A Vegan Turkey?????

So just what does a Vegan Turkey look like?

My Mom and I found this kit at the Nutcracker Market (a fundraiser for the Houston Ballet), T’s Mom found the cute little pumpkin (a little tough to come by after Halloween apparently) and Lincoln and I brought him to life. He’s just so cute! I can’t wait to bring him out again next year!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your holidays bring you all the blessings there are to bring!

Lincoln’s 3!

It was indeed a time of thanksgiving. Lincoln turned three the day before our Tofurkey Day and most of the family was in our home for a small celebration for him and then yummies the next afternoon. I made a new and tres experimental Vegan birthday cake…not the prettiest of my creations, but tasty and everyone was very gracious and complementary. Ya gotta’ love family!

Lincoln selected a piñata that looked like Mater from the Cars movie and he and his teenage cousins and his two grown uncles proceeded to beat the heck out of him in the backyard to see what presents he had to offer.

Fortunately I was in charge of filling the poor doomed little Mater and he let fall balloons, biodegradable confetti, small individual bubble containers, crayons, toy bugs, etc. The only challenge, Lincoln really was counting on everything being for him. The good news, everyone pretty much handed it all over.

Its My Potty and I'll Go When I Want To

Lincoln was basically potty trained before he was 18 months old. Well...at least we had a system. He would pull on his diaper and say "body body" and I would rip off his diaper as quickly as possible, hold him over the toilet and he would relieve himself. Then he learned the favorite word of two-year olds everywhere, "NO" and decided that it was more fun to control the flow so to speak and we have been diaper bound until about 3 weeks ago. Sure we tried to encourage the activity, but we didn't push it.

He is leading the way and is a joy to support. He has intertwined self guided weaning with the independent toileting so that cinches it. He may look like his Daddy, but with those multi-tasking skills he's definitely my kid! Plus he has my smile;)

He was apparently dealing with some big concepts coming into this process and he let me in when he said, "I want to potty in my diaper so I stay a baby and keep my mommy." I almost burst into tears. Instead I hugged him, held him close and said, "Oh Sweetie, you will always be Mommy's baby. Even when you are a big big boy, you will also be my baby. Even when you are a grown man, you will also be my baby. If you potty in your diaper or potty in the potty you are still my baby. Mommy will always be your Mommy and will always be here for you, even if we are not right by each other." He smiled and hugged me and said, "well, OK, i think so."

I acknowledged that he was doing so many things now that he couldn't do when he was a baby and together we came up with a list that included things like: dressing himself, putting on his own jacket, building train tracks all by himself, helping with laundry, helping in the yard, reading to himself, getting his own water and ice to drink in an open cup, and not nursing very often. He said, "yeah" with a sweet half southern half New York lilt and smiled.

From that moment on he's asked to wear underwear and there have been fewer and fewer requests to "Nay Nay" (nurse) and when he does ask, he literally takes one rather loud slurp from each side and says, "I'm all done" or "just one drip, yummy yummy for my tummy" and smiles.

What a beautiful process. I feel so blessed to share it with him and to watch him lead the way.

Krazy for Kristen

This is in support of my dear friend who is a survivor. I did this walk for her last year and it was an exceptional experience. If you can help in any way to show your support that would be amazing. Please read her letter below:


Dearest Family & Friends -

I hope all of you have enjoyed your summer, and are gearing up for the 2009 KOMEN HOUSTON RACE FOR THE CURE, Saturday, October 3rd, 2009, at Sam Houston Park Downtown Houston! For the second year, I am so excited to be able to participate in this event with my family and friends. Thank you for being my support and angels throughout my recovery since being diagnosed last March. I am feeling great and thrilled to join my mom, another breast cancer survivor, in this year’s race!

Through our “Krazy for Kristen” fundraising efforts in 2008,
We raised nearly $17,000!

Thanks to you and our team, I was #33 of the Pink Honor Roll Top 100 fundraisers! Our teammate and my dear friend, Constance White, was honored as #25 of the Pink Honor Roll Top 100 fundraisers! In addition, our team efforts ranked #19 out the top 100 fundraising teams! We couldn’t have done it without YOU!

Please join us in participating this year, and register with the “Krazy for Kristen” Team! If you choose not to participate, please consider making a donation to the team (ANY amount will help!).

