Parachute Fun

Well, it has been an active fun filled day - and it's only just begun!!  We woke up to a snow covered world this morning.  It made for a nice break from the grey that Iowa winters usually entail.

This mornings big activity was going to the library for Parachute Play.  It's a popular program, and requires registration which is a bummer. We missed out on it previously because it fills up very quickly.  It is once a month, so I'll be registering again for April really soon.

There were some other programs for kids going on at the same time as this one because when we got to the parking lot there were school buses, and general mayhem.  I ended up parking by VF's school and we walked through the skywalk to reach the library.  I'm sure we were quite the sight to drivers below. I had JA in the Moby wrap, a backpack diaper bag, and carrying VF for part of the walk it was quite a workout. I was glad that I left 20 minutes early though because we made it just in time!

VF saw the parachute through the window and was so excited I had to drag her away from it to go in the door around the corner.  Silly kid.  As soon as we hit the room she was peeling off the coat and shoes and racing out to run with friends.  Now I remember playing with a parachute a couple times at school when I was a kid, and can I don't remember it being as much of an arm workout!  Why don't gyms have a parachute workout class?

Veda ran and sang and had a really great time.  After class the instructor blew some bubbles, which of course was a hit.  I haven't let VF blow any indoors, and she hasn't wanted to go outside to do it.   So it was a well timed side activity for her.  Afterward I saw there was a concert for kids in the auditorium that was just about to start.  So we popped in for some impromptu music fun.  It was a very talented and patient quartet.  They have to be when a train goes by and half the audience runs for the windows!

Both girls loved the show. We were due for a potty break so off to the bathroom to change a diaper, assist VF and generally juggle everyone and everything.  I know this isn't what you come here to read about but just know - the bathroom struggle when outnumbered is real.  Poor Jo was laying on coats so I could wash my hands!  Next we went down to the kids library so VF could play while JA ate.  I would have gone straight to the car - but JA was a bit upset at being overdue.  So after playing with trains and eating it was a quick scurry through the sky walk and back to the car.  The downside of parking in front of the school is that we needed to move the car before pick-up.  I can't say that no one was upset about a vacant car in the pick-up line; but I can say that no one was inconvenienced.  We were on our way as the first child exited the building.

That's my morning.  I'm exhausted, but grateful that both girls are down for a nap. Now if only it lasts a bit longer I'll get some sleep too!

The Big Bad Wolf

So while VF was sick she spent a fair amount of time watching cartoons.  Since Netflix has some Silly Symphonies on it right now, I took advantage and showed her some of the old ones from my childhood.  She saw the three little pigs, in three different short shows.  Of course the big bad wolf made a big impression.  During the first show while the wolf blowed down the stick house and the piggies ran she cried out "That wolf wants to eat those piggies!" "He's hungry." And when practical pig held the door to the brick house open she said "Over here, come in my house and be safe!"  So she was definitely getting the idea of the plot.

As with most things it then became a game.  Daddy or myself would play the wolf, and she would be the princess piggy running away to her room. While we blowed the door down she would hide. Well last night Daddy was the wolf, and she was hiding in her room.  JA was up on VF's bed just playing with her feet and socks.  The wolf came in and looked around, not finding VF though he went over to the bed and started to eat JA.  VF didn't waste any time, she leaped from her hiding spot crying out, "No not my Jovi! Not my baby sister!" She put her hands up by her face turning into a lion. "ROAR!" And that lion chased the wolf right out of there.

It's a pretty good time.  Meanwhile, VF isn't just pretending the princess part.  Aunt Alicia sent up a Sleeping Beauty dress for her, and she has worn it every day since.  Thanks Auntie. 

Finally, regarding her being ill, she has an ear infection. She is on antibiotics.  Of course it is between us having health insurances due to S switching jobs, and policies not being allowed to start mid month.  We ended up ahead though, because health insurance is $926 a month. And the Dr. visit, and medicine without insurance was only $100.  This whole health insurance thing is quite the racket, and it's pretty ridiculously priced.  Next year we will give Obamacare a try and see how it is priced for us.

My lovey girl

J was lying on the floor under her new toy crying.  She'd had enough of it I guess.  I was wrapped up and couldn't get to her that minute.  VF went over to her got down next to her and says "Don't cry.  I'm here.  Mommy's here.  Fletcher here.  Jovi here.  It all ok.  Let me help you play!"  Does it get any sweeter?

