Terrible Twos

I feel like I've been living the terrible twos forever, like Groundhog Day.

I've been working on my parenting ABCs slowly so I will be posting that soon, but an important letter is "H" for humility. I've been humbled so much as a mom that I feel like I am often failing.

Monday (January 28) was our scheduled follow up with our beloved ENT Dr. Raney. This man has the patience of Job and an instinct like no other. Love him but he always runs behind. Our 9am appointment turned into a 10:30am appointment. Trying to keep two toddlers occupied in a waiting room is a feat. I provided snacks, my iPhone (videos) and many a walk around to look at pictures. It works in spurts but never completely. I saw the glares and stares from other patients (yes the ENT is not just for kids) and tried my best to quell the obnoxiousness. We survived but it didn't look pretty!

Though it was Norah's check, he examined Claire too. I was relieved because I was prepared to ask questions. Her voice has been perpetually raspy as of late with no other side effects. He noticed before I brought it up. He's treating her with Prevacid hoping it is an underlying reflux issue. If not, she needs speech therapy to relearn how to talk using less emphasis on her vocal chords. How can you tell a 2 year old not to talk?!? I hope we don't need to learn.

My Tuesday was full of humility. Claire has become obsessed with pampering. She loves getting her hair cut and styled, her nails painted and finishing it off with a stylish outfit. I bartered a nap for a trip to the nail salon. Norah was on board too. I thought I could tackle it but I guess my "just do it" philosophy was checked by the terrible twos. Our trip started so nicely...they picked out colors, went to the station and had high spirits. But then it all unraveled. Claire wanted Norah to go first and vice versa. I really envisioned Claire going first as the best case scenario; but I relented because she laid on the floor and screamed (right then I should have left). So Norah sat on my lap and went first. She did really well. She sat still and kept telling the woman "so sparkly. So cute!"

But then we flipped positions - Claire cried to sit in my lap and Norah was on the loose. She didn't run off because she was fascinate by the process, but he was free to grab. Halfway through Claire's pedi, Norah picked up the opened polish bottle. I saw and I tried to have her put it down. I was trapped...I knew her destructive ways as knew that bottle was about to get launched or dumped. I tried to get the Asian lady to grab it but then it was too late...the green polish blob bed onto the floor. I was mortified. I grabbed towels to pick it up and apologized profusely. But as we were cleaning the mess, the Lilliputian demon grabbed the other bottle and poured blue on the floor, herself AND the Asian lady!!!! I. Wanted. To. DIE!!!!!!! I cleaned and cried as the woman kept saying "it alright" as she turned to her coworker and muttered A LOT of Vietnamese! She finished the job as I clung to Norah. Claire killed me by demanding both toes AND nails were finished to her liking. I wanted to leave. Correction, I should have left immediately. I felt like couldn't just leave because Claire would've had 4 painted toes and a broken heart. I felt like Norah would've won had I left. No one but the angry workers who continued to speak a ton of Vietnamese around me were there. I don't know...I have worked so long to build up the courage to tackle excursions with the girls that I feel I can't regress. Like discipline and potty training, you can't go back just because you hit a snag. Maybe I stayed to prove to myself as hard as it was that if I stayed I would learn from this? I would become stronger? In staying, Norah say and behaved and didn't cause any more skirmishes. Claire was so behaved that it was a joy to do this with her and know I will again (without Norah and a different place because I'm sure we aren't welcome). I kept apologizing with my head low and humbled myself. I was being judged by them and mostly myself. I blasted myself for my stupidity, my ignorance, my crazy ideas...but I can't. I'm humbled but I'm learning. My mom said the best thing - one day they'll remember all the fun things you did for them and they'll be grateful. So I may be stressed and embarrassed but the show must go on. I can't accept defeat...I'm their mom and its up to me to guide and mold them in life.

But Norah is speeding into the Terrible Twos as Claire is still taking a Sunday joy ride through them. So I'm sure this is just the first of MANY humbling experiences ahead!

Valentine Sneaks

The sneaks are so precious. Can't wait to see the rest!!!

Snapshot of the this week

My little diva getting her hair cut on Monday (January 21)...she continually brushed her hair as the poor woman tried to cut it.  She is such a little diva! Notice the heels as well.  Claire wears them constantly!

