Pudding, Park, and Poopy Butts

Whoaaa Bodhi, today you got put down for your nap without any love!  It was the first that Mommy scolded you and put you to bed, and that was after re-directing you and giving you time-outs for climbing up your bookcase to get to the extra bath supply basket!  Mommy felt so guilty afterwards, but you went to sleep so Mommy didn't go back in and get you.  Jude, you were ready for a nap but as soon as Mommy was done nursing you, you woke back up, wide awake.  So, you too got some tough love and Mommy let you a cry it out... you fell asleep within minutes of Mommy leaving the room.  Sean Franky stopped by to pick up Daddy's car, Daddy took Mommy's car, so we were "carless" today.  Franky asked you, Bodhi, if you wanted to go with him to run errands, but not realizing you understand every word that people say to you hee/hee so you were highly disappointed when Franky didn't take you.  You quickly recovered though.  Well, now that I think about it, that's when you started climbing and not listening to Mommy:(  Now Mommy feels super guilty. 

Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo have been beside themselves today.  They were pacing and nudging Mommy, as if Mommy has forgotten to feed them yet again.  Mommy couldn't take it, and I gave each of them a small rib bone.  The vet said meat bones could be their low calorie treats, so, Mommy, despite being told to make them fast for two days, cheated and gave them a bone.  Now, Mommy will probably be wiping fuzzy butts for even longer, uggggh!

After naps, you both ate a late lunch... and Bodhi, you had sugar-free chocolate pudding for dessert.  You had it all over the place.  GiGi came by and took you, Bodhi, in the car to the park.  Jude and Mommy walked and met up with you a little later.  We all had a blast playing on the play equipment.  Mommy was able to do much more with you both not having to play zone defense.  GiGi was there, so we went man to man :)  After the park, Mommy strolled you two over to Walgreens to get some groceries, since we didn't have a car.  Mommy didn't realize that we were out of milk, baby cereal, and Jude's allergy medicine.  So, we picked up our items and headed home. Once home, you both were passed out.  However, just as Mommy grabbed the recyclables to take to the bin, and you both immediately woke up.  Bodhi, you were fine staying out a little longer, of course.  Jude, you were so not fine with our continued walk.  Our neighbor boy, Austin, across the street rode his bike with us as we dropped off our recyclables.  Mommy then fed you both dinner and put you to bed.  Bodhi, at dinner, Jude leaned in toward you and you thought he was thirsty so you popped your sippie cup in his mouth.  It was so cute!  You then got grossed out by the food he left behind on your cup.  You hollered and pointed until Mommy cleaned it off for you.  Mommy thought you, Bodhi, were going to be difficult to get to sleep tonight because you were wound up from seeing Grandmoo, but you were easy (thank you!).  Grandmoo had been visiting the boys while we were at the park.  She then played with you Bodhi!  Bodhi, you tried to keep Grandmoo from talking to Mommy and loving on Jude, you get so jealous!

Tonight, Grandmoo talked Mommy into giving Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo boiled hamburger and cottage cheese, and it didn't take much to talk Mommy into it.  They both have been on the search for food all day long and thankfully they didn't try to eat either of you!  After I got you, Bodhi and Buddha, to bed, the boys both got baths again.  Mommy was grossed out all day from wiping fuzzy butts!   Whooo, Mommy is exhausted.  It's been a long but a pleasant day.  Daddy won't be home until really late because he's on a field trip with his college course...yep, apparently college students take field trips too :)-

"Mmmmm chocolate pudding!"

Pudding Drunk! ;)-

"Food, Food, Food!"

Jude you were too funny today at lunch... you saw a spoon in Mommy's hand and started smiling and squealing, it was priceless!

 "Full Buddha belly" ;)

Bodhi, GiGi took you to the car to get her cell phone so she could call Mommy and you scooted over to the driver's side, put on GiGi's glasses, and pointed to the radio.  GiGi turned on the radio and you just danced, while pretending to drive!  GiGi made you do it again for Mommy when Jude and I arrived :)  You crack us up!

Jude in his stroller, cracking up at Mommy and GiGi,  for cracking up at Bodhi in the car :),

Mommy and her lil' Monkey on the slide at Foster :)

 Juders first time down a slide!!!! :)

 Juders and his GiGi

 Bodhi and her GiGi :)

 Brother and Sister... Buddha and Bodhi :)

 Momma and her lil' piggy

 Bodhi butt!  Love her!

