Around Town

Is anybody else's Internet moving at a snail's pace? I feel like I'm back in the prehistoric days of dial up. Cox's advertising must be so successful that they have succeeded in overselling the local hub and we must live too far from the main thingamajig to receive the "lightning fast" speeds promised.

Oh well. I figure it's good for me to sit and be patient. That's one thing the little one and I have been working on. I took her with me down to the city to pull a couple building permits and when she would start to get antsy I would tell her, "Be patient please." It's really a cruel thing to ask an almost two year old. Sit in your stroller, talk in hushed tones and read your book...for over an hour. She is getting more tolerant of my demands and on this occasion did surprisingly well. Even other people remarked at what a good job she was doing. As we left the building I thanked her and told her what a good job she did at being patient. When Daddy came home that evening and asked her what she did that day, she replied with a smile, "I was patient." Music to my ears.

As the little one approaches her 2nd birthday it occurs to me how our time together has changed a bit. She has become more of a companion rather than an appendage. I'm use to hauling her everywhere I go and she enjoys the routine and chats along in the backseat. As we drive down the freeway she points and tells me that that's where Ms. Allison is, or there is where we bought a friend bubbles for a birthday gift. She is familiar with her surroundings and has opinions about where and what we do.

We recently started making regular trips to the Farmer's Market. It's on Thursday mornings and it is very enjoyable for both of us. The little one likes to try the fruit samples and I enjoy picking up fresh veggies and flowers. Today was particularly fun for her as strawberries are now in prime season and they are grown right here in our own city. After one taste of Oceanside strawberry, she begs for more. I buy a basket and it keeps her happy while I shop. The broccoli is far tastier than anything we buy at the store, even the Mr. agrees and he is known to be more particular and vocal about his feelings than most. She and I both tasted the oranges and agreed they were suitable for purchase. The weather was beautiful so we walked around a bit and when she was done she said, "All done Farmer's Market." I take the cue and as we walk to the car it's, "Bye, Bye Farmers Market. See you next time."

It's nice to have her company.

Averting Disaster

I've spent the last few weeks dedicating my non-mommy time to fulfilling the needs of the family business. Thankfully, we've made it through the slow winter months, typical of the construction industry, and have an optimistic look for spring. Beyond that is unsure but such is the way it goes when you choose to not answer to the "man" and risk it on your own. Although if the skies continue to dump as they are at this moment, the whole business may dump right along with it. I will try to be thankful for the rain as several people this week have informed me of the impending doom of water rationing. Yesterday news reports that if all things continue as is (whatever that means), Lake Mead will dry up by the year 2021.

It's a shame really. Just thinking about Lake Mead stirs up many fond (and not so fond) memories beginning from my childhood. I first learned to water ski on that lake and hoped to one day teach my little one to do the same. Come to think of it, there were many firsts on the lake. Lake Mead is also where I first broke down and jumped from a burning boat. It was the first time the boat blew away and washed up between some rocks miles from our campsite, and the first time I was shipwrecked on the beach with a broken prop and hole in the boat.

On second thought, maybe we should just let the water be sucked dry. I will consider it an opportunity to end some generational curse and forge ahead to bluer waters where my children will thrive. It will be uneventful boating excursions from here on out.

But seriously, then it wouldn't be this family. The family that thrives on adventure and mishaps. It's what keeps our bond strong and provides hours of entertaining stories. The stories you almost doubted you would live to tell. You shake your head but secretly know that a little piece of you is better for the experience.

Venting.

Today was one of those days where I felt incapable of playing the role of loving mommy, supportive wife, able homemaker, and ambitious businesswoman. It all came crashing down on me this morning and settled on my head by 2pm. The rest of the day was spent swimming with leg weights, which was good since the morning workout got tossed out the window when the quick call to the architect turned into a 30 minute lecture how the city won't issue a building permit until we finish these 3 pages (single spaced) of corrections ($$$). I mostly felt like I failed my little one because I was too distracted to give her the attention she deserves.

We made it to a playdate at one of her best buddies so it was a bit of redemption. She had a great time socializing, and snacking. I was able to reset to normal and persevere through the grocery shopping and evening chores.

At the end of the day I got dinner on the table, cleaned the kitchen, bathed the child and got a kiss goodnight from the munchkin. I would say it wasn't such a bad day after all.

A Bit of Raw Emotion

Hooray for post number 25! I wasn't sure if I had the stamina nor ability to get this far. I suppose ability is irrelevant as blogger.com does not require a resume, education background, or proof of any actual talent to start a silly blog and put words on the screen. It's fun to hammer out a few details every now and again and allow friends and family to keep up with the happenings.

And now for a few happenings.

I've discussed in the past how emotionally freeing it has been having a child. I laugh more, show more frustration, have a tendency to raise my voice on occasion, and cry a whole lot more. Mostly tears of joy. Last week the tears were that of sorrow and mourning with the death of a dear family friend. A lady who helped us buy our 1st home here in Oceanside and gave us the encouragement to make it great! She is great and will be missed. I attended the memorial service last Friday and it was just perfect. Exactly as Joan wanted it, on her favorite beach with her very closest friends and family. No pretense and no formalities. Just a raw show of emotion as those close to her shared and grieved as one. Joan was a woman who was passionate about life which she did her best to instill in her four sons. Her death, although difficult, ended a courageous and painful fight with cancer and for that I'm thankful.

At one point during the service, a song was played at Joan's request. The song was "I Hope You Dance," and as the chorus started two dolphins jumped out of the water right in front of our group of mourners, swam a couple hundred feet up the coast, turned around and swam back by, then disappeared. I was already in tears but now with a big smile on my face and I could feel God's presence right there among us.

