Or crate, actually.
I was washing Maggie’s bed and blankets so her crate was completely empty…until this happened.
After she had Owen lock her in, he was shoving Legos in for her to play with. 🙂
Category Archives: Kids
Owenisms 50
Whoops! I meant to post this on 7/29.
I had taken Owen grocery shopping with me and through a unique set of circumstances he was gifted a tiny ninja trinket out of the coin-operated machines (they were located at the end of our checkout and the guy was filling them, heard Owen ask for the ninja and saw me search for change which I honestly didn’t have, and then he handed him one). I explained he was a very lucky little boy to get something like that. He was excited but he wanted another one and he kept asking me about it all night.
Owen: Mom, I want another ninja. A green one. When we go back to that store again, I want the guy to give me another one.
Me: Remember what I said? It was lucky you got that one. I’ve never had someone give me something out of a machine before and I’m way older than you. If you want one, you have to pay for it.
Owen: What’s pay?
We’ve had a talk about money, but I think it’s time to ramp it up. 🙂
I was putting Owen to bed and noticed his stool was moved away from his bed.
Me: Owen, do you want your stool on this side or that side?
Owen: I don’t need a stool anymore. I’m a big kid.
Me: Yes, you are. Okay then.
Owen: Watch, this is how big kids get into bed. (He climbs into bed.) See?
Me: Should we give the stool to Katie when she gets her real bed?
Owen: YES!
I then put Charlie’s cat bed back on his bed (it had gotten knocked off sometime while they were playing in there today).
Me: I’ll put Charlie’s bed back up here in case she decides to sleep with you tonight.
Owen: No. She sleeps with you now. (She has been sleeping with us ever since we got back from vacation and he misses her.)
Me: Owen, what do you want for dinner tonight?
Owen: Chicken nuggets…macaroni and cheese…and chewies [fruit chews].
Me: Okay.
Owen: Really?
I added fruit and yogurt, but yes!
Me: Owen go find your shoes.
Owen: I can’t find them. Can I just wear my feet?
I smelled a grill or a fire.
Me: Owen! What do you smell?
Owen: /sniff sniff/ CAMPING! Who’s camping?
Me: Doesn’t it smell good?!
Owen: Yes. It smells like chicken!
We were trying to convince Owen to let us pull his loose tooth.
Owen: But my tooth is powerful!
Welcome to the Terrible Twos
Katie is repaying Owen’s no-terrible-twos in spades. He basically skipped the terrible twos…so of course we’re getting it twofold with Katie. Holy crap.
I can’t even remember what this was about (I think I just wanted her to come upstairs to get dressed). But these little tantrums happen multiple times daily. (This isn’t the best showcase video, however, because it doesn’t show her stomping her feet or throwing/kicking things or screaming.)
This is what I found in the hall this morning.
Owen was trying to entice Katie back into his room. 🙂
Turns out, Owen wanted Katie to follow the Legos back into his room. 🙂
We saw Jeff Corvette at Costco!
Kindergarten registration!
Today was the day! We had been preparing Owen for a few days prior, telling him he would be seeing his new school. We didn’t know what all would be involved (aside from turning in the paperwork that I’ve had completed since June) but we were hoping we’d get a little bit of a tour. As we were walking out the door he said “But I forgot my backpack!” We told him we were just visiting today—school doesn’t actually start for another month. He was relieved (that he didn’t need his backpack) but a little bummed it wasn’t actually time for school.
It’s four miles and 10 minutes away so not too bad—but I’m still pissed we’re not within the district lines for the school that is 1.5 miles away. GRRR. But he will hopefully be taking the bus—we know the bus stop is at our corner and I know he wants to ride the bus—but we’ll see how it goes because we all know how Owen is with new things (though he is getting better).
First impressions? The place is HUGE—definitely not Grayling- or Kalkaska-sized. I was seriously in awe. And to think it’s one of two schools in a five-mile radius! (Click the picture to see it a bit bigger.)
The lady who handled registration was very nice and Owen actually talked to her without being suddenly bashful. She was impressed with me because I had the forms already printed and filled out AND had a copy of the lease and his shot records for her to have. The only thing I didn’t have was a copy of his birth certificate and my drivers license—but that wasn’t on the list. (Well, I had his original birth certificate but hadn’t made their copy.)