Momma bear with her little monkey and her little piggy :)

Dinner And A Makeover

Awwww, today was a Mommy wellness day... well, for the most part!  This morning Daddy spent time with the two of you, playing and watching cartoons.  Mommy made you both breakfast, helped change diapers, and put your clothes away, but it was Daddy who was with the two of you the majority of the time.  This afternoon, Mommy had a hair appointment with Chantal, Daddy has a funny name for her but for some reason neither of us can remember it...something along the lines of being Mommy's mental and hair therapist.  Mommy hadn't had her hair done in about a year.  I was trying to hold off until I lost 30 pounds, but I received a coupon in the mail that I just couldn't pass up :)  Mommy always feels better after meeting with Chantal. She always has great information about health and child rearing, and she always makes Mommy's hair beautiful!  Chantal also provided Mommy with some information that might help Grandmoo and her health issues (which is very exciting because Grandmoo is suffering from very poor health).  Chantal also told Mommy that a lady at Sunspot, a natural food market or herbal shop, told her that everyone was complaining about their children not sleeping, and she attributed it to our most recent moon...recently it has been closer to the earth than is usual and apparently this only occurs every 20 years.  So, there you have it, mystery solved!  You two aren't sleeping because of the moon.  Mommy's menstrual cycle was always in line with the full moons, so this is no surprise to Mommy (too much information for you, Jude, I know) hee/hee.  Since, Mommy is nursing she's only had one menstrual cycle in the last six months (THANK YOU JUDE!).  Mommy has a horrible time with it, I'm so sorry Bodhi!

Bodhi, while Mommy was getting her hair "did" as Mommy's friends say, you were at your GiGi's.  Jude, you were supposed to go to GiGi's today and you, Bodhi, were supposed to go tomorrow. However, you, Bodhi, wouldn't take a nap so Mommy took you instead.  You were super excited and GiGi said you were in a great mood despite not having a nap and waking up yet again the night before.  Mommy has come to the conclusion that either GiGi could never think you are in a bad mood, or you are absolutely positively spoiled beyond comprehension, because you are rarely in a good mood for Mommy :(  Mommy is certain that this is a phase and it will eventually pass :)  Jude, you stayed home with your Daddy.  You were so happy to see Mommy when I returned home!  You were holding out your arms for me, this just melts Mommy's heart.  Sean Franky was here visiting you when Mommy arrived back home with Bodhi.  Bodhi, you were super excited to see Sean Franky too.  You love how he throws you around and takes you to pet Mr. Arlo. 

After arriving home we all went to dinner.  For the past week, Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo have been on an all hamburger diet, as the vet recommended, in order to cleanse their system and get some weight off of them.  For the last two days, they've had diarrhea.  Mommy has been going out of her mind cleaning fuzzy butts because Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo can't clean themselves.  Mommy called the vet today to find out what to do, and the vet said they needed to fast for two days and then they could have yogurt or organic vegetable broth.  This is not going well.  They are so pathetic and so hungry.  It's absolutely breaking Mommy's heart.  Mommy told Daddy that we were going out to eat because Mommy couldn't bear cooking and eating in front of them.  They would both just go crazy.  We all went to Grindstone Charley's to eat dinner (Mommy had a coupon hee/hee).  Bodhi and Jude, Momma is so very proud of the two of you.  Bodhi, you were an angel (this is an awesome turn around from our most recent past dinning experiences)!  Jude, you sat in a highchair for the first time (in a restaurant anyway).  You sat there like a big boy, playing with your toys, and looking around flirting with everyone.  Jude, you tried a new flavor of organic baby food tonight... it was a banana, raspberry, and peach mixture.  You of course loved it :)  Bodhi, Mommy ordered you grilled chicken tenders and steamed vegetables, but they messed your order up and brought you french fries... so when they brought you your vegetables, you were more interested in the french fries :(  You did eat your carrots though... you love your fruits and vegetables. 

After dinner, you both struggled to get to sleep.  Bodhi, we put you in your crib only to get you back up again because you were screaming.  We eventually got you to sleep but you cried for about five minutes before falling asleep :(  Jude, it took you longer to fall asleep nursing tonight.  My Bodhi and Buddha, please have sweet dreams and don't let the bed bugs bite xoxoxoxxo

Bodhi picking GiGi's flowers :) 

Bodhi, you have loved to pick flowers since before you could walk!

Mommy's free spirited flower child :)

Bodhi arranging her bouquet ;)

Bodhi, you always make time for cartoons at GiGi's and Gi-Pa Poncho's!

