Pushes Other Buttons

Speaking of pushing buttons, here is an example of one of the arguments my girls have.
I feel like I need a disclaimer here... My girls get along extremely well. They make up games, hold hands, laugh together and generally don't annoy the crap out of each other.
They save that effort for mommy and daddy.

They've had a few funny arguments over the last few months. They've even had an argument about whether or not it was raining outside. The arguments are never harsh or mean spirited - and for that, I'm thankful. I actually try not to laugh... but I did catch this gem to share with you.

Guess who likes to push buttons?

Pushes Buttons

You should know that Luke's father is Polish... and his mother has a degree in music.
Put those two together and you get a toddler who can find the ONLY POLKA BUTTON on a keyboard...

I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream... and then I smacked you down to the floor.

The girls didn't nap today.
When I went in to get them, they were dancing together in the middle of the room.
Like, holding each other dancing.
And singing the "Sleeping Beauty" song.
And then pulling each other down in a WWF take down to the floor.
Almost so sweet.
Almost.

Planets aligned

There are events when all the planets align and everything works out perfectly. This is not quite one of those stories.

For the past 3 weeks, my nanny has been on vacation in Ecuador. I've shifted my work schedule (thanks to the world's best boss) and taken the "morning duty" with my beautiful offspring. I've had a GREAT time. We've visited the library, worked on art projects, had playdates, shopped... pretty much had a beautiful time. At 1:30pm I would report to work and work until I dropped. I would come home, clean and collapse at 11pm.

About 2 days into the 3 week adventure, we received a notice from my work daycare that we were accepted into the program. We've been on the waiting list since I was 3 months pregnant, so this was an enormous opportunity.
Unfortunately, we needed to accept the 2 open positions and start paying in 2 weeks.

Today was our very first day in daycare.
I have to admit... I was quite worked up about the transition for the 2 weeks leading up to the event. We worked VERY hard on potty training and I even had a monkey stuffed animal "planted" in the classroom for Ana to find. Bags were packed, items were marked with names, 8 billion forms were filled out.

As it turns out, today was "Princess Day". So, yesterday I dutifully bought 2 princess costumes complete with shoes for their big Princess Parade today. It REALLY helped ease the transition into school. In fact, it seems that the girls had a great time today. Keira jumped right into the mix with the other kids. Ana found the "planted" monkey and also had a great day.

My fears of their possible unhappiness or lack of bladder control were laid to rest. For now.
I kept telling myself that I was silly.
I mean... NASA Daycare.
They're behind 4 sets of security (including armed guards), they have a wonderful teacher, the school is solar powered and has unprecedented IT support.
I mean... what is my PROBLEM?

Well, Brad pointed it out when I didn't see it.
1 milestone down.
You see, we took one giant leap forward today. And although I always wish for the days of older kids who can run around the world and creation with me, I must first say goodbye to my babies... who have already grown up so much in the past 2 years however-many-months. I'm also saying goodbye to our nanny, who has been part of the family for just as long.

So many changes.
In the end, everything is working out. After a rough month of activity and massive change, we're on the verge of settling into a routine.
The girls will love the activities that the school has to offer and the social interaction with other kids their age.

Goodbye babies, hello big girls.
They grow up so fast.

I would like to make this a long distance dedication

Last night Ana made up a song.
One line of the song was, "I'm brave and sticky!"

I told Brad that story today. He asked what all of us ask, "What does that even mean?"

I... I don't want to know.

Be careful out there... apparently...

Brad is back on his busy, busy work schedule. They play summer performances around town, which are called the "Sounds Like Fun" series. It couldn't be a less appropriate phrase. The ridiculously named series has a matching shirt that the musicians have to wear. A bright red shirt with the catchy slogan.

I love calling out to him, "Sounds like fun!" as he walks out the door. I've loved doing that for years.

Ana's "thing" lately is to close the door for Brad as he leaves for his concert. She holds the door open until he closes the main garage door behind him.
"Watch out for the booby-traps!, "Ana calls out.

She is insistent on closing the door and warning him of the peril that awaits as he goes to his concert.
"Watch out for the booby traps... and alligators... and... and... and the booby traps!"

Yes. Apparently, you need to put on your tight, red embarrassing shirt and watch out for the booby traps, honey.
Doesn't THAT sound like fun?

War stories

You've heard the war stories. The parent anecdotes of raising toddlers. Parents "turn their heads for a second" and anarchy and mayhem take over. Something gets destroyed or someone gets embarrassed. Cats are covered with petroleum jelly, sharpie markers on the wall and red paint ends up on 9 walls that were not supposed to be red (stories courtesy of Teal, Warren and Bob, respectively).

These stories of raising toddlers represent a very, very small portion of parenting... and yet these stories are retold and make their way into parenting lore. They are the stories that frighten young couples into just taking a "little more time" to themselves before starting their families.

The sad part is... most of the stories are the parent's fault. I mean... you can see the ending coming. These stories are really the "ball to the crotch funniest home videos" of parenting. I mean... what do you THINK is going to happen when you leave a kid in a room with box of 20 washable crayons and 1 non-washable RED crayon?

This is what happens:


I mean - you might as well set up a tee-ball and and have a father stand a foot away from getting a take-down shot to the shorts. Video tape it, send it in and get your money. OF COURSE the guy gets it in the balls. OF COURSE I have red crayon all over my carpet, tile and coffee table.
COME ON!

By the way, you get red crayon off of wood furniture by using mayonnaise. Getting mayonnaise off of furniture is only the 2nd problem...

The next day, I found my shoes full of cat food. I'm not pointing any fingers, but I'm pretty sure I made the person who did it. I'm equally as sure that I'll tell this story to the next newlywed couple that crosses my path. Watch out, young couples... I'm saving these gems for you.