Too funny!!!!

I just received this email from a news source I subscribe to in support of Obama...I LOVE it!!!! if only they knew that Araminta Montague really can't vote!!!!!

Noah's Ark

We spent Tuesday afternoon at Noah's Ark with Aunt Sally and had FUN!!!!! Mimi's only comment was that it was long...they got a little tired near the end, but we made it with no melt downs!!
I've posted the pictures (along with some others from October) in Picasa.
Here is one to entice you to see more!!!!

The Mighty Dragon Hunters!

Here is one I love from the day we went dragon hunting...our street is now dragon-free and very safe!

Kidisms...

George and Mimi: Discussion about their new found "burp" and "fart" buttons that are in their tummies. Evidently, THAT is what controls the enormous belching and stinky gas that is emitted by said parties. How do you turn THOSE buttons off?????
They redeem themselves by singing "Where is Thumbkin" over and over again!!!!!!

Some thoughts today: (and I don't give a rat's behind if you agree or not!!!!!)
As North Americans, we DO have the responsibility of taking care of each other, no matter what our political differences may be. And yes, sometimes that means government run programs!! You may think you have walked in someone else's shoes, but chances are, you have no idea...and having a higher than normal Macy's bill does NOT count as suffering.
While I'm at it--to those of you who are against gay marriage, why--why are you so against it? What effect will it have on your life? You seem a little threatened. Hmmmm...maybe it's closer to you than you want to admit?? It all just seems very hateful, in the name of whatever your weak argument may be.
Finally, this election is really showing people's true colors--seems that most people do hide, right there under the surface--serious, racist hearts. How sad--I once considered some of these people friends. Oh well, at least now I know.

More kid stuff...

Mimi: "Mama...? Am I a good draw-er? Like Mary Liz??"

George: "I love you so much."

Natan (from his seat in "The Van") : "Stop the car! Stop the car!"

Both exclaimed this morning: "Let's do Mommy School!!!!!" Rock on.

Good morning...

Ah!! It was a facebook glitch--I went to bed feeling crappy because someone had thought of me as malicious...not the way you want people to see you!
So...to start today off on a good note:
All 3 older kids are obsessed with the Wizard of Oz (or, the "Wizzerozz" as they call it). They grab brooms and fly around the yard, cackling and hiding in the "castle", then finding each other, just as Dorothy does in the movie. George even reenacts the witch's death scene at the end: "I'm melting...I'm melting! Who would've thought..."
It's all very cute and they actually act it out more than they watch it!
Another great upside to them not being in preschool: they played outside yesterday for a total of 6 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!
George just walked in to the studio where I'm typing, clinging to himself and saying in the most pathetic voice ever..."I'm cold...I'm so cold..." It's 65 degrees. He's a southern boy through and through, eh??!!

Like I Said Before...

So, it seems that the link to this blog has been tagged as "malicious" on Facebook.com...not sure if that means someone has read my entries and is offended (don't care), or it's a facebook glitch.
So, all I can assume is that there is someone who doesn't like the occasional kid story, or disagrees with my opinions.
If you are reading this now--did I force you to read my blog? NO.
If you are reading this now, do I care if you agree with me or not? NO.
This blog is exactly what the title says: Ramblings... They are my own little thoughts and reactions to the stuff that happens in a day. It is not meant to offend, however, I realize some people think that anyone who has a differing view of either religion or politics is offensive. I do not use the "f" word...I only say "penis" when it is part of a kid story...and again...I DID NOT FORCE YOU TO READ IT!!!!!
So...if you are the "I-can-only-think-inside-my narrow-close minded-box" person who tagged my blog and you are STILL reading this blog...just for the record: I don't like you. What happened to free speech? If you can be a bigot...then I can be a bleeding heart liberal.
Get off my blog!

Pirate Spotting!

At Walmart the other day...a man walked in with an eye patch (OMG). George spotted him and YELLED:
"Hey, Pirate! Hi Pirate!! Pirate! PIRATE!!!!!!!" for a very long time.
Oi vey.

Politics rears its ugly head...

I do not define myself by either politics or religion--I would list both categories last on a list of "Things that Define Me". However, I keep receiving emails from folks that seem to be under the impression that I, like them, am also a conservative Republican, and I would like to clear the air!
I am not a McCain/Palin fan...for many reasons. If I am ever able to vote (only once any adopted child/citizen living in this country is eligible to run for President will I change my citizenship), I will not vote Republican. Ever.
So, the only thing left to say is...
Obama '08!
What? You're surprised that I am a Democrat? Oh, and not just a Democrat...a bleeding heart, LIBERAL one!!!!!!! I don't even own a real bra, for Pete's sake!

To Jill (and whoever else cares to read)

Jill...!
You are in for the longest wait of your life (my opinion only). But man, when that call/photo comes, it will seem like you filed your papers yesterday!!!
PLEASE keep me posted, and I hope I can spread the good news for you around here! I hope that Natan had a little to do with your decision...lie to me if he didn't!!!!!
For those who have no idea, my oldest friend (yes, we've known each other since...1979??), Jill, is adopting a child from Ethiopia. For those who know me well, you know this makes me feel GREAT!!!
There are five moments in my life I will NEVER forget:

1. my third date with Jason (and not for the reason you're probably thinking right now!)
   
2. when I handed George over to the surgical nurse, after waiting ALL day for his postponed surgery...I remember handing him over, and then being aware of being held by Lynna S...and feeling that if she let go, I would die. I don't remember how she got me, but I'm sure glad she did...
   
3. the moment I looked out the window of the China Centre for Adoption Affairs in Changsha, China, and saw Ellen in the arms of her social worker...and knew I would meet her in less than five minutes--our daughter...
   
4. the day Diane called me and said, "Are you sitting down?" and I KNEW it was "the call" with Natan's referral...yes, I cried over the phone!
   
5. the moment I got to sit up and watch Vincent enter the world--because this time was so much easier the doctor hiked me up to see him come out!

So...to Jill, and anyone else waiting for that one great moment...or five great moments...enjoy them, don't let anyone lessen them for you, and don't be afraid to cry about them!!
Keep me posted!!!!

Kidisms...Part????

Just some stuff that I should write down but forget...

• The kids are now in LOVE with the Wizard of Oz movie (long story)...they talk alot about "podadoes" which I have figured out means "tornadoes"--they will tell you that if there is a "podadoe", you should go the TV room in the basement, get into the cupboards, and hide!
• Mimi's new favorite thing to say: "Mama...you're the best boss and the best Mama in the whole, wide world." To which I always reply that SHE is the best Mimi in the whole wide world!
• Natan is George's mini-me, repeating and doing everything EXACTLY like big bro George!
  
• Whenever George hears "You Are So Beautiful", he says, in this order, with no break between thoughts: "I was teeny-tiny when Mommy sang the song...Joe Cocker's my friend. Can we go see him? No, he's in the hospiter...his tummy hurtin'..."
• Mimi: "Mama, would you teach me the letters so I can know the words so I can read?" She can write half the letters in the alphabet, and is pretty much just learning by reading every day!
• Natan has gone two FULL days in underwear and NO MESSES!!!!! Yay!
• All three are still talking about the wonder that is the Henry County Fair...and desperate to return!!
• All three can now say, "Livin' in a van, down by the river" in a very good Chris Farley-esque manner!
  

There's so much more...but that's all this saturated brain can process at 10:00 p.m.

$80K later...

(This is not a vent, just an economic observation...even though it sounds a bit "venty!")
So...as many of you know, George spent 24 hours at Egelston a couple of weeks ago. We received his bill today:
$80,000.
That's what it cost to keep him overnight--that's not even the bill for the heart cath.
For those who are NOT in debt, be grateful. Be grateful that you don't have these bills every three to six months.
We are, unashamedly, in debt. We weren't in debt until George's heart condition. Now we are. We were on the plan to pay off our house in ten years, have great family vacations, etc., etc.!!!
Would we trade George for all the money in the world?? No. He's worth ever penny.
There are those who would not have adopted, because they knew there were going to be ongoing expenses throughout G's life. And, adoption is not free or cheap.
Would we trade Mimi and Natan for retirement funds? Or a paid off house? Never. They too, are worth it.
I guess it's all in your perspective. I listen to some folks whose greatest pride seems to be that they have no mortgage, they pay only with cash (although we do that now too), and have no debt whatsoever...I used to think those were all important goals. Until we had these kids. Now, I would sell my lungs to give them what they need, debt be damned!
So, enjoy your debt free lives...while we enjoy our beautiful children!