Joan was a woman of great faith and loved her Creator. I was told that she was ready for her time on Earth to end, however painful it was to leave her children and grandchildren, and ready to be with her husband, and the Lord, in heaven. It speaks volumes about a person's life when at their weakest, they are able to strengthen everyone around them and so she did. I ask that we all say a prayer for her four sons who are hurting beyond imagine. God Bless.

Let is also be said how amazing little kids are. Later in the day on Friday, I was sitting on the living room floor playing with my cute little girl. Pretty normal stuff. Although I wasn't showing it, I was still feeling quite sad and weepy inside but having fun playing with playdough and my daughter, who is not the most affectionate of little people. Completely uninitiated, she walks over to me and gives me a big hug and turns around to go back to playing and with her back to me says, "I wuv you." I needed that.

Joan's last request: Go feed the birds. So we did and we all left smiling.

The Day To Day

If there is anybody with great potty training advice, bring it on. This is a hot subject around the house and not because the big people are pushing it.

A few months ago, the little one got very interested in using the "potty" but that was a fleeting phase like the rest of them. Then it was an obstinate "NO" at the mention of the toilet. It was obvious from her face that she was thinking, "Why would I do that when I have this perfectly good (and expensive) diaper at the ready whenever I get "the feeling", as Elmo says. So I canned the idea of early potty training and decided that she would let me know when she is ready.

So, she is back to flirting with using the potty, but I know better. She has yet to actually ask to go and make it happen. We, I mean she, successfully uses the toilet every night before bath so I know she's capable. The honest truth is I dread this inevitable life transition as it is as much trauma for the parent as is for the child. I'm not prepared to familiarize myself with every acceptable, semi-clean public restroom within a ten mile radius of the house and I most certainly will not carry a portable john in the car. I will continue to let the little one lead the way and I'm sure when she is truly ready, diaper-free we will be. I expect it to be at least another 8 months away so I will be sure to have future posts on the subject. You have been forewarned.

Of more interest, the little tyke is showing herself to be quite social. Who knew? We were at the park yesterday and when she saw a couple boys playing on another play structure, she pointed and said, "kids, yea kids." Then she ran over to the oblivious little boys and said, "hi guys." Although her presence was not acknowledged nor greeting returned, she watched and laughed as the boys continued their play. It was cute. So is her needing to bring a toy/baby/stuffed animal with her every time we walk out of the house to go somewhere. This morning it was her Christmas ornaments that never made it back to the attic, or as she calls them "decorations." I'm sure they were stoked at Jazzercise when we walked in with a handful of stuff for them to be responsible for, as if 20 kids wasn't enough.

But that's what being one is all about.

Ahh, Exhale.

I resolve to post more than twice a month. Lofty ambitions but the motto of the year, "Life is great in 2008", deserves nothing less.

We made it through the holiday cheer. December was a whirlwind that left both the little one and myself longing for the daily, mundane routine: wake up early, drink coffee/milk, play a little, clean a little, dress, workout, play some more, nap, eat, play while cleaning, make dinner, eat, play while doing dishes, bathe, read, and sleep. Life IS great in 2008, so far.

The little one enjoyed all the visiting with family and playing with the cousins. It was truly a joy to watch. I've been impressed with how well she plays with kids of all ages. She was able to hang with the older cousins, ages 9 and 11, without being an annoying little kid. At one point during Christmas dinner, the adults were still hanging around the dinner table drinking and chatting it up, while the kids "repaired" to the living room. The oldest was playing a game on his new laptop while his sister watched on one side and my little one sat on his other side, quietly watching and chiming in appropriate comments and questions to which he gave answers. When the littler kids came over for New Year's, she happily shared the toys and let them crawl/walk all over her, literally.

She came out of the month of December with quite the working vocabulary and a love for babies. We have reached the playing with baby stage. At this very moment, I hear her saying, "I love you baby (kiss sound)." "Sit right here baby." "Oops, baby bonked head."

It is great. Let's do 2008!

Greetings From The Island

Ahh vacation!

Coming from the island of Oahu, the family has successfully traversed the great Pacific but not without a host of challenges. The little one came down with a nasty cold. Snot nose, coughing, fever and general misery in a presurrized cabin at 30K feet calls for two things: bottomless bloody mary's and Benadryl. I honestly felt like I was torturing the poor child, but what do you do when the vacation is already bought and payed for?

I think she has recovered from the experience as she is enjoying being with her cousin. They are 3 1/2 months apart and at a fun age where they are able to communicate in their own toddler way. It's funny how they seem to understand what the other is saying quite well but sometimes they just look at eachother in a half blank stare, half head-cocked curiosity.

There was quite a bit of action yesterday, marathon day. Although I wasn't running, I experienced a marathon of my own managing the two munchkins. It wouldn't have been so bad if we hadn't pulled them out of bed at 3am. They were troopers and thank goodness for LazyBoy style car seats and dvd players.
If only I had a second stroller the day would have been a breeze. I traded the typical post-marathon leg pain for bicep soreness from carrying a 30 pound two year old while napping through the mud and crowds during a downpour while pushing the other in the stroller. Oh, I was also carrying everyones gear in my pack on my back. (Excuse the Seussism, just read One Fish, Two Fish....)

So now it's time to relax. The kids have returned to their normal selves, mostly. The runny nose will not let up and the irritability is getting the best of my little one but we press on. I have high hopes that the salt water and humid air will provide the cure to all of our woes if only the rain will stop. If we don't make it to the beach there are hours of entertainment to be had for us proud parents as we watch the munchkins dance, play, interact and be silly. Afterall, we are in paradise.