Trick or Treat

What a night! The weather was great, the kids had a lot of fun, and we now have enough candy to last us until Santa fills the stockings.

Happy (almost) Halloween, everyone!

Mid Week Blahs

It's been such a long week...and it's only Wednesday.

Tomorrow is Trick or Treat, Al & Ad's class parties are Friday, and I have nothing ready. We haven't even carved our pumpkin yet. Guess when we'll have time to do that? Saturday. Swell.

Perhaps I'll cut out a bunch of feathers from construction paper and we'll just make the damn thing a turkey.

I'm done, Wednesday. Be gone, so we can start fresh tomorrow and hope for a better day.

301

The 300th post of the year went up last night, and it was a yawner. I'm afraid the 301st post won't be much different.

Schedules are crazy, the mama is tired, and the kids don't ever want to go to bed OR wake up for school. I'd like to think things will calm down in a couple of weeks, but I'm realistic to know that this won't be the case.

Maybe in 15 years I can sit down and rest...

Yaaaawn

I am up way past my bedtime. I enjoy the quiet of this house, that is only available after 10pm, way too much. But, sadly, I pay for it dearly the next day. It's a vicious cycle.

Good night.

Another one...

Yep. Another one was missed. Ugh.

I was too stinking tired last night to do much of anything, including posting a blog, so this makes the fourth one I've missed. Fourth? Fifth? Not sure anymore. Out of nearly 10 straight months, I guess that's still not bad.

Anyway, good Monday to you all. Mine has started out pretty challenging and blah, so hopefully things take a turn for the better. We shall see.

Boo at the Zoo

This afternoon, I took Addie and Andrew to Boo at the Zoo. I figured the zoo would be busy today, because it was a lovely fall day, so I encouraged Alex to spend the afternoon with his nana. I hate it that he misses out on events like this, and it brings on horrible bouts of mommy guilt, but I know that he really does not like crowds and would much rather play Uno with Nana rather than fight through tons of people. So off we went.

I was right in my hunch that there would be lots of people at the zoo today; we had to park clear in the back of the parking lot and walk quite a while to the gate. We made it through the entrance and headed toward the treat stations, as the kids were anxious to collect some candy.

Now, I realize that I am pretty strict about good manners, but I was still amazed by the lack of common courtesy demonstrated by the masses of people today. People cut in front of us in lines, we got run in to with strollers, people allowed their children to push in front of my kids to see the animals. Ugh. It took a lot for me to contain my disgust, and while we managed to see quite several of our favorite animals, we did not stay for as long as I anticipated. It just wasn't worth the frustration. As season pass holders, we much prefer the zoo when it isn't wall to wall people, so we'll go back another time.

I seriously will look into the private tours for the Wildlights event...

First Sleepover

Alex has been dying to have his friend sleep over since they became good friends last year in third grade. He had never had a sleep over with friends, and because bedtime battles are so awful, we've put it off.

Until now.

Alex was talking about a sleep over again, at the beginning of this week, so I decided to give it a shot. His friend accepted the invitation, and they have spent the evening playing basketball, eating pizza, watching tv, and playing games. Al's friend is a sweet and patient kid that really makes an effort to understand and help Alex, without making it seem obvious that he's helping. Does that even make sense? They definitely have a special bond, and they both seem to be having a great time.

#InclusionMatters

I'm Beginning to Shop a Lot Like Christmas...

Yes, I do realize that it isn't even Halloween. But, when your house celebrates four birthdays (Andrew's, my nephew, my sister, and my brother-in-law), Hanukkah, and Christmas, all within about four weeks, you get an early start on things.

I went out tonight, mostly to get a breather from the kids and the chaos that is our home, but also to pick up some things for the kids' fall parties at school next week. After picking up some party supplies, I headed over to our Kohl's store, because I had two coupons and some Kohl's Cash burning a hole in my pocket. I was super excited to pick up several gifts (one for my niece, two for Andrew, one for Alex, and two stocking stuffers for Addie), plus a shirt for Addie...for less than $25!! Woo hoo!

I'm still on a shopping high. Hopefully, I'll have the majority of my shopping done by the beginning of December so I can wrap, bake, and be jolly for the rest of the month.

Oops

My patience wore down quicker than it usually does this morning, especially for a Wednesday. No one wanted to get up, get dressed for school, or listen to any words that I said. We're all exhausted; I get it. I tried my best to stay calm and go with the flow of the morning, even though we were on course to be late for everything.

After Alex and Addie left on the bus, Andrew and I scurried about, gathering our things so we could leave the house as well. Andrew is old enough to be responsible for his things, as are his siblings, and I try to hold them accountable rather than just doing things for them because it's quicker. (This also contributes to the process of wearing down my patience, though!)

