O is for Oceans...

I've been complaining quite a bit about the Baby Hulk and his lack of drive lately. I know, it's kind of pathetic and psycho momish for me to call my kid out on laziness already, but, that is me.

My goals for this year were relatively simple: learn to read, learn to write, some math concepts, religion and study science by going through the alphabet. Each week I'd have a theme with books, coloring sheets, food, a craft and possibly a short field trip. We wouldn't go into anything heavy, and at times the topic didn't have anything to do with science.

We made it to the letter M and faltered big time. The Baby Hulk has never enjoyed coloring, so I don't make him color more than a coloring page a couple of times a week. We've been working successfully, or so I thought, with Handwriting Without Tears until recently. His reading was going so well, we were on long vowels, then he just gave up on that as well. Forget any of the cool books I checked out for our science studies.

N week was another disaster that was continued so we could get it right. Big mistake. I was almost in tears, ready to send him somewhere next year for preschool. I even handed him off to my dad last Saturday.

Not only was Baby Hulk not working for me, he had an attitude. He would roll his eyes at me whenever I asked him to do something. I thought I only had one teenager in the house.

Finally, we are back on track. Last week, we studied Oceans. We had a great week. And while his handwriting doesn't seem to be improving, he worked so hard for me every day! He was excited to read again, do some graphing and color some pictures.



His reward was a trip to the Aquarium.

Do Over

This afternoon was not a great one. I sent Lance to College Station to attend a football clinic for the afternoon thinking it wouldn't be a big deal. He was only going to listen to one speaker. I just failed to account for his drive time. No biggie though, I figured they would nap, we'd make a Valentine's project, watch a short movie about St. Bernadette and have dinner.

The project sits unfinished, and the movie is still in its case.

I was so frustrated with the kids for various reasons: No David for his continued mischievous nature, The Baby Hulk's continued inability to do one thing I ask of him, and Goose's failure to read any of his school work this week. (Blog entry on that to come later.) And then my little girl: she continues to cry unless you hold her. While I don't believe in letting babies "cry it out" at this stage, there have been times that I have to put her down and let me tell you, the girl has stamina. She is relentless.

You could safely say that I was more than annoyed by bedtime.

And the boys knew it. It took every effort to say prayers and give kisses and tell them I love them. And that I expected more tomorrow. As I closed the door, I promised myself tomorrow would be better. I would do better.

Less than ten minutes later, Goose was in my room bawling. Earlier when No David was turning the television on and off (one of his new moves), Goose had seen something that scared him.

Here was my chance, and thank God, I didn't miss it. Thank God I was a mom instead of a drill sergeant. Hearing my reaction to Goose was enough to bring the Baby Hulk into the room. He decided that he was scared too. Then No David climbed out of his crib, telling us he was scared and wanted to snuggle. How could I turn that down?

I'm not usually a fan of holdouts during bedtime. We have long days, and the boys need their sleep. Period. Everyone has bedtimes, including Squirt, who just asked us when he would get a new time. We wouldn't survive without bedtimes. But for tonight, I'm grateful for the chance of a "Do Over" with the boys. They, no WE all deserved it.

My Day

Despite a bad start this morning in the form of a super cranky Baby Hulk, the day turned out almost perfect. Goose and the Baby Hulk went with me to the Symphony this morning. The timing couldn't have been better because we have been studying instruments at home this past week. The concerts are perfectly timed, and the boys enjoy this sort of thing every so often. I really appreciate what Houston has to offer kids in the form of "arts".

Afterwards, I managed to find gifts for all the boys from my dad and ordered them online for him making it even easier for him. Since my dad gets really mad at me if I don't have gifts lined up for the boys, this is a HUGE weight off my shoulders. I think I have convinced him that he is done shopping for them.

During this whole time, Squirt cleaned out his room. We all know how I love purging and cleaning out stuff. I haven't even gone to inspect, but by the looks of the bag leaving his room today, he has room to share his closets with someone new, if needed.

Tonight, we went to a birthday party for the Baby Hulk's best friend. The three little ones went and had a blast. We came home in time for the Big 12 Championship game. Of course, I had no real interest in the game, but Goose was dying to watch football. He wanted to know if we would ever cheer for OU. I explained to him that "No, we would never cheer for OU, but that if them beating a team would help us, then we would be okay with them winning." In this case, nothing can help us, so he has been screaming for Nebraska all night long. I LOVE this kid. Considering his love for football, I have to wonder how long he can stay at the nerd-fest his school is. (And I know, nerds love football too.)

