Why bother?

Today we gave Story Time at the library another try. Sure, Robert was a monster last month at our first attempt, so lets bring his one year old brother and sister this time and see how much worse it could possibly get. And worse it did get.
Story Time today was held in the township building (as it usually is on Tuesdays) I had never been to this building and the room where it was held was more like a closet - not at all conducive to our double stroller. We got it in, but there was no way any one was coming out. The room was crowded with little people sized chairs, but Robert chose to stand. Even when given a choice to sit on the floor or in a chair - he chose to stand... right in front of the story teller. He very obviously wasn't interested at all in the story being read. In between stories, the story teller sang songs. Robert interrupted her every time, insisting that he was singing it the wrong way. How many ways are there to sing "The wheels on the bus" anyway? Ava and Alex got antsy and wanted out of the stroller. I held them both for a few minutes and then they wiggled out of my arms. The girls next to us loved this. They pulled out their cell phones and started snapping pictures of my kids. WTF? If these girls have cell phones, doesn't that make them a bit old for Story Time? I guess it could be worse - but let's just hope we don't see my kids pictures in some obscure internet site or worse yet, on YouTube.
A neighbor friend was there. She helped by alternating the twins and taking them outside for a change of scenery. Of course, her grand daughter (who is just one week older than Robert) was a perfect angel. She listened to the story, stayed in her chair and interacted with the story teller. Robert had one hand down the back of his shorts and the other up his nose while he stared at the ceiling. I'm so proud.
Later, the neighbor friend proclaimed that "I need to start stepping up" and "start disciplining him or I am in for some trouble." Then she kindly added "and you better start working on these guys (the twins) too. Then she chuckled. UGH. So, my kids are a bit wild. They are 3 and 1 and there are 3 of them. I suppose I shouldn't bother leaving the house with them - ever.
Story time is for well behaved kids. Not mine - apparently.

Maybe its one of those twin things that some people just don't get.

ode to the twisty tie

My dear dear husband.... he love twisty ties. He cant throw them away. I find them in cabinets, in drawers and scattered around his computer. They don't just come from our weekly loaves of bread. They come from electronics and toys. He finds them and he keeps them because "you never know when you might need a twisty tie"

Me? I hate twisty ties. I throw them away immediately upon opening a new loaf of bread. I find them annoying and irritating and a waste of time. I throw them away when I find them growing in my cabinets and in my drawers.

Last week, however, I wished I hadn't tossed that twisty tie.
A&A got into the bread drawer and pulled scattered an entire loaf of bread all over my kitchen floor - just after I swiffered the floor.

Never had I wished I kept a twisty tie more than that day!

This leaves me two options: get a lock on the bread drawer or change the location of the bread all together.
What would you do?

Carnival

Our church holds a carnival every summer. We took the kids out tonight for pizza, ice cream and funnel cake and lots of fun...


I got to ride the slide... twice!
The kids had a blast! We were very smart to get there early and be on our way home before bed time.

All is well

A&A had a visit with Dr. Novak today. Here are the stats:

Ava is 21 lbs 12 oz and 31.75 inches tall (25th percentile for weight and 75th for height - obviously NOT her mother's daughter)

Alex is 20 lbs 13 oz and 30.5 inches tall (25th percentile all around - as he's always been. This kid gets the medal for consistency)

Both kids had shots in both arms. It was immediate torture, but they recovered quickly. Dr. Novak was pleased to hear that Alex will be getting tube in his ears. He agrees that it is the right thing to do.
The kids were loud, obnoxious and messy in the exam room. We always leave that place a disaster - cheerios all over the place and exam table paper in shreds blanketing the floor. Doctor Novak commented that "people understand when you have 3 small kids" to which I quickly shot back "YOU understand, since you yourself once had twins and a toddler. There are lots of people who don't understand" Then I told him about the nasty lady in Wegman's (I don't think I ever blogged about her) who told my kids to 'shut up' under her breath. Can you believe the nerve? Right there in the produce dept she mumbled "shut up." I politely said outloud "I guess people with children shouldn't be allowed to grocery shop."
I digress. (should have blogged that one)
********
Ava can now reach the water dispenser on the fridge. I must now get in the habit of locking it after I use it (which is constantly!) Some days this gets me my "get out of bathing a kid" free card. (yes, it's that bad!)
Ava also says "sit" (which sounds more like "sh!t") when she sits down. Her favorite place to sit is on the step stool in the bathroom. It's just her size.

