A toast to toast, January 27

At the risk of looking food obsessed (like the last three posts in a row, at least), I'm blogging about it anyway. Here's to toast. It must be the most versatile food out there. Top it with butter, jelly, mustard, peanut butter, or cinnamon and sugar. The boys have been LOVING cinnamon toast as of late. Liam would eat it breakfast, lunch, and dinner if given the chance. Connor, God love 'em, would eat anything I put in front of him.

The first time I made cinnamon toast for Liam you would have thought I'd given him food directly from heaven. "Momma! What is this toast called?" He then proceeded to ask for it for the next 10 straight meals, at least. After a discussion about this treat being a "sometimes food" he deals with it when I tell him it's a cereal or scrambled eggs morning instead. Nothing beats the smile on his face when I do serve it for breakfast, however.

Brownies, January 26

Mark has started back to class. Every Monday and Wednesday he heads out about 5:30 and doesn't return until well after the boys are in bed. This means Momma needs to get creative with evening activities. I mean the poor kids have been stuck with me all day already. I try to do something fun and special. Tonight we baked.

Liam has been asking to make brownies for like two weeks, so brownies it was. He helps measure all the ingredients and pour them into the bowl. Today's picture is of Chef Liam stirring the brownie batter. You'll notice the look of utter concentration. Stirring is tough work, people! Please also note the chocolate smeared on his cheek. I'll give you three guesses how that got there...

Once the batter is ready we spray the pan with cooking spray. Momma has to help Liam with that one, that button needs a lot of pressure. We put the batter into the pan and into the oven it goes. Now for the piece de resistance, the good stuff, the icing on the proverbial cake. Let the licking of the spoon commence! Okay, I'm cheating and posting a second picture. Connor is starting to get involved with the baking process as well. At least that last part!

Hot and Sour, January 25

Okay, so I'm cheating again. I did not actually take this photo. I meant to, but I was so hungry and the soup smelled so good I ate it all up before I got the chance.

We are, at the moment, a family on a serious budget. There are a few treats we haven't given up quite yet. The first is our Sunday morning breakfast at Kip's. I'm sure that blog will be coming shortly. The second is a nice late night dinner with Mark of Chinese take out. We give the boys a kid friendly dinner of nuggets or hot dogs (don't worry Mom, they get veggies too! :P) and off to bed they go. Then Mark heads out to our favorite local Chinese/Polynesian joint for some take out.

Lately I have become obsessed with hot and sour soup. My love affair began when I realized how low calorie an item it was, which for someone trying to watch what they eat is a find indeed on a Chinese menu. Unlike most low calorie food, it is tasty, really tasty. Spicy and sweet, full of chunks of veggies, tofu and shredded pork. Add a little white rice (yes I'm the weirdo who orders steamed rice instead of fried...never liked the stuff) and I'm a happy camper. Such a nice treat after a busy day and on cold night. Mmmmmm...hot and sour soup.

Dinner at Memere's, January 24

Today we went to my Mother-in-Law's for dinner. Liam and Connor were in their element. There aren't many "no"s at Memere's house. From the moment we arrive Liam gets down to business. Takes the required walk around the apartment, making sure everything is as he left it. Connor prefers a more organic approach, he just rushes up to the first thing that looks interesting and heads to the next as soon as he loses interest; repeat as needed.

Time to sit down to dinner and Liam isn't sure he wants to leave the books, puzzles, and crayons behind. He finally decides to join us when his choice is boiled down to dinner or time out. Connor meanwhile has been happily seated since the moment the word "dinner" was uttered. He's a bit of a foodie already.

Today's picture captures just a few of the reasons Liam loves these visits so much. Liam is enjoying a piece of Jello cake topped with Cool Whip or "Whipped Cream Pie" as Liam was calling it. No seat necessary, he prefers to eat while standing. You never know when you'll have to drop everything and run. You'll also notice the Bob the Builder DVD playing in the background. Four adults in the room, but we've got Bob on TV. No question who rules the roost at Memere's house :).

Baseball, January 23

Ken Burns sure does know how to tell a story. I've been a fan since I first saw The Civil War air on PBS while I was still in high school. I love his slow style, the way he makes history come to life, how he makes you look at the people behind the events without making it feel forced. Mark and I have been watching a DVD from his Baseball series each night. We've just finished inning 4 and enjoying them very much. I've seen this series several times, but they never seem to get old. I learn something new every time I watch, several somethings actually. Burns reminds me of those great teachers you have had over your lifetime. The ones who love their subject matter so much their passion is contagious. You find yourself interested in things you never imagined you could be. You know; the mating habits of the humpback whale, robotics, the Pythagorean theorem, I could go on... It's nice to know one never fails to learn from the inspiration of others.