An amazing Friday

V was sharing the happy all day on Friday, so here are our stories.

On the way to school I gave her a bowl of O's to eat. The bowl I used is the one with the plastic flap lid that helps discourage messes.  I had bought it for J because it was on sale somewhere.  Now V had seen this bowl used by friends at different playtimes.  Well you would think I had just handed her the toy of the year.  "I have one of these?" "Holden has this bowl!" "Just like my friends!" Yep, the kid was over the moon because of a bowl.

When I went to pick her up from school Ms. Sophie had this story for me.  Walking from the playground back to the school there was a huge gust of wind.  V and her 4 friends were lifted off the ground and were about to be swept away! Dylan exclaimed "I'm in the sky!" Ms. Sophie envisioned the incident report stating that she just couldn't save them all.  She jumped to action. She had Veda and Izzy each grab a leg. She put Ethan on her back. Then grabbed the last to kids and held them each under an arm.  Then she braced against the gale and carried them all into the school.  Hooray!

Once in the car V asked: do you know where we are going next?
Me: um. . . home?
V: nope, the bank! it's Friday!
Yep, she is keeping track of the schedule now.  Of course we had to go home first to get the monies to take to the bank, but we did make it to the bank for her Friday popcorn.  At the bank while I was making the deposit I turned to see her pulling the kiddie chair across the sitting area.  When I went over I asked why.
V: to get taller, taller, taller.
M: why do you need to be taller?
V: to get up there? (pointing)
Not sure how she knew, but sure enough there was a bowl of candy up there.

Let's see.  When we were home she took a moment to show J how her new toy works.  (See picture) Thanks for sharing it with us Black family!

Later after her nap she found a piece of a chair that was waiting to be put back in. She tried to do it with her fingers, but it didn't work.  So she started looking through drawers.
Me: What are you looking for?
V: I need a screwdriver.
Well, I wasn't going to get in the way of her completing this task so I helped her out.  I got the screw pushed in and barely had time to grab my camera before she started using the mallet to tap in the cover.

 

It was a really great day.  V has been sick since with a fever of 102. So that is why I am late getting this posted.  Poor kid just gets to stay in bed watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Netflix cartoons all day.  

Watch Out - She's Hitting the Road!!

Thanks to a kind neighbor Veda has received not one but two new modes of transportation!  I gave them a wash (spiderwebs, shudder) and they are ready for the road. The car could use a fresh coat of paint - luckily I know someone handy with a spray can.  You up for some refinishing on your next visit Nea? The tricycle doesn't need a thing, just for Veda to get the hang of steering!  She rode up and down the sidewalk a bit, learning her boundaries, and oh yes, Jovi was out there with us too!  Can't leave her behind, she loves to be on the move in her slings!  Oh yes, and notice Veda's hair.  She wanted five ponytails today, so five is what she got!

VF's First Poppy Seed Roll

It's kinda a family recipe - or at least a family snack.  I think my father's mother was the first one to make it as a regular thing.  For me at least it has always been a snack that my Tia would bring with her when she visited.  Or make ahead of time for us when we visited her.  A couple years ago in Colorado she gave me a tutorial on how to make it, so today when we were looking for a yummy treat VF and I decided to make one up.

VF was an eager helper, as always, and she helped poor all the ingredients into the bowl.  The whole while she mixed with a fork she was eager to get her hands into the dough.  Toddler like however as soon as she was able to start kneading with her hands she didn't like it because they got sticky.  We worked through it though.  After the dough picked up a bit more of the dusting flour and after I pointed out to her that her handprints appeared in the dough she was once again on board with helping out. 

While the dough rested she greased the pan (all by herself) and opened the can of poppy seeds.  "Black ball seeds" as she called them.  She tasted a few and declared them to be yummy.  So we rolled out the dough together, and after I spread the seeds out on it she licked the spoon clean.  Another wait for it to rise, and then into the oven they went.  She helped keep an eye out for it to turn golden brown, and gave a shout when it was ready.  I think it could have used a bit more time, as the inside was a bit gooier than I prefer, but overall I think it was a pretty successful job.