Alex has been screaming at the top of his lungs a whole lot. This noise is contageous and soon all three kids are screaming at each other in competition. When he is done, he puts his finger to his lips and says "Shhh." It's very cute.

I am anxious for Robert to go back to school. Isn't that awful? He needs some socialization and more importantly he needs routine. I've been taking him to the gym with me a few times a week, and he gets to interact with other kids there, but lately I have been getting bad reports from the girls that work there and this worries me. He is rough and tough and refuses to listen. Part of me is hoping it's because of my absence and now Bobby's absense, but I guess we'll have to see.

Underwear is optional

It is 11:30 am. I have already asked Robert to "Put his pants back on" 4 times. What is it with this kid?

Had to add this...

a few hours later... Robert is naked again. I tell him ti bring me his clothes and I say: "Robert, how many more times are we going to do this today?"
He looks up at me as he pulls on his underwear and says very coy "Um. How about 4."

i am woMAN

I have recently come to realize that I am not the woman I used to be. Four years and 3 kids later, my brain has become a big ball of mommy mush. Things that used to so easy for me - things that defined my independence - are no longer evident.
When I was 8, I rewired the electricity to my dollhouse. When I was 12, I connected the cable in my bedroom. When I was 16, I could drive myself to the city AND get myself back home without GPS or stopping to ask for directions. Now , I am nearly 30, and wouldn't dare drive into a city! I've been through 2 pregnancies - one of which was a multiples. You'd think I could conquer anything.

Somewhere between 18 and 29 I have lost my sense of independence. I find myself relying on my incredible husband way more than I should. Could it be that I'm just becoming lazier as I age? There are certain chores that I just wouldn't tackle - they just aren't my domain.

Until now.

Since Bobby is away this week, I am going to take it upon myself to do as much as I can without him. This means more than just taking out the trash and putting down the toilet seat.
It means swatting down bee hives, mowing the lawn and maybe having a beer. Heck, I already calibrated my Nike+ without his help.

I can do anything. Well, maybe.

Single Mom - WHY?

Bobby is going to be in England all week so I am single mommin' it again. And just in time for Robert to start asking "Why?" about everything!

R: Is everybody sleeping?
Me: yes, it is almost night time.
R: Why?
Me: Because the sun went to sleep.
R:Why did the sun go to sleep?
Me: Because it's time for the moon to come up.
R: Why is it time for the moon to come up?
Me: Argh
R: Why you said Argh, Mommy?
Me: Because I am frustrated.
R: Why you are fustated, Mommy?
Laughter
R: Why you are laughing, Mommy?
Me: Because you keep asking me why, Robert.
R: Why?
Me: no comment - Silence

Fat Toe

Just wanted to share a few 'not so nice' things that were a result of my 'mommy getaway' to Hawaii:
~My sunburn... which is now ugly and peeling and discolored. My back looks like I have leprosy.
~My ears are infected - from the cultured pearl earrings I bought. ugh. should have cleaned them first.
~I purchased a toe ring. I was fitted by a nice guy (or should I say 'gAy' - (s)he wore eyeshadow, nail polish, lip gloss and woman's clothing) I think I was fitted too small - (s)he crammed the ring on my second toe and I questioned it's size. A typical woman, (s)he insisted that the smaller size would fit. Now, my toe is three times it's normal size and the ring won't budge. I foresee a jeweler chiseling it off in the near future. I called the place I bought it from and they said they'd replace it for me if I had to have it removed. I should have insisted on the larger size. One more thing - the g(a)uy said he was runway model, but he was too short or something. Why, then, is (s)he fitting toe rings at a hut in Kona? Strange aspirations.
~My iPod Nano died while I was gone. Something to do with Hawaii humidity combined with my sweat getting inside from one of my runs.
~My cell phone SIM card died after day 2. Bad timing. Luckily, Bobby had my iPhone waiting for me when I got home. A great friend let me use her phone (thanks, Lean!) I was nervous traveling home without a phone, but it somehow all worked out.