To donate to Komen under my team or me individually, visit http://www.komen-houston.org/goto/2009KrazyforKristen


To participate on Race Day: Go online to http://www.komen-houston.org/goto/2009KrazyforKristen
Click on the link “Join Team” located at the top of the team list.
Follow registration process. Most of the team participates in the 5K Walk, but you may register for the run.
The registration fee must be paid by credit card.
Race day packet including Race bib and official Race t-shirt will be mailed directly to registrant free of charge. (If you are joining our team for the first time, I will have a “Krazy for Kristen” t-shirt for you on race day!)
Once I confirm your registration “Krazy for Kristen” team site, I will send an update via email on details, such as our team meeting location*, check-in requirements, race time festivities (tentatively set to begin at 7:45am)...etc.

*Krazy for Kristen participants will plan to meet at 6:30am for fellowship and a light breakfast snack. This will also give us plenty of time to be in the Race staging areas by 7:45 am.

Thanks again for your friendship during the last 18 months!
Compassionately yours! Kristen Barley

Road Mommy

I am back at work and traveling tons. We are really pulling together as a family to connect on the phone, on video chats and to set up as many visits as possible. I miss Lincoln & T so much, but Lincoln has asked to, "Stay home. No more hotel, Mommy. I want to stay home."

So that's what we're doing...for the most part. He is coming for shorter visits rather than the full work trips and getting much more time at home. He's also getting into his new routine of going to a Montessori school three days a week. It all seems to be a good fit for him for where he is in his life right now and I'm so proud of him for expressing his needs so clearly already. I do miss him terribly when I'm away, but it won't be forever and we all seem to be a more balanced family in spite of all of the challenges.

It truly takes a village!

What a Summer!

We are all just coming up from air and we've been having a grand time.

In a nut shell:
L: "No more cuputer Mommy. No more cuputer."
M: "I'm sorry you're frustrated about Mommy's time on the computer, but needs to use it for work sometimes. I will try balance my time with you more and be on the computer less when we are together."

This was meet with much approval. And equalled me having almost zero computer time. A tough call for a Mom who is wanting to develop a blog, write more, etc. Ah well. Lincoln comes first and I'm getting better at balancing all the time.

In August Lincoln broke his arm, doing a nose dive from Daddy's drum kit. He chose a blue water proof cast, only had to wear it for a couple of weeks, was able to wear a splint for our awesome beach vacation in Rhode Island and is now visiting me on a job in New York. We are back to Mommy on the road for business, he is in school and spending a lot of time at home with Daddy, the kitty and the turtle and I miss them all terribly when I am away.

Life is good, the journey is incredible and I am happy to be both participant and witness.

Many blessings,
The traveling MamaMelly

Watermelon

Watermelon oh watermelon
Rain down on my belly
Fill my face with yummy sweet
Dripping sticking favorite treat

Mouth watering magical
Slippery summery smashtastical
Watermelon oh watermelon
Rain down on my belly

Sweet Pickles Without The Sugar

After an exhaustive search for a jar of store bought sweet pickles with NO high fructose corn syrup or a bunch of other artificial crap on the ingredients list, I'm rockin' a really yummy homemade sweet pickle recipe with home grown organic cucumbers! Can you be a punk rock, hippie AND still be successful? I sure hope so;)

If you want the recipe, among other yummies, check out "Sugar Free Cooking With Stevia The Naturally Sweet & Calorie-Free Herb," by James & Tanya Kirkland.

My Little Llama, ehum, Person

We are loving the Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney! She does an excellent job of capturing the feelings of a little one off to school for the first time, headed to bed independently, and even just being fed up with running errands. All of that real life stuff captured so beautifully and Lincoln LOVES the books and begs us to read them to him over and over again. He's even made up his very own llama song. When I asked him if he was my little llama he said, "I'm not a llama. I'm a person." Like duh, Mom. You should really know that one by now. It was a riot.

They were recommended to us by a Librarian. You remember those? Yes, Librarians are alive and well and still hanging out in the library. Who knew? I get so many books on line now and hadn't explored our local library yet, still holding on to fond memories of the public library in Manhattan, I guess. Not sure what I miss more the smell of pee walking up the stairs or the metal detectors at the door. Why was I so nostalgic for that place? Ah yes, the amazing books! We'll guess what? They have amazing books here too and without the airport security vibe and urine experience (unless it is Lincoln's;)

Hope you and yours will check them out and love them as much as we do. Let me know what you think. I've added them to the carousel on the right to make the search easier for you, but if you head to your local library or book store they are sure to be around.

Happy reading!

Food and Funraising

This is a forward from a reader and offers a great fundraising opportunity in our area. See if it is active in yours too.

