Hanging out with uncles.

I'm afraid, the days are past when Brent liked simply sitting at the table and joining in on the adult conversation, and simply eating all the yogurts and snacks.

Now Loggy likes to do that, but Brent seeks more. He wants to play with toys and such - and these things are not quite available.  Except for the toy train and blocks at Barnes and Nobles. So we got to think on a way to up the ante on our get togethers.

On Mold and things.

We finally took Logan to his second doctor's appointment.

Yes, you didn't misread that.

I generally like the practice of keeping the little children out of doctor's office - just to keep them healthier.

And I like the practice of delaying their shots until I feel ready (yeah... weird, right?).

But essentially Logan (and little Brent before him) do live in a bubble. The one child Logan plays with is Brent's playmate Macy - she's up on all her shots and everything. Brent is up on his shots and Logan just started all his.
Only reason I started Loggy a little earlier is that - because of Brent there is bigger exposure. Although personally I don't even know if those shots do anything. I guess so.
I just pray he doesn't get some crazy side effect or allergic reaction. So far so good.

Shots were just the secondary thing we talked about. First thing being Logan's cough. Apparently he has congestion in his nose, and some light congestion in his lungs.
The nice doctor suggested if we knew someone with nebulizer. We don't. So next step she told us to get an inhaler. I had one once too. And for allergies. Golly.

What bothers me is that there is no way to address the allergy related sicknesses for patients.
For instance, I have two dogs (obviously not ridding myself of them BUT) and our living conditions, while pretty nice (two bedroom place in a gated community) are constant allergens.

I know what you'll say, "well ma, obviously it's the dogs!", but I say not quite so fast. Yes, dog's contribute. But the level of allergens they bring in comparison to the level raised by the carpet AND our surrounding area - is pretty low.

How can I say that? Well for instance - ever since we moved in here - Brent appeared to have developed an itchy runny nose. Permanently. Before that he had a problem with using some detergent that was NOT ALL Clear or arm and hammer. These are the only two he tolerates to this day. I would tell you which ones he doesn't tolerate - but ever since he was a kid I just stuck to the ones that actually work, instead of wasting my money.

Also - ever since we moved here, I developed hay fevers, and I feel like I smoke a pack a day. There's something unique about how the apartments are so close to each other - plus recently (within last six months) the good ol' construction boys have ripped out the siding and replaced a whole lot of it. Due to rot, mold or otherwise.

Brent's first really serious cold/flu/allergy was here - that lasted 3 weeks. And this kid is healthy as a horse. But  I noticed that as soon as he got sick, it was hard for him to get back up and get healthy. Once he did tho - again. Healthy as a horse.

Essentially the whole complex doesn't dry out. EVER. The problems we're having are DEFINITELY environmental. I'm praying we can move fast as I want Loggy and Brent to start healing immediately. And daddy's racking in some massive cash, busting his back as often as possible - so yeah.

Only problem is daddy doesn't really follow my course of logic on this idea that this place may be bad for kiddies,  but it's okay. It is just a theory (that keeps PROVING itself, again and again, plus I'm just smart) As long as we're on the same page on the whole moving out thing.

Until then I'll pray to God they don't develop something worse - because they have to stay here so long.

Motherly rant.

Baby center has sent another email sharing its wisdom on raising happy and well adjusted baby (age 7 months and 3 weeks)

Separate. It's actually good for your baby's development to leave him in someone else's care periodically. This gives him a chance to cope with being away from you. If you don't use regular childcare, ask a friend or relative to take care of your baby for short periods so he can get used to your being away.

LOL

I really am glad that I don't follow ALL advice given.

Can you kids imagine me leaving you for even a minute with someone other than me? Well Brent - sure he'll go anywhere anytime, but he is in fact Brent - the - menace, never caught off guard, never has a shadow of the doubt that short of spanking, everything is OK!

Logan would seriously raise the roof though. So  I laugh. Brent at Logan's current age would have raised the roof as well. As a matter of fact - he did. 
One day when he was about 7 months old or so, grandma took daddy and me on a rafting trip with young uncles. Grandpa stayed due to having work and school to do at home and offered to watch the baby.

I never seen the man so frustrated. 

I hardly let anyone even hold my kids, except if the kids themselves want to and only for short periods of time. In our family's experience - that alone raises some of the most strong willed, independent and smart children ever.

Namely Brent.

:) 

Teaching young one how to swim

You guys should see yourselves.

Brent treads waters carelessly in his life vest, this being the only sport available to him that does not require skill before trying tricks and jump.

Logan being careless little puppy in general, doesn't care if he doesn't have a life jacket. What is life or jacket anyways? He simply dives in headlong like a pro and wiggles his whole body to move himself along.

It's so fascinating - that I think I'm going to make a video of it tonight. :)

Our basic first lesson is supposed to be to relieve the child of fear of water (Logan's wondering what's "fear") - and dunk him on count of three (very briefly) to ensure that he remembers to hold his breath.

