The Adventures of Empress Fussy Pants & Emperor Big Brother

Miscelleany

2009-07-24T21:58:00.004-04:00

Life is hectic! No question about it. Two kids, two working parents... and a lot of blessings in the form of friends and family events. The kids are both happily settled for the summer. EFP started in her new school (close to where I work) and EBB is in Summer Day Camp - the first week was not so great.. but now he has made a few friends and we have explained to the camp director - what is what and all is well. I am sort of settling in at my new job. It is weird to be starting over and yet not starting over. I suppose that is the benefit of working at such a large place.. there are places to go and things to - in other areas or departments so it is like starting over - but with some history.

My new position has a great deal more responsibility - higher level authority and some back story that makes it difficult to get a handle on things at times. I am lucky though in a sense because just about whatever I decide (because there is no written history really) seems to be OK. I am navigating OK - watching for the obstacles etc. The people I work with are quite nice.. I fit in quite well - which is saying something. The kids seem to have adjusted to the new state of being also.

Moving EFP seems to have been a good idea.. scary a$$ trip to the ER and 4 Staples ... aside! She really seems to like it and the kids are great. I don't much like packing lunch everyday - for both kids - but it does seem to provide a more nutritious vareity of foods and I do get more say over what they are eating. EBB still wants to eat noodles more days than not.. but I am getting him to eat lots of other stuff too.. veggies, fruits, yogurt etc. so it is all good. Now to put into place my new diabolical plan of placing strategic notes into their lunch boxes with love and other fun stuff!!

We also added to our family. TWO KITTENS!! One is the (you guessed it!) an orange stripey girl named..... Stripey and a dilute calico (that is a Tortoiseshell with any white is usually called a Calico - and a dilute is paler) that is mostly white with little Calico spots who we call... Spotty (though I call her Puff Kitty) and we are just loving the uproar. We did have a pet challenge right off the bat as Spotty spent a few days in (outrageously expensive) emergency Animal Hospital for a disease we now know is "Kitty Fever NOS" (not otherwise specified) and has no known origin but takes the life of many a kitty. NOT this one I am happy to report. Our Free Kitty is now guaranteed gold standard!! We still miss our Cali though. And Eeks and Zan as well. So we are happy - but nostalgic about our new additions. Pics soon!

Well - that is all for now..

Busy Busy Bees!

2009-06-10T20:39:00.006-04:00

I know, i know... I am a bad bad blogger. It has been SO CRAZY around here lately... between my new job (yay me) the kids' activities (yay them) our family and friends... we have hardly been stationery!

We are heading into summer and it amazes me that a whole school year seems to have come and is now going!! Can I just take a few minutes to (brag, gush, overdo) say how proud I am of my little boy? He has worked so hard this year... and still he smiles and is simply the happiest little boy! Just today he graduated Kindergarten! He announced at dinner.. that now that he has graduated he is finished with school and will go back to daycare with his sister! LOL We howled! Actually he will start camp in 2 weeks... :-)

Both kids have had loads of fun in gymnastics this year and Saturday we attended the end of the year exhibition... we are so fortunate to be parents to these two amazing children... I have had my share of tears before they came into my life... and nothing has changed.. except now they are tears of joy. I tear-up all the time... thinking how life lead me to this place, these children... and in case you think I don't have enough to be happy about.. well, here goes a sample! These are miscellaneous shots.. from a weekend away, a fun Asian Cultural event, the gymnkhana, and my son's award ceremony at school! Enjoy.

Silly Chillies

2009-04-07T12:39:00.005-04:00

At performance of National Acrobats of China - Staller Center

That is Mean EFP Face - and her very very silly brudder!

Having Fun with FCC at National Acrobats of China Show

Very silly boy!

Happy Birthday Empress!

Who is THRILLED to be 4!???

Yea!

One year ago today..

