The Milestones are creating an avalanche

No one told me that once a child hits 2 its like a boulder that picks up speed and they start growing up so fast. We are experiencing it now. In the past month or so we knocked out potty training and getting rid of the crib, changing table, and diaper champ (thank god).

We also have been introduced to a somewhat Terrible 2 who resists baths, getting dressed, and generally doing what you want them to do whenever she feels like it. (Some days are better than others.)

The Nap has been a struggle and I am beginning to fear it is on its way out. Not that she doesn't need it but the resistance is intense and when it comes 3pm I just throw in the towel and look forward to an earlier bedtime.

Last weekend I had my first knock at the door and 5 kids asking "Can Skylar come out and play?"So cute and it took me back to the days when I was that kid knocking or waiting for the Ice Cream Truck or having to be home when the street lights came on.

Once you have a child you just start to adjust to it. I am in bed by 11pm most nights. Often earlier. It is Sat night at 7:30 pm and I am in my PJs because of a 6:30 wake, day on the trampoline, country fair, no nap, and boundless energy from Miss S. It is a sweet tired though. Looking forward to a glass of wine and movie on the couch with my Man.

I mentioned the trampoline....yep...Grand Mare (my Mom) bought it for Skylar's B-day. We resisted initially for fear of it eating up our backyard. But, I think we both agree the benefits outweigh the eye soreness. Hours of fun. And, the enclosure means Mom and Dad can drink a beer and watch from the sidelines... ah simple pleasures of familydom.

Does this mean...

...I officially have a little girl?

Skylar and her buddy Molly playing dress up on Saturday night.

Intesresting side note: Skylar is in the 80-90th percentile height. Her Daddy and I are pretty tall. Molly is only 2 months older than Skylar and off the charts as you can see (although she may be wearing little heels here). Her Mom is 6'3" and her Dad is 6'5" - Supermodels in the making...

A BIG week for little Miss S

Last week was a week of major milestones for the C family. We started serious potty training and switched to a toddler bed. I am noting her age for the history books (and for my sister who always calls to ask WHEN things happened since she has a little one 18 months behind Skylar.)

Skylar is 2 years 2 months old.

POTTY TIME

We have been introducing the potty and encouraging it for awhile and ramped it up a bit after her 2nd B-day. Then, we had a few rainy day and I decided to go for it. She has taken to it like a champ. The first few days there were no accidents at all. Amazing. Of course we have had some since, but, in general we have had major success. We even went to the Discovery Science Center yesterday where we made 3 trips to the restroom (at her request) -- all successful. Bye bye diapers. (Except for nap and nighttime. We have not tried that yet because she still wakes with a 2 pounder.)

And for those wondering -- we pretty much just skipped pull ups and went to panties. The accidents are messy but I think that has been part of the key to our success -- well that plus bribery in the form of Skittles or M&Ms.

And for the record, being potty trained is a key milestone but prepare yourself for multiple trips. I expect my thighs to be in major shape from squatting in front of a public toilet while simultaneously holding my daughter up with both arms so she doesn't fall in and trying to ensure neither of us touch anything at all.

A Potty Story...

At the Discovery Science Center we went to the bathroom for Skylar to go #2. After she went she looked in the bowl and said "Ew! Yucky Poopy!" I said, "Yep, its yucky." She looked closely at it and said, "It has an eye." "What?" As I peered into the bowl. She was right, in a funny way it looked like it had an eye. "It kind of looks like an eye, doesn't it?" I said. Then she looked at me and said: "It sees us." Then I flushed it.

TODDLER BED

This came ahead of schedule (in my mind) since I had vowed to keep her in a crib as long as I possibly could fearing bedtime (which is relatively easy now) would turn into a nightmare. But, she escaped the crib on a Monday and by Tuesday night she was in a toddler bed. The first 2 nights went pretty well in terms of falling asleep. And overall, the transition has not been as difficult as I imagined.

But, it has gotten a little tough since she quickly discovered she could get up and out whenever she wants. So, bedtime has become a little drawn out and we have had a night waking each night somewhere between 2:30 and 4:30 AM since we switched her. I think it is the novelty and hoping we return to uninterrupted sleep soon.

But, it is exciting to see my little girl growing up -- so fast and all at once.

Getting Cold Feet...

On Valentine's Day my sister, her husband, and their 8 month old daughter came over for dinner. We had a great time. My sister's daughter is such a sweet mellow baby. She never cries (seriously - hardly ever) and is always agreeable. She and Skylar played and snuggled and I felt excited and optimistic about our choice to have another.

