I'm back

I've taken a little break from my blog, because I've been busy with this:

Yep, we made it to the finals for the Ecomom Healthy Home Makeover Contest. The top 20 entries with the most votes moved on to the finals. Thank you everyone for your votes!

I also had an interview on Thursday with one of the Ecomom founders. So crazy- I'm dreaming of how wonderful it would be if we won the $75,000 makeover. Check out this post if you want to read more about the contest. I'll keep you updated. Keep your fingers crossed please.

Captain Green Clean

Oh, how I love a contest!!

You need a facebook account to vote, but if you have one, please do vote here.

It is a $75,000 Healthy Home Makeover from Ecomom.com. Let me count the ways we could use that.....

Bye

Naughty Words

Kai: Marius (his good buddy) told me all of the naughty words that I'm not suppose to say.

Me: (cautiously) What are they?

Kai: Promise me you will not get mad.

Me: Yep.

Kai: Stupid, Mean, Bad, Hate, Nana Nana Boo Boo, tattle tell, and water bucket.

Me: Water Bucket?

Kai: Don't ever say it. You'll get in a lot of trouble.

- - - - - - -

In other news, Ruby is officially choosing walking (or knee walking) over crawling or cruising. She also has entered into a separation anxiety phase. After being sick last week with a 105 degree fever for multiple days, she has decided she never wants to leave my side. Even if she is in the next room, she feels forgotten. Oh, how I forgot this stage. It's a tough one.

She also is saying "Hi", "Bye Bye", "Bobo (for Kai)", "Mama", and "Dada", and "B" (for bird or squirrel). Bye Bye just started today. Interesting since she doesn't want anyone to do it.

Smooches

Ruby June has woken up frequently during the last few nights. We are guessing it's because two brand new teeth are working on making an appearance.

It seems that most nights. she ends up in bed, between Joe and I. Her bed is actually just a few feet from our bed (we haven't moved her yet to Kai's room), so really it's not a far stretch.

For the past few nights, she wakes up in between the two of us and she rolls over to kiss Joe and then rolls over to kiss me and back and forth she goes. Kiss after kiss after kiss...it's about the sweetest thing I've ever seen. She gives great big kisses smack on our lips.

It makes being up in the middle of the night not too bad at all.

When I grow up...

(At the MN Zoo- check out the alligator behind Kai)

Tonight, at bedtime, Kai asked me this:

"Mom, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

I said, "You mean what job do I have?" He said, "Yes." I told him then that I was a Mom.

He said, "No, I mean, what type of job. Do you want to be a doctor? A policeman?"

I said "No" to each of those. I told him I'm a Mom and I sometimes I help people plan their weddings.

I guess this wasn't the answer he was looking for. He said, "No, you know, like Daddy saves people's lives by giving them blood. What do you do?"

I then tried to explain my job working at the Minneapolis Public Schools as a volunteer coordinator before he was born. But, how I chose to leave that job to be a Mom who is at home more. But, he interrupted me and quite exasperated said:

"Do you want to be a princess or a ballerina?"

I quickly said, "Princess" (after all, it was an hour past his bedtime and I certainly have no coordination to even dream of being a dancer and I could tell being a Mom certainly didn't qualify for a "job" in his mind).

His response: "You are way too sloppy to be a princess. You better try again."

Oh, sweet, Kai. I'm so glad to be your Mom.

Down, Open, Out, Let Go

Grab a cup of tea, cozy up, and watch a slideshow of the 1st year of Ruby's life! Enjoy!

Slideshow: Down, Open, Out, Let Go

(By the way, "Down, Open, Out, Let Go," was the mantra I said during my whole labor with Ruby. It worked! One year ago, slight contractions began at 7 pm and by 11 pm we were at the hospital and RJ was born at 1:10 am. It was the beginning of such a life-changing year!)

Happy Birthday Ruby June!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Just like her big brother, Ruby made an appearance on the local TV station for their "On The Spot" Weather forecast. We asked our weather man what the weather will be like for her birthday tomorrow when we go to the MN Zoo. It's looking like a little rain, but that will not stop us from having fun. Joe is taking off the day from work (which is a rare treat) and we will be showing Ruby the zoo for the first time.

Here is the video!

I love you

Two stories, to continue on the theme of my sweet Kai-

#1

Kai: Hey Mom, do you think I could love you to space?

Me: I think so.

Kai: I could! I could love you past space and then past every single space alien and then past even God!

#2

Kai: Mama, I have to tell you something very, very, very important.

[Dramatic Pause]

Me: Tell me!

Kai: I've loved you for as long as the Little House on the Prairie Books were born.

(This second story is my favorite because Kai spends most of his day talking about knights, bows and arrows, Luke Skywalker, superheroes, and bad guys vs. good guys. He also begs me to wrestle with him every night (and he puts on his little wrestling outfit that our neighbor got for him from the thrift store). But, for 10 minutes each night, he nestles into my arms and we read one of the "My First Little House on the Prairie" books. For 10 minutes, he imagines life on the prairie and becomes a little more calm and a little less obsessed with swords. He becomes my half-pint).

