Tink Socks

Joelle has a habit of stalling for bedtime. It's the oldest parent and child dance, there is nothing new or unique about Joelle's typical requests: I need to go potty, I need two straws instead of one, I need tissues... you get the idea. Tonight, she requested different socks after we'd already put on her socks. (Requesting the socks was already a stalling technique. It's summer and she has a down comforter, socks aren't needed.) Specifically, she wanted her "tink socks." So, that's where we drew the line. "No other socks. Good night." She didn't fuss too long, but did come out again from her room with a request to go potty. So, while I was helping her go potty, I decided I would get her tink socks because she didn't fuss so much. I wanted her to know that we get things for being good. My Dad once did that for me when my CD player broke. I complained and bitched about not having one. When I stopped fussing, one magically "fell off the truck" in front of my Dad and he gave me a new one. Anyway, I know everyone is thinking, where is this story going??? Joelle had already put different socks on, UNDER the socks we'd put on. I asked her why she did that and she said, "So you wouldn't know."

Reunited... and it Feels so Good

So, Chris and I used to go to Pappasito's every Friday night. We kept this up for a very long time. We once figured out just how much money we'd spent there and it was embarrassingly much. We hadn't gone in a long time, but decided on a whim to go tonight. Wow! I forgot how much I love that place. There is no coincidence that we own a full set of Pappasito's "limited edition" glasses. Hands down, they have the best chips, salsa, margaritas and fajitas. Why go anywhere else for classic tex mex? However, I will say that we were both disappointed tonight to find that they've changed the birthday tune. It used to be "Hey baby, que paso? It's your birthday we all know." Thankfully, they still bring you the sombrero. You may wonder why we had a hiatus... I think part of the reason is that we thought it was so FAR from our new house. Ironically, it's 6 minutes from our new house and 2 exits. Our old house was over 10 exits from Pappacitos and 15 minutes. Obviously our tolerance for driving has significantly been reduced since the move. Today, over coffee with my friend Alli, I asked her if she liked living in Houston. She said, "Yeah. Why do I feel like I have to qualify that or say something like, it's crazy, but yeah?" It's true that almost all Houstonians who love it here kind of sheepishly admit to it. We're afraid people won't understand why we love it here. I can say though that one reason I do love it here is our new area of town. I feel like we live in a small city, but have all the amenities of a big one. We unofficially counted tonight and think there are possibly over 100 restuaurants within 10 minutes of our house! Chris says, "I know why I like Houston - it's cheap and we get everything a big city has to offer." Although Hungry's, Sam's and Sandy's are all significantly closer to the house, I think my vote goes to making the "trek" to Pappasito's now and again. I sure did miss that place. (Yes, Joelle LOVED it, too. She actually had a round belly after dinner. Their "kid" sundae was enough to feed three people. It was HUGE.)

Amateur Security System

On the way to lock the back door before bedtime, Chris found another use for the cool blinky shoes that you can buy for kids. Joelle's were left by the backdoor and Chris tripped over them. The room filled with a blinking red light as the house was pitch black. (Since we're conserving energy, only the rooms we're in are lit.) For a moment, his heart raced as he tried to figure out what alarm he had tripped. I say it's a good way to set up an amateur security system. Take that crooks!

Sick

Chris and Joelle suffered from the worst, a summer cold, here is some of their "sick talk." Mommie dodged the sick bullet this go round. Second in a row, I'm doomed next time! chris: I coughed! jolle: take some m's chris: boy am I sick joelle: lamby's not doing a flip today (frown) chris: aw, is he under the weather too? joelle: no, he's sick like you

Joelle Snippets

On the way to swim tonight, Joelle reported to us that she had spines on her arms. (Arm hair) She said, "I don't want them there." Hm... She commented on another song that came on, too. "What? What, are they saying to teach us to say 'good-bye'? We know how to say 'good-bye!' " (The song says, "Learn to say good-bye.") By the way, she dove off the pool edge to Dad over 25 times at the pool. She has had a complete turn around with the water in one week. It's amazing. She was even eyeing the mushroom waterfall at the pool. I think she contemplated running under it! That guarantees getting wet. Other Joelle snippets: * The other night, Joelle thought her injury of falling on the concrete was particularly painful. She said, "I want a parent band-aid." (Plain brown, no character) *Randomly wished nana and poppie a happy thanksgiving when they left the other day. She often likes to give us hugs and wish us a happy valentine's day. * "Nah, I don't want water. Water will spoil me up." *We were reminded of something Joelle used to say A LOT when she pulled it out of the air and said,"take away" for the water. (She wanted juice). She used to say that for 30 minutes straight when she got frustratedwith a toy when she was much younger.