Bodhi taking her babies for a ride on the zebra... Bodhi, you are always carrying something around with you ;)

Bodhi and Jude with their older brother, Sean Franky ;)

Buddha trying to eat his sister's flower ;)

Franky and his Buddha

Mommy's sweet Jude :)

"Finger sucking Buddha" ;)

 Dinner Pics :) Such good Babes!

Mommy's highlights and low lights :)



First Fat Tuesday and Windmills

Mommy has lost some of the spark for writing this blog for the two of you, so Daddy suggested not putting so much pressure on myself to write so much, or changing the pace and/or format somewhat.  So, Mommy is taking Daddy's advise :)  Don't worry Great Papaw Grills, The Mellow Brick Road will continue on for a long time to come, I'm stubborn that way :)

So, here's the start of changing it up... in an attempt to "de-structure" these entries, Mommy inevitably came up with a way to yet structure them even more hee/hee, it's the Virgo in me, and Jude you will suffer from this as well.  From here on out, or until I feel the need to change things up again... Tuesdays, will be "Fat Tuesdays" the day your Mommy or Daddy expose a childhood experience, trauma, or just plain funny/embarrassing moment, and of course, end with highlighting the events of your day.

Mommy Entry Number One:

It's no secret that your Momma had such a difficult time learning to read and just plain struggled through school.  However, your Momma learned to read with the help of a special teacher that worked with me everyday after school until it finally clicked.  She was Mommy's third grade teacher,  Mrs. Turner.  So, Bodhi, that's why when you bring Mommy a book, Mommy reads it to you.  Mommy sure hopes that the two of you don't struggle as I did (Daddy never struggled with school or reading).  I thought I should appropriately expose this for our first "Fat Tuesday," because Daddy gave Mommy an article entitled "Reading to Rover," which explains that children who read to their pet "may be able to improve their ability to read aloud and become more relaxed and confident in their reading abilities."  Further, the article explains that reading to your family pet may instill confidence and fluency with reading and overall improved reading skills (according to the article's cited research).   Mommy can remember sitting in her classes, praying that she didn't get called on to read aloud.  I was always horrified, and this continued even into my college career.  Mommy wants the two of you to be confident and comfortable in school. Schooling is so important!  Mommy was always told over and over, education is important, but I didn't truly understand why until I entered my mid-twenties.

Mommy's lack of self-esteem can partly be attributed to an experience that occurred in the 2nd grade, and well Mommy's undiagnosed learning disability, can be attributed to genetics (THANK YOU Grandmoo and Great Papaw!).  Mommy remembers sitting in her second grade class with Mrs. Yarrington, and her showing the word "island," on a flash card and asking the class, "can someone tell me this word?"  Mommy was shocked when no one raised their hand, and Mommy was so excited because she thought she knew the word!!  So, Mommy raised her hand and when called on... Mommy announced very proudly, "Is" "land," to which the teacher responded, first by not responding, but then I'm certain she heard your Momma gasp waiting for her response, to which  she quickly stated "that's a good try Amanda, but no."  Mommy had sounded the word out just as Grandmoo had taught her to do.  Mommy's classmates smirked, your Mommy, always struggling, played it off as if she was a dunce.  Your Great Great Uncle Dan had a similar experience with the word "cupboard" when he was in school.  So, from that point forward, Mommy never wanted to read aloud or be called on in school again.  Through the rest of Mommy's schooling career, I would read the entire next passage to make certain there weren't any words I didn't know how to pronounce in case called upon, all the while my classmate read the current passage aloud.  Therefore, Mommy always missed the meaning or never fully comprehended the reading because I was too busy scanning for words I may not know in case I was the next to be called on to read aloud.  2nd grade, needless to say,  was a traumatic year for Mommy when it came to her schooling.  2nd grade was when it became apparent to Mommy, by way or use of "reading groups," I wasn't as smart as my classmates.  Mommy wasn't in the lowest reading group, but probably would have done much better in a lower group, having been given the opportunity to succeed and feel good about myself, but I was in the middle group and struggled to keep up.  Mommy can still to this day recall and identify which of her classmates were in each of the reading groups, and reflecting back, the groups differentiated the reading levels, but also displayed a difference in ethnicity and socioeconomic background.  You think I'm bullshitting, but I'm not... this was the first time Mommy can remember noticing differences in those around her and thus the conception of Mommy's lack of self-esteem with her schooling began.   There are several other "learning" experiences from 2nd grade that Mommy will share with you both on another day.

