I can read, eat, or breathe. It helps that she's clearly back into growing, eating, etc. That's nice. But I attribute it mostly to school. Although she doesn't nap there, she is tired from it and she knows other kids sleep regularly, so that helps. She likes to know what other kids are doing, and plays off of that. She's starting to see big picture items and use sweeping statements and generalizations that make sense. She deduces things from her environment, which is fascinating. Of course, she's testing boundaries, but mostly so she can stay in my good graces. Which for the most part works out well. And I try to spend a little bit of alone time with her each week. It's good for us. Also, she doesn't hate me lately, which is nice. Because she's definitely known for her nonchalance concerning my presence. Another way school and my work have been good for her, I think.
So, that brings me to my work. I'm working. 20 hours a week at the University. I mostly write news items, edit web content, and lately have been taking photographs for the department. It's really cool. (The photo part because I get to use a mega-camera. Like, the lens is obscene.) Turns out I'm going to be in school forever, so it's a good thing I'm getting involved in the department. And of course, you all know I've been writing. A ton. I've been tapping at the keys nonstop, and the poetry keeps coming. Most of the time, I'm only 30% sure I'm at all good at it. But, I think that's natural. But, between two 700-level seminar classes (which, btw, are truly a different animal all together), 20 hours a week of work, 9 hours of commuting a week, the poetry, the kids, some editing on the side, and it being October, I am absolutely spent. Thank heavens for Bill. And bless his own exhausted heart. (Between working full time, 14 hours a week of commuting, his fourth guitar in full swing, working with two discussion groups he's started, writing songs and playing music, taking graduate classes, and being an awesome dad, phew, he's tired too.) Plus, we've got one other big, crazy thing going on.
We're watching The Wire. (Haha, gotcha.)
Anyway, I've been saying lately, the only problem with doing all the things you love is doing them all at once. But, privilege comes with responsibility. We're thankful that we have both in droves. :o)
Friday, September 10, 2010
This blog...
...is like a sad little dying star over here. (Oh, the narcissism.) But, really, I've been so busy. My semester started two weeks ago. I'm working part time at the university. I have my new thing. Aha! Fooled you with shameless self-promotion. Not. Anyway, the kids? Wonderful, amidst all the busy.
Eleanor is, well, actually wonderful wasn't the right word. She's hilarious. And sassy. And quite the fashionista. Wonderful? A little. :o) She started preschool three weeks ago. And, she is completely loving it. She is a little reticent to discuss the haps, which is something we'll have to work on. But, she raves about her teachers and the toys they have, so that's all I can ask. I mean, three year old preschool? That means "toys," right?
Today, we stopped by to visit my wonderful neighbor/friend, Kelly, and her two sons, Jackson (two) and Carter (three months). Eleanor pointed at Kelly's stomach and said, "Baby Carter? Baby Carter isn't in your tummy anymore?" And, Kelly said, "No, Baby Carter came out!" To which Eleanor replied, "Oh, so you pooped him out?" (Keep in mind, Eleanor has seen Carter 50 million times in three months, so I don't know where the curiosity came from.)
This isn't even a great story to explain Eleanor's real hilarity. That lies in her use of her hands and face to express herself like a grownup. We are out of milestones to chart, but things keep changing here. And right now, Eleanor's sharp as can be, and I'm loving it (when I'm not trying to trick her).
Josephine. My lord. Can you say "language explosion"? She can. She can say anything she wants. She uses up to five word sentences. As in "Mommy turn Bees Bees on please?" "I ready take bath now." "Ella crying sad took tumble." It's still halting, but it's happening. At lightning speed, I think.
She is still not terrible, although she's inching toward two. I'm waiting for the day. We shall see if she goes to the dark side. I'd be sad, but Eleanor needs a buddy over there. Because, I am always in control of my emotions. And I never tantrum as a woman nearing thirty. Never.
I love those girls. I love their snuggles. And their little kisses. And the way they look like mini grown ups. And their wild curls and long silken locks. That's what I've got for now.
