"i getting bigger and bigger and big"

almost unnoticed, except that we're constantly reminded, stover boy has become 'a bigga boy'.  sure enough all the hallmarks are there:  verbalizes 'that hurt my feeilngs', cuts with scissors, goes to nursery sans blankie, opens his own fruit snacks, can pump on the swing, capable of dressing self (whether or not he actually does), follows directions to eat 3 more bites, picks up toys without being given specific courses of action (whether or not he actually does), is potty-trained, able to buckle and unbuckle his carseat, uses flouride toothpaste and...

performs headstands (which we found out he's been practicing from off the edge of his bed).

a case of the nerves

this week, stover girl got her booster shots in preperation for kindergarten.  she was a bit nervous but knew the perks involved in going to the doctor- the playground, a try at the stethoscope, and getting a special toy.  this week, stover girl also went with mom to submit enrollment paperwork.  she was a lot of nervous for this and didn't seem to buy into the perks of school attendance. (mom mentioned no more quiet time, taught her all about recess, and informed her she'd get to study music and art.)  she kept repeating 'i don't want to go to school' and 'why do i have to go to school?' and held an extra tight grip on mom's hand.
...don't worry little case of nerves- mom secretly feels the exact same way but will fake a great game of school in order to get this smile back on your face!

same game, different game

i have a secret for you is a game mom plays that is particularly enticing to toddlers.  mom simply whispers sweet nothings in kiddo's ear and then the child takes a turn doing the same.  when stover girl was younger, she often just repeated back what was said.  she loved the game and mom loved hearing compliments like 'you're so cute'. 

stover boy is now at the age of appreciation and he initiates playing nightly.  however, it's a totally different game for him.  mom whispers a sweet nothing like 'you're such a smart boy' and in return mom is surprised with a tongue twister such as 'zizzer zazzer zuzz' or 'peter piper picked pick epper'. 

counting sheep with baby #3

another early morning (4:45) for stover mom.  up after just 5 hours of sleep.  up again for unexplained reasons.  this morning, stover dad heard me getting out of bed and asked 'what are you going to do?'  i responded (humor in tact at a ridiculously early hour) 'tend to a baby that's not yet born!'  but good question though- what do insomniacs do all night? 
this insomniac tunes in to mindless ET/ extra/ or TMZ episodes (thank goodness for drunken celebrities making headlines).  this insomniac checks and re-checks loved one's blogs (keep your entertaining posts coming please).  this insomniac watches a few silly info-mercials (have you heard of cardwoo?).  this insomniac combs through crafting websites (causing a reinforcing itch to redecorate and nest).  this insomniac will conduct RS business (and have her lesson done a week ahead of time).  this insomniac wonders if she's being prepped for a monster with cholic...

'but we have tickets'

after a great saturday outing, stover boy asked 'can we do that sneeze again later?' (translation for toddler's use of 'that sneeze' = a reference to the science museum & obvious translation for toddler's use of 'later'= tomorrow)  mom replied 'today was a special day- we probably won't go again for awhile.'  stover boy then pled 'but we have tickets' ! 
...a look at the special day he loved.

another parenting blunder

about 6 months ago, stover girl had an overly irrational tantrum resulting in the loss of a beloved polly pocket.  stover girl was stunned and devastated when she realized that polly pocket's fancy attire also went in the garbage!  for mom, sometimes this scenario elicits satisfaction- a knowledge that the punishment was truly punishing.  but this time, stover mom's heart began bleeding.  nonetheless, sympathetic mom 'dug her heels in' and polly pocket sat in the 'garbage' (aka the top shelf of the kitchen cupboard) for many months.  this morning, (while nesting and) while alone... mom found the polly and elected to nonchalantly stash it amidst a pile of unsorted toys.  within 5 minutes, stover girl made a discovery and announced 'hey this is the polly pocket that got throwed away! how did this happen?'  stover mother was shocked that she'd remembered this 1 polly among more than 20 and then speculated about what answer to provide.  in the end, she elected to plea the fifth and let her wonder. 

my funny valentines

(lips also double as his 'skateboard')