Hello Thomas. Hello Picnic.

This is Thomas.

Steam comes out his head and he

goes in tunnels and on bridges.

This is Percy.  He's green.

This is Daddy.  He's tall.

He likes trains too.

This is Mommy and Me on a Train Car.

Thomas pushed and pulled the

Train Cars.

A clown gave me a sticker.

Mommy read on the paper that I'm a Jr. Engineer.

I can go on adventures with Thomas.

Sir Topham Hatt signed it.

It's got my name on it.

This is Daddy and me.  We are waiting to go

on a bus.  We got to take a bus to go see Thomas.

It was yellow.

The next day we went to a picnic.

I got to play with lots of toys. I got

to eat bagel and fruit.

I ride in cars.

Bouncy.  Bouncy.

Jump.

I rode a whale.

I got to ride in an animal train too.

Before we went home on the bus we watched

motorcycles jump up in the air.  They were loud.

Mommy pick-uh up!

By Katie

Where to start?

I guess I'll just start at the beginning.

I got the news that my Grandma had died on Monday, the 7th and headed back east to attend the services.

I conquered my first red-eye flight.  Seattle to New York.  Take off was at 6:40pm and landing was at 6:30am. Did I mention that I find it just about impossible to sleep on a plane?  Yeah. I guess the best part of that whole ordeal was the in-flight trivia game.  I won three times, and my high score was yet to be beaten by landing.  I am SO cool.

I took the subway and train from the airport to my hometown in CT.  The Parental Units were not too thrilled about that.  They knife people in the subway all the time, you know. 

New York City smells like piss.  If I made a list of all the major cities that I have ever visited (including a few in other foreign-like countries) and ranked them by pleasantness of sight/smell/sound, New York City would come in last. That's all I have to say about that.

Although it was not the best of reasons for us getting together, it was really great to see all my relatives.  Some haven't changed a bit, some have changed too much.  I miss you all and send you big hugs.

In the rush of getting to CT and attending all the funeral "events", I guess I really didn't have time to think of what had actually happened.  It wasn't until the graveside service was over and I had to lay a rose on the coffin that it hit me.  Damn rose.  It got me last time too.  I'd like to thank my Uncle Bri for helping to unleash the torrent of tears.  One hug and I was balling my brains out.

After a post-funeral family laugh-fest at a local restaurant, I hopped on a shuttle van back to the airport.  Shuttle van, you ask?  Why not the subway/train plan again, you ask?  Um.  I, uh love my parents very much and always do as they ask of me.

My flight got into Seattle at 12 midnight and I hopped on another shuttle van back to my house.  I got in at about 1:30.  Finally got to sleep at about 2am and then woke up at 3:30.

You see, Huzbend had a bike ride from Seattle to Portland.  Yes.  Seattle TO Portland.  200 somethin' miles.  In one day.  Crazy F'er.

Katie was quite irate that we had to wake her at 4am to drop Daddy off at the start line.  For a good 15 minutes, she was yelling at us that she wanted to, "GET BACK IN CRIIIIIIIIIIBBBBBB!!!!"

Huzbend, and his riding buddy, were on their way.  Katie and I drove back home to pack, which is just about totally impossible to do with a tired and cranky almost-2 year old.  We ended up leaving the house to drive down to Portland at about 1pm.  I had to make one rest stop as I thought I was going to pass out at the wheel because of sleep deprivation.  A glass of lemonade, a banana muffin, and some cookies helped me get back on the road.

 Katie and I managed our way to the finish by about 6pm.  We were able to cheer him on and watch him cross over the finish line.  Boy, he looked tired and totally hot.  Not hot as in, like, warm.  I mean HOT.  Sigh.  Sorry, was that T.M.I.?  Just because we've been married, like, 2,000 years doesn't meant I can't get all googly-eyed over my husband.

Post-race, Huzbend polished off two large pieces of pizza while Katie ran through some water fountains.  She was completely soaked, but have no fear, Super Mommy is here!  I had a change of clothes for her.  I ALWAYS have a change of clothes for her.

Exhaustion was quickly setting in: Huzbend, from his ride.  Katie, from waking up so early. Me, from not sleeping in forever.   We ended up sleeping about 12 hours.  Katie refused to sleep in the hotel crib and so, she slept in between us.

The next day was spent at the Oregon Zoo.  A good time was had by all.

We've reached Monday, the 14th.

On this day, I realized that we lost our digital camera.  It must have been dropped somewhere in the zoo.  I called lost and found, but no luck.  It was gone.  Damn it all.  We had pics of the bike ride finish, Katie destroying the hotel room, and lots of cute zoo pics on there.  My only consolation was that the person that might have it will have to pay for batteries for the thing 'cause they don't have the charger.

On Tuesday, Katie tackle-hugged a 1 year old at Library Story Time.  Ooops.  I tell ya, our little girl just has TOO much love to give.