We had Valentine's Day pictures today.  These are the girls modeling their outfits prior to heading out this morning.

Claire sporting her red fiercely

Norah twirled in her little skirt 

This is what Claire wore to get Norah's hair cut.  A fancy dress and heels of course!

The mane prior to it being cleaned up.  Her hair is such a cute wavy mess.  But with pictures we needed it shaped up a bit.

This is what happens when the girls don't take their nap.  Down for the count at 5:30 pm on the couch.

Claire thinks Norah is her personal baby doll.  So funny/sad that Norah willingly obliges to this.  This is also their doll stroller so I am pretty sure it's on its last leg!

Decisions decisions

We rounded out the holiday weekend with a random road trip to Dallas.  December 21 we were presented with an offer to move to Dallas. I wasn't in love with the idea at all. I am truly happy with life as it is and don't really want to go through a transition process ALL over again with the girls, especially in a city that I am not motivated to move to.  So spent most of our Christmas break fighting about it...weighing pros and cons (where I saw mainly cons).  So upon returning to Houston, Mike turned the offer down.  But they countered! The counter wasn't much more substantial and they were holding firm on their stance.  Their only give was the allow us more time to transition...not extremely enticing, just delaying the inevitable.  So Mike turned it down again.  BUT they came back and begged us to think.  So we had till today, (January 22) to decide.  

The Catholic in me felt this was biblical...3 times! I thought that perhaps God was trying to tell me that maybe I was being irrational and not listening to Him.  Perhaps I was being ignorant and blind to a really great opportunity for our family.  I felt in my spirit that it wasn't the right move but figured I was biased and not really giving it a fair shot.  I don't want to leave our life here...great friends who are my new family; great weather; great opportunities for my babies; and a healthy lifestyle.  

So I prayed...I prayed and I prayed.  Then nothing felt right.  I was truly torn with emotions.  SO we did an impulsive move and woke up Sunday and said, "let's go to Dallas!"

We went blindly and used our google maps to see neighboring communities and just drove all around.  I wanted SO badly to just fall in love and just be wowed with Dallas.  I've heard amazing things.  But I got there and it was all wrong.  I could see the same reaction all over Mike's face too.  So we drove back defeated and still torn.

I watched Joel Osteen thinking he would give me a sign and he gave me more conflict: "if God can open the doors of opportunity once, then He can do it again." SO was I ignoring Dallas again? Well I needed more concrete proof. I prayed for a sign.  If I saw a cardinal, then I knew God was directing us back to Ohio so not to accept Dallas.  If I saw a yellow rose, then God wanted us to go to Dallas.

Well...God showed me my sign abundantly (what a good sense of humor He has).  

That's a whole lot of cardinals behind Mike!

Arbor Day!

We took advantage of the beautiful weather and took the kids to the Arbor Day festival at Creekside Park. Claire played in the bounce houses for a bit and overcame her fear of them when he saw her friend Olivia in it. Then it was game on for Miss Claire! She had a meltdown seeing all of the characters there, particularly "tree man" who was in fact creepy. She didn't run around and enjoy much as she clung to her dad with paralyzing fear. Norah stayed in the stroller most of the trip too.

There was a small petting zoo with goats, donkeys and an alpaca. Claire was afraid but Norah got right in and was petting the animals.

It wasn't the girls day though. They were crabby from a mixture of hunger and exhaustion (6am rising can do that to you) so we thought it was best to leave. Wear a quick stop for lunch which turned into a cupcake trip. You can never refuse sweets :)

The creepy tree man 

Dainty Claire eating her cupcake 

The cleanest I've ever seen Norah eat

Norah's view

Yup, she learned how to take a pic of herself 

her blanky and cute little foot

Friend-ly week!

We have had such a fun week full of lots of visits with friends. Monday we spent ALL afternoon with Carson and Charlotte. Nap strike meant LOTS of playing to tire the girls out. They sang lots of karaoke!

Tuesday we had more friend time! We had Joseph and our newest addition, baby Ella, over. Claire's (and mine too) love for Ella is so amazing to watch. She just is so captivated by her. She spent the rest of her night playing mommy to her baby doll who is now named Ella. "Mom, I go to store with Ella. See you later!"