What it Feels Like for a Girl

Today, Jojo asked me, "What does it feel like to be a girl?" I responded, "I dunno. You're a girl. What does it feel like?" She said, "kinda dancey." Girls, take that to heart. There's the good and the bad to being a girl, but it's always, "kinda dancey." For those of you who are Madonna savvy, the question comes from yet another song of hers. Yes, I skip the songs that aren't something I want her to hear, because she is listening very carefully to the lyrics now. Like, she asked me today why, in a song, they said, "...tell the sun not to shine." I found it strangely hard to explain that the song writer was explaining that love is true because she says, "tell me love isn't true, tell me the sun doesn't shine..." On another unrelated singing note, we were serenaded tonight to... "Jeremiah was a book club." Tia Ria and Uncle Joey will have to bring down music when they visit to introduce her to more. She loves it.

Ever Wonder When Kids Get Freckles?

When Joelle was born, I noted that her skin was flawless. Aside from one birth mark on her waist, she was plain white. So, I asked everyone when people got freckles and no one knew. The answer is almost 4! After spending the morning at Noah's Ark pool, she has three freckles!! We told her they were angel kisses and her badge of honor for being so brave about swimming. Kind of like Nori, from Mermaidia, when she swims down to the depths of despair and earns her courage tattoo. Yes, I watch a lot of kid movies! We saw Brokeback Mountain and Mermaidia is in close competition...

We Have a Convert!

Today, after Joelle's third swim lesson, she asked me to sign her up for more. Yes, two days ago she was pleading with me to never take her again. I still see a few bumps in the road as she gets more and more used to going under water, but she's definitely seen the light! She was SO proud of herself after finishing class today. It was a lovely thing to see. So, when I signed her up for more swim classes... they asked me what coach I wanted and I said, "um, actually, I know this is really random, but can we get in a purple or pink poker chip class?" Wouldn't you know, they're all booked up. So, Joelle got special permission to take a purple chip for her extension classes. (The extended classes are just once a week, thankfully. I see the purpose in going every day for these first 2 weeks, but it's wiping me out.)

Second Day of Swimming

Turn the corner in this random neighborhood of Southwest Houston, and you've discovered the Mecca of swimming. In a sea of tastefully neutral SUVs and minivans, the cars are crammed into all four streets leading to the Ka'bah, the pool. Every 30 minutes, a new flock is herded to the pool for lessons. Today, the pink ring was not given to her. It had to be earned. In the first class, the instructor ended the class by giving them each a diving ring. Joelle, being materialistic, loved this part of the class. In this second class, they actually had to dive for it (with the help of the coach) and Joelle did it! She did cry the majority of the class, but did every task and was proud of herself in the end for doing all the tasks. She did also break into one tiny smile when the 4 kids in the class got their own two buoys to clutch before being paraded around the pool with Coach Rudy. Four little ducklings holding tight to the buoy that kept them afloat. Swimming to the promised land... If she learns to go under water in these two weeks, I'm a believer.

I Want to Be a Duckie!