Bodhi's and Jude's Day:

Today, you both were crankers.   Mommy was on edge all day... even Mr. Murff was in on the cranking.  You all wanted to be held at the same time, fed before the other one, played with, etc... Bodhi, you could not be reasoned with what-so-ever!  Mommy then said, if we don't get out of this house, Mommy is going to have a melt down herself.  So, we packed up (such a major chore) took the hounds to the field, walked over and around the windmills across from Syndicate Sales (where the steal mill use to be...then it was abandoned, fenced-in, and overgrown), and then we walked to Foster Park and played.  Mommy was amazed at the windmill area.  Mommy had never seen it before, there's a big hill blocking the view from the road, and prior to it being cleared, it was all fenced-in and overgrown.  It is unbelievably huge.  In all of Mommy's 30 years in this town, Mommy had never paid the area much attention, and could have never imagined it being so spacious. 

Today, we were outside for 3-3 1/2 hours!  Jude, you slept through the visit to the field, thank God!  You usually want to be carried when we take the boys to the field, and Bodhi, you were actually content in the stroller as the boys played, thank God again!  Bodhi, Mommy took you down the slide at Foster several times.  Jude, you were so happy because Mommy took you a bottle.  You just sat in the stroller drinking your bottle watching your Momma and Bodhi slide down the slide over and over again.  When we arrived home, Sister Kelly was waiting on us.  She visited with you both for a few minutes and then headed home.  Mommy made you both dinner (well, Mommy just had to warm your baby food Jude).  Jude, you were going to try a new food tonight, but Mommy discoverd she had an extra baby food container of food you have already tested, so we finsihed that off a long with some pears.  Bodhi, you had a grilled cheese sandwhich, peas, and fruit.  You both are fast asleep at last!!! Woot Woot! :)-  Bodhi, you woke up at 2:30 a.m. last night, and Daddy tried until 4:00 a.m. to get you back to sleep while Mommy was nursing Jude.  What do you say we don't have a repeat tonight?  Love you both with all my heart, and days like today, I need to keep telling myself "you both are just babies!"

Bodhi, you always cook meals behind Mommy's dinning room table in the window ledge :)

Bodhi still preparing her meal :)

Juders, so long as Mommy was close by, you were happy... one of the few times you were in good spirits today :)

The Start of a "Fussy Buddha" :/

Fussy Mr. Murff :/

"Whatcha barkin' at Mr. Murff?" 

Bodhi, Daddy keeps track of your height by the panes on the door :)

Jude, really?  Mommy's foot can't possibly taste good!

Mr. Arlo, reflecting back... I think you were the only non-fussy butt in the house today!

Our neighbor, Rick, brought you boys a treat over after your walk to the field

"Sleeping Buddha" ;)

"Snacking Bodhi" :0

 Windmills! 

"Happy Buddha"  :)

 "Happy Bodhi" :)

New Fuzzy in the neighborhood!  So pretty!

Two Baths For Two Messy Babies

This morning got off to a rough start.  Mommy was trying to get Grandmoo's online billing account straightened out for her, and you two did not appreciate the deviation from our morning routine.  You both cried and fed off of each other until Mommy couldn't take it and called Grandmoo to come over.  Grandmoo came over and played with you while Mommy finished up.  Mommy then made you both breakfast.  Jude, you inhaled your cereal.  Bodhi, you weren't to thrilled with the change from oatmeal to cream of wheats.  Of course, we ran out of oatmeal.  Bodhi, after breakfast you went out back with Grandmoo and played for a while.  Jude, you were wanting nursed and fell asleep while nursing. Mommy took this opportunity to shower while she could.  You both didn't nap very long this afternoon, and Mommy was quickly wishing she would have took a nap when you both napped.  Mommy is beyond exhausted for some reason. I think it's the lack of exercise... we haven't taken a long walk in a while. 

After you both woke up from napping, Mommy carried you both downstairs.  Bodhi, for some reason you think it's funny when Mommy carries you both, you probably like the feeling that you are about to be dropped hee/hee you are a dare devil.  Once downstairs, Mommy was putting Jude in the bouncer, and you, Bodhi,  took off for the kitchen.  You then proceeded to grab your snacks off the back of the counter, opened them, and sat on the kitchen floor eating them.  Mommy was shocked, and still hasn't figured out how you managed to reach them.  Grandmoo says Mr. Murff pulled a chair up to the counter for you ha/ha... Mr. Murff has been on a diet so I'm sure he was banking on you sharing your treats with him.  Needless to say, Mommy is going to have to be very cautious about what is left on the kitchen counters!  Jude, you then had an afternoon bath.  Bodhi, you were very interested in Jude's bath, so Mommy pulled up a kitchen chair and let you play in his bath water while Mommy bathed him.  You both were entertained for a good half hour. 

