Rainy Days and Mondays

I've always liked that Karen Carpenter song, even though rainy days don't really get me down, and Mondays seldom do, but I guess today is an exception.

It started with thinking today was President's Day, and when I realized my mistake, Oscar had already been home most of the morning, and he's a little sick anyway, so home he stays.

Then as Oscar was going to the bathroom, Henry dropped a car into the bowl, and instead of coming to get me, it apparently made more sense for Oscar to just flush the toilet. I guess I'm just glad the car went through. Fifty cent car versus a $100 plumbing bill?

Let's see--there's Lily's cheerleading clinic on Tuesday and Wednesday (because we are never too young to learn how to be a cheerleader), the meeting formerly known as Enrichment on Thursday which I am partly in charge of, Oscar's Valentine's Day party at school on Friday which I'm mostly in charge of, and Lily's birthday party on Saturday, which I'm completely in charge of. Not to mention the whole slew of Valentines we've got to do for 1st grade and preschool. And meanwhile I'm supposed to be sewing little boy ties for my sister-in-law's wedding, which is next week, and of course I have yet to begin that project. Then there's the whole 32 weeks pregnant thing...

And Phil is gone for half the week. Prayers and thoughts are appreciated, but not required.

Birthday Boy

You said "cake" for the first time today, so pleased with yourself. Your vocabulary is growing leaps and bounds, aided by Lily who tries to get you to say anything that comes to mind, no matter the size of the word ("Henry, can you say 'thermometer?'"). You think the sun rises and sets with your brother and sister and are happiest when included in their games. You love to be read to. You love your trucks. You love your dog. And we love you. Happy Birthday, Henry.

Getting to Know You

Tonight as Oscar and Lily were playing the ever-popular chasing game, Lily interrupted it and said,

L: Wait! I have to go potty! (She sees that the main bathroom is occupied, and will have to use Phil's and mine. She hates going anywhere alone). Come back with me, Oscar.
O: No.
L: Plllleeeeaassse? You can sit on the bed.
O: Alright. But then I get an extra point.
L: Okay, FINE! (Pauses) If you get an extra point, then I'm NOT playing!

Oscar concedes and they head to the back.

By the time Oscar hits puberty, he should be expert at navigating the rough waters we call the female psyche.

Give Me Five

As I told you the story of your birth the night before your birthday, you lay there entranced--the terrible rainstorm, how we almost couldn't get to the hospital, absentee Dr. Shams and how nurse Cindy Coops saved the day.

From that day to this, Lily, a lot of things have changed, but one thing remains the same--you've always been my girl. I love the way your smile lights up your face, I love to see you dance and I love your loving heart.

Happy Fifth Birthday, Girl! I love you.

Chocoholic

Henry is addicted to chocolate. I guess we have no one to blame but ourselves since we're the ones who give it to him. Unfortunately, he's no longer satisfied with sharing, but wants an entire piece or nothing at all. And like all good parents we indulge him because who wants an ugly tantrum on their hands?

Funny Face

There's nothing like a kid to make you laugh.