Here is a way to shop for the fresh produce you love and contribute to local children’s hospitals all at once:
Produce for Kids® is working with your local Kroger stores to encourage families to eat healthier and at the same time help you give back to your community, by donating a portion of every piece of produce sold to local children's hospitals.

Your family gets healthy and gives hope to the kids who need it most. Many of the fruits and veggies are probably on your grocery list already so there's not much more to add!

All of the Kroger stores in the Houston and Dallas areas are participating and what's most important is the funds raised from produce that's bought in your community, stays in your community.

If you have any questions, just email me. www.produceforkids.org can help, or you can email Brian Burch at bburch@lambert-edwards.com .

CONTACT
Brian Burch Kristal Howard
Produce for Kids FKM PR
616-233-0500 713-867-3220
info@produceforkids.org khoward@fkmagency.com

DO GOOD WHEN YOU SHOP: BUY PRODUCE AND RAISE MONEY FOR KIDS
Kroger and Produce for Kids® support local Children Miracle Network® affiliated hospital

HOUSTON – May 27, 2009 – During these challenging economic times, it can be difficult to make charitable giving a priority, but Kroger is partnering with Produce for Kids® (PFK), an organization that promotes the benefits of healthy eating and supports worthy causes for children, on behalf of fresh fruit and vegetable growers to help shoppers give money to Houston’ local Children Miracle Network® affiliated hospital – Texas Children’s.

From June 3 through 30, participating fruit and vegetable growers will make a donation to Texas Children’s Hospital based on sales of their items at Houston-area Kroger stores.

Rebecca King, consumer affairs manager of Kroger Southwest, said when shoppers buy designated items, such as apples and cucumbers, they can raise money for Texas Children’s Hospital without impacting their household budgets.

“Our customers are very generous, especially when it comes to Texas Children’s Hospital,” said King. “By simply purchasing great tasting produce, customers get a super value and help make miracles happen in the lives of young people.”

According to the latest results of the Cone Cause Evolution Study, reports show a sharp increase in consumers purchasing products associated with a non-profit cause. Cone first began measuring the attitudes of Americans 15 years ago. The study also revealed that more than half (52 percent) of Americans feel companies should maintain their level of financial support of causes and nonprofit organizations even in tough economic times.

For five years Kroger has partnered with PFK, and in that time, shoppers and participating fresh produce companies have raised more than $115,000 for local Children Miracle Network® hospitals.
This year Kroger has its largest number of produce supplier sponsors ever. The group includes: Chelan Fresh, Chelan, Wash. (apples); Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Monte Vista, Colo. (Colorado potatoes); Crunch Pak, Cashmere Wa. (sliced apples); Del Monte Fresh, Coral Gables, Fla. (Del Monte Gold® Extra Sweet Pineapple & Del Monte Melons); DOLE®, Westlake Village, Calif. (value added salads); Driscoll's®, Watsonville, Calif. (raspberries); Huron Produce, Ltd., Longmont, Colo. (Suntastic - Tomatoes/English cucumbers); Shuman Produce, Inc., Reidsville, Ga (RealSweet® Vidalia® onions).; Sunkist®, Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Valencia oranges, grapefruit and lemons).

About Produce for Kids
Created in 2002 by Shuman Produce Inc., a leading grower-shipper of Vidalia® sweet onions, PFK brings the fresh produce industry together to raise funds for children's non-profit organizations while educating families about the benefits of healthy eating. To learn more about PFK, visit www.produceforkids.org.

About Kroger
The Kroger Southwest Division operates 209 stores and 83 fuel centers in Texas and Louisiana and is part of one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains serving customers in 31 states. For more than 125 years Kroger has emphasized a customer-first approach to providing quality products, value pricing, outstanding service and an exceptional shopping experience. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the supermarket retailer is dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves by supporting hunger relief, education, women’s health and wellness, and diversity programs. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

About Texas Children’s Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing the finest pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for its expertise and breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas Children’s is ranked in the top ten best children’s hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Texas Children’s also operates the nation’s largest primary pediatric care network, with over 40 offices throughout the greater Houston community. Texas Children’s has embarked on a $1.5 Billion expansion, Vision 2010, which includes a Neurological Research Institute, a comprehensive obstetrics facility focusing on high risk births, and a community hospital in suburban West Houston. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.

The Multitasking Nurser

Most of you know that I have a tendency to be busy. Who am I kidding? I am the queen of multi tasking and part of how I've nursed Lincoln this long is by applying that skill to "nay nay time."

Yes, he's nursing right now.

So the women just said, "awww, how sweet," "what a mom" or "ouch!" And the guys probably cringed a bit, unless you are part of the enlightened few, usually not American, men who support extended nursing and get the benefits. Since you're reading this blog you probably are and yea for you.

Skills required for nursing while blogging:
- one handed typing, a must
- strong arm muscles to support a large munchkin (he is a lap full indeed, I mean his legs hang almost down to my ankles)
- the ability to think of what you want to say, remember what you want to say, then actually say what you want to say while singing bits of songs and answering random sleepy questions like, "Where's da kitty?"
- good balance in a swivel office chair

Yep, we've got it down, and thank goodness, or I would never get anything done ;)

So Good You Won't Know It's Vegan!

This is a modified recipe from one of my all time favorite cook books: "How It All Vegan!" by Tanya Barnard & Sarah Kramer.
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed (or four if they are small)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup oil (I use olive oil)
1/2 cup sweetener (I use 1 gram, small packet of NuStevia instead)
3/4 cup chopped dates (I use chopped walnuts instead)
1 1/2 cups flower (I use organic whole wheat)
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

* I also add 1 - 2 tbsp of organic cinnamon applesauce to keep it from getting too dry

Cooking:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, mash the bananas, add the lemon juice, oil, sweetener and dates (or nuts) and stir together. In a separate large bowl, stir together the flower, wheat germ, salt baking powder and baking soda. Add the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir together until "just mixed." Spoon into a lightly oiled loaf pan and back for 40-50 minutes. Test with a knife to see if done. Makes 1 loaf.

I made mini muffins with no nuts for a snack at Lincoln's Montessori school and everyone loved them. They "couldn't believe they were good for you." ;) Helpful hint...If you decide to make muffins, turn the oven down to 350 and only bake for about 15-20 minutes. My first batch was almost a disaster.

Enjoy and if you like the modified recipe you'll love the original, so make sure to check out their book it is spectacular! You can find it on Amazon, or just link through the carousel on the right.

Happy Vegan eating!

From the Economic Front Lines

What's a working mom to do? The times are definitely getting tougher and expenses are not going down. Super Mommy to the rescue. Actually super family to the rescue, thank goodness. We are really pulling together and making it work.

- We aren't willing to compromise on good food, so we're still mostly organic AND we have started a little garden with some of our favorite herbs and veggies.
- We haven't had TV for what seems like forever and now we only rent movies from the $1.00 rental machine at the grocery store.
- I am refinancing the house when the next phase of the Stimulus Plan rolls out on June 8th.
- T and I are taking extra jobs that we never thought we would want or need to do.
- I am pulling money from a savings account that was supposed to be for retirement...so much for that idea. Paying for today seems to be more important. We'll have to circle the wagons and come up with a new plan for the future.
- We are selling our place in Manhattan...OUCH! That one hurts.

In the grand scheme of things, we have problems of prosperity and are blessed that we have something of value to sell and a savings to dip into at all. We're making it.

What are you doing to make your dollars go farther?

Happy Memorial Day!

We've had a Vegan feast here at our pad and it has been awesome! Lots of veggies on the grill, delicious tomatoes from our garden (nothing else was ready to harvest yet) and plenty of cold water.

What did you all do today? Any other yummy Vegan feast out there?

Thanks to any and all who have been in harms way as part of the armed services. No matter what our politics may be, your lives are precious and your sacrifice is great. Many thanks.

Peace to us all,
Mama Melly, Lincoln & T

Do Vegans Get The Chicken Pox?

Well the answer is most definitely, YES! Call it the Tofu Pox, or what have you, they are no fun for anyone.

You would also think that after undergoing the agony of deciding to immunize (even for the Chicken Pox) that we/he would not have to go through it, but not so. One of the side effects of growing his world it seems.

The good news...it was a very mild case, apparently because he had been immunized. Mostly on his knees ankles and a few strays on his arms and the top of his hands. The bad news... they were all in his mouth and it was excruciating for him. Couldn't eat or nurse much for a couple of days. Ice chips were the constant request. Poor pumpkin.

It was also a bit tough to diagnose since it did not present in the "normal" way. Well I guess that's what happens when Vegans get the Chicken Pox!

Everybody has a body

We were at the pool this weekend and Lincoln was fascinated by the two life guards. They were both really nice girls from one of the local high schools, athletic, in bikinis, but that's not the point. The point is:

L: "She has a body Mommy. And a naval." (Said plenty loud, of course.)

Now, what most people think is that he means a whole body, like head, shoulders, knees and toes kind of thing. That helps me in a public situation, but what I know is that he means she has a bottom and a "bajina." This is of course a mind blowing discovery. A body AND a naval. Who are these creatures? Surely only the people in his immediate presence at home have these things in common. Ahhhh, not so. These new beings, these Life Guards have all their parts too. WOW!