BTW, Sophie would be five next month. Oh my heart.
Eleanor is, well, actually wonderful wasn't the right word. She's hilarious. And sassy. And quite the fashionista. Wonderful? A little. :o) She started preschool three weeks ago. And, she is completely loving it. She is a little reticent to discuss the haps, which is something we'll have to work on. But, she raves about her teachers and the toys they have, so that's all I can ask. I mean, three year old preschool? That means "toys," right?
Today, we stopped by to visit my wonderful neighbor/friend, Kelly, and her two sons, Jackson (two) and Carter (three months). Eleanor pointed at Kelly's stomach and said, "Baby Carter? Baby Carter isn't in your tummy anymore?" And, Kelly said, "No, Baby Carter came out!" To which Eleanor replied, "Oh, so you pooped him out?" (Keep in mind, Eleanor has seen Carter 50 million times in three months, so I don't know where the curiosity came from.)
This isn't even a great story to explain Eleanor's real hilarity. That lies in her use of her hands and face to express herself like a grownup. We are out of milestones to chart, but things keep changing here. And right now, Eleanor's sharp as can be, and I'm loving it (when I'm not trying to trick her).
Josephine. My lord. Can you say "language explosion"? She can. She can say anything she wants. She uses up to five word sentences. As in "Mommy turn Bees Bees on please?" "I ready take bath now." "Ella crying sad took tumble." It's still halting, but it's happening. At lightning speed, I think.
She is still not terrible, although she's inching toward two. I'm waiting for the day. We shall see if she goes to the dark side. I'd be sad, but Eleanor needs a buddy over there. Because, I am always in control of my emotions. And I never tantrum as a woman nearing thirty. Never.
I love those girls. I love their snuggles. And their little kisses. And the way they look like mini grown ups. And their wild curls and long silken locks. That's what I've got for now.
BTW, Sophie would be five next month. Oh my heart.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
New Project.
So, this blog will continue. I've been a little (LOT) busy lately. But I will try to do better. In the meantime, I am starting a new project. I trust that anyone who reads this won't make fun of me for this idea. Check it out, if you have time. Feedback? Please, definitely.
http://www.thelifespanofbutterflies.blogspot.com/
http://www.thelifespanofbutterflies.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 13, 2010
Phew...
Now you're caught up. Very vaguely. Although I have many more beach pictures that will be trickling in as time allows. I should give you a little update on the girlies.
Eleanor is sassy. As usual. But she's starting preschool this year. And I have to admit I'm a little worried that she will be a sasspants to her teachers. My hope is that it will be much better when I'm not around. Right...? She is asking a google questions per day, which you surely know if you've seen her lately. She wants to know why some watermelon does not have seeds. She wants to know how the water gets into the toilet. She wants to know why people choose one necklace over another. She wants to know why mommy and daddy have different rules (*yikes*). She calls things glorious often--that's her new word, replacing fancy. She loves to run--and she gets faster by the day. She is a total girly-girl. You know, when she's not cradling worms. The very annoying flavor of the week is baby talk. But the saddest thing is that her baby phrases are slowly disappearing. Momma, became Mommy, became Mo-om. Ok, became yes, became yeah. I can't know have officially transitioned to don't. Mossies are now monsters. I love watching her grow up, but three going on thirteen makes me yearn for her snuggly baby self.
Jo is busy. She runs, jumps, and talks really really loud. And a lot. I knew her vocabulary was good when she was nine months old. But now, at 19...oh my. Nouns are under control--she knows everything. But the adjectives now are the really doozy. Heavy, hard, steep, wet, clean, dry, fun, silly, crazy, scary, fast, good, bad, sick, naked, big, small. She's an amazing, chubby little genius. With a big mouth, literally and figuratively. And, also big is her giant head of flaxen curls. Her reserve is slipping away, and she's becoming a confident rapscallion. As opposed to Eleanor, she is not even remotely interested in fancy. In fact, it's been determined that she looks and feels awkward in fancy. (Strangely anomalous is her love for Belle. Any time she does don some fance, she cries out "Belle! Fancy dress! Dancing!" with a sheerly ecstatic expression. When she does it, she does it big. What can I say.