He took to this lesson in the very first days of his swimming - about couple days after he was born.

Heat did stress him out a little more back then - but since he's grown a nice big belly and a chunky layer of fat all over - making himself look a poster boy for #pillsbury. All pleasant baby rolls.

you kids are That awesome.

On another note - Brent easily treads 1 mile now. Very awesome - incapacitating our stroller was awesome!
We take everyone to sunset - and a lovely hike it is. Thank God most of the rattlers stay unmolested in whatever parts of the land they choose to - that to say none in our or our dogs' paths.

And our dogs finally got a bath. Now they are less stinky. (:

Working out some details.

Your uncle G asked how does Brentik learn.

I went over some specifics, and reminded myself that for him videos = show and tell, play a large role.

One of our most successful tools is Youtube.
Grandpa introduced it and I haven't stopped using it since.

Brent learned a ton of songs (and so did I, because frankly I didn't know many songs back in the day). It helped him learn ABCs, numbers, colors and what parts make up a rocket and how to launch it. He also loves watching random flight videos.

There's something about the children's videos, maybe it's the joviality or the colors or the fact that a lot of times it's other children's voices - that grabs his attention and holds it.

Of course, the biggest component in Brent's learning is that daily - daddy or myself apply ourselves in his learning. You'll hear us walking the dogs and singing abc's or twinkle twinkle, or maybe you'll hear me retell one of the greats - like Treasure Island, Little Red Riding Hood, David and Goliath, last one was first few chapters of Three Musketeers.

The only thing that's missing in his (and his brother's and dogs') life right now is the back yard. But no worries kiddoes - daddy is working hard to get us there. :)

Oh Dear.

I've been on a hiatus from my mind lately. My children have inadvertently suffered from it because - let's face it - mommy on hiatus = the whole world goes to prah.

So I've been trying to figure it out and solve it in the most favorable way.

For instance - my biggest problem as of late is not having a good routine for my children.
As of now I'm actively trying to solve that problem and figure out a great routine for Brent and Logan - that fits both their mental and physical abilities.

Plus it'll help me put them to naps much easier!

yes it will. can't help it - you guys are like little energizer bunnies. you can go for hours non stop... It's wrecking my eating habits!!

lol

yes - i realize i said MY eating habits. mainly because I get so tired - and while I'm ready to go to sleep - you guys are far far from it. So I generally have to load up on something sugary etc to make it work.
That in turn wreaks havoc on my blood sugar, my mental capabilities and throws off MY schedule etc, so on and so forth.

This is really a common problem for parents - i know that one. And while I have no specific need to have everything on a timer (although it DOES help) i want at least everything laid out day before - especially the specific things I'd like to do with you kids during the day.

the time will hash itself out in process. 

Constitution

Constitutional rights...

I wonder how many are intact today.

This is one of those silly things I do intend to teach my kids (since they are Americans,  after all).

Article 1 - The Legislative Branch
Section 10 - Powers Prohibited of States

<<Back | Table of Contents | Next>>
No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

That one line I underlined. I am Curious - does that mean that stopping someone in traffic and taking away their vehicle is actually against the constitutional rights of individuals?
Because it directly caused daddy not to be able to obligate some contracts. Almost immediately.

Anyways - food for thought.

Don't worry kids, I won't start teaching you the text until you're about 4.
It IS important however to know your rights :)

Aren't you glad I'm your mother

yesterday!

After the car wash (will upload vids/pics later) daddy took us home and Brent took a much needed nap with Loggy.

Then uncles (G & L)  came and took  us to Star Bucks in Barnes and Nobles.
That's something pretty awesome in itself - we sat and ate sandwiches and bit of cake - Brent being a darling and actually sitting for a change and having good time with everyone.

Then we went to look at toy section. He found every rocket and airplane / helicopter that was available.
He further nlp'ed his uncles into getting him a bug. (one of those hex bugs that are little cool creatures that walk around your desk)

Pretty nice. Last one I had was about ten times that size - so at least it's manageable.

Then we went home and swam (again) - Brent complained of itchy ear once again - so we got to get that swimmer's ear checked.

After which mama went with loggy to walk the beasts and daddy stayed with Brent to watch couple of movies and wrestle.

Was pretty sweet - but I'm still tired (too much sugar in diet + too  much caffeine, not enough exercise nor good healthy items like real butter and real fish oils.)

One of those 'got a car!' posts.

finally.

We got a car. It's lovely. It's wonderful. It's a bucket - let's face it. But it gets us places and we can do things again. Mostly - send daddy to work.

Brent is incredibly excited about it - he jumped into it last night when daddy rolled up in it honking his horn. He proceeded to help us wash it the very next day (yesterday) and totally is in love with it.