Thursday was Huzbends birthday.  We went to a pizza joint for dinner.  I got him a new rain jacket for cycling.  Oh, I'd like to take this moment to say "Thank You" to all the present givers.  You know he'll totally forget to say it to you.

The rest of the time this week has been spent doing the following things:

researching digital cameras

deciding where to have Katie's birthday party

finishing my mulching project

attending multiple community kiddie events

exercising

and dealing with Katie's weird-ass toddler mood swings

Plans for this weekend include:

a visit to Thomas the Tank Engine

a voyage out to The Company Picnic

most likely a trip to REI for Post-Birthday shopping

maybe the purchase of a new camera

Before signing off, I'd like to send a "Belated Happy Birthday" to Uncle Junior.  I'd also like to send a couple of "Happy Birthdays" to my sis and to Dad C.  Hope you have good ones.

Gotta go.  I've got to obsess a bit more about birthday party planning.

DOODY!!!!

Our holiday weekend was a good one.

Katie and I participated in our home town's Kiddie Parade on the Fourth of July.  When we got to the end of the route, we kicked back with Daddy and Monkey to take in the "official" parade.

There were lot's of fire trucks, tractors, politicians, and corny floats.  Katie had a really good time pointing and dancing. She had such a good time that she ended up falling asleep on our walk home and then decided not to take a nap later in the afternoon.  That kinda put the kibosh on our firework viewing plans, as she got a wee bit cranky at about 8pm that night.  Oh well.  There's always next year.

Katie marches during her first parade appearance.

Come back here, fire truck!

We didn't do much on Saturday.  Katie and I went out to do some shopping in the morning, while Huzbend went out for a training ride.  After the longest Katie-Nap EVER (4 hours), the afternoon was spent eating at a restaurant and running around a playground.

That night during bathtime, Huzbend and I had our first bathtub poopy experience.  Yeah.  It was pretty gross.  Luckily, I was the one giving the bath.  I had to take Katie into the shower while Huzbend had to clean the tub and toys.  Katie was pretty upset that her toys were floating in water that had yucky poopy in it.  She cried.

There was one good thing that came out of it though.  While we were trying to figure out what to do, we sat Katie down on her potty.  I guess she wasn't done yet, because she pooped in her potty.

Sunday, we took a trip to a beach.  But, first we had to hike there.  Hiking with a toddler is, uh, challenging...... 

Katie takes a water break.

Note:  We had only been walking 5 minutes.

Katie in "deep mud".

I don't know.

She just calls it that.

Let's see if you can guess.

What's wrong with this picture????

Wheeeeee!

"Wha's dis stuff?"

And now, the weekend is over.  Katie's shoes are STILL completely soaked and so it was going to be a relaxing "Day At Home".  

I decided to break out the art supplies.  These pictures speak for themselves. 

Pictures by Mommy. Narration provided by Katie.

Daddy Katie go hiking.

Wormie dirty.

Wormie in cup.

Where are you, Wormie?

Bye-Bye, Wormie.

Katie color.

Katie play with kids in water.

Katie alllll wet.

Katie ride.  Wheeeeee.

Katie throw.

Our Weekend

Birthday Party #1:

Katie rides in wagon.  Good.

Katie tries to "cook" with large jugs of condiments.  Bad.

Katie ransacks the utensils.  Bad.

Katie tries to throw a frisbee.  Good.

Katie sticks her hand in the ice bowl and then throws a handful in the community pitcher of lemonade.  Bad.

Katie dances.  Good.

Katie finds a bird bath.  Bad.

Katie runs around a lot.  Good.

Katie grabs a cup, dunks it in the bird bath and takes a sip.  Bad.

Katie tries hot dog and doesn't like it.  Good.

With no cup to be had, Katie tips the bird bath just enough to get her lips to the edge for another sip.  Bad.

The cake is unveiled.  Katie walks up to it and sticks her finger in the side.  Bad.  But funny.

Katie eats only 3 little bites of chocolate cake and about 6 bites of vanilla ice cream.  Good.

Birthday #2:

Katie takes a header out of a sandbox onto a stone patio.  Bad.

Katie engaged with play kitchen for the entire party.  Good.

Katie eats a toddler-sized vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting.  Good.

Katie pokes her own eye on the way home and has a complete meltdown in the car.  Bad.

I think we have another birthday to go to next weekend too.  Sigh.

In other news.....

Katie's been singing the ABC song for a while now.  Most of the time she ends the song like this, "Now Katie knows ABC's.  Next time won't you sing wit me."

Today it ended like this, "Now Strawberry knows ABC.  Next time won't you sing Baby Bell."

I'm trying to teach Katie how to answer, "What's your name?"  Lots of people ask her when we go places.  She knows her name.  She's known it for a long, long time.  But, when I ask her, "What's your name?"  She says, "Macaroni".  She has a nice laugh over this.  

