One person's dream...another's nightmare!

In the long standing tradition of parents physically killing themselves for the glee and pleasure of their children, Dustin and I, along with Joel and Larry, completed the erection of the swing set. I must preface this blog with saying that no one can fully understand the magnitude of such an accomplishment unless they have built one of these beasts before.



This is only half of the hardware we used. The other half the manufacturer left out. Thereby requiring numerous trips to Ace Hardware, adding $20 onto the actual purchase price as well as several frustrating hours. I have to say that the omission was probably purposely done by some Indonesian man, knowing what some poor sap would have to go through, all because he got bored at work on a Wednesday.

I have had those moments at work, too. But I usually I only punish my co-workers by leaving the seat up in the ladies bathroom. I typically leave the innocent alone.

I digress.

We had been working for the last few weeks on assembling every portion of the fort in the garage. We figured we'd construct as much as we could in a semi-air-conditioned garage and avoid as much of this awful August heat as we could. Yesterday God laughed at us and reminded all involved that we should not try to be smart ever again.

We started around 9:30 in the morning and finished around 3:30/4:00 in the afternoon. This, I can say, was probably the longest 6 hours of my life. My body had no more sweat to sweat. My skin was tired of being burned and every muscle in my body ached. I'm sure Joel will agree.



I think the high was about 90+ degrees yesterday and the heat index had to be over 100. I think our bodies had reached the closest they've ever come to spontaneous combustion.

And there we worked, all college educated people...for a 3-year old. Mount Mercy should revoke my degree. Honestly.


At one point we had a "game" that included our dripping sweat. At the time it was hysterical (probably because exhaustion had set in), but now it seems disgusting.

Again, I digress.

After about 50+ man hours we had finally finished and Josh took his first slide.


This is the part where I am supposed to say, "It was all worth it."

Try me tomorrow when I have feeling back.

I have compiled a list of 10 tips for anyone who may decide to build one of these in the future:
1) Listen to the instructions when they say to make sure you have all of the hardware before you start.
2) Don't leave the hardware out in direct sunlight. It is metal and will burn your fingerprints right off after a few hours in the sun.
3) When the instructions say that you need two adults they are lying. You really need around 3 or 4. All of which must adore your children...or be getting paid. $$
4) Don't ever attempt building a swing set on the second hottest day of he year.
5) After hour 3 of building, jokes are no longer funny.
6) After hour 5 of building, anything is hysterical and everyone is delusional.
7) Double, triple, quadruple check that you are using the right hardware. It sucks to have to change every screw half way through construction. (Yes, this really happened.)
8) Double, triple, quadruple check you are using the right materials. It sucks to have to switch out some of the boards half way through construction. (Yes, this happened as well.)
9) Remember that during stressful times people say things they may not really mean. You can leave your husband but you will forever be related to your brother.
10) Seriously consider paying someone to build it; a professional. Because after awhile your child's safety is no longer a concern and you just want to get it finished. This way, if your child gets hurt you have someone else to sue besides yourself.

On a happier note, I have become a bit of a bargain shopper. And today I saved so much that it was reminiscent of the good ol' "Cathy Krueger Double Coupon" shopping days. I basically bought Gerber baby food for about $0.04 - $0.10 a jar. I saved over $40!! SERIOUSLY!!

Check it out!!


I was thrilled. Lauren, not so much.

Emergency Room Visit

When it rains, it pours.

Last night the kids and I had dinner over at Larry and Toni's. We were all sitting at the table and Gretchen was telling us about her previous weekend. Josh excused himself from dinner and began running around.

Then I heard a scream.

I went running into the family room and Josh was bleeding and standing by the rock fireplace. Pretty much every mom's nightmare. I screamed only because I couldn't tell where he was bleeding from. I looked at his mouth, his eyes and then realized it was coming from his head.

I smashed my hand on his head and yelled for a towel. Thankfully, Aunt Gretchen came to the rescue and drove us down to Mercy while I held Josh in the back seat.

