How to Freak Out a Mom

In order to properly tell this story I need to back up to last night. When I got home from work around 9:20 Wesley was still awake. Duane was sitting in Wesley's room rocking him and Wesley was acting generally pathetic. Apparently, Duane had put Wesley to bed at his normal time, but instead of falling asleep, Wesley whined and whined and cried out "Daddy!" We decided it might be a family bed night, so I changed into my pjs and we all climbed into bed together.

It was right about this time that Wesley had a miraculous recovery (go figure!) He stared talking and walking on the bed and trying to hug the cats. In Mommy and Daddy's world a miraculous recovery equals sleeping in one's own bed, so we put Wesley back in his crib. What followed was a screaming fit that lasted until 10:10.

Now we get to the how to freak out a mom part. This morning I went into Wesley's room and discovered blood all over his mattress. Not massive amounts, but any blood in a toddler's bed is not a good thing. Once my heart slowed down I checked Wesley over for his injury. Let's see, ears? Nope, all clear. Mouth? Clear too. Nose? Lots of boogers, but no blood. Hands? Face? Neck? Nope! So Wesley bled somewhere during the night, but from no place that I can discover. My experience mom friends tell me that it was almost assuredly a nose bleed. I've decided to believe that and not think on it anymore. But I'd prefer not to ever be freaked out like that again.

Sweet Dreams

After we tucked Wesley into bed last night, I was very tempted to run back downstairs and add another blog entry for yesterday. I managed to convince myself that 3-4 postings for a single day is a little obsessive and decided to wait until today.

Part of Wesley's bedtime routine is to say prayers with his Prayer Puppy. After we finished the traditional "Now I lay me down to sleep.." I said "Bless Mommy and Daddy and Grandmas and Grandpas " Wesley looked at me and added "Sho. Kai." How sweet is that!? He added his cousins! Despite my melting heart and the fact that Wesley was being super cuddly, we put him in his crib. Wesley immediately rolled over and grabbed Frank then began to fake snore! We've taught him, the ever important fake snore, but had no idea he knew when to use it! Very tricky!

The picture below isn't from yesterday, it's from the weekend, but a sleepy toddler picture is always worth including.

Country Bumpkin

We learned something very important about Wesley tonight. He likes country music. How did we discover this previously unknown preference? Let me explain....

Tonight was my night to do the dishes (100+ year old house = no dishwasher) For some reason I am incapable of doing the dishes without music blaring. Some of you may not know that I have...shall we say..."varied" taste in music. The only thing I really don't care for is rap and my CD collection contains (among many many others): Brad Paisley, Kiss, Meatloaf, Amy Grant, the Cure, Weird Al, Toni Braxton and Billwho. If I am in my car and not listening to a book for some reason I will most likely listen to contemporary christian music. Tonight I was scrubbing away to the soundtrack to the musical "The Secret Garden" but switched to Trick Pony to dry.

The first song on Trick Pony's debut CD is called "Pour Me" I don't think I was 30 seconds into the song when Wesley came tearing into the kitchen and started dancing - or in Wesley world, running around the kitchen. It was hilarious! We listened to the song 3 or 4 times, with Duane and I dancing and clapping along. When the dishes were done, we turned the CD player off and headed into the living room. Wesley promptly took Duane by the finger and led him back into the kitchen. Wesley stared at the CD player until we listened to "Pour Me" one more time. Poor little guy danced so much he could hardly walk - but he had a great time!

How to Tell When Your Toddler is Sick

Wesley actually told me he didn't feel well today. He was kind of whining at me this morning and I asked him to tell me what was wrong. Wesley immediately touched his nose and said "Nose. Ow." Then he pointed to his teeth (he has two more coming in on the bottom) and said "Teeth. Ow." Well, I guess that explains it, huh?

Two More Sickies

Duane had a horrible cold a little over a week ago. He's feeling much better, but Wesley and I both have it now. I guess that explains the howler monkey that appeared on Sunday. It's kind of funny, but Wesley and I have the opposite kind of colds. He has a runny nose and will sometimes touch it and say "Nose. Ow." I have severe congestion and a cough. Put us together and we are a mess.

While I spent yesterday at work in a sudafed induced haze, Wesley charmed the socks of Grandma and Grandpa P. When I arrived to pick Wesley up, he was busy with a game of "Ready. Set. Go!" He barely glanced at me. Of course, when it was time to put shoes and coat on he threw a fit. Guess he wanted to stay with Grandma and Grandpa longer. Can't say I blame him.

