Go-Go Mommy

The Writing Mama's Return & Other Nonsense

Yes, there are many reasons why it has been who knows how long since my last post.  Let's just say that while life swirled around me, my brief hiatus took top priority. 

That said, I am pleased to say that Poppy and Sweet Pea are growing like weeds, the school year is wrapping up, and in the midst of all this chaos, little Sweet Pea said the cutest thing.  I know, I know, so does every other kid on the planet but I just love to document these things since I am, at heart, a historian. Here goes:

One evening last week at the end of a long and very hard day for all of us....

Me:  Okay loves, it's time for bed.  Daddy, are you coming up?

Daddy:  No, I'm just going to wind-down and watch tv.  I'll probably sleep for a while on the couch.

Sweet Pea:  Mommy, are you going to carry Daddy upstairs?

Hope you're enjoying your own precious moments:)!

Sweet Pea's Preschool Prep

So far, Sweet Pea has had a pretty easy time meeting and making friends.  And there's a good reason for that - since she was born, her big sister, Poppy, was always there to make the introduction.  Whether it was at the park, in the play zone at the mall, or wherever the two happened to see another kid who would instantly become the girls' new "best friend," Poppy was always there to take the lead.

A few weeks ago I realized that all of this was going to come to a screeching halt when Sweet Pea would walk into to her own classroom at her very first session of preschool.  So... we began the first of many practice sessions entitled "meeting new friends" and "asking new friends to play."  

I'm happy to report that the following unsolicited questions have been asked in the Go-Go Household about half a dozen times a day for the last week - I just hope Sweet Pea will not forget all this on her first day of preschool this week!

Sweet Pea:  "Hi Mommy, I'm Sweet Pea.  What's your name?"

or

Sweet Pea:  "Hi, my name's Sweet Pea.  Would you like to play outside?"

or

Sweet Pea:  "I'm Sweet Pea.  Would you like to play with me, Mommy?"

Princess Sweet Pea Update

Our trip to Michigan for the holidays was a little long and pretty cold, but very beneficial for Sweet Pea.  Although still "the shy one" of the two (it's hard not to be considered shy when compared to our outgoing Poppy), she really blossomed when it came to her vocabulary.  In fact, now that we are home again I'm wondering how I will get a word in edgewise once the two of them get going!

Her latest vocabulary:

"Ah do"  still means "excuse me."

"Soup, soup" when pointing at the tv translates into "I'd like to watch Ratatouille."

"Ciderellellella"  is, of course, "Cinderella"

"Ohhhweee" is reserved for when she thinks something is really great.

Everything else is pretty much normal:  requests like "park slide, park slide"  (she's a fast talker so most requests come in doubles), "milk or juice, milk or juice"  and the never ending "mama, mama, mama".  

And my MIL says that she still has a very "dirty laugh": the conspiratorial kind that just makes you want to join in too.  I love you Sweet Pea!

A Glimpse Inside or "From the Mouths of Babes"

Well the Go-Go household is finally getting settled in, I'm finally gaining some time to myself as I'm actually getting Poppy and Sweet Pea to nap AT THE SAME TIME (incredible, I know), which means I get to write again. YEAH!

It's not that there hasn't been anything to write about, oh, there has. I made some mean homemade vegetable soup from scratch and even took some photos to post with my off-the-cuff recipe (and for those of you who don't know me, recipes are my "bible" when I cook - in other words, I'm the like mad scientist who has to follow a specific formula to a "t" when I'm cooking and I NEVER ad-lib cooking) so it was very daring of me to create a recipe of my own to share.

Then there were the usual writing opportunities: write about moving our household again, write about finding new schools/new friends/new activities, write about this totally bizarre political season (NO WAY, NOT even going there), write about Sweet Pea now repeating nearly everything and even coming up with her own names for things, like a fish is a "BB BB" (maybe I'll still post on that one). Anyway, you get the picture.

Today's topic came to me today, however, as something that totally trumps whatever else I do or learn today on this Halloween, 2008.

Today I had the privilege of helping the teachers in Poppy's preschool class. While I was there, one of her teachers shared this story about Poppy and of course, since I cry at Hallmark commercials, I almost broke down right there and ran over and smooched Poppy all over her beautiful little face. Here's why:

Teacher: Oh, Poppy is certainly something. The things she says are just so amazing.

Me: Yes, she can be quite a handful at times.

Teacher: Oh, no. I wanted to tell you what I overhead her say to one of her friends in class. It was so sweet! You know "L" doesn't really talk much and is very quite. Well, Poppy asked her what she was going to be for Halloween and at first "L" didn't answer but Poppy asked again very politely and said "It's okay. You can whisper to me." So "L" whispered something to her and Poppy said; "I'm going to be a princess too! Which princess are you going to be?" "L" answered very quietly and Poppy said she couldn't hear then "L" whispered again. Then, oh, how do I put this? Poppy said, "You know "L" I can't wait until you are ready to use your loud voice and talk out loud because I bet when you do, your talking voice will be the most beautiful voice I've ever heard."