2009-03-16T23:28:00.003-04:00

In the meantime - let me tell you about one year ago today. We had a furious night re-packing, thanks to some person - who wanted to blow up a plane from BeiJing to LanZhou - we had to remove ALL liquids, gels, pastes, aerosols, and powders from our carryon and place them in or checked bag. Which meant that most of us had NOTHING ready for meeting the children. We flew the short hop and landed in LanZhou. EFP was already showing signs of illness and I was so tired.. we retrieved our bags and headed to the bus. You know, when I think of China I seem to see it from above - rather than eye-level, probably because of all the bus rides! Anyway - we were in the bus and XiXi (guide par excellence) tells us "The babies are waiting for you at the hotel!" I thought to myself - "Whew! Only the babies! Not my big boy!" Then XiXi came over the speaker and said - Yes, and One big boy too!" Uh Oh! At that moment I was panicked. And a little annoyed. Two years earlier - we begged to meet our babies a day early and our wish could not be granted. But on this day - there were other plans.

We roll up to the Hotel.. and so begins the adventure... trying to jam our family into a tiny little room - when I was sure we booked a suite (we had) and so the room situation had to be rectified. Meanwhile our little boy was waiting in a conference room with the other kids. We get the room straight (we end up in a super deluxe suite complete with euro shower, bidet and 2 plasma screen TVs) and head down to the conference room.

I have to tell you I was so nervous and worried. When I saw his little face... he was such a sweetie.. but so sad. He was so much smaller than we expected and he seemed totally bewildered. (I think I knew then that they had not prepared him really well.. but I had no idea!) Now I know - he was not prepared.

Something like this happened. "Here you go EBB, here's some peanuts, go with this person. Tada... today we are going to hand you over to a big bunch of big smelly scary white people who will say things you can't possibly understand... try to touch you, take your clothes... throw things at you and make you eat weird food... betcha can't wait!!"

So is it really surprising the child was terrified, grief-stricken, inconsolable, confused, howling like a banshee (in case you ever wondered it is not a pretty happy sound..) and well, not that into Mama???

He burst into tears about 20 minutes after we met him.. and didn't really stop (except for the trip to KFC) till the next day.. and even that was only temporary. His adoption picture is the saddest thing on earth. He was howling - tears streaming down his face.. so mad and sad at the same time.

I won't say - that I enjoy this piece of the journey.. I do not. I do not like thinking about the trauma for him.. how hard it had to have been.

What I will say - is that bad beginnings do not tell the end. Within days he was happier.. truly fell for his little sister and Daddy.. only Mama remained persona non grata... (and would be for a while) everyone else got smiles and silly grins.

But - fast forward.. or don't. Stop and think how you might have reacted.. and then you might be thinking.. how did this happen.. how does a child go from being so scared and grieving.. to how he is today.. well... the middle story is too long for this post. It has not been easy for him.. but it HAS been worth being with him on the ride.

My little boy... is at least 2 years younger than we thought (we are working on correcting this). Smarter and smarter all the time... truly bright. He is funny and has a charming way about him.. he is sweet and loving.. compassionate with a keen sense of justice.. he loves noodles more than anything. LanZhou is a wheat province.. not much rice. Every single day we were there we ate the most fabulous handmade noodles... every day. Breakfast for sure, and a lot of lunches and dinners also. Except when we were eating pizza with RED AND GREEN CHERRIES.. LOL

He misses those noodles. A lot. He loves his Mommy - for which I am grateful to the angels, stars and whoever else moved his heart in my direction. It pains me not at all to say - I love this little boy more than I thought it possible to love anyone... other than my darling girl. That they have each other and are so loving to each other is another gift I can't ever have imagined. I truly hope they stay this close to each other. My son makes friends where ever he goes. His smile is a winsome little grin that dares you to keep a straight face.. it rarely happens. He has had to overcome a mountain of challenges. Adoption is the least and most of it... his physical challenges, learning, language and family... all seem to be ok with him. He loves school and learning.. loves his family beyond anything and really really is a happy boy nearly all the time.

For what started as a rough trip - we have landed in a place that has a happy little family. My children are a constant source of amazement... as well as love and cheer. I can not be anything other than happy - when I have such treasures.

