Can't Walk, Can Walk, and Crazy

Saturday night Will and I had a date planned for the Old Rivers End, the nicest restaurant on the island. While I was getting all dolled up I began to have pain around my ankle/foot. By the time our favorite babysitter came in I was hopping to the door. Now Old Rivers End is not named that for nothing. It takes a go 30 plus minutes to get there around curves and mountains and over rivers and around bays. My foot was throbbing, my toes were going numb, and I could feel the warmth of blood flowing to my foot. Will thinks I just can't take pain, maybe I can't, but I was holding back tears. Just lightly brushing my finger across the top of my injured foot was excrutiating. Onward we went. A night out with my man and uninterrupted conversation is worth the pain. We made it and I hobbled to our table. We enjoyed halibut poppers and fish tacos. Delicious! So glad I wore a dress, it was so appropriate to have my leg propped on the chair beside me. By the time we left, Will had to carry me from the entrance of the restaurant to the vehicle and from the vehicle into our home. I immediately took Ibufrofin, changed into comfy cloths, propped my foot up and Will put ice on my ankle. It was quite romantic being carried and all. The ironic thing was Will was leaving the next day for a short deployment. Too late to find a replacement. Praise the Lord by the middle of the night I could walk partially on my foot. By morning I knew I was good because the Ibuprofin wore off and I was able to walk without assistance.

Sunday was a blur as I limped to church with our munchkins, came home ate, nap time, dinner, and the blessed hours until our children fell asleep. They consisted of Honey Bear whining, Ian screaming and crying, and Ailish whining and screaming protest. I tried putting Ian to bed first. That didn't work. So, I tried putting Ailish down and fed Ian. That did not work. So, I then tried feeding Ian in Ailish's bed hoping she would lay down because I was there. Nope, she wanted to "nurse" her baby too. Finally, Ian asleep, I put him to bed and come back to Ailish. I ended up with her head to my nose and forehead in a colision. Ailish sitting on my head, that hurt! I some how fell asleep before her and woke up to her tossing and turning. I left the room. She slept through the night and Ian got up 4 times.

Monday morning. Success, Ailish fed, mommy showered, and dog walked. When I got Ian out of the pack n play he was crying. I pulled off his pajama pants just to have pooh go flying towards me. Poop was escaping from the side of his diaper! Great way to say "Good Morning!" Meanwhile Ailish says, "I want Daddy." Picks up my phone and calls daddy. Poor daddy was trying to sleep it was 7am! I found out later he tried to talk to her. Glad he probably heard me explain that daddy is at work etc etc. Then I realized she had the phone and had actually successfully called him. The day consistent of catching Ian getting into things he should not (speaking of the night before he stuck corn and cereal in his mouth that I had to fish out). He crawled his way in between the toilet and the counter knocking over the trash can and had the cloth diaper sprayer next to him. A second later I think there may have been toilet water all over the bathroom and Ian. Thankfully, Ailish and I made it just in time. Ian also enjoyed chewing on electrical wires and putting whatever he found into his hands and sometimes his mouth. Ailish was a big help with laundry and walking the dog while Ian took his long morning nap. After lunch and Ailish's nap it was time to get out of the house! I was about to explode! I seriously felt like kick boxing. An unhappy Ailish is very unpleasant. She really misses her daddy. We had fun at the playground and took a short walk. After unloading the kids into the house I was determine to put my words into action. Pastor Paul on Sunday preached a good sermon on James 2 starting in verse 14 about faith without works is nothing etc. Wish I could explain it better, but it made me think of how I had told our neighbor 2 weeks ago that I would give her coffee that Will had roasted and how I needed to act. So, I grounded up the roasted beans and put it in a pretty glass canning jar and put a ribbon around it. Ailish and Ian came in tow. Right up the stairs and gave it to her. Today was her birthday. Talk about God's perfect timing! Her hubby is out on the boat. So, I know it must have been special to be given something. But that is not all, she told me to wait because she had something for me too. She gave me homemade salmonberry jam without the seeds in a matching pretty glass canning jar. I tell this because we should not worry about giving our best. God always provides. We shall not fear. Silly, me worrying about giving away a pretty jar, silly me worrying that I should have tried to make seedless salmonberry jam because Will prefers it that way. God provides and he knows our inmost thoughts. Pretty awesome and an Awesome God we serve! The night ended sweetly with only a few bumps. Ailish bath dried and diapered. Honey Bear barked at the UPS guy delivering Ailish's kitchen. Ian bath diapered and dressed. Then I dressed Ailish fed Ian and put him to bed. Ailish and I then opened her packaged and played kitchen for about an hour had a snack and flossed and brushed our teeth together. We then walked Honey Bear or we did that before snack... Anyways, Ailish was so cute with her green ferry wings, Dora the Explora pajamas (she doesn't even watch the show), and her bakers hat walking around with the doggy bag saying, "Pee." while bending down trying to scoop it up. Priceless. Then story time with hand motions (her favorite). "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear", and "Jesus Loves Me." We then did prayers, which she now requests before nap time as well. Praying for "Daddy" "Me" "Mommy" usually "Baby" but tonight "Ball." Um, Ailish we don't need to pray for ball. But it was cute and then she goes, "This." Meaning her back to be scratched, then snuggles and she was out. Thank you Lord for answering my prayer to give me wisdom on how to go about the night so I wouldn't hear crying for two hours. Thank you Lord because you orchestrated it all. Blessed indeed.

