July '11 - The First Half of a Great Summer

July in Los Angeles = Heat.  And what better way for 2 toddlers to confront that heat than with a water hose?

It looked like the boys started to get along better.  The times playing together were getting longer, the fights were getting shorter and more spread out.

That is not to say though that the “caliber” of the fights was anything less than “explosive” though… In the afternoon, Kai LOVED to join me in getting Ryder out of his crib after naptime.  So sweet to see him so excited with the prospect of seeing his baby brother again.  (Long may this last!!)  One afternoon, he stormed into Ryder’s room with a “Hey Ryder! You're awake Bubba!"  [sigh] [heart melts].

The summer was a busy one.  July marked the beginning of summer school, swimming lessons and gymnastics.  Apparently all this starts at age 3.  I don’t think I started with swimming lessons until I was in elementary school.  Surprising, given that I grew up in The Netherlands, a country that is for 25% located below sea level.On July 10 I posted on Facebook that I put my 17-month old in a size 3T pajamas.  It fit perfectly.  Did I mention the kid likes to eat?  Yeah, he does – and he does it in style:

This is the bottom shelf of my fridge on an average day:

Not realizing he’s just a bit big for the Bumbo Seat:

Though many problems can be solved with food, there are some (problems / situations) where even food doesn’t work.  They are rare, but they do exist.  Ryder’s first hair cut was one of them.  Not grooving on that so much.  It involved lots of screaming (by him) and fighting (also by him.  However, here’s the transformation:

So, summer school: Kai changed schools this summer and prior to starting the new school year at his new school, he was going to have 3 weeks of part-time fun in its Summer School program.  When you have a stubborn child who LOVES routine, it’s a bit of a challenge to explain why he is going to move to a different school.  Until one day one of my friends Facebooked me (is this even a verb?) and double checked that Kai was going to start school the following day, so that Kai and her daughter Madison could meet up in front of the school before classes started.  Oh, there was the incentive and the timing couldn’t have been better: Madison.  Kai likes Madison.  Kai LOVES Madison.

As soon as I told him that he would see Madison the next day at school, all reservation were ‘poofed’ away.  As if they had never existed.  Thank you, thank you Sweet Madison!  From that moment on, the thought of school was GREAT!  The following day, Kai and Madison met up before school.  Unfortunately they were in separate classes, but Kai accepted that and had no problems getting started at his new place of learning:

Madison waited for him after school.  They met up before school the following day.  She waited for him afterwards.  This went on for the entire length of summer school.  Until Madison went on vacation.  Kai missed her very much.

Summer school was great.  As a toddler you know that it's gonna be a good day when you have to wear your swimsuit to school and when you walk in you are sitting down next to your friends at a plastic table with the only thing on it being cans of shaving foam. Darn, I wish I was a toddler going to summer camp.  Then there was “Pony Day”.  The day that the kids were visited by 3 ponies to pet, learn about and (I believe) feed.  How awesome?!?!  Again, I wish I was a toddler in Summer School.  Needless to say, summer school was a success.

While Kai was in school, Ryder and I had a chance to hang out together.  It was lovely and I wish it could have lasted longer.  When Kai was his age, he was the only one.  I got to go to play dates, day trips, etc., but now with two, the younger one adjusts to the older one’s schedule.  Dropping Kai off and picking him up from school, and add to that naptime for the baby, didn’t leave much time for daytrips out.  Walks in the neighborhood provided Ryder with the opportunity to make new friends too, though:

Even though Kai was the one in school, Ryder too worked hard on developing those brain cells that approx. 2 years ago he stole from me while warm and cozy in my belly.  One afternoon he pulled the Melissa & Doug letter puzzle out of Kai’s puzzle box and this is what I witnessed: (mind you that this is the first time he played with the puzzle)

So, in addition to summer school there were gymnastic and swim classes.  Kai was hot and cold about gymnastics.  First class was great.  He didn’t want to go home.  Second class, he didn’t want to go to gymnastics.  This pattern continued through the summer.  Not sure if gymnastics will return next year.Then, the swim classes: well, first class went seemingly well…

… until he all of a sudden started crying at the end of class.  I think he was overwhelmed, but from that moment on he did NOT want to have ANYTHING to do with swimming lessons.  I would seriously have to get him in the car while he kicked, screamed, hit and fought the hardest he could.  I was stronger.  I won.  Ms. Linda was great though.  Patience to the point where I envy her.  I wish I had it.  [sigh]  He got better and more comfortable as the month went on, but “loving” it was a loooooooong way away.