That's How God Made You

Tonight when Goose was taking a bath he told me that he had two bumps you know where. Being mom, I started freaking out, wondering why he had bumps. Then he started saying how they kept rolling out of his hands like balls. Yes, we're already there. I told him that was how his body was supposed to be. Upon hearing this the Baby Hulk immediately asked "why" at least ten times. Somehow saying "that's how God made you" didn't work. Both wanted to know exactly why God had given them balls.

St. Gerard

Today is the feast of St. Gerard. He happens to be the patron of expectant mothers as well as the Baby Hulk's namesake. Considering the amount of pregnancies I've had, he has become pretty special to me. We didn't do a lot to celebrate today, but we did bring out the cheesy little statue I have as well as make Holy Cards. Goose's card was so beautiful and he asked for prayers for both his expectant mom and brother. The Baby Hulk had his father write a sweet letter to St. Gerard.

I truly believe in the intercession of the Saints. When the Baby Hulk was born six weeks early, I know St. Gerard was in heaven praying for him nonstop. In fact, considering how the Baby Hulk acts, I don't think St. Gerard has had a moment to rest since his birth. I am so thankful for the saints and their prayers for my family. St. Gerard, continue to intercede for me and my sweet little boy.

Music To My Ears

Goose- "I'm just going to call the Sooners losers." and this one-"I think the Sooners are close to the devil."

And my personal favorite from the Baby Hulk..."OU Sucks."

Yes, me dear son, they do indeed suck. They won, and I swear, my phone rang within five minutes of the game ending. Why, I ask, why? If there is any good from today, it is the fact that my kids sat through most of the game and hate OU as much as I do. And while Lance gets all weird about them saying OU sucks, I couldn't be more proud of them. The other day, the Baby Hulk wanted to know who we would cheer for if OU were playing Alabama. While it kills me to say it, obviously, we would root for Bama. I don't think the boys quite understand that yet, but I am sure they will one day.

It's 8:21 pm and OU still sucks.

Where Imagination Runs Wild

Goose came running from the playroom with a couple of books, telling me that he was going to his Magic Tree House. He was going to "imagine an adventure" with his brother. I think they just read, but how sweet and cute they are!

A Proposal

The Baby Hulk proposed to me yesterday. Even Goose hasn't done that. He made my heart melt.

After telling Lance the story this morning, he started asking the Baby Hulk who was prettier: mom or the Barefoot Contessa, mom or Rachel Ray. The real test came when he said mom or Giada. His answer: I'm not going to tell you. I guess I am happy that BH is smart enough to remain silent and that I am at least prettier than the other two. Lance's actions show that he is still jealous over Goose's overwhelming love for me though.

Happy Birthday, Baby Hulk

My most amazing little boy, you are now four years old. Today you said you were sorry to be getting older because you know it makes me sad, but that you had to grow up like your big brothers. Yes, you do. And while it does make me sad, I love watching the changes in you every day. You are my passionate child. You feel everything and let everyone know your feelings all the time. I know for a fact that you were given to me so I could learn to be more compassionate with people that are different from me.

Baby Hulk, you are truly the sweetest boy I know. I love that as soon as someone cries, you run over and check on them. You want to make sure everyone is okay. You share pretty decently for your age, especially considering you have other brothers to contend with each day. You are loyal and for that I am grateful. You love your brothers and hate when they get in trouble. You are the compassionate one in this family and hopefully some of that will rub off on everyone else.

Your smile brightens my day. And nothing is better than sitting on the couch and holding hands. I love that you run back in my room to say, "I love you" on Saturday mornings before watching a television show, and I love how many hugs you give me every day. Two days ago you ran inside to tell me you wanted to talk to your baby sister and you sat at my belly talking non-stop. It's the sweet things that make me forget why we call you Baby Hulk. You are most definitely maturing emotionally, but you can still go from one to ten in seconds.

