I'm Melting!

Last night I was awakened by Jojo, who has been teething and not sleeping well, and then Christian rolled right off the bed. He did not get back into bed, so I went to him and picked him up. That is when I noticed his ear was wet, but it was a little dark. And then I noticed my hand was wet. And then I noticed my face was wet as I carried him to the bathroom to investigate. There was blood coming down behind his ear, and I searched his scalp to find the wound from his fall. Whew! Head wounds seem to gush a little more than I thought and it scared me, and of course this sent Christian into a panic.

But we both calmed down as I slowly began dabbing at the cut that was most likely caused by hitting a corner either on the bed or night stand as he fell. He said, "I'm melting!" Anytime Christian sees blood he claims that he is melting. We both got cleaned up and then I placed a towel on his pillow to catch any excess fluid. I stayed up much of the night needlessly worrying that he may have a concussion.

This morning he allowed me to dab at the "crusty" hair around the scab on his scalp and it is a little wider than I thought, but it is not deep and so I do not worry now that I can see the damage. There will be time to worry over other accidents in the future, I'm sure. Accidents related to over-hyped boys jumping on couches and beds when I am not looking (that is how Gabie got his last black eye).

Christian and Gabie have a new game they play together when they are getting along. Christian acts like a cat, and Gabie pets him. He talks lovingly to Christian the cat while he pats his back and head. Christian laps it up. It sounds strange when I read what I just wrote, but really it is pretty entertaining to watch them. A thought struck me: In the animal kingdom, Gabriel would be the dominant one.

Christian's class went to this pumpkin patch and all he got was this:



When Mike carved it -- it took about two minutes -- Christian exclaimed, "This is the best Halloween ever!" Then Mike did something irritating. He removed the small flower candle -- the adorable one in the bathroom -- and stuck it in this jack 'o lantern. I know that the candle is slightly damaged, but it's still useful and cute. I demanded that he remove it and got some votive candles from my mom. Sheesh.

More outstanding Halloween decor for your viewing pleasure.

We are gearing up for the big Trick-or-Treat fest tomorrow. Christian is still not sure if he will be the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or Buzz Lightyear, and Gabriel may now dress up in the Thomas the Train conductor costume. Jojo will still be dressed as baby Frankenstein.

I bought a huge 5.5 lb bag of Halloween candy at Costco two days ago. I hid it in a super secret spot in a closet under an old sleeping bag on top of a box to make it difficult to break into it. I like chocolate. But Mike loves chocolate probably a little more than me, so I thought I would do him the favor of hiding it. Yesterday I broke a hole in it. I think there is still about 5 lb left of the candy. I'm glad I bought it two days ago rather than two weeks ago. I'd hate for the neighborhood kids not to have any candy. Then we'd be the grinches of Halloween and they would take our mini pumpkin and smash it to bits on the street. That would be sad.

Jojo is wearing cool turtleneck with spaceships from Auntie Gail.



See our littlest monster walk! It's been a month since he took his first steps.

Mom's Tools are Other Boys' Toys

Inspired by my dad, who is one of the best writers I know, I shall incorporate haikus in my blog. I will try to describe the ghastly thing that happened today in haiku:

Weasel boys playing

with familiar drawer tools

what's that - smushed cricket

Party-rific

This morning we went to Christian's last soccer game of the season. It was a gorgeous morning with wide blue skies. Afterwards, he went to a dress up birthday party for one of his teammates, Estevan. I don't know about you, but I am just a tad lazy when it comes to planning birthday parties. Christian's birthday party was at Peter Piper Pizza, and that was planning enough for me. Estevan's party was space themed. In the backyard his dad had built a space shuttle for the kids to go inside, along with a cool command center with lights. And then there were fun games (no 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey' here), but the show stopper was the awesome homemade UFO pinata. Way cool. I wish I had my camera. The birthday boy wore a spaceflight uniform, there were a few Buzz Lightyears wandering around, and, of course, Rafael -- the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, aka Christian. Yesterday was the first time I actually saw a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cartoon, but somehow the birthday boy's mom knew exactly which TMNT Christian was dressed as. Oh, and the cake -- the cake! It was a space shuttle cake. I'm so glad the party was still going on when I arrived to pick up Christian because I got to see all the really creative work these parents put into their son's party.