Just stuff...

I just read my sister's blog entry for today. One of her closest friends "Down East" died a few days ago after struggling with cancer. It made me realize (as I often do at random times), how fragile life is, and how we make such a big deal out of things that really don't matter at all.
We get so caught up in life's pettiness that we lose sight of certain things: our children and their health...our own health...those who have nothing...those who are starving for food, family, and a simple hug or smile...babies born in countries where their only chance of survival is to be given up for adoption...children living in this country whose parents are so crappy that they have to be given up for adoption...people who are homeless (it is NOT their fault--even if that makes me a bleeding-heart!)...people who don't have someone to love or to love them back.
I watched the Ellen Show yesterday as a treat while I put away laundry. To quote her and her guest, here is the best advice I've heard in a long time:
"Don't be an ass."
Words to live by.

Montague Fun!

Last week had some exciting events...
Thursday saw the arrival of Big Mac Daddy--the new van!!! It feels huge, and the kids LOVE it!!
Then, that evening, we decided to attend the Henry County Fair. We all had a blast! Mimi is definitely her Daddy's girl--eats up those rides! George is more like me and enjoys them but always with the feeling of impending doom!!!! Natan just grinned and screamed! It was all priceless! Even Vinny enjoyed himself in between cat naps. Made for a rough Friday morning, with everyone sleepy, but totally worth it.
On Friday, we took Aunt Sally to Panola State Park for some playground fun and a wasp-ridden lunch, visited the nature center, and headed home.
Looking forward to getting back on schedule!
Pictures have been uploaded...I'm finally back on track!

Things I will not put up with anymore...

A couple of people have complained that I haven't vented in awhile, so here goes:
(Remember, no one forces you to read my blog and I am not linked to any organization for which I work--if you do not like what I write do not read it.)

Things I Will Not Put Up With Anymore

1. People (adults, not kids or youth, since they are still subject to the teachings of home and that ridiculous thing called school), who INSIST on making racial slurs and acting as if it shouldn't bother me. My daughter is Asian, on of my sons is African, two are Caucasian. Deal with it. When you make a racial slur, it DOES include my children--and from here on in, I will be very vocal to you until you shut your mouth. Is that clear enough fer ya???? If you are related to me or are simply my friend, grab some balls and stand up for my kids--dare to NOT be ignorant! I don't care what the situation is--racism and ignorance are NEVER acceptable.

2. Magazines making us all think that the way Hollywood women look is how all women should look. Sure...no problem to spend four hours a day working out with a personal trainer and then eating 6 small meals throughout the day which my personal chef has prepared with the unlimited funds I have! I do a fast but intense workout everyday, with three small children at me feet, asking questions...hanging from the weight equipment...and crawling under my Downward Dogs! And I am my own personal chef!

3. People being hypocrites. After the ridiculous homophobic "incident" in our church last fall, where a group of people reacted very foolishly toward another human being, I continue to be disgusted by their own, personal behavior. These same people, who callously judged another, do not live up to their own moral judgements. They get drunk very regularly (ok if you have no children, but grow up and get responsible if you are a parent). They claim to be "christians" but push me even further toward what I know to be true.
If you insist on using the bible as a means to win an argument (which I would never do for reasons that I will not elaborate on!), how about the part where it says you should take the stick out of your own eye...

4. "Gay Bashing"
Not a term I am fond of, but it sums it up. The only thing that separates a straight person from a gay person is who we sleep with at night, which is nobody's business. Why are republicans and christians so obsessed with gay sex? Hmmm...
Straight people have proven that marriage is hard--the divorce rate is somewhere around 50%, right?? Why shouldn't gay people be legally married? Straight people certainly screw it up enough. Maybe the gay community will get it right. Love=love, no matter what.

There. Venting completed. I am going to drink my NyQuil and go to bed. And my sober self is going to snuggle my sober husband and be grateful that we have one another.

Update

For those who are wondering what the fuss was about last week...
George went in for a "routine" Heart Cath--these procedures usually take between one and three hours and he normally bounces right back afterwards. This time, it took almost five hours and he lost 2 ounces of blood, needed a transfusion, and then had to spend the night. The doctor said they had been super aggressive, since they are desperately trying to expand his pulmonary arteries (the ones that affect his lungs).
This was the first time since his first surgery in '04 that the doctors have come in after and seemed discouraged, and worse, apologetic. For the first time ever, I heard them say, "There's just really not much else we can do..." As you can imagine, my heart plummeted...but you know how it is. You have to pick yourself off the floor and move ahead.
Someone asked me if they had given us a prognosis. I said, "No...we don't want to know." Life is unpredictable, and none of use really knows how long we will be on this Earth. If George has two, ten, or one hundred years left--great!! I just want to enjoy each and every one of them, and make sure he does too, with impending time frame. I want to look back on the kids' lives or my own life and say, "I spent as much time as humanly possible enjoying my children..." We will still be there, as a couple, when they have (god forbid!), moved out!!!! That's what marriage and family is all about...being together.

Atlanta Heart Walk 2008!!!

It's that time again...the Atlanta heart Walk! November 1, 2008 at Turner Field...
Here is the montage to promote it for Team George (this is our fourth year walking!)
GO TEAM GEORGE!Sign up by clicking on the link to the right...

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our new baby...

Here's the new "Big Daddy" van coming our way...
It's going to need some bumper coverage and a little dab of color!

whew!

I had planned to take Mimi & George to see the musical, "Treasure Island" tonight, when our childcare plans fell through. My first thought was to can the whole idea, but, brave mom that I am, I took ALL FOUR KIDS!!!!! Started at 7:30 (bedtime!), and last until 9:30. They were great!! Natan sang along, but not so loudly that he could be heard, Vincent watched, laughed, and then slept! It was a dress rehearsal, so we didn't bother any paying customers, and the show was GREAT!!!!!
Yes, this is a boring post, but I'm tired and can't sort out all the funny stuff that happens in a day!

Quick Kidism...

A quick one today as I am getting ready to teach...
This morning, after giving Natan a handful of raisins, Mimi asked if she could have some "big raisins" which is what we call "prunes". As I was giving them to her, George said, "Those are poop raisins," to which Mimi replied, "Yep--because they make me poop."
Lovely, and all before 8 a.m.!!!!!!
That's all I got today!!!! Mostly because if I don't write down what they say when they say it, I plum forget!!!!!

Bottoms up!!

That's a whole lot of naked!!!!!!!!

Random stuff

Mimi: Driving to her four-year old doctor check up with Minna:
"Mama??? Someday when I big, I'm going to stay with you. I won't leave." (THANK YOU!!!!!!!)

George: Lying in bed while getting his nightly tickles from Minna:
"Mommy..I am not the boss."
"That's right, George, you're not."
"I'm not."
"George--who is the boss?"
"Mommy is the boss."
"That's right, George, I am."
"You the boss, Mommy."
"Why is Mommy the boss, Georgie?"
"'Cause you have boobies. Only people with boobies can be the boss."
Seriously. How in the heck did he come up with THAT???

Ahhhh...

7:00 a.m. morning snuggles (late today--not sure why)
7:30--pancakes and cheese grits for the three...baby still sleeping in his crib
8:00--read "Superdog, the Heart of a Hero"
8:30--"Yoga for Kids"--lots of Downward Diggity Dogs!!!
9:00--get Vinny up, dressed, and fed
9:00-10:00--play in the new playroom (more on that later)
10:00--go for a "trike" ride down to the cul de sac and back--Mimi wins by a mile!
10:30--swim in the pool after Mommy removes HUGE spider!
11:00--Mac n cheese, carrots, and graham crackers for lunch
12:00-12:30 dance and sing to our favorite Sharon, Lois, and Bram Cd
12:30--crawl into "big" bed to watch "World World" on GPB
1:00--Read "Goodnight, Gorilla" and snuggle before nap
3:00--make a blog entry while the three big kids nap and Vinny coos beside me!!
Life is good...

O.M.G. (Oh. My. Google.)