You are so adorable

[Leaving with Joe to go sledding yesterday]

Kai: Bye, Mom, I love you.

[Comes back into the room, one last time]

Kai: You are so adorable.

Now, comments like this make it so worthwhile. Every single minute.

My walker

So, this isn't a photo of Ruby walking, which it should be, since she is taking steps now. But, instead it's a photo that shows you exactly what she does the best: smiling, being an unbelievably happy, sweet, and laid-back baby. It is seriously a delight to be her mom. I am so lucky.

Shhh!

Shh! Girls busy slumbering....

The Christmas Card

Here is the photo we chose for the Christmas card that was never made....then the Valentine's Day card that was never made....and now, I guessit's just a nice family photo.

I just love it and had to share it somehow. I suppose we could do a St. Paddy's Day card or our favorite holiday ever-- April Fool's Day. That could actually be fun...we could announce a bunch of silly things and wait and find out who calls first. Although, most of you know me by now and know to not believe a single thing I say on April Fool's Day. Like I'm pregnant. Nah. Not really. But, I almost got you, didn't I?

4 Circles Around the World

In the almost three years Kai has attended Montessori School, I have learned so much. I realize how much I've learned as Ruby grows. I do some things differently now and am so grateful for insight into how my children grow. I have more confidence in myself as a mother and more confidence in my children as beautiful, independent, creative children.

One of the most beautiful rituals in the Montessori classroom is the birthday celebration. Kai was on cloud nine during his celebration this year. It started with Kai walking down the hall at his school (as fast as his feet would take him) and bringing Joe and I back into his classroom. Then, all of his dear friends were waiting for us in a circle in the classroom. Joe and I got to tell things from each year of his life so far (Kai's first words, what costumes he wore for Halloween, trips he took, his new baby sister being born, etc.) while showing photos of him growing. After telling about each year, he would walk one circle around a globe that was on a table in the middle of the circle, along with a candle that represented the sun.

Finally, at the end, Kai got to extinguish the candle, present the classroom with a gift (paperwhite bulbs) and then call each of his friends up to give him a birthday hug or handshake. As a parent, there is nothing that warms your heart more than to see your child shine. And, boy, was Kai shining!

Oh, and before he began his walk around the globe, he answered questions from his beloved guide, Gina. The main one I remember (after reminding the class that the candle represented the sun) was "What does the sun create?" And Kai, responded, "Life." And, then he said, "Today, my life!" Yes, my boy, you got it!!

Lately, I have been smiling watching my two kiddos interact. They are starting to play with each other and enjoy keeping company with each other.

As any parent of two (or three or four or six like my twin-in-law) knows, the first year(s) can be a bit tricky since it's not like you can say "Ok, go out and ride your bikes while I make dinner, have a glass of wine, and catch up on my e-mails." I mean, Ruby is only 10 months old. Instead, Ruby follows along with Kai's activities and rides along for drop-offs and pick-ups at pre-school and plays with the Chutes and Ladders spinner while Kai and I play the game. Don't get me wrong, we have time when it is just Ruby and I, but for better or worse, Kai and his high level of activity often determines the direction of our day.

But, then there are these gifts of seeing into the future. For example, this week, the kids played upstairs in Kai's bedroom (poor Ruby doesn't really have a bedroom yet, she just shares everyone's room) for about 1/2 hour. I was downstairs making dinner with the monitor on. Kai was careful with her ("Be Careful Ruby. I better put this little Lego away so you don't eat it.) and loved having a playmate ("Ruby, don't you love this Playmobil knight? He is so SCARY!") I was happy to have a little breathing space to make dinner in peace. I was even happier that they were happy.

Then, before dinner the other day, the kids were reading books at the dining room table. It was quiet. I was beaming. And, then there is always the little table where Kai joins Ruby for snack time. It melts my heart to see how in love they are with each other and how often they just want to be with one another. I am writing this so I can be reminded of these sweet moments when they are 12 and 15 and screaming and yelling. Or after an incident last week when I was videotaping Ruby walking (!!!!) and Kai grabbed her and she fell down and the videotape captured me yelling, "Kai, for the last time, GET OFF YOUR SISTER!!!" Yes, I know, this is going to come around and bite me in the butt. For now, let me just daydream....

Best Friends

Kai's teacher tells me that he is one of the more social children she has had in her classroom over the years. He is very aware of how other people are feeling and is very interested in talking to everyone (Ok, yes, I know, the apple does not fall from the tree). I could not be a more proud Mama. Of course, I love it that he has such fantastic friends and equally that he has such a wonderful community at Sunny Hollow Montessori School. I see now how going to school five mornings a week really creates strong bonds and friendships. I especially love how the 6 year olds are so important to Kai. Not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me something they said or did.

