Crazy

I'm going crazy! For the past two days the kids are being really bad. I think they're both teething- Victoria has a low grade fever and is acting wild and just plain mean (hitting her sister, then running away) and wants to be held all the time. Bella is also acting weird- crying hard most times, uncharacteristic of her, and also wanting to be held all the time (although it might just be that she learned how to really crawl and stand and is going through seperation anxiety.) You think I'd be okay caring two kids, but they're heavy and it feels awkward. Not to mention, feeding them has become a nightmare- Victoria refuses to eat much and cries and whines. Bella keeps grabbing the spoon from me at every bite and wants to do it herself (talk about messy!) They're bizarre behaviors have manifested themselves into more trouble than this mom feels confident handling. Read on. Yesterday, I was sitting on the toilet with the door open (of coarse), when Victoria comes darting in and grabs her little white toilet seat that fits on top of the big toilet seat. Then quickly darts out again. I finish my business and wash my hands and walk into the hall when... in all my dreams about being a mother, I never heard myself saying this before... "Victoria, get the toilet seat off of Bella's head! The toilet is not a necklace!" I so deserve a night out.

Jer's Birthday

Jer's birthday was last week. I reserved a room at Buco de Beppo- the Pope's room. The food was wonderful, atmosphere grand, and the kids were finally somewhat good. There was 16 of us- Jer's family. The kids couldn't stay put. Half way through the meal they got up and started chasing each other around the room- thank goodness we had our own little round pope room. Of coarse won't you know that they where great when the cake came- velvet red cake with butter cream frosting. What a fun time!

Easter

When Victoria woke up this morning, we asked her- what do you think the Easter bunny brought you? Her response- Caleb (her cousin)- where's Caleb! She went running around looking for him. She did however get a couple of things that she liked- a little stuffed animal bunny that plays "Jesus Loves Me", a summer nightgown, Easter eggs filled with jellybeans, and a chocolate rabbit. We went over to Carol and Dick's house for an Easter feast and egg hunt. Victoria got to see her cousins Caleb, Chloe, Tessa, and Tanner. They have so much fun when they get together. Victoria didn't take her nap until four. I too am exhausted- too much fun and sugar. Good night and happy Easter.

Zoo

Last Sunday we went to the zoo. It was the perfect weather for it- brisk in the morning, turning to hot when it was time to go. We packed a lunch and loaded the kids in the double stroller. Victoria really seemed to have a good time. She enjoyed seeing the elephants and lions best. She was a little scared of the crocodile and hid behind Daddy- too cute. Bella enjoyed the walk, but liked to be totted in the Snugli- she is putting on some weight (16.6lb). The worst part of the day was when I tryed to look for a place to breastfeed and decided to sit down on a curb in a remote part of the zoo. As I was feeding Bella, I felt something tickle and go down the back of my pants. I jumped up and tryed to get it out, but it was nothing. On Tuesday I developed a very itchy rash that extends the whole of my back- poison ivy. Luckily it should only last 3 weeks. All in all, the zoo was a success. I forgot how much I like stuff like that.

Friday

As I type this I can hear Victoria in her bedroom playing, instead of sleeping. I've already put her back in her bedroom for her nap 3 times. She is sneaky- the last time she was hiding behind the couch, as I checked my email and just happened to glance up. Today we walked to the park that is only 3 blocks from our house. We had to come home early though, because Victoria slid down a wet slide (it had rained last night) and refused to wear any pants or diaper from that momment on. Thank goodness we were the only ones at the park at that time, I can just hear other moms saying, "and there goes little naked girls' mom." Victoria and I also made a cool hat when Bella went down for her nap. We got the idea from her favorite cartoon, Curious George. Bella has had an awesome day today. She is on the verge of crawling amd likes to experiment on the ground. Yesterday while on all fours, she moved her two knees, and her butt fell under her- yes, now she can sit up. Within the last couple of days, she has also gotten her first tooth and can blow rasberries. It's my theory that getting teeth and accomplishing milestones go hand and hand- I ought to patten that.

Petting Zoo

We had a great time at the Owen's Farm with our friends Chris, Nikko, Marly, Patti, and Grayson! We saw horses, pot-belly pigs, turkeys, and roosters. We took a hay ride- Victoria hung onto me for dear life. We fed the Longhorns and the goats- Victoria once again was scared, but warmed up after 10 minutes. We ate P&J sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies at their picnic area. Afterward Victoria and Nikko played "Ring Around the Rosie" and ran everywhere. I highly recommend this place.

Cool Dudes and Hot Chics

My aunts Colleen and Peg came to visit me last week. We had so much fun! Half the time the we just lounged out on the back pato, since this Texas weather was spectacular (PA weather in single digits- perfect time to visit.) Victoria really had a blast- she played, and played, and played with them. They taught her some new words, like "cool dude", "hot chick", and my favorite "goof ball." We went to Reunion Area and WestEnd, ate way too much, and talked tons- what a great week! I so miss them- wish they were closer.