Google is a good and bad thing...
With Google, we can find information on just about ANYTHING from A to Z. This is a good thing.
With Google, we can find information on just about ANYTHING from A to Z. This is a bad thing.
When George's heart defect was diagnosed, we Googled and found out more than we ever imagined about his condition.
I love using Google to just discover things I didn't know...as a resource for teaching...as a means of answering questions when Jason (the smart one in this marriage!) isn't home! (Come to think about it, I just like saying the word Google!).
However--with Google, we have learned the following:

• George is a sociopath (ok, not true, but after a google episode, this seemed possible!!!)
  
• Natan has Fragile X syndrome (again, not true, but those symptoms...Egads!!)
  
• Proteus syndrome is very sad
• Harriet Tubman's birth name was Araminta
• the best city to live in is Lee Vining in California
• All of our moles are eventually going to kill us
• there are 530 hits when you type "Jason Montague"
• there are only 8 hits when you type "Araminta Montague"
• Silly Putty is 50 years old
• Araminta has every rare disease that she finds on Google--don't you think you have all those symptoms, too??
• Montague was a member of Slytherin in the Harry Potter series!

See? And that's just the tip of the iceberg...there is a world of useless information waiting to be discovered. If only I had the time...
Lucky for me, I am too busy playing around with four fabulous little creatures and cleaning poop off the floor (yes, it happened again and this time I had to do the dirty deed since Jason was out!). Perhaps we should reinstate the underwear rule--where the kids actually wear it!
Goodnight, sweet Google...I'll search you in the morning!

A new month.

I have nothing, really to write about today. Things are quiet on the Montague front.
Vincent is cooing and going with an audience of three...
Natan is wee-weeing on the potty (constantly!!)...
Mimi is "reading" books by herself and exclaiming, "Mama--I just LOVE to read!!" or, "That letter goes in my name!" (anytime she sees an M, I, or W!)...
George is being George--woke everyone up at 6:00 today and doesn't like the new regime that has been put in place...
Jason is happy to be spending the afternoon with all four...
I am heading out to get some work done with my two devoted helpers, Olivia and Celeste...
Uh, hello? Life doesn't get better than this!
Oh, and in case I haven't written this in awhile: INGRAMS...COME BACK! We miss you!!!!!!

July 30

Today was a good day. Natan and I made it to his surgery and he did very well--we were home after only three hours. He goes for a follow up in three weeks and they'll do another hearing test.
I let him watch "Finding Nemo" on the way home and I realized something. Marlin (Nemo's Dad) wasn't paranoid or a bad dad. He just loved Nemo and couldn't bear to have anything hurt him...I get that.
I think Marlin gets a bad rap in the movie for being such a worry wart. I think he just loved his son.
Clearly I am deliriously tired, seeing that I am analyzing a Disney movie about an animated fish and his getting rescued by other animated sea creatures. Might be time to go to bed!!!

Oh yeah...in case you're wondering from the previous post:
Barf on Mommy: 0
Pooh on floor: 0
It's a great day!!!!!

Ewww......

YESTERDAY. 4:50 p.m.
George wakes up from nap complaining of being sick: "I sick."
George has fever and says his ear hurts: "My ear is hurtin'."
When George is lethargic, we pay attention since he is ALWAYS on the go! Our pediatrician has told us because of his heart to bring him whenever he has a fever--we are not hypochondriac parents.
Almost to the doctor (just George and Mommy), and I hear: "Bluhhh...." or whatever it sounds like when an almost four year old is about to barf.
I was at a stop sign (thank goodness since my car is actually clean), and I gave him a grocery bag--he barfed in it. Good job, George.
Doctor checks his ears--no infection but water from swimming. Has no idea why the fever and barfing. Gives me a prescription for ear drops.
We are inside CVS to fill prescrip. I tell George as we are walking in: "If you think you're going to be sick, tell me."
Place my order--they say: "It will be $50 AFTER insurance pays half" Don't get me started!!!!
I am waiting, holding George in my arms and I hear: "Bluhhh...."
Bad Mommy moment coming...I said (louder than I meant): "Oh crap!!!!" (which alerts the pharmacist that there may be an issue with the lady waiting for her ear drops!).
To prevent George's barf from going all over the carpeted floor at CVS, I covered his mouth with my hand. So...now there is barf running down my whole arm, a puddle of it in my hand, and the rest of it all over our clothing. It's hot. It stinks. Now I want to barf.
The nice pharmacist gives me an industrial size roll of paper towel and directs me to the bathroom. I think she may have wanted to barf too...
We made it out, barely.
AT HOME, 30 minutes after the barfing episaode:
Natan starts to cry in a rather anguished way but there is no one around him. The reason?
There are three piles of pooh on the floor and one ready to come out of his bum. It stinks. It's pooh. It's gross. I am still covered in barf (having just walked in the door) so Jason (super Dad that he is!) sticks Natan on the potty and cleans the pooh.
FIVE MINUTES LATER:
Natan is off the potty an crying again. I look at the floor (naturally!) and there is a large puddle of diarrhea underneath him. It stinks. Can I barf NOW????
Jason bathes him, but not before he steps in the pooh...
What a day.

You gotta' see this!!!

The "twins" strike again!
Jason and I broke a cardinal rule and laughed in front of the oldest two today. They emptied a bottle of baby powder out in their room during their nap time...it was EVERYWHERE!!!!!
Go to the family pictures section--I added the pictures of the mess in the July folder--they're at the end of all the July pics.

Wait...one more!!!

Is it wrong to laugh at this???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFEXnEoZyD0

Ouch! This is painful!

If you have a couple of minutes and your volume is turned up...this is one uncomfortable interview--maybe I'll rethink homeschooling after all!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUgGwJl-kzM
And yes, I am wasting time looking at YouTube and should be doing the dishes!!

Sad house...

We're all a little out of sorts since Nana and Great Auntie Gail left today. George and Mimi kept asking "why she leave us?" but it helps to tell them we'll see them again in November, after G's birthday, Halloween, and the Heart Walk (yes, that's on Nov. 1st!).
Vinny is really cooing and going, but I suspect he misses Auntie, too, since she was always very willing to hold him, and hold him, and then hold him some more!!!!
Natan has his surgery this coming Wednesday, very early a.m.--it will only take about five minutes, but he'll be in recovery until the afternoon.
Other than that, all is calm...relatively speaking!

I should have become a doctor...

$1,100 per month to Blue Cross from Jason's pay...
$30 copay for today's visit at the ENT doc...
$100 will get billed to the insurance company for today's visit to the ENT doc...

The visit consisted of me telling them what Natan weighs/the doctor listened to his breathing/I signed a consent form for his surgery...
Wow...that was money well spent.
These ear tubes better be paved with gold...

Someday...

I am a Canadian citizen.
I have no current plans to change my citizenship.
The day that my two adopted children can run for President, I will proudly become a U.S. citizen so that I can cast my vote for my kid.
My daughter IS an American citizen.
My son is close to becoming one.
Remember--before you start spouting at me about patriotism--I pay taxes just like you do (and so will they someday), and we are subject to the same laws--why the hell can't Mimi or Natan become president if that is their goal?
And here I thought everyone had the right to the American dream...sorry, kids.

More minor doctor updates...

George has to have another heart cath...bummer.
Vinny had his shots today and is NOT a happy camper. However, better to be vaccinated than not. Contrary to what some wacky people think, being vaccinated does not cause Autism, but gee...it sure does fight off alot of nasty diseases...
People who do not give their children vaccinations should spend some time in a developing country...then let them decide whether they should expose their kids to unthinkable, preventable diseases...most of the kids I met in Ethiopia last year did not have the option to be vaccinated, and most of them are likely dead, one year later.

Gee, Beaver...

Yesterday, while wearing a pink "Roots Canada" t-shirt, Mimi points to the front and says:
"Look, Mama...my beaver is shiny and pink."

Nuff said...

This, in pink, is on the front of her shirt:

Life is great...

