Baby Go Bump Bump?

As we speak, I'm sitting on my friend's couch, thinking I should clean up some toys before her mom arrives. I came over here late afternoon because their parents needed to head to the hospital to deliver a new sibling. Monica (4) and James (almost 3) are very funny little people. We watched some "Monkey George." Monica told me all about her latest bout of diarrhea, showed me some funny and scary faces, asked where Mama is. At some point her dad texted me to say they were admitted and things were moving along. He sent a pic of mama on the hospital bed in the gown to show the kids. So I showed them. Monica wanted to see the baby. "The baby's still in Mama's tummy." Oh. James wanted to see the baby, I pointed at Mama's tummy, still in her tummy. "Where?" So I pointed again, "There. There's the baby in her tummy, see the baby bump?"

For the next three hours James asked, "Why the baby bump bump?" "Baby in Mama's tummy go bump bump?"  There's no explaining to a not quite three year old about a baby bump. Or that the baby didn't go bump. Instead I tried to pass it off "Baby go bump out of Mama's tummy." When the baby arrived and I told the kids the news, James' first words: "Baby go bump bump?"  I think I'll let dad explain further than that some other time.

Monica piped up explaining to James that we can tell the baby is a girl because girls have long hair. Um. Luckily there was an infant picture of bald Monica on the fridge, so I explained that most babies don't have much hair but it will get long when she's bigger, just like Monica. Luckily she accepted that explanation and didn't ask how else we differentiate boy from girl. Whew.  

Dad texted us a picture of the baby fresh on the warming table. Monica said to the picture dramatically, "New baby, are you okay? You need your Mommy!"

We sent some short videos of the kids sending messages to the new sister. Monica's advice all had to do with being with Mom. "You really need your Mom baby!" James just wanted to know if the baby went bump bump.

My work here is obviously done. You're welcome, Mom and Dad, you're welcome.

In other entertainment, Monica asked me at some point who my parents were. I told her. Then she asked who my kids were. "I don't have any kids."
Monica: "Oh. Because you can't find anyone to marry you. Because you're an adult now. Because you can drive. And you can drive a van. But maybe it took you a long time learning how to drive a van. But now you can. So now maybe you're almost ready to find a husband when you grow up."

Apparently it is all about the van driving skillz. And Monica thinks I'm almost ready. Good to know.

Spending time with toddlers is priceless. And I can't wait to meet the new girlie. What a blessed life I live.

Extreme Cuteness

I spent part of last week up north with a bunch of my friends. I wanted to post a couple pictures to give you a flavor of the week… but I couldn’t choose. So pictures of my favorite kids up there instead…

Yeah. My friends have some pretty cute and very delightful kids. I am blessed to be part of the gang.

Vacation

As usual, I was in desperate need of a good vacation. And it was certainly a good vacation. My week at Long Lake with my extended family is always a highlight for me, and this year was no exception. I sure love that crowd! And it is a great time to unwind, be myself, sleep, play games, and enjoy the company and the gorgeous weather. I am blessed.

Quick Takes

1. I am exhausted. Quitting is hard work. It was rough telling the bosses, even though they were great about it. It was harder telling all the coworkers I like so much. I tried to tell everyone individually, but forgot the new guy (who I don’t interface with too much). He found out today. Oops. Then I told the really new guy who hasn’t been in the office much. It is emotionally exhausting. Everyone is really supportive, really happy I get to work with my dad again, and really panicky about what they are going to do, which is strangely comforting because one of my bosses makes me feel like I don’t do anything at all. The other boss, by contrast, is down checking in every day and next week is blocking the last couple hours of every day so I can explain everything I know to him… sigh. There’s lots to train, hand off, explain, finish… walk away. I am really happy, really at peace with the decision, and sad at the same time. Change is never easy, even good change. And I’m such a sucker for relationships so walking away is hard.

2. The garden is flourishing in spite of neglect the last couple weeks. The weeds are also flourishing. The chickens love them, so it isn’t all bad. The privacy fence is awesome. Completely awesome. The neighbors now have a picnic table and 2 grills on their side of the fence, so apparently it has inspired us on both sides.

3. The chickens are also flourishing. Suzie is still insane over them, loves to bark and attack the coop whenever they are out and about. I think they like to antagonize her. I am very faithful about latching the roof and so far so good. I still need to put some finishing touches on the nesting box, but I have another 10 weeks ish so no rush. The chickens have also helped me compost… or at least feed all things veggies to the chickens. I am becoming my mother!

4. The grass is not flourishing. It has been very dry and hot. I broke down and watered it a tiny bit yesterday, so you know it looks like straw!

5. Yesterday’s scooping before the grass mowing yielded two dead young robins (bringing our dead bird count to 4 for the year), one dead mouse, and a lot of dog poop. I wish birds were smarter and could look down and remember the last 10 years that they nested in those lovely old pine trees and the number of babies that never made it out of the backyard because they couldn’t fly yet. Alas, until then, the slaughter continues…

6. Right now I am counting down on many fronts… 2 days of weekend… 5 days till my friends leave town again (after being here for an extended visit)… 7 days till I’m done at the ‘Lark… 12 days till I start working with my dad again… 22 days until Cous Long Lake vacation… It’s going to be good- but it is going to be a change-ridden, exhausting few weeks.

7.  This week I got to hang out with one of my dear friends and her adorable kids, including the latest edition. So great. I am so blessed with wonderful friends who have really awesome munchkins.

8. And another day I had dinner at the park with my friends who were in town for a few weeks and their awesome munchkins.

The moral of the story:

Lots of changes in the works.

I am exhausted.

I have awesome friends with really cute kids.

I am blessed.

Day 1

Eastern Market Adventure with my sister in law Bessie. Awesome! In spite of heavy (long) construction traffic both there and back, it was a great morning at the market. Such a fun multi-cultural experience. And the flowers… mmmm so beautiful! I stocked up on plants for the garden, only one flat of flowers (resisting a lot of temptation), and a bunch of produce.

 

Then home some planting. I got the tomato fencing (instead of cages) in the ground, and all the tomatoes planted. Still need to till and plant the rest of the garden though. It was sunny and gorgeous and naturally the neighbor was out, the entire time. Sigh. Privacy fence.  Jenny Pink came out and helped which was great. And, as always, the dirt is good therapy for me. 

And finally a birthday party with a bunch of my friends. So fun. Although by the time I arrived, the exhaustion of the day was hitting me hard. Something about taking a shower and finally sitting down is dangerous. Nonetheless, it was a great party with great friends, adorable munchkins, and good food.

 

And yes, I did fall asleep on the couch instead of doing laundry – fell asleep so hard I slept there until 5 am when I heard my alarm clock going off upstairs – oops.