The Things They Say and Do

Lately I have been taking the time to really breath in the experience of rocking J at bedtime. I know the time is coming when it will turn into just a tuck in at bedtime. I have been thinking about how little time is left when he can just fit on my lap with his little head on my shoulder as we cuddle just before bedtime. It makes me realize how much I really love it. Sometimes I just take a deep breath through the nose to smell his baby smell that is too quickly turning into a big kid smell.

K went for shots this week. I called to find out how she did. The conversation went something like this. "How'd you do sweetheart?" "Well, daddy, I cried a little. Then I decided to suck on the sucker that the girl gave me. The girl who shot me." What do you say to that? I just smiled.

Yesterday we Skyped grandpa H. The kids were excited and were just trying to think of things to say. K decided to tell a joke. She said "knock knock" " who's there" came the reply. "Bum" Now I'm thinking there is a hiney joke in here somewhere since that is what she calls it. "bum who" from Grandpa. "you're bumming me out grandpa" was the reply. totally caught N and I by surprise. where did she get that from? We busted out laughing and all ended up giggling for a few minutes. Grandpa indicated that he had heard that a time or two from N and we all laughed some more.

I Love That

I love that K thinks there are mashed potatoes inside her french fries.
I love that the price for leaving the house is at least one hug and one kiss from each of my kids.
I love that J literally runs and jumps into my arms with excitement when I come home from work.
I love that K will drop everything she is doing and say "Daddy?" 'yes honey' " I love you"
I love that it breaks my wife's heart to have to take our kids to get shots knowing that shots are a good thing for them.
I love that sometimes the kids will say that 'right now' is their favorite part of the day when I ask while snuggling before bedtime.
I love that my wife knows I think she is awesome, even when we fight about stupid things, like money.
I love that the kids want to snuggle in front of the TV sometimes.
I love the mischievous look J gets in his eyes sometimes.
I love that J thinks anyone in race leathers and a helmet is me.
I love that a kiss fixes most ailments.
I love how it feels on family days.
I love that my wife gets us moving when I would probably stand still.
I love that there is a belief that I can fix anything, despite the fact it's smashed to smithereens.
I love the sense of national pride I feel during the Olympics.
I love that my kids will eat most things, or at least try them.
I love that I have such a great family.

The more things stay the same

Twenty years ago I can remember being at a Grateful Dead concert. I was young, had no responsibilities, was adequately altered and enjoying myself considerably. I remember watching the spinners while listening to Jerry and the boys work their musical magic. I thought, it doesn't get much better than this.

This past weekend I was at home with my kids. We had the tape (yes I still have tapes) of the concert playing. K and J and I were dancing in the living room together. K said " I am your princess daddy". I said " You sure are". She said " you can be my prince" as she grabbed my hands to dance.

Although I have considerably more responsibilities and worries now, I stood there watching them spin to the music for a moment. J loves spinning to music. I thought, Man, it doesn't get any better than this.

Busy Life

K went to grandma's house for the weekend. I always call to say goodnight when she is there. This particular time I happened to be at my friends house and their boy wanted to say hello to K on the phone. I told her that he wanted to talk and here is the response I got.
"Ok daddy, I can talk for just a few minutes. Then I have to finish my painting for the talent show. I can't talk ALL night."
she frequently puts on talent shows for the grandparents when she visits.

Anything Better?

Is there anything better than your kid saying....." Daddy.....I love you so much"

Two of my favorite J sayings.

"it's too Haavy Daddy" 'heavy'

" Not too Moch" 'much'

Mini Vacation

N and I took the kids to Holiday World this week while I was home on vacation. We had a really good time. Very family oriented placed. Clean too.

The first day we spent at the water park. K was so brave. She went with me on the big water slide. The second day we spent on the rides. J went on his very first ride. He is such a big boy. K didn't ride any rides until she was 2 but J didn't bat an eye at his first ride. Of course, he had his big sis there for comfort and safety.

It is so great to see them together. They love each other so much. Very sweet.

Good Mini Family Vacation together. I love you all very much.

All The World's A Stage

My wife was out of town last week. I had to take K and J to pick out eyeglasses for K. I knew it would be challenging since all the glasses are on racks from floor to ceiling. I had to be on my toes to make sure J wasn't destroying the place while paying close attention to my instructions regarding what was an OK style for K. Well, at our third stop all our nerves were getting frazzled. Especially mine. The Technician was very understanding and helpful. She put K at a small table with several pairs of glasses to try. there was a round mirror at the table. K put on the first pair. She took one look at herself in the mirror and immediately broke out in song. she treated the half dozen patrons and staff to a complete rendition of Animal Crackers In My Soup. Everyone just sort of stopped for a minute and listened and watched. The accolades she received for her performance spurred her into a sweet version of He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. I had to interrupt so we could look at more glasses. If she doesn't become an actress when she grows up then I will be completely shocked. Jack was quite good despite all the temptations and was content doing laps around the office. It was a fun experience despite my anxiety about having to do this task with both kids in tow. I was very happy when N returned. Single parenting is hard.

J's words are coming along nicely. We opened a book tonight to read and he immediately pointed to an animal on the page and said moooose. It was, amazingly, a moose. How did he know that? N and I have caught him on a couple of occasions counting. I guess that will make two kids who are smarter than me pretty soon. We have been working on manners. Trying to teach him to say please and thank you. Stuff like that. He says please in the sweetest way. You can't deny him after hearing it. I am such a sucker. Unfortunately, he gets the most practice saying sorry to his sister. He is definitely all boy. Fearless and very Physical.

I sometimes say "Hello Bayba" in a deep voice to him and K. He has started saying "Hi Bay Bee" back to me. Very cute.

We had a nice, wet, party on the fourth with lots of good friends over. I think everyone had fun in spite of the rain. I know I did. K calls it the July birthday. Happy Independence day everyone.

K asked me today if I would do her a favorite. Just thought that was funny. One, that she would ask me for a favor, and two, that she would call it a favorite.