L: "Do they potty in the potty?"

M: "Yes, I'm pretty sure they do."

L: "Hi!" Shouted to one of the Life Guards.

LG: "Hi, Lincoln." They make a point of knowing everyone by name, at least the kids.

L: "You have a naval." Thank goodness the 'body' part of the previous conversation was left out.

LG: "Yes, I do. That's so funny. He doesn't say bellybutton."

M: "No, he knows the real words for most things. We just always did that."

LG: "Hey Lincoln, do you want to meet some of the other people here at the pool? They all have navels too."

L: "Yes, please."

So I proceed to swim around the edge of the pool while Lincoln walks around it with his new friend the Life Guard, being introduced to most of the people working there and her friends from school who were fortunate, or unfortunate, enough to have visited her at work this day. And yes, they all showed their navels. Such good sports!

Happy Mother's Day

Make a Smilebox greeting

The Body As Mother

Hips to carry you proud and strong

Breasts to nourish you many years long

Arms to hold you, subside all fears

Eyes to gaze at you through laughter and tears

 

The body IS mother

Help me. Heeelllp meeee.

"Help me.  Heeelllp meeee."  Lincoln declares, sitting in front of a canister of Vegan ginger snaps.  One might think, "open the jar for him you mean old woman."   BUT, you would have had to have witnessed the string of events that preceded the challenge to the lid of the jar of Vegan ginger snaps.  Let me retrace his steps for you.

Zoooooom.  Across the floor he goes on his Svan scooter.  He hoists it up onto the raised floor of the kitchen area.  Cruses in style to the low cabinet that stores his cups, grabs a cup, closes the cabinet door, manuevers (cup in teeth) to the fridge for the automatic water dispenser (which, as you know from a previous post, he is now a master), fills the cup, skillfully rolls over to his snack cabinet, takes a moment to decide what in the heck to do with the now VERY full cup of water...drinks some, tries to hold it and open the cabinet door without much success, places the cup on the floor, pulls out an organic smooshed fruit snack and the dasterdly jar of Vegan ginger snaps, closes the door, narrowly missing the glass on the floor when moving the scooter out of the way of the door, smooshed fruit snack in teeth, jar of Vegan ginger snaps in one hand, cup of water in the other, driving the scooter with legs only...ditches the scooter halfway across the kitchen floor, trots to his chair at the kitchen counter, places his stash up on the counter, stealthly scales the bar stool height chair, plops himself in front of his snack and then says, "Help me.  Heeelllp meeee."

I, who have been secretly watching this entire process in amazement and not daring to butt in, pause for a split second to think, "Is he serious?  NOW he needs help?  Well thank goodness.  I thought I was out of a job!"

That's Me!

What will he discover today?

Some people are very tall.

But not me.

Some people are very small.

But not me.

But that’s OK, because I’m me.

 

Some people have very long hair.

But not me.

Some people have very short hair.

But not me.

But that’s OK, because I’m me.

 

Some people have big eyes.

But not me.

Some people have small eyes.

But not me,

But that’s OK, because I’m me.

 

Some people have round noses.

But not me.

Some people have pointy noses.

But not me.

But that’s OK, because I’m me.

 

Some people have big hands.

But not me.

Some people have small hands.

But not me.

But that’s OK, because I’m me.

Who are you?

Potty time funnies

Watching my 2 year old discover the human form is priceless.  Potty time is the most amusing...

L: "Mommy is big."

M:  "Yes, I am."  ( I sure hope he means in relation to him;)

L: "Lincoln is small, but I not little any more."

M:  "That's right.  You're growing."

L:  "I your little boy?  I your big boy?  I a boy.  I have a penis.  Mommy doesn't have a penis."

M: "No, I don't."

L: "Mommy has a bujina."

M: "Yes, I do."

L:  "Does the kitty have a bujina?"

M:  "No, the kitty is a boy, so the kitty has a penis."

L:  "That right.  The kitty a boy.  The kitty has a penis.  See him potty?"

M: "Let's give him some privacy."

L:  "Lincoln give privacy.  Mommy go away. Close da door."

M:  "OK.  Let me know if you need any help.  I'll be right outside."

Door closes.  There is much singing of The Wheels On The Bus.  

L:  "Mommy?"

M:  "Yes."

L:  "What I doing in here?"

Ahhh two year olds.