As for JA, she was here too - mostly just laying about.  Babies - they just sleep the day away.  Now if only she would do the same at night!

First day of School!

VF was all set for her first day of school.  She could hardly wait for the long hand on the clock to point straight up this morning.  She wore her new "school shoes" and outfit from Gma Nube and Tia, and had her "sma blankie" in her backpack just in case she needed it later.  Oh boy did she like wearing that backpack!  Once inside the school she sat with her teacher Ms. Sophie, and waited for all her friends to arrive.  S and I stayed until most her friends were there, and then  we headed out.  No tears from anyone, she whined just a bit when we left, mostly I think because the other kids in the group were starting to whine.  Ms. Sophie said when we picked her up that she was a good helper, and lots of fun, so it should be a good year.  There are 6 kids in her class, and we should get  a chance to meet parents a bit more tomorrow, and next week at some socials that are scheduled.

Meanwhile, Jovi had her weigh in yesterday - 6 lbs and 12 oz - so she is growing fast.  I'm pushing the breastfeeding a bit more, and cutting out the supplemental bottles we had been doing.  I think she is doing better every day.  Now if only she could figure out how to eat while I sleep!

Ready for Summer!

With a change in seasons coming up I decided it was time to go through the box of "too big hand-me-downs" to see what we had for summer.  We are blessed because the only hole in the wardrobe I found was a need for 2T (or 3T) pajamas.  Luckily we have some large (for her) T-shirts that I think will fill the gap nicely.  While rooting through the clothes though VF picked out her own outfit for the day - quite the fashionista, don't you think?  I'm glad she likes the vest, I knit it as a fall layer and it just chanced to be in her favorite color - Orange!

New Word - with a super cute new face!

Bad Butter!

So I forgot that I had spilt some butter on the bottom of the oven when I was making muffins yesterday.  I remembered that had happened when I opened the oven to throw in some cauliflower today.  There were flames on the bottom of the oven.  I promptly closed the door.  I may not be a genious, but I know oxygen and fires like each other.  Once the door was closed I turned off the oven and thought about my options.  Fire extinguisher seemed like overkill.  Baking soda, maybe?  Then I remembered I had read something about salt.  So I grabbed the industrial sized salt box (full) and chucked some in the oven.  Worked like a charm.  I'm sure there are other methods, but I thought I would share the one that worked for me.  

Then I texted S so he wouldn't worry.  "Small kitchen fire, nothing to worry about."  We'll see how long it takes him to call me.  

Dang!  I forgot to take a picture!  Good thing I have more butter. 

Thanksgiving

 

There it is, the damaged tire from Thanksgiving Eve.  S is out right now looking to find a replacement.  As you can see the tread is pretty new, which makes the situation fairly curious.  We can't remember exactly when we bought the tires, but it wasn't more than 3 or 4 years ago, and certainly less than 25,000 miles.

 

After this week of eating I am excited to start the new workout program a friend selected.  Sunday we had a feast with my parents, we failed to remember to send home leftovers with them, so minor feasts Monday thru Wednesday, and then a grand feast at S's moms house with a full dozen relatives!  We've had the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie as well as the less traditional squash fries, brussell sprouts, and walnut/cranberry pie.  We've had pea and cheese salad, apple fluff, cherry pie, prune cheese ball, and multiple gravies.  We may not need to eat again until Christmas!

 

It really was great to see so many of our family members.  S and his siblings hardly ever gather in the same room, so it was fun to see them interact.  The cousins all got along famously - especially considering they only met this week.  VF was running around like a wild child wanting to play with everyone.  She had pillow fights in the TV room, dance party in the sitting room, and treasure hunting with GJ in the basement.  She learned that going bump, bump, bump, down the stairs is fun, and that squirrels like to eat peanuts.  She gave hugs to everyone, and was in such a winning humor all day that her uncle commented on how she "never cries."  All in all, it was certainly a reminder to be thankful for the important things in life.  I hope all of you had wonderful Thanksgivings, shared with a loved one, and ending with full bellies.