Time Out, January 22

I recently mentioned one of Liam's experiences in time out in my other blog. The boy has been trying my patience. He has been spending an ever increasing amount of time in the naughty chair. He doesn't like it, but he can't seem to help himself. He just has to push a little further to see what he can get away with. I just keep drawing the line in the sand and putting his cute little behind back in time out. Today's picture is of Liam in his most familiar, if not favorite spot in the house. This was taken, surprisingly, after only his second trip today. Don't be surprised if next time you visit you notice a little spot worn smooth on the seat of this chair. He'll be spending a lot of time here, until he learns anyway. What do you think? 25? Before he's out of college?

One of Those Days, January 21

Today was one of those days, long on hours and short on patience. In addition to the buckets of snow we have in the yard the weather has been very chilly. I bring the boys out to play everyday, but in 7 to 19 degree temperatures we can't stay out for very long.

Today we emptied out the toy box (twice), read every book in the book basket downstairs (we're talking 15 odd books), played under the dining room table, took apart the foam letter/animal puzzle rug in their bedroom, played out in the snow, had an afternoon nap, visited a neighbor, ate breakfast and lunch, watched at least 2 hours of PBS, and we still had lulls. It was one of those days.

The picture today is the boys waiting for the cavalry. Mark was due home and the boys are looking out the window waiting for his arrival. Nothing makes a long day better than some reinforcements, a new face, Daddy :).

Hope, January 20

Okay, so I didn't take this picture. I wasn't there today, but you can be sure I watched, as did the world. President Obama taking office is a monumental occasion for me; for our country. I am a strong believer in his politics, in his goals for us as a people, in the country he sees us becoming. I am inspired by his words, but more importantly by his actions. Here is a man who could have done just about anything with his life. He chose public service. Not just any public service, but serving a community that most of the country would rather forget, Chicago's south side. He began his career as a community organizer in an area that had little time or money and even less hope. He gave of himself and inspired people to help themselves. I am filled with hope for what we can accomplish as a people with someone with his character and values at the helm. I am proud to be a part of what we have started today. I am looking forward to seeing what we can do. I am ready to, as Mahatma Gandhi once said, be the change I want to see in the world.

Snowed Out, January 19

Just when we thought all the snow we could take had fallen we woke up to another 6-7 inches this morning. All of the nicely shoveled surfaces were once again covered in a thick blanket of white. Liam practically bounced out of bed. Once he saw the snow he was beside himself asking to go outside right away. Connor is pretty indifferent. He likes the idea of going outside, but once he gets out there he is NOT a fan of snow that makes it difficult to walk.

After nap time we headed outdoors. Wait, that makes it sound way too easy. First we went through the ritual 20 minute getting the snow clothes on, no easy feat, I assure you, THEN we headed outdoors. There was about a foot and a half of snow on the ground, plus large piles left from Mark's shoveling. As predicted, Liam had a ball climbing the hills, not minding even when he lost a boot. Connor wasn't really enjoying himself until we got in the backyard.

Today's picture is of the boys inside their playhouse. Normally they'd walk right up and open the door. Today they had to climb in the side all Dukes of Hazzard style. Once they crawled in they got down to the usual business however and had an amazing time. Snow is great, but enough is enough. Although as I type this more snow is falling. Who knows, maybe by tomorrow the playhouse will be covered?

Snow Day, January 18

We came home late last night to the first snowflakes falling. It was pretty, fluffy, snow globe snow. The meteorologists were predicting 3-6 inches. When we woke up to at least 6 inches already and no sign of slowing I knew it would be a good day for Liam.

It finally started tapering off around 3 PM and 9 inches later. Liam went out to help Daddy shovel. Which consists Liam of throwing snow around with his little shovel, usually in a spot Mark has just finished clearing out. Liam, however, is in his element. He spent the afternoon making snow angels and being pulled around in his sled. Today's picture is of him on top of "the mountain". One of the many fresh snow piles in our front yard.

Trivial Pursuit, January 17

Today was a great family day followed by a night out for Mark and I. Trying to find the balance between parenthood and a life apart is something we've been working on. It was another step in the right direction today.

We spent the day with the boys, playing, reading, eating beef stew, and general debauchery. We spent the night out for a nice dinner and an evening at a friend's get together. Mark played darts, I played board games. There was food and drink for all.

Balance is a wonderful thing.