Silly Chillies... and My LOLCATZ

2009-03-09T21:00:00.009-04:00

Dun't any kitty write lettas anymore?
Alz I gets is junkyee mail!

Billz Billz Billz - what yoused to be 1 mousey now 4 mousey!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZNNNNNNNNNFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTT!

Yummeeeez Billz iz tastees

Dunt laff at meeez.. me whiskas is funeee.... I dunt no why*?

Potz Lidz on Totz Lidz

The CYMBAL of fashion and good taste!

A two chillie cymbal festus for the restus..

*No actual kitty was harmed in the making of this blog post - the kids cut her whiskers, it doesn't hurt and they will grow back. And it will NEVER happen again!
She is hardly staggering around at all!!
Empress Kitty Puss is an all around good sport!

Kids will be Kids.....

2009-03-05T21:43:00.002-05:00

By the way - my son's new middle name is PORK - as in - he is such a HAM!

Snow Day!

2009-03-03T22:38:00.002-05:00

Winter Wonderland!

It snowed - A LOT! (EBB's favorite add on to every sentence is A LOT!)

Take one boy, add 3 layers, a silly sense of humor and VOILA! You have Snow Boy!

She has been waiting all winter to do this...
then decided snowflakes are not that great tasting.

Yes - I promise these are MY kids - somewhere under all that!!

Snow Stats:
How many inches = 12"
Temp = 10
Layers of clothes on kids = 3 + Outerwear & boots
Time to dress = 20 minutes
Time in snow = 10 minutes
Snowballs thrown = 3, 2 by Daddy
Cups of Hot Coco w/marshmallows = 2
Happiness = Priceless

Happy New Year! 2009 is sure to be....... ??

2009-01-05T21:36:00.005-05:00

Grabbed this from Stinky Mouse's Blog

EFP's List:
My favorite color is Yellow & Orange.
My favorite animal is doggies and kitties and horsies and cows and sheeps and duckies and birdies. Oh, and fishies.
My favorite food is Strawberries and Blueberries.
My favorite place is Aunt Col's house.
When I grow up I want to be a kitty doctor (veterinarian*!)
My favorite thing to do is hug my kitties and doggies, and play with my kitty doctor stuff.
My favorite show is Peppa Pig and Dora.
If I had one wish it would be "I could have 3 white doggies and 3 stripey kitties."

EBB's list:
My favorite color is Blue. No, Green.
My favorite animal is a Dog
My favorite food is NOODLES.
My favorite place is Aunt Col's house.
When I grow up I want to be a "fixer" points to mouth. (He means cranio-facial surgeon* like his hero Dr. Alexander Dagum - seriously that is what he wants to be).
My favorite thing to do is play computer
My favorite show is Backyardigans, Diego, Dora and Wow Wow (Wubbzy)
If I had one wish it would be "No School, A Lot!"

Daddy's List: (Cuz the Chillies insisted)

My favorite color is Blue.

My favorite animal is a Dog.

My favorite food is PIZZA.

My favorite place is "out to eat."

When I grow up I want to be sports announcer for the NY Giants, NY Mets and Islanders.

My favorite thing to do is play Grand Theft Auto (after Chillies are in bed of course!).

My favorite show is Seinfeld.

If I had one wish it would be for both kids go Ivy League for College.

Mommy's List: (Cuz the Chillies insisted)
My favorite color is Pink or Red.
My favorite animal is a Kitty.
My favorite food is Lobster.
My favorite place is bed.

When I grow up I want to be a Policy Analyst for Children's Defense Fund.

My favorite thing to do is play with my kids.

My favorite show is Ace of Cakes or Iron Chef
If I had one wish it would be to win lotto so both kids CAN go Ivy League for College*. (Medical School and Veterinary College are not easy!).

Things that make you go hmmm......

2009-01-04T22:12:00.004-05:00

While driving in the car past the holiday lights....

EFP: Mommy, look a giant Christmas tree with lights and a star on top!!!! Look a volcano! (lights on the roof of a local gazebo)

In the kitchen....

EFP: I went pee pee can I have a chocolate?

M: No, you are great at doing pee pee and have been for a while. No more chocolate for pee pee!