All the school, gymnastics, swimming and outdoor play wear a 3-year old out, so it doesn’t matter how much he protested, he would (occasionally) still fall asleep during his “quiet time” in the afternoon.  He would start out playing with his cars, but then fatigue would take over and this is how I would find him several hours later:

Ryder too, got a little taste of sports.  Just want to post this, so that when he goes into basketball at some point, I can proof that he was into it from a young age:

On the “Romance” front: David and I celebrated our 8^th wedding anniversary.  It was lovely.  David’s “uncle” let us stay at his condo in Manhattan Beach, while our babysitter spent a day and a night with the boys at the house.  Armed with a bottle of bubbles and some delicious cheeses we headed south.  Spent the afternoon at the pool, showered and got dressed to go out for dinner.  Opened the bubbles and chilled, chatted and enjoyed it with cheese and crackers on the balcony.  Once ready for dinner, we had to call a cab to come pick us up ;-)  As we didn’t have dinner reservations at Sashi Sushi, we went across the little square to Shade Hotel & Lounge for some cocktails. 

David and I always “compete”: who gets the better drink.  Oh, did I win this time: not only in taste, but so in presentation: my drink came served in an ice-glass:

Dinner was awesome.  Can’t go wrong with Sushi.  Some great creations, and some “bring us what the Chef recommends”.

[singing:} “Hallelujah!”

The rest of our little get-away: sleeping in, Mimosa’s, Eggs Benedict and Chocolate for breakfast, swimming, lounging and returning home refreshed and happy.  Oh yeah, with some “excitement” on the I-405 on the way back:

Yep, LA traffic sometimes really sucks...

With July behind us, next up is August.  The 2^nd half of summer.  The 2^nd half of all the fun.  That update coming soon.

Silence Is Not Always Golden...

I am blessed with 2 children who nap.  And they do it well.  Most of the time.  Now that I think about it: I had a significant impact on that blessing.  Fairly quickly after Kai's arrival 3 years ago, I made sure to have a routine going.  It was one of my major focuses and it paid off.  From a young age on, he has been able to fall asleep by himself, sleep in his own bed and put himself back to sleep if he wakes up.  This past year there were certainly periods of time that he refused to nap, but the rule of "I don't care whether you sleep or not.  It's  quiet time and you spend it in your room", is still working.  These days he's napping like a champ, which gives Mommy 3 hours in the afternoon to get work around the house done. 

Once Ryder arrived, one of my goals was to get him to adapt the schedule that we were on as quickly as possible and that too worked.  These days both kids nap from 1-4pm and it's magic. 

As I mentioned, last year Kai went through a phase of not wanting to nap, but he happily entertained himself in his room.  Fine by me, though every day I was hoping that he would go back to napping, simply because he would be cranky a terror, during that last part of the day before bed time.

And then it happened...  It was one beautiful October afternoon: the first afternoon of silence.  Oh, how magical that was.  Someone was answering my prayers.  At least...that's what I was allowed to believe for 3 hours.  Then...4pm came around and like clockwork, the door opened and there he stood.  Triumphantly.  With a big grin on his face:

My heart skipped a beat as I took a closer look:

As I became terrified of what else had been decorated, I at the same time had the hardest time not to burst out laughing.  My precious, happy bubble had been burst with a triumphant "TaDaaa!" and I realized that we were a loooong way out from napping again.  At the same time a voice in the back of my head started the interrogation on why I had been so ignorant to not put the markers away.  Sigh.