And finally...
~I never realized that my job is actually HARD. I mean, I guess I never knew any better - I just always did what I had to do - without ever having a real break. I never thought it was really tough and laughed when people would say "I don't know how you do it."
After being away for 5 days, I came home having almost no desire to be a mom. I started to question "How DID I do it?" Don't get me wrong... I love my kids to death and missed them like crazy - I just didn't feel like 'working.'
I am pretty much over that now. But I never in a million years thought I'd feel like that! Maybe it's the fat toe that is changing my perspective.

The pros outweigh the cons. Many of you know I was nervous about the trip. But I am SO GLAD I went. I have some of the best friends in the world, and this vacation was much needed and just, well, awesome!

Alex's visit with the ENT

Today Alex had a consultation with the ear, nose and throat doctor - Dr. Haytmanek - the same ENT who performed Ava's Frenectomy (snipped her tongue) last year. He said that it would be in our best interest to have tubes put in Alex's ears and that it should be done asap. He said that if Alex is experiencing seizures that surgery should not be questioned. We scheduled surgery for August 13th in the morning. In the mean time, Alex has been put on a daily antiboiotic to reduce his risk of having an ear infection between now and then. Dr. Haytmanek found fluid in both of his ears today and it's likely that he would develop an ear infection sooner than later.

Home

Hawaii was WONDERFUL! I had a fantastic time with my girlfriends - Kate was a gorgeous bride and it was so great to see her again. I always miss her so much!
I snorkeled, and saw manta rays. I had a massage outside with the ocean in front of me. I saw a man juggle fire and I now know how to open a coconut. I re-united with an old grade school chum, and even made a new friend.
The time was perfect for a get-away. I wish Bobby was there to experience the beauty and relaxation I had on my mommy-vaca. But he had an experience of his own - he bonded with the kids in a whole new way - I noticed it almost immediately when I got home. I didn't realize how much I missed the kids until I saw their little faces.
Maybe next time I'll take them with me....
then again, maybe not.

Day Two Fun Continues!

Today started off with a very tired gang. The kids slept well. This adult was greeted with an upset tummy at 0300h. None the less the morning was fun. The twins had oatmeal and bananas for breakfast with juice. Robert had a banana, juice and Noggin. A few hours later he followed that up with a cereal bar.

I ran some grocery and dry cleaning errands this morning. After lunch Nicole and Robert went to play on the swingset as the twins napped. They napped strong again sleeping from 12 - 3:45p. I ran to Sears for some trimmer line and started lawn work before dinner.

Dinner is where we all had some fun. Great-Grandmom Salerno (my Grandmom) made some pasta, meatballs and sausages. Her gravy is the best hands down no doubt about it. Robert, Ava and Alex each had 2 servings each. The twins had 2 meatballs and 2 sausages each!



Finally we capped the night off with me finishing by cutting the front and back lawn, Great Grandmom and Nicole took Robert and the Twins for a walk then some more swing time!

Dad on Duty! (With Grandmom and Great-Grandmom)

We are minutes away from Michelle's landing in Honolulu, HI. That means I (Bobby/Dad) am running the show at home. But who am I kidding, reinforcements have been called in full force. Great Grandmom Salerno arrived this evening around 4pm with arms full of goodies, food, snacks and treats for the kids. Not to mention a fabulous dinner of chicken scaloppine. Grandmom Trif (My mom) has been here since 9AM. Today was a smashing success nonetheless. The twins slept from 12:07 - 4:10p today. I got paperwork done, house cleaned and Robert entertained. Grandmom and Robert took a trip up to her house as she had someone coming over to look at something in the house.