She took us to see a kindergarten classroom which was really big—but not much set up yet. She said the class size will be about 20-25 with a teacher and an assistant (so just a handful more students than his pre-k class). It has their own bathroom, cubbies, windows, etc. She said they will go out once a week for art and twice a week each for phys ed and music. (I don’t remember going outside the classroom for that stuff until first grade but maybe we did?) They also go to the cafeteria for lunch. Which I guess I knew in the back of my mind…but that’s a lot more work for me coming from pre-k where breakfast AND lunch were provided for free. 🙂 We will find out who his teacher is going to be (and see his actual classroom) at the Open House in a few weeks.
The school was hopping when we got there about 9:20—she said it was the last day of their summer school programs. They were actually getting ready to start their morning welcome session in the cafeteria and asked if we wanted to join. We asked Owen and of course he did. He got to take a number for a game they would be playing and we sat at a table on the outskirts of the kids (who were all on the floor). He said he wanted to go sit with the kids and we said okay…but then he changed his mind (there were about 80 kids). Everything was done on a laptop and drop-down screen. We had to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance which he didn’t want to do—I never thought about it but this made me realize they didn’t do that in pre-k—but he eventually did. They also had a moment of silence which of course is when Katie piped up with “Mama, what are they doing?” 🙂 The game they played was Family Feud and the assistant principal used a random number generator on the laptop to choose who was going to get a chance to answer. Of course Owen was excited—and then bummed when his number was never called (they only called about 12 total for the first game and then we left before the second game was over because we had errands to do).
And then on the way out he threw a little tantrum because HE WANTED TO STAY. Well, at least we know he wants to be there. 🙂
So, overall, a successful trip. And we all can’t wait for school to start. 🙂
This doesn’t happen very often.
So, about Katie’s bedding.
You just can’t predict what your kids will do or like. I wanted to get Katie new bedding for her new twin bed. I really really wanted the pretty stuff at Bed Bath & Beyond but I also didn’t want to pay $80 for it. (Normally I wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but we’ve had to buy A LOT of stuff for this new place.)
So I decided I was going to just walk down the bedding aisle at Target and see what caught her eye. I was positive it would be Doc McStuffins or Frozen or possibly Despicable Me.
So what caught her eye? As you’ve seen: Sesame Street. Big bright bold colors—red, blue, green, and yellow (Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar, and Big Bird). I really didn’t think I’d have an opinion on what she chose, but I honestly really would’ve preferred Doc McStuffins (she loves it, and it’s pinks and purples). And I even tried to get her to take that one—or even Frozen or Sophia the first—but she just kept saying Elmo Elmo Elmo. So I bought Elmo. And it’s fine. And she seems to like it well enough…but it also kind of irritates me a little every time I look at it because I don’t love it. But I also felt a little guilty because I never let Owen pick what he wanted—at the time I was ready to relinquish that control (age 5) I hadn’t even thought of Target so had him pick something at BB&B which wasn’t kid-related. (He doesn’t complain at all, though…so since I still felt guilty I let him pick a new sheet set and he chose Minions.)
Kids are difficult when you’re a perfectionist.
Our little mermaid
She wasn’t sure about it at first but now she likes it. Owen even wants to “wear the mermaid.” 🙂
Katie, you can sit on me.
Our first Virginia farmers market
We went to our first farmers market since moving here. It’s pretty much right up the main road about two miles away. It’s a small one (maybe seven booths) but it’s a Wednesday!
The kids tried fresh kettle corn (being made as we watched).
We tried and bought homemade honey mint dressing (better than you’d imagine) and zesty balsamic dressing.
We bough fresh corn on the cob, pickles, cabbage, and multi-colored carrots.
We tried pumpkin chocolate chip bread and white cheddar garlic bread (and bought that one).
We sampled cookies…and bought some.
Then we got the kids some Venetian Ice (I think it was called) and went to sit on the lawn in the shade. There were some kids nearby eating some as well and Owen desperately wanted to go sit with them. So we said okay.
Then Katie wanted to go sit by Owee…
Gorgeous weather means we’re outside!
We’re ready to go outside!!
We’ve unpacked more toys!
Helping me water the basil!
Well…once they saw the water, they wanted to play in it. So they got a bucket full. 🙂
Cuteness.
Katie’s first bloodwork!
Since Katie’s X-rays came back negative, the Doctor then wanted to do bloodwork to determine if any of her whatever levels were elevated… Increased levels of whatever might point to arthritis or a blood borne reason for the continued inflammation.
Tom took her to the lab and SHE WAS A ROCK STAR. The nurse was a bit nervous when Tom told her it was Katie’s first time, but Katie didn’t even flinch or wince and it was over just like that. Yay Katie! But what she didn’t like? The tape holding the cotton ball on! 🙂
What I just walked in to see.
Family pool time!
