Peapod Squad Stuff

Tomorrow's holiday convergence

So tomorrow is Mother's Day. It's also my birthday. 30 is looking smaller and smaller in my rear-view mirror and 40 is comin' at me fast. As I celebrate my relationship with the three most spectacular children ever, I'm keenly aware of the age gap between us. Infertility robbed me of the opportunity to be a young mom. My mom was a young mom. Her mom was a young mom and was, therefore, a young grandmother. There's a different dynamic when the parent/child age gap is so large. For one thing, I feel like I'm falling apart physically and just can't keep up with them most days. Yeah sure...that's an exaggeration, but let's just look at facts. I had to use a walker for weeks after their delivery because I had ligaments that separated and bones that shifted to the point of not being able to bear weight for some time. I had to do physical therapy to learn to walk again after being on hospital bed-rest for 2 months. Then I messed up my back when they were a few months old and had to move the entire gang in with my parents (we didn't even live in the same state at the time, so it was a huge ordeal) until I could walk again. Last summer was spent off my feet again because I dislocated both kneecaps trying to get back in shape (apparently...running was a bad idea for me.) I just found out I'm having carpal tunnel surgery on both hands this summer. I'm old. Most of my friends have kids in late elementary or middle school. I'm chasing around 3 toddlers. It's kinda' funny. And yet, it's kinda' not. I'm old. My birthday has never been a downer before, so this is new to me. Maybe it's just because it's falling on Mother's Day this year. Mother's Day will always be a mixed bag for me. I know I'm blessed. A bit blue but AMAZINGLY blessed.

On the upside, though, my hubby and the kids got me exactly what I was hoping they'd get me! Remember my shameless online hints back at Valentine's Day? No? You don't remember? Look HERE to refresh your memory. I have my peapod squad necklace. And I simply adore it. It's a beautiful reminder of the profound difference Sweet, Snap and Split have made in my life. I'm a mommy. Some days that still feels like a foggy dream to me. I just didn't think it would happen. Now I've got the peapod squad around my wrinkly neck and in my aging heart.  ;-)

Friday's Favorite Things

My favorite thing this week is actually more of an experience than a "thing." I love that the peapod squad hangs out on our bed while I'm doing my hair and makeup every morning. Sometimes they ask me to turn on the TV (or "tee-wee" as Sweet Pea calls it). Sometimes they just sit and actually watch me. Most of the time, though, they talk or sing to each other. I love listening to their little conversations. And Sweet Pea sang "Happy Birthday" about a hundred times this morning...plugging in every name she knows. She thought she had to sing loud enough to overpower the sound of the hair dryer, too, so I didn't miss a thing. ;-)

One day they will be too old to think this is a cool thing to do (and that totally breaks my heart.) Until then...it's definitely one of my favorite things.

Wordless Wednesday

My first Wordless Wednesday. It's really difficult for me to truly be "wordless" but I'll try. Starting now.

How do you get Sweet Pea to sit still for an extended period of time?

Easy! You paint her toenails. I've never painted them before, but I gave in yesterday when she begged me to paint hers after I finished with mine. She sat in the chair, hands folded in her lap, staring at her feet FOREVER afterwards just because I told her she shouldn't mess them up before they were completely dry.

I'm wondering if she'd let me paint her toenails every day? Little Miss ants-in-her-pants NEVER sits still.

American Idol Season 7: Final Four

David C. was fabulous. I didn't hate his first song, but it was pretty boring compared to what he's capable of. The second song rocked, though, so he did redeem himself. He's my #1 pick for the rest of the gig.

David A. was great. He's just got such a flawlessly smooth voice...truly talented. And while I simply adore him, I'm not sure I see pop star in him YET. I do think it will be an all-David finale, though.

Syesha has really picked up her game in the last 2-3 weeks. I thought she was quite fantastic last night. And she's never looked better. I think she's found her "thing" and is gaining confidence every week. She just may surprise us all.

Jason. Oh. Jason. Enough. Tamborine Man? Really? That's all you've got for the final four?

Bottom 2: Syesha and Jason
Buh-bye Jason.

How did he even do this???

There's never a dull moment around here...not even first thing in the morning. This morning I awoke to Snap Pea's muffled voice, "Mommy please get me out." I stumble into the nursery (couldn't sleep last night) and didn't even see Snap right away. Then I got closer to his crib and saw a Snap-shaped lump under the sheet.

This silly little boy had somehow managed to crawl under his fitted crib sheet without pulling any of the fitted corners off of the mattress. I can't imagine what on earth put this idea in his goofy head, but his brother and sister found it incredibly entertaining. Since I saw that he was OK...not suffering in any way...I grabbed the camera for a quick photo before rescuing him from his teddy bear-covered trap.

She's so vain...

She probably thinks this post is about her.

And why shouldn't she be loving her reflection? She's my beautiful little girl! And Grandma and Grandpa sent her his pretty new dress with matching accessories (you GOTTA' have the accessories). And wow...does she like what she sees. She talked to herself in the mirror. She laughed at herself in the mirror. She "wow'd" herself in the mirror. Funny girl. I sure do love her.

Friday's Favorite Things

I have tried so many things on my new floors. I finally found something that I love. LOVE. It's my Friday's Favorite Thing for this week. Wood for Good cleaner from Method. The cleaner and the bottle it's in are both eco-friendly, non-toxic, fabulous. And this stuff smells so good...yummy almond...you may be tempted to eat that food your toddler dropped on the floor! OK, maybe not. But you sure will love the way your home smells after you mop.

I use mine with a damp microfiber cloth mop. It leaves me with shiny floors that are safe for my family.

Try it! I get mine at Target.

American Idol Season 7: Top Five

Uh-oh...I forgot to post this last night! I'll slip it in before the results show.

Jason...sweet Jason...the second song was ah-ite (Randyism) but the first was ho-hum. He just doesn't move me. And his goofy grin is starting to annoy me.

Brooke was ridiculous with that first song. Seriously? "I'm a Believer?" It was very Brady Bunch reunion. Ugh. Her second song was much better, but I'm getting a bit bored with her.

Syesha was actually pretty good this week...especially on song #2. She looked beautiful, too. She just reminds me of pageant singers or something...I dunno...kind of bugs me sometimes.

David A. was charming and made good song choices (especially with "Coming to America"), but he's getting kinda' cheesy.  Don't get me wrong...I still love him. His awkward "gee-shucks-I-can't-believe-these-people-love-me" thing is precious and seems genuine to me.

David C. was fabulous again. I didn't have him on my short list of faves in the beginning, but this guy is my pick for AI this year. He has it. Whole package. Talent. Looks (thanks to the stylists who ditched his comb-over). Charm. Stage-presence. I. love. him.

Best this week: David C.
Bottom 2: Jason and Brooke.
Ciao: Brooke

Oh and the prize for the drunkest judge must go to Paula. Poor poor Paula...did she really get Jason confused with David C? How on earth would anyone make such a mistake without being under the influence of something stronger than Simon's aftershave? 

Well at least he's polite about it.

Me: OK, kiddos, it's time for a nap. Let's go to the nursery now.
Split: No thanks, Mommy.