Thanks, but NO thanks

Strangers have an overwhelming urge to offer unwanted advice.
I sometimes believe that people think I'm young and stupid. How could anyone have three kids at my age.
I'm older than I look. Should they see something they don't agree with, they feel the need to correct me.

Someone yelled at me today. "Wait up!" He was very angry because Kaity and Abby were behind me. If I don't keep moving, the kids don't move. I often look back, but I can hear them, their shoes, and their voices. Apani does not shut up...EVER. If she's not talking or singing, she's humming. Besides, they were probably three houses down at most...so they were close by.

Then I was told that they shouldn't be picking up sticks. Have you never heard of a nature walk? As long as their not running or waving them in the air, they can pick up sticks.

People also feel compelled to tell me about their family. Which on most days, is fun. But in near 90 degree, humid weather, and a crying baby, I'm REALLY not interested. The only thing I want stopping us, is a traffic light.

I think my favorite thing to hear is the sympathetic, "Oh, no boys? The next one will be a boy." I'm glad Maddy wasn't a boy, otherwise I'd keep trying for another boy. Three is hard enough. Could you imagine the feedback I would get if I was walking around with FOUR young kids????

With an imagination like that ...

Maddy spilled cheerios ALL over the living room. In a very MOLLY-Like voice, I asked, "Who made this big mess?"
She points to Kaity.
"Kaity didn't do it," so she pointed to Abby.
I told her, "No, you made this big mess."

Then I got a little distracted. When I returned to clean up the cheerios, they were gone! I was impressed to say the least. Part of me thought, the girls ate them. But beaming with pride, realizing that my children without hesitation or encouragement cleaned up, I asked who I should thank. Abby raised her hand. I told her how proud and thankful I was. Then I turned to the hall to go to the kitchen. I wish I had a picture.

...

Abby simply relocated them. "To feed the birds," she said.

if you haven't noticed...

I have a new blog...just detailing the successes and not so many successful family meals. I'm trying to put recipes as well so look out for it! Feeding My Girls

Expect to see a spinach or avocado smoothie recipe for tomorrow...I still can't decide which to make for dinner.

Let's play a game

Boy or Girl?



If you guessed boy, you're an idiot.

If the stroller didn't give it away, you would think the dress would.

Graduation and DC pics

Maddy felt much more secure watching the fireworks as I stood.



Apani drew a whale...pretty good, I must say.

Picky

My kids are picky eaters. Apani always tells me simply, she's just
not hungry. A typical day consists of mostly fruits and crackers
(goldfish, pretzels...)

We always start with a
Breakfast bar, sometimes kaity will also have a bowl of cheerios or some waffles.

After that, anything goes
Apple slices
Cheese stick, maybe
Nectarine, some days
Berries either black, raspberries, or strawberries
Banana, if we have
Yogurt
Maybe a sandwich: pb&j, ham, or turkey
Trader Joes Tempurah Chicken
Eggs
Popcorn

That doesn't seem like very much to me. These past two weeks have been
particularly bad so I have set some goals for myself:

Preparing more meals.
Find a cookbook that suits my family's needs: quick (Maddy is needy),
kid friendly (get these girls involved) and healthy.
Groceries.
Eliminate the snacks: make those kids hungry!!
Purchase highchair.
Turn off the tv and sit as a family together at the table.
Make more smoothies: easy way to sneak in veggies and use up the tart fruits.
Stress less.

A few weeks ago, I was preparing every meal but the girls were not
feeling it. The trash can was fed better than the kids. Thus I gave
up. If they did eat, they were finished before I could get to the
table! I'm more determined this time and think with proper planning I
can get it done. I just need the motivation. Thinking a good
cookbook will do just the trick!

You're welcome, Bay Ridge Strays

My mother hired a landscaper last summer. She put in a beautiful fountain and pebble bed. My father had the brilliant idea of putting fish in the fountain. The strays were fed well, my dad actually thought buying more fish was a good idea!