Then, yesterday my neighbor came by to hang with M and drink a few beers. At about 4 his wife came over with their 3 year old and 3.5 month old (a bit annoyed) to remind him she needed to go to Costco and he needed to watch the kids.

We told him to stay and his daughter could play with Skylar. I scooped up the baby to help him out. Well, after a bit he began to cry...and cry...and cry. I could quiet him at first, but then there was no consoling him. His Dad had bee-lined outside with my husband and S was in a mood and not sharing well with the 3 year old who came to visit. I had flash backs of the first few months of S's life which were so difficult. So much crying, so little time to think or relax.

And, this wasn't my child so it was easy to feel - uh -- not as patient with the crying. Plus, I did not know this baby, what soothed him, how he liked to be held, etc.



Then my neighbor came back in to relieve me of his crying son and he and my husband proceeded to talk about how tough having 2 is. How your free time is shot. This caused my husband to again express his lack of excitement for the decision to have 2. How he is selfish and likes his free time. How it is a lifelong commitment to others. How the infant stage sucks.

It brought back all of the feelings I had in the first 6 months of S's life. Stress from all the crying and so little time for myself. Guilt for making my husband unhappy. Fear that we will never have a night on our own again.

After they left and I had dinner with my daughter and enjoyed her ongoing conversation. I thought about how much I loved this age. How the interaction and love is so rewarding. How far we have come. And how the infant stage was so hard for us.

I'm scared. I know I love being a Mom. I know that I would love for Skylar to experience the love and closeness of a sibling. But, I am afraid of feeling stressed, overwhelmed, overtired, and unable to concentrate fully on my girl. I am afraid of causing a strain on my marriage. I am afraid of PPD and being unhappy -- again.

This AM, M saw me laying in bed thinking and asked what was up. I replied, "Having the baby over yesterday and your reaction to him has made me afraid. I don't want to feel guilty for you not liking your life." He said, "Well, I made a commitment to you. I love you." A good response, I think. But, I am still afraid.

Trying to get Pregnant is...

...just as un-fun as it was the first time around.

Don't get me wrong, it's not the s-e-x that is un-fun (we are pretty consistent so it is no major ramp up, just a timing thing).

It's the trying for something.

That just doesn't come easy.

For me, that is.

Maybe all my jokes about rotten eggs are coming back to bite me.

Holiday Pics --Yea, I know it's January

I have been a very delinquent blogger, picture uploader, and all around slacking as an internet ho. Work was getting in the way of my life. And, life chasing a 2 year old is fun but exhausting. So, once the girl hits the pillow this mama is getting things ready for manana the hitting the chaise lounge. Couple that with efforts to try and make a baby and there you have it.

But, here are some highlights from December 2008. Kicking it off with Skylar's Birthday...
We just had a simple party with family and a few friends. That still equaled 30 people but small in comparison to some of the shin digs other Mamas throw.

Making a wish.

Getting a Bday kiss from buddy Max.


Christmas Eve with Cousin Charlotte



Oh my, my little girl is a little lady. Time to invest in the Little House on the Prairie series. What is childhood without Half Pint?

Christmas morning Santa brought a Whoopee Cushion. Refills itself automatically...ah technology. Where were those when I was growing up?

Chilling on Christmas morning with Auntie Haley (my younger sister)

All dressed up and Daddy's little girl. I am getting all misty just looking at these two.


Sisters


This may not look like anything special to you this may very well be my uncle's first taste of alcohol. My family peer pressured him and chanted until he did a shot of tequila. Too bad I didn't get the after picture where he looked like he would puke. Yea, tequila on Christmas...Thanksgiving was Goldschlager...seriously.

Feliz Navidad

Little Miss Turns 2

My little baby is now a little girl. She tuned 2 on Saturday. We had a wonderful weekend that started with Disneyland on Friday a birthday bash on Saturday and buying and decorating our Christmas Tree on Sunday.

Skylar's personality just grows every day. You can alreadytell the person she will become:

Affectionate - always giving out hugs and kisses to family and friends big and small

Sweet - if you say Oh No or gasp she asks "Are you OK?" Today she told me she would lock me in my office and I told her I was scared. She came to me, gave me a hug and a kiss, said, "I love you. You still scared? I will just shut the door a little bit." She always says "Sorry" for too many things. A bad habit she gets from her mother.

Brave - She went on a few rides at Disneyland that I knew made her uneasy. She just kept repeating "It's not scary. It's NOT scary." As if she could talk herself out of it.