I gathered up all the courage that had been scattered into hardly detectable, tiny pieces, took a VERY DEEP breath and entered the Lion's Den (aka Kai's domain).  And there it was, his bed:

And the floor:

[Sigh] [Another sigh] [Count to 10] [Try not to laugh]

This was the moment.  The moment to test if the "Washable" in "Washable Markers" really meant It-Comes-Out "Washable".

Well, it certainly came off my toddler:

And yes, it came off the floor, off the bed, and out of the sheets.

It took a bit longer before my precious, happy bubble got restored, but it eventually did and these days we are yet again blessed with good naps and happy children.

Long may this continue.

I Look Like a Thief

2 days ago I stopped by Michaels Arts & Crafts to pick up some art supplies for some at home fun for Kai.  Kai was so well behaved that, when he came up to me with a purple ball and asked if he could have that, I figured I could spare the $1 on the desired toy.

That afternoon, my friend Jackie and her 2 boys (Kai - yes, we had 2 Kai's at the house and though it made for some confusion among the kiddo's, the scenarios were quite amusing at times - and Dustin) joined us for a play date.  Just like moms do at play dates, Jackie and I chatted and chatted, occasionally pausing to tell the kids to "play nice and share".  Our conversation planted the seed for another project that I wanted to try out, so yesterday, guess where we went...Michaels! 

On our way out, Kai wanted to bring his blankies, but after some convincing from my part, he decided it was acceptable to leave them on the sofa.  BUT...he had to bring his new purple ball.  Fine by me.

Once at Michaels, Kai hops out of the car, I put Ryder in the carrier on my chest, get my bag and lock the car.  There is so much to think about when running a simple errand such as getting some poster board and some stickers.  Ugh.  I enter the store and as I turn around and see Kai walk through the sliding doors, following me, my heart stops.  In his hand?  The purple ball I had gotten at this very store the day before.  Nope, didn't have the receipt anymore, threw it out at home.  Here I am with a toddler holding a ball, which to any employee looks like he just pulled it off the shelf, therefore making it theft if he walked out the door without me paying for it.

Option 1: he holds the ball, we look like we're shoplifting and I explain that we (truthfully) bought the ball yesterday.
Option 2: I find a way to take the ball from him, put it in my bag, I look like I'm shoplifting, while dealing with a toddler who will without any doubt throw an absolute fit.

Either way: I am going to look like I'm shoplifting and am stealing this darn ball, worth a whopping $1!

I picked option 2, but for the next 10 minutes my mind races faster than I can keep up with it.  "How the hell was I was going to do this?"  And then...there is the sticker aisle.  And a spare, empty shopping basket.  Kai wants to pull things off the shelf and fill the basket. 
"Hallelujah!  Thank you My Love for accommodating my evil plan"!  "Yes, go ahead and fill up the basket!  While you're at it, put your ball in it as well, it frees up both hands to hold the basket."  
[Ball goes in basket.  Step 1 completed!]
Me: "Honey, that basket is getting pretty heavy, give it to me, I'll carry it."
[Kai hands over basket.  Yeah!  Step 2 completed]
As Kai turns around I quickly grab the ball, stuff it in my bag and start putting other things back onto the shelf until only the desired sticker sheets remain. 
[Woohoo, mission completed!  Now, let's hope no one saw me, including my own son.]
[I give the basket back to Kai.]
Kai: "Mommy!!  Mommy!!  Kai's ball!  Kai's purple ball!!"
Mommy's heart breaks and all tricks to divert and distract are being pulled out of the bag of tricks, until that bag is as empty as it can be.  The crappy thing is that I totally forgot to bring a cereal bar.  Note to self: never ever leave without the proper amount of snacks as bribes negotiating material!