Here's why (as of now, at 1:09 am, because I cannot get to sleep!!!!)
1. Vincent is sleeping in his crib (George NEVER did!!) and we can hear him breathing...his bum is stuck up in the air!
2. Mimi says at random times during the day, "Love you, mama..." and that just melts my heart.
3. Natan fell out of bed awhile ago and held me so tight when I went in to pick him up off the floor that I never wanted to let go...
4. George told me today (after using a TON of soap to wash his hands) that "I workin', mom, 'cause I'm a big boy, you hear??" and somehow, the soap everywhere didn't seem such a big deal after all!
5. Jason came home with fat free hazelnut coffee creamer since I had run out...he wanted me to have it for the morning...I didn't even ask for it!!
Life is great...

Doctor updates...

George saw his cardiologist today--got another neutral report. Stenosis in one artery is still causing concern--they are deciding whether or not to do another procedure. Yeesh. His BP is good (finally!) So the new pills are working...

Saw the ENT doctor today. I went to have a second opinion regarding my nodules. Turns out, the first doctor is a crackpot and I DON"T HAVE THEM!!!!! The doctor today said, "You have a really good looking larynx." Damn straight I do!!!!!!!!

So...he also checked out Natan's ears. Turns out I have been right about him the whole time--he DOES have hearing loss and he DOES need tubes!!! This may explain his speech delay and some of his obvious frustration that comes when you hear everything as if you are under water. I have been told by so many people that I have been overreacting--guess not, eh?!

This has been a great day all round for the Montague family throats and ears--yay!

Looking forward to Nana's and GAG's visit in 11 days! Start the humming, Natan!

No more Jon & Kate Plus 8...BOO!!!!!!

So...occasionally if I'm flipping channels, I stop and watch the TLC show, "Jon & Kate Plus 8." It's about a family with 8 kids--they have twins and sextuplets, a result of fertility treatment (which I am openly not a fan of). I thought it was kind of a cute show, until I saw their website. This family had the opportunity to adopt a baby, and SHE turned it down. And, being "Christians" (whatever that means!), she says that God was leading them there. Whatever. Last time I checked, humans have a little something called FREE WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is the section from her writing that is particularly offensive to me:
The girls turned one and I started thinking about more children….After all, the girls had been pure fun and I wanted to do it again! But, Jon wasn’t convinced. I prayed for a long time that God would change his mind. It took a long time and a rough experience for both of us for that to happen…In May 2003, we had the opportunity to adopt a newborn in kind of a rare circumstance. Things were moving really fast and we prayed about it and felt that this was not meant to be. Jon and I came to a joint decision that we were not ready to take on such a responsibility at the time. We felt God leading us that way. Jon was amazed that I so willingly “turned down a baby”. It hurt so badly, but I knew we were doing the right thing. I mourned for the better part of a month and it was then that Jon agreed to let us return to try and have another baby. He saw just how badly I wanted to be a mommy again.
So...what she is saying is that her god decided it would be better for her to have more fertility treatment and add 6 kids, versus adopting a child who need a loving home. I wish people would stop using the "I waited for god to lead me, and he didn't, so it wasn't meant to be" crap and start making decisions for themselves. That baby needed a home--adopt it. What kind of god is your god that he leads you away from that child??? Whatever. I am disgusted. Absolutely disgusted. What a selfish person she is--and there is no way to defend it. And, she is now going to raise 8 kids to be just as narrow minded, selfish, and heartless as she is. Why do stupid people exist?? Seriously. And worst of all, why do they procreate? Oh yeah...because of god.
Good thing we cancelled cable!

Happy Fourth!

I just thought this was funny...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZho5myNUdY

And...everyone knows ABBA now because of the musical and the movie, but there are those of us who are old time, die hard fans--how many of you put a slip on your head (for long hair) and sang on your parent's "fireplace stage"...here is one of my top three ABBA favorites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AGe995z3Fk
Enjoy...
I seriously need to go to bed--what am I doing?? I will regret this late hour tomorrow, early in the morning when a couple of snugglers crawl into bed...

Kidisms 7...

Mimi said to me tonight, out of the blue:
"Mama...this shirt isn't really working for me." (Referring to her pj top which for some reason is a little small--she is a mini teen!!!!!)

George, after I found him sitting on the stairs and asked him why he was out of bed:
"There's bad guys. They shootin' me." (Thus began a little debate between George and me--he insisted there were bad guys shooting him from the trees...I however, doubted they were there. I won and he and Mimi went back to bed, holding hands for protection!!!)

Best laugh in awhile!!

I just got a message from a long lost friend (elementary school days!!). We were best friends and spent LONG hours on the phone, were boy crazy (Hello? Todd and Chris???), and she actually remembers that we used to sit in my closet and tape record ourselves farting!!!!! Oh. My. God. Best email in FOREVER!!!!! She is one of the best memories I have from school days...it leaves me wondering again how people lose touch. I am a total slacker when it comes to communicating, and I think that's bad. I am having a ball remembering all the goofy things from "my past!"
I hope our kids have the same kind of friends I did--they were fabulous. Only this time, they'll have to use a digital recorder instead of cassettes to capture their farts!!!!!!!!!

FYI...Birmingham

We had a blast with the Ingrams in Birmingham--it flew by (overnight trip). We met "Moses" (ML's grandaddy), and got see ML's parents briefly which was great! B'ham is beautiful--it's Roswell, Alpharetta, and Buckhead all rolled into a nice little community. It was great to see them, and we had a melancholy trip home...we miss them!!!!!

Ahhh...the girls!

Just saw Sex and the City for the second time, and loved it as much as the first time! I am not ashamed to admit it...I loved the series (HBO version, not the censored version), and I unabashedly love the movie!! And I wasn't the only one who shed a little tear!!
Nice to have a little gal time...

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day to all my Canucks...!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRI-A3vakVg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnzQF7JCF0o

Wow--my favorite new discovery!

Facebook.
I'm lovin' it.
I stumbled on facebook.com last night as I was waiting for pictures to upload to the blog. I don't even know how I ended up there! All of a sudden, I'm seeing pictures of people who look slightly older (and I mean, slightly!), but there they are--familiar, smiling faces of past friends.
I don't know when or how I lost touch with most of them. Time does bad things...and so does moving away and getting lazy in keeping up those friendships.
But...reading responses from folks that I once spent more time with than my own family was rejuvenating (and hey--I NEVER use that word in my life!!).
I heard from someone I knew back in the 9th and 10th grade--she still looks like a teenager, except with her own house and two gorgeous kids!
Heard from a college gal whom Ilived with for a year and I just can't imagine what kept me from keeping in touch--bad, bad girl am I.
So...thanks, facebook.com. You are my new favorite/favourite thing!

Busy Bees...

Not much time to blog these days--just keeping busy!
Tomorrow we wrap up VBS and then head to Birmingham for an overnight visit with our recently displaced friends, the Ingrams.
Mimi & George have had a good time at their first VBS--spent alot of time wandering...free spirits that they are!
Check out the video clips of our future Olympian, Mimi, in the pool! She's amazing--takes after Da!
Natan apparently is hard of hearing (no joke). We are in the process of clearing his ear canals and then heading to an ENT in the near future. Poor guy...we think he hears everything as if under water--explains alot!!!!!
Vincent is growing like a weed and starting to smile and laugh--the kids are fascinated by him and are so gentle--it is very sweet to watch each of them interact with him. Natan seems especially enamoured with him and is very loving--brings him his bottle, finds his binky, and just plain loves on him!
Oh yeah...and no. I will not be putting the big kids in school this year. Stop asking/telling me. This is for anyone with the notion that I give a crap what they think.
In fact, we're pretty set on homeschooling. And I ask this of all you teachers who are vehemently against it: What on earth would you do if ALL the homeschoolers in our county decided this year to enter the public system?? There wouldn't be enough room, and you know it. So...everyone has the right to choose how he/she educates, and I feel that I am qualified--check my credentials if you feel the need. So, back off already.
There--you didn't really think I would have an entry without some sort of vent, did you???

Kidisms 6...

Last night, George hollered from the bedroom to come up NOW and check out the fireworks (He and Mimi have decided to occupy the double bed in Mimi's room now, and they were on about something).
Turns out, the"fireworks" were actually bolts of lightning, masked by a very cloudy sky. They argued with us when we said it was just lightning, so we concluded in the end, that indeed, it was fireworks. Mimi and George asked, "Who do dat?" Jason (stinker that he is) replied, "Those are God's fireworks." So Hallmark cards! Then, George decided it was "work" and God was doing his "elmocizing."
Man oh man. No wonder we're all exhausted by morning!!!!

