Even though she's still too short to actually pedal this is one of Maddie's favorite modes of transportation around the yard. She just stand up, straddles the trike and off she goes. Either that or she carries it.
We are loving our outdoor time. Madeline has been quite the help with Allie on the swings, even though some of her pushes bring her dangerously close to hitting her head. I promise if you see a lump on Allie's forehead it WASN'T ME. 
So today I had this awesome run around Seward Park. In the one lap that I did this girl lapped me three freaking times. I mentioned how depressing this was to Sonja. Unfortunately she pointed out the OLD man who had his running shorts pulled over his belly button and black socks up to his knees who had gone around TWICE during our one lap. I contend I had a LOT of blanket adjusting and poop picking up to do.
What does this all have to do with skis and boots?
Well, since I was already almost at I-90 (we ran around Seward Park) I figured it would be the perfect time to hold Sonja hostage so she could help with the girls while I purchased a helmet for Madeline. Unfortunately for me I left there with boots, a very cute jacket and said $30 helmet. So much for not spending so much $ this month. Also unfortunately all three girls (Sonja too) were crabby and I had to pack everyone up in a hurry. We didn't buy any skis or bindings. All I have to say to Madeline is happy freaking birthday. Skiing is expensive.
And Allie, sorry to say but unless you start growing RAPIDLY, you're in for a world of hand-me-downs.
It's hard to get two little ones in sync with their naps. I swear, some days it's like whack-a-mole around here. Today Maddie slept and Allie was up. I couldn't resist checking in on Madeline. Often quiet time in her room does not equal sleeping.
I swear, I did NOT put that wave in her hair, nor the mousse. All on her own.
This little bean sits on her carpet square and hangs out for story time. She Loves it. So does her sister but you wouldn't know it once we got there. B-Z, was Kip a shy toddler?
3.8.2010
3.1.2010
For a long time, well no, for a short time now I have wanted to introduce you to Jack, he's one eyed. That's his name: Jack, he's one eyed. The problem started two years ago when my mom noticing Madeline's love of the Seattle Aquarium decided to bring the aquarium home to us. Then Kip decided to bring us home an ever bigger aquarium when he cracked our very manageable 10 gallon tank. For over a year I dealt with a monstrous 55 gallon tank that not only was a lot of work (funny I accidentally typed alone instead of only...yup, it was me cleaning it. alone.) but also an eyesore. Now we have a very cute bow front 35 gallon tank.
Except...it's the tank of death. I guess that's not true. We've had a lot of death due to complete ineptitude. This time I should have known better. One of Madeline's catfish died. She had two. Catfish, according to research done on fish forums by "fishrookie" (I can't let the Internet world know my true identity!) are social fish. Our lone catfish needed a friend. Off to the pet store I went.
On that day I splurged. Bought a fake plant, fun! And 7 neon tetras, pretty! Two danios (also a single fish who looked like he needed some friends) and 2 catfish. 12 hours later? 2 tetras, 1 danio, and Jack, but with one eye. Holy cow, someone ate $20 worth of fish. I should have just saved the gas and flushed a $20 down the toilet. It would have been less traumatic for me and the fish.
So Jack, he's one eyed, appeared to be a trooper. Every morning when I turned on the light I searched him out and tried not to look at the gaping hole in his head where his eye should have been. Every morning until yesterday Jack, he's one eyed, was there and getting along fine. Yesterday Jack be came Jack, he's got no eyes. Today Jack will join his friends in the ocean via the Kohler express. I am sorry Jack. I am a horrible fish mother and until I figure out who the killer is I promise not to buy any more of your brothers or sisters.
When we were designing our new master bath during our remodel Kip insisted on two things. One, that the toilet was in a separate room and two that we had a large shower with a bench in it. I kind of scoffed at number two. I wanted a tub. Today I decided Kip was correct.
I never get to take showers alone. Always, always, always there is someone in my arms or someone who is hogging the water. Not in this 8,000 square foot palace. We have three shower heads, two temperature controls and a convenient bumbo/Allie holder.
She didn't need a shower nor did she get one. But I had one. Alone. (sort of) and with hot water.
Okay Kip, you win on this one.
2.19.10
I was in Fremont yesterday with my dad so I thought it would be fun to show Madeline the troll. I L-O-V-E the troll. She didn't. In her perfect world my tires would have squealed out of there a bit faster. We did talk about the troll a lot on the way home though. She's ready to take on Santa and the Troll. Who believes her?
I don't know how I've never been to a grocery store with one of these. At least when I had a child old enough to actually notice them but holy cow, what a perfect distraction. Unfortunately it puts her at eye level and within arms reach of stuff. Fortunately she was so happy in there she didn't care when I told her no.
We're going to Vancouver this weekend so we thought it would be coincidental had she also cut her first tooth on the way up (Madeline had hers poke through when he drove up for Baba's (my grandma) funeral) but she decided to do it last night. All night. At least now I know why she was screaming and am SO glad I was nice enough to provide some grape Tylenol.
2.16.10
2.9.10
Let's bring that show back! With these two not only can I ring up the bill but I am F-A-S-T!
And how cute is that little 6 month old sitting in the cart like a big girl? Lots of Costco shoppers agree w/ me.
pull out the camera and whatever you were trying to record stops. These two were CRACKING up. Madeline, as usual, is naked. I am not even sure what started it but Maddie started jumping and laughing and Allie found it humorous.
