Seasoning

The other night, the twins were at my feet whining while I was in the kitchen. It was late; they were tired. They were begging for a sippy cup. As I filled two cups and attempted to hand them to the boys, in a fit of fatigue, they both pushed the cups away and simultaneously threw their bodies to the ground. I shrugged and put both of the cups in the middle of the floor and turned around. In a matter of seconds, both boys picked themselves up off the ground, grabbed a sippy, and started chugging. Greg laughed, kissed me on the forehead, and said, "We are such seasoned parents."

It's true.

Nine years ago, I probably would have marched my toddler down the hall to a time-out while lecturing about how we don't slap the sippy cup away. I'd probably mutter something about respecting your Mommy and the importance of using your words instead throwing a fit.

So sorry Austin...I love you, Buddy...I don't know if it's as much experience as it is pure exhaustion.

Do you know what else seasoned parents do? They spray off a puke-infused carseat like it's nobody's business.

Saturday Summary

We went on a walk this evening. Paige very adamantly exclaimed: "Don't step on a crack, or you'll break Mom's heart." (except she says "heart" like "height")

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I spent the afternoon trimming the shrubs and starting to plant some plants. Greg watched the boys and we listened to the Giants game on his phone on the front porch. As I was pruning our hedge, I suddenly thought of Grandpa. I felt very close to him trimming those plants. For some reason, yard work (especially pruning) reminds me of him. I could just picture him in his nude-colored, too-short shorts working alongside me. It was a lovely moment.

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I went to this store tonight. I should NOT be allowed to enter this store. It is bound to be expensive whenever I walk through the doors of this store. While I was there, I fell in love. Head over heels, butterflies in the stomach, giddy and giggly - in love. (I know Alexie will fall in love as well when I show her.) I discovered this series:

It's called "Poetry for Young People." It features probably around 20 famous poets. Each poem comes with a short summary/background, and the illustrations are beyond delightful. They are little pieces of artwork on every page. The ones I really, really, really wanted and (almost) convinced myself I couldn't live without, are still hardback. So, I bought the one on Animal Poems and the one on Lewis Carroll. I think my children will adore everything from "Alice in Wonderland." It took unbelievable self-restraint to settle on only bringing 2 home. I plan on collecting all of them. Greg is beside himself.

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I bought some more sunscreen this morning. Apparently, Macy took it with her while playing with friends. Tonight, Jackie gave it back to me. It is nearly gone. Not quite sure how much SPF 50 Macy was wearing around today, but I am certain that she did not get a sunburn.

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This is our bath time routine: All four of our youngest kids get in the bathtub together. First, I wash the boys. Then, I wash Macy and Paige's hair and leave the conditioner in. While they wash their bodies, I get the boys out one-by-one. Finally, I rinse the girl's hair and get them out. Whew! The other day, I bathed the boys by themselves. I got Spencer out and all ready for bed. Then, I went in to get Kade out and this is what I found:

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Kade decided to get comfortable at the top of the laundry pile. He has one hand on his ear. This indicates: "Warning: I am getting tired." When both hands hold onto both ears, this is my sign: "I am now ready to be asleep."

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The boys are obsessed with hats and shoes. Typically, both mine and Greg's shoes are strewn throughout the house because either Spencer or Kade have been wearing them. This is Spencer, or "Bence" as we call him. Isn't he adorable! Oh, and the most recent obsessions at our house: cars, trains (choo choo's), and airplanes. All other toys have become obsolete.