Today, after the daily collection of roly poly bugs from outside into the house, George looked at his new pet and told him, "Don't get dead on me today."

Wow, wow and more wow!!!!!

We just got home from a wonderful evening of music. We went with Sally to see "The Army Soldier Show" at the Clayton PAC. This is a touring show that simply entertains army families--they audition and then tour throughout the world. They are all soldiers on active duty, and they perform 300 shows a year. They were AMAZING!!!!! American Idols have nothing on this group of musicians! I was blown away!
I may not be a pro-war gal, but I am pro-military, and after seeing the "army family" tonight, I realize where the appeal may be for some who join the military. Where else can you develop deep bonds with fellow members? Where else can you become bother or sister to so many folks? Where else can you develop a sense of loyalty and camaraderie with so many people that you most likely would not get anywhere else? I saw it tonight in the celebration of the audience members, many of whom are without family members who are serving elsewhere.
One of our choir members, Bo Dyess, leaves for Afghanistan in a couple of weeks. He was there tonight with his wife and daughter (we were there because of him). I couldn't be a military wife. I know that. I don't have it in me. I thought of him, surrounded by so many others who have been or may be shipped out over the years. Whether some think it or not, it is likely the most honorable thing you can do--serve in the military. We are honored to know Bo--and not just because he is a West Point graduate which even I understand to be an incredible accomplishment. And I'm Canadian for Pete's sake! See?? You CAN believe in separation of church and state and still be patriotic!!!!!!!!

Life with Kids...

Vincent has been in the hospital since Saturday, 11:30 pm. He had a 103 temp, and we were told to "bring him on in" since he's under three months. The policy is to keep him in for 48 hours, so he is still there...I miss him!!!! Jason and I took turns, and tonight is his night. We love Egelston--the nurses, techs, etc. are fabulous!! But there's no place like home...
HUGE THANKS to Angie and Cameron Ross who were on triple threat duty today whole Jason and I switched roles.
And then, Jack and Delores Candy brought a boat load of food over.
Thanks to everyone who offered to help and checked up...we really do appreciate it.
I blame this on our friend, Stephen. Vincent was so sad he got sick. Stephen, you should feel guilty.
We have postponed our trip to Canada and will plan to go in November when Jason has the week off for T'giving. We realized in our eagerness to show Vincent off, we were overlooking his age and the fact that he may be a little young to travel!
I'm whooped and going to bed before 10:00!!!!!!!!

George!!!!!!!!

Went for a walk tonight after dinner...as we walked by our neighbor's house down the street, the dad was out on his driveway. George asked (in his deep, LOUD voice):
"Can I play with your balls?"
(He was, of course, referring to the basket balls that are always laying there...)

Dance Recital Dress Rehearsal

This is the video from Mimi and George's dress rehearsal. The recital is this Saturday!

Couldn't have said it better...

Doug Simpson said at lunch on Sunday:
"It takes a village to raise a Montague..."
I couldn't agree more!!!!!!

Kidisms 5

Stuff we've been hearing around the house:

"Can we keep Vincent?" (Mimi and George)
"It's a baby..." (Natan)
"I love my budder Vincent" (Mimi)
"I like you Vincent." (George)

Mimi & George are fascinated with the breast pump. Makes for interesting pumping times!

Mimi watched me change Vincent and exclaimed (after a thorough examination):
"Look Mama...he has a baby penis!" (He'll love her for that comment some day!)

All three are being very sweet to Vincent and I'm sure they're all feeling the squeeze of a new one being added to the mix, but so far, so good...

One year!

I meant to post this earlier, but it's been a year since we brought Natan home. His Adoption Day was May 22.
On the 18th I realized, "This time last year we had 2 kids..." Then, on the 22nd, I said, "This time last year we had 3 kids..." Today, I am saying, "We have 4 kids--one year later!!!!" Crazy!
We will definitely take next May off, then see what happens!!!!!
Pictures from last May...yikes! Same hair...Mommy needs a new do!

Some pictures...

Vincent Conrad Montague

We all finally meet!

Check out George's gloved hand in the background...
Baby? What baby? I'm just interested in being cute!

Introducing Vincent Conrad Montague

It's been almost a week and I apologize for not uploading anything! The computer went on the fritz last week and just got hooked back up.
So...Vincent arrived last Monday, May 12th at 4:44 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. He is a good little baby and sleeps alot, and after the initial weight loss over the first few days, he is eating well and gaining steadily.
Mimi, George, and Natan are very sweet to watch. Mimi is fascinated by breastfeeding, George likes to watch me pump, and Natan likes to point at Vincent and just say, "baby." If we let him, George would hold Vincent 24/7--true love!
Some conclusions:
1. Women who choose not to use medication for pain relief during childbirth are insane, crazy women who simply make every one's lives harder. My doctor emphatically agreed when I shared that with her. Simply having a baby is "natural"--using medication does NOT make it less so.
2. It is wise when leaving a hospital with a newborn baby to have actually removed the safety bracelet which alerts hospital security that a baby is being kidnapped...yes, Vincent's was not removed by the discharge nurse and we shut down the elevators. Nice one.
3. It doesn't matter how many kids you have...the rush of love you feel when you meet the new one is overwhelming. Having kids is addictive!
4. We have a chaotic, crazy house...but it's our family and we LOVE it!
Favorite quote regarding Vincent's birth:
A little girl in my choir asked her mom last Monday if maybe Miss Araminta had had her baby yet. Her mother answered, "Yes, in fact, she did." The little girl then said, "I wonder what color he is..." LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, Haley!

Monday!

Vincent will be arriving Monday--Mum is enjoying some free time at the mall, Jason had some free time this morning at Men's Breakfast, and I...wait a minute! I've had less free time in the past two weeks than I've had in three and a half years!!!!! Thank goodness I love my kids, or I'd be crazy! I suppose alone time is for wimps...

Realizations (albeit incorrect in my opinion)

Jason and I are terrible parents...
Our children are out of control, heinous brats...

I am sorry my kids don't always sit still...
I am sorry they get frustrated and actually show it sometimes...
I am sorry they don't always listen the first (or fifth!) time...
I am sorry they don't act like boring little robots...

Actually, I am not sorry at all. I am grateful to those of you (and you know who you are!) who appreciate them for their little personalities, and understand that they ARE JUST LITTLE CHILDREN!!!!! No, I don't hit. Yes, I do time-outs. Yes, I have tremendous patience. But mostly, I am just in love with our kids...perhaps the most important thing there is.

No words...

There are no words to describe the latest reaction to a comment made in front of my mom and George and Natan.
Yesterday, while Mimi and I were at the doctor, mum took the boys to the Eagles Landing Publix. While she and the Publix girl were loading the groceries, a woman (can't use my mom's description!!!), walked by and said, "I wonder what poor family they stole those kids from."
My mom and the girl were dumbfounded and the woman simply drove away.
That is perhaps the worst yet...I wish I had been there, because I am now, after all this time, prepared to say something--anything--to stop these people (you know, the stupid ones), from talking out loud.
Am I happy that children need to be adopted? No. Unless they are being abused, children should be able to live with their biological families. However, this is not currently the world we live in. Natan would be dead had he stayed where he was. That is just the plain, hard truth.
In this country, there should not be "unplanned" pregnancies. We have access to birth control--free if needed, but parents are too naive to put their children on it. So adoption should not be an issue here .
I wish I could find that woman and set her straight, although there would be no point. The evidence is conclusive: stupid people cannot change. Sadly, they will always be quick to open their mouths and start spewing. So....be prepared for my reaction.

What are the odds?????

Vincent shifted! He is once again, head down! The doctor was shocked and pleased (as was I), and said this never happens this late and we should probably buy a lottery ticket!!!!
Mimi was with me, and was happy that "no big giant knifes" would be in use on Mommy!!!
So...then she gave me some ways to help move the labor into action (which I cannot write here on this blog...!), and sent me on my way! Still inducing in a week and a half. Yay!!!!!!!!!! I never thought I would be so excited to put "that area" through that again, but man, I am I ever!!!!
Mimi also informed me today after the appointment that she had changed her mind from the last time and no longer wants to be a "tootie doctor." She has decided that when she grows up, she wants to be a ghost...awesome.