Rhymeletts and Silly Willies

Been gone WAY too long and I'll have to explain later...so here are some random fun thoughts that mean nothing at all.

• Sabetha Small lives in a small house with a small small bed with small small small sheets and a small small small small pillow, where she has enormous dreams of flying!
  
• Timothy Tall climbs tall mountains and tall trees to tell tall tales to filed mice and crickets who love him.
  
• Tricia Tremendous is stupendous and sings songs auspicious at the top of her voice, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, delicious.
  
• Andy Able builds a table, cleans the stable, reads a fable, waves to Mabel, connects the cable and all before you can say Ann of Green Gables.  Whew.
  
• Wally Wiggle likes to giggle, find worms that squiggle and make jello jiggle while humming a tune about the moon and magic.
  
• Velma Verbose has a cold in her nose and is sneezing and wheezing her way through the prose about tulips and daffodils and her favorite pink rose.
  

and as Lincoln says, "ta da."

Tinkle Tinkle Lille Stwar and other Toddler Renditions

The meistro is in and singing all over.  I work very hard to keep a straight face when over hearing some of his attempts at figuring out not only the pronunciation of words, but just what in the heck those silly song writers were saying.  You remember that book, 'Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy: And Other Misheard Lyrics?  Well this is like the toddler version.

My favorites from this mornings Top 10 List:  (Sing along if you dare...and it goes like this...)

• A true classic: Row row row your boat empty on the treem. 
• Near and dear to us all: Tinkle tinkle lille stwar ha I la youoo wheh youoo ah
• A lesser known favorite: Down by the station early on da mahnee see the lille paba baba ah in a row
• From Wall-e (actually Hello Dolly): Outfhere, ders a wold outside uv Onkers, way out fhere beeond dis ick tahwn Gawnaby, ders a sick tahwn Gawnaby

We should cut an album or burn a CD or whatever it is those music types do now days, at least before he figures out the "right" way to sing these songs.  These versions are much more interesting and so cute I can hardly stand it.

Lincoln's plans for the day:

Sing on, sing loud, sing silly!  (And read The Very Hungry Caterpillar about one hundred and twenty-six times.)

Mommy's plans for the day:

Don't let the stress of everything else going on get in the way of enjoying the concert.

Ice machines, toddlers and a sense of humor

Every towel we own is currently in the washing machine.  No kidding!  Today Lincoln explored the automatic ice and water dispenser on the refrigerator.  Many thoughts come to my head simultaneously: holy crap he's that tall, when did he get that coordinated, where did he find a cup, why is there a small lake in my kitchen?  Then the Montessori teacher in me jumps to the forefront and we have a lesson on how to properly use the ice and water dispensers creating only small rivulets instead of lakes.  This goes over very well.  

We establish a low shelf for cups that he can use to get ice (he's cutting two molars and is crazy for ice at the moment...who can blame him?)  We talk about and practice holding the cup just so, pressing hard, waiting for the last pieces of ice and drops of water to come out BEFORE moving the cup.  It is stupendous!

Back I go to work on the computer and "lake in the kitchen the sequel" makes an appearance. 

M: What happened Little Man?

L: Ice on da floor.

M: Yes, I see that.  Help Mommy clean it up please?

L: I eat it like a puppy.

M: We'll let's skip that part since the floor is anything but immaculate and just get clean ice instead.  

He's game and we mop up spill two together.  I'm back at work, he's hard at play.  Off he dashes to get a snack (we've already got an independent/self serve snack shelf with heathy snack foods that he can choose throughout the day...this works well for us both.  He feels very independent and I don't have to serve food all day long.  It is just MUCH cleaner that the beverage department.)  "Lake in the kitchen part trois" is no where near as fun for Mommy and I say, "OK, since this is a little more difficult than we thought it would be, let's go back to you asking Mommy to help you get ice and water for a while.   Yes?"  And I press the button to lock the machine.  the button that he can not reach.

L:  Yes.  Can you help me?  Can you help me now? I want ice.  Just ice pleeeze.

I happily oblige, after the joint effort at clean up and we're off to the races again.  (Are you getting it why I have no dry towels?)  Then it happens.  My brilliant child runs out of ice, Mommy is in the bathroom, or on the phone, or doing who knows what and the part about Mommy helping with ice and water is lost in the moment of his exceptional idea.  The step stool!  That's right, with the step stool he can reach the button, unlock the machine and "Lake in the kitchen part 4" is born.  I don't realize this right away.  I learn it from this statement, "Oh, oh, Mommy, Mommy.  I make a big mess, Mommy.  I make a big mess in da kitchen.  I funny."  We'll at least we can agree on the big mess part.