Funny - She cracks me up. Daily.

Feisty and Firey - She has a temper but it is always a short burst. She contains it fast and moves on.

Smart - My girl is a smart cookie. I could go on and on with all of the things she says and does that amazes me for her age. But, I already tell so many stroies about her I don't want to make others gag with my proud mama tales.

I love this little person more than I could imagine. These two years were tough but worth every minute. I can't imagine my life without this little person and feel lucky to think I will know her for the rest of my life.

Happy Birthday Baby

Not Rated G

So, the unthinkable became thinkable today.

Skylar has been obsessed with the Signing Time video after I popped it in once last week. What is so thrilling about sign language and toddlers trying to do sign language? Apparently everything! She squeals with delight when I throw that puppy on and she is becoming pretty darn good with all of the signs. Funny, because she can speak all of the words much better than signing, but she likes to do both and I am learning some signs too.

So, I put the DVD on in my Master Bedroom the other day so she could watch a little Signing Times when I was putting away laundry.

Well today, she remembered, climbed on my bed and said, "Signing Time? Just one show??" (I always say "just one show" in my attempts to limit TV -- so she has caught on to the fact that I think mimicking mommy is so cute.)

So, I said, "OK, just one show" and turned on the TV/DVD and hit Play. Much to my dismay what does appear but a good old fashioned adult film. OK, you go tme, Porn. And not that soft Marilyn Chambers porn. Real down and dirty porn. We are talking a scene that has zoomed into areas where the sun does not shine.

In a panic quickly jumped in front of the TV and hit Open/Eject and fumbled for my savior: Signing Time.

I had forgotten about the Mommy and Daddy Time movie the night before and just assumed that Oswald, Elmo, or Signing Time was in the DVD as always.

My husband was there and thought it was quite funny. He swore to me what I thought was a never ending freeze frame of baby scarring filth was about 2.5 seconds and of no consequence to our little gal. I looked in her eyes and could see all she was wondering was, "Where is Signing Time?"

Phew!

"Two in December!"

That is what my little gals says when people ask how old she is. Apparently that is what I always say. She is my little parrot. She also says "Shoot!" and "Holy Moley!" Apparently I am a total dork.

Here is my supergirl making the "world's tallest block tower." Let's hope she doesn't aspire to have those the big plates of meat feet that fit into my slippers she's wearing.

Here is a pic I love because it signifies Daddy love which means a bit of Mommy break. It took some time to get here and now it is oh so sweet.

Listening skills

Men don't have them. Correction. Husbands don't have them. And this is made worse by TV, sports, commercials, commercials about sports, etc.

I have resigned to the fact that M tunes me out. Often. More often then he should. He knows it. He's sorry. It continues. I accept it.

I seriously don't hold it against him (most of the time) since I am a chatter box (Official title received in First Grade). I talk. I like to share things. Sometimes I feel like if I don't tell people things it didn't happen.

Funny thing is, M likes to talk too. But, I listen. I know about all his friends at work and from business school. I remind him who recently got married, who had another baby. "Guys don't talk about those things, " he says. Really? A new baby does not make it into the conversation? Even when you spent all day drinking with them at a USC tail gate? Wow, men and women are different. I can't go too long without a Skylar mention or tale. It is just such a huge part of my life.

Well anyway...this is just a lead up to a story that struck me as very funny. Last night we visited friends with a 10 day old baby girl. We were walking up their front walk, me with a lasagna in hand, M with the girl in arms. As we were walking I see a big spider web with a big spider in it, head high on M's side of the sidewalk.

I say, "Watch out for the big spider.!"

No response. (I assume he sees it)

As heeds straight for it I say, "Whoa, you are walking right into it!"

He responds, "What?! Where?!" as he nicks the side of the web with his head -- a near miss.

"It was right there."

He turns and sees it and says, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did."

"You didn't tell me I was walking toward it."

"I said 'watch out for the spider'."

"Well you didn't say it was right where I was walking." (Scrambling to find a way to blame me without admitting he tuned me out.)

"I wouldn't have said 'watch out' I would have said -- hey look at that spider'."

But, I am convinced this is all he hears when I speak.

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3842279/10491600

;)

TAGGED

I have been tagged by a sassy fellow Mom blogger (who I'll call Dirty ;) that I know better online than I do in person. Hopefully that will change some day. Ah the crazy world of virtual friendships...