Nana!!!!!!!

Nana's here--yay!!!!
We are all very excited by this...especially the kids. They are now taking turns sleeping in the afternoon with her. Very exciting stuff.
Jason and I are happy to have someone cooking meals, and Mum is happy to have people to cook for! So...everyone is happy, but one person in particular is VERY tired already...I can't understand why!!

Vincent update

Well...Vinny WAS head down, ready to go, but over the past month he has shifted into a breech position and the doctor told me today there is a 4% chance he'll move now that I'm in week 37.
His head is kind of up to the right and he's lopsided in there, but other than that, he's fine. She said I could still schedule an early delivery, but it will be a c-section and not an induction. Crap. Not looking forward to this now...Mum's panicking because she's going to have to HOLD THE BABY!!!!!!!!!
If you have a c-section story--please DO NOT SHARE IT!!

Kidisms 4...

Last night at the Olive Garden, George started to say (thankfully, right before we were leaving and not arriving), "Hi, Christmas!" over and over, and not so softly. It turns out, there was a man a few tables away wearing a red shirt and he had a long white beard with long white hair...even the table next to us caught sight of it and laughed. We left to George calling out, "Bye, Christmas!"

Apology...

For Carly and Samantha who I know read the blog:
Yes, the friends moving are the Ingrams...
Yes, I lied to you...
Yes, it was wrong, but it wasn't my place to give you the news...
No, I will not lose sleep over it...!

Happy Ethiopian Easter!

"Fasika" (Easter in ET) is this Sunday (April 27, 2008).
What a great excuse to go somewhere this weekend for some fabulous Ethiopian cuisine...
I finally have a reason to put Natan in his traditional ET clothing. He hasn't worn it since the new year celebration last September, and he looks ever so cute!!!

Hmmm...

The Montagues are very sad. Their dearest friends are moving away and it sucks. One of the very few folks who you can drop in on or have over on a moment's notice and not worry what anybody looks like, or if the house is clean, or even if we all smell bad. Our kids love each other and actually play well together, and this just sucks.
I have a pit on my stomach and I've cried more in the past three days than in my entire pregnancy.
This sucks.
DON'T GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A lighter note...

Mimi and George had their first official swimming lesson today. They proudly walked in to the gym with their "Gold's Gym" membership necklace on and proceeded to have a blast! I waited in the car with Natan, but got the full story!
They kept repeating the rest of the day: "No bathroom in pool." Meaning, of course, that you never, ever wee-wee in the swimming pool. I think that was the main point of the lesson!
They are supposed to practice humming with their face in the water this week in the bathtub.
Homework!!!!!!

Small Dilemma

Something Jason and I are "struggling" with...acquaintances of ours provide their teenager with alcohol--they allow this person to drink in front of them and others, including other children. We are of the mind that it is just wrong to set that kind of example for your children. It is a parent's job to teach and provide consequences for breaking rules or laws.
I'm sure some of you think we're prudes--we're not. But a law is a law. The drinking age in this country, whether we agree or not, is 21. For a parent or any adult to give alcohol to a minor is very simply breaking the law. How do you then teach your child what is right and wrong?
If they rape someone, is that ok? If they drink and drive, is that ok? If they shoplift, is that ok?Those are all against the law as well, but I am almost positive those actions would not be condoned by these same parents. By allowing them to knowingly break the law, they are blurring the line between right and wrong. How then can you expect them to follow other, more serious laws?
My hope is that when, out of control in a drunken state, this teenager kills only himself and nobody who actually adds value to the world.

Captain, my captain!

Mimi and George have a new friend...his name is "Captain" and I think he's a pirate. They came to the kitchen yesterday, holding hands, and stated (rather boldly), that "We need eye patches and a ship."
OK. Let me get right on that. NANA!!!! We need you here NOW!!!!!!!!!!! I think ships and eye patches fall into Nana territory!
Captain rides in the back of the car with them and they fake feed him real food. Hmmm...
Sometimes Captain is sick and has to stay in bed. Sometimes he is naughty and they put him in the corner. Oh my.

Two Words:

Universal Healthcare.
I know it's very un-American, and I know doctors hate it, since it caps off their bloated salaries. But, it is the best solution to a country where people actually go bankrupt due to healthcare issues.
Take us...we are middle class, no doubt. We have a medically challenged child who needs frequent MRIs, heart catheters, etc. In Japan, George's MRI would cost 98USD. Here, it costs around 1200USD. In Japan, the doctor ordering/reviewing it does not drive a BMW and live in a mansion. Not the case here. Do you see my point?
Yes, I know doctors have many years of education. Yes, they save lives. My cousin is a firefighter. He literally saves lives, and in doing so, is constantly risking his own life. Does he drive a fancy car? No.
Of the following countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, and the UK, the United States has the lowest life expectancy and the highest infant mortality rate, and yet all those other countries have universal/national healthcare. Hmmm...
I guess I am a Socialist after all. But you know, it makes sense since I do believe that every human has the right to an education and the right to healthcare. I guess, after all, I am for the government having its hand in it.
We receive bills constantly regarding our doctor's visits. They all say "NON-NEGOTIABLE."
They (Blue Cross Blue Shield), refused payments of my OB-GYN visits, stating that it was a pre-existing condition. What?????
They refused care for Natan months ago because they said we were wrong about his birth date. What?????
The list goes on, and Jason is always on the phone with Human Resources, battling it out.
Out of Jason's salary each month comes $1100 for this wonderful care which sucks. Tomorrow, we will be paying $1000 for George and Natan to have doctor-ordered MRI scans. That's $100 less than what he pays each month. What?????
I'm not whining, just stating facts. Amercian, for-profit healthcare is crap.
Two words: Universal Healthcare.

Snake warning!!!

One of our neighbors, Cliff who is kind of a street guardian, sent us an email. It let us know that another neighbor's dog had been bitten by a 3-foot long COPPERHEAD snake! Also that two years ago, another neighbor's dog was bitten.

Great. I have learned (almost) to live with:


Fire ants
Cockroaches
Honeysuckle
Water moccasins (from my Milledgeville days)
Red clay
And now...I have to live with snakes!!!!!!!!!!


Jason says, "Well...a bite won't kill you, but it would just really hurt." Thanks.


Cliff said the kids are ok because they won't be aggressive with a snake like a dog would be. Remind me to post the video of them massacring a beetle--they have NO FEAR!!! Snake?? Look, Mommy--whassat??????

One more thing

At the doctor's office today, I saw a girl who looked to be between 14 and 16, pregnant, accompanied by her boyfriend and mother. I thought about all the times people have said to me(and believe me, it's more than you would think!):
"Oh--you're just like Angelina Jolie!"
Would it be alright if I said to that girl:
"Oh--you're just like Jamie-Lynn Spears..."
I didn't think so.

Venting...it's been awhile!

I know it shouldn't bother me, but it does. Tonight we ate at a local restaurant (and I mean LOCAL). This is how the conversation went:
Waitress: "Now, you can't tell me ALL these kids are yours!" (in front of Mimi and Natan)
Me: (I think I looked adequately stunned): "Yep. All three of them."
Waitress: "No! They aren't all YOURS!"
Me: "Yep. We adopted two and had one. They're all mine."
Waitress: "Well, that's what I thought--I wondered if you'd had them at different times, like with different daddies."
(Oh. My. God. You are heinous and should have your tongue removed.)
Me: "Nope...same husband. Three kids. They're all mine."
Waitress: "And what are you expecting?"
Me: "A boy."
Waitress: "You have the same curse as me...I got three boys."

So...she ruined my meal and I will NOT be going back there. I find it very difficult to digest a meal when I'm that pissed. And, just for the record, I do NOT think I am cursed with boys. I love our boys and our girl the same--mainly for their uniqueness.