Me: Stunned silence. Tears welling up. Finally -

Me: Wow! She certainly is something.

I love you Poppy! Happy Halloween!

"First Day of School! First Day of School!"

Some of you may recognize that quote. It was shouted by the infamous fish Nemo as he bounced on his father to wake him up and head out for his big day.

Well, for the past 2 weeks, Poppy has been practicing that exact line and preparing to wake KB and I in the same enthusiastic manner. Unfortunately, this morning began with that line, but it was us saying it to her. Let's just say that she was so excited about her first day of preschool that she got to bed a bit past her bedtime; about 3 hours past her bedtime to be exact. I do have to give her credit though because she was still every bit as enthusiastic once the sleep wore off and with her head cleared, she realized that this was the day she had been waiting for.

So we got her dressed, had a quick and nutritious breakfast, and took the requisite "first day of school" photos of Poppy, Sweet Pea, KB & I. Then KB, Sweet Pea and I took her to her classroom with the same sort of "pomp and circumstance" that befits a first day and, lucky me, I did it all without shedding one tear. Maybe it's because I realize that it IS preschool after all and I'm probably just waiting for the official Kindergarten first day. No matter.

Here's the conversation when I picked her up:

Me: So did you have...(I got cut off)

Poppy: Mommy! Mommy! I had so much fun today!

Me: That's great. What did you do?

Poppy: Well, I petted a snake.

Me: You did? Was it real? (Wondering where they hid a snake in the room since I had just been there 2 nights ago for Parent Orientation.)

Poppy: Yes, and it had a tutu on and danced!

Me: It did? Wow, can you show me the snake when we go back to school?

Poppy: Sure. And I talked with Donut (the class bunny) and he answered me and said it was very nice to meet me!

Me: Wow! I didn't know Donut could talk.

Poppy: Well, he didn't but that's what he would have said if he could!

I'm thinking maybe Poppy is going to have a very good writing career of her own someday!

PS - I can't wait to see the "dancing snake!" Hope you send your "first day" stories. They are too precious not to share!

Remember when...?

Fun lovin', sometimes heartwrenching, but always hip sayings by Poppy at age 3 and a half:

-----
When Poppy wants to watch the news: "Mommy, let's see what's happening in the world."

----
Question: Poppy, what does daddy do for a living?
Answer: He sucks his thumb.

----
Papa and Grandma were babysitting one night during dinner while Go-Go Mommy got a haircut. Apparently, Poppy is getting used to Mommy being at home:

Poppy: I'll have something else to eat.
Grandma: This is a special dinner mommy wants you to have tonight.
Poppy: I'm sad. I miss mommy.
Papa: If you eat this, you can have pineapple. (Which Papa and Grandma
just brought from their trip to Hawaii.)
Poppy: (Going over to the front door with one hand on her hip.) I'm not in the mood. I'm sad, I'm jealous, and I'm angry.

----
Poppy's Favorite Joke:
Why did the elf run out of the kitchen?
Because the recipe said crack one egg and beat it!

Want to share your kid's classics? I'd love to hear them!

New Face on the Block: Poppy the Politician?

In today's political climate, it's easy to get caught up in the in all of the "mommy-wars" blogging, fundraising, debating, and policitical posturing that's going on out there. It makes one ask: "Who will be brave enough in the future to put themselves (and their family) 'out there' to serve the public?"

I don't know if Poppy will be thick-skinned enough for such a calling but I just found out that she is a natural politician.

Poppy: (Watching the movie Air Bud.) Wow! His mommy is very beautiful!
Me: Yes she is, that's nice of you to say. Is she as beautiful as your mommy?
(I know, I know, leading question but what to you expect from an attorney?)

Poppy: You're beautiful too, mommy.
(Time to get more specific.)
Me: Thank you, but who is more beautiful? Mommy or Air Bud's mommy?
Poppy: Well, you are just both beautiful to me.

I needed that "mommy pick-me up". Thank you Poppy!

I also blog at Silicon Valley Moms Blog as JB.

That's a Big 10-4!

Okay, so here is a post that's not so hip but boy, did this bring back great memories!

For those of you who were around in the year 1977, or not, there was a little movie called "Smokey and the Bandit" that has become a "Contemporary Classic." As you might know, I am hopelessly addicted to Comcast cable and this movie is one of the "Top 10 Go-Go Mommy Comedy Must Sees." KB and I watched it "On-Demand" last night and laughed so hard we were certain Poppy and Sweet Pea were going to wake up.

Other than Caddyshack or "The Godfather," this is the source of many quotes that KB and I have affectionately used over our many years together. For example:
"Thank ya nice lady. Nice a_ _!"
"What we're dealing with here is a complete lack of respect for the law."
"Did you see that? They went right through our roadblock." Jackie Gleason: "You some bitches couldn't close an umbrella."
"Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a GD hurry!"
"Junior, there is no way, NO WAY, that you could have come from my loins!" (Pronounced with 2 syllables: LOY-INS). (Wait, I think this was a quote that my father would say to us kids!)
Do you have a favorite too? If so, I'd love to hear it!

I tell you, there's nothing better than watching a boot-legging, fast car chasing, bar fighting, motorcycle stomping, movie with Jackie Gleason as a "good-ol boy" Sherriff, a run-away bride, a hound dog named Fred and plenty of "old time" "CB" lingo. "Highly recommended" on the comedy short-list!

You can also find me on the Silicon Valley Moms' Blog as JB.

Sometimes Mommy Has To Go Potty Too

Originally posted on Silicon Valley Moms Blog as JB.

Haven't we all been here?  Feeling a little guilty and maybe even silly because we are looking for a "hideout" in our own home?  In my home, the only room with a lock on it is one of my bathrooms.  Unfortunately, I just found out that the lock can be bypassed by simply turning harder on the handle. 

My day began well enough. I found myself actually making a dent in my to-do list:     -attend morning swim class with the girls
    -pick up grocery essentials for dinner
    -get Poppy (3 year old) signed up for "Pre-dance/Tap Class" for fall semester
    -start to tackle laundry from vacation
    -catch up on email since vacation (ie: planning playdates and sending out vacation photos)
    -work on planning a September Kids Outing for our local Parents' Club
    -feed Sweet Pea (9 month old) at appropriate times and get her to take 2 naps to help with nighttime 
     sleep

I guess I got so into the groove of moving from task to task that it didn't occur to me that I set up a recipe for disaster until it was too late. 

Sweet Pea had been cranky on and off due to teeth numbers 3 and 4 now doing their best to push through those beautiful little pink gums and make their appearance.  This combined with her usual nighttime fussiness started to fuel her cries just as I made my way to "the haven."  Poppy (whom I'm told has the "energy of a boy") then runs around wildly in and out of the baby's room screaming "it's okay, it's okay, calm down" and then running to the bathroom door looking for mommy.  According to Poppy, she wanted me to 1) stop the baby from crying, and 2) send some attention her way since I was so busy "accomplishing" so much today.  And, of course, all of this chaos begins just as my husband returns from a work trip where he spent all day in meetings and an airplane and was in recovery mode.

Was it wrong of me to take advantage of the reinforcements (okay just one - my husband) and put my foot against the unlockable door to gain some "me" time and do a Sudoku puzzle?  Should I admit that I cranked up the fan to drown out some of Sweet Pea's complaining cries? And should I apologize when those 3 year old fists on the door were met with my response "Sometimes, mommy needs to go potty too."?  I now realize that kids aren't the only ones with potty issues.  Where is your haven?

Only in California

A couple of notes from our trip to Carmel-By-The-Sea.

1. Art? Yes and plenty. Baby formula? Better bring with.

My adventure to buy formula for Sweet Pea resulted in a self-guided walking tour to 3 different stores in this quaint town. It presented great sightseeing potential but, when pressured to find the formula before the stores closed, it wasn't the best. The first stop was a market right by our hotel which had such a small baby section I passed by it the first 2 times I went down the aisle. There was only one type of formula, no selection to speak of, and it was more than double the normal retail price. What?! I'm not going to spend that much money! But I am weaning Sweet Pea so I have to do something. My next stop was at a Pharmacy where such items are typicall sold. This stop produced the same type and brand of formula as the first only there was just 1 can on the shelf which had about a quarter of an inch of dust. Okay - on to store number three! There I found yet the same brand and type of formula (obviously only 1 sales rep deems it necessary to stock formula in this city) and it was actually $2.00 less than the original store. Victory! I scored formula AND saved money - if you don't count the fact that it would have been at least $10 less if I just drove to Safeway.

2. Be prepared to convert Euros to Dollars - AKA the quote of the trip!

I am a lover of fine art and scenic beauty. Carmel-By-The-Sea reigns supreme on both counts. While window shopping, I was drawn into one of the many galleries to learn more about a painting in the window. If you have never been to a gallery in Carmel I highly suggest you go because is turns out it is one of the best places on the planet for a classic quote. Who knew? In the gallery I was steered toward an artist from France. When I inquired about cost, this was the reply: "Well, the artist IS French so I'm going to quote you in Euros...." What?! You mean because it is a French painter I have to do the math? Have I been magically transported overseas? Aren't we still in the U.S? And by the way, how many months have you had that paintiing? Obviously, I'm still only ready for window shopping and nothing more - but KB and I will definitely use the quote when we need some comic relief!

Read my other blogs at Silcon Valley Moms Blog under JB.