Thanksgiving Eve

Last night the family loaded into the family car (ok station wagon) and headed out for Ottumwa to have Thanksgiving at GJ's house.  Pretty straightforward - right?  Should take about 2 hours, but with a bit of snowfall we were prepared for it to take a bit longer, but not nearly as long as it ended up taking!!  Between Williamsburg and Belle Plaine our car started making a funny noise.  At first we thought it could just be the snow covered road.  Ah, wishful thinking.  As the noise suddenly got worse, and as S reports, the car started pulling to the right we reluctantly pulled over.  Upon inspection the front right tire had blown.  S industrially pulls out the donut and starts changing the tire while I pulled out the insurance cards to try and contact our Emergency Roadside Assistance.  With a bit of help S got the jack under the car and we were thinking it would be smooth sailing to finish changing the tire, when there was a setback.  The aluminum lug nut wrench cracked when trying to remove an especially tight nut.  When S would apply pressure to it now it would simply spin because it would separate.  Good thing ERS was working on finding us a hero.  The rest of the story is pretty boring.  Sit for 1 hour while ERS calls around to find someone.  Sit for 45 minutes for the guy to get here.  Sit for 15 more minutes while he changes the tire.  I will say that for that especially tight nut he had to go back to his truck and get a wrench with about 2 to 3 feet of leverage to get the torque to move that nut!  Thanks BJ's towing!  Kevin we appreciate you!

Lessons learned?  Have a 4 way lug wrench in your car - don't count on the crappy factory one.  (Technically V learned this lesson years ago in car care awareness class, (Thanks Cassill Motors) and she told S to buy her one.  He didn't.)

Also you know those mile markers that have posts with reflectors between them?  Well those posts have the mile marker on them as well.  So if you are on the side of the road just find a post and you will know exactly where you are.  They are every 300 feet so you wont even have to walk very far.

 

I'll update with a picture of the tire later - Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Rose Petals

Today, for the first time, I have a bedroom floor showered with rose petals. 

What is the occasion? 

Well let me tell you.  It all started with an innocent trip to the garden.  This year has been an amazing year for my roses, one bush has been in bloom since spring!  When looking at them today VF noticed that there were buds, and picked one.  I showed her that when the green leaves were peeled back they revealed the red petals underneath.  Well, VF though that was pretty neat, so she kept the rosebud as a treasure and wouldn't give it to anyone.  Once we came inside she did a bit more investigating.  After all, if the green revealed red, perhaps the red would reveal a new color.  Petal by petal she peeled, until the bud disappeared.  And that is how I ended up with a bedroom floor covered in rose petals.

Smelly Diapers

As I mentioned in my previous post, Cloth Diapers, we have gone the old fashioned route of not using disposable diapers whenever possible.  For the most part this has been an easy and rewarding switch.  Until a couple months ago that is.  Lately there has been a smell.  More than that, a stench from the diapers.  It seemed that once soiled and thrown in her wet bag they conspired to knock out anyone who entered the  room.  And since they are the room that VF sleeps in, generally with the door closed this was a bit of a problem.

First let me tell you more about the smell.  I'm not exaggerating when I say a stench.  It was a super concentrated ammonia burning smell that was very distinct.  Trust me, if this happens to your diapers you will know it.  Now after a few washes with an extra rinse thrown in and no improvement I decided a bit of research was needed.  I read a few cloth diapering websites and found that there are two issues that can lead to smells.  The first is detergent build-up.  While this was a possibility since I don't use a "diaper detergent" it seemed unlikely as I wasn't having absorbancy issues.  The second issue was ammonia build-up.  Given the smell I felt confident that I had found my problem.  Now for a solution. . . what?  It depends on your water type?  sigh.  Sure enough the solution to the ammonia issue was not as straight forward as I had hoped.  Depending on how soft or hard your water, there are different solutions. 

Now here in CR we have a pretty hard water supply.  It is listed as hard with 7.0 grains per gallon being pretty typical.  So if you are in a similar circumstance, this may be the solution for you.  If not you'll need to conduct a few experiments I am afraid.  At any rate, I read good things about the Rockin' Green Hard Rock Diaper detergent so I bought a sample size and gave it a try.  It was enough for 4 washers, and it certainly helped.  Helped, but not completely.  The stench wasn't quite as eye watering, but it was still there just lurking, and waiting for another chance to strike.  I already had some Borax and Washing Soda so I tried these next.  I did a load with a mix of both powders - super hot water and let me tell you, this did the trick.  It worked so well that I complete forgot about the smell until I was getting ready to do the next load of laundry! Only as I carried the wetbag to the washer did I think - wait a second.  Why can I think clearly and why aren't I wanting to hurl? 

