Tikes on Bikes

Rarely does Kris send me an email, so when he does I know it's going to be a good one. Sure enough, I opened it and there were these two pictures side by side. I loved it so much I had to share it. What a family resemblance! No wonder people thought Paige looked like her Uncle Kris shortly after she was born. The Andrews gene definitely took over her DNA and there's no question where her blonde hair comes from.

Preschooler Paige

This week was Paige's first week of preschool and my "hope for the best, expect the worst" attitude paid off. She LOVED it! There was no crying on her part, only mine (just a little sniffle), and she didn't even want to leave when I went to pick her up. What a relief! I asked the teacher today if she was talking at all. And, she told me, yes to her, but not really to anyone else. Baby steps, right? I couldn't have asked for a better experience. But, I thought she would be so worn out that naps would be a given. Not so. In fact, I think preschool is winding her up so much that she's too excited for a nap. On the flip side, she crashes at bedtime which means more time for Brian and I to have uninterrupted conversations.

Before her 1st day

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo

Two days ago, the following conversation took place between Paige and me.

Me: "Paige, what do you want to be for Halloween?"

Paige: "Tinkerbell."

Me: "What is Nick going to be?"

Paige: "Cinderella."

Me: "I was thinking more like Peter Pan for Nick."

Paige: "Yeah, Peter Pan."

It was only fitting that today, my mom, Paige, and I attended a Cinderella themed birthday party today complete with carriage ride and all. I think Paige got a kick out of dressing as Cinderella and, of course, loved eating cake.

Haircuts All Around

It was time for the kiddos to get their haircuts. This was a first for Nick. Even though his hair wasn't that bad, I still felt that it needed a little off the back and ears. I love how she put gel in Nick's hair to create a little style. And Lucky Paige got two pigtail braids. I'm going to have to start practicing this because it's just too cute.

Before:

After:

Somewhere We're Not

Looking at this picture, you'd think we were in Hawaii or something. But in fact, we are ten minutes from home. You can't beat the Southern California lifestyle, it's the cheapest vacation around (for us anyway).

Brand New Day

After releasing some of my negative energy in my last post, I feel much better today. It also helped that after writing that post, I quickly went upstairs and reread the Terrific Twos section of John Rosemond's book Parent Power. One of the tips he gave I implemented today. Set aside thirty minutes, preferably during Nick's morning nap, to spend with Paige doing what she wants. No interruptions, no answering the phone, no chores. Check. I'm also implementing Cesar Millan's strategy of remaining calm and assertive. Oh wait, he's the dog whisperer. Ah well, if it works for yappy terriers, it's gotta work for two year olds. And, if you saw that episode of South Park, you know it worked for Cartman.

The Battle of PJ

So, I'm feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, and misunderstood. Not by Brian, by all means, but by my two year old, who has been attempting to overthrow the dictatorship (did I just say that? I mean democracy) that I have worked so hard to establish. The battle line has been drawn, the artillery has come out, and the general (that would be me) is contemplating her next move in this warfare of toddlerhood. Unfortunately, the general is a little perplexed on what this next move should be. Should it be, "kill her with kindness, ie: hugs and kisses"? Or, should it be "banish her to exile, ie: move her to preschool 3 days a week, if not more"? What's a leader of a small, yet loving, household to do? Well, right now...the general needs rest. And lots of it.

Busy Toddler Series #3

Buy a cheap plastic pool from the local drugstore, put some water in it (better yet, let her hold the hose), throw some toys in, and let her go wild. She loves it and I actually get to flip through a magazine and soak in some rays.In other Unit news, Nick now pulls himself to a standing and has started cruising (slowly) around furniture. Other new skills: giving a high five. Unfortunately with all these fun new skills, the top two teeth coming in, and a summer cold, the little man does not want to take naps. Oh well, more time to squeeze those chubby thighs.

Impromptu Photo Shoot

Our little digital is great, but I've been yearning for some higher quality photos for the scrapbook. Since buying a brand new digital Canon (or Nikon?) is last on the list, I broke out the film Canon Rebel. Of course, it needed new batteries, 35mm film, and a good dusting. I headed to Costco a little unsure if they still sold that stuff and yes they do! And only $7.99 for six rolls. When did it get so cheap? It's kind of weird not being able to see the picture right away. I actually had to wait an hour for development. I know, strange, right? But, that part was fun too; the waiting and then flipping through the pictures while you're in line to check out. So the kids turned out to be my guinea pigs and I learned that I have a lot to learn about lighting. However, it was fun clicking away and coming out with a couple good shots.


I can't wait to keep practicing. Luckily, I'm completely in love with my subjects (and guinea pigs).

Padres Game in Style

I was fortunate to receive two last minute tickets from a friend at work to Friday night's Padres/Giants game at Petco. My mom watched the kiddos and Jen and I went out to enjoy a rare evening out.

Turned out to be the best seats we've ever had: 2nd row just to the right of the Padres dug out, directly behind first place. And on top of that, the seats came with waiter service, unlimited free food and drinks, programs, and it also happened to be the return of the San Diego Chicken mascot night. A+!

Here was the fare we took advantage of (yes, just Jen and I took all of this down ourselves):
- shrimp cocktail
- draft hefe weizen beer
- Chardonnay
- sushi
- chicken caesar salad
- pulled pork sandwich
- Gordon Biersh garlic fries
- Cracker Jack
- M&M's
- and to finish it off, chocolate covered strawberries

Hard to believe we were actually there for the baseball and not the food. But the game was pretty good too, except for us losing by grounding into a double play with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th, down by a run. The Giants pitcher, Tim Lincecum, was particularly impressive and looks like the real deal.

The Chicken was hilarious too. Best sports mascot in history, any sport, any team, hands down.

Cheers to a great night at the ball park!

- Brian

Quirky, Who Me?

My friend and fellow blogger, Jenna, was "tagged" (not quite sure what that means yet), and was asked to write six quirky things about herself. She did not tag me, but left it open to anyone who blogs, and reads her blog, to also reveal six quirky things about themselves. So here goes it:
1. I cannot go to bed with dishes in the sink.
2. After it rains, I always go outside to smell the air.
3. I read my favorite comic strips everyday. Baby Blues, Pooch Cafe, Zits, Adam @ Home.
4. I prefer regular carrots over baby carrots. I swear they taste different!
5. I have to heat up my coffee several times and often find it sitting in the microwave midday.
6. I'm addicted to chapstick and you'll find them in all sorts of crazy places in the house.
I could easily add more things to this list, but find it best to stop while I'm ahead.

Mama Mia

My mom is in Costa Rica right now visiting family and I miss her terribly. I know she'll be back in a little over a week, but, you see, I'm used to talking to her at least once and at most three times a day. I'm sure she's having so much fun reliving childhood memories and eating all that great food. I certainly wish I could be there with her to share in it. The pictures from her trip will just have to do this time around. But, I pinky swear I will be going back there one of these days to show Brian and the kids the beautiful country I know and love. Recently, my mom gave me a stack of old photos that I've been slowly scanning in. I love this one of her and my dad (who I'm sure is also missing her badly right now) in, I want to say 1970. Boy, my dad looks pretty smitten.