1. Where is your cell phone? On the desk next to me

2. Where is your significant other? Golfing but he calls it working. Must be nice...

3. Your hair color? Med brown although I have been called red

4. Your mother's name? Martha aka Marti

5. Your father's name? Edward aka Tony

6. Your favorite thing, not person? Wine and family. My iPhone

7. Your dream last night? I can't remember although I had a dream the night before that M and I were also married to another couple - WTF?

8. Your dream goal? To be content in the present without always thinking about "what's next?"

9. The room you're in? Home office at my Nana's house

10. Your hobby? Before or after I became a Mom? Before: Golf, reading, writing, wine, yoga. After: Wine is the only one that made it through...

11. Your fear? Not being able to handle it all. Death and aging

12. Where do you want to be in six years? Enjoying my family and doing a job that I find more personally satisfying. Own business perhaps...

13. Where were you last night? Driving back from a work trip in San Diego then arriving home to my family -- the best

14. What you’re not? Lazy

15. One of your wish list items? A Jacuzzi or a bathtub that fits my tall self comfortably

16. Where you grew up? Cerritos and Irvine

17. The last thing you did? Read a book and sang a song before I put my daughter down for her nap

18. What are you wearing? Shorts, blouse, beige jacket, and pink fuzzy socks (no I am not retarded)

19. Your TV? What about it?

20. Your pet? Rueben -- the best dog ever if you don't factor in obedience. He is at my Mom's - we have joint custody

21. Your computer? Overused

22. Your mood? Generally happy -- even jolly -- recently a bit stressed

23. Missing someone? I miss a lot of people if I sit down and think about them. Time and friends move too fast

24. Your car? Maggie. A little clunky but gets the job done

25. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes

27. Your summer? Busy - too busy

28. Love someone? Oh yes

29. Your favorite color? Purple

30. When is the last time you laughed? This morning when my daughter heard my husband's shower end and she said "I want to see it" and I said "what?" 'The penis"

31. Last time you cried? Last week when I saw my 16 year old sister's school assignment that asked "Who is your role model" and it said "my sisters"

Sick sick sick

Yep, Skylar was sick. High fever that reached 104.5. A bit scary but I remained pretty calm. I think our past which includes ER rooms, 10 nights at CHOC, and emergency surgery makes the small stuff seem just that...small.

I am still however an information junkie, internet researcher, and apparently master diagnostician. She had Roseola which I guessed and confirmed. The good thing about that illness is that despite the high fever and goofy spots that look like you drew them on with a red pen for a Pippi Longstocking Halloween costume, Skylar remained in pretty good spirits throughout.

Roseola -- that's off my back. Onto the Terrible Twos...which I think are knocking at my door because a new high pitch scream has emerged which makes me cringe and want to hide in public places lest people think I am one of "THOSE parents" with no control. I am doing my best to discourage it but sometimes M and I can't help but laugh.

Below are some pics of my sick girl. Whatta Ham...

Who's the Boss?

No, not Tony Danza...Skylar C. It seems that in the past 2 weeks her language has exploded even more. M came back from his work trip in Spain and commented that he came back to a full blown little person.

With language she has gotten pretty bossy, in a cute way. She wanted something to drink and I said,

"OK, I'll get it."

S: "No, sit down Mommy. I get it."

Then she walked to the fridge and started pulling on the handle and said, "ooo, heavy, heavy. Mommy help you?"

So I helped her out. Then she said, "Thank you Mommy."

This morning we were getting in the car to head to my Nana's and she said,

"I want Baby."

So I went in the house and got her doll.

When I returned she said, "Otro Baby!" (My bilingual girl)

I asked, "Baby Susi or Little Baby?"

S: "Little Baby!"

So I went to get Little Baby (which is a scary mutant baby who has no hands or feet courtesy of my dog Rueben.)

When I returned with the Mutant she said, "No! Little Baby Susi!"

Now this is not so cute. But, I got damn Susi and we took off in the car where she made me sing "Jingle Bell Rock" for much of the way. If I stopped she yelled, "Mas Jingle Bell!"

We are working on the "Please" and a better tone for requests -- I promise. She has "Thank you" and "No Thank you" down though.

But, you tend to forget the bossiness when you are driving, sneeze and hear a little voice behind you say, "Bless you."

Motherhood is awesome.

What a way to wake up

I love how kids wake up so happy. This is how I found Skylar after her nap yesterday. What a cutie. Couple that with how much she is talking: "Thank you Mommy for the juicy grapes" was a sentence I received on Friday.

Right now she is obsessed with a baby doll in a stroller and pushes it around, tells the baby "Don't Do That!" tells me she is changing her diaper or "Shhh! Baby is sleeping." Where do little girl's naturally get that? Some serious hard wiring in the genes I tell you because I have not pushed dolls or stressed those behaviors. It is adorable regardless of where it comes from.