Christian is becoming more independent, and I am becoming braver. This was the first party that he was invited to where I actually dropped him off at the door. He is also going out into the front yard to play with kids next door more often, but I still check on him quite a bit. He needs to experience new boundaries, and I need to learn to let go a little bit more.

Ciao for now.

The Country Doctor's Wife: Fabio and the Ivory Billed Woodpecker

The Country Doctor's Wife: Fabio and the Ivory Billed Woodpecker

I just read this post on The Country Doctor's Wife blog (her link is on here to the right). Someday I shall have to share some of the embarrassing situations that I have found myself in either alone or with Mike -- the kind where you are not supposed to laugh, and if you make eye contact you know you are going to laugh so you squeeze it in and focus on the crack in the wall or dig your nails in the palms of my hands just to keep it together. This story is a treasure.

Friends are Like Flowers

Here is little Cameron who was born last week to our friends Kristen and Matt. Don't new babies make your heart melt? I remember how it was having our first baby -- exhausting, overwhelming, exciting, scary. Looking at Cameron, I think what great parents he has. Matt and Mike used to work together in Dublin, GA several years ago when he was a young, single fresh college graduate. A few years later he met Kristen, and it is wonderful to see this young family starting out. Marriage is an incredible journey, and your relationship deepens as children come along. I wish Matt and Kristen much happiness with their precious baby. And if you are experiencing fatigue over the frantic pace, don't worry, soon you will have the rest that you need.

Lately I have been meeting new friends in my neighborhood -- the school bus stop is an excellent place to meet your neighbors. We all have small children and we have managed to get together on a few occasions. Friendship is important not only for stay-at-home moms, but also for our children. It makes me happy to see the joy that these kids get from being around friends.

And I am grateful to have my old friends near me, too. Speaking of old, (ha!) in a couple weeks we're going to celebrate Angie's big 40th birthday (mine is just around the corner). As I think about my journey through life I am heartened because friends have been there. Sometimes we prune those friendships that stop growing; it's only natural. But the true ones we continue cultivating through the years, just as we do with relationships with our spouses and families, no matter where we live.

Yesterday I read an article about a very special teacher. He was a counselor, but also taught an after school clowning class to help his middle schooler's gain confidence. These clowns also performed at school assemblies, parades, and even nursing homes. What this teacher did not realize, though, is what an impact he had on his kids. On Wednesday, after hearing of his death, one by one the kids painted on their clown faces and mourned Mr. Mondragon. His students are going to perform at his funeral service this weekend. Look at what this teacher cultivated in his own students.

Have a super day!

Dancing makes Me Hungry

I wasted two evenings with 'Dancing with the Stars', but it was worth it. I think I am enjoying it more now that some of the poor/boring dancers have been let go. This week they added four new dances that have never been performed before: the hustle, West Coast swing, jitterbug, and salsa. I have to say I never saw disco look as boring as Susan Lucci's performance of the hustle to a great song - 'Upside Down'. I realize she has a fractured ankle, but she's been so, shall I say, dainty through all her dances. I think she's next to go! Wasn't the Dancing through the Decades performance outstanding, although a few decades in between were missing? The Brian Setzer Orchestra gave a rousing performance!


Next week Michael Flatley from 'Lord of the Dance' is going to take Len's place as one of the judges. This is going to be good. Every time I think of of my brothers' hilarious impersonations of him in the 'Lord of the Dance' DVD that Aunt Patsy got one Christmas, I just about tinkle I laugh so hard. My brothers nailed it with their Michael Flatley stare into the camera, breathing heavily ('Ladies, you want some more of this?'). Someone wrote on the DWTS blog that they wonder whether or not Michael Flatley would be wearing his headband. I think it's safe to say that I'm not over my addiction to DWTS.