So, here are snapshots from our week of visiting with friends. I think Ruby is following in her brother's footsteps. She throws herself on any little person and especially loves her B/F/F Eloise.

Eloise and Ruby June

Kai and Marius

Kai's 4th Birthday

Kai is four. Can you believe it? It seems my life can be divided into two stages: before Kai and after Kai.

Kai has changed my life in so many incredible ways. I remember right before giving birth to Kai, after my water broke, pausing and feeling like I was stepping off a cliff that I had waited to be at for so long and I was so glad somebody had finally pushed me.

I knew my life would change but I really couldn't imagine how. Sure, I knew I wouldn't sleep (I just couldn't guess he would never sleep though!). I knew I would love him with my whole being. I knew he would grow up supported and loved. I knew there would be so much more though that I didn't dare to even try to guess at. I knew by birthing Kai, I was giving birth to myself as a mama.

Becoming a mom has made me such a better person. I realize I do have a well of patience. I often surprise myself with how calm I can remain. I have a mama bear sense of protection. The first time I was put in the position to feel this it was powerful. It felt like a surge (and now has turned into a funny story of how I threatened our neighbors who were dealing drugs. Ok, that doesn't sound funny in the least. But, it was and now they aren't dealing drugs so it's a happy ending, I promise). I realize my Nonny's advice was correct: sometimes you just have to go to bed and try better in the morning. I ask for help better. I accept people more for who they are and not for who I wish they could be. I make amends with little ones and bigger people. I know there is power in saying "I'm sorry and I will try better next time." I follow my gut. I trust in the process and know that one bad day or one bad week or one bad month doesn't inform who my children will be in the future or who I am as a mom. I have learned to laugh more. I prioritize snuggling over cleaning. I turn on the radio and dance like a crazy lady on fire. I say the serenity prayer a lot. I sit back and am in awe of this precious little tiger who grows smarter each and every day.

So, Kai, my big 4 year old, you have been my wise teacher. Your compassion, optimism, and intuitive spirit are remarkable. Your ability to easily forgive and to love so enthusiastically is appreciated. Your energy, quirks, and silliness are honored. I love you.

Happy 4th Birthday to you!

We had a superhero theme party. Every guest made capes to bring home. We got the idea from the Living Locurto website. Thanks for the inspiration!

We played a lot of games (Kai's only wish at his party). Instead of "Duck, Duck, Grey Duck" we played, "Bad Guy, Bad Guy, Superhero." We had a parachute that we played "Superhero, Superhero Go So Fast" (instead of the water game, "Motor Boat, Motor Boat, Go So Slow"). My favorite though was playing the Batman Theme Song and then stopping the song and having all of the dancers FREEZE. And, then as you can tell, the pinata was a bit hit. Yes, Kai is wearing his underwear over his long underwear in the above photo. It was his idea for his superhero costume. And, last but not least, we made up an obstacle course where everyone's superhero senses were tested. See, it really was fun.

Look at this face! A friend asked me how I felt about presents and the materialism of them. I offer this photo as answer and an example of why presents can be good: Surprise and gratitude are two wonderful things for a 4 year old to experience. [on a separate note, this photo answers my very important question of whether or not I should get a hair cut. Yes!]

Ruby had her own cape too! In a feat of superhero strength, she didn't even pull it off.

Summer vs. Winter

Today I am dreaming about this:

But, enjoying this:

P.S.

I was thinking this morning about my posting from yesterday. Here is what I was thinking: Kai has never seen the Star Wars movies or any TV shows about SpiderMan, BatMan, or Green Goblin. BUT, yet, he is obsessed with them. Hmm...it's so fascinating to me.

We walk into the library and Kai runs to our librarian and asks her to help him find books about Star Wars, Buzz Lightyear, or SpiderMan. Up to this point, Joe and I have limited Kai's screen time, but what about books? I was looking through one of his Star Wars books and man, it was full of bad guys, weapons, and freaky looking characters. Is this appropriate for 4 year olds? Do I tell him I am going to screen the books now? I certainly don't want to.

When I ask Kai how he knows about all of these guys, he says that friends talk about it at school. I love that it is fueling imaginative play, but I really didn't think I would have a boy who loves good guys vs. bad guys play or who pretends everything is a sword or knife or gun. I was hoping for more Little House on the Prairie play and less knights with swords who kill and bury people.

I feel like it's all confusing. You limit one media but it seeps out in another. If I limited all media, I bet you $100 that he would still be cutting out swords from cardboard and battling the plants.

On a different note, Kai has been bringing up some very interesting topics. For the past week, he has been trying to tell me about the place where he was before he was born. He said it's with God and it's where you hang out before you get a new life. He said in his past life Bosu (his imaginary friend) was his brother and he was sad because he didn't have Joe as his Dad. He said that he knows he will go back to this place and hang out with God eventually and he hopes we will be there at the same time.

Hmmm......interesting for sure. I'm always left thinking through some interesting things at the end of the night. Never a dull moment here.