Eleanor is sassy. As usual. But she's starting preschool this year. And I have to admit I'm a little worried that she will be a sasspants to her teachers. My hope is that it will be much better when I'm not around. Right...? She is asking a google questions per day, which you surely know if you've seen her lately. She wants to know why some watermelon does not have seeds. She wants to know how the water gets into the toilet. She wants to know why people choose one necklace over another. She wants to know why mommy and daddy have different rules (*yikes*). She calls things glorious often--that's her new word, replacing fancy. She loves to run--and she gets faster by the day. She is a total girly-girl. You know, when she's not cradling worms. The very annoying flavor of the week is baby talk. But the saddest thing is that her baby phrases are slowly disappearing. Momma, became Mommy, became Mo-om. Ok, became yes, became yeah. I can't know have officially transitioned to don't. Mossies are now monsters. I love watching her grow up, but three going on thirteen makes me yearn for her snuggly baby self.
Jo is busy. She runs, jumps, and talks really really loud. And a lot. I knew her vocabulary was good when she was nine months old. But now, at 19...oh my. Nouns are under control--she knows everything. But the adjectives now are the really doozy. Heavy, hard, steep, wet, clean, dry, fun, silly, crazy, scary, fast, good, bad, sick, naked, big, small. She's an amazing, chubby little genius. With a big mouth, literally and figuratively. And, also big is her giant head of flaxen curls. Her reserve is slipping away, and she's becoming a confident rapscallion. As opposed to Eleanor, she is not even remotely interested in fancy. In fact, it's been determined that she looks and feels awkward in fancy. (Strangely anomalous is her love for Belle. Any time she does don some fance, she cries out "Belle! Fancy dress! Dancing!" with a sheerly ecstatic expression. When she does it, she does it big. What can I say.
Since then...
...my kids have been caught at the beach for an amazing long weekend with the Baylys, wearing silly hats at Pop Pop Charlie's, staying up way too late, and generally being represented by an inordinate number of butterflies this season. 
Then...
we went down natural rock slides at Oak Creek. Please take a look at Mary's pictures from the week before (sans kids--jealous!), because they capture it 1,000 times better than I even tried to. Then, we had dinner in Sedona. Then, RHONDA AND JOE GOT MARRIED. We love you, Nese Family. But, despite how much we love you, this picture of Jo is the only one I got. I guess I was too busy absorbing the gorgeous wedding goings-ons.
Then we stumbled upon...
...Seligman, AZ. This is a little town on historic Route 66, which has basically thrived on its obsolescence since the construction of Route 40. As we drove through the town, Bill and I said simultaneously, "This looks like Radiator Springs." (In case you aren't hip to one of Eleanor's passions, this is the town from the Pixar movie, "Cars.") So, I used my so-called "tech phone" to google it. And, lo and behold, Cars is actually loosely based on Seligman. And, since the movie, the town has been a not-so-hot spot for tourists looking to get their kicks.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Oh, and then I remembered...
...(because my mom told me) that this cathedral was the one depicted in "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by the glorious Willa Cather.
While we were there...
...we went to Los Alamos to hear my 90 year old grandfather talk about his involvement as a physicist in the Manhattan Project. We also ate infinity fish tacos. And visited the Georgia O'Keefe gallery. And we also packed up the crew plus terrific cousin Fiona and went to Bandelier, where Eleanor climbed in 10,000 year old (!!!) cave dwellings. Here are Eleanor and Fiona stretching for the climb.
Once Upon a Time...
...there was a family by the name of Bayly. They went on a vacation and they never came back forgot to post pictures. So, alas, here we go. This is Bill with the groggy mcgrogstroms the morning we left for Santa Fe. Followed by Eleanor pulling Aunt Marie's little red childhood suitcase through the airport. Followed by the amazing place we stayed in supreme Santa Fe. 
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