Going forward I think maybe every 2 or 3 loads I'll do the Borax/Washing Soda mix just to ensure future happy breathing.  But for now I am calling this problem solved!

Our week

I haven't posted in a while - so here's just a bunch of random stuff that happened this week!  Last weekend VF was climbing on everything!  She would get up on the chairs and not be able to find her way down.  She didn't seem to mind being stranded too much though.

Our baby birds all flew away.  I didn't think we would be empty nesters quite so soon!  On Sunday all three were in the nest when we returned from church.  They were on top of each other and clearly quite crowded.  Sunday night only 1 bird was in the nest.  We looked around a bit but couldn't find them on the ground so we optomistically concluded that they had flown away.  The next morning I went out and the nest was empty.  When I looked closer the baby bird was sitting on a branch above the nest planning his day.  He was nice enough to stay there while I ran and grabbed my camera.

 

Tuesday we walked to the park for some library reading program fun.  It was really cold - lots of people were wearing their winter coats!  Because we had attended 5 times VF was given a free T-shirt!  It might be a bit big.

Oh well, it makes a great nightshirt for now.  We had fun playing in the park, more climbing, sliding, and walking adventures.  There was a radio van there on Wednesday playing music for some reason, but that was a lot of fun.  Kids love dancing! All week it has been chilly in the shade, more like football weather than splash pad weather.  It's nice to not pay for air conditioning though!

Wednesday  I really wanted something sweet so I made some Orange Pecan Tea Bread.  I had all the ingredients in my kitchen, and it baked up pretty quickly.  It was delicious!!  It disappeared in 24 hours - and while that may not be the healthiest habit - I think it was probably better than going to the store for a bag of candies.  

Thursday the two of us went to Meet me at the Market and walked with friends.   Newbo Market does a meet every Thursday for people to exercise together and then listen to music.  The musician on this particular night was singing Elvis.  We walked miles and miles - but not so many miles as some people.  Some people who go are serious about their fitness!   After the walk we got a sandwich to eat - a hummus sandwich called Infield which was delicious.  One of our friends got some ice cream for dessert.  He was nice enough to share with VF and I have to say it was pretty funny watching her face light up as she was excited to have more of this new treat.

Thursday and Friday we went to the library play groups.  Thursday we went to the library nearest us.  Friday we went to the library down town.  S played with her on Friday which was I am sure she enjoyed.  Afterward we all went to her pediatrician appointment.  She's doing fine - able to do all the things she should be able to do - and already able to do some of the things they look for at 18 months.  I think that she recognized the nurse who does the shots because everytime she came into the room she would get all serious - and watch her closely.  It didn't save her though because she received 3 more shots.  Oh the wailing! Only one more round of shots in November, and then she will be done until she is 5.

After her nap yesterday afternoon it was clear she wasn't feeling very well.  She was wobbly on her legs looking like bearing weight on them hurt her.  She had a tiny fever, and was fussy.  I gave her just a bit of children's tylenol and we cuddled in to watch Winnie the Pooh together.   So many fun lines!  "I'm a little black rain cloud of course."  "I have a rumbly in my tumbly."  This is the first time that she actually sat still and watched a movie with me, it was a good time.  She would laugh at parts that aren't really funny though which makes me wonder what she sees or hears or remembers that is different.

Today two more teeth broke through - the two next to the one she has.  It's funny to look at her gumline because you can see all the teeth lined up just waiting to come through.  Guess it's a good thing we got her a toothbrush!

Finally, I wanted to include a quick thank you to Aunt W. for the scrapbooking supplies.  It's slow going, but I finally got around to making another page in her scrapbook!

A Day of Play

Today has been a day to play!  Thursdays our local library has a storytime for children under the age of 4 so the two of us decided to go check it out.  There were lots of kids, and the leader Tara was a lot of fun.  She knew lots of fun songs, and dances which VF very much enjoys.  After the singing and reading she pulls out a box of toys for all the kids to play together.  It's a great chance to interact with other little ones and VF likes to see all the different ways that they play with their toys.  The first order of business though was getting that toybox completely empty!