EFP: Dam-mit!

In the living room......

EFP: I want 3 white doggies and 3 stripey kitties. I think Santa is going to bring dem - I have been very nice and not naughty at all.

M: Well, maybe EFP, but remember we talked about how cold it is on Santa's sleigh and that Santa doesn't bring REAL kitties and doggies - only stuffed one's so maybe you will get some stuffed doggies or kitties.

EFP: Well, Mommy, Santa can do anything and I bet he has some stripey blankies he could wrap the kitties and doggies in to keep dem warm and so I think you are not right so I am going to tell Elfwin* and I think Santa will bring dem.

(*Elfwin is our Elf on the Shelf - Direct from the North Pole)

At the store.....

EBB: I want some trains. I like trains.

M: Okay - EBB remember Mommy told you about getting presents for Christmas and your birthday?

EBB: Yes, but......

M: but what honey?

EBB: I want them now to play with!

M: Well, write to Santa and ask for some trains to play with. OK?

EBB: No, I don't want to write to Santa!

M: Well, how will Santa know what you want?

EBB: You tell him!

(His English is really coming along and his attitude - well, the less said about that the better! Right where it should be - boyish and cheeky!)

M: Time for bed EBB!

EBB: No!

M: No? I said it is time for bed - come on let's brush teeth and get ready for bed.

EBB: No. I don't want to.

M: You don't want to? How come?

EBB: Because I said so. (hmm.. may have used this one a time or two lately.....)

EBB: I want noodles for breakfast.

M: Uh, Noodles?

EBB: May I PLEASE have some noodles PLEASE?

M: OK - but then no noodles for lunch.

EBB: No, I want noodles for breakfast and lunch - a lot.

M: EBB - that is a lot of noodles!

EBB: It's OK, I like them a lot!

(can't argue with that logic!)

My two are the silliest - but their logic is unassailable!

Christmas Throwdown with EFP & EBB

2008-12-28T22:31:00.005-05:00

The pictures say it better than I ever could!

Santa left some cookies? Huh? Well, to be fair he DOES have to eat a LOT of cookies! And the reindeer appear to be leaving bits as well! So the chillies will eat what is left!

My Big Boy on his two-wheeler!

My Big Girl on her two-wheeler!

Thing 1 & Thing 2 (or "we want to wear our PJs to Nana & Papa's house!")

"I've wanted this my WHOLE life!"

Look what Santa left for me under the tree - with Bows and all!

She was SO happy with this jewelry box from her "brudder" - but later confided in my that "Mommy, it's nice, but it's just not big enough!" When I inquired how big the jewel chest should be - she thought about it and put her hand about a foot over her head 'this is good!' OMG a girl after my own heart!

Cars, Cars, Cars!
A giant loud car that goes! YEA!

All in all a successful and Happy Holiday! Next year - more bags, more sleep and just plain MORE!

Fa La La La Freakin La!

2008-12-26T22:04:00.004-05:00

So, we went with the "Oh, the heck with excess theme and put the bikes under the tree"

The cat was there already - Santa did not bring her.

Yes, it is true. I have committed crimes against Christmas. (note: unwrapped box - a gift for DH, who is not a big unwrapping fan and I ran out of big gift bags!)

There are no words to describe how the kids will react OR how tired I am now that this is finally finished - it is 4:28 AM and the morning is coming in quick!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like.....

2008-12-20T00:41:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2008-12-20T00:37:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Feast for your eyes!

2008-12-14T22:08:00.004-05:00

EBB's First encounter with the man in red - it goes well!
EFP in very chic holiday wear - she is wearing very sparkly SILVER shoes - not the dainty black patent maryjanes I selected. "Moooom, it's a PARTY - I wear my PARTY shoes!"

The finest alapaca anywhere!

Yes - these are my silly babies!

Silly boy!

Serious computer guy!

Ice Cream Eating Boy!

2 silly kids with one silly auntie!

"I feel pretty, oh so pretty..."

Ice Cream eating girl!

Here are my darlings - in various poses, settings and stages of cuteness. I think they are simply scrumptious!

Three Years!

2008-12-10T16:06:00.006-05:00

How is it possible that three years have vanished in the blink of an eye? 12/8/05 to 12/8/08 and yet the pain (fearing yet another month of disappointment) and joy of that day three years ago is as fresh as if it was yesterday. I still remember every aspect of the day - waiting for the phone to finally ring after the months of uncertainty, FINALLY getting the call and hearing those words "Congratulations Mommy - you have a daughter!" Words - I never thought to hear were suddenly there. As it happens I got to spend 12/8/08 with that daughter as she and I have both been sick with bronchitis. I told her all about how excited we were to learn that she was our daughter, that I couldn't even find a pen to write the info, I was crying too hard. That people came from all over the building to share in our joy... and how it was only the SECOND best day ever. The first best day was still a few months away. How to describe to this child the sheer joy that comes from being her Mommy? How I still don't know to what karmic offering I owe the gratitude for being given HER specifically. She didn't care - just wanted an ice pop to sooth her aching throat.

I told her about the champagne we popped open and how we celebrated with friends (who also received a phone call that day!) and made the restaurant people laugh.

She asked me a question I have been pondering ever since "Mommy, do you know everything about me?" I answered - "Yes, darling mine, I know everything there is to know about you." She answered "Good, I thought so, all right!" Of course the answer is really far more complicated - but for now and under the circumstances - yes, I know all there is to know. I know her because she is my heart. With feet, with wings - with her own mind - but my heart in every possible way.

Funny - how some words really do change everything. "Congratulations Mommy, you have a daughter"

Are there any better words? I have to say - that in the last three years I have yet to find any. (except perhaps, the equally joy filled: Congratulations Mommy, you have a son!)

Congratulations to all the Moonbeam Mommies and Daddies who are likewise looking back and remembering a day that is surely etched in our collective memory as simply the happiest day of our lives up to that point.

The Ultimate Brussel Sprouts!

2008-11-29T01:12:00.002-05:00

I am off for a few days and so I thought I would treat my children to some Gourmet Mom's Cooking - and after yesterday's pig fest I decided to make another delicious meal.

I roasted a Semi Boneless Leg O Lamb (Thank you so much Aussies!) that I slathered with a paste of Garlic, Rosemary, Marjoram, Thyme and Salt & Pepper. I also put some slits in the meat and forced the paste in... roasted potatoes in the pan - YUM! But the true star of tonight's meal was my Brussels Sprouts. I grew up eating BS and frankly - I was never a huge fan, but waxing nostalgic - Missing my Mom a lot at the holidays - I found myself actually craving them. Also I figured I could get the kids to eat them by telling them I shrunk the cabbages into tiny little heads... LOL THAT did not work!

But here is a recipe that is GUARANTEED to get anyone to eat Brussels Sprouts!

2 pints Brussels Sprouts - halved
1/2 lb Bacon (diced)
1 Small Sweet Onion (sliced)
1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
S&P to taste

Bring pot of water to boil, add some salt, Blanch Brussels Sprouts in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, drain and then cool in cold water - transfer to bowl.

Fry bacon till cooked add sliced onion, fry till bacon is crisp. Remove bacon to bowl - put Brussels Sprouts in frying pan with bacon grease, dash of salt and pepper, keep moving. When BS are heated through return bacon to pan and pour Red Wine Vinegar into pan - heat for 1 minute stirring constantly, when liquid is nearly all gone - remove all to serving bowl and watch them disappear! No kidding - I had NONE left after dinner tonight. The kids (especially EBB) ate them all!

Yesterday's culinary feat was also successful - my addition of Dried Cranberries to the Sweet Potato Casserole (NO Marshmallows or Sugar!) was a huge hit and the pecan topping was great! I think I might like it this was even better than the traditional candied yams. I used just a hint of Maple Syrup (real) when I mashed the sweet potatoes then beat the eggs with a little vanilla. The topping is pretty sweet so I thought adding sugar to the mash was just too much and I am glad I decided that. I was supposed to have both pecans and hazelnuts - but the less said about that the better.