Anyway, feeling lazy, we opted for the yard instead of a walk to the park. I didnt plan on going out, but I felt bad, so Maddy and I joined them. Where do I plant Maddy's little behind? In front of turd! My mother's beautiful garden is becoming a litter box! I hate cats.

The Urologist Visit

Yea I got lost in Staten Island. Even with good directions, I get lost, but with bad directions, oh forget it! Its a good thing I left 2 hours early cuz I was walking around for about 35 minutes!

I swore I would never use an online navigation site. About a year ago, I was trying to find a new car seat. So we mapquested the only Walmart in the area (Jersey) that had it in stock. We were told to make a left and it would be .2 miles away. Well we drove and drove and finally turned around. as we approached the intersection where we had made the left, we could see the Walmart. Had we made a right, we would have seen that it was right there

I thought Hopstop might be different so I printed the directions up. I was looking all over for this street and couldnt find it. They had me going in a round a bout way. Had I stayed on the bus a few more stops, I would have had to make just one turn and been there. At least I found it and now know how to get there for the next visits.

Maddy was so good. She made lots of friends on the bus. She didnt like the doctor too much, but I did. His office reminded me of my pediatrician. He was so good with her and gave her a few toys. Eventually, she warmed up to him, the toys were very helpful! In his office...he had a fishtank! Maddy loved it. Funny how she knows the difference between the office, where it's "safe" and the exam room. He thinks we should go ahead with the VCUG. He is also probably gonna put her on antibiotics for about 3 months. Im not thrilled about that. I asked about probiotics, but he normally doesn't prescribe them. So lots of yogurt in her future! I'm gonna see how necessary that is though, of course it all depends on the results of this xray. If this comes back fine, I don't see the need. It sounds very invasive. They will have to sedate her. SCARY! I just cant wait till all the tests are over.

Thanks Pampers and Shutterfly

Do you collect your pampers codes? I do. Only because we use so many. I earned a free photobook from shutterfly!! And then Shutterfly sent me a code for free shipping!!! I didn't pay a penny. It arrived in the mail today and it's awesome! I love it! Thanks!!

Happy Independence Day!

So we ended up going to DC for the fourth. We were supposed to take the bus, but at the last minute, we drove....thankfully! Rest stops were vital! We weren't sure how fast it would become crowded, so we immediately found a spot on the lawn and had a little picnic and waited...and W A I T E D ....

Afterward, I realized, that trips like this are not intended for little bladders. I feel like my entire trip was spent taking someone to the restroom. I would take one to the bathroom, return, the other would have to go. Why didn't I bring both of them, you may be asking yourself. We tried that, several times in fact. But children, or at least my children, REALLY do not have to use the potty unless they have to go. And peeing and pooping never happen together. So I stopped and took whoever it was doing the asking because bringing both of them through the crowds was too exhausting, besides Maddy needed a playmate.

At the time I was frustrated, however in retrospect, it was probably easier. It gave the kids plenty of distractions. To walk 4 or so blocks to the bathrooms in the hotel, took about 30-45 minutes. And it gave me a huge break from Maddy. She stayed with El every time I left. I was dreading having to occupy her, but I didn't really have to.

Apani didn't really understand what was gonna happen, I don't think Kaity knew what fireworks were either. The entire way up they were talking about Trevor's father, who is a firefighter. I desperately tried to explain that that was something completely different but as the fireworks started, Apani asked, "But where's Trevor's dad?" Maddy was a little frightened and confused. She wasn't sure if she should be scared...It was loud, but so pretty! Ultimately, it was fun, the girls had a blast. "This was a fun trip," Apani said as we left. We did a little sightseeing. The highlight of the trip for me, was standing in front of the White House. I asked the girls if they could tell me who the president was. Kaity knew but it's not something we really talk about so she forgot which became quite clear as she proudly answered, "Jesus Christ!"

And I'm exhausted!