As we manage to make it to the check-out line without Kai actually throwing a fit, I realize we're pretty safe, unless the ball falls out of my bag at the check out stand or something.  It doesn't and we make it to the car.  As Kai plops down in his seat I pull the ball out of my bag and show him.  His face lights up and he and his purple $1 ball are inseparable for the rest of the ride home.

I seriously hope that no one saw me, because despite not shoplifting at all, it certainly must have looked like I did.  Sigh...and all that for a $1 ball.  No, actually, all that for a happy toddler.

I Don't Have A Title For This Post

Do you know how frustrating it is when every day you experience things that in your mind you HAVE TO blog about, only to then not have the time...??  Of course you do, and if you don't: lucky you and I kinda hate you (in a friendly, but envious sorta way).

Here I am, 6 days after my last post and every single day there have been events that really needed to be put down on paper.  It didn't happen.  What did happen?  A lot.  We: spent a day in Manhattan Beach with David's uncle, had a guest from Spain stay with us for 5 days, went to Disneyland, had a finger painting adventure on Labor Day, worked, baked, cleaned, tidied, cooked, grocery shopped (that's my own language), almost started crawling (the baby, not me), sorted through both boys' clothes, got the new ones out, put the old ones away, did laundry and ... there's much more, I just don't remember.

5 years ago, the niece of a friend of mine spent a month with us in order to improve her English.  (She's from Barcelona.)  This summer she returned to the States to visit some friends and she was crazy enough to extend her stay and come out to CA for a few days to visit us.  She had never met the boys and Kai immediately fell in love with her.  Babiche had to play with him, cuddle with him before he went to bed, hold his hand, go where ever he went.  It didn't take long for him to get completely attached to her.  She was the first he asked for in the morning, the last he asked for at night.  Very cute, but a bit challenging now that she has returned to Spain.  This afternoon he asked me: "Mommy, when is Babiche coming back home?"  So sweet and heart breaking at the same time.

This labor day weekend was awesome!  We introduced Kai (and Ryder, but he's still too young) to Disneyland on Saturday.  It was a hot and crowded day, but it made an impression on him.  Metaphorically speaking, I can say that the Disney can has now officially been opened and there is no turning back.  NOT. A. CHANCE.

One thing I don't understand though: why is it, that my normally impatient toddler is most excited about meeting his favorite characters while he patiently waits in the line that leads up to the meeting?  But then, once it's his turn to meet them...oh my...the water works go into action ACTION.  As in: they go in overdrive.  Floods of tears and burying his head in whomever's shoulder he can get to the fastest.  Really?  That's what we just waited in line for?  Sweating off close to a pound in the burning sun, allowing the person in front of me (or was it behind me?) to nauseate me with their bodily scents, and refraining from making a snarky remark to the kid (who isn't mine) who is practically dancing on my toes.  I had hoped for a bit more of a delighted response.  Tears and "No Mommy, NOOOOO!!!" were not on my radar when I placed myself in the 'meet Woody / Mickey / Buzz Lightyear / Goofy' line.

Despite all that he does manage, every time he goes to bed, to tell me about the castle, the train that went through all the tunnels, the boat in the water (It's a Small World), the rocket ship, the French Fries, Woody, Buzz, Mickey & Goofy and the fact that papa, Babiche, Ryder and mama were all there.  Twice a day.  For the past 4 days.  I think he's hooked.

Ryder enjoyed a lot of the day as well.  It's a Small World was very exciting, and despite the heat he enjoyed bopping around in the carrier on my chest.  I think he enjoyed it a bit more than I did.  With temperatures well into the triple digits, carrying approx. 24 lbs. on my chest isn't quite my idea of being comfortable, but I am glad he was.  Imagine my delight when he decided to conk out after lunch in the stroller...

Labor Day (2 days later) was spent relaxing.  Seriously, we needed the long weekend after our Disney adventure.  The fun part for the kids: Kai's girlfriend and his future mother-in-law (my best friend) came over.  (I can't believe I have to say this, but please take the 'girlfriend' and the 'future mother-in-law' as a joke!!  I said that while winking ;-)The kiddo's went crazy making their biggest finger paint master piece to date: David had cut off a huge piece of paper from his 9ft. roll of seamless. 