Howler Monkey Continues

Well folks, it hasn't gotten any better since this morning. Unless he's watching a DVD Wesley has been screaming up a storm. He was hitting his head on the high chair during dinner and has just been a screaming banshee! Trust me, I want to hit MY head on something right about now. Of course, having a serious sinus headache doesn't help.

Duane just ran out to the store for a couple of things we need. He took Wesley with him so 1) I could have some peace and quiet and 2) maybe Wesley will fall asleep and we can plop him in his bed when he gets home. I am so climbing into a bubble bath with a good book as soon as Wesley goes to bed. I'm going to soak until I prune, then I'm going to pop some cold medicine and fall into a coma and hope tomorrow is better. Much better.

The Howler Monkey Has Returned

Wesley has been screaming and crying for nearly an hour and a half! Is he in pain? Is he sick? No - he wants to "push the button" which means play his video game (leap frog). Or course, he is a toddler, so he wants what he wants now, even if Mommy says there is no way we are playing videos games at 7:00 in the morning.

Wesley is usually such a happy boy and when he does throw a fit, it's usually incredibly short. Normally he'll hit his head on the floor once or twice and be over it in 3 minutes tops. Not this morning! Today he is screaming at various decibel levels to see which will be the most effective in making Mommy succumb to his demands. He's banging his head on the floor, on the desk, on the couch. He's throwing his sippy cup. Really, it's a pretty impressive tantrum, too bad I don't care. If he manages to keep it up for another half hour, I'm going to wake Daddy up and hide in a hot shower. Could be an interesting day.

March Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most annoying?

a) an attention starved cat who refuses to let you drink a cup of tea and look at the paper in peace

b) a toddler who woke up too early, says "Mama, no" as you are getting dressed for work and refuses to let you drink a cup of tea and look at the paper

c) The Upside Down Show (for Noggin viewers only)

Let me tell you, before 8:00 in the morning on a Saturday you have to work (and wear pantyhose) they are all pretty darn annoying!

Culinary Mishap

As some of you may know, I consider myself something of a foodie. I love trying new foods - there's nothing I won't try once. I enjoy Food Network and my cooking magazines. I love cooking new things too, but sometimes things just don't go as planned. Take tonight for example. Duane and I are both trying to watch our weight, so I picked a recipe from a diet cookbook I have. We have made many recipes out of this cookbook and have almost always been pleased with the results. Not tonight. Tonight I made Fettuccine with Walnut Blue Cheese Sauce, or as Duane called it - wallpaper paste. He managed a few more bites than I did, but we both agreed that it was just not worth eating. I mean, how bad does a meal have to be to throw it out and eat a frozen dinner instead?

On a slightly related note, we had lunch with Grandma H., Sho and Kai at McDonald's today. When Sho and I went to the counter to get Wesley a second milk, the woman working the register nodded at Sho and asked me how old my son was. Kind of cute.

He's a Genius!

There's a story in my family about me learning to read. I used to memorize my books and "read" them to my family. When I was really little I "read" a book to my Grandma D. She was amazed and told my dad that she couldn't believe I was reading. My dad tried to explain to her that I has memorized the book and wasn't really reading yet. My grandma snapped back "She's reading!"

I think I know how my grandma must have felt now. I was putting clothes away in Wesley's room and he was sitting on the floor looking at books. All of a sudden I heard a little voice say "Night moon....balloon....bears, chairs....comb, brush...hush" I turned around to see Wesley with his Goodnight Moon book. He was "reading" the story out loud. Now I know my eighteen month old was not reading, but I will admit, my eyes teared up. He may not be reading, but he's on the fast track with those ever important pre-reading skills. My little genius.

Ready....Go!

Somehow Wesley has learned "ready....go!" This morning he was standing in the front room and said "ready...go!" then took off running. I guess you'd call it more of a sprint, because after a few feet he stopped, said "ready...go!" and took off again. The way he was laughing, it must have been a very fun game for him, but it was even more fun for me to watch! We played "ready...go!" when it was time to go upstairs to get dressed too. I usually count to three then lift him over the baby gate. Today I said "Ready?" and he shouted "Go!" I lifted him over the gate and he scrambled up the stairs as fast as his little arms and legs would carry him. What fun!