So, Joelle started her intensive 2 week swim lesson regimen. 2 weeks, every day. fun. Once the garage door lifted, the new crew of swimmers ran in for their 30 minute session. Joelle, although ticked that she didn't get the pink or purple poker chip (each teacher has a color poker chip and the kid has to find their teacher's basket to put the chip in), was eager enough and ran to find her coach. We, the parents, watch from behind a mirrored observation room - just like in law and order. She was happy, listening to the coach and doing as instructed while with him or playing with the watering can / trying on googles when it wasn't her turn. Until... She was dunked underwater. I heard her scream from behind the glass observation room. She cried through the rest of the 15 minutes left. TWO different life guards came over to cheer her up. I could see that she was giving them quite an earful; however, she was not to be consoled. I continued to hear about it for the 30 minutes home. I just kept repeating, "give it two weeks, every day for two weeks and if you still don't like it, I won't make you go again." Somehow, she got it in her head that she won't be dunked again. Good luck with that tomorrow Coach Rudy. As another consolation approach, we told her about all the things she can do in the water once she learns to swim. Go down slides, play under the water with googles, join a swim team, etc. So, we told her what swim teams we were on and what she could be on: barracudas (Petie), gators (Chris) or the sharks (her swim team in the future --- maybe). Poppie said she could be a barracuda like her momma and she said, "No, I want to be a duckie." I said, "You know even duckies put their heads under water." I got quite a scowl on that remark. The saga will continue... 2 weeks, will they break her?

The Spanish Inquisition

Joelle is fond of telling us that she wishes she could go back to the old house. We've kind of grown accustomed to her rhetoric and dismiss it as crazy. After all, she has TWO rooms in the new house. Two really cool rooms: her sleeping and play room. So, last night when she said this, Chris actually started drilling her with questions. "Why do you like the old house better?" "Why do you want to go back?" "What did your room look like?" Suffice it to say, her answers weren't all that clear. For example, she said her old room was pink, it was yellow. Yet, I do wonder if she is trying to conjure up memories of the old house. It was her first home and she felt safe tucked in her nest. Perhaps it's human nature to be nostalgic.

Historical Joellisms Part I

We actually did keep an archaic journel (in pen!) of some of the things Joelle has done and said. I will start to slowly add them to this format so that they will all be in one spot... and to share them, of course! 11/11/05 * Calls chapstick, "chopstick." She was rubbing it all over her belly one day. Shocked, we asked why and she said, "I'm putting on my deodorant." * She drops the consonants off words sometimes - fru nacks (fruit snacks). * After we moved to the new house, Nana was taking Joelle home one day. Joelle was complaining about something and Nana said, "Don't worry this will be a fast trip." Joelle said, "Nana, do you know a short cut?" * When Nana and Poppie came over to pick me up for dinner one night (Joelle was in the car), she said, "Why are we stopping at Petie's house?" * Nana gave Joelle a bath and later she figured out that her pig tails got wet. She said, "What did my Nana do to me?" 10/28/05 * When she wanted a Quaker bar she said, "I need to eat or my tummy will growl." * When saying "back and forth," she says "back and for with." 10/22/05 * When she asked daddy why she couldn't sleep with a necklace around her neck one night, Chris responded, "...because you could choke and die." (He'd had a long night, ok). She said, "No, I'm not gonna dye blue. I'm not going to dye orange or brown. not going to dye pink." * When daddy was reading a story to Joelle and came to a part that said "karate instructor," she stopped him and said, "no, karate teacher." She made him re-read it. * At her birthday party, she desperately tried to make every kid wear a party hat. She looks very focused in all the photos.

What Happened to the Dinosaurs?

I like to ask Joelle what she did in school in the evenings after a school day. Sometimes I already get, "nothing," but sometimes I'm rewarded with a fun story... Joelle reported that her teacher, Ms. Jennifer asked, "What happened to all the dinosaurs?" These are some of the answers she told me her friends gave: Evan: They're in jail. Max: They're in the sun. Vivi: They're playing in the sandbox. Alexander: They're on the farm. Ms Jennifer: Are they on Jupiter? (I swear, she really reported to me that she said, "Jupiter.") Joelle: They're on vacation at the beach. (Although she said that Blaine said it first, and then Erin said it first and then Joelle said it first. So, I'm a little fuzzy on exactly who said this.)

My Cake

For Mother's Day dinner, we went to Hungry's (Nana, Poppie, me, Chris and Joelle). This was NOT to Joelle's liking. She wanted to go to Fuddrucker's. Again. Luckily, there are two reasons she likes Fuddrucker's: free cookie and lemonade. Hungry's fulfilled both prerequisites, so I think we'll be able to "drag" her there again. They gave all Mothers a free dessert last night. Additionally, we still got the free cookie. So, we asked Joelle if she wanted some of my chocolate cake or her cookie. She said her cookie, but after getting a lick of my chocolate icing, she quickly realized her folly. I proceeded to give her all the icing of the cake, her favorite. When I took a bite of the cake, she said, "What are you doing with MY cake!" We all got a good laugh out of that one. She didn't even like the rest of the cake, which had layers of mousse. Oh, one other result of last night. There was one other table with a family that had 6 kids. Chris and I were in shock and I think we did make a few comments because they were up and down and back and forth to the bathroom a lot. So, this morning Joelle tells me she wants 6 brothers and sisters. I said, "yeah, you'll be lucky to get one." She then said, "no, I want one brother and one sister." I said, "The only way you're getting that is if we have twins." She said, "yes, I want twins." We continued back and forth like that until it was actually a true argument. "Joelle, I can't decide that - twins are luck of the draw." Joelle: "I want twins." Folks, this is going to be the true test of Joelle's will. I see us having twins. (No, I'm not pregnant.... Although, Joelle sure acts like I am....)

Cardio Gliding

It occured to me while working out today that Joey and I both benefited from our parents working out all the time. My dad was an avid swimmer when I was little. He would go swim laps while I played on the bleachers at the dad's club. Mom played tennis - even playing against my future mother-in-law once. (No, Chris and I didn't meet then, but I like to think it was already in the cards.) It sounds like Joey is turning into an accomplished biker and I've now uped my workout schedule to at least 5 times a week, usually 6. ...and I feel like I need to do more! I hope Joelle also turns into an athletic type. With our genes, I fear that she'll inherit the dreaded slow metabolism. I wish for her three things in life: 1. To workout because you like it (meaning she has a naturally fast metabolism) 2. To find true love and 3. To have a passion that leads you to what you want to do with your life. So, it is hard to keep motivated about working out. Here are some of my tips... * Working out to music helps so much. For example, I usually watch TV or read, but I just jammed to my Dell with this past workout and burned 20 more calories then usual! * Learn to be an avid people watcher. I know everyone who comes to my typical classes. One of my favorites is "Jane Fonda" who must have been a cheerleader. She has coordinating arm and leg movements for everything. After 1o minutes into most classes, the avg person ceases to use the arms much. Not this girl. She also has her step on the highest setting. Even Chris can't go above setting 2. The best though is the "green beans". After the new year, I get frustrated that I have to get to class earlier to get a spot because of all the new year's resolutioners, but I'm at least rewarded with some new blood. I love to watch them flounder and leave within 5 minutes. Mean, I know. It's so entertaining though! * When all else falls, just watch tv or read. It's a slower workout, less motivation, but at least you're moving. Some exercise dont's.... * try not to forget to fill up the water before you get on the glider. I once walked in to find the bottle on the floor where Chris had thrown it in frustration. * Avoid going to class when it's expo weekend or a holiday, they are likely cancelled. * Know when the AC is out at the gym (I'm kidding on this one, how could you know? I have gone over a dozen times when the AC is out in the Group X room. Although you burn more calories, this is VERY frustrating.) * Avoid classes where it's obvious that the mean age is much older then you. You won't get much of a work out and the music generally sucks. * Remember to charge up your batteries on the IPOD, Rio, Dell or whatever "flavor" you use.

I-10

I greet the I-10 expansion with predictable glee. After all, if I drive past my beloved "5 mile radius," I use I-10 as my main vein to get where I need to go. However, I will say that on my drive home from a lunch and a visit to daddy's office, I had a moment of confusion. The I-10 construction isn't just an expansion, it's actually recreating the entire freeway and everything on the feeder. What was the Old Katy Road is now the new feeder. That alone is HUGE. They're tearing down some businesses and leaving others standing - I'd seriously like to know how they decided that and how some businesses drew the ace. Anyway, aside from my 4 year stint in San Antonio and 5 year hiatus in Spring, I have lived on I-10. That's 22 years of driving down the same freeway - a lot. (I went to high school in town...) So, I realize this about myself... While I am grateful for change and welcome the 6 lanes of concrete heading our way (I think 6 lanes each way), I am also sad for the way it was. Perhaps this is the underlying reason why I was so skeptical about having a second baby. I love our family now and was scared to mix up the make-up of our bonds. I think though that it will only be bigger and better and that I'll get used to all the changes that come along with it. I think I'm getting used to the idea and it's ok to try. Kids do make good blog material.

Joellisms Part II

How fortuitous, I was cleaning out a drawer today and was rewarded with finding a scrap of paper with more of the funny / cute things that Joelle says. I didn't find what I was looking for, but that's ok this is more fun and shows the magic of a junk drawer. (We have several.) * She says, "Texas, our Longhorns." She even knows the fight song... Chris made it his ringtone and she kept humming the tune even after the ringing was over. * When she was peeing (post potty training), she said, "it's raining out my butt!" * She calls her signature book from Disney World (with the princesses autographs, of course), her "science book." (sign, science. I assume that's where she got it.) * In the car one day she asked me, "Why is it so dusty outside?" (It was foggy). * In the morning when she wakes up, she always opens 1 out of 4 of the plantation shutters to make sure the sun is up.

The Chocolate Bunny

Poppie asked me to give more background on THE chocolate bunny for Easter. (see below blog, "you better watch out." for more info). Those of you who know Joelle know that she is a very, very "discerning" eater. One of my favorite things to mention is that it is at least refreshing that her pickiness isn't only with real food but also with desserts. The girl likes chocolate. Period. For example, in her Easter basket she also got a lollipop, white chocolate covered rice krispie treat and a sugar cookie. She did not eat any of those.... only the chocolate bunny. She would have eaten all of it in one sitting had we let her. She acts like a desert that hasn't seen rain in awhile when she gets around chocolate. (The only disclaimer here is the kid influence. She will occassionally have a lollipop if a little friend is having one.) Anyway, months before Easter, that was the carrot that Nana dangled in front of her... The easter bunny won't bring you that chocolate bunny if you're not a good girl. I think it really was 2 months. So, it makes it all the more funny that she turned it around and tried it on Nana! A comprehensive list of food Joelle will eat: * any pasta (NO sauce) * broccoli, only cooked * raw carrots, NOT cooked * fried fish (luby's or frozen) * peanut butter sandwich, no crust or peanut butter licked off crackers * goldfish, pretzels, chips, bread (she likes her carbs, at least I usually give her whole wheat) * occassionally, apple - only with apple dipping sauce * chicken nuggets * grilled cheese, no crust * cheddar cheese, american cheese, once in a while string cheese * macaroni and cheese (luby's only) * cashew nuts (no other nuts, except peanuts ground into butter) * sucked juice from the orange, she spits out the "crust" * fruit snacks (but only certain brands) * chocolate anything (M's are a favorite, chocolate cookies, chocolate ice cream, etc.) * cake (really only likes the frosting like her mommie, will tolerate a little of the "cake") * honey nut cheerios and white milk * pancake with honey (with=covered generously) * sometimes the danimals yogurt drink * Lunchable-style pizza meals, once in a while "real" pizza The BS that they feed parents, "...keep offering your child a variety of foods. It takes some kids up to __ times exposure to try it." Whatever. It is NOT for lack of trying that Joelle doesn't eat a variety of foods. I'm just trying to say.... she wanted that chocolate bunny.

Mom's Day

Some of the things kids in her class said about their moms: My mom is 564 years old. My mom always says, "you can't have something to drink for two weeks." My mom likes to make cookies and all that stuff. My mom is the prettiest when she gets make-up. My mom always says, "I don't know." My mom is big years old. Joelle's: My mom is 14 years old. My mom is the prettiest when going out. My mom likes to make toys. My mom always says, "thank you." My mom is funny when she wakes you up.

