May 22, 2009

What Do You Think Of Your Baby Brother?

"Mama, he's very happy in his mind, and he smiles a lot so we can know it."

"We can't get married now because I'm a girl and he's a baby boy. When we're both grownups, then we can get married like you and Daddy."

"Watch out, Daddy. He might pee on you!"

"Did you hear that, Mama? He's trying to say my name!"

"Mom! He spit up in my bed. Eeeew! He spit up again and it's on me! Here! Take him, take him. Get him out of here!"




May 10, 2009

The Perfect Mother's Day is Underway

I'm having the best Mother's Day I've ever had. Seriously!

I'm enjoying rich, hot coffee in my favorite mug and watching the robins chase against a backdrop of huge, soft clouds in a bright blue sky.

No one is whining. No one is drumming on the table. No one is spilling or shrieking or issuing ultimatums through gritted teeth.

No one needs to be fed, wiped, burped, or applauded. Everyone in my little family is peaceful, quiet, and well-behaved, and I feel totally relaxed.

Considering it's Mother's Day... would it be rude of me to hide when they wake up?




May 08, 2009

Seven Things My Husband Reminded Me He Does Better Than I Do

#1. Deep cleaning. He gets that look in his eyes, cranks up the music, and leaves no stack, pile, or heap un-organized. And it's not clean until you can see your reflection in the laminated countertop.

#2. Clean the car. He has an aversion to sitting on milk-encrusted seats and grinding Cheerios under his driving heel. Ditto on the reflection on the dashboard, except that it is complemented by the familiar scent of industrial strength Armor All®.

#3. Balance the checkbook. To him, balancing the checkbook means reconciling our records with the bank's, not with my memory. (Ohhh, so that's how it's done!)

#4. Drive. His cat-like reflexes and mind-reading abilities have averted many accidents over the years. This I can attest to. I still think I can accurately estimate his rate of speed as he drives away in the morning, however, and I don't think he's a "better" driver than I; I just think we have different driving styles :)

#5. Make certain Italian specialties like sauce and chicken soup. No argument here.

#6. Put our daughter to bed at night - faster. He covers all the bases (brushing teeth, bedtime books, bathroom breaks, baby story, etc.) and does it in record time. Maybe it's a Mom thing, but I enjoy taking the long way around, although I do admire his efficiency.

#7. Remember things accurately. He concedes my ability to accurately recall details from 10 years ago. However, anything in the last five minutes is his territory.

I'm waiting for his list of seven things I do better. I'll let you know when I get it :)