The upsides, he's getting much better at cleaning up messes and that part of the kitchen floor is spotless...for now.

Toto, I don't think we're in Manhattan any more...

In the East Village when you walk into a restaurant with a child they scowl at you through very expensive and chic glasses and say, "We don't have high chairs."  Staring you down waiting for you to cower in defeat and run binki in your teeth for the stack of delivery menus in your apartment.  I mean the audacity of having children in the coolest city in North America.  (No offense to all of the other cool cities out there, but the Big Apple is THE Big Apple, just not the most kid friendly apple out there.)  

We have the opposite experience in Texas.  We open the door to restaurants here and the host or hostess bends down with a big smile and a southern twang, "Aren't you darlin'!  You want some crayons, Honey?"  Ah, Texas.  

The other sure sign that we are in Texas is that the pick up/drop off spots can be a little unconventional.  After a trip to Nana's house, I picked Lincoln up at a half way point so that it would be easy on us both.  Check it out.  Now they can add, toddler exchange to their list of services, which currently include: live bait, fire wood and hunting classes.  Good times!

Hotels, Sleep Skills and Mommy Time

We're on the road and Mama Melly is "working with da cars."  I'm beyond grateful for a job that I love, but the travel is at times tough for Lincoln.  At least the first night.  He is definitely a Manhattan born boy, who like the city, never sleeps.  OK, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but almost every spec of home routine goes out the window with each new hotel stay.  We have to find our new routine at each place.  

To help with this process I bring lots of familiar things to establish our environment: toys, a favorite pillow, blanket, etc.  He helps me choose which shelf or space will be for his trains, which will be for books and I put his clothes away.  We go over where his things are and we talk about putting things back in the same place so that they are ready for next time.  He's a pro at this.  It's the sleeping that is still a challenge.

He can climb, hoist and pull himself out of just about any enclosed bed (we don't say crib, "those for babies Mommy, I big").  We also, however, are not co-sleeping any more, because he sleeps so much better independently.  He just has a bear of a time putting himself to sleep.  Oh I've read about a million books about developing sleep skills and honed in on The No Cry Sleep Solution For Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers, thanks to a hot tip from one of my nieces.  Well after less than two weeks it worked and he was an sound and independent sleeper!  Miraculous!  

And then Mommy went out of town for work for a few days, and then Lincoln and Mommy went out of town for work for a few more days, AND THEN a trip to Nana and Papa's house, and then and then and then...you get the picture.  Co-sleeping, interrupted sleep for airport runs and missing Mommy all equals crumby sleep patterns which equals high levels of cortisol for the little man.  That's the nasty stress hormone that makes Mommies and Daddies overweight and makes toddlers go from angels to hellions in about two seconds flat.  So at this hotel he has a choice at nap and bed time, lay still on the pallet on the floor by the bed or sleep in the "closed bed" (a crib provided by the hotel, they really are amazing about that).  It is going quite well.  Some sleep has happened in the crib and some on the pallet, but each night he has had 11 hours of sleep.  Again, miraculous!

Lincoln's list of cool hotel stuff:

• elevators:  "I press da button by self.  It high.  I do it."
• elevators again:  Bending WAY down practically touching his nose to the metal on the floor and peeking down into the elevator shaft between the floor and the door, "It deep Mommy.  It very very deep."
• automatic doors: "It opens.  It opens.  It closed."

Mommy's list:

• Maid service, YES!

A two car family...life with a Prius

So my talkative little cutie, Yes he's still a cutie even though he is having a few too many TWO moments at the moment, chimed in as we were heading out to run errands.  

Lincoln: "In the RAV?"

Mama Melly: "No, Babe. We're taking the Prius today, because we have to drive farther and it is better on gas than the RAV."  (Sorry no offense to any other RAV owners out there.  We LOVE ours, but you can't say no to 43 - 50 MPG...I mean come on.)

Lincoln: "By RAV.  No RAV.  Hi Pwius.  We're in da Pwius."

Mama Melly: "Yes, we are.  It's a hybrid, remember?  It uses gas and electricity to make it go.  Mommy likes to drive a hybrid, because hybrid's are a way to think about the future and hopefully help the planet."

Lincoln: "Mommy is a Car Guy."

This is a huge complement by the way.

Mama Melly: "Yes, I am.  Thank you."

