Pete? Repeat.

It is already the middle of April! How/when did that happen?

How is it possible that in six short weeks my babies will be turning four and two respectively?

I know it is true because LP has entered the "Why?" phase and has to know the reasons behind the universe's secrets...as well as more mundane things.

For example, last night she was looking in the full length mirror in our upstairs hallway as she brushed her hair and asked, "Aren't I beautiful?" The Hoos and I were amused, and embarrassed, "Well, yes, you are, LP, but you really shouldn't be saying so."

"Why not?"

Well, because it is rude."

"Why?"

"Umm...you can say 'thank you' if someone else says you are beautiful, you can - and should - think that you are beautiful and say it to yourself, but you shouldn't really say it out loud."

"Why?"

AK, on the other hand, is in the "I do it!" phase. Fortunately for us, she is not quite as persistent as her sister was at her age. She will try something a few times and if she can't seem to get it she will call out, "Need help!" and allow you to lend a hand. As long as you do it on her terms.

For example, putting on her shoes. She only likes to do this while standing up. The only assistance you can provide is helping her maintain her balance as she shoves her foot into the shoe. The only way you can help her balance is by holding her hand. You can only hold her left hand with your right hand while she puts on the right shoe and vice versa for the other shoe.

First of all, isn't is AMAZING how these developmental phases work? My post about LP doing everything herself was almost exactly two years ago.

Second, I am so screwed...

She Hates My Guts

Sometimes, a mommy just needs some alone time. Not much, but just enough time that she can take care of business.

This mommy has little to no privacy. Most of my trips to the bathroom include company. And, if I announce my intentions to use the facilities, I have to wait my turn, because two certain little people coincidentally feel the need to go at the exact same time. Almost every time. I have been bombarded with "Uppy!" requests while seated on the pot. Not exactly hygienic or relaxing.

Yesterday was supposed to be my home alone day. I was looking forward to the quiet time. And having the bathroom all to myself. Alas, it didn't happen. Poor AK and her ear infection.

Last night, both girls were sleeping and I thought I had found my window.

As soon as I dropped my drawers, AK started crying out.

The Hoos raced up the stairs to comfort her, but she insistently cried out for Mommy. Obviously, the call of my child is stronger than the call of nature.

I have decided that as much as AK loves me, she hates my guts.

Three Months...and Poof!

You may have noticed that I have not been blogging about the pediatrician lately. Is it because I was tired of blogging about it? NO! it was because my girls have been relatively healthy! In part because of the nicer weather and in large part due to AK's nightly regimen of Claritin, things were on an upswing. Until yesterday.

Yesterday LP woke up barking like a seal. And while running errands I noticed that AK seemed pretty warm. Fortunately we were near a Harmon discount drug store and I ran in and grabbed some children's Motrin. She took it no problem and was in great spirits, so we continued on with the rest of our errands and grabbed some lunch at Bertucci's. Both girls ate well, laughed, and generally goofed around, you would never know anything was wrong.

Regardless, on the way home we figured we would drop in at the pediatrician to be safe and since fevers are so rare in our house. In truth the Hoos and I both knew the diagnosis. AK has an ear infection.

Last night before bed she got her antibiotic and a dose of Motrin. When I went to bed around 10, she still felt really hot. However, she was sleeping. Rather than wake her up to dose her up, we decided to let her try to sleep it off. At 12 she needed some comforting. At 2 she needed more Motrin. At 5 she needed comforting. At 5:30 the Hoos gave her Tylenol. At 5:35 I gave her comforting. And now, at 10, she is still sleeping. Poor baby.

I don't miss these freaking ear infections! We are going back to the ENT to do her recheck in a couple of weeks. Not that I am pushing tubes, but those three months without a doctor visit were awesome. I would like to make it 6 months next time!

(For the record, LP is just fine, they listened to her lungs and they sounded fine and she hadn't really barked since waking up. She barked again this am, so we are keeping an eye on it).

Total Nutters

Tonight we picked up LP's uniform for her first organized sport activity - soccer. She couldn't wait to try it on. Of course, once AK saw LP all dressed up, she HAD to get in on the action. Luckily mommy is inventive...

Over the Hills and Far Away

This time of year many parents of school age children struggle to come up with inventive, and cost-effective, ways to keep their kids occupied during the summer months.

Alas, even though school is out, work is not, and most parents have to work during July and August without the option of taking an annual sabbatical to watch their kids. The good news for me, for the time being, is that day care is year round. The bad news, LP starts school in 2011.

What did our parents do when we were kids? I know some of my friends had pools and spent the summer lounging around. I guess they must have had a stay-at-home parent? Some went to day camp, but not many. I guess I have no clue.