And--for all you who THINK you know why Jason and I adopted--here's the real reason so you can get it right:

We met. We discussed kids. We discovered that we were both very pro-adoption. We waited seven years (on purpose). We decided that by the end of 2004, we would have a child (if you know me at all, I am very determined once I have a goal in sight!). We started having unsafe sex. We filed for adoption. We let the chips fall, as they say...we got pregnant four months later, at the same time as were working on our adoption home study. We never considered for one moment of postponing the adoption.
We did NOT adopt because we were an infertile couple. We did NOT adopt because we tried for more than a year to get pregnant. We adopted because--and I can't believe people still do not get this--there are children in the world who do not have homes. They do not have moms and dads. They are starving. They have AIDS. They are dying. They often turn to prostitution and/or drugs when they are too old to live in an orphanage.
What are we as humans if we cannot see past our own selfishness and realize that a child is yours no matter how it comes into your life. It doesn't have to look like you, or act like you, or share any genetic traits with you. It is yours. Trust me on this.

There are those right now who are celebrating the upcoming birth of Vincent, yet they barely gave Natan a passing glance when he came home. I can only assume these people value biological children over adopted ones. We do not. They are equal. So...yes, we are excited about Vincent, but we are already thinking ahead to our fifth and final kid--one who will be adopted. You see, we have actually planned out our family and know how we want it to be. There are no accidents. Ellen, George, Natan, and Vincent are our kids because they are who we chose.
So, when you see us out in public and something stupid comes to your mind...please keep it to yourself.

Today's pet peeve

People who, when I am out with the kids (this mostly happens at church, where the kids feel very secure and comfortable and don't always listen to mom and dad!), who say, "What on earth are you going to do with FOUR??"
Seriously? Do you think we haven't thought this through? Babies don't happen "by accident"--even though there are some who beg to differ...we actually want a large family. Yes, there are many hectic days, but I look at those living the "quiet life" and wonder, "how do you stand it?!" I just don't verbalize it to them!
With four kids, we'll just spend more time at home, and less time around people who don't get it!
Oh, and if we had unlimited funds, we'd go for a dozen--so there!!

TMI

I just received a weekly pregnancy email update which informed that "my baby's testicles are most likely descending from his abdomen to his scrotum."
Hmmm...I don't think I'll call my mother with that latest tidbit!!!!!

Nesting???

Something is definitely up...I have more energy than I've had in months! Today, just "because," I moved three dressers, one bed, and now have a dormitory of sorts upstairs! All three kiddos are now going to share a room. Natan started climbing out of his crib last week, so he gets a "big boy" bed now. Mimi was concerned that I was giving her ever so comfy bed to Nana until I told her she could have whatever sheets she wanted on her new bed. She of course chose Diego (refusing Dora repeatedly!).
I would have moved the old iron bed into the other room except the kids were hungry for lunch so I ran out of time!
They may not have the most decorated or put together rooms, as I have had to empty everything out of them for safety reasons (!), but they are three happy children together and that is all they really care about!
For all you parents who are able to have froufrou, coordinated rooms because your kids are nicely spaced out in age...your time will come...in one way or another!

...and counting!

Saw the doctor yesterday...Vincent's head is down and directly on my bladder, which provides all sorts of fun. She said everything is great, and if I want him a week early, they can induce me the second week of May...as long as I make it until after my choir concert on the 4th, I'm happy!
So, about six more weeks until we meet number four!

Kidisms 3

Mimi learned the real word for "tootie" today (don't ask how THAT came up!!!!!) It is called a "Bachina." She then said, "It's because I'm from China!" I just agreed and let it go!

George: After dinner, we saw that his toe was bleeding all over the kitchen floor, so we wet a cloth to wash it and stick a band aid on it. He does NOT like to have his cuts and scrapes washed, so he started saying, "No! No! Don't wash it! It's not bleeding...not bleeding! It's just ketchup!"

I treated myself to a pedicure last week and took Mimi so she could have her fingernails painted. When we were driving home, she said, "Mama...did you see all those Chinese girls in there? Are they adopted too?"

Natan: currently sings "Who et ud ogs out...ooh, ooh, ooh." (Who let the dogs out). He also likes to get on the phone with his Nana and after mumbling a few things, says, "Thank you, Bye-Bye!"

Oh, has anyone ever attended a memorial service for a dead robot?????? This may be a first! We'll keep you posted...

Answers!

Finally an answer to this chronic laryngitis issue. I saw an ENT doctor today and he told me I have a deviated septum, acid reflux (worse because I'm preggers), and vocal nodules. Yuck. He told me no more singing, so thank goodness my choir concert is only a few weeks away--I will make it at least through that! He has me going to a speech therapist a couple of times to correct some of the vocal problems contributing to the nodules.
So, it's nice to have an answer and one that is treatable in some form or another. No surgery or weird drugs--just flonase, zantac, and better treatment of my voice.
He tried to convince me the raspy voice is sexy--I, along with most others, disagree wholeheartedly!!!!

Happy Easter!

The true meaning of Easter: finding as many eggs as possible and eating more candy than should ever be allowable!

Here is us--5 & 3/4 Montagues! Natan seems pretty stoked about his catch of eggs! Mimi proved herself to be a very stealthy candy-wrapper-opener! George was basically George...dirty knees and all!

Conversations, Part One

When asked what Mimi's favorite part of yesterday was (we had lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt at church, and dinner at the Shedd's), she answered, "David." David Shedd, you're our current favorite!

George, when asked what his favorite part was, went on a vocal rampage about the creaky sounds (I think he meant the creek by the Shedd's house...) I have no idea what he was talking about, but he kept coming back to "I don't like the creaky sounds." No idea. But it lasted for a good fifteen minutes--just him talking.

Natan is imitating EVERYTHING the big kids do...some good, some bad! All of a sudden, he is speaking and we can understand him! Yea! Sentences, even!

George bonded with "Baby Vissent" today--grabbed my belly and talked away to Vincent...mainly I think he wants him out of there so he can proceed with showing the ways of the world as a boy!

I love our kids...

Is that wrong to admit? I think not. Yes, there are days...but on days like this one, when they listen and say the sweetest things, and give random hugs and kisses, it's all good! Watching Mimi giving up her Waffle Fries for Natan today was particularly nice...I don't even know if I would do that!!!!

We saw many water mountains on the way to "Mommy's Doctor" today--Jason met us and played with the three for a LONG time while I waited to spend three minutes with the doctor. Vincent's heartbeat was the strongest I've heard yet, and they said everything is great! I start now with the "every two week" appointments...

Poor Natan is right at that place where he knows what he wants but cannot communicate it (the joys of being just over 2!). He has not even been here a year and speaks little English--give the kid a break! Some people forget where he spent the first 15 months of his life--not an easy transition.

My ongoing pet peeve rears its ugly head every so often: People with only girls or only one child who just don't understand boys or multiple siblings. (Give my mom her due: she admits that we were pretty easy and that she would have jumped off a bridge if we had done most of the things my kids do--although she seems to have forgotten some of shenanigans between my sister and me!! She has by force embraced their wildness and does not judge.) And people who say their boys are gems and NEVER act out are so full of crap it should be oozing from their very pores. If I hear one more time, "MY kids NEVER did that..." I may just go toddler (the mommy version of going postal!). My attitude has and always will be, Take us as we are or leave us be... That includes our children. I'm doing the best that I can with no previous experience. Sometimes I'm great, other times, I suck! Jason and I see parenting and children as a work in progress--it never ends, and there is always room for improvement on both ends!

I am always amazed at how some folks dole out the parental advice--unsolicited. They themselves are not necessarily models of good parenting, but still, they feel compelled to raise eyebrows and pass silent (and often vocal) judgements. Go away. I would just shoot myself if our kids were bland or boring--they are neither of those things!!!!!!

So, to all of you who love us and our kids NO MATTER WHAT (and you know who you are!)...thank you. We love you too!!!!

Singin' in the Whatever/Wherever!

Natan can sing!!!! He sings "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" now with actions! So, he's one of those kids who sings before he talks. He also loves any kind of music and would sit at the piano all day if we let him. The other two on the other hand...

George does do a hot rendition of "Mary had a Little Lamb"...

My Mimi quote for the week shouldn't really be posted, but it has something to do with puberty and how observant she is. Sufficed to say, she is pretty aware of how, ahem...different we all look!!!

Kid-isms...Part Deux

Looking at the newly budding pear trees on our street (Mimi):
"Look--snow trees!"

After cutting himself on the palm tree outside (George):
"That is a shark tree!" (he means sharp, but shark works just as well!)

At 6:00 this morning when Jason left for work (Mimi):
"I'm going to miss my Daddy..."