Tomorrow - I am making a turkey, dressing, gravy and who knows maybe more Brussels Sprouts!

EFP and I made a pumpkin pie today - BUT, we made it in a graham cracker crust! Great idea! She had so much fun - for some reason she wanted a "homey Mommy" day - I wasn't sure what that meant - but I think we had one anyway. We stayed in DH and EBB cleaned the garage and me and EFP cuddled, baked and she helped me prepare dinner (even handed me the BS!) and was very proud of herself in general. She just needed some Mom and EFP time - and so I abandoned my other plans for the day to hang out and watch Monsters, Inc. very funny! Pictures tomorrow I promise... the camera is downstairs and I am just too taired to go get it!

Tagged!

2008-11-23T21:36:00.003-05:00

Thanks Italia! Here are my answers:

8 Favorite TV Shows: Ace of Cakes, Iron Chef, Mystery, House, Grey's Anatomy, Today, Leno, ER.

8 Things I did Yesterday: Made breakfast, Made lunch, Made Dinner, Drew cats, drew dinosaurs, wrote emails, read emails, bought some presents for the holidays.

8 Things I look forward to: My son's first Christmas, My son's first (6th) Birthday party (ever!), My daughter's 4th birthday party, donating my hair (I have wanted to do this forever! But they didn't used to allow colored hair - now they do - nuff said!) Our mini-vacation between Christams and New Year's, Getting 2 kittens, Our Christmas Eve gathering, the new Administration!!

8 Favorite Restaurants: Ginos, Milk & Sugar, Legal Seafood, Happy Dragon, Pollo Rico, PJs Lobster Pot, Carrabba's, Ben Benson's.

8 Things on My Wish List: World Peace, An End to Hunger everywhere, To adopt a little girl aged 4 to 6, an end to the financial crisis, for everyone to be home for the holidays - whatever that means to each person, for both my children to have magical Christamases, to make a difference in someone's life, to write the book(s) that have been begging to be written.

8 People to Tag: First 8 people to stop by - you know who you are!

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-22T11:59:00.000-05:00

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Some answers to stupid questions:

2008-11-18T22:28:00.002-05:00

1. No - I did NOT order a matching set. (Seriously?)
2. YES - They are brother and sister - if you doubt it, come by when one of them gets a new toy.
3. No, it is MY LUCK. (No, really).
4. Why do you ask?
5. Don't you think there are some questions that are just to personal to ask of strangers - no matter how cute the kid?
6. Yes, they BOTH know they are adopted. HELL -OO!
7. Yes, they also know their sibling was adopted. (DUH!)
8. Yes, I am sure they WILL be good at Math... and Reading, and Social Studies, Science, Music, Art and lots of other things as well. (Ya gotta be kidding me, right?)
9. No, I just wanted to be a Mom.
10. THAT information is private - but yes, it is possible to adopt a male child from China.(Obviously!)

I just can't thank you people enough - for making my job as a Mom (in the grovery store, home goods store, gas station, library, book store and pediatrician's office) even more enjoyable. Thanks for asking insensitive questions IN FRONT of my children - as if they can not hear or understand what you say. Thanks too, for putting YOUR expectations of what a family is, what a child will be good at, what world issues YOU are familiar with and YOUR OWN VALUES on my situation - with no information whatsoever. Thanks also for pointing out that difference is its own reward with personal questions, assumptions, stereotypes and a few unproven anecdotes to formulate what has got to be the litany of silly, inappropriate and far too personal questions - the answers which, change nothing, embarrass my children and frankly reveal YOU to be the narrow minded archetype I know you to be!!!!!

To the people who merely complimented my children on good manners and adorable selves - Thank you, I needed that!

Tricks or Treats!

2008-11-06T12:48:00.006-05:00

The Queen Mum & Purple Plum Pixie Fairy Princess

The Empress as Purple Plum Pixie Fairy Princess

One Happy PPPFP!

Hmmm.... a toad or a newt? Let me think.....

My Smiley girl!

My pirate in the Parade - along with Classmates.

Auntie, Uncle, Niece & Nephew

Ahoy Me hearties! My Boy with his K Teacher!

*Shortly after this pic was taken the big top tooth fell out. EBB still doesn't really "get" the Tooth Fairy - but he does think it is funny that presents show up! You think that is great - try explaining a big fat guy in a red suit that sticks a bike under a tree in the house in the dead of winter for no reason! I dare ya!

Daddy & A Pirate in Parade

My Boy! Had no idea what was going on but had a blast anyway!

Here there be Monsters

2008-10-06T23:02:00.003-04:00

It must be the weather or something - but my kids have entered the monster zone - and frankly I think they may be deserving of gagillion minutes on the "Think About it Step"

EFP refuses EVERYTHING and is frequently able to say LOUDLY "I mad at you Mommy. You not nice. You no let me do what I want to do. You won't let me.........fill in the blank with

a. take off my coat in the pouring rain

b. eat fruity snacks for breakfast (or ever they are banned from this dentally challenged house)

c. not wear shoes in the mall

d. eat chocolate day and night

e. stay up till 2am, sleep on the floor, wake up and stay up at 3am, sleep on the couch in front of TV, watch TV all night"

YUP - that is right. I really am that mean Mom you have heard tell of. I just won't let EFP or EBB do anything fun - I mean it is not as if they cook with me, paint every other day, color, have brand new laptops on which to play brand new JumpSNart learning games, or Starfall.com, read books whenever they wish, have extensive sticker collections, are with me every second I am not at work, sit one me, lay on me, jump on me, hang off me, attach themselves to my leg, follow me everywhere (yes, even there!) so yea, I am the MEAN MOM!

Oh, and I won't let them have a dog. (Actually, I would let them - DADDY is the one who keeps saying NO! But is he MEAN Daddy - NO!)

EBB - while not nearly as monstrous as his little sister - but has entered the deep space nine of WHINING! His English is coming along great BUT the kid can whine like a native-born! All I hear all the time "She not sharing, that MINE, I want that, Where's mine? and the all time classic What about MEEEEEEEEEEE" EBB has become an American in every sense of the word - that is he insists upon his rights and equality at all times, and is vocal in his self-defense.

It really is a pity neither of my children can actually run for President. Petition anyone?

Oh yea, we now have a sticker chart.

Life of the Potty

2008-09-04T21:27:00.004-04:00

Introducing Empress Pooparella, Princess Poopy Beauty, Princess Poops-a-lot... (she came up with these!)

Here she is replete with BRIBES - first she got the crown, tonight the necklace/bracelet/earrings and tomorrow - the dress (angels singing in the background!) I am booking an appointment with the Photographer to capture this historic moment in time... oh,she also got a cup nearly full with M&Ms - hey, whatever works. We had a Mommy & EFP day today. She had a slight fever - probably due to vaccination. It was wonderful!

Day two for my boy - he was absolutely exhausted. The lunch mystery is solved - he did eat the turkey hot dog. Fine... so he wants hot lunch everyday - fine by me! I got a very sweet note from his teacher who is actually Ms. G - not Ms. S as the hall lady tried to convince me. The security guard was actually NICE to me this morning. Things are so looking up!

The first day of the rest of his life.......

2008-09-03T21:59:00.005-04:00

Posing with Mei Mei
My Big Brave Boy!

He is hoping his Diego backpack will change into a light aircraft so he can boogie at lunch!

Here is the entrance to his school - I had to bully a security guard to allow me to park by the door!

Rico Suave in his classroom - what can I say?

Well, we all survived the big day. EBB decided he wanted to stay home with Mommy (which truth be told, alternately delighted and devastated Mommy) yay - boo. But we talked it up and made it sound SO EXCITING! He was happy that Mom and Dad and little sis were all together (kids really are ALL about the simple things!) in the car. We drive to the school and I bully the security guard and park out front (We are half an hour early) and when I get into the office I got two shocks! One, I know the school social worker AND at the last minute his teacher changed AGAIN! I was really ready to have a heart attack right there in the crazy busy office - I guess the secretary was concerned because she called over the Principal and she offered to take us up to EBB's classroom and introduce the last minute sub-in. We trudged up the three flights to the HOT classroom and (you will never guess....) I meet the teacher and SHE IS A NEIGHBOR I KNOW! I am so happy! The aide and assistant are just warm wonderful people (you know for day one that is) and he really seemed to like them all. The Teacher, Ms. S is soft-spoken and calm. I have been buying girl scout cookies from her adorable daughter for years.... so a huge sigh of relief!

Then the end of the day - I landed at the school with DH at the appointed hour and they called my dear boy down and all of a sudden there he was down the hall looking for me and daddy... it was so sweet. He said he didn't like Kindergarten and still wants to stay home with Mommy or go to my office (GREAT!) but the assistant said he had a great day. Who knows. When we got home one of my worst fears was realized - his lunch and snack were completely uneaten. My poor little guy! I am not sure if he didn't know - wasn't told or if there is some less sinister explanation (maybe he wanted a turkey hot dog at the cafeteria) like someone bought him lunch.. I freaked out completely. Also ALL his school supplies were still in his backpack and his milk money untouched. YIKES! What have I done? My baby starving in kindergarten - with several bottles of untouched white school glue. I became Lady Bountiful handing snacks here and there to be sure he wasn't hungry - and then sent him off with DH to the MD. He has grown from 38" to 39.75" and he now weights 43lbs - I am so thankful for that inch and three-quarters and three pounds. Maybe I won't have to shop for next year's school uniforms in the toddler section. You just never know.

Finally - after my darling girl continued her big success we decided to dine a la famiglia at a local Italian place and the kids did a number on some pizza while DH and I pretended to be serious and eat some veal and pasta. My chillies ate a LOT of Chocolate Gelato - fell asleep in the car on the 10 minute ride home and were in bed in a flash - poor EBB was so tired he begged to sleep in the car... LOL. All is quiet on our family front and all in all I feel his first day went very well. I did write the teacher a note about the lunch situation, offering to help out in any way I can (I mean. hey - I can easily stop for cupcakes on my way... ) and explain that his smile - though genuine does not necessarily mean he is ok or agreeing to requests. I hope I can figure out this kindergarten thing before winter recess. I just hope that things go well for him... I do love my happy little boy and darling girl to pieces and just want all the very best for both.

Late Breaking News :-)

2008-09-03T00:39:00.004-04:00

Notice the bribes - a cup full of M&Ms and a Crown!

WOOOHOOO!! WHEEEHOOOOO!!!!!

We are DIAPER & Pull-UP FREE

FREE AT LAST !

GREAT POTTY ALMIGHTY - FREE AT LAST *

* with my sincere apologies to MLK Jr. - he had 4 kids so I think he would have understood!

RIP Calliope the Great

2008-08-27T17:51:00.004-04:00

We have suffered a loss this week. Our beloved Calliope "Cali-puss" has passed on to Kitty Heaven. She was diagnosed a couple weeks ago with Lymphoma and she succumbed rapidly. I am saddened - because she was a great cat, great friend and beautiful soul. We didn't mean to adopt Cali - she was our foster cat - but she snuck into our hearts and we fell in love with her. She had a sad life before she came to be our kitty - discarded and starved, she lived out of a dumpster on the campus where I work (which explains her penchant for fritos, potato chips and pizza). She was thin (bottom pic is right after she came to live with us) and scared - but had such a sweet and friendly nature. She was not so quick to trust, having been hurt at some point by a human.... but soon with all our love and care she became the mushcat she was always meant to be. People say that animals don't grieve - but I know they do. Orianna (our remaining excellent kitty) is grieving for her sister-friend and she too is saddened by her loss. We take comfort in knowing that Cali has all the tuna she can eat, her water will always be fresh, catnip mice abound and there will always be a warm lap to sleep on. Goodbye my dear cat-friend.

Here too briefly - but in my heart forever.

Say hi to Eek-a-mouse and Zandalee, Shiloh and Shenandoah, Moschino and all our forever pets.