More chit chat: Let's see, today Mama G.G. spent the morning with us and it was good having her to ourselves. She has a cane that Jojo likes to play with. Later on this evening he discovered the light saber toy can be used as a cane, too.



This afternoon my old friend Anna came over with her children Abby and Benjamin. I'm a coffee & dessert girl when it comes to having visitors, and Anna said it reminded her of when we were little girls and our mothers drank coffee as all the kids played. Anna's mom is also Spanish, and growing up we had lots of fun with all the kids when our 'Spanish Group' mothers & families got together. Now I see Abby, who resembles Anna at that age and who is about the age when Anna and I became friends, and it's surreal how fast time has gone by. We had a good visit and laughed at the stories about the 'A Pool', the public pool we used to visit a lot with our moms.



I ate too much dessert that I almost did not have dinner. I admit that I'm not the best or most creative cook, but I do like what I make and I eat it most of the time. I can eat most anything any day of the week. Not these miminy-piminy boys, including their daddy. I can't remember not eating what my mom dished out, except the times when I'd hide the pinto beans in my cheeks until I could safely spit them out in the freedom of the great outdoors -- I was not to leave the table until they were off my plate, by gosh! And my mom made only one meal for the whole family. How did she do it? My new motto: This Ain't a Stinkin' Diner. I just picture myself Flo-ing it up in my pink waitress uniform and beehive hairdo, smacking my gum and telling these boys how it's going to be from now on. Yes, you will eat this mushy crock pot chicken with rice and yellow microwave steamed corn, and you will like it. Oh no sir, you will not eat another chicken nugget or corn dog until you take a bite of this delectable mini meatloaf with brown sugar and catsup topping that makes your mouth melt in delight. You think you're too good to eat this Totino's frozen pizza with a side of canned peas? Don't like the mouthwatering Paula Deen piggy pudding with syrup, well kiss my grits!



Things are going to change around here. Wait till they get a load of tomorrow's menu: rump roast with carrots and potatoes. I'm sure it'll be served with a side of corn dogs and chicken nuggets.

Someone, please invent corn dog-shaped meals on a stick.

I Humbly Accept this Honor

This morning I was upset at Gabriel for pushing Jojo down, and as I was about to have a talk with him Christian said, "Go get him, tigress!"

Earlier this summer, after nagging him for about the hundredth time to do something, Christian responded, "Yes, your Highness." I believe in reverse psychology, and I responded with, "I like that. Keep calling me 'your Highness'." He stopped, but I kind of miss it.

I think he can continue calling me tigress. After all, I'm a leo and a tiger is close enough.

I just do not know where this sarcasm comes from. Some of us are just born with it, I guess.

Leader of the Spider Man pack. Go get 'em, tiger.

Ode to Errands

Standing in the long line at the post office
for at least twenty minutes or more
as I struggle with three wiggly weasel boys
who are bored,
restless without toys
given only some envelopes to play with
as I try to get through my chore.

Lo, through my peripheral vision
I feel stared at and turn a smidgen
and notice a taut face
and beady eyes without a trace
of empathy towards this mother
who is trying her best to control,
cajole,
entertain,
discipline
two of the boys who would rather stroll,
run,
jump,
or kick the pole.

I had second thoughts about
sending a smile towards
this puffed up trout
when her eyes rolled
in the direction of my boys.

Good comebacks came long after
I left the place, and I wish
I could have told the old fish,
"I'm sure it has been a while
since you have been around a child."

And now I have vented
and am now spented.

Dress Rehearsal

Today I went shopping for Halloween costumes, and later the boys tried them on. Actually, Christian has worn his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume most of the day. I told them to put on their scariest faces for the camera.

They're the most frightening things you will see on Halloween.