The complete lesson on hybrid technology and alternative fuel will wait for another day when a longer attention span is available.  His and mine ;)  He probably already knows them inside and out though, since I was about 8 months pregnant when I was teaching a hybrid class to dealership personnel at my "nonMom" job.  I was pretty huge and all belly.  5'2" top to bottom and straight across the middle.  The attendees were a bit afraid to sit in the front row and as one of them so quaintly put it, "Are you sure he's not going to just drive right out of there?"  I was just grateful that the "Lincoln Tunnel" jokes were only happening among friends.  TMI.  Life on the road in the car biz has been a spectacular way to provide for my family, raise a boy who wants to know how everything works and feed my need for that as well.  I trust that in the present state of the auto industry affairs my post will continue to grow.  It may be rough for a bit, but I plan to get through it and keep learning and teaching about the importance of future technologies to ourselves, our planet and our kids.

Off the soap box and headed for bed.  Sweet dreams.

The terrific two's...RIGHT!

Well we've had a tough night.  Mommy had the brilliant idea that we could all watch a movie together as a family and then head to bed.  A great idea, in theory, but way too much stimulation for a little guy who really should have had some more quiet or peaceful play time before going to bed.  

So about 15 minutes into WALL.E, I called it off.

After a pretty resounding, "Noooooooooo.   Want to stay awake."  I calmly explained that "Mommy had a bad idea and it didn't work out so well.  Let's go ahead and slow down.  Mommy will help you get settled in for sleep.  You can do it."  Much wailing and gnashing of teeth.  We try MANY techniques.  All with Mommy doing a pretty darn good job of keeping it cool and being a shining example of "making peaceful choices."  Then WHAM...he clocked me in the face.  Yep, my son, the one that I adore, that I have just been SO unbelievably patient with, hauled off and hit me.  I was furious.  "That's it.  Mommy has been very loving and you just hit me.  I am so sad and angry with your choice.  It is time for sleep and you will need to figure out how to do it on your own."  This would be the second brilliant idea of the night.  

Let's here it for partner intervention.  T. stepped in to see if a change of parental scene would help.  Nope.  Now it was an even bigger response...kicking, hitting, a full fledged two year-old exhaustion inspired control seeking temper tantrum.  UGULY!  It was kind of like an earthquake, if you've ever experienced one, really rough and earth shattering, but relatively quick.  After being held by Daddy and then passed over to Mommy, all the while hearing that his choices were making Mommy and Daddy very sad, that we loved him very much, but would not let him hurt us or himself.  We got some puppy dog eyes and a few slobbery declarations of "sorry Mommy, sorry Mommy" accompanied by the ASL sign for sorry that he used when he was pre-verbal. 

You instantly wonder, what the hell went so wrong?  I know the movie idea was a bad one, but all of the rest of his bed time routine was in place and the movie idea only happened for about 15 minutes before I saw the eminent disaster and called it off.  Is there something wrong?  Is it because he's two?  A boy? Exhausted?  Do they all act like this?  Or is it just my son?  

Shortly there after he was sound asleep, but woke up throughout the night and then was a grouchy bear upon awakening.  Oh joy.  Where did this little tyrant come from?  Oh yeah, me!  Back to the books and the blogs for insight.  There are many ideas and resources and I feel armed with techniques.  A trip to the playground though settles my fears of total child rearing failure as I observe that, for the most part, they are all little cave people.  They march around ignoring each other, pushing boundaries of physical space or flat out bonking each other on the head and claiming ownership of the coveted new Lego piece while all (or most) of the mommies and daddies do their best to intervene.  Watching these little precious people all puffed up trying to make sense of everything in their world and trying even harder to be big was touching.  No wonder he had a total meltdown.  

The solution for today:  lots of reading together, some extra snuggle time, NO MOVIES and plenty of rest.  Oh yes, and toddler gates for his room so that if he wakes up in the night he isn't roaming the cave looking for his next thing to conquer.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Just getting rolling

Are there just way too many blogs out in cyber space that get started because someone told someone, "Hey you should have a blog?"  Probably.  Well here's another one.  Hopefully not so ordinary and possibly surprisingly inspiring and even a bit familiar.

One calls me Mommy, and frequently MAAAAHHMEEEE, another calls me Sweetie, two call me daughter, some call me friend, aka Mama Melly.

Stay tuned for a whole lot o' life, breast feeding adventures, raising a little Vegan eating, independent thinking, caring and compassionate BOY all while working on the road and still trying to live happily ever after with the man whom I have chosen to share my world (yes, that's code for "we're not legally married, but we planned our pregnancy, live together as a family and are way OK with it.") 

To kick things off, a tid-bit of our birth story..."it was all going great until we almost died"...more to come.