Hitting My Stride

I remember in the months just before SD was born, feeling like I was pretty good at this Mom-thing.  Miss B and I were on fire- playgroups, library time, visiting relatives, making dinners, exploring new activities, DOING things.  Then SD was born and I floundered for about four months.  (One to two kids was a big adjustment for me!) 

And I'm doing it again.  I feel like I'm Hitting My Stride. 

Then I realized something.  It has nothing to do with ME....  It's the age.  SD is 15.5 months.  Miss B was 16 months & 2 days when SD was born. 

Oh......... 

Whatever the reason, I don't care.  We're exploring new places- Lilliput, the Pgh Zoo.  Next we're going to try the library here in PA and gymnastics this spring.  This summer I plan on spending a lot of time at the playground, pool, visiting my parents and riding on their boat. 

I'm hitting my stride (again!) and there's no newborn in the near future.  :)

The Personality On This One.

This guy...  He has turned into quite a character.  He is wicked good with using a spoon!  He can follow simple instructions.  He understands most everything I say.  He remembers so many things!  (Like at what page in a book Lightening McQueen screams.)  He is a stinker, a dare-devil, a cuddler, a sweetie-pie (random kisses!) and such a good boy- and definitely all BOY!  Loud, dirty, stinky feet, food in hair, and loves any kind of vehicle!  He thinks he can do everything that his older, more agile, sister can do.  And has the bruises to prove that he'll try no matter what.  He talks a lot, incoherently, but it's coming- one of these days an entire sentence is just going to come pouring out of his mouth.  And Oh my! that giggle.  How did we ever live without him?

Problem Solver

Me:  "Are you sleepy at all?"
Her:  "Not really at all."
Me:  "Are you going to try to take a nap today?"
Her:  "Probably not."
Me:  "Well, I'm kinda stinky and need to take a shower."
Her:  "Wellllll, actually, I can relax on your bed when you shower." 
Me:  "That'll work."

She's TWO AND A HALF and I'm having an adult conversation with her!  (And yes, she uses the word, "actually" quite a bit, and in perfect context....  Sheesh.)

Remember when I was complaining about Twos and OMG!Shoot Me! if Threes are worse.  Well dare I say, *whispers* Two and a Half has been enjoyable!

Mommy = Clean Up Slave

Before bedtime, The Hubs was getting Miss B to clean up some of the mess that had accumulated in the toy room, and I overheard this conversation.... 

Hubs:  "Time to clean up some of this mess!"

Miss B:  "You will clean up this mess, Daddy???" 

Hubs:  "No, but we can clean it up together!"

Miss B:  "No.  I don't think so.  Maybe Mommy will clean it up!"  (Not in the form of a question at all- it was definitely a statement of fact.)


Just as I suspected...



PS- no worries, The Hubs didn't let her get away with it- they cleaned up the mess together so Mommy wouldn't have to do it.   :)

Living in Steeler Nation

(I've been waiting to post this F.O.R.E.V.E.R.  I thought I'd be respectful and wait until the season was over, but alas here in Pittsburgh, this year football season lasted until FEBRUARY.  Sheesh.)

One of the most difficult parts of moving from Lyndhurst to Cranberry was leaving our church family.  We love our small group, and both The Hubs and I were heavily involved at Mayfield UMC in leadership rolls- Trustees, Administrative Board, Executive Committee, the Garden Ministry, Mentoring, and our awesome Bible Study.  Replacing what we had is going to be very difficult. 

But we're trying to find a new place of us to fit in.  We've been trying out new churches since we've moved in August.  Some we've gone to repeatedly, some we only went to once.  But, everywhere we've gone, there's one thing I've noticed.  

The Jerseys.  Black and Gold.

They're everywhere.  On everyone.  Every Sunday.

I am NOT a church snob.  I can have a foul mouth, I lose my temper, I can hold a grudge like nobody's business...  I am NOT perfect.  (Doesn't that list just make you want to be my friend?!?!)  And I do not believe you must wear your Sunday Best to church.  I love wearing my jeans to church and carrying in my coffee mug!  However, the jerseys bug me.  And it took me a while to figure out why...

To me, when you wear a sports jersey, it is a signal that the most important thing you are going to do that day is cheer on your team.  And specifically, Steelers jerseys, the one thing you are anticipating that day is FOOTBALL!    But when it's Sunday morning, when you're at church to worship, commune, and fellowship... the most important thing I'm doing that day is spending time with God and other believers.  Not cheering on my football team.  So... the jerseys rub me the wrong way. 

This wasn't an issue for me in Cleveland.  Maybe (probably?) it's because the Browns are such a bad team.  Maybe it's just the culture.  But you did not see jerseys in church.  Or even sports related t-shirts.  And I'm pretty sure it wasn't just our church- when we were searching for a church home when we moved to Lyndhurst, I don't remember seeing jerseys on anyone in the churches that we visited.

But down here, in Steeler Nation, I guess it's definitely something that I'm going to have to get used to seeing!

later Note:  Gah!  Hockey Jerseys!!!  I guess it doesn't end!

Coming Out

I like to stay in the background.  Not draw attention to myself.  Stay under the radar.  I don't like to give my opinion on something unless it's something that I am VERY passionate about OR I am an expert.  (Ironic for someone who has a blog and reads lots of blogs...)  But it's time for me to go comment about ten different places today.  After all, I'd like others to let me know that they are here! 

Happy Delurking Day!

Out of The Mouth of My Babe...

These were all this morning before even lunchtime:

"Mommy, I need a pointy tail in my hair."

"I'm getting the rectangles out of my hair." while using a comb. I guess the word "tangles" is short for "rectangles?" :)

"Just shooting the shit...." She was just repeating what her father had just said. It was SO hard not to laugh at that one. But we just ignored it and she let it go....