George had another dream about the giant head...it seems to be a recurring one! Sometimes he says it looks like Natan, and other times he says it looks like Little Bill!

Mimi: "How is Vincent going to come out?" (to my mother's chagrin, I gave her the truth!)
Me: "My tootie."
Mimi: (after a thoughtful moment): "That's going to be owie!"

Mimi and George are now trying to pull Vincent out via my belly button...a little painful but pretty hilarious!

Natan is talking more, but nothing quotable yet!! Just wait...his time is coming!

Mimi

(Driving in the "bus" on the way home from the car wash...)
Mimi: "Mama..."
Me: "Yes, Mimi?"
Mimi: "I'm hungry...I eating my boogers."
(a few minutes later)
Mimi: "Mama..."
Me: "Yes, Mimi?"
Mimi: "Are we going to have samiches?"
Me: "Yes, as soon as we get home. Why, are you still hungry?"
Mimi: "Yes, and my boogers don't taste very good."

Updating...

Clearly things are busy here and I have no time to get on the computer--a good and bad thing!
My current pet peeve:
1. People who, when asking where Mimi and Natan are from, then ask, "So George is yours?" I used to excuse this this as, "well, they don't really mean that," but now I just add them to my stupid people list, which continues to grow! So for anyone who is unclear on this (duh)...they are ALL MINE!!! Oh, and Jason's too!!! If you can't or won't accept adoption as a viable and wonderful way to grow a family, then there is a phrase just for you which I will not write on my blog. Use your imagination...
Oh, and one more thing...when you refer to Asian people or Black people in a derogatory manner, you DO include two of our children. They are Asian and Black, and racism is racism no matter who you intend it for. So...just shut your trap--it makes my life so much easier!

Some kid-isms:

Mimi: "I am Little Mommy..."
"Mama--watch me!" "Mama...watch this!" "Mama...look what I can do!" (Say this out loud fifty times or so times per hour, and you'll get the idea!

George: "But I want to be great..." (when he is being naughty and in time-out)

Both Mimi and George call out "Water Mountains" which are actually water towers when they're in the car.

George has announced that he would like to be a giant when he grows up...somedays he gets fancy and says a giant robot...

Natan's new favorite saying: "Oh, man!"

WMD

Alert the President. I have found what he has been searching for in vain...Weapons of Mass Destruction. They've been here the whole time. They are destructing as we speak.

Aha!

Pretty much shaving the hair gets out Vaseline! George has a new and non-oily hair do. I used dish soap on Mimi and we'll see in the morning if all is Vaseline free!

We had our second dance class today and they actually moved a little! George has really taken to Miss April and she seems to be happy to have a boy in the class. Mimi did a great job today and was very active!

George announced at the dinner table yesterday that girls have tooties. Yep. We're in that stage now.

Mimi loves feeling Vincent kick which is CONSTANT!!!!!!! She says she'll help in every way except changing poopie diapers which she insists is "Da's job!" Woo Hoo!!!!

Natan has really started talking and we can understand more and more of what he is saying--a good thing, as you you can imagine!!!!

Oh...and did I mention how nice it is that Jason arrived home Saturday???? We missed him...

One question for today...

How on earth do you get VASELINE out of two naughty three-year old's hair???????
My afternoon napping plan didn't quite work out the way I saw it working today...
This is the absolute quietest time-outs in the history of time-outs. No one has said anything for 15 minutes...hee hee hee!!!!!!!!

Top Five

Five good things:
1. New favorite song: "Who Let the Dogs Out" (with a lot of singing and dancing)
2. Jason bathing three kids every night...
3. Antibiotics for Minna--finally!!!!!!
4. Sunday Night dinners--good times, good times!
5. Mimi sitting in my lap Sunday morning...looked up at me and whispered, "Love you, mama."

Kid-isms...

Same old around here--getting over colds and what not.

Mimi's new favorite phrase to many statements is: "Oh yea...you right."
George is lecturing everyone on the perils of football, smoking, guns, and motorcycles.
Natan is making sentences that make sense!!!!

We had our first dance/gymnastics class on Tuesday. What is consisted of was watching Mimi and George stand still in one place, holding hands while the other ten girls around them tapped and pirouetted! Money well spent...
Gymnastics got them going though, so all ended well.
They are already registered for the June 7th recital--hope they actually make some noise with those tap shoes!!!!!!!! All are invited--$5 tickets!!

M and G are not only sharing a room again, they are sharing the big bed that Mimi has always slept in. And, they have each claimed their side. Man...
Natan is in a proper crib (finally), and LOVES it!!!!! Don't know how he'll react to giving his crib up for the baby!
Mimi is enjoying feeling Vinny kick...George simply blames everything on him. "You bad, Vincent...you bad." Great.

That's really all for now.
Oh...Sally--they LOVED the donuts and cupcakes!!!!! Thanks again!

Happy New Year!

Five days late, but the sentiment is there!
We spent a nice New Year's Day with Papa Tom and Tanta "Bobba"--the kids had a BLAST!
Had a good dr's appointment on Thurs--Vincent is fine and was kicking like a mad man during the ultrasound! Don't go back for another four weeks!
Our little friend Patrick Ingram is doing better each day and we are SO glad. We can't wait until he's 100% and can play with us again!
Yesterday we took the Roses to a great Ethiopian restaurant and had a delicious meal--they are fun people to feed since they're always up for an adventure!
Nothing much else going on--Jason has been back at work (on the Upper School musical) since Thursday and will be busy with that through March....
Hope 2008 is great for everyone--we're already having a blast!

Happy Holidays!

A belated happy holidays to everyone! The kids have had a blast the past few days, especially with Da home all day!!
Mimi and George sat through the Christmas Eve service--George slept through most of it. The music was fabulous and there was lots of it!!
Our neighbors, the Hogans, along with Sally, came for Christmas dinner--we had 7 kids under the age of nine at the table. It was a wild evening but everyone had fun! Jason made a figgy pudding which was delish and very entertaining!
Boxing Day (or at least the 26th of December) was spent with our Sunday night group--lots of delicious leftovers...
So, we have spent the last two days vegging...which I guess we all needed!
Check out the Picasa album for Thanksgiving and December pictures which include a birthday party and Christmas (don't do a slideshow or you'll miss the video clips).
Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Dudley Rose rules!!

I just came home from a delicious luncheon for the staff at our church prepared, obviously with love, by our minister, Dudley (or "Dully" as he is called around here!). I didn't catch its official recipe title, but OMG--it was divine!!! I sat Natan a little behind me so I couldn't watch him stuffing mac and cheese into his face (which I bought from Publix so I wouldn't have to share my food!) and enjoyed my lunch with Mimi, George, Mary Clare, and our friend Stephen. Poor Jason misses every luncheon because he his at his first job--Big Jack made him a plate for tonight.
Thanks, Dully! And it didn't even give me gas! Amen!

Meet Vincent!

Yep--we're having ANOTHER boy! Mimi is very happy--George still insists that we should call him "Pincess..." Natan really could care less!

Today's ultrasound looked good--everything is where it should be and the right size...I go in one month to have a detailed look at his heart.

Boy oh boy!!!!!!

new name for the baby

George and Mimi have once again chosen names for baby girl/boy:
George: "Pincess" (if it's a boy)
Mimi: "Baby" (it WILL be a boy)
George is still going with "Fiona" if it's a girl.
Mimi refuses to even consider it being a girl, so it's "Baby" or nothing.
Natan just keeps yelling "Booby! Booby! Booby!"
sigh.

Oh, and...

I just read the little baby ticker--I can never tell if this baby is moving, because it always turns out be gas.
Just thought you all should know that!!!!!!

Random Ramblings

Mimi: "Is Santa going to eat my lights?" (referring to the lights on the tree) This whole Santa thing is not as easy as one would think!

George: (Standing in front of me with a large stick outside): "I look like Moses. I am Moses."

Natan is still just copying everything the other two say, but I know the time will come when I have three mouths running at the same time--gee! I wonder where they inherit that from??!!

For anyone who watches "Big Love" (HBO show about polygamy which we hate and love watching!), I have decided Jason should take a second wife--I could use the extra hands around the house!!!!! It has to cheaper than a maid--which we do not have!! (And for all you serious types, relax...it's a joke!!).