The one in the middle scares me the most.

Earlier in the morning we went to Christian's soccer game and he scored one for the the Piranhas. Here's Christian kicking in a goal. Go, little striker!

Jojo enjoyed walking on the grass. Today he learned how to stand from the sitting position. As soon as he learned to walk a few weeks ago, Jojo's very independent & stubborn personality began to emerge!

This weekend I shall break out the few indoor Halloween decorations that I have, but they pale in comparison to our neighbor whose yard is full of skeletons, huge spiders, monster heads in the grass, and lights at night. Christian thinks we're boring and reminds me daily to get out and decorate, yet he hides behind the neighbor's truck when viewing their yard. Not Gabie -- he marches over there and talks to those monsters without fear. He uses his new 'imaginary' voice that is a few decibles lower, which makes our sides ache with laughter as he converses with those monsters with his puckered lips and sweet lispy way. Halloween is a fun time of year!

The Invisible Woman

YouTube - The Invisible Woman

Just this morning after dropping Christian off at preschool I had a sudden desire to get a Sonic java chiller, which is one of my favorite indulgences. They make them at 9:30 in the morning. As usual, my mind was wandering and I was thinking about my life. I thought about all that I have to do today, and in the coming years, and I got grumpy.

And then I opened up my email and saw this video that an acquaintance had forwarded to me. This short video puts things into perspective and is a good reminder that there is a higher purpose for all the seemingly mundane things we do. What we do for our families is for the greater good. There is only One who notices each little sacrifice we make, and that's all that matters. This helps us to strip away our pride and anger. If only I could remember this each time I get frustrated at life's little curveballs....

Jeepers Creepers on the Loose and Big Brown Peepers

Yesterday we went to the mall to pick up Joseph's one-year portraits. I told the boys if they were good we would go to the playground. Then I remembered that the fun children's hair cut place was close by and Gabie was willing to go check it out. We had the good fortune of running into an old friend from my childhood, Anna, who was there with her children. While the kids ran around the shop watching the videos, playing with the toys, or sneaking candy from the huge display (what a fun place!), we visited until it was time for Gabie to receive his hair cut. Actually, she offered to let Gabie go before her son Benjamin had his turn. We overheard Benjamin telling Christian that he was going to get a Power Rangers hair cut like the ones on his T-shirt, but Anna noticed that Power Rangers wear helmets.

We went to the green frog chair and Gabie started to cry, but he didn't go into hysterics like he did last spring at the other place. I ended up holding him in my lap on a regular (adult size) chair while the very efficient stylist cut his hair in about 10 minutes. What joy and relief that we made it through this ordeal, and I think Gabie had more fun than he let on. You did it!

Jeepers, we can see your peepers now!

Jojo has been walking like crazy in the past two weeks. I will post a new video soon so you can see how well he gets around. Here are a couple of photos which may help you see how much he enjoys his newly acquired skill.

And finally, yesterday Christian found a new "friend" in Grandpa and Yaya's yard -- a praying mantis that he saved in a cup overnight. I was leery of allowing this since the night before Gabie let loose a grasshopper that Christian had also caught and stored in a temporary shelter bowl. We still haven't seen Mr. Grasshopper, but I'm sure I'll find him where I least expect it.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I used to HATE bugs. Years ago I was once frozen for an hour in my apartment because a moth was on the wall, but I bravely ran past it and drove to the nearest store to buy bug spray to take care of it. Since Christian's interest in these creatures has intensified lately, I've somehow gotten over much of my paranoia. Even bees don't scare me that much anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'll never touch bugs with my bare hand if I can avoid it. I'll only dispose of small ones myself -- like ants, flies. I still trap the occasional cricket in a glass for Mike to take care of later. I detest cockroaches and furry looking spiders.

Christian knows the rule: All creepy crawlers are to be let loose the following day upon which they are caught so that they may find their mommies and daddies who miss them. He had a hard time parting with the mantis today and somehow found ways to keep it around as long as possible.