Add finger paint to that and 2 toddlers and you have a recipe for success.  The inflatable pool that fits adults as well made it complete: we got to cool off while scrubbing down our little future Van Gogh's.  Finish it all off with some BBQ and you have a fun-filled Labor Day.

And now, on hump day, after a holiday weekend, I am already looking forward to the weekend again.  How bad is that?  I need it already.  It will be filled with children, play dates, craziness and baking.  Deep in my heart I would like to turn myself into (and live a bit more like) a Domesticated Diva, who bakes, who has her house always nice and party-ready, who whips up the best and most delicious meals every day and who has her kids always under control.  What a beautiful life that would be.  Oh well, a girl may have aspirations and dreams, right?  Maybe some day.  [sigh]

Mama & Son Day Out

When I went on maternity leave stopped working (don't even get me started on the distinction there!!) in December, I was lucky to be able to spend several weeks with Kai before Ryder joined us on Feb. 1.  Those weeks, spent together with Kai were amazing.  I had been working part time up until then, but the early mornings (which is when I was at work) was almost when he was in the 'bestest' of moods and would always crave that parental bonding time.  I missed out on that for so long, but for those few weeks up to Ryder's arrival were beautiful weeks - weeks in which Kai and I grew so much closer and had so much fun.

Now that he is a big brother, he not only has a new play mate, but he also has to share.  Share toys, share time and most challenging: share attention.  So, I decided that it was time that Kai and I were going to have some Mama & Kai time.  And yesterday was that day.

A few days ago, he overheard me talking to my best friend when I said "we'll either go to the zoo or the beach, I'll let him decide".  From that moment on, he was all about "Kai and Mama go to zoo and see wild animals!"  For 2 days straight.  Every chance he had.  I guess we were going to the zoo.

We had such a fun time.  It was warm, but it was fun.  We started out at the petting zoo.  For the first few minutes, he was so excited about petting and brushing the goats and the sheep that all he did was run in circles and jump up and down.  When he finally calmed down, the petting and brushing started.

We covered the entire zoo, but the zebras and the giraffes were the big favorites. 

We had lunch and no, it wasn't healthy, but it sure was fun as Kai thoroughly enjoyed double dipping his fries in first the mayonnaise, followed by ketchup, followed by (my favorite) the mayo-ketchup combination. 

And then...[drum roll]: his first soft ice cream cone.

He loved the ice cream.  The cone not so much, but oh well, Mama was happy to help with that.

He even shared this ice cream:

Other than that, we strolled around, played on the play ground, stood under the mist-dispensing-showery-thingies to then cover ourselves with dirt and wood snips, ensuring Mama had some laundry to do upon our return home.

And when we did come home, we were so jacked up on sugar and overflowing with energy that the word 'nap' was momentarily erased from our memory.  We Kai had no clue what it meant, what it stood for or what he was supposed to do with it.  Mama, on the contrary, did have a clue, however, didn't have a chance to execute it.  Oh well.  It was a great day.  Absolutely worth it.

Stop and Smell The Roses

Every afternoon the boys and I go for a walk.  Well, almost every afternoon - if it's not too hot.  They usually wake up around 4pm and after nursing Ryder, that doesn't leave much of an afternoon for play dates, trips to the park or other outings with dinner at 6pm.  So, walking around the block we do.

Kai has seriously taken to smelling the roses (and other flowers) on our route.  Every. Single. One. He. Can. Reach.  He will either smell them with his hands by his side, or he will first look at me for approval before gently cupping the flower with his hands and smelling it. 

He still has some difficulties grasping the idea that he cannot just step into the flower beds to smell the flowers, or that running onto people's properties isn't the appropriate thing to do.  The excitement he conveys once he spots yet another "fowah" [translation: flower] is just so adorable to watch.  I am lacking a better word for it at the moment. 