Fashion Emergancy

I should know better than to leave the house without a spare outfit for Wesley. I've been a mom for one day shy of eighteen months now. I should know better, but I don't. Nope I am content to live dangerously and tempt fate. The result - Wesley had a leaky diaper while we were on the other side of town. Grandma H. and I made an emergency stop at Target today between doctor's appointments and changed Wesley into a brand new outfit in the restroom at the store! Is that what it takes to get new clothes? I'm not sure I'm willing to go there, but there is this dress I have my eye on... Nah!

OK- on with the cute story. We ate lunch out today and Wesley entertained himself by feeding OSB. He charmed the waitress and the couple in the next booth with his parenting skills. What a good boy! And what a cute outfit (for something that was picked out in less than five minutes!)

Home Sick

I'm home sick today with a tummy/intestinal problem. I seem to be doing a little better than I was during the night (read: no longer running to the bathroom every 10 minutes) so that's good.

Wesley has been impressing me with his sentences this morning. So far, I've heard "I need help" when he was stuck behind his toy box, "Hello Gus" when Wesley went to pet Gus, and "Chocolate milk please" when his sippy ran out of nutrasure. Not too shabby.

Wesley and I both have doctor's appointments tomorrow, so more then.

Getting to Know You (and Me!)

OK - I totally stole this from Elaina's mommy, but it seemed like such a fun idea!

2007 Version of Getting to Know Your Friends:

1. What time did you get up this morning? Got up at 7:07 after a couple snoozes

2. Diamonds or Pearls? I love pearls because they are so classy, but I do wear a pair of diamond stud earrings every single day.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Happy Feet - which is really pathetic when you consider it was a "date night"

4. What's your favorite t.v. show? I hate to say this, but I am addicted to some reality tv. I adore America's Next Top Model, Top Chef and Dancing with the Stars. Other than that, I watch Noggin.

5. What did you have for breakfast? I treat myself to Starbucks one day a week. Today I had a tall, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, extra-hot latte and a reduced fat cranberry oat bran muffin.

6. What is your middle name? Pendleton

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Any and all. I love spicy food though and had some fantastic szechuan duck last night.

8. What foods do you dislike? I'm not a huge seafood fan. I don't care for squid, mussels, oysters, or salmon. I'll try most anything else though

9. Your favorite Potato chip? Jones' Honey BBQ

10. Favorite CD you've been listening to lately? I listen to books on CD when I am in the car. Right now I'm listening to "Gods in Alabama" and just finished a fantastic teen novel.

11. What kind of car do you drive? Hyundai Elantra

12. Favorite sandwich? I am a sucker for a Reuben. LOVE THEM!!!

13. What characteristics do you despise? Racism and compulsive lying

14. What are your favorite clothes? I'm a jeans and v-neck shirt kind of gal. But I would so dress in head-to-toe Coldwater Creek or Ann Taylor if I could afford it.

15. If you could go anywhere in on vacation where would it be? A cruise! If it was just me and Duane it would be to Greece and Italy. A family Disney cruise would rock too.

16. What brand of clothes is your favorite brand? the brand that is marked 50% off!

17. Where would you want to retire? Near my son

18. Favorite time of day? I am such a morning person, it isn't even funny.

19. Where were you born? Same hospital Duane was born in and that I gave birth to Wesley in.

20. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football (Buckeyes and Browns) and Hockey (Blue Jackets)

21. Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi One (although I drink Coke Zero too)

22. Beavers or Ducks? WHAT?!?

23. Are you a morning person or a night owl? We established this in Question 18

24. Pedicure or Manicure? Pedicure- I'm less likely to chip my toenails.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Nope! I'm an incredibly dull person!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher

27 . What is your best childhood memory? Nothing in particular, but knowing I was loved no matter what sure ranks up there.

28. Ever been toilet papering? YES!

29. Been in a car accident? Yes, several - but nothing major and only one when I was driving (fender bender)

30. Favorite restaurant? Depends what I'm in the mood for

31. Favorite flower? daffodils and yellow roses

32.Favorite ice cream? pistachio

33. Favorite fast food restaurant? see question 30

34. How many times did you fail your drivers test? Passed it on the first try!

35. From whom did you get your last e-mail.. ? Old Navy

36. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor, Gap

37. Last person you went to dinner with? Ann, Ann, Astrid and Michael

38.How many tattoos do you have? Two - just kidding, Dad!

