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Happy Dancing

Energetic. Expressive. Enthusiastic. Curious. These are all complimentary descriptions of Chase, but perhaps more accurate descriptions would be...CRAZY. HYPER. SPASTIC. LOUD. Is it possible for an infant to have ADHD? I’m a mother of three boys and I expect them to be active, but the child does NOT sit still unless he’s sleeping (and if you’ve read my earlier post you know that’s not for long)! When his legs aren’t constantly kicking and arms flailing (he’s usually doing this while smiling and grunting which is why I call this his “happy dance”), then he’s stretching and reaching for ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING within reach (or not) and, of course, immediately “studying” it by putting it his mouth. Did I mention he’s not even seven months old yet? To say he’s determined and motivated is an understatement. Maybe it’s because he has big brothers to keep up with. Or maybe, compared to mellow Ella, anyone would seem unusually active. Either way, Chase has places to go, things to do and people to see, so get out of his way. I’m not sure if I should be impressed by his initiative to comprehend and be part of the world around him or if should be worried that he acts like he has just had a pot of coffee (all day long). No matter how you look at it, there is no question that life with Chase will be anything BUT boring… I do have one question, though…how is he not utterly exhausted? I know I am. And he’s not even crawling yet.

See what I mean?

Cirque De Wilcox

On any given day there are a number of analogies you can draw about our household, depending on the noise level and activities taking place. A “zoo” is a favorite. So is a “construction zone”, a “doctor’s office” and a “day care”. But today, it is a “circus”. For some reason the babies have been doing some interesting acrobatics lately.

Check out the video clip of Chase clowning around trying to…crawl? Run? Swim? I’m not really sure…

Here is Ella, the contortionist, doing this thing she does with her legs. She does this a lot (I’m not sure why) and her feet are always cocked in the most unnatural angle… How could this be comfortable?And then there’s the freakishly long finger-like toes on Ella (who appears to be “holding feet” with her brother). I still haven’t decided if I think this is cute or weird. Either way, who knew our kids were so talented?

Garrett: First Post-Surgery Follow Up

Today Garrett had his first post-surgery follow-up appointment. The purpose of this appointment was to remove the stent the doctor had placed to keep the ureter open for normal urine flow and perform her post-operative evaluation. The stent removal is considered an out-patient surgery (which requires general anesthesia) with the residual discomfort comparable to a catheterization. The next step is to perform an ultrasound after the body has had more time to heal (in about a month) to get make sure there that no scarring or obstructions in the ureter have occurred as a result of the. Then, at two months after that, his doctor will perform a VCUG (refer to the link under "Have you seen this?" for definition) to test for and measure any remaining urinary reflux on either side. At that point, we will hopefully have enough information to decide how to proceed going forward. I will keep the updates posted as they come.

In the mean time, Garrett is more than taking things in stride; he’s practically begging me to go to the hospital! I suspect it has SOMEthing to do with the abundance of toys he’s received, the bottomless chocolate milk and endless movie watching (the kind that are normally reserved just for “big kids”). He’s even gone so far to tell me that his throat hurts and he needs to go to “the big city” (Los Angeles) to see his doctor (forgetting that it’s his TUMMY that brings us there). I am fascinated and inspired by his resiliency, strength and courage. We’ve talked a lot about the difference between being brave and being scared and how the two are not mutually exclusive. However, Garrett is much less interested in sitting around feeling bad or sad when he has things to do- like play! I forget sometimes that we could all learn a thing or two from our little ones…

I Love You More Than Valentine's Day

I know, I’m a couple (okay several) days late making this post, but there’s a reason. Call me unsentimental, but Valentine’s Day has never been one of my favorite holidays. I appreciate the purpose of it and I think I probably embraced this holiday more when Brian and I were dating, but the day itself seems so arbitrary. After all, isn't that what anniversaries and birthdays are for? That was all until I had kids. Actually, it was all until I had kids who can draw and cut out hearts and write “I love you” (which has been up until this year). Now Valentine’s Day in our house is more like Valentine’s week; it’s the holiday that keeps on giving. There are daily displays of sibling rivalry between Blake and Garrett as to who can make the most, the prettiest or the biggest Valentine’s Day cards (which are ALWAYS a heart-shaped cut out or a drawing of hearts and some semblance of the words “I Love You”). Since being a mom is often a very thankless job and the (unsolicited) “I love you’s” are sometimes few and far between, I've embraced this holiday as a form of, let’s say….parent appreciation. I figure indulging in some candy and cookies (and the inevitable sugar high) are well worth the ubiquitous love that fills the kids’ hearts, minds and tiny fingers, even if it’s short-lived. Now, if I could just get them to show their “appreciation” all the other days too… And for the record, I love YOU (Blake, Garrett, Chase, Ella & Brian) more than... Valentine's Day!

Here is a collage of Valentine's Day pictures made by the boys.

Garrett's Valentine's Day sign that he made (that says "I love Garrett") for the front yard (he later clarified that it's supposed to mean "love, Garrett")

A sample of Blake's impressive art work.

Just a few of the Valentine's Day cards made by Garrett (the little ones are for the twins).

2/24 Addendum: Okay, we're 10 days past Valentine's Day and the boys are still giving out cards! Even the dog is getting cards now...here is a picture of the card Blake made for Sequoia (hmmm, conversation bones...he might be on to something!).

A True Measure of Beauty

I’ve never been a “hair” person. In fact, I’ve pretty much had the same hair style since about sixth grade (straight with varying degrees of lengths). I just don’t have the time, skill or patience to regularly style my hair (and I consider myself lucky that I even get to wash it most days). Having said that, I LOVE to get my hair cut. Not because of the “pampering” but because for that day my hair actually looks styled (never to be duplicated again despite my best efforts).

Today was one of those days. Getting my hair cut is no big deal, but being away from home for a couple hours without children is quite a logistical production, requiring weeks of planning in advance and coordinating for child care. When the “big day” arrives, the pressure to return home looking magically more beautiful than before is very high. My biggest critic, however, is NOT my husband (he’s a guy, it all looks the same to him)…it’s my kids! Garrett, in particular, has always been my more fashion-conscious child. He notices if I am wearing new clothes or do my make up differently. And he LOVES to style my hair. Just picture a four year old, freckles on his button nose, big blue eyes looking up at you, tongue resting in the corner of his mouth, sticky little hands in your face “fixing” your hair, concentrating intensely to get the style JUST RIGHT. This is Garrett. He takes his own hair just as seriously, combing it forward after he showers to tame his flyaways and even cutting off his cowlick to rid himself of “bedhead”.

Like most children his age, Garrett is also brutally honest. So, you can imagine how relieved I was to be greeted by an excited little voice proclaiming “Mommy, your hair looks beautiful!” Since it’s the same haircut I always get (except that this time she curled it a little more than usual), I smiled politely, said “thank you” with the same enthusiasm and silently wrote his excitement off as coaching from the grandparents who were watching him in my absence. But THEN, a while later he came to me with a handful of melted M&Ms (all my favorite color), placed these coveted prizes in my hand and ever so sweetly and sincerely said, “because your hair is so pretty I almost didn’t recognize you”. I know he meant that as a compliment. And later still, after I inevitably pulled back my hair into my “mom” pony tail as I got back to “work” Garrett actually pulled the rubber band out of my hair and said with disappointment “Mommy, what happened to your pretty hair?” At that point I promised him I would curl it again some time and make it pretty just for him. For that moment I realized that HE was proud of ME and what a wonderful, fulfilling gift he was giving me, which, of course, makes ME so proud of HIM. AND he really loves my hair…NOW I feel truly beautiful.

To Sleep Per Chance To (Sleep Long Enough To) Dream

Sleep deprivation is nearing an all-time high at our house. Not because we have twins, and not because we have four kids. Because we have CHASE! You would think that after six months things would be getting better, not worse, but that, at the moment, is wishful thinking.

Chase has never been a great sleeper, even from the moment he was born. He startles easily and is constantly looking for the warmth and comfort of strong, cradling arms. This was fine (and even cute) at six pounds, but at 22 pounds plus, it’s backbreaking! He used to only wake up once a night, but now it’s becoming more frequent- like every hour or so- (I’m not sure if it’s teething, gas from new foods or both) and his ability to soothe himself is non-existent. When he awakes, he immediately begins kicking, screaming and flailing around. There is nothing that is subtle about this child. More often than not, the moment he is picked up he nestles in to the crook of your arm and closes his eyes (usually not before flashing you his playful, sparkly smile). BUT the moment you try to lay him down and he realizes he’s free of your embrace, the bedtime song-and-dance starts over. Normally I would not have a problem letting him “cry it out” but Chase and Ella share a room and that last thing I need in the middle of the night when nerves are high and sleep is low is to have TWO screaming babies to tend to and waking up everyone else.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far. I’ve tried moving Chase in to a pack-n-play in the living room and letting him make more noise, but the problem with this, I’ve discovered, is that due to the hard floors, the sound is AMPLIFIED (and Ella’s is the closest bedroom). I also plan to be putting him in his crib MUCH more often during the day to let him “cry it out” in hopes that this training will carry over to the night time, but our house is SO loud during the day, it’s a wonder ANYone can sleep here. I’m thinking about moving Chase in to pack-n-play in our bedroom at night so that when he does cry, at least there’s less chance that Ella wakes up. But of course the trade-off here is that you-know-who then doesn’t sleep, and a grumpy and tired mom is not good for ANYBODY.

So, if you are a mom, have a mom, know a mom or even know OF a mom, I am open to any suggestions on how to improve our sleeping situation. Keep in mind that our house is SMALL (1500 sq. feet), loud (especially during the day) and crowded (so the option to rearrange rooms is limited). But, by all means, share your wisdom, I’m desperate!

Do You Sea What I See

One of the perks of living not just in Southern California but in San Diego is the annual kindergarten field trip to Sea World. That’s right, in FEBRUARY! We missed the rain by one day and ended up with a perfect day to spend with Shamu and friends. I was able to help chaperone the trip for Blake’s class, a first for both of us. We both had a fun-filled day that I’m sure we won’t soon forget. Some of the highlights for Blake were watching the Seal Lion and Otter Show, being close enough to touch (but NOT touching, Blake has a strong aversion to all things slimy, even finger paint) the dolphins and bat rays, seeing the bellies of sharks swimming above us and running endless circles in the maze-like playground (keeping me, the chaperone, on my toes). And, of course, riding the “big kid” yellow school bus. There is just something about seeing my child peering back at me through the school bus window that makes me flash back to what feels like yesterday when he was just a baby and flash forward to when he’ll be riding the bus in high school with his sports teams to away games. It’s all a little bittersweet.

Anyway, the highlights for me were actually touching the dolphins and bat rays, NOT losing any kids (except for the one who wandered off and boarded a nearby amusement ride, but we found him…) and getting a free trip(and parking) to Sea World. And, of course, spending the day with Blake. One on one (sort of) time with him is a rarity these days so it is a real treat to share this experience with him and be part of his “school” life with his peers outside of the classroom. Blake is a very special kid with wisdom and sensitivity well beyond his years and has done a beautiful job acclimating to our chaotic family life. We are very blessed to have such a sweet, good-natured child. Now if I could just figure out exactly what we did RIGHT and do that three more times…as if it was that easy!

Sweet Peas and Carrots

One milestone after another, you would think we were running a marathon! My sweet peas are growing up fast and are officially eating cereal and veggies. Here are pictures of Chase & Ella’s (affectionately known as “Chella”) first experience with carrots. Ella ate like a proper little girl and probably would have dabbed the corners of her mouth if she had a napkin within reach. Patient and pensive as always. Chase is more about the full experience- hands dirty, food everywhere and interested in eating anything that looks remotely interesting (like the colorful bib he was wearing). This is very much aligned with their personalities and they really couldn’t be more different.

That aside, this experience of “eating” for the first time must be quite odd and perplexing for these little ones. Think about it. Out of the blue the grown-ups they’ve come to love and trust begin holding a funny looking stick with mysterious matter in their face, while excitedly cheering with their mouth open wide in hopes that the babies will follow suit. Not only does this stuff NOT resemble food as they know it, but it doesn’t resemble ANYTHING familiar (except maybe the fill-in-the-blank vegetable that their big brother just spit out in protest). But it’s FUN and EXCITING and DON’T YOU WANT A BITE? And if they open their mouth just the slightest bit it is quickly filled with this foreign goop, sending their taste buds into overdrive (at which point they instinctively and immediately spit it out). How ironic that we start our lives having to be taught to enjoy eating only to spend our adulthood trying to retrain ourselves not to enjoy eating SO much.

A Girl Can Dream

Some days are better than others. Okay, make that some weeks are better than others. I don’t know what my problem is, but having been away from home for four days last week has really put me in a tail spin. I’m usually a very organized person, with schedules and lists and always one step ahead of things. But not this week. This week I’m scrambling to find things, missing deadlines, drowning in housework and trying to get my act together just enough so that I remember to feed my kids. Not a very lofty goal, I know, but that is the ONLY thing that I can’t forgo in a day. Meanwhile, the piles are getting higher, the toys are getting more spread out (think hundreds of Legos everywhere), the laundry is clean but hasn’t found the closets yet and the dust bunnies are, well, multiplying like rabbits. If you’ve ever tried cleaning a house with four little kids you quickly realize that it’s pretty much the equivalent of banging your head against the wall and you are really lucky to have one clean room at any given time. I WOULD say I need a vacation, but the thought of being away for another few days and falling behind on everything (even further) is just so overwhelming. Rather than dreaming of vacationing on some remote tropical island, I would honestly rather spend my day catching up on laundry and cleaning and only DREAM of being uninterrupted…or better yet, having a HOUSEKEEPER! Ahhh, doesn’t that sound nice? Well, a girl can dream, can’t she?