Wednesday we played with Trace, baby Tucker and Kason at Wonderwild. The temps were still chilly so indoor play was needed. Those kiddos played hard...four hours worth! Norah was mischievous and unplugged the inflatable slide, this shutting it down for the remainder of our time there. I believe she unplugged it twice. I'm quickly learning that if there is trouble, Norah is quickly behind😉

Thursday was a lovely surprise. My Aunt Sharon was in town for work and spent the afternoon with us. She spoiled us all She treated the girls to new clothes and jewelry and the adults to a fantastic lunch. It was so wonderful seeing her and being with family. Claire hasn't taken off her new wardrobe. I think she will wear her Minnie raincoat endlessly!

Friday was just gorgeous outside. We decided to enjoy the weather and play with Joseph and Ella outside. The kids had a picnic lunch followed by impromptu water play (not our idea...smart kids turned the hose on!). Everyone worked on potty training (potty party) and enjoyed the gorgeous day.

Norah's blogging...

Marathon Weekend!

After weeks of training, Mike's marathon weekend was finally here. It turned into a family event. Saturday we spent the morning at the expo. I was personally excited to see all of the hoopla. I am not going to lie - I wanted to shop. I am such a fitness gear junkie. But I talked it up to the girls by hitting their weak spots; I told them they had Clif bars and free water bottles. I totally hooked them :)

After the expo, we made our first visit to see baby Ella. I am totally smitten with her. She reminds me so much of Norah as a baby: the thick dark hair, the chubby face, the sweet disposition. Claire took special interest in Ella. She kept rubbing her hair and kissing her. She even asked to hold her (and she did). I know I keep saying this but she's become such a nurturer. It's amazing to see how much she's developed over the past few months. Shes become her own little person. She always has been such an individual, but she's come into her own where she can dress herself, communicate things she's seen/observed, and express her feelings. She has truly become my best and dearest friend.

Sunday marked the big day...Mike's race. The day began with rain and rain. I was worried at first we wouldn't be able to go down and watch Mike finish his race. I didn't want to have the girls out in the cold and rain (it was only 40 degrees today). But I made the decision that no matter what, we were going to see him finish. I received all of the text updates along the route, which served as a time frame to get there. We made it 45 minutes before his ETA so we found an ideal spot just beneath the 26 mile marker sign. Claire was eager to cheer on the runners. She clapped and said, "go runners. I so proud!" while patiently waiting for dad. She also made friends with other spectators. Norah was more interested in running away and trying to remove all traces of warm clothing...such a Texas girl. When Mike ran by, we all cheered and held up the sign we made. We were so proud! We celebrated Mike's feat with Coldstone, the sweetest ending to a great weekend.

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Ladies who lunch

We made it through a rainy week, the majority of it spent indoors. Well Houston have us a gorgeous day with sunny skies and warm temps (72)! To celebrate, I took the girls to lunch after bbc. It really felt like a ladies lunch...Norah, Claire and I actually sat (a true feat) and had conversations. When asking Claire what we should do after, she told me, "mom you should buy clothes. They make you happy." 😆 I have no idea where she got that (cough Shannon cough).

We finished lunch and went home for naps. Claire begged me to hang out in my bed and watch tv while I took a shower. By the time I got out, she was fast asleep. She's been funny about sleeping alone since we returned from Cleveland. I don't mind it though; she's been sweet and affectionate, a rarity for the normally guarded and stoic little one. She's flooded me with kisses, hugs and I love yous. She's been holding my hand. She's even requested me to tuck her in at night (she's normally crying for dad).

We ended the evening building a puzzle. It sounds so simple but I loved it. She's growing so fast and becoming such a little girl. She was so good at finding the pieces and truly eager to get it built. She's just growing and becoming a smart, independent child. It's crazy. She was such a challenging infant/toddler. Yet my mom always said to me, "she will be your greatest blessing someday." And to be completely cheesy, she really is. She's so much fun to have around and becoming such a great helper. She can be demanding and emotional but her good is so good you almost forget her little quirks. I am so blessed to be her mom and to have the gift of her every day.

Time for your checkup!