There are few things that are wrong with it right off the bat:
1) a/c doesn't work (only reason we even bother with it is cause the kids don't handle the heat well.
2) windows don't  roll down. (biggie. it's too hot for windows to be rolled all the way up.)
3) the back door somehow stopped opening after we washed it. (this is HUGE, daddy needs the back to open for his tools!!)
4) it stalled once at idle - and refused to restart. But we're figuring that maybe - it's just because we didn't let it warm up.

All these and more, will be solved as soon as we go to auto zone and pick and pull. I personally have high hopes for it. We'll see tho.

Holy smokes Batman!

This day was rather annoying.
But in the same hand it was lovely.

We took the bus to church. The preacher spoke of how "stories that we're told to as children" make us who we are, versus the actual rules that are drilled into us.

I think it's true. In my case there were a lot of stories. In Brent's there are really not that many. Daddy and I weren't much of story tellers - but I chose to change that.

We later went to grandpa's (he picked us up) and looked for cars. Unsuccessfully I might add. All good cars that were available - went quick. The rest were crud.

Daddy went with grandpa to look for them and we went to the bus station to go home. Somehow Brent was an absolute doll and gave me no pain = we also met some mormons on the way - they walked us partway, and also helped us in the right direction at some point. I was distracted and not thinking clearly.
And we missed the first bus.

Ended up waiting for little over an hour for the next one. Ah well. Mommy got a bit sunburn trying to make sure the kids had shade - but no worries.

After we got to our home vicinity - I bought Brent an ice cream cone from McD's. Although we both prefer ones from rite aid or whatever that medicine shop down the street.
I got myself a coffee. Blended. Extra sugar.
GAH

I lost track of HOW INCREDIBLY important it is not to have silly old sugar in our lives.

personally am paying for it now - cavities abound and extra 15lbs that I do NOT need.

oh well - easily remedied.

Also we went swimming afterwords. Our neighbor and her daughter Macy came along - so we talked about non-sense stuff for a bit. I don't particularly mind - however I do love playing with the kids and Macy is a blast to be around.

oh well - got to run.

<3

Lazy Day

Grandma's last day here.

Not much could be done today - so she helped us get recycling out. Took us to lunch, and let your daddy go make some money.

After which kids just ran/crawled around and did all sorts of mental exercises (and physical) that we do while there's nothing to do.

Grandma spent that time on POF.

We shared some laughs - I pointed out a  guy that I thought would be nice to her - however i don't think Grandma is... ready for commitment.

At any rate - lazy. Not wanting to write anything of merit.

I did get an inspiration for continuing my short story!

One of those 'my car got towed' posts

Yes kids,

I forgot to mention that while doing all the fun stuff that I have described to you in all those other previous posts, daddy and I are actually financially in a big fat black hole.

If you ask why we decided to have second kid while still in a hole - let's just say family planning is as important if not more - than making money. And while money sure DOES HELP!!! in raising a family, it's not necessary to have a whole lot of it. So back off. I basically wanted a little brother for Brent, I got one. Rest will sort itself out. And Brent is happier for it - and Logan I'm sure of it - is happy to be alive.

Anyways... being in a financial hole means daddy-o owes a ton of money for some things he owned back in the good days (immediately prior and slightly during when we first met, so 4 1/2 years ago).

That also means that if you go couple of years in a depressed "don't want to work" state - then there's nothing you can do to settle those debts.

Of course it's only matter of fact that occasionally a cop will pull someone over just cause they feel like giving you a ticket etc... well that happened to daddy COUPLE of times.
Naturally bench warrants (no biggie) were issued, license was suspended, insurance rates sort of went UP a bit. So on and so forth.

We got one car taken a while back. Was a nice little mercedes (one of the older ones) and we were incredibly sad to see it go. But tags on it were expired - and daddy got his license suspended. So bye bye that car went. And that let us learn that things can be done WITHOUT a car just fine for a couple of years.

Then we bought a van - right around my birthday. And restarted daddy's business... and basically fast forward to mommy not wearing a seat belt - voilà .

I didn't bother putting it on even after he pulled us over. My mind totally blanked. It happens to mommy sometimes. Usually under stress.

Sooooo... daddy and grandma are out to figure out what can be done to get the car back.
And I got to sit and make breakfast for bubba-boy. Loggy is still sleeping. :)

We did end up taking a huge break yesterday in the evening, since daddy was awesome cool and didn't get mad - just little stressed out.  Brent and Loggy went swimming with me for about three hours. Then later we walked the dogs a bit. And then we watched a movie or two with grandma.

So I'm basically tired this morning.
Might need a chaser coffee for that original coffee.
and some fish for essential brain power!

<3 my kids and hubby

aquatic center at natomas

i must say - the kids and we had load of fun.

we almost didn't because mommy almost forgot her ID - but it's all in the past now.

LOL

Here are the pics: