Monthly Archives: August 2012

It’s a…..

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BOY!

I have to admit, I am soooo excited! Everyone around me was convinced it was a girl, and hey, that would have been awesome in a whole new way. Virginias and dolls and tutus and all that. Yikes. But in my mind? I couldn’t imagine Colin as an older brother to a girl. I could just see him looking at a little sister going “And what, pray tell, am I supposed to do with this?” The kid needs a pal, a partner in Tonka crashing crime. He’s dirty, he’s rough and he’s a BOY. A boy who needs a little brother to follow him around and emulate him just as Colin chases the 4 year olds around the playground and terrorizes them. Karma and all that jazz. Plus, we have no money for dolls. But hey, we’ve got lots of cars and trucks and trains and testosterone around these parts. I get boys. I can do this.

So, yeah, I may have high fived Kase when the ultrasound technician pointed out the crown jewels. And to boot? We were already set on a name, so we are pretty happy with this news.

Can. Not. Wait. I’m just getting started….

 Infant / Toddler

Taking bets. Place your bets now.

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Tomorrow is the big day (hopefully). We find out what this alien baby actually is: a boy, a girl, or like I said, an alien. A life-sucking, energy draining alien who requires daily naps from 2- 3:30pm and lots of food. Lots and lots of food. Preferably from a drive through.

I’m thinking it’s the latter. Just a hunch.

They grow up so fast.

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Here’s a little scene that has been going down more and more frequently at our house these days:

Colin: [singing] “A-B-C-D-E-F-G…”

Kate: [joins in] “H-I-J-K-”

Colin: Mommy? All done?

Now, I am familiar with the saying “Oh, they grow up so fast, don’t they?”, but this seems a little advanced, doesn’t it? I mean, the kid is not even two yet (technically!) and yet he is already embarrassed of me, his loving, selfless and adoring mother!  After all I’ve done!

I’m mentally and emotionally preparing myself for the first day of preschool, when I am positive he will tell me his new backpack is “stupid” and to “Please, please, don’t embarrass me in front of my friends, mom”. I am sure if he could unbuckle himself from his car seat, he would ask I drop him off a block early so none of his friends saw his mommy dropping him off in her dumb car. And absolutely no hugs or kisses, please.

That is of course if I understood more than 60% of what comes out of his mouth. That’s probably for the best, really.

Grand Party Central Station

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Well, Colin’s second birthday party took place on Saturday. I think it went well. Unlike last year, I didn’t yell at any of the guests and Colin didn’t have a meltdown, and we had a bathroom readily available, so I consider it a success.

I spent most of last week getting the decorations together and setting up the house, which made my Saturday morning quite enjoyable. No, seriously. I got a pedicure and even had my hair blown out just because I didn’t feel like doing it myself. Considering last year I almost missed my own son’s baptism because I was trying to get myself dressed, I figured, hey, one less thing to stress about. So when 2pm rolled around, the house was completely ready, the birthday boy was freshly napped and we were all able to enjoy ourselves. And get pressies!

But of course, first some obligatory close ups of the party. As you may remember, the theme was “Trains, Planes and Automobiles.” I didn’t have to do much scavenging around the house to come up with additional decor, so we supplemented our own stash with lots of tissue paper balls, stolen paint chips and decal stickers and imaginative menu labels. I apologize in advance for the blurry photos, I wasn’t wearing my glasses, and, oh yeah, our camera is broken and so we have to manually adjust all photos. Which is not easy when you are blind.

“My 396th viewing of Cars, which is something, considering I had never seen it before my 1st birthday.”

Goodie bags held a balsa wood glider, a squishy toy, goldfish crackers and a fruit snack from Trader Joe’s. I just used Target gift bags ($1 each) and placed a sticker with each child’s initial on it, so they could claim it easily.

Paper straws were purchased on Etsy from Lollipops & Pussycats.  Amber was great to work with.

Train silhouette cupcake toppers were purchased on Etsy from Two Sugar Babies. 

When the guests arrived, we even let some of them in. But some, not so much. Because they had a pressie that needed to be opened immediatamente!

“Oh, right. Thanks for coming guys. Food is to your right. Uh, help yourselves.”

Some party guests had to stay outside though. But they had refreshments in the wagon.

It was a wonderful day with friends and family, some of whom traveled pretty far to spend the day with the birthday boy. We are so lucky to have so many people around us who love Colin and are just as enthusiastic about him as we are. This enthusiasm scared the bejeezus out of him as he blew his candle out on his cupcake. He literally jumped backwards as we all screamed “YAY!!!” But it didn’t scare him off too bad, because he said “Fire?” and insisted on blowing out his candle two more times.

Hey, I was just happy he made it to the cake this time. ;)

Anthro Inspired

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I’m in full on party prep, which you  may know if you are following me on Instagram or Twitter. Yesterday, I headed to Marshall’s for one reason, and of course, left with five different reasons. Didn’t actually find what I was looking for, but isn’t that what Marshall’s and its ilk is all about? It’s like the discount stepbrother of Target, which I call the “$100 Store”- meaning, you can go in there with a little list and be all, “This is ALL I am looking for. I will not buy anything else this time. SWEARS!” and your husband just laughs at you, because, really? When has that ever happened in the history of Kate?

Which is my long winded way of saying that, no, I did not go to Marshall’s with the intent to purchase these cute milk bottles, but they were there all, “Psssst!  Hey! I was just wondering if you were having kids at your party? And they might drink milk? And it might look cute served in me?”  And I was all, “Get away from me, you master of darkness! I am here for….wait, what did I come here for? Oh yeah, milk bottles! HOW FORTUITOUS!”

Don’t look at me like that. I was helpless. Plus, I was totally there for milk bottles. I just didn’t know it yet. And, they were $5. These are all legitimate reasons.

Kinda remind me of these milk glasses from Anthro from last year, no?

Let’s Get This Party [Prep] Started

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Dudes. This pregnancy is hitting me kinda hard. Like, I’m pretty much useless. Seriously. Useless. Tired. Unmotivated. Blah.

Last year this time, I think I had already taken photos of mock tablescapes for Colin’s party. Cuz I’m that chick. Or, at least, I *was* that chick. This year? Not so much. I’m gonna give myself a pass since it’s a two year old birthday party for only close family. Literally- Close. As in location. So it is going to be small. And I was fine with that. I was gonna do a chill family party.

And then I read Shannon’s blog today.

And then I had a little pregnancy induced cry because Gabe’s mom is just so much better than I am. And then I felt bad for Colin. And for my unborn child, who undoubtedly will also have craptastic birthday parties I will work too hard on and will turn out crappy.

And then I pulled myself together and went to Michael’s. And we know how that story ends. (Poorer and Not well)

But it’s time. It’s time to get back to the swing of things and to remember that once upon a time, I loved throwing parties. Hell, I was paid for it. Mind you, I was paid to hire the talented people who could put it all together, but I knew the people to call. So while this won’t be a Pinterest-worthy shindig, I hope the birthday boy himself will enjoy it.

I mean, Jesus. He’s two. He likes rocks. I should be able to do this.

Hell, I’m even stealing an idea from Shannon herself, so there’s an upside to procrastinating. ;)

The Maine Attraction

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As my out of office message alerted you, last week we were up in Vacationland, also known as Heaven, or as some of you may call it, Maine. Some of you may know, my family has a little cottage just south of Portland that has been in our family since the late 1800′s (and hasn’t been touched much since the 1960′s). It’s a totally special place to us, but like anywhere, it’s not for everyone. But it’s definitely for us.  This year, since my parents were in residence, so to speak, we decided to rent a cottage so we could be there at the same time.

We headed up on Saturday morning, and even though we hit some traffic, it was probably a good thing:

Love how he pulled the hat over his face for his little morning siesta. And then there are the toys- Thomas and the Red Truck. And let us not forget “Big Dog” from IKEA. Do any of your kids do this? Colin has to be holding onto something in both hands OR ELSE!  He goes to bed with no fewer than five or six small toys. And before you lecture me on choking hazards, he loves his cars too much to eat them. He’d eat you first for taking away his cars.

Luckily enough, we also had our best friends from DC join us this year for part of the week. They found the beach just as charming and relaxing as we do, and were awesome house guests to have for the first part of our vacation. My parents helped to welcome them Saturday evening with a proper Maine dinner: Lobsters and Steamers with fresh steamed corn and buttermilk biscuits. Thanks Mom and Dad!  Kase and I did the best we could in the remaining days introducing them to the many fabulous aspects of the beach as well as the surrounding areas, without playing tour guide too much. We definitely hit up the necessities though:

Haylen and I went outlet shopping up in Freeport. Note to self: Hit up J. Crew last. Otherwise, you have spent your shopping budget before you even get anywhere else. Or really, you just feel guilty the rest of the time as you continue to spend money. Maybe that’s just me?

We hit up Linda Bean’s for lunch after our shopping spree. If you’ve never been, do yourself a favor: Order the BOWL of clam chowder. The cup is just that: a liquid measuring cup. Sadsies. It was so delicious. I wanted more. Much more. Like a vat full. There is a reason it has won awards.

We headed home and found this, which was the scene most days:

Colin loved the rental. Lots of places to play cars. Yes, we brought them all. (Thanks to Caroline for gifting Colin the awesome Matchbox Car carrying case- so easy to pack!) He was happy as a clam the whole week long playing cars. I don’t even think we lost any. That we know of.

Colin’s other favorite activity? Looking out at cars. Real ones:

Don’t get it twisted though. Haylen and I weren’t the only ones living it up. Oh no. When we got home from shopping, the boys took off, Road-Runner style. I am pretty sure they left a little cloud of dust in their wake. If not at the cottage, then definitely at this place:

Don’t you think of indoor go-karting, complete with racing suits, when you think of Maine? Duh. Looking good, boys. Looking real good.

Like the awesome tour guides we are, we had to hit up The Lobster Shack to eat lots of fried food. Purely selfless. Let me note: Kase took Justin ALONE after go-karting. They left us ladies home alone to just DIE  from hunger while they stuffed their gullets with Lobster Rolls. We are still working out that betrayal with our therapist. But the very next day, I took Haylen and Justin back. Yeah. Without Kase. HA! Take that! Anyway, if you are looking for a lobster roll, this is the place. If you like fried shrimp (or really, any fried seafood at all) this is the best fried shrimp in all of Maine. Seriously. I’ve done the exhaustive research. Like Linda Bean’s. Just no. Good effort though, Linda.

One small note: After my second trip that week to the Lobster Shack, I was concerned that they may have fried my shrimp in rohypnol. I am pretty sure I was date rape drugged. I fell asleep in the car on the way home. Thank goodness my father was driving us. It was still delicious though. LOVED IT.

Haylen and Justin took off on Tuesday evening, and we spent the rest of our time at the cottage visiting with my parents and watching the Olympics. Because we are patriotic like that. And male swimmers are nice to look at.

On our last day, my mom and I headed to the Beach Craft Fair, which I hit up last year. I scored a sweet hand painted sign for Colin’s big boy room. Oh yeah. And I changed my mind about his room decor. Again. More on that later. But this is going to look sweet:

It was a great week. Lucky me, I am going back on Thursday to spend the weekend with “Pa pa” and “Grandma” while Kase heads to DC for a bachelor party. We are both happy with our respective plans. ;)

Pickled.

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(This post was written on June 6, 2012)

Did I ever tell you the story of when Kase and I went away for a week to Paris?  And while we were there, I dyed my hair (I don’t know, don’t ask), ate my weight in pate, and took an unpasteurized cheese tour. Oh yeah, and I rang in the new year by drinking half a bottle of Limoncello with a bunch of Italians, screaming “Buon Ano!”  In Paris. It was awesome.

Then we came home and I found out I was pregnant. That was one pickled baby.

Woopsie daisy.

This past weekend, Kase and I went away together to a castle,  drank our faces off, barrel rolled down hills, chugged beers and partook in general foolery only appropriate for those half our age.

And then we came home and found out we were pregnant. That’s gonna be one pickled baby.

Woopsie daisy. Redux.

So the other night, Colin had some night fits. He clutched me for dear life and wouldn’t sleep without me holding and cuddling him and it was a sweet moment because my kid? Not so huggy. Not a clinger. And yet, I thought to myself, “Well, this will pass in about 20 minutes and then I can go back to my own bed for the rest of the night. THANK JESUS” And I know I distinctly felt grateful that at least, at the very least, we didn’t have a newborn waking us up every two hours to nurse. Cuz, boy, would that suck.

I should have just peed on a stick then. I mean, when you have thoughts like that it’s pretty much God making you pregnant. And laughing at you. (Mine is a silly God who likes practical jokes and whoopee cushions. He and I have a lot of fun and we laugh a lot. Mostly at me.)

I have to be honest: I’m scared.  Here’s why. I feel like we just finally hit a new stride with Colin. He’s really turning into a kid before my very eyes. And more than that? He’s become quite independent. Which can be both good and bad. The bad comes with the tantrums that only seem to occur in public with the most judgey of strangers. And those are the days I cry. But mostly? It’s good. Really good.  He’s more and more verbal each day. Words really make a difference, let me tell you. Also, he’s become a helpful little dude around the house. Like when he throws out his own trash and brings me a diaper from the cabinet. Or when he hurls himself from his carseat once unbuckled. Not that I’m lazy or anything. Just trying to underscore that he can be helpful.

As I sit here and look at Colin in his “Big Brother” shirt that he donned to spill the beans to Kase, I can’t help but smile. No matter my own fears, I want him to have a sibling to share memories with. We wanted this and we feel really lucky. Kase is an only child whereas I’m the youngest of seven. We had such different experiences growing up. What I mean by that was, mine was better.  ;)  I would not be the person I am today without the blessing of my siblings. For instance, I know I wouldn’t be nearly as skilled a negotiator when it comes to watching what I want on TV. And let’s face it: that’s the really important stuff in life. Being able to watch Teen Mom in peace.

Of course, I’m still scared.

I’m scared to experience the sleepless nights again. My child sleeps through the night. Every night. And the odd night he doesn’t?  We watch a lot of PBS and Disney Jr. the next day. I covet my sleep. Becoming a parent didn’t help matters. It made my condition worse.

I’m scared about tantrums. I’m afraid the child I already have is so strong willed and I’m not a good enough parent to get it under control. I must be doing something wrong.  I’m afraid a new baby will result in even worse behavior regression. I’m scared of jealousy and aggression. And I’m really scared I won’t be able to handle it all. But I’ve got my copy of “Parenting Your Strong Willed Child” and I’m not afraid to use it, buddy.

I’m scared that this time around, our baby will resemble Kase and me, and to be honest? That would make me sad. I love my blond, blue eyed boy, wherever he came from. The recessive genetics lottery better work its magic again.  Otherwise, I foresee a future with Kase constantly asking me what the Fed Ex man looks like. And me responding that UPS usually delivers my Amazon orders. The point is, I now expect that our biological children will not resemble either of us, which is a nice bonus when said child is tantruming and everyone at the pool/park/store thinks I’m the nanny. The poor, underpaid, overworked and under-appreciated nanny.

I’m not scared about the big deal items. Colin will love being a big brother. I know it. He’s got just the right bossy attitude that makes him perfect for the role. I’m not scared about loving both of my children, which always seems to be a concern for other first time parents expecting their second child. My child will tell you he could  use a break from my smothering hugs every now and then. I know this because when I ask for a hug, he screams “NOOOOO!” and runs out of the room. LIke I said earlier, his verbal communication is really helpful. In hurting my feelings. But I’m sure the resulting crying (by me) is just due to hormones. Yeah.

So here’s hoping for a happy healthy pregnancy, free from sleep regression, toddler tantrums, crying jags (me),  heartburn and extreme weight gain.

Baby Jubboori, making its debut February 2013

Update (written July 17, 2012):

I had a lot of concern over being pregnant again. We went through a rough period with Colin for a few weeks when I wrote this. He was throwing daily tantrums, embarrassing me whenever we went out in public. REAL EMBARASSMENT. Like, “Can I help you wrangle your child into that grocery cart so that you will unblock the entrance?” embarrassment. Like, the “Me? I’m just the nanny.” kind of embarassment. No venue was safe, not even the park. Not the pool. Nowhere. So we stayed home a lot. And of course, I cried a lot and called Kase and told him I couldn’t do this and what in the world were we thinking and maybe we should get Colin some help, like Super Nanny, or maybe I need Super Nanny because I’m not a good parent, clearly.

However, I am happy to report the tantrums are almost gone (knock wood) and the hugs and kisses are free and easy. We laugh and play and my kid? He is awesome. And I’m not a bad mom after all.  I think I attribute this change to the fact that his vocabulary has exploded, so perhaps he was just frustrated with his lack of communication. Now? I can’t get the kid to shut up. Clearly, he takes after me. If we weren’t already pregnant, I am sure I would be telling Kase we should have another child. It was a rough two week period there, but my concerns and fears are subsiding. Which is a good thing, because if I learned anything the first time around? You’re never really ready for a baby. But it’s coming. So deal with it.