Storytime, January 16

I have read Food Friends: Fun Foods That Go Together at least 5 times a day for well over a month now. I don't mind, I love reading with the boys, plus it is a short book. Apparently food really isn't that friendly as there are only nine pairings. Both Connor and Liam love the book, but it is Connor's absolute favorite. He will pick it up and walk over with the biggest grin on his face, and say "Buh". Which, if you don't speak Connor, translates to book. Today's picture is my view of this daily (hourly?) ritual. I'm enjoying sharing one of my favorite activities with my children. It is really great to see they're enjoying just as much as I am.

I chew therefore, I am. January 15

Connor is my walking heart attack. This kid will, and does, put anything and everything in his mouth. I pretty much spend half the day taking things away from him*. Food is obvious, and he is indiscriminate. He will grab food from wherever he can get it. His brothers plate, the floor, the trash can now that he can reach it *gag*. As gross as that is, I can at least understand why one would be interested in putting it in their mouth. The other random household items...not so much. Books, mail, shoes (especially Daddy's work boots), crayons, toys, sticks from the yard, banana peels and, as pictured, a hanger. I could fill a book with this list, but I'll stop here. I swear he isn't part bulldog. The silver lining? At least he's not a picky eater!


*The other half, for those of you keeping track is spent picking the stuff up and putting it away after he drops it.

Hide and Seek, January 14

Liam and Connor have taken to playing hide and seek. Well, Liam has taken to playing. Connor will participate in any activity that involves running around, giggling, and his big brother. It doesn't matter to Liam that Connor doesn't get the concept of hiding, that is Liam's favorite part anyway. It doesn't matter to Connor that Liam picks the same three places to hide every time. It just gives him a better chance of finding him and giggling like mad when he does. This picture is the look of disdain I received as Liam was afraid my picture taking would alert Connor to his hiding spot. I decided now was not the time to discuss how the chances were much greater that only hiding in three places was probably a bigger threat to the knowledge of his whereabouts. Secret Agent he is not...

All about me. Part 2, January 13

So tonight. Beer, conversation, girls night out. I went to Trinity Brewhouse. It was nice to see old friends, make new friends, and almost remember what it used to be like when I lived my life for me. Children change that. No matter how much a significant person you are outside of parenthood, it changes. No matter how much time you spend at work. No matter how smart you are. No matter how much a life you carve out for yourself. You become a parent. You are Momma, or Daddy, or Mommy, or Dad, or whatever it is you choose to be called. You are, no matter what you are called, forever changed by the experience. It is nice, to remember, every once in awhile what it used to be like. It is nicer, to come home and be a parent again.

Embracing the Addiction, January 12

I have always been a veracious reader. From the time I can remember I pretty much have always had a book with me. I remember being too young to read myself and begging every adult who entered our house to read me The Cat and the Hat Comes Back, my favorite Dr. Seuss story. When I was old enough to read on my own I used to look forward to our weekly visits to the library like most kids look forward to Christmas. I'd puruse the stacks picking out books until I literally couldn't carry any more. I'd usually leave with two grocery bags full. Sounds like a lot, but I was on a two or three book a day habit at that point in my life. I spent all my allowance on purchasing Scholastic Books from the circulars passed out in elementary school. When I started babysitting all my cash went to books. God bless the Waldenbooks at Lincoln Mall, I swear my purchases alone kept that store afloat. I even worked at a bookstore for 7 years of my life. It is one of the habits I carried over into adulthood, one can almost always find a book in my purse. I must admit since becoming a parent spare time is something I just don't have. One of my New Year's resolutions is to spend more time on things I enjoy. Reading is at the top of my list and I must say I dove right back in. Today's snapshot is of the items I'm currently in the middle of reading. What can I say? I'm hooked.

Liam the Builder, January 11

Today Liam was in his glory, almost. He went with Mark to PPAC to see the Bob the Builder live stage show. He was so excited all day looking forward to the big event. Most of the morning was spend speculating as to who would be in the show, "Bob will be there, and Wendy. Do you think Tumbler will be there? I don't think Farmer Pickles will." The one-sided conversation lasted hours.

They made it to the show in one piece, although Liam realized halfway there he didn't bring his tools with him. How was he going to help Bob without his tools? Mark said when Bob took the stage the collective gasp from the kids was palpable. Liam was in awe, kneeling on his seat and smiling with excitement.

Apparently the entire show it took everything Liam had to stay in his seat. He kept turning to Mark and saying, "Daddy, you stay here, I'm going up there to help Bob. He needs my help."