I think VF played with every toy they had before we left!  She especially enjoyed the dump truck, not sure why but she thought it was SO funny to watch it roll away from her.  

After the library we went to the park.  Earlier this week VF started to go down the slide all by herself and she wanted to show off for Dad.  

Not only does she go down the bump slide by herself, but she will go down the curly slide all on her own too, albeit on her belly.  If no other kids are at the park she will then try and climb up the slide.  It's a lot easier when she takes her shoes off.  

Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world!

Most of the time though she has to go around the corner and climb up the "rigging.'  I'm not sure what it's actually called, but it always made me think of the ropes sailors would climb on ships.  She can almost climb it all on her own, but I hold onto her feet just to make sure they stay on the rungs.

It all adds up to prove that she's not a little girl anymore. 

More Babies!

Baby Birds that is!  My awesome MIL bought us a tree when we got married and moved into our house.  It's a Lancelot Crabapple, and I just adore it.  Every year a bird would start a nest just nestled right in there, where it looks so cozy, but I don't think it had quite enough room.  We never saw any eggs, or baby birds, until this year that is.  This year I repeatedly saw a robin sitting in the nest, and I thought to myself, hmmm could the tree be big enough for eggs?  Sure enough it is!  We have four little babies in there now, and I can spy on them from our front window.  I can't wait for VF to be a bit older so she can sit on the window seat with a pair of binoculars and spy along with me.

Kansas City and Baseball

 We just spent the last weekend in Kansas City on a great vacation with GJ and Larkypoo.  We stayed at Harrah's and oh boy did we luck out when it came to rooms!  I don't know if it was because we traveled with a baby and they wanted us as far away as possible or if it was just luck but our room was a suite at the end of the hall.  It has 1.5 baths, 3 televisions, a huge tub with jets, and I'm pretty sure it was larger than one level of our house!  VF thought the view was great - although you can see S was a bit more nervous.  With a room like that I am surprised we came home at all!  It's the sort of room where S can be a professional poker player and I would just live in the hotel!  Is it such a crazy idea I mean S did come out ahead $30 at the end of the weekend.  :-)

 The shower as you can see was pretty nice.  I am loathe to consider just how many gallons I used since I had all 5 shower heads turned on. 

When it came time to clean VF up the lowest one on the wall there was the perfect height for her.  She thought it was a lot of fun until I had her turn her back on it to wash her hair.  Not so fun then I'm afraid.

Of course when I was showering my view was the same.  You can leave town - but the baby still will not allow you to shower alone.

The big event that drew us to KC in the first place was to see a Royals game.  We were worried that the game would be cancelled because there were rain clouds predicted.   We had our hopes high and headed to the ball park anyway.  You can see in the picture it was a bit windy - and VF was concerned about her hair. 

We originally had 2 pairs of tickets in two different sections - but S negotiated his way into 4 seats together - along the first baseline and in row U so very close to the front.  We watched about 3 innings of baseball, but the rain clouds caught up to us and the game delayed.  After waiting a while we decided to head back to the hotel, and I am glad we did.  Three hours later when we sat down for supper this game was still trying to beat the storm and reach a decision!

It was a great weekend - thanks so much for EVERYTHING GJ.  We can't wait to go again soon. 

With bells on

Sometimes it doesn't take much to keep her entertained.

Of course it could be that in a previous life she had a bell pull in her room.

Concert

Veda's first concert is . . . . Tom Pease at the Public Library!!!

We only got to see the second half.  When we arrived the auditorium was full so we were funneled into a room where it was playing on a screen.  Unfortunately due to the general noise level you couldn't really hear him singing - which made it just a video of a crazy guy jumping around.  Definitely not very satisfying.  So I went out in the hall and lo and behold some people were leaving the auditorium.  I asked the librarian there if I could go in and see if there were available seats.  She said "No, those people are just using the restroom."  So I went and asked a different librarian if I could go in, and she said I could try the doors on level 3 since no one was guarding those.  So I did, and there were a dozen empty seats - easy.  So we enjoyed the rest of the concert - Veda danced to the belly button song, and we had a good time.  Afterward she even met the star!