Brave Jacob At 4 Years Old

This morning my big boy had his 4 year check-up. I told him before hand that he might have to get shots. I was expecting screams and protests but, instead, he looked at me and said, "It's ok. I'll be brave. I'll only cry for one minute!"

Jacob watched Ryan get his shots last month. I think this helped a lot. He had remembered that Ryan only cried for "one minute" and that Ryan got sparkly band-aids at the end.

Jacob was so sweet when we arrived. He's usually really outgoing and will approach strangers and volunteer the most random facts about himself. But lately, he's been showing us a shy streak. When Spiderman came to his birthday party, he BEAMED from ear to ear. But he was SO SHY. He just looked up at Spiderman with a perma-smile and stared. But he refused to talk. He was this way today for both the doctor and the nurse.

He was a very good listener and did everything the nurse asked...until the nurse asked him to stick his tongue out and say "ahhh." At first, he only complied with the first half of this request and wouldn't say "ahhh." He was too shy to do it alone, so we both did it together. It was really funny. Then we followed the nurse to a separate room where they checked his vision and hearing. He was supposed to look through a box and tell the nurse when he saw animals. He saw the animals but was too shy to talk. The nurse had to coax it out of him. Who is this quiet boy?!? Certainly not my Jake!

We got back and Jacob had to change into a gown. He looked skeptical at first. But I told him it was a costume and that made things go much more smoothly. He played nicely with his legos and talked with me while we waited for the doctor.

When the doctor arrived, at my initiation, Jacob told her all about Spiderman with great enthusiasm. Tangent: by the way, I absolutely LOVE our doctor so much! I lucked out and just went with the doctor on call the day Jacob was born. I did ZERO research and had ZERO stress over the whole thing and we ended up with an amazing doctor, who I just discovered, also raised a boy. She is very down to earth and understands my philosophy of parenting-- stress-free and child-led rather than complying with a set of strict guidelines.

The doctor told us that at 37 pounds and 40 inches, Jacob is in the 50-75th percentile for both weight and height. Then when the doc wasn't looking, I snuck Ryan on the scale. He topped off at 16.5 pounds :)

After the doctor did her thing, the nurse returned with Jacob's shots. I leaned over Jacob as he lay on the exam table. We started to read a book as the nurse got her needles ready. After making it past one page of the Lion King, Jacob let out a yelp as the first needle went. Then a second, third, and fourth needle. He whined and his eyes filled with tears. In that moment, I had flashbacks to Jacob's babyhood. When baby Jacob got his shots, I would lean over him much the same as I was doing then, gently hold his hands, and watch sadly as his eyes filled with tears and he let out a cry. How can this tall, leggy boy be that same baby?

As Jacob predicted, he only cried for one minute after his shots. Then he put on a brave face as he limped out of the exam room (he said his legs hurt- poor guy). He got to pick out 4 stickers, one for each shot. Before I knew it, he was cheerily chatting up the receptionist and telling her all about Spiderman. I can't get over how sweet and brave he was today. Man, I love that kid.

Since Jacob turned four one short week ago, I've already noticed amazing behavioral changes in him. Jacob was an easy 2 year old. Too easy, in fact. I let out a huge sigh of relief when he turned 3, thinking we had escaped the terrible twos, unscathed. I was feeling very smug about having an awesome kid when the terrible threes hit. Oh man, I was IN for it. Three was a very trying and challenging age. Many times I thought my sweet boy had been consumed by a monster, never to be seen again. But, as soon as he turned 4, the temperamental tide changed, BIG TIME. It was as if a light flipped overnight and my sweet boy returned to me.

Maybe it's wrong, but I really like this whole new shyness thing. When he's feeling shy, overwhelmed, or uncomfortable, Jacob looks to me for comfort and guidance. His big green eyes catch mine and seem to say, "Help me Mommy. Show me it's ok. Be with me." I love that. It's proof that my tough guy still needs me.

New Job

Changing jobs is a lot like breaking up with a boyfriend.