The little boy who - at home - is the wildest kid I have ever seen, who throws himself around, wrestles with both his dad and me at the same time, for whom play isn't fun if it doesn't fall in the category 'rough housing', holds the flowers with such care and a sense of delicacy, and takes his time smelling each and every single one of them.

These 'little' things remind me how awesome it is to be a mom to 2 boys.  They teach me to look at things from a child's point of view, and they allow me to rediscover the world around me.  Things that we take for granted and do not pay much attention to on an average day. 
Because, be honest - when was the last time you stopped in your path to take a moment and smell the roses?

The Boys' First Beach Trip

I know, I know: you look at the title of this post and you think "WHAT?!?!"  That woman has never taken her 2 1/2 year old to the beach?  Well, sorta, in a way,... no.  And I'll tell you why: though we have been to the beach, we have never spent a day on the beach.  Kai was born in February.  That summer I deemed him too young to be exposed to so much sun, and just didn't think it was a good idea.  (I think I was a bit overwhelmed with the idea).  The next summer (last year) I was too busy with being nauseous and keeping myself upright, all thanks to that little Ryder-bun that had just started baking in the oven.  I remember those days so well and the thought of going anywhere with Kai just made me want to run and hide in bed under my blankets.  The poor kid missed out on a good amount of fun.  He can thank his brother later.

So yes, today was the first beach outing.  Mind you: I like the beach.  I HATE the sand.  I hate it as 'me' because sand gets everywhere, even in places I didn't think it could get.  I hate the it as a mother because the beach gets brought home and I get the honorable job of cleaning it up.  But...other than that...I love the beach!

We actually managed to leave the house at 9am as scheduled [applause please].  Getting out the door with 2 kids is a butt-load of work.  I'd have never thought it, but it is.  We looked as if we were going away for a whole weekend, but I think that also is part of parenthood.  You can never have enough wipes, diapers and food with you.

After some hesitation, Kai (reluctantly) agreed to join papa at the shore line.  It's the same as with food.  It's an huge challenge to get him to take that first bite, but then he realizes it's actually pretty good whatever-it-is-he-just-let-us-give-him and then there's no stopping.  The same with the water.  Once he got that first wave hitting his feet, he was full of anticipation awaiting the "next one". 

I seriously do not know what the kid is made of, but whatever it is, it's working.  I can whole heartedly tell you that that water was cold.  It was FREEZING (well, almost).  What kind of sadistic joy do people get out of getting in the ocean here?   Seriously, something's gotta be wrong with you if you actually enjoy getting in here, because people, that was just not nice at all!!!!  Maybe it was the chub that Kai has left around his ankles and thighs that insulated him and made him unaffected by the freezing temps of the ocean for as long as he managed, I don't know, but he certainly was able to tolerate that water a heck of a lot longer than either David or I could.  Consequently, we took turns accompanying him. 

And when it was my turn, it happened: the water was calm, waves came in at a regular pattern, no higher than my calves until the one...the miniature tsunami wave that hit the beach and splashed up on my back and belly until right under my boobs.  Kai wasn't affected by the splash of water (again: HUH???), but me....well, see for yourself:

Yeah, I was 'affected' by it, let me tell you!  (I canNOT believe I actually am posting this picture!!!!!)  When my toes had almost become brittle as a result from the freezing temps they had been exposed to for way too long, Kai was starting to get a bit chilly as well.  "Honey, you're shaking and got goose-bumps all over!!!  You're cold."  "Noooo, Nooooo cold!!!  More waves!!!!"  You get the idea.

Our little trip out was topped off (literally) by a bird flying over and deciding to let go of some 'waste' right as he flew over David.  Charming...  Dave didn't think so, but at least the kids right next to us got a chuckle out of it.  It's supposed to be good luck.  I so hope he buys a lottery ticket on the way home tonight. Hey, at least we brought a butt load of wipes!!  "They've gotta be somewhere in this bag.  Lemme dig to the bottom."