FYI spell check is not working, but I figured a post was better than no post.

How Bizarre

How bizarre is it to hear your none napping toddler beg you to nap with her during lunch time? How bizarre is it for two days in a row for your playground loving toddler say, "No." to the playground? How bizarre is it for your toddler to now want you to do her hair for the last two mornings? How bizarre is it for your toddler to start waking up in the middle of the night screaming "Ow ow!" and she is just sitting in her bed? How bizarre is it that your toddler is not as interested in playing with her best friend? How bizarre is it that she has lost all interest in her interests except for watching "Finding Nemo?"

FYI she did not nap with mommy, but napped on the hallway floor. She did go to the playground, but on the first day she was slow to start playing and then on the second day she sat in the wagon sipping her water and eating her Parmesan Goldfish watching her friends play. She is making new friends and seems to enjoy the company of those older than her.

The cutest moment today on the playground was her sliding down after her friend Julian and him tickling her when she got to the bottom. She laughed.

Nothing like ending the day dancing with your family to your favorite tunes.

Sleepless Teething Nights

It has been almost a week and a half of sleepless nights with Ian. This mommy is now up to 3 cups of coffee a day. One knows its bad when one does not know what day it is or month for that matter. The days are running together in a blur. All we have to say is we hope Ian will get more than 2 teeth. Lets root for all his teeth to come in asap.

To lighten this gloomy mood of sleep deprivation, I will now describe bath time from the other night. Ailish is in the main bath tub facing Ian and Ian facing her in his baby tub in the bath tub. All of a sudden a stream of fluid comes from Ian and lands on Ailish's arm. She starts laughing. Ian stops peeing. Ailish says, "More!"

Ian loves Honey Bear and Honey Bear seems to like Ian. It could be because Ian always has some sort of food or crumb on his hands from perusing the floors in his army crawl.

Ailish's favorite movie as of right now: "Finding Nemo"
Ailish's favorite sayings: "This!" (aka Ian), "No!" "More" "I want this." "I want Momma" "No! I want Daddy." "Yeah!" "Pool!" "Apple."

We ordered Punkin Butt Teething Oil, a Raw Amber Teething Necklace, Overnight Diapers, and 12lbs. of gluten free Pamela's pancake mix last week. I tracked it today and its in California. Really hoping its here tomorrow. One can hope, right? It took less time for a set of tires for out truck to come in the mail.

Another funny. Will got up with Ian around 5am and was so excited that Ian slept through the night and was saying, "Way to go buddy!" Then when he came to get me from Ailish's room I had to tell him the bad news. I was up with him for most of the night and then with Ailish this morning. It was a good laugh. We are happy daddy was able to sleep and we will celebrate when Ian sleeps through the night. More than likely we will be celebrating by sleeping ourselves.

Ice Cream and Up All Night

After a few days of rain and clouds this Alaskan family needed to get out of the house. One can get cabin fever in no time. Yesterday, was the first day that I can remember since having kids that the house was clean and dinner was ready by the time my handsome husband walked through the door. It felt great! A little early for dinner, but it left time for a walk in the drizzle for ice cream. Which was cut short due to increasing wind and rain. We made it to the exchange to let Ailish release some energy and grabbed a couple loose end things and headed home. Then immediately buckled the munchkins in for the ice cream parlor. Ailish had vanilla, Mommy had birthday cake, and Daddy had huckleberry heaven. Delicious! Of, course Ian had to get out of the car seat and would not hold still in Will's lap. So, I  spoon fed my family ice cream. Comical now for sure. Afterwards, Will buckled Ailish in and proclaimed she has "crazy eyes." I laughed because she just had a scoop of ice cream. What do you expect? I look back at her and see those "crazy 'twinkly' eyes" and mischievous smile and I laugh. Priceless!