39. Favorite magazine? Well, I have subscriptions to Every Day with Rachel Ray, Paula Deen, and Bon Appetit

40. If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks, I just think she'd be a blast to hang out with.

42. If you could choose another first name, what would it be? Don't know, I never really felt like a "Heather" though.

43. If you could change your profession right now, what would it be? Stay at home mom - or a Disney expert!

As Han Solo Would Say...

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Wesley is very aware of the fact that he has two bears now. This morning he woke up to find NSS in his chair with milk. This was OK for about ten minutes. Then he grabbed me my the finger, walked into the laundry room and said "Bear." I asked if he wanted his other bear (OSB) and he said, "Yes." The problem is that he refused to relinquish NSS. "So I suppose you want both bears," I said sarcastically (BTW - sarcasm is lost on toddlers). Wesley responded with a resounding "YES!" He's been carrying both bears around ever since.

I guess I don't mind it so much in the house, but this could be a problem when we head to Sam's Club later. I refuse to take two stuffed bears to keep track of. Wonder which he will want to take with him? Wonder how I'm going to get the other one away from him?

Can You Find the Original Stinky Bear?

Wesley sure can! Not-So-Stinky Bear (NSS) arrived yesterday and Wesley is not fooled for one moment. When Duane got home, he asked Wesley if he could see his bear (Original Stinky Bear - OSB) and did a quick behind the back swap. Wesley grabbed for NSS and immediately flipped him over to suck on the tag. However, when he examined the tag area, he could tell something was off. Maybe it was the lack of disgusting scent, maybe it was the absence of slightly yellow crust that no amount of washing will remove, but Wesley wasn't buying it.


Duane let Wesley see both bears together. Instead of causing confusion, Wesley was thrilled. Two bears!?! How cool is that!? In fact, we have discovered that although NSS can't be a replacement for OSB, they can be traded back and forth a little. NSS is good for big hugs and for using as a pillow, but not for tag sucking. OSB is good for tag sucking and MUST be available if Wesley is feeling anxious or sad.

We figure that after a week or so, NSS will be gross enough that he might be able to be confused for OSB. We'll just have to see (or smell as the case may be.)

Definately the Child of a Librarian

Wesley and I just got back from a trip to Target. While we were there I picked up a couple of board books for him. One was an Elmo book from the dollar section and one was a puppy valentine's book that was on clearance for .10. Let me tell you, that was a dime well spent! Wesley couldn't put the book down while he was in the cart and whined when I had to put it on the counter to pay. When it was time to go, I had managed to get the Elmo book in the bag, but Wesley would not let go of the puppy book. I finally told him that he had to let go of the book or his bear because I needed to hold his hand in the parking lot. HE LET GO OF HIS BEAR!!!!! I can't believe it!! He read his new puppy book all the way home, while Bear rode in the bag. Poor Bear.

Best Kitty in the World

I know there are some faithful readers out there who really don't like cats. I try to be respectful of their opinions, but if they had a wonderful cat like my Sanders, they might feel differently. Sanders was adopted from Cat Welfare about 10 years ago. He had been adopted by a family when he was a kitten. They kept him for a year, then returned him because he was "vicious" and would "bite the children". Sanders' vicious nature has become somewhat of a family joke because he is an extremely docile cat and puts up with so much from kids. When he gets sick of the attention, he walks away.

Last night Sanders was sitting on my lap having some good snuggle time when Wesley decided he needed to be on my lap too. Below are the pictures that tell you exactly how vicious Sanders is.

What you don't see in these pictures are the many kisses Wesley bestowed on Sanders furry little face. Vicious, indeed.

Wesley's New High Chair

Think he likes it? It's a great exercise tool for Duane too!

Year of the Boar

Tonight we celebrated the Chinese New Year with Grandma and Grandpa H., Aunt Cathy, Sho and Kai.

A restaurant in town had a special Lion Dance tonight, so that's where we decided to dine. It was a lot of fun, but Wesley forgot his restaurant manners once again. He cried anytime we put him in his highchair and refused to eat even a morsel of the delicious food. He spent most of the evening wandering around the restaurant with either me, Daddy or Grandma H. Why does he do this? Most of the time he is fine at a restaurant, but if it's a special occasion of any sort, he refuses to cooperate! He wasn't bad, but it's hard to have a nice family dinner when someone is always off walking the toddler.

The Lion Dance portion of the evening was a lot of fun. It was loud with drums and cymbals and there were three separte lions throughout the restaurant. Sho and Kai were a bit scared (especially Sho) but Wesley didn't seem to mind the whole thing. He even reached out and petted one of the lions. My brave boy!