Here is an interesting story which makes me think my kid is psychic...

When I was a little girl, I used to pretend that hills we saw in the distance were dinosaurs from the prehistoric ages that laid down to die and were covered with dirt, etc. as time went on. I am not sure where I got or heard that or if I made it up. But, I used to always think it.

I have never shared that with Skylar and we don't really have anything dinosaur related in our house except for 1 book.

Well, we were driving on the 405 near Shady Canyon and there are dry grassy hills off the freeway. She looks at the window and says, "Mommy, look! Dinosaurs!" WTF!!???

A little kindred spirit. I love that girl.

Skylar picked a winner!

So, Skylar's older boyfriend is a gentleman too. Skylar attended his 5th B-day party and got him a Transformer. This is what she received in the mail.

His Mom is/was a school teacher so it makes some sense.

Note to self: Have Skylar do this when she gets older. So, cute and thoughtful.

My niece is 3 months old

...and I am a proud Auntie. She is about the best baby I have ever seen. So mellow and a great sleeper. Hopefully if I have another I he/she will have an easy temperament (fingers crossed.)

Skylar loves to spaz out and dance in front of Charlotte and she just smiles and smiles at her big cousin. The start of a wonderful relationship I think... If she and Skylar are half as close as my sister and me, I will be eternally grateful.

Speaking of #2, I got M on board for another baby. Well, he may not be "on board", more like hanging on to the rear bumper but he's on there. He gave in for me, but I will take it because life is full of compromises and I don't think he'll great...I know he won't.

Now that it is a reality and I didn't refill my RX that I was supposed to start yesterday, I am not sure how I am feeling. Excited, yes. Afraid, you betcha.

I worry that it will not happen again for us after 7 months trying for S and a few more years under my belt. I am afraid of another miscarriage. I am afraid of splitting my time and attention with another child because it seems hard to imagine. I am afraid of the first three months and a crying and fussy baby. I am afraid about how I can juggle work, a home, a toddler, and a newborn without feeling like a hot mess.

But, when I think of Skylar kissing her little bro or sis, future family vacations, and Christmas vacations home from college I know it is the right thing for us. I cannot imagine life without my daughter nor do I want to. Having her has brought a lot of happiness and (strangely enough) tranquility. You only live once...you better live it up.

Oh Wise One

This AM Skylar and I were having breakfast. I was eating a half of an Everything Bagel with cream cheese. Skylar points at my bagel and says, "Birdseed Pizza." I looked at it and agreed. ;)

My little stinker..

...and nudist.

Caught being naked and naughty.

How do you get mad at this girl?

You like my Photoshop skills?

So Delinquent...

But 3 big excuses:

1- Mother in Law was in town. And although she did not sleep at our house (she stayed at a friend's who is going through a divorce) she was and is all encompassing when she is around. With gold lame kitten heels and bedazzled blouses in hand she can talk the paint off the walls and invade all semblance of person space. But, I love her regardless, just am always a bit happy when she flies away.

Here we are at our one night on the town sans sweet pea. The Improv -- there are few things I love as much as comedy shows, massages are one, and the others shall rename nameless.

2 - Work trip. Yada yada. But, another confidence building event for me leaving the little gal with her Daddy. They did just fine while Mom worked until all hours and stayed at the Doubletree in LA. Not fancy but good cookies.

3- Stomach Flu. I would post a pic of the excretions from all three of us, but that would not be in good taste. In better taste is a montage of the past few weeks...some good times were weaved in. ;)

Future musician at her toddler play class

With my sister and cousin doing girlie stuff like hair

With Daddy

With Mommy

A girl and her dog -- not to mention my two babies

The OC Fair

We try to hit the OC Fair every year. We got engaged there 5 years ago. My poor hubby did not think that when he planned an unlikely spot for a proposal (because I was expecting it and I knew he hates the Fair) I don't think he realized himself he was doomed for a reunion every year. But, he always makes it worthwhile with some beers and fair fare ...Gyros, BBQ Beef, Funnel Cake...all the things the Fair is good for.

This was Skylar's first year and although I do think she is a little too young to enjoy the Fair, she was great and had fun. I don't think she was aware of all of the mullets and tattooed muffin tops around her -- thank God for being only 19 months...

Here are some highlights...

This little dude had soem serious stalker tendencies. Skylar told hime she would consider if he would loose the Hawaiian shirt