Thankfully, we were not up all night due to Ailish being hyped up on ice cream. Unfortunately, we were up all night due to Ian's teething. Poor little guy! He was up until 4a.m.! Not sure how much sleep Will got. I just know I at least slept for 2 consecutive hours. Later in the morning I tried to go back to sleep- 45min. later with no success I decided to get up and join the party.

Highlights of the day included: Ian taking naps. Ailish playing in her cousin Morgan's ballet outfit, Will getting a nap, omelets with toast and homemade jam for lunch, Ailish giving Ian sweet kisses, and reading Bible stories to our sweet little ones.

50 Pounds and Salmon Berries

Well, as life here on Kodiak goes, its always an adventure. Today was the first day of clouds and drizzles in about a month. We have had some gorgeous weather this summer and I was only able to enjoy about a week of it due to an anonymous cold. Thankful, none the less to have tan lines even from my flip flops (I don't think I even had that when I lived at the beach, O, wait that is because I was usually barefoot). Back to today. Will was on duty and due to the time needed to take our vehicle to prevent tardiness. I agreed I had no where to go, so I thought. My friend Denise text a few hours later, "Want to go Salmon Berry picking?" I look around at a cooped up crazy Ailish and Ian rolling around on the floor and think, "Yes! We need to get out of this house and let Ailish get her wiggles out." Then I think, "No, our vehicle is a quarter mile away and I would have to carry Ian in the Ergo and Ailish would have to walk. I could use the double Bob stroller, but that would require carrying it up a flight of concrete steps and the easy stroller is in the vehicle."After contemplating for a half hour and getting affirmation from Will. I hurry these darling children out the door. By the time I reached the end of our street to cross the main road on base Ailish was ready for me to hold her. And so became the process. Hold Ailish as long as I can. Put her down to walk 5 steps and pick her back up. It didn't take long to figure out that the easiest way to carry her was behind my lower back in a cradled sort of position. We made it and then it was off on a half hour drive to the end of the road to pick Salmon Berries. My friend met me in the parking lot (if you could call it that with shot gun shells dispersed on the ground and the aroma of urine). We secured Ian in the hiking pack and awoke sleeping beauty to hike a trail to meet up with the rest of the berry pickers. There were not that many berries left, but Ailish loved it and kept saying, "More!" Ian and I traversed through the thick salmon berry bushes to reach the ripe one. Quite proud of myself, I like to thank my husband for buying me my first hiking pants. I think in some odd way they gave me confidence to push through the brush. Did I mention it was drizzling? Ailish was delighted when I told her she could eat the salmon berries (she loves them). It was quite comical with the men in the group with shot guns to protect us from bears. Although, I think the one guy had a paint ball gun, but then again his wife kept reminding him where she was and not to shoot. Mean while the kids are scampering along the trail. Ailish stepped on her bag of salmon berries on accident. We were reassured by the fact it was going to be turned into jam later. Less than a hour later we were fastening seat belts with only a couple hands full of berries. At least we got to go outside.

Later that night Will is coming in from walking Honey Bear just as Ailish is lifting her shirt up pointing and saying, "He wants this." Obviously, she has been paying attention to her little brother's feeding times. So, our young lass is being a "Mommy" to her baby dolls. She can often be found lifting her shirt up with her  baby doll in place saying, "Baby eat!"