As we were loading up the van (Wednesdays are very long days and I leave the house with a ton of stuff!), Andrew realized that he left his water bottle in the house.

My response? "Well, I guess you better march your happy little tushie back inside to get it!" Yeah, probably not wise to add sarcasm to a hectic morning, but I totally went there. He hopped out of the van, ran back into the house, and came out looking quite irritated.

"Andrew, what's wrong?"

"Mommy! It is not nice to make fun of someone's body parts!" came his immediate answer.

Obviously concerned, I agreed with him. "You're absolutely right! It's never ok to make fun of anybody, but especially for the way they look! What made you think of this?"

"Uh, Mommy, you just did it! You made fun of my happy butt!"

My left eyebrow about shot off the top of my head. "Oh, Andrew, no. I wasn't making fun of your tushie. It was just an expression. I'm sorry if it hurt your feelings. I promise I wasn't making fun of you."

Goodness. I guess I need to watch my snarky comments. What a way to start the day!

I Run 4

I blogged over here today! Go check it out!

Stimming

Alex has a new habit: burping.

He is making me crazy with it; in our 18 minute commute home tonight, he averaged around 5 burps/minute. That is 90 burps in one car ride. I really can't take it.

I've read that children with Down syndrome will demonstrate a stimming behavior when they are seeking sensory input. So, I've been trying to figure out what we can offer to replace the belching. We've been through this before, with teeth grinding and nipple rubbing (his own, not someone else's, but still...). Before we can find a solution, he seems to move on to another behavior. This one is killing me.

I know his impulsiveness plays into this, but beyond that, I'm stumped. We were told that it's "just a boy thing", but I'm not buying it. Burping at the table, or in class, for laughs is one thing; relentless belching is another. It's gross, it's socially unacceptable, and my nerves are completely shot. There has to be more behind it. Maybe his ears are full of fluid, and this helps him pop them? I feel like that's a stretch. He says there is something stuck in his throat, and that his tooth is loose. I can't piece either of those together. He does have an appointment with his ENT on Friday, so perhaps we can gain some insight from that.

Good, good times. So how was your Monday?

Sunday

Today was a long day. Long, but terrific. 

We started our day at church, and then I got to spend the afternoon with friends. I ended my day back at church, watching Addie rehearse for an upcoming musical. Now I've got all three kids in bed and I'm enjoying some trashy tv (can't miss my housewives!). 

Couldn't have asked for a better day. 

Things I Actually Said Today...

I have a headache. Could it be because I heard myself say some ridiculous things today? Here's a sampling:

AlexANDer, the dog can NOT fold laundry.

And why would you leave the bathroom if you weren't finished wiping?!?

Please get the underpants off of your head. Now.

Give me the snakes. I am so done with this.

It is not nice to call him an "hour hogger". Please do not call him that again.

We do not chase each other with shoes.

Please do not write "butt". Your sight word is "but".

Ok, we are not going to race each other in the laundry baskets.

And perhaps the best of all (seeing as it's not even Halloween yet):

Santa is watching.

I think I can make it to bedtime. I wonder how many more lovely phrases I can add to this before then?

Family Photos

Who waits until the evening before a family photo shoot to check the weather for the next day?

Yep. Me. 

After realizing that it will be much cooler than anticipated, who scrambled about trying to find coordinating vests, scarves, and mittens?

Yep. Me. 

After finally returning home and trying to relax, who realizes that the shoot is actually scheduled for 11:30am rather than 10am?

Yep. You guessed it. 

Let's just hope that the kids are somewhat cooperative. I would really love a new family photo. 

At least I can return the vests if we won't need them...

Early Weekend

The kids don't have school tomorrow, which means that our weekend starts early. Hooray!! We're all tired and in need of an extra day off. 

Bedtime Blues

I remember thinking, when the kids were toddlers, that once they got older their bedtime rituals would be simpler. 

I was wrong. Very, very wrong. 

Bedtime is hairy. We are all exhausted by the time 8pm rolls around, and some evenings we don't get home until after 9pm. 

Let's all just cross our fingers that this situation improves soon. This mama is tired. 

Bedtime Battles

It's been a long day. I am more than ready to go to bed. 

Of course, this means that Alex is fighting bedtime. Super. 

Hopefully soon we'll all get some rest. Cross your fingers. 

Candy Corn

For me, candy corn ranks right up there with pumpkin on my list of things to NOT eat in the fall. I don't like either one of these popular autumn treats, and I feel like I'm in a definite minority.

Today I had to run a quick errand after I left work and before the kids got home from school. As I dashed to the checkout (I had 15 minutes to shop at Target, you guys...it is possible!), I passed an end cap loaded with bags of candy corn. I screeched to a halt, nearly dropping my armload of goodies (no cart at Target means you spend less, right?), to grab a bag for Addie and Andrew. They do like candy corn, and I thought I would toss some into some Bugles (or "witch hats") for a fun, fall snack mix.

As I stood in line, staring disdainfully at the colorful little candies, this song came to my head. "I don't like candy corn! No, I don't like candy corn!" This was popular when Alex was younger (and when Nick Jr was Noggin!), and I find myself humming it every year as soon as the stores bust out with their Halloween candy (you know, in July).

It's a catchy little tune, for sure. I can't get it out of my head...

Sneaky

Tonight, as I checked out the kids before I went to my room to watch tv, I noticed a fuzzy little nose peeking out from the boys' room. I quickly deduced that Alex took Maisey to his room, probably with hopes she would snuggle up in his bed. 

As I opened the door, I heard some loud, fake snoring. This was apparently Al's attempt to convince me that Maisey came upstairs on her own and shut the door. 

Funny guy. You have to give him credit for trying. ;)

Goofed again

Saturday was a really busy day. I kind of fell over into bed and that was the end of it. I did realize, just before drifting off to sleep, that I didn't blog...and sleep won over getting out of bed to come down to my desk and write. It happens.

Missing four out of 284 still isn't terrible. There are 80 days left this year. That's plenty more blogs to write.

Party Time

Friday night, 9:42pm. 

Pinterest, Reese's miniatures, and Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.  

Such a party animal, I am. Happy Friday. 

Guest Blogger

I blogged over here today, with a little help from a special guest. ;) Check it out!

Vacation

I need a vacation. Having a break from the chaos would be lovely. 

That is all. 

Broken Record

Busy. Tired. Headache.

This is becoming the norm. Ugh.

Collaboration

With October being Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I've been reading a lot of great articles and blog posts. Last week, when I saw a Facebook post from The Mighty asking if anyone would answer a few questions for an upcoming post, I jumped on it.

I was excited to see some of my input worked into this piece on The Mighty's site. There are some great quotes here, and hopefully they will be of assistance to those just learning of a Down syndrome diagnosis for their baby.

Pre-Monday Blahs

A busy weekend plus a case of pre-Mondat blahs makes for an exhausting Sunday night. You know what helps? Bravo tv. 

Time to get back to my stories...

Life

"Hey, when you're out, pick up a new board game that we can all play later!"

These were the words from my husband this afternoon, and I agreed; it sounded like fun. Before my daughter and I left Target today, we stopped by the toy department and selected The Game of Life. My sister and I used to play this all the time when we were kids. We loved it! I was excited to share the game with my kids.

As with most things, we should have waited a bit longer before trying this.

Nobody could keep track of their paydays, there were cards scattered everywhere, everyone was talking over everyone else. Ugh. Not fun at all.

There were a couple of funny parts, but the game became exhausting and grew old. Appropriate, I suppose: life is tiring, stressful, and if you're lucky, kind of funny sometimes.

After the kids cleaned up the game, I slyly slid it under a cabinet with my foot. I hope they forget we own it, at least for a few days. I need time to recover.

TGIF

Ugh. TGIF. That's really all I have to say (fine, write) for now. 

Here's to a relaxing weekend!

Ballad

After we (finally!) made it through Alex's homework assignment tonight, he told me that he was sad today because his friend Erick had to leave school early. Apparently, Erick got sick in art class. After explaining this to me, Al grabbed a nearby toy to use as a microphone and launched into a ballad worthy of long hair and leopard print jeans:

Errrrrrrrrrick!! I miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiss you!
But you threw uuuuuuuuuuuuuup!
I looooooove you!

(Repeat, at least 14 times.)

Erick, we hope you feel well soon!

Refresher

It's no secret that our schedules are nuts around here. The kids are fortunate in that they can participate in lots of activities, and Mark and I also have at least one "night out" where we can get a break. Our schedules are quite opposite these days, but he and I both need the break away from the chaos.

Right now, my break falls on Wednesday nights, when I attend a bible study class at my church. Not only is it a chance for my to expand my understanding of my religion, but it is also time for me to sit and catch my breath. I can listen to and participate in conversations with friends, without being asked for more chocolate milk, or breaking up a fight, or telling someone to get away from the dog. It's lovely.

I leave with a feeling of peace, and although it's a fleeting moment (as I'm all too soon back to filling cups of chocolate milk and yelling about the dog), it gets me through to Sundays, when I can once again sit quietly and enjoy the peace.