"No, that's not your name!  What's your name?" I reply.

"Macaroni Kid."

Not to say M&M's aren't good, but maybe next time

you'll get a 100 Grand Bar!

Love you guys!

Filmtastic Friday

Light? What light?

Did I say that there was light at the end of the tunnel in my previous post?

Ohhhhhh, I spoke too soon, my fine friends.

Everyone out there has heard of the "Terrible Twos".  But have you heard about the "Tempestuous Twenty Two Months"?

I didn't think so.

Hello and welcome to Tantrumville, Miss.  Hope you enjoy your stay.

We've now experienced two full blown tantrums.  Both have happened within the last 7 days.  I could blame it on the sickness, but I think it's just where she's at right now.

The first one was Saturday night right before bed (and actually lasted until after 'lights out') and the second one was post-nap yesterday afternoon.

Katie was frustrated about something.  She couldn't express what the issue was and it just turned into a screaming/crying bout that lasted about an hour.

An example:

Are you all done with your yogurt?

Katie all done.

(I take the yogurt away)

Katie want yogurt!!!!

(I give yogurt back)

Katie all done!!!!!

(I take the yogurt away)

Katie want yoooooguuuurrrrrttttt!!!!

and on and on and on.  

We moved from wanting/not wanting yogurt to wanting/not wanting raisins, wanting/not wanting to be picked up and wanting/not wanting strawberries.  All of these items were originally requested by her.

Finally, I got her to eat two strawberries.  She seemed content, screamed a little bit more at me and then finally asked to read a Mickey Mouse book.  At that point she calmed down.

It was like night and day.  The tantrum shut off and happy giggly Katie was back like nothing had happened.

I felt like I was walking on egg shells for the rest of the day.  In no way did I want that to happen again.  

Dudes,  I was, like, scared.

Aaaaaaa-CHOO!

Man, I hate colds.  Hate them.  H-A-T-E them.

Katie ended up catching a cold last week.  I can't remember the last time that she was sick.  It must have been before she was talking though, 'cause I don't remember it ever being this bad.  It feels like she spent the entire weekend crying.

Ugh.  It was horrible.  

Most kids are perfectly content to let their snot hang down to their knees.  Not our kid.  If one little droplet of mucus should peak it's goopy head from her nostril all hell breaks loose.  The screaming begins....

"BOOOOOOOOOGGGGIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!" 

Speaking for myself I can say that after about 5 or 6 days of this, I'm pretty tired of it.  I mean, is it okay to be annoyed by your own kid?  Don't get me wrong, I love the little booger-machine, but is the screaming really necessary?

I also have another question:  How do you teach a toddler how to blow their nose?  She can't do it.  I've tried to show her while explaining in detail what I'm doing.  I've even blown boogies out of my own nose without a tissue so she could see them come out.  Did I mention that I caught her cold?

Not only does she not understand how to blow her nose, she won't take a tissue from me to wipe it herself.  WE have to do it.  If she screams, "BOOGIE!" and I hand her the tissue she throws it on the floor and continues to scream.

Serenity, NOW!

Sigh.

Since the cold seems to be on the way out, we went to a farm today.  Katie got to shovel dirt into a plastic bag and plant a seed in it, pet a goat, look at a caterpillar, pet a baby chick, pick some fresh spinach, fall in the mud, go on a hay ride, touch a fresh chicken egg, see a green tractor, and sneak a bite from the leaves of said fresh spinach (not too sanitary, I know).

There's been only a few boogie screaming incidents, just your average amount of toddler whining and quite a lot of giggling today.  I think I see light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Photo Friday

Meet Katie's best pal, Giorgio.

Katie's first taste of corn on the cob.

Katie has recently begun to host dinner parties.  She likes to invite all

of her buddies.  She cooks and serves them a variety of meals

including such hits as: pasta, apple, raisin, meatball

and ice cream.

She is a great host.  She stops at every seat to make sure that 

her guests are comfortable.

A generous portion is served to each guest.

It's time for piggy back rides!

...........................................

SHOOT THE BOOT!  SHOOT THE BOOT!

Ha Ha

Katie cracks herself up.

For example, take this statement:

"Everybody eat a.....OOOOPS."

This was said while feeding her toy animals a fake apple which she then accidentally dropped on the floor.

She laughed hysterically for about 5 minutes over this.  She kept saying it over and over and laughing harder and harder each time.

Today it was the word, "Empty".

She likes to make jokes too.  In one of her favorite books there's a forest scene with a moose, some bunnies, a raccoon and such.  She'll point to the animals and with a sly smile say, "Monkey!" Then she giggles when I say, "Noooooooo.  That's not a monkey.  Silly Katie!"  She does the same thing with the scene in the desert, on the beach and even in Antarctica.

One day she's going to pull on my pant leg, I'm going to turn around and look down at her and she's gonna hit me with, "So, a horse walks into a bar......"