It was a doctor day for us. My appointment was planned; Norah, however, was impromptu. She's had a little rash on her face for some time that just wasn't getting better. To top that, she developed a horrific rash on her bottom and thighs that just was beyond our ordinary realm. Norah seems to be a magnet for odd skin rashes. There was hand, foot and mouth...twice! Then there was the battery of yeast rashes. Then the roseola (beyond random!) and now this. So called Texas Children's and got in.

The doctor is always interesting. Claire has developed a fascination/obsession with doctors. I think Doc McStuffins on Disney Junior might have sparked the initial curiosity but all of the medical visits between she and Norah hasn't hurt either. Her ENT, Dr Raney, definitely ignited her latex glove obsession. He gave her a pair one day and that was it...she's been hooked ever since.

So upon entering the waiting room today, we had well discussed her getting gloves, having Dr. "Flan" (Flanagan) check out Norah's rash and the reward for fools behavior - a sucker. The office was so busy that I was worried we would be there a while. Claire became immediately obsessed with a mother and her baby waiting in the infant room. She hammered her with questions - what's this? What your name? What baby name? What's she wearing? Take her out (of the carrier)? The mom was thankfully receptive. When she asked Claire if I was her mom, Claire quipped, "no she not. Her not mom". That stinker. He actually believed her and asked if I was the aunt or sitter. I laughed and said no I really was her mom. Claire smirked. She better not start this! People will think I've stolen her!

So our name was called. We actually saw the NP Kathy. Norah weighed in at 30.8 lbs and 34"...she's huge! Claire made them weigh her...28.5. Not bad! She immediately demanded gloves. I failed to mention Claire's ensemble for the doctor. Her outfit was normal; but Claire is an accessory girl so she also wore her Rapunzel heels, her JCrew purse from DeeDee as well as her Doc McStuffins doctor bag. Within that doctor bag is her stockpile of latex gloves. He has so many different colors now. Purple (Raney), green (my dermatologist), blue (take care clinic) and white (DeeDee). She saw the powder blue gloves and actually got giddy. She does her usual...ask for a pair for her and a set for Norah (she never gives them to Norah). She also scored a few tongue depressors. I digress...Norah's check. Little spunk was sassy with Kathy. When she asked Norah to see her face she said no. She proceeded to say no no no to everything. She did spot her iPhone on her belt and asked for that (she didn't give it to her). Turns out Norah has a staph infection! So glad we took her in. Some Augmentin and topical cream should fix the problem. Poor kiddo. Overall, the kids did so well and the visit was quick.

We spent the rest of the day enjoying the sunshine and mild temps. We rode bikes and played on our swing set. It wasn't Norah's day though. On top of her rash, she ended the day getting a shiner. She ran around the island and hit the corner. There was blood and tears and a pretty good bruise. Anxious to see how that is tomorrow. Hope it clears up so we can get some cute pictures!

Highlights of the day:
- Norah going commando and dancing in nothing but her bunny boots
- Claire giving me a bath tonight...she washed my hair and everything. She Ren demanded I say "bye bye bath water" signaling it was time to get out. So sweet!
- Claire's book of the night was "if you give a moose a muffin." I am sure she will carry it everywhere. I think she's over Corduroy now.

100% chance of rain

Another rainy day in Texas left us indoors. We really had a good day. The morning whizzed by blending seamlessly into the afternoon. Normally I dread being "stuck" but the past two days with the girls have been great. We've spent a lot of time just enjoying one another and not rushing off to be anywhere. It sounds cheesy but I think I needed this time. I just needed to enjoy them and stop focusing on things that need to be done. Sure I need to do some housework, but with Mike gone I haven't stressed about it. I guess a little rain was what The doctor ordered.

Tonight I had one moment that got me. Watching Claire and Norah play together today truly melted me. I was all observer...they began building books together and they just went into their own world. They began to talk and have a true conversation. When the tower they built fell, Norah really broke down (it was nearing bedtime). Claire took the reigns and began to comfort her. Listening to her was beyond sweet. "Norah you ok? Want to build blocks? I take care of you ok?" She was so full of nature...and she is becoming such a sweet little girl. She has so much spunk yet so fearful or demure.

A funny moment today happened at dinner. I caught Claire sneaking Norah food off her plate to clear it much like a child does to the family dog. Bless her heart.


Daddy will be home tomorrow. Darn. I have to clean and cook again ;)

Norah and pudding was not a smart combination

My little beauty Claire...such a clean eater!!!