One minute, you are content with Joe. Then Bob comes along. He shows a little interest in you. You feel guilty looking because you are taken. But Bob flexes a bicep and suddenly you are drawn to him, like the eyes of middle aged women to a 3-D production of the film Magic Mike. Before you know it, you're marching up to trusty, old, familiar Joe and giving him the infamous "it's not you" speech. You are initially pained at the look of betrayal in Joe's eyes. But that feeling is replaced with excitement as Bob throws you over his brauny shoulders and whisks you away to a romantic cottage on the beach.

Ok, so maybe getting a new job isn't like that at all.

For those of you catching up, last year I left my job in insurance defense in search of a position closer to home. Except there was not a single lawyer opening in my entire county. So I took a job as a paralegal. My new boss hinted that he would like to eventually train me to take over his practice. That seemed like a great idea to me! At first, it wasn't hard giving up a 4 hour daily commute and billable hour requirement for the slower pace of a paralegal position. The 15 minute commute helped.

Well, the other day, I saw a missed call from a partner at my former law firm. It wasn't unusual for him to call me. Like me, he had recently left the firm, and he liked planning happy hours with other ex-pats of the office. Afraid I'd have to turn down another happy hour invite, I checked the voicemail message he had left. When I heard his message, my jaw hit the floor.

"Hi, it's me. As you know, I started a law firm with my buddy....I'd like to hire you. Call me so we can talk"

What?! I was shocked. I was being solicited for a job! This seemed way too good to be true.  I called him back and discussed how I was flattered but that I wasn't interested in the commute.

"What would it take to get you over here?" He asked.

No way. I decided to shoot for the moon, fully expecting to be shut down. "Well, I'd probably have to be able to work from home one day a week. No, make that two days a week. And, because of the commute, I would need shorter work days."

"How short?"

"Six hours?"

"Ok. Let me talk to my partner."

When I hung up, I was shocked, skeptical, and flattered. I had enjoyed working with this partner at my former firm. I had considered him my mentor there. But I didn't think I really stood out from the other associates. Why would he call ME?

I returned to work the next day. But I have to admit, my mind was was far from my quiet office. A million possibilities were swirling around in my head. Could this really happen? No, too good to be true! What if it did? I started to get the weird feeling that I was cheating on my boss just for entertaining this ridiculous idea. My stomach was in knots.

Fastforward a couple phone discussions later and I got it. I got a real offer. And it involved 2 days per week at home, reduced hours, and more pay (compared to what I am currently making). I gave it a lot of thought. The nearly 4 hour commute is nothing to take lightly. But working from home and part time? That's practically unheard of unless you're a solo practicioner! I already knew I would take the job, I just had to talk myself into it.

But, that didn't make it any easier to break the news at my current office. I work with great people. They've taught me a lot about working on the plaintiff side. I even co-chaired a trial here. After 5 minutes of heart-pounding, room pacing, and violent hand shaking (I was trying to shake-out the nervousness), I marched bravely into my boss' office and gave him the "it's not you, it's me" speech.

It was a hard thing to do. I'm a loyal person. I want everyone to like me, especially people that I like. But as I broke the news, my boss was calm and collected and very civil, almost as if he saw it coming. I think he was disappointed. That's the worst part for me. I am a people pleaser. I hate disappointing anyone.

But now it's done. It's official. My two weeks begin tomorrow. I'm incredibly excited and anxious to begin my new journey. I know it will be a great opportunity. I'm already swamped and I haven't even started. There's already over a hundred cases waiting for me to assist with! This will be my third job in three years, but I'm hopeful that this one will be for the longhaul. 2 weeks couldn't be further away!

Paul Ryan + Twilight: I Need A Hobby

I spent the past hour doing this:

 

And now I can't stop giggling hysterically.

Romance With Children

Today is the anniversary of our first date. 7 years ago, my husband invited me to join him and his group of friends to Bumpershoot, Seattle's outdoor music festival. In an awkward turn of events, only one of his friends came. So there we were, my future husband and I and our first date...with his friend. Once we got to the festival, that friend had the kindness to ditch us for the beer garden where he presumably had a few and then walked 3 miles back to the ferry, alone.

My husband and I chatted that whole day. We shared a spoon over a bowl of ice cream. I later discovered that he had kept that spoon for months after our date. As evening fell upon us, he FINALLY held my hand (I'd only been waiting all day!) during the last songs of the last show. We parted ways at Coleman Dock, where he boarded the ferry to Bremerton and I, the one to Bainbridge Island. Separated by the glass windows of our respective boats and a few feet of chilly Puget Sound water, we waved our final goodnights, each of us grinning from ear to ear.