I am anxious to see what you'll do this year. You make friends everywhere we go. You are super smart and already making me so proud. I can't believe that four years ago, I wasn't able to hold you and that you were covered in tubes. You were certainly special from the start, needing lots of extra attention. Even now, you need that extra attention and I am happy that I have learned how to stop and be the mom you need, most of the time. Thank you for your happiness, your tenderness, your laughter and your love. I wish nothing but the best for you. I pray that Mary, all the angels and Saints watch over you always while I'm gone. God bless you always, my most handsome little boy. I love you dearly, always.

Heard

1. While discussing what the boys could have for dinner, I told Lance that the Baby Hulk could have something different from he said. BH in his most smart ass voice said, "I told you mom was boss." I could have died. I try really hard to make Lance the big boss of the house. I might need to work on that a bit more.

2. Goose and the Baby Hulk were discussing heaven. Goose assured him that "you don't die until you are really old and short, like Bisa." Baby Hulk said,"Like Mimi and grandpa?" I think he was just referring to the short part, but should I be posting this right before his birthday? It got worse because Goose then told me I didn't have to worry because I wasn't shrinking yet.

3. After hearing the boys argue about who I love best, Lance asked Goose who he loved best, thinking Goose would answer appropriately. Goose took no time in saying "Mom". He was quick to add that he loved Lance "second best". Did I smile at all?

Making Mom Mad

What do you do when someone makes your kid cry? And that someone is a teacher? The Baby Hulk earned his nickname due to his explosive temper. He isn't as bad as he used to be, but he can still throw a fit in seconds flat, scream-cry at the top of his lungs for seemingly no reason and be an all round pain. But he is my pain and basically just like nobody can talk about my parents, nobody can talk bad about the Baby Hulk.

He has been taking swim lessons since mid-September and in my opinion is pretty decent. The swim teacher disagrees. He is on his ass like BH is training for the three year old Olympics. We had a bad week at the beginning of the summer, but seemed to really improve after that one week. This week he has been bending his knees way too much when he kicks, a new habit, and the teacher is trying to make him stop. Here is the problem: you tell BH to do something, you literally have to ask him three to four times before he responds. Do I like it? Not one bit. It usually results in raised voices, times outs and sometimes crying on his part. Clearly swim coach wasn't in the mood for that this week so Baby Hulk wasn't allowed to go on the slide and tower at the end of class on Thursday. Then he started wailing. There had already been some questionable moves at his Wednesday class so I was livid to see my baby crying.

I threw the other kids in the car so I could rescue the BH from his teacher, then proceeded to let him know how pissed I was. I didn't yell or anything, but I did stop him from starting his next class on time and lecture him on my child. He thinks the BH can do the work and isn't trying. I was ready to move him to another class or stop lessons for a bit, but BH doesn't want to change teachers. And this kid will tell you the truth. He has no problems telling us which babysitters he likes and doesn't like.

I talked to Lance who reminded me how long it takes for us to get BH to clean up or look for his toys. He wasn't mad about BH not getting to go down the slide. He doesn't want someone badgering our kid, but he doesn't mind a reasonable consequence. And quite frankly, BH cries quite a bit so how was this any different besides someone else making him cry.

I was so upset that I didn't realize what had made me so mad about the entire incident. It was the singling out in front of others. They used to do that shit to Squirt in elementary school during lunch. He has ADHD and wasn't able to control some of his behavior so he was always in trouble. Plus, he had a teacher I hated who always had him sitting at a table by himself. Once my mom went for grandparents day, and they had to sit alone to eat lunch. BUT that still didn't count for his lunch detention.

I hate the kind of shit that only serves to make a kid feel like a loser in front of other kids. Some parents don't care about that stuff and some kids aren't affected by it. I do. I have no problem (mostly) with anyone giving a reasonable consequence to my kids, but this I won't allow. My kids may drive me batty at times, and I am so very far from being the mother they deserve, BUT, I can promise that I will never allow someone to eff with them. EVER.

Solution?

After Lance found me like this earlier, he had a talk with Baby Hulk and Goose about last night. Goose was very clear: he wants to sleep with me and plans to continue to do so. Unable to deal with a wife who wants to sleep all day and is cranky, he told the boys they must sleep in their own beds. Since it was mom they wanted, we thought pictures might help them feel like I'm right next to them. Hopefully, this solution will last.