He brought home a huge smile, a hard hat, and foam tools on a tool belt. The picture today shows Liam, all business, looking diligently around the house for something to fix.

Newspaper, January 10

Mark took Liam out this afternoon for a little Daddy and me time. Which left Connor home with Momma. Why is it that one kid feels like a vacation when you are used to two? That is a blog for another day, I'm sure.

When the mail came Connor did his usual mail's-here-jig. Hoppity hoppity hop all the way to the door. I really do need to get that on video... Anyway, he grabs the local paper and pulls himself up on the couch . To read, of course. How could you not love this? Makes his Momma proud. He especially enjoyed the police blotter. :)

Oh my darlin', Clementine, January 9

Liam has a new crush. The gleam in his eye, the longing in his voice, the need to spend every waking moment together. Yep, he's fallen hard...for clementine oranges. He's eaten half a dozen today alone. The best part is he likes to peel them himself. He's very neat about the whole thing. It's a healthy snack and fifteen minute activity rolled into one. What more could a parent ask for?

Help a Brother Out, January 8

The boys are finally at the stage where they've begun interacting with each other without adult intervention. I mean, don't get me wrong, there has been plenty of interaction prior to now. It has recently gotten to a point where I am pretty sure they are enjoying each others company. Connor has become more than window dressing/fun thing to push over to Liam. Liam is starting to become more than that big kid I have to watch out for for Connor.

Today I had the pleasure of witnessing a random act of brotherly kindness. Connor really wanted to read a book. They are kept on the top of the toy box and even my acrobat in training can just reach the bin they are in, but can't get one out on his own. Liam saw the trouble his brother was having and without a word climbs up and grabs a book for them to read. If you look closely you can see the copy of Beatrix Potter's 'Tale of Peter Rabbit' in his right hand.

As much as we want them to grow up and be independent free-thinking, free willed men, it still breaks my heart just a little to see it happening so quickly.

Piano, January 7

Most kids love music, I'm sure. My boys are no exception. At least three times a day they climb up on the piano bench, push back the lid, and bang away on the keys. Connor loves nothing more than emulating Daddy at the piano. He loves to have Mark play a melody and then try and play in the same style. If he sweeps his hand across the keys, Connor tries to do the same. Liam has a different set of priorities. He likes to play as hard as he can and sing songs while he bangs away. He usually sings "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or "How Much is the Doggy in the Window?". If he's in an especially creative mood he'll make up a song as he goes. Ah, the hills are alive with the sound of music here in the Petit household. As are the walls, floors, and probably half the block...

Shoes, January 6

I love shoes. What girl doesn't? I've had many pairs over a lifetime. Hell, I've got many pairs in my closet at the moment. I love little itsy bitty baby shoes most of all, in case you missed my blogger profile photo. The shoes pictured above, a pair of my absolute favorites. They are the classic baby shoe, hard bottomed, lace up, cute shade of brown that goes with most outfits. They are durable, after lasting this long, trust me. They were originally purchased for Liam's first walking winter. He was about 18 months old and specifically wanted this pair because they looked like Daddy's boots. He was so proud of these shoes. Every morning when I asked what shoes he wanted to wear, he'd answer, "My work boots like Daddy's." I put them away when he outgrew them, knowing they'd be back. This winter they fit Connor. I love the familiar tappity-tappity-tap sound of the shoes on the wood floors. I love tradition and I am honored to be able to start and carry some on with my boys, my family. These shoes are just one little part of that. A damn cute part.

Meatballs, January 5

Can you guess who had spaghetti sauce for dinner? This kid eats like a full grown man, I swear. Neat he is not, but his praise for the cook can be found all over his face after any meal. Please note the "aftermath" all over the dinner table.

Bubbles, January 4

I briefly glossed over the bath as part of our bedtime ritual a few posts ago. I think I need to remedy that by giving the bubble bath it's very own post. The boys got some bubble bath for Christmas and have been in heaven ever since. Bubble-filled, watermelon scented heaven. Watching the bubbles start as I pour in the liquid to the tub is the first bit of fun. Then there is the oohing and ahhhing over the sight of the full tub, foamy whiteness covering every inch with glimpses of color between where the toys are floating in wait. They squeal as they're lifted and set into the tub grabbing handfuls of bubbles. Liam has taken to giving the rubber duckies each their own little shampoo. Connor tries to eat them...what won't that kid put in his mouth? I've got a tub full of toys and the bubbles are the piece de resistance. They play until they're pruney. $2.79 and the boys have never been happier. I think I need to take a page from their playbook and take a nice bubble bath myself, sans the rubber ducky thank you.