Another day, another afternoon at the pool…but today, Owen got to wear his new goggles (like all the other kids have!)…
…and Katie got to test her new “puddle jumpers” (a life jacket that keeps her perfectly afloat). THEY WERE BOTH IN HEAVEN.
She wasn’t thrilled about this hooded towel, but it is dang cute (and a hand-me-down from a friend!).
He wanted to pull her so who am I to argue?
On our way to the pool…
Our little running fiend
Since it was such a nice day out, I wanted Owen to get outside and get some fresh air. Of course he was being a grouch and just wanted to watch TV. Long story short, he eventually came around then this happened.
He ended up doing it about four times. He took a break for some ice water to “get more energies.” 🙂
Then Tom brought Katie out after her nap and she was content to sit here.
Katie’s new bedding!
We were shopping at Target and I went down the kids bedding aisle to see if there was anything good…and she immediately noticed the Sesame Street set (“MAMA!! ELMO! COOKIE MONSTER!”) so we got it for her. (I also offered Doc McStuffins or Frozen but she was most excited about SEMMEE STEET). 🙂
Helping take off shoes
“Owee help please!”
Puddles in the parking lot
No kid can pass up a puddle!
First nightgown!
More PJ hand-me-downs—this time, her first nightgown!
Owen’s nighttime swim
The community pool has two “night swims” a month where they open the pool from 8-10 (it normally closes at 8), turn the pool lights on, and serve ice cream for the kids. It would be past Owen’s bedtime, but I knew he’d love it—and I knew Tom would enjoy taking him, so I strongly suggested they go. 🙂
This was our exchange:
#
I’m pretty sure he didn’t really talk to anyone (ask names or anything) but it’s so cute that he calls everyone his friend and he’s so excited! Tom said he was REALLY glad he went and loved watching Owen. And they’re both eagerly awaiting the next night swim in two weeks. 🙂
Loving on his sister
We went to the pool again so they were in their jammies early. I walked into the room and saw this. Awwwww…
Owen made a friend at the pool!
So we were at the pool again today and Owen was having a blast in the big pool (though he typically still wants to start in the kiddie pool). There were a few kids playing around and one had water guns and diving rings—which he noticed IMMEDIATELY so of course he zeroed in on him and wanted to play with the gun. I told him he had to ask—which he did. And they played for a bit. Then we went back to the kiddie pool for a bit (for 10 minutes every hour, kids have to leave the pool and it’s adults only—so we just go to the kiddie pool because they’re still young enough). And while we were in there, the kid with the guns/rings came in saying “My dad said I should come meet you.” 🙂 So I had them introduce themselves and then I asked a few questions—his name is Eli and he’ll be in first grade. It was so cute watching them together.
Then it was time to go back in the big pool and they had a blast throwing and chasing the rings. Eli is quite a good swimmer and Owen started mimicking him—it was hilarious! He pushes off into the water like he knows what he’s doing and he kicks his feet…but his arms just flail madly and he doesn’t really go anywhere but he’s trying so hard and he’s having so much fun and he excitedly says “I’M SWIMMING!” 🙂 So then Eli’s dad came over to the edge of the pool (where I was with Katie) and introduced himself and we chatted for a few minutes (he’s familiar with Michigan—his family had a cabin around Grand Rapids). So the kids got along and Eli let Owen borrow two rings when they were leaving. I said we’d be back at the same time the next day!
Katie’s ankle checkup
I took Katie in to get her ankle checked again. The new office is only about 12 minutes from us via back roads—but of course it feels farther because I have no idea where I’m going yet (comparatively, it took 20 minutes in Jacksonville).
She liked the waiting room.
A decent picture of her new hand-me-down cousin outfit.
Playing peek while waiting for the doctor.
Of course, they were running behind today…so by the time we saw the doctor, we had been there almost an hour and a half (they wanted us there early for new patient stuff, even though I told them I had printed all the forms and filled them out, then we waited in the patient room for quite some time). That said, the doctor was nice and apologized for running late. And Katie was very good the whole time between playing, watching videos on my phone, and looking at books.
The doctor looked at her ankle and agreed it was swollen and agreed we should get new x-rays. She also asked if Katie had been sick lately—or, really, if any of us had been—and I said no. She said she wanted to take a strep test! Wait, what? Yes, a strep test. She said it was a long shot, but it was a quick and easy test to rule out some type of arthritis. (She explained it and I googled later, and strange as it may seem, the same bacteria that can cause strep throat can cause swelling and joint pain. And since it had been going on so long, she wanted to rule it out.) Katie didn’t love the strep test, but she was a trooper and recovered quickly. (On that note, the nurse who performed the test didn’t have greatest bedside manner in my opinion—she was older and very matter-of-fact-get-the-job-done which worked, but didn’t give me any warm fuzzies.) The results were negative, so then it was off to a walk-in imaging clinic for x-rays.