Bodhi, after Jude's bath and after having ate a 3/4 full container of kids cheese puffs, you were hinting that you were hungry.  You get real fussy, point, and grunt.  So, Mommy made you a toasted peanut butter sandwich, warmed some green beans, and let you go to town.  Jude, you had apple butternut squash for the third day in a row (we are still testing to see if you have allergies) and pears for dessert.  Tomorrow, you will get something new to eat. Dinner was quite the ordeal.  Jude, Mommy didn't get you your food quick enough, so you decided to swipe Bodhi's bowl of green beans off her tray... they were everywhere!  Bodhi, you had peanut butter and green beans smeared all over you and your highchair.  For dessert you kept eating and eating and eating.  You first had mandarin oranges, which took all of 2 minutes for you to eat before you were pointing and signing for more.  So, Mommy let you have a 2nd container of oranges, and again you scarfed those down as well.  Bodhi, once out of your highchair, you went to the back laundry room and brought Mommy a container of yogurt to feed you (Mommy keeps a basket of snacks back there and you discovered them several weeks ago).  Mommy fed you the yogurt.  You then went back again and brought back a container of fruit mixed with sugar free jello (the one that makes you go crazy) so, Mommy told you, "Bodhi, this is absolutely it, no more after this."  After eating the fruit and jello you seemed to be satisfied.  Sister Kelly was here for the whole dinner ordeal.  She also played with you while Mommy nursed Jude... Jude, you were trying to nurse all your toys so Mommy took you upstairs.  Jude, you also played with Bodhi's cleaning supplies and any other toy you could get your hands on.  You grab EVERYTHING in sight.  The minute you are sat anywhere, your little head starts searching for something to get your hands on.  Mommy had to move your highchair out so you would stop grabbing the planter wall hanging, and then you had to be maneuvered so that you couldn't reach Bodhi's food and drink.  You are going to be a busy body just like your sister.  However, you entertain yourself much better than your sister and you don't require being the center of attention, you are happy with any attention.  Mommy and Grandmoo have both mastered the art of talking to Bodhi while looking at you... so, you think we are talking to you.  You just smile and giggle :)

Bodhi, tonight you were ready for bed, but once Daddy took you up to bed, you started acting scared again.  Daddy brought you back downstairs because he didn't want to leave you in your room with whatever was scaring you (Daddy was secretly scared too I'm sure).  So, after Mommy and Daddy ate their dinner (which you ate your second dinner as well), Mommy took you back upstairs to try to get you settled.  You weren't having it.  So, despite having already brushed your teeth, Mommy gave you a sippie cup of milk.  You were then happy and went to sleep. 

Bodhi, you came inside with a stick in your mouth like Mr. Murff after playing outside with Grandmoo... this was the fit you threw when Grandmoo announced she was leaving! :(

Bodhi playing in Jude's bath water... you love to play in the dogs' water bowls too, uggh!  Mommy quickly had to take your shirt off because you were soaked.

"Give me that wash cloth bub!"

"Hey, where did my wash cloth go?"

"Back off Sis, you aren't getting my wash cloth again!"

Jude, you are quickly outgrowing the sink

"Clean Buddha" ;)

Juders, Mommy tries to keep the wash cloth out of your mouth, but it is nearly impossible.  You love to suck the water out of it.

"Hungry Buddha" ;)

"Bubs, lay off my food!"  "Otttt Oooh!"

"Yeah, food!"

Bodhi, you were mimicking Sister Kelly in this picture ;)

Messy babes!!!! Bodhi, Grandmoo says you eat so much because you caught a tapeworm from the Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo hee/hee!

Sister Kelly said you started a topless cleaning service Bodhi :)-

Piggy playing with a broom... with food still on your face from dinner.  Jude, you hate when Mommy cleans your face, it's such a chore!

"What's this?" "Can I nurse it?"

Bodhi, Sister Kelly was lookin' out for ya hee/hee

"Bath Time Bodhi"

You loved your bath time tonight!

"I see you Momma."  Bodhi, you combed Mommy's bangs out of her face after Mommy fixed your hair ;)