So, with summer having arrived and temps on the rise (106 yesterday afternoon, 102 today), we'll be returning to the beach again soon.  I'm just happy that David was able to take the morning off and we were able to squeeze this family outing in.  It was great to have the help as well, as the thought of the beach trip by myself is still a bit overwhelming.  (Can you tell I am still in the infant shoes of motherhood-to-two?)

Stuck With Email

Last night was an awesome night!  I only got up 5 times as my little turtle got stuck on his back rock star got stuck on his tummy.  Seriously, it was a great night!!  The first time of me stumbling into his room was around 4:15am, which beats the heck outta 2am!  In addition to that, the visits to Ryder's room were short.  Real short.  They consisted of rolling him back onto his back, sticking his blankie under his arm, and stumbling back out, heading back to bed, where I picked up where I left off 1 minute earlier.  There was no fussing at all for anything to suck on.  Has he forgotten about the paci's existence??  No, wishful thinking.  Just keep reading.

So, I was all delighted this morning, happy and ready to start the day.  Over the  7 hours, my mood slightly changed.  The good night was balanced out by a lack of morning nap.  (On Ryder's part.  I would have had NO problem whatsoever to nap.)  He just refused to fall asleep.  Result: the kid got so tired he couldn't fall asleep for his afternoon nap.  Sigh...  He's asleep now, but he didn't go happy [= mind you, this is a major understatement]

I am convinced that my kids thrive on a routine.  Actually, I thrive on routine, and therefore I am convinced that my kids do too.  Both kids graced us with sleeping until 8am.  You have NO idea how awesome that is!!!!  That's 'sleeping in'.  If you'd told me 5 years ago that at some point in my life, sleeping until 8am would be considered sleeping in, I would have wondered what you were on, but these days... 8am...WAHOOOOO!!!!  SCOOOORE!!  While I nurse Ryder, David gets Kai going on his breakfast.  Oatmeal.  After the oatmeal comes the milk.  Downing that without interruption on either daddy's or mommy's lap, watching Sesame Street & Curious George.  Every day.  He loves it.  I love the snuggle time on the sofa.  This morning, as Kai is almost done eating his oatmeal, he puts the spoon down in his bowl and announces:

"Kai stuck with email [=oatmeal], Kai wants milk" 

Oh, how hard we laughed.  Reading it back, it's not even half as funny as it was in the moment.  I'd almost say "you should have been there", but how cliché would that be?

Yesterday I spent the afternoon finger painting with the boys.  Well, Ryder sat in his Bumbo seat, admiring Kai smearing finger paint all over the paper and himself.  We all had a blast.  

Kai managed to create 3 master pieces (4 if we include himself), I had a blast seeing him have so much fun and Ryder was in awe of the magic that his big brother produced.  (Kai certainly has the 'big brother power' in Ryder's eyes - very cute).  It was all fun and giggles, until we were done painting.  As I went outside to hang his last master piece to dry, Kai leapt out of his seat and ran over to the sofa to grab his blankies and give them the biggest hug he could possibly give them.  Whereas I appreciate his loving-ness, I was just on time to throw myself onto the blankies with a "nooooooo, don't touch!!!!!"  Result: a screaming toddler who then threw himself against my leg and was about to wrap his little paint-covered arms and hands around my legs.  "Noooooooo, don't touch!!!!!!"  That sent him over the edge: major meltdown.  Poor little man.  The bath was waiting, but I had to almost drag him into the bathroom.  Once in the water, all was well and we were happy again.  All of us.  

(FYI: that is paint on his face!!!)

I guess that the next time we do some finger painting I should be dressed more appropriately.  I am thinking of hosting a finger painting play date some day for my mommy friends and their kids.  Picture this: a huge piece of white 9ft. seamless paper from David's photography studio, covering the grass in the back yard.  Add to that: finger paint and about 10 toddlers in diapers...that should be fun.  Kiddie pool and sprinkler fun after wards.  Promises to be a great afternoon.  Already looking forward to it.