Christian spent several hours saying goodbye to the praying mantis who for some reason was not ready to leave. Christian told me it wanted to stay on the table.

Shoo, bug, shoo I telepathed urgently to the praying mantis.

Maybe it'll be gone by tomorrow morning as I dream of grasshoppers on the loose ....or grasshoppers in my bed.....zzzzzzzzz

Sweet Dreams

What do babies dream of?

Jojo looks so peaceful.

He looks like an angel.

I wish the time between the age of one

and the age of two

lasted longer.

Amen.

Mom to Mom

Lately as I've read through some wonderful blogs (see my links at right), some from women I know personally, and I am reminded that being a mother can have many ups and downs. Being a stay at home (or work at home) mother is difficult at times, especially if you lack family support in the place where you live.

I moved back to my hometown almost a year ago and I know how stressful it is to raise a family alone. Although people mostly had good intentions, I found it was hard to make new friends while having small children whose schedules ruled my life. When I moved back home I was so relieved to be close to my parents again. But always I remember the loneliness I felt when I lived away. I hope that I can be a good friend to someone in need, but sometimes it is hard to reach out to others. We get too comfortable in our routines and forget that there are other mothers who may want or need our friendship, who do not have their own families close to them.

My own mother moved to this country when she was only 22. She married my father by proxy (her brother stood in for my father at the wedding!) because my dad could not afford a plane ticket back to Spain. And my grandparents told my mother no way was she leaving the country without being married, so they gave her a wonderful wedding and reception without my father present and off she went to live in a foreign country. I know she missed her parents and family terribly, but she is probably the strongest woman I know. She is a woman of true convictions and tremendous strength.

I was a little older when I moved out of the house and on my own for the first time. I ended up moving to Phoenix and it sure was a much needed wake up call for me to grow up. Oh, those were tough times in many ways. But what was harder was when I moved to the east coast with Mike when we were engaged. I really felt the distance from my parents -- I could not longer just hop in the car and drive a few short hours to go home for a visit.

So many times I wished my mom was able to be with me over the past years when I started my own family, but then I'd remember that the most she ever saw her parents was once every two years or so. And my brothers and I had, and continue to have, a close relationship with our family in Spain as a result of all the travelling. There was never any guilt sent towards my mother for leaving her family, although she herself felt some guilt. She and my abuela wrote letters to each other every week and she has saved them all in a drawer. It would have been great for Abuela to be alive at this time with the Internet and cheap long distance phone rates.

And so my parents did their best not to make me feel guilty for moving away either. If I could only come home once or twice a year, and they'd usually come visit once, they did not pressure me to see them more often even when I could not a couple times. They knew that their grandchildren would know them and love them no matter where we lived. But then Mike brought me back home, which is still something that I never believed would happen for me and my children.

It still gets lonely at times being at home with the children, and sometimes I am exhausted after a long day. And sometimes it is just downright monotonous. I am not good with unscheduled time. With three children at home, sometimes the grocery shopping doesn't get done on time or projects are left incomplete for another day. But I remember how it was living away and how desperate I sometimes felt, and then I remind myself to be a friend to someone who needs it. It's hard to make that call sometimes, but I will try harder.

Slapstick Silliness

Yesterday we called my niece Daniela to wish her a happy birthday -- she just turned four. My boys love, love, love her! Christian and Daniela are especially close, and sometimes they exclude Gabie because, according to them, he's too little.

So it was Gabriel's turn to talk to Daniela and I was holding the phone for him while he spoke to her in a somewhat incoherent way that 2.5 years olds do. Christian began whining that he wanted to speak to her again, and I tried to quiet him as Gabriel continued with his conversation. Suddenly, Gabriel could not take it any more and he slapped Christian across the face. It gets worse, Christian hit him back, then I bopped both of them on top of the head in quick succession. Then Gabriel hit me and Christian hit Gabriel back! I had to restrain both of them. Gabie doesn't take smack from anyone. All this took place while Gabriel was still talking on the phone. It was ridiculously funny today as I thought about it.