Josh calmed down by the time we got into the van and I think the scariest part of the entire evening for him was sitting in the waiting room and seeing all the other people. Good Lord. The caliber of people at any given moment seems to be less than par no matter what time of day it is down there. The man across from us was going through detox and his 3 year-old son, as well as mine, watched him get sick repeatedly as his body was craving more gin.

Josh is fine and, once again, Mercy Hospital provided us with TOP notch service. The nurses were so nice to Josh and the doctor was amazing. They removed any opportunity for Josh to become scared and made his frazzled mother feel well taken care of.

He was pretty scraped up, but no stiches were needed. Just a nice chunk taken out of his head; hence all the blood. Thank God he inherited the Krueger/Bruni skull. I'm pretty sure it could stop a speeding bullet.


I have to tell you, though, while we were waiting for the doctor to come in Josh looked up at the clock. He asked why the second hand was moving so slowly. I told him that it counts seconds and he asked why. I said, "Because that's its job." Then I said, "What is mommy's job?" I was completely expecting him to say that I push buttons on the computer. But without missing a beat he says, "To protect me."

I tell him that when he's scared but to hear him say it back to me...at that particular moment...well, it was exactly what I needed to hear.

Of course, I went to bed swearing that I would not let something like that happen again.

And then tonight.

He wanted to go outside while I was working on supper. I got his shoes on and told him to play where I could see him. I looked over periodically and then heard a scream.

The first thought in my mind was, "Oh my God! If I have to take him to the Emergency Room again tonight they are going to call DHS!" His knees were all bloody and bruised but he was fine. He saw the blood and freaked.

I brought him inside and cleaned him up. Then, I realized that I have true boy. A boy who has no fear.

Well, except of blood, that is.

Another addition to my list of qualifications.

Summer is nearing its end and school is just around the corner. I've begun to scour the town for deals on school clothes for Josh and done pretty well so far. In fact, I snagged a pair of Champion tennis shoes at Target for $3.74!! Now that's my kind of deal.

While at Target Dustin convinced me to buy a set of shears so that I can cut Josh and Dustin's hair. I was extremely hesitant but when I saw that the Deluxe set was as much as ONE trip to Cost Cutters, I was quickly convinced. We got home and I diligently read all of the instructions and Dustin volunteered to be my first victim.

If I do say so myself, I didn't do too bad. I mean, Josh's bangs are straight and Dustin's side burns are even. Cost Cutters doesn't even get that much right most times!

The kids' pictures went amazingly well on Friday. Dustin ended up working so I had to take them on my own. I got my exercise for the day and was sweating like a pig by the time the 20 minute session was over.

But the pictures made it completely worth it!!! (Okay...I cant figure out the scanner. So deal with the awkward layout.)



Do we not have the most beautiful children? I saw the one of Lauren and started crying because her eyes are so beautiful. As always, Josh doesn't take a bad picture.

We continued working on the swing set this weekend. Joel came over on Saturday and helped - Thank God! Dustin and I had gotten pretty far before Joel joined in and shortly after his arrival I realized I had misinformed Dustin as to which screws to use. So they had to replace about 30+ screws. Then I told them that the boards on the ends had to be flip-flopped. Yeah, I was not their favorite person.

Seriously, though, look how many pieces there are.



They spent more time on Saturday fixing my directional errors than making any real progress. So Dustin and I decided to attack it again on Sunday. Shortly after beginning we called in for reinforcements. Larry and Toni came over to help. We made some progress as soon as I had someone to watch the kids; however, we're still about 15 steps from completion.

I'm pretty sure that we'll be working on it all weekend in order to make the August 19th deadline!

Last night I decided to go grocery shopping with the kids after work. I know I'm a strong woman and I feel I can handle quite a bit more than the average woman. But last night almost broke me! First it's like 100 degrees outside and 99% humidity. (And may I interject that no one can really complain about the weather besides my husband. The poor guy is out in this junk 14+ hours a day.) Anyway, we began shopping and it was going well. I made it through the Produce department and Josh was busy playing his Leapster and Lauren was all smiles.