This is where we were spoiled in Jacksonville—the x-ray clinic was literally three buildings down from the pediatric clinic. Today it was a 15-minute drive (of course in the complete opposite direction from home). It was approaching nap time, so I had to decide whether to wait and do it another day or just bite the bullet and finish it in one day. I decided to finish since Katie was being really good. So we had another 15-minute wait after the drive and then Katie was a ROCK STAR getting her x-rays—just like before. The tech had me stand next to her and hold her still but there really was no need—Katie didn’t move a muscle for either x-ray. (I tried to get a picture of her laying there nice but of course she started playing with her feet.)
It was over in about three minutes and she got two Elmo stickers and was happy. And then stayed awake for most of the ride home but fell asleep about three minutes from home. THREE AND A HALF HOURS AFTER WE LEFT. Egads.
So now we just have to wait to see what the x-rays show and then likely get a referral for a specialist depending on what they see.
Introducing our community pool!
We finally went to check out the pool today—and wow is it ever nice! It’s about a 10-minute walk (twice as long as at the last house), but it’s definitely worth it compared to the last pool. They have nice attached bathrooms and showers (which you have to walk through to get to the pool area), two lifeguards at the main pool, a kiddie pool, tons of lounge chairs and tables (some even with umbrellas) and a basket of pool noodles! Most of the pool is 3’6″ deep with the very center section being deeper (not labeled but I’m guessing about 5′).
We started in the kiddie pool where Owen tested out his new goggles and snorkel (he did really well!) and Katie splashed around (she was a bit peeved that it was too deep to walk around on her hands like she likes to do). After about a half hour, we moved to the big pool where Owen slowly but surely (but actually quite quickly for him) got comfortable in the deeper water—he clung to the edge for awhile but then was out and about away from the edge playing. There were some older kids (guessing 12-14ish) there that had brought water guns and Owen was having a blast just watching them…so imagine how excited he was when the kids started spraying him! The moms were in the pool, too, and warned their kids not to get him but I piped up and said “Oh no, he’s loving it!” Then they let him use a gun and he was in heaven! Katie loved being in the deeper water, too, because she likes being carried. She also liked “jumping” off the steps—which really means leaning forward and falling into my arms. 🙂 Owen was doing so well on his own that I actually left him in the pool by himself for about 10 minutes while I went back to the kiddie pool with Katie (I could still see him, of course).
I am sure we’ll be back quite a bit in the next month before it closes September 1.
Sleeping hard
Katie was taking a later nap and we needed to wake her up so we could go run errands. She was sleeping hard because she didn’t wake up when I walked in.
IKEA with the kids
Katie loved the stairs because the rise is kid-sized and there was a kid-level handrail.
Owen wanted to stay and play at the kiddie center so we just had Katie with us.
Playing peek!
Waiting for daddy to come back with Owen (kids can only stay in the center for 30 minutes).
There’s nothing like ending an 11-hour road trip with a little vomit in a car seat.
We were about five minutes from home when we heard an unexpected and unidentifiable noise from the backseat, then Katie crying, then Owen telling us that Katie puked. Wait, what?
I unbuckled and turned around and HOLY CRAP did she ever barf. Ugh. So I was trying to clean her up as best as I could while Tom was trying to get us home (we had been planning on stopping to pick up dinner but then cancelled that so had to get back into traffic). We pulled in, stripped her down in the front yard, and I immediately took her upstairs for a bath. She didn’t seem any worse for the wear so we had no idea what caused it.
Then it was time to try cleaning the car seat. What a nightmare. I think I’d rather buy a new one than try to clean vomit out of one. Seriously. They do not come apart easily—and once you do get it apart, you still have to clean vomit out of all the plastic crevices…with a toothbrush and Q-tips. (I guess I’m lucky this is the first time it’s been this bad…?)
Not quite how I envisioned our return home…
Sleeping Beauty
It was a rough night… It started just fine with Katie and Owen on an air mattress together and both going to bed with no issues. This is when we went to bed at 10:30.
Then Katie starting whining/whimpering/crying about 1:30 and was keeping me and Owen up so I traded places with Owen to hopefully keep her quiet. Yeaaaah…it didn’t work as great as I’d hoped. She was wide awake staring at me or still whining or asking for her baby or something else. I think she (I) finally fell asleep about 2:30…and then this was her when it was time to get up.
And Owen was OUT, too.