Happy birthday, Daniela.

Love,

Larry, Moe, and Curly

Doh!

I did it again, Dancing with the Stars:


Instead of doing something useful like cleaning clutter, scrubbing bathrooms, vacuuming, or coloring my hair, I got sucked into the madness of your show. It's all your fault with the crazed B-List, or E-List stars (even Kathy Griffin turned down your show), doing their fancy dances and even hearing one poor rendition of an excellent Alicia Keys (!) tune. But I enjoyed the "What's Up Pussy Cat" number sung so well as I waltzed with weasel baby and sang to him in the beautiful alto soprano voice that I hear in my head. And here I thought we were already into week six at least, but it is only week three. Time is just crawling along -- what it is it about this season's show? I shall have to miss you tomorrow because I am already committed to waste 90 minutes on the more important presidential debate with performances by two staid and apparently sane men wearing glitter-free suits. No razzle dazzle for me tomorrow night, DWTS. Don't even tempt me to watch your show after the debate. I won't even take a peek, no sir!


Tonight poor Cloris Leachman lost her wig in her confusing dance number and I was reminded that Gabie needs his hair cut. He decided not too long ago that he hates hair cuts. Last spring I took advantage of cutting his hair when he had strep throat. Honest, I did not know he had strep throat until the day after the photo was taken. If you have a determined toddler, get him while he's sick! And use lots of chupa chups (lollipops, to you).

This is what Gabie's hair looks like under normal circumstances. Nana was able to cut his hair that time:

I tried to get the same effect, but he would not let me cut over the his right ear.

The damage was already done. I bravely carried on around his head, determined to finish the job.

I'm no longer allowed to give hair cuts. So out of desperation, Mike waits until Gabie is fully asleep, and then snip! snip! snip!:

He usually only gets the bangs, though. At this point, we just want Gabie to be able to see. It looks like a bowl is slowly growing on top of his head, kind of mop-topish. My next move: take him to the place at the mall where kids sit on carousel-type seats and watch videos while getting their hair cut.

Usually Nana cuts his hair, but he won't let her since the Syrup Incident. Two-year-olds have long memories. If only we had known there was sticky syrup in his hair then it would not have been so painful as Nana combed through it to cut it. So, last spring, about a month after I chopped his hair, I took him to a salon. I was going to lie and tell the stylist that he had cut his own hair, but then I thought, what if she notices the cuts in back where I tried to follow Nana's line? What then? Would I say that he held up a mirror to see the back of his head as he supposedly sneaked the scissors? Of course, she asked who butchered his hair and I could not lie. It still did not go well for all of us. He screamed while I held him (forcibly) in my lap as she got in a snips when he'd stop squirming in my arms. I told the stylist cutting his hair, when she looked like she was going to bail, "Cut it. Just. Do. It." Fun times.

Did I tell you Gabie has a piercing scream? Turn down the volume, I'm warning you. Here he is when he was about 15 months old (and me, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen). Fun times.

Fall Glory

Dawn patrol at 'o six clock in the morning. A beautiful dark-before-dawn morning.

Bright faces, hot apple cider and cocoa with Grandpa, and weasel tot on Daddy's shoulders. Jojo's outfit from Auntie Kyla, Uncle Sergio, & Simone -- adorable!
Mass ascension; balloons line up and fill the sky; a cow and in all its udder glory; a Spider Man for Christian; and one huge flying cathedral.

Good friends & family--

Until we meet again --

Night night!

Ode to My New Entry Table

Sweet table that my mother got
(as an early Christmas present)
to fill the vacant spot
where once stood columns
that held a glass top
broken by little weasel tot.

Sitting there peacefully;
your comforting light
shed not so bright
joyfully, happily --

With nary a scratch on
your new face of glass
surrounded by wood, as
mom pointed out, innocently
hoping that any new damage
shall evermore pass

By a mocoyo banging on your
face or 'four wheels' or
monster trucks crashing
into your elegant legs.