Then we got through the first aisle and Josh began with his million questions. "Can I get this?" "What's this?" "Why is that there?" "Are you done?" "What is that on that man's head?" "Ewww. Gross. Mom you aren't going to make me eat that. Are you?" AHHH! Then we got to the second aisle and I realized I lost my shopping list. Back to aisle 1 for the list.

Skipped the rest of aisle 2. Onto aisle 3. Then the storm started. You could hear the thunder and the lights began to flicker. Lauren started crying because she was done smiling at me and wanted to be held so she could see the world. I quick made a bottle for her and tried to shop and feed her at the same time.

On to aisle 4. Then I realized I left my list back in aisle 3 when I was making the bottle. So back to aisle 3. And then the lights went out.

So now Josh was scared and Lauren was in a full-on crying fit. I tried to pick her up in the dark without poking her in the eye and grabbed Josh's hand so that he knew I was right there. Finally after the longest 5 minutes ever, the lights came back on.

On to aisle 5. I could go on but I think everyone gets the drift. $136.14 later I was ready to go home and unload all this crap.

Then I made dinner, took the kids to fill up my van, gave baths, did dishes, fed Lauren and got the kids to bed just in time for Dustin to call and say he was on his way home. After that kind of evening the only thing I wanted was a full night of sleep.

Amazingly, I woke up to my alarm clock this morning and not Lauren crying. I'd say I earned it!

Growing up...and growing old.

Well, I just carried my sleeping son up to bed and I finally see it. For years people would tell me how much Josh looks like Dustin. I never really saw it. I mean, I see that they have the same eyes...obviously. But every time I looked at Josh I saw, well.....Josh.

But tonight I was carrying him up the stairs and looked down at his face and realized how much he has grown. And that he looks so much like his father. I immediately started to cry. I think that I have gotten so used to holding Lauren, all small and cuddly, that I didn't realize what a little boy he has become. It hurts a little bit when you realize your kids are growing...and I don't like it.

On a happier note we had a nice full, fun day. Well, Josh and I did. Lauren had her two month check up and got three shots so I'm sure she wouldn't say today was "fun".

She is up to 12 pounds, 3 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long. That puts her 85% weight, 80% height and 60% head circumference. The doctor said she looks great and that everything is right on track. He said she has nice, strong legs and neck muscles and that she is doing well with focusing her eyes. He told me to continue with the medication for the reflux and that hopefully by 4-6 months it will have taken care of itself.

So we'll go back in 2 months and by then he said she should be doing the following:
sleeping 8-10 hours a night, laughing, grabbing for things and getting ready to eat things other than formula. The 4-8 month period was my favorite with Josh so I can't wait to experience it again with Lauren.

I think she's on the right path to getting her sleeping down. Last night was the first night she slept for an entire 8 hour strech. (Knock on wood.) I slept so hard that I didn't even hear Dustin leave in the morning.

Today we got prepared for Daddy's birthday. Another year older for him as well, I'm afraid. We went out to the mall and got his birthday gift and ordered him a big cookie cake. He's going to have a full day tomorrow so hopefully I can keep the kids up until he gets home so we can celebrate together.

While we were shopping I also picked up some matching outfits for the kid's pictures on Friday. We'll be getting Josh's 4-year and Lauren's 2-month photos taken at 10:00, so everyone who reads this needs to say a prayer for me around 9:59 on Friday morning. I need smiles people....and bright, wide eyes!!!

Anyway, with the heat lately, it's been hard to get Josh outside to play and the mall has a great indoor play area. Josh had fun running around and it gave me the perfect chance to feed Lauren.


All in all, it was a great day.

Not enough hours in a day

Well, my maternity leave is officially over which means that Lauren is more than 8 weeks old. I don't know which is more unbelievable!

I started my new job last Thursday and finished my second day today. I have my office pretty much all set up and I'm getting used to my new surroundings. It is such a nice place to work and everyone has been so friendly. I think it really helped that all the employees were used to seeing me out there when I would come out as their tax accountant.

Well, my first day also meant my first extended separation from Lauren. She did fine. Me, not so much. If I'm busy working on something it's not that bad, but if it gets slow or I start looking at pictures in my office I start getting that churning feeling in my stomach.

With a smile like that, I would be crazy not to miss her!

Josh was so thrilled to start back at Jaime's this morning. So excited that he woke up at 3:00 am and didn't go back to sleep. When I finally got out of bed around 5:00, I went into his room and he looked right up at me and asked for breakfast. I just about fell over.

We had a nice weekend at home this weekend. With Dustin working so much the yard has pretty much gone to you know where. We actually found this on the side of the house...

THAT'S OUR PUMPKINS REPRODUCING - FROM 2005!!! Seriously. I can kill a houseplant in 2 weeks flat and yet I can grow pumpkins without even trying. Figures.

Dustin decided to mow our lawn since the poor dog was getting lost in the backyard. It was fitting that Mattie decided to help. Well it wasn't so much helping as it was just her reacquainting herself with the layout of the backyard.


Dustin will be the first to tell you that he got to "officially" break in his weed whacker. He did so by whacking down a large plant/small tree in our backyard. He came running inside screaming at me to come look at his accomplishment. Like a good wife I came outside and smiled, nodded and told him how strong he was. Men. They can be like 3-year olds...except with a paycheck. :-)

The kids and I went on a walk while Dustin was busy chopping down the tree. We could hear him and the roar of his machinery the entire walk. Quite amusing.


Everyone started out all excited for some fresh air and a little exercise. But Lauren quickly became bored.

Lauren is getting so strong and, seemingly, more adorable each day. I can't believe we are going for her 2 month check-up on Wednesday. I can't wait to find out how much she's grown. Just look...



Other than that not much is new. We took the kids shopping this weekend and Lauren was screaming the entire way to the store. I looked back at Josh and, as usual when she's screaming, he had his hands on his ears. I finally got her quieted down and he said, "I am NOT having another baby."

But then tonight, he was upset and crying because Mattie accidentally scratched his back. I told him to come get a hug and Lauren immediately started crying, too. I told him that she was sad because he was sad. He gave her a big hug and told her that he was going to be okay. They both stopped crying and he gave her a big kiss on her head and said, "Mom, I love Lauren."

And I do, too, Josh.

Life's rewards don't come without cost.

We have each started getting regular smiles from Miss Lauren. They are quick and hard to catch, but these are my best shots so far - and one of them is half blocked by her arm! Needless to say, the little bit you can see is well worth it! Her face just lights up and I giggle like a school girl each time I get one.

The other thing she has discovered is her mobiles; in her crib, her swing and pack-n-play. It is hysterical to watch her with these things. She'll be crying and then realize that there are little "things" dancing around above her and she stops crying immediately. This morning she was actually laughing at the bears in her pack-n-play.

Big brother Josh still thinks she's cute and takes every chance to pet her head. I've tried explaining to him that she's not like Mattie and we don't really "pet" peoples' heads. But alas, he continues.


He is still a huge help and hears, "Josh, can you get me (fill in the blank).", "Josh, where's her pacifier.", "Josh pour your mother a drink." Well, maybe not the last one quite yet. But we're working on it.

Speaking of drinks, he actually got to give Lauren a bottle this week. He'd been asking to help with that task for awhile and I'd been hesitant because her reflux issue can make feeding time not so much fun. He did great though!


I have spoken poorly of our dog many times. But that girl has finally earned her keep. Her and Josh run around the house and keep each other busy while I'm running around like crazy. He is so tough on her and I do my best to keep him at bay, but deep down they are best buds.


With Dustin working at both jobs I've basically been a single parent and it's hard finding a balance between both the children. However, last night Lauren was in a good mood and Josh and I had the chance to make some brownies for Dad.


YUM-O!

Lauren's sleeping is still all screwed up. I start back at work a week from tomorrow and I will have to get up at 5:00 am. Last night I got 45 minutes of sleep before 5:00 am. So either that girl had better get this sleeping thing figured out or I am going to have to learn how to take a nap in my car during the lunch hour.

Here's a couple other cute photos of Lauren. You can really tell how much she's changing - and see all those little curls in her hair!!!


And just so you all don't think that I'm riding the easy train; we do have bad moments too.

Well, we've been home from our trip to Ohio for a week now. The trip was amazing, exhausting and long-awaited. Joel, the kids and I drove up to Minneapolis on Wednesday night. I knew we were going to have a lot of luggage - what with the bouncer, boppy, pump, blankets, burp cloths, diapers, bottles, nipples, formula, toys for Josh, pull-ups, etc. However, you could have smuggled a small family in our luggage.

So I have to say that the most stressful part of the entire trip had to be getting through security. Seriously, I've had doctor's visits less invasive and getting Josh to take off his shoes and walk through the entire process was about as easy me getting him to eat brussel sprouts. When you add all of that to security people on a bit of a power trip this Mama was ready for a stiff drink after the entire ordeal.

First I have to say, exactly when did airlines stop allowing people with children to board first? Nothing adds more stress to any situation like a dozen business people in suits rolling their eyes behind you in line because you didn't get your stroller tagged before boarding.

So I was not quite sure how the kids were going to react to the flight. I had Lauren's bottle prepped and ready but I pretty much thought the take off and landing would be a crap shoot with Josh. Well, the flights wen't perfectly; there and back.



That is until we realized the airline lost Josh's carseat. Needless to say, he was not happy with us.


We got to feed fish and turtles.

And then funny looking ducks. Check out its mohawk!

We got to have a "Mommy, Lauren and Josh" sleepover EVERY night.


And Mommy learned a new appreciation for the magical appliance known as a dishwasher.


As a parent you get those moments when you realize your children are growing. I had one of those moments last Sunday.

This is Lauren when she was 3 days old:

This is Lauren when she was 4 weeks and 3 days old:


YIKES!!

Overall, we had such a nice time. Spending time with (Great)Grandma and (Great)Grandpa, Aunt Sue and Chuck, Dad and Thomas and of course Uncle Joel was long over due and well worth the stress. These picture make it worth it!

"Sleeping like a baby". That's supposed to be good, right?

First off, the trip to Ohio was great. I'll save all the details and pictures for another post, but the kids were AMAZING and Josh loves to fly. However, a mother traveling with two small children should receive a medal of honor. I couldn't have made the trip without Joel, Dad and Thomas.

Well, Lauren is growing like a weed and not exactly "sleeping like a baby". She has a few more weeks to get this schedule thing figured out. In order to pass the time one night I decided we'd have a little photo session.

This is us at about 2:30 and neither of us had gone to sleep yet....


Yup, she's absolutely, positively, 100% wide awake. The girl has no intention of going to sleep and will not stand for being the only one up. It could be worse, right?


Yes, it can always get worse. Remember that people.


The most important thing about that picture is that I could still crack a smile.

We had a little trip to the doctor's office yesterday. I'd been having some growing concern about Lauren's eating habits and the fact that she is ALWAYS throwing up. So I loaded up the kids and went to see the doctor only to have my worries validated. The poor thing has Reflux. She's on Zantac and I'm praying that does the trick because you can tell she's uncomfortable and feeding her is extremely messy. On a side note I found out she's up to 11 pounds!!

I certainly hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. Here's our little firecrackers:

Toni and Larry were nice enough to bring Josh to the fireworks. He had a great time and Dustin and I enjoyed the quiet time at home with only one child. Seriously, only having one child is a breeze!