I'm a little teapot, January 3

I spent the best $11.99 of my recent memory on New Year's Day. Please note the cute, yet oh-so-functional teapot pictured. I don't know how I, my mother's daughter, have survived this long without one. My mother must drink 7 cups of tea a day, easy. I prefer coffee myself, don't tell my Irish ancestors, that's sacrilege I'm sure.

I've had a pretty nasty sore throat for about a week now and the only thing I was wanting to soothe it was a nice cup of tea. The idea of boiling water in a pan is so unappealing. Microwaving a cup is almost as bad. I think hearing that whistle is part of the experience. All I know is one trip to Target, 12 bucks, 5 minutes, 1 teabag and a little bit of honey later I was such a happy camper. World peace might just start over a cup of tea. Please excuse me, I've got to put the kettle on.

Big Boy Underwear- January 2

I've had it. Mark has had it. His poor little bottom has had it. Today was the day. Liam may be clinging to diaper wearing by his fingernails, but we're starting potty training hardcore. We've tried easing into it for months. A year really. We bought both a special "big boy seat" for the toilet and a more traditional potty chair. He's sat on them, read books on them, watched television while on them. He's actually gone a few times. But nothing sticks. He just doesn't want to use the toilet. He is perfectly content to stay in diapers for the rest of his life...at least his life thus far.

Santa brought Liam some very special Bob the Builder underwear with his Christmas loot. Attached was a simple note I hoped would somehow work the magic I could not. It read:

Dear Liam,

Please try and use the potty. You are a big boy and I know you can do it.

Love, Santa

Today was the day. We broke open the package and put those babies on. We went through all three pairs, plus 3 diapers. Liam sat on the potty to humor us once or twice, but decided to pee in his underwear three times today. Once on the couch. Once in the car seat. And miraculously, once in a neat little puddle under the dining room table.

*sigh* Tomorrow, after all, is another day.

Night-Night, January 1

My favorite time of the day, I must admit, is bedtime. I love the routine of it. It is one of the few things every day that mostly go off without a hitch. Most likely because the boys are too tired to put up a fight, but I can imagine it is my superior parenting skill, right?

It begins when dinnertime ends...usually about 6:30 0r so. All I have to do is start the bathwater and the level of excitement in the house immediately triples. The boys rush to the bathroom, if they haven't followed me in already, only to be ushered right back out again as the tub fills.

Once the boys are undressed they run their cute butts to the bathroom door. I get them in the tub and proceed to play hair washer/toy retriever/life guard for the next 20 minutes. Liam usually plays an imaginary game or wants to sing songs. Connor waits until my attention is on something else for a millisecond and tries to stand up in the tub while I grab for him as images of his slipping and hitting that adorable yet devious little noggin of his run through my head. Once all the bubbles from the bubble bath have disappeared or there is enough water on the floor to take a bath outside of the tub, we pull the plug.

The boys are dressed for bed and have some milk while we watch Wheel of Fortune. I swear this is the highlight of Liam's day. Something about the combination of the spinning wheel, flashing lights, and LETTERS. Specifically the letter "I". Yeah, I don't get it either. He shakes like a jackhammer whenever a contestant buys one though. Once the show is over, we wait, and hope that numbers are on that evening. Nothing tops a night off like the Daily Lottery. Again, I think it's the spinning, flashing, and NUMBERS. Even Connor gets worked up over the numbers.

Quick trip to the bathroom for 'Tooth Time'. The boys each stand on their step-stool and we brush our teeth. Momma gets a shot at each mouth first, then the boys have at it. I have never known two kids more excited about a tooth brush. But hey if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Then we're off to bed. Kisses for Daddy and up to the boys' room. First Connor is put in his crib. He proceeds to pull off his blanket and squirm up to the corner as soon as he's set down. Then it's time to tuck Liam in. Quite the ritual. First he makes himself comfortable on his pillow, then it's time to put on the comforter, then his soft blanket. Lately he's been asking for a few stuffed animals to sleep with. Unlike most kids who put them at the head of the bed or snuggle with them, Liam wants the animals on his head. They help keep the light out in morning he says.

Last thing before saying good night are the songs. It started with Daddy rocking Liam to sleep when he was a baby. Once Connor came along we took turns, but someone sings songs every night. We're not talking lullabies mind you. Current favorites include Dance, Dance, Dance by Steve Miller Band, almost anything in the John Lennon songbook, and Ripple by the Grateful Dead.

A quick goodnight and we're off. Momma and Daddy time. Gotta love bedtime.