Mom's Company

Last night, I woke up to find Goose snuggled in bed with me. Actually, I didn't really notice because he is smart enough not to make any noise when he comes to my room. If he doesn't wake me up, I can't send him back to his room. Gifted, this child. The Baby Hulk isn't quite as smooth. He came to my room to find Goose already next to me. And started crying. Loudly. If Goose had seen this scenario, he would have pushed the offending child out of the way or gone to the other side of me. Not Baby Hulk. Finally, I told him just to snuggle on top of me, but then realized how dumb that was. So off I went to the lower bunk bed to help the Baby Hulk fall back asleep and not wake up a third child. (Actually, a third was already awake feeling like he was going to puke.) I had not been in the little boys' room very long when I heard the thump thump of foot steps and someone climbing up the ladder. Then I heard more movement going back down the ladder. Finally, Goose asked if I could sleep with him in his bed. Turns out he left MY room in search of me so we could still sleep together. After getting Baby Hulk back to sleep, (no easy task as he is a talker once he wakes up), I got Goose to sleep and returned to my room. The only problem, the person I was supposed to be sleeping with had already left for his show. Sigh.

Basketball Camp

Goose and the Baby Hulk went to Rice basketball camp this week. I don't think there is anything cuter than Biddie Ball, especially the Baby Hulk. He was by far the cutest kid out there, including my other one. He was also the first to get in trouble for refusing the sit properly when camp started. He lost his ball during the intro talks because of his stubbornness. The boys had a great time all week. Unfortunately, the best picture I was able to take was of the child not participating in camp.

Embrace Him

I have a three year old who is the most loving, sweet, stubborn, caring, and emotionally volatile child I know. He can go from happy to freak out screaming fits if you tear a small piece off his sandwich or if a stick breaks. For the first three years of his life, he would cry for five minutes every time I left him at the gym. In fact, he still does this about once every ten days. And he not only cries, he screams/cries in a very high pitch. It is insane and drives me crazy.

To be clear, I hate criers. Yet I have always been surrounded by them from friends to guys I dated to my kids. I don't understand it, I want to shout, "HOLD IT TOGETHER!!!" Maybe I scoffed at some of the guys I dated, and sometimes I will tell Squirt to grow up, but I can't really do that with the Baby Hulk. Yesterday was a particularly hard day for him and his hysteria was in high gear. And I had a lot to do, some that could wait like blog reading and folding clothes and others that were more important like getting food for the rest of the family. But something told me as he was crying at my legs to stop and just hold him. It didn't make him stop crying, but he did hold on for dear life. I managed to get food for the rest of the family and we sat and hugged. Finally, he calmed down enough to sit and eat. All day long he kept wanting me to hold him and hug him.

Later, when I did have the chance to read a blog, I read the following: "Embrace him. He is empty and unsure of your permanence, for whatever reason, and the more you resist, the more unsure he gets. The more unsure he gets, the more he will cling. Embrace him every time he wants you to, for as long as he wants you to. Don't let go until he does. Eventually he will."

What amazing advice and one that is particularly hard for me to always follow. I am so glad I found that quote yesterday because I would have been very tempted to stop the hugs after an hour or so. I have to remember that regardless of what I want to do, my children's needs come first. There is nothing wrong with making my arms their safe haven. Even if it means I have loads of laundry to finish after they go to bed.

Sleeping Arrangements

The Kind of Parent

Should I feel bad that I just lied to my three year old about losing the coconut M&M's? I don't. Didn't he see the package Stacy sent was addressed to ME?

Me hiding candy from my kids for selfish reasons as opposed to "it's bad for you" reasons should come as no surprise. Lance and I routinely buy food, especially desserts and take it to our room and eat by ourselves.

Something tells me I am not getting anything on Sunday from my kiddos. And that is fine, my kick ass husband has asked an artist to create a piece just for me based on my past year. I hope it's not all black!

OMG!!!

Really, this post should be another Note To Self because I know better.

Paul is in town because one of our high school friends is turning 40. The party was family friendly so I planned on everyone attending. Then the Baby Hulk got sick. He started puking Tuesday night and has puked once a day since then. And yes, we have been going slow on gatorade and dry toast. Lance left the show early yesterday because he felt bad. By the time I left to get Paul at the airport last night, he had puked his guts out. Lance was pretty bummed because I quarantined him to the bedroom with the Hulk and he wouldn't be able to go to the party with us. You know, the surprise party which was the purpose of this short trip for Paul.

Kobra showed a small sign this morning that he might have caught the virus, but I shrugged it off. Maybe not shrugged it off, I did ask Paul if we should leave him home. We decided that he was fine. After driving forty-five minutes and with two minutes to go, Kobra puked all over himself and the carseat. There we were in the driveway cleaning him off, hoping the birthday girl didn't arrive.

I left Paul and Goose at the party and made the trek back into the city while Kobra continued to puke. I got home, Lance took him and washed him off while I attempted to clean the carseat. What fun. Did I mention that it's humid in Houston now? Finally, things were settled at home and I drove back out to the party. Although Lance and Baby Hulk were both feeling better, I felt so bad leaving three sick boys behind. But I had to pick up Paul. Thankfully, the baby slept while we were gone. After sitting in traffic, which made my trip more than an hour, I finally got there and was ready to enjoy myself. I figured I'd visit for a bit, then we'd come home and get ready for our dinner.

Five minutes before we were leaving, Goose told me he didn't feel well. He then proceeded to puke all over me, the leather couch, and oriental rug. It was nonstop vomit. In order to save the beautiful furniture, I tried to "catch" it all in my dress. (I have three dresses from Nordstroms, this was one of them.) There was literally a pool of vomit in my dress. It was so bad, I had to take a shower at the party. As did Goose.

Here is the deal. I barely know the people who hosted the party, as in I just met the wife for the first time today. The husband is the brother of the birthday girl, a high school friend I haven't seen in fifteen years! It was "you're Nikki, right?" These two were so gracious to me and my Goose. I felt so bad for Goose, of course, but I was horrified at the thought of their house being contaminated by our virus and their stuff ruined.

After our shower, our hostess gave us some clothes to wear. Goose couldn't comprehend wearing clothes that were too big and asked for a different pair of shorts. I am not lying. The nerve of that kid, right?

I'm home now and everyone is clean (for the time being). I am trying to spray and wipe down everything again, hoping that I'll get my turn with the virus tomorrow as opposed to during the week and praying oh so hard that Paul doesn't catch our virus and take it with him to Chicago.

You think these people want their clothes back? I am guessing they never want to see or hear from us again!

Bluebonnets

All the news has been talking about how great the bluebonnets would be this year due to the winter we had. They were okay, I wouldn't say great, but good enough to take some pictures of the boys. Kobra was in no mood for pictures except when I was trying to take pictures of other people. Baby Hulk was pretty good, he is just getting into that phase where he fake smiles, so I wasn't thrilled with his pictures. Don't I sound like a bitch? Isn't it half the battle when you can admit your failings? So, I can admit that I was more than frustrated with Kobra while taking pictures on Friday. I can assure you that he didn't give a shit what I thought. BTW, the lady who took the last picture of me and Marivi asked us if we had seen the snake! What is it with me and snakes lately. I am so done with nature for awhile.

This was the look on Kobra's face most of the day.

My sweet Goddaughter

You pick now to smile? Really?

I wonder if Marivi is stressing about me smiling just perfect?

Our Lady of Lourdes

In honor of St. Bernadette's feast day, Friday afternoon a friend and I took our children to the Grotto at Our Lady of Lourdes parish off of 290. Oh My Gosh! This place was awesome! I'd seen a few pictures, and honestly, was a bit worried the place would be cheesy. I couldn't have been more thrilled with it, and the children loved it. The boys were a bit spastic that afternoon, but considering Goose had been in school all day and the others were in a car for most of the day, I guess their behavior was normal. The Grotto itself was stunning and had a small chapel inside. Of course, all the kids had to light a candle. It was almost like bedtime, the amount of people the kids were praying for just so they could light another candle. There is also an outdoor Stations of the Cross. Wish I'd known about this before now. Regardless, at each station the boys (or girls) correctly identified the Station and said a prayer. It was pretty sweet. And worth driving home in rush hour traffic. They are building what seems to be a beautiful new church there. I am already making plans to return soon! (And I know Kobra looks awful in his outfit. I guess it's time to change out "extra" clothes in the diaper bag.)

Look!!!

Celebrating their first mass together?

Our Group