2 Mommies, 2 Toddlers, and 2 Babies

There once were 2 very tired Mommies who decided they needed a 2nd cup of coffee. They joined forces and decided to walk in the mist to acquire such a cup. However, obstacle of assorted kind always arise when there is 2 Toddlers and 2 Babies to tend to. Before these 2 Mommies could meet up, one of the toddlers decided to run to the playground until they saw their Mommy pressing hence forth in another direction. This Toddler then saw her friend and began to quicker her pace to join the journey to the 2nd cup. Not even a quarter mile in when one Mommy receives a text from a deployed husband who was bear scouting. She cleverly decides while trying to maintain the stroller and her toddler on the sidewalk to text her beloved back. Genius. How many things can a Mommy do at once? The two Mommies were nearly at the flight line when one toddler decided she wanted to be carried and then started to refuse such an ordeal to be strapped into a carrier. The 2 Mommies, 2 Toddlers, and 2 Babies finally made it to the 2nd cup of coffee building, but not before maneuvering 2 strollers up a short flight of stairs with 2 little ones strapped in carriers and saying hello to the 2 security guards. Yes, we made it to the 2nd cup of coffee and it was delicious! Now to leave the 2nd cup of coffee place, but not before running the stroller over one banana that one toddler dropped and running into a rack of wooden hangers. Not to mention the ramp was blocked off. So, 2 Mommies with 2 cups of yummy coffee, 2 strollers, 2 Toddlers, and 2 Babies had to back track and maneuver down a short flight of stairs without spilling their longed for 2nd cup of coffee. Yeah, right. Only a few spills before we thought of alternative methods. Now the walk back with 2 cups of coffee, 2 Toddlers, and 2 Babies. One Mommy kept spilling her coffee due to one movable contained Toddler in the carrier. By the time these fabulous Mommies made it to the flight line they had to wait for a plane to pass along with its fumes which with one breath can equal smoking one pack of cigarettes. When this was complete, the Toddler switch-a-roo took place. One toddler was whisked into their Daddy's vehicle and the other was whisked into the other Mommies stroller. By the time they made it to one of the Mommies homes, the one toddler in the stroller was completely out sleeping. So, the one Mommy who started off with one toddler, one baby, and one stroller was now going home with one baby and her 2nd cup of coffee. The End...
O, yeah right...
Part 2
Grocery Store
Ailish had to replenish Daddy's cereal because she ate about 2 boxes of his while he was gone. Yep, I told her to pick the cereal she would like and she goes strait for Daddy's cereal and puts it in the cart. She's a smart cookie.
2 Toddlers meet again and begin hugging and following one another around the check out line. The one toddler joined the other in her car cart and one Mommy was about to walk out with 2 Toddlers and one baby. The End...
You thought!
The 2 tired Mommies, 2 energized Toddlers, and 2 sleepy Babies met again. This time to play at the park. Of course one toddler begins to run to the opposite playground until she notices her Mommy walking towards her favorite and then sees her friend and begins running while saying "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!" And her friend comes running towards her. These 2 Toddlers had fun playing, swinging, sliding, sitting, teetering, running, chasing, hugging, holding hands, and sharing. While the Mommies tried to keep their eyes open. They were non the less excited for the happiness of their children, but when dinner time came bribing and carrying seemed to be one of a few options to peel these 2 Toddlers from the playground. The End...
I think, but I am one tired Mommy of 2!

Ailish's favorite word of the day 2! And she held up her thumb and index finger.
Ailish's favorite show of the day Elmo and Telly on Sesame Street.

Stop and Smell the Dandelions

Today was not easy having to tell Daddy bye for a whole long week, but we made it through the day.

First, Will was going to walk to the hanger (so we said are goodbyes), and then he had to much to carry so we dropped him off at the hanger. Second, I get a voicemail shortly after saying his flight will not leave until 2pm. Ailish was of course excited that Daddy was back. Will and I were also very excited because my friend Lyndsay was willing to watch the munchkins so Will and I could go on a date. We had a wonderful brunch at Java Flats and of course we couldn't leave without a promised cookie for Ailish. While waiting at the back of the line Will puts his arms around and says, "Look at that view." It was serene looking past the porch, swing and on to the snow caped mountains. We certainly felt like we were on vacation for just a minute. We came home to a very happy Ailish cheering, "Daddy Daddy Daddy, Momma, Momma, Daddy!" She gave us big hugs while Ian contently swung in the swing. We then spent some time with the munchkins at the playground where Ailish insisted Will and I go down the slide together (it was a double slide, slide next to slide). We did holding hands. It was so much fun and it made Ailish happy. Then she wanted to go down on my lap next to Daddy. Sure, not a problem. Ian's just in front of me in the Ergo carrier. What a sight! Shortly after, it was time for the real goodbye for the week. Ailish cried and I cried because, I just wanted on more hug!

When we arrived home I set out to not mope by taking the munchkins on a walk. Ian in the Ergo carrier and Ailish in the wagon. O, that lasted until crossing the street where Ailish wanted to get out and walk. She walked all the way to the store. Such a big girl. Such a sweet girl too, stopping excitedly at each dandelion along the way. On our way back it was quite precious. She wanted to pick a dandelion, but couldn't. I picked it for her and she held it for a while. Then she put it in the wagon and then a few steps latter she gave me the dandelion. So sweet!

Honey Bear even got a walk in today and just not a walk to go relieve herself, but a walk around the block! She was excited for sure and it made me happy to finally do so. Thanks to our very helpful friend Meredith. She is helping me while Will is on deployment. Nine more days, but who is counting? O, yeah, that would be me!

Poor Ailish, the day would not be complete without tripping, falling, or bumping her head or face at least three times. She fell of the kitchen table twice today that I know of. Once resulting in a bloody lip and secondly falling bottom first but still manage to bang her head hard on the floor. There was also the bump from the playground (she has a nice shiner from that one). However, I am not sure how that one happened because I told her it was time to leave and I started walking away and she started back up the playhouse and then I heard the cry.

We managed to get by the evening with Ian crying and coughing and Ailish a bit too tired to make up her mind. Graciously, we made it. Both kids in bed by 7:30ish. We shall see how the night goes.