Great-Grandmom cooked up a fabulous meal that the twins scrafed up. Since they slept so late dinner tonight was about 6PM. After dinner they housed watermelon, rasberries and grapes. We took a nice walk with the twins, great grandmom and cousin nicole (also here to have fun with the kids over the next few days) that took us to about 8pm. Grandmom and Robert met us in the driveway after our walk and we all wend in for some desert and bottles for the twins.

Checkin' out

I am leaving tomorrow for Hawaii - by myself! A 10.5 hour flight - by myself. I am dreading it. I am dreading leaving the kids. But I know once I get there I will be just fine. These past 2 days have been stressful for me - trying to get the house in order, catching up on laundry, squeezing in visits to the gym, and trying to cram my most valuable possessions (i.e. size small clothing) into a tiny suitcase so I don't have to check my luggage. Am I crazy? Don't answer.
My MacBook is preloaded with movies rented from iTunes for in flight viewing. I'll buy a few magazines (probably diet/exercise related) at a news stand. Maybe I'll even splurge and have a diet soda (kidding - I'll have a real drink) during the flight.
For 4 and a half days, I'll have no one to be responsible for but myself. No one crying at my ankles or screaming 'Mommy' from across the room. No diapers to change or noses to wipe, no laundry to fold or dishes to wash.

I'm checking' out now, but I already can't wait to come home. :)

Red, White and Blue Crew

Happy 4th of July... Love, the Trif kids

The bad kid

Today's story time at the library was a disaster. Robert did not want to sit and listen. He was rude and uncooperative. I was embarrassed.
Something very similar happened when he started swim lessons a few months ago. I was mortified that he was so obnoxious and uncooperative in swim class.
Robert wants to do what he wants to do He hates structure. Does that make me a bad mom? Why does he do this? I know, he is 3. But seriously, I have worked with a lot of kids, and Robert exhibits every sign of 'the bad kid.' Where did I go wrong?
I seriously hope this is something he outgrows.

Mr. Independence

With tomorrow being Independence Day, it seemed appropriate to post about Robert's new found sense of independence...
There are certain things he *must* do:
~Buckle the straps on his car seat
~Make his own pb&j (using a plastic knife - I'm not sure how he even discovered that we had these)
~Put the toothpaste on his tooth brush by himself
~Be the pilot of the shopping cart and the stroller.

Why, then, when I want him to get himself dressed, he still wants me to help him? I don't get it?


Another quirky 'Robertism' of late is that he needs to be called by his name. Whenever we go out he asks "Will (s)he call me 'Robert?"' Not hard for most people since he walks right up to them and says "I'm Robert."

Alex and Pape sharing some watermelon - yum!
Ava stole some chicken right off the dinner table!

This is self explanatory... (He was the only one who would cooperate enough to have his picture taken. ) Gram bought this shirt and wants to have all of her grandkids pictures taken in it, because 'you just never know...'

Alex totally uses a fork to eat his meals. It requires a lot of concentration on his part, but he's pretty patient. He's been very generous giving out hugs and kisses lately. I'm going to miss them when I am in Hawaii.
Ava will point to her nose, eyes and belly when you ask her. Today, while reading to her, I asked her to identify some animals. She is pretty good at that. She follows directions really well, and seems to always want to help me. It's very cute.
Robert now has his very own library card. Last week, we checked out Caps for Sale, Twinnies, You'll Grow Soon, Alex and The Three Pigs. We will go back tomorrow for Story Time and pick out some new books.

Oh, and Alex's blood work came back just fine. So, no worries there! I feel like he has another ear infection coming on. He's been pulling on his right ear a ton. Whatever happens, I hope it happens in the next week - before my trip!

Heaven Sent

Here they are... my cherubs from above. Or are they? Gram certainly didn't think so when she caught them pulling the stuffing out of her sofa pillows!