Oh yeah...that's Norah totally smearing pudding all over the table...

In the land of "Make-Believe"

Another day...and another day inside.  The weather limited our options today as it was one day of constant showers.  We made the most of the morning by going to boot camp followed by minute clinic visit for me and lastly the grocery store.  The minute clinic was as good as can be expected with two small children.  Claire's fascination (borderline obsessed) with latex gloves causes her to fixate on them until the doctor/nurse gives her a pair.  She then insists on Norah getting a pair.  If this were a children's story it would read like this:

If you give Claire a pair of gloves she will then ask for a pair for Norah.  If you give a pair to Norah then she will ask to wash her hands with Magic Soap (hand sanitizer).  If you wash her hands with magic soap, then she will ask to use your blood pressure bulb.  If you tell her no (which every doctor has done thus far) she will begin a tantrum.  If she begins a tantrum, then Norah will retaliate by yelling.  If she retaliates by yelling, then Claire will cry and cover her ears and plead it's too loud.  If she does cry, then mommy will comfort her and tell her its ok and also turn and tell Norah "inside voice." But mommy can't just say "inside voice" because Norah will pretend she doesn't hear it.  Instead mommy needs to sing it like the "Yo Gabba Gabba" song.  If this does indeed happen, Norah will then finish the song which distracts her from yelling and ultimately Claire from crying/tantrum.  

Suffice it to say the appointment was not their best of moments.  I will attribute it to that being their first time out and about for the day and small/unfamiliar quarters.  The mixture leads to chaos and truly inquisitive minds.  We followed that with a trip to Kroger.  On a 10 scale, I rate that a 7.  Save a few escapes and outbursts, the girls did pretty well.  We didn't leave Kroger in tears or with a list of forgotten items.  They even got the "I went Krogering" sticker without having to ask...and they said "Thank You" without me having to remind them.  Of course I rewarded them for their success with cake pops from Starbucks (and a chai for me).

Once we got home, the rain REALLY came down and never stopped.  We needed to really become creative to make the time pass today.  It was truly an afternoon/evening of "make believe."  First we turned the storage ottoman into a pirate ship where we sailed around seeking adventures.  I even taught the girls to pretend paddle to make it go.  Then we started to play house.  I mastered this game as a kid. My sister and I would play for hours.  Claire and Norah are getting there but they are still young.  We passed a lot of time playing with their dolls.  Making them meals.  Doing their hair.  Claire kept pretending to go on coffee runs for me in her power wheel (LOL it was priceless.  'Mommy I get you chai ok?').  It was really fun to see them mimic me.  It makes you take a step back and realize just how much you are teaching them every day with your actions.  Watching the way Norah feeds her doll and then cleans up her face because "she's a mess." Or seeing Claire use expressions that I use with them - 'I am so proud of you' or 'you not listen so you go in time out' (at least she gets it) - and even expands them beyond her dolls to Norah.

Today I kept thinking how hard it is to be a "single mom."  With Mike traveling a lot and no family in Texas, I feel alone so much of the time and really on my own as a parent.  But as I reflect on my day and think of the moments shared with the girls, I realize just how imperative my role is.  Not only should I never take it for granted, but I should never wish to speed up time.  Some days, especially the ones where Mike is gone and traveling, I find myself 'surviving' and hoping the hours pass faster.  It is normal and I know that.  But when I end days like those, I often want to kick myself for thinking like it.  I have so little time with them at this age.  I know in a few years I am totally going to be saying, "oh I miss you at that age." I don't want to wish it away as I now have it.  As exhausting as it is, it is the MOST important job in the world.  I am in charge of molding and forming my children to become great women.  I prayed so hard to be granted this opportunity.  So I want to teach my girls to be a strong mom...I want them to remember us having fun when they were alone with me and not seeing a stressed person who seemed to be annoyed with them.  Sure our house isn't spotless (and it's really a mess that dad is gone) but it's home.  I have the fondest memories of being home with my mom...I really want the girls to have those fond memories too.  So if I spend an entire afternoon pretending with them and giving them a day of fun and marvel, then I know I did my job right.

Claire getting ready for her "Starbucks run"

Mothering Minnie Mouse

Norah playing so nicely by herself