Growing up, I went to camp. Despite the fact that both of my parents were teachers and had the summers off, it was not their deepest desire to spend the summer entertaining me and my brother. From ages 5-8 I went to day camp and at nine I made the switch to the associated sleepaway camp in New Hampshire. I remember the first time I got onto the coach bus for the seven hour drive to New Hampshire, looking out the window at my mom crying hysterically.

Only now do I know how strong my mom must have been. Strong to not climb onto the bus and come with me.

Camp was a great experience. Most of the time. Ten girls living in a bunk together for eight weeks certainly sounds like a recipe for disaster (and a horror movie). But we survived, became independent and emotional, learned how to barter food from our care packages, shave, play tennis, swim the 12 laps so we could take out sailboats and canoes...

The Hoos also went to sleepaway camp, and we both are pretty sure that we want for the girls to have the same experience when the time comes. LP is only three, but I know how time flies. And, to be honest, the thought of her climbing onto a bus to spend an entire summer away from me is making me tear up already.

Say AHHHHHHH

Since the bizarre, but needed, ousting of the previous director, the girls' day care has been implementing a whole host of new programs and introducing new staff. Last week they started Spanish and music classes and today students from a local school for dental hygiene came in to teach them about taking good care of their pearly whites. According to LP there were "lots and lots of girl dentists."

All of the kids received new toothbrushes and mini tubes of toothpaste. Based on LP's trip to the dentist last month and the way AK runs to the upstairs bathroom when I announce that it is time to brush her teeth, it is not a surprise that my girls loved the "goody bags."

One of the best parts was the exam sheet that we received. AK's student hygienist was apparently very earnest.


If you can't read it, it says:

4 molars are missing, lower canine (left) missing. Good patient.

In different handwriting someone, either the hygienist's teacher or AK's teacher, wrote in a reassuring, "Teeth are still growing in :)"

Funny How Time Just Slips Away

For the last month or so I have been flying blind. My watch died.

At first, it was horrible. I never quite knew what time it was and had to rely on others to help me out. This meant lots of extra time spent on the playground because I meant to live before 6 and time slipped away. I know, extra time on the playground sounds awful doesn't it?

I kept meaning to get the battery replaced, but I never seemed to have the watch on me when I was alone and passing a jewelry store.

Yesterday I finally remembered. And, after taking some time to track down my watch which was misplaced in the house, I lumbered over to a local jeweler. $25 later I have not just one working watch, but TWO working watches.

If the last few weeks have taught me anything, it is that I should take a note from AK and chill out.

Just in Case...

If the vision of me and the girls on a camel at the Bronx Zoo wasn't enough - check LP out on a HORSE at a party this weekend.

At first she didn't want to.

All the other kids were reneging also.

But as soon as the birthday girl put on her helmet and climbed aboard...LP found the courage, cut the line, grabbed a helmet, and found her groove.

AK loved the "hat," and the concept. Not the horse.

Hold on to Your Hat!

LP really really wanted to ride the camel at the Bronx Zoo today. How could I resist?

Same Old, Same Old

No posts since I don't have anything too exciting to report.

AK continues to use the bathroom when I ask if she has to go. On occasion she will actually request to use it, but typically, if not asked, the diaper is good enough. She won't use the potty or potty ring, which makes it a bit more challenging considering her tush is the size of the palm of my hand, but it is very cute to see her perched on the toilet.

LP is maturing by the second. She can be the sweetest, most grown up little muffin at times. The other day Miss Stacey told me that LP finished her sentence when she forgot a word. "LP, what a great job, I am so..." "Impressed?" Yesterday she told my friend MLH that dinosaurs are all dead and asked me how babies get into your belly. The former was adorable, the latter was ignored and the subject was changed.

We are spending a lot of time with family this week and the girls love their cousins. At least most of the time. The cousins try to help AK and LP a lot - picking them up, cutting up their food, etc. LP actually loves the attention and let her cousins give her a bath the other night. AK, Miss Independent, not so much.

I have given up making sure the girls keep Kosher for Passover (no flour, corn, rice, etc.). AK is easier because she eats lots of protein - she took leftover brisket for lunch the last couple of days. LP, the pasta queen, never had a chance. Today she has a bagel. I feel guilty, but hopefully next year they will understand the significance and accept fruits, veggies and yogurt as a total lunch. Every day. For a week. (Can you tell I am missing my carbs?)

On the scheduling front:

• tomorrow we are off to the Bronx Zoo. I haven't been since I was a kid and I am hopeful that the animals will be out and basking in the gorgeous weather so we can enjoy them. If you go - purchase your tix online through AAA - significant discount!
• At the end of the month we will be heading down to our old stomping grounds, DC, for the first time since having AK. We are very exciting to see old friends and enjoy all the city has to offer.
• And, finally, we have settled on a home for our summer vacation. We will be heading to Ogunquit, Maine for a week sometime this summer as an alternative to the Cape. If anyone has ever been and has thoughts on not-to-miss, kid-friendly activities, ice cream parlours or restaurants, let me know!