You do not know what you
are in for, beautiful table.
I shall enjoy you in this state
as long as possible and remember
how once you gave me
inner peace knowing that someday

My boys will grow up
all too fast. Someday
I will miss these
times of banged up,
bruised,
colored,
walked on,
beat up on,
jumped on furniture.
These precious
memories, little weasels, shall
last. Like a long lost
love note, the evidence
will be there carved, torn, or
colored. It is, after all,
only furniture.

Boy Tales

I have not had time to post anything lately because, ahem, a certain husband took away my digital camera to develop film that had been sitting on the disk for a year since I've owned it. It was finally time to delete those photos to free up some space. I am lazy about developing film, so that responsibility is usually Mike's. In the past year we have hardly developed any photos of the kids, much less of our baby Jojo. We are lucky to have 15 minutes of film documenting his life.

I am good at keeping schedules, though. My calendar is my best friend. This week Jojo had his one year pictures taken, and then yesterday all three had a doctor's appointment. They each had their flu shot. And parents, know that if your child is over two years old there is now a flu mist being given in lieu of a shot! Christian also had to have a hepatitis A shot and will receive another one next year. And poor Jojo had the short end of the stick: he received not only his scheduled immunizations, but also a flu shot for a total of four shots. What a trooper. The kids will have their second flu shot dose in a month. This is the first time they have ever had a flu shot I guess because I myself have never gotten one. After what happened last February, the pediatrician strongly encouraged us to get the flu shot this year. Last winter all three were exposed to a horrible virus which required the use of a nebulizer for each of them. Jojo, who was only 5 months old at that time, was a worry because his virus mimicked RSV. What a frightening time. Mike ended up with bronchitis. I was lucky: I only had a terrible cough.

We had some fun times this past weekend! First, on Friday we went to the children's science museum and had the place practically to ourselves now that school is back in session. Gabriel swallowed some soapy water at the bubble making machine in the five seconds I was concentrating on Christian. Another mother graciously pointed it out to me. At least Gabriel did not get his hands pinched by the battery clips in the electricity learning center this time, though. Last time we were at this museum, Gabriel ran ahead of me. I heard some loud screams and laughed as I saw a few kids covering their ears. Then a thought entered my mind: "Wait, that sounds like my child." Sure enough, when I caught up to Gabie less than 30 seconds after he had taken off, the little battery clip was pinching the palm of his hand instead of the correct end of the lightbulb thingy (still do not understand how that happened). I told you Gabie has a piercing scream.

Playing the xylophone just like Uncle Jimmy!

Jojo playing in the "baby science area" with Grandpa.

On Saturday, Christian had a soccer game and he and his teammates scored some goals. Earlier in the day I took Christian to the Harvest Festival with my friend Michelle, her mom Anita, and nephew Isaac. It was great to spend time with them.

Finally, on Sunday we celebrated Jojo's birthday with the family and it was then that he took his first stumbling steps. What a great birthday present gift for us all. Poor Aunt Patsy set her purse down on my coffee table (see 'Ode to My Furniture'), but did not realize that the glass was missing. I had forgotten to warn her. She was stunned when her purse fell through the table onto the ground below. It is a good thing that did not happen with a drink or plate of food.

Look, no glass! No children were injured during the photo shoot.

I have managed to cut down on 'DWTS' viewing, although I did watch part of the results show last night as Christian and I played a board game. The guest dancers put on an interesting show with the electronica music and lit up costumes. And yikes, was that Jessica Simpson singing another horrible ballad? No offense to any of you Jessica Simpson, horrible ballad fans, but I so dislike ballads. I'd like to hear which ballads bother you, too! It'll be a spooktacular event for October.

Wishing you a ballad-free day filled with excitement.

Watch Jojo take some steps!

Watch Jojo walk some more!