Camel Pasta

Sometimes being a mom is like being a detective. Joelle just reported to me that she wanted camel pasta tonight for dinner. Intrigued, I dove in for more of a description. She said, "It's pasta with a hump in the middle with more pasta in it. It's juicier. Juicy pasta is the best." Are you intrigued as well.... I do have the benefit of knowing what I feed my daughter and figured it out! She wants ravioli for dinner. :)

You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry.... Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Joelle learns from the best. When Nana told her she was going to take a little nap today, Joelle stated, "Nana, you better not do that. You won't get your mother's day present." I guess we now know, taking a nap to Joelle is equivalent to her whining to us.

Helmet

Joelle: Your helmet is so brave. Chris: He doesn't back down from a fight. Joelle: Your helmet is so brave. Chris: He doesn't take any crap.

Luby's

Chris makes me laugh. Out of the top 5 reasons I love him, one has got to be that he makes me laugh. Joelle rushed in from Luby's with Nana and Poppie (Nan and pawpE at the moment). She had her usual balloon and "goodie bag." I heard Chris say, "Let's see what in your Luby's bag today!" The bag has the same stuff in it every time, so as he pulled the items out, he spoke loudly so I could hear from the other room.... "graham crackers, crayons and a wet wipe!" Then Joelle held up a straw and said, ".. and a STRAW!" The straw was new so he spoke in his game show contestant voice... "You've won a straw." The best part is Joelle did think it was a treasure. She immediately ran to take into her "sleeping" room to put it in her drink cup. Just a normal moment in our household and I was smiling listening to it.

Lost Kid

Today, running little errands with mom for some piddly items - new hanging pots and pillows, we saw a little boy who was walking in the parking lot. Yes, the parking lot. No mom in sight, my mother and I commented on how disgusting it was to let your kid wander around. I spotted him trying to go in the store we'd just come from and assumed his mom was in there. (Yes, I still assume mom vs. dad - they may be out there, but I just don't see many stay-at-home dads.) As we backed out the car, the boy did not enter the store. He continued down the sidewalk, passing lots of folks and lots of stores. Finally, I pulled my car back into a parking spot with my mom watching my own child to find out where the heck his mom was. One other lady was attracted to the scene. Out of all those bystanders that he passed, only she and I stopped. We tried to find out where his mommie was but he was only 3 or 4, so he couldn't communicate well. He continued skipping around the corner with us trailing and found his mom. He had walked around the entire shopping complex. I, on the other hand, had momentarily panicked 10 minutes previous when Joelle walked behind some display at the store we were in. I do not let her leave my sight. That little boy has been in my thoughts since finding him meandering towards a possibly disastrous outcome. It brings me to the question, "Who is a good mommie?" I think that few would argue that this woman is NOT a good mommie. However, who really is a good one? I chastise myself all the time for not being the best I can be. My number one fault, of course, is my temper. I do have a lot of patience, but once that patience is soaked up, whoa. I just lose it. I will say that I have not and never plan to hit my child. My anger is shown through my voice and even little Joelle raises her voice when she gets angry at me now. This is why I care so much and do judge myself all the time. Thankfully, Chris thinks I'm the best - he really said that. He said out of all the moms his met, I'm the best. I know he is partly obliged to tell me this, but I thank him none the less. I used to be so self conscious about how I looked - now, that doesn't matter as much to me. I care more for how good of a mommie I am - I doubt myself because it's so important.

Coughing in the Dust

For those who have a program to notify of new posts (you know who you are :) ), please forgive me. For someone who programs for a part-time living (admittedly in an archaic format that is going away soon), I am suddenly technically inept. The web marches on and have been left in the dust. Here's hoping I catch up soon!

Grilled Cheese

At Sam's Deli Diner on Saturday, Jillian (our 4 year old neighbor) asked Joelle why she had grilled cheese. I knew that Jillian really meant, "why did you order grill cheese," but that 4 year old conversationalists can't always express themselves that eloquently. Joelle retorted back, "that's what I ordered," with a quizzical look on her face. Jillian also looked confused. I held back laughter and gently told Joelle that maybe she was asking why she ordered it. She just said, "oh, I like it." 4 year old conversations.... they are very literal Oh, Joelle's new word this week: Brilliant. When I asked her where she learned it, she said, "Madonna."