Our second date involved putt-putt golf and me betting him lapdances that he couldn't finish all the leftovers from our pizza dinner (he never did cash in on those lapdances). That date ended at 11 p.m. in the mall parking lot with our first kiss. A kiss which was broken up by a very intimidating mall cop.

I absolutely love our very first memories together. I can't believe how young and energetic and spontaneous and carefree we were. Fast forward to today, the anniversary of our first date. This is how we spent the evening:

I left the house to finish some last minute grocery shopping with Ryan while my husband was doing chores at home with Jacob. I was about to check out at the store when I got a frantic text from my husband asking if we had chicken noodle soup. I responded that we did not and then I headed straight for the soup aisle to pick some up.

When I got home and walked in the door, I was greeted by Jacob sitting on the couch screaming his face off. What's wrong? If nothing is wrong then why are you screaming? Tell me what's wrong or you can cry in your room. I plopped Jacob in his room where he proceeded to scream even louder, if that's even possible.

I looked to my husband who explained that Jacob was crying because he wanted chicken noodle soup. Good thing I had just bought some. I got out a bowl, poured the soup in, and nuked it. At this point, Ryan had had enough of being ignored. He was getting fussy. I rationally explained to him that I could pick him up as soon as Jacob's soup was done. He was less rational and joined in the screaming.

Ryan began to wail as loudly as an atom bomb siren as he pumped his arms dramatically into the air.  His face turned red. His eyes all but disappeared behind his red, tear-streaked, puffy cheeks. I guiltily ignored his cries as I pulled the soup out of the microwave, set it on the table and rushed to Jacob's room to console him. This required as much delicacy as talking a grizzly bear out of ripping out your eyeballs.

"Jacob, hey sweet guy. Please stop crying. Guess what? I made you some soup! It's your favorite! If you stop crying you can come out of your room and eat dinner."

WAAAAAAAAH! Ryan was still competing for my attention in the other room.

"Ok," Jacob said, sounding less than enthused.

I led Jacob out to the table and plopped him in the chair in front of his bowl of warm soup. He took a precarious peek into the bowl. Then he threw his spoon across the room and cried, "I DON'T WANT IT!"

"But Jacob, it's chicken noodle soup. Daddy said that's what you wanted."

"No! I wanted soup with TINY noodles. These noodles are too big!" With that the screaming hysterics began again and I made him have a time out on the couch. I picked Ryan up and fed him a bottle on the couch next to Jacob. Jacob stuck his foot across the cushion and slapped it on Ryan's stomach. Did you know it's possible to get time-out when you're already serving a time-out sentence? I'm doomed. He's a repeat offender. 

This time, Jacob served the remainder of his time-out in his room. The sound of Jacob throwing his arms and legs against his bed began to accompany his screaming. A couple minutes later, we let Jacob out of his room on a conditioned parole. Thus began the Battle of Dinner.

Usually for dinner, Jacob has no choice but to eat the same thing that we eat. After multiple time-out threats, this usually works out just fine. But tonight I hadn't made dinner. Dinner was pretty much a free-for-all. But, since his noodles weren't TINY noodles, Jacob wouldn't touch his soup with a ten foot pole. After much negotiation, we settled on a compromise. Thus was born the Treaty of Grilled Chicken And Peanut Butter Pancakes.

FINALLY, both Jacob and Ryan were fed. I anticipated at least a couple minutes of peace before bedtime. Unfortunately, as usual, they had other plans:

Jacob looked up from his Legos and asked, "Mommy, can I have more juice?"

"No, you can have milk or water."

This wasn't going to fly with Jacob. He scrunched up his face and screamed, "NOOOO!!! I WANT JUICE. WAAAAAH"

Not to be out-cried, Ryan joined in, "WAAAAAAAAAAH NO ONE IS HOLDING ME. EVERYONE IS SCREAMING. I CAN SCREAM THE LOUDEST. WAAAAAH."

And me? I curled up in a ball on the couch, "WAAAH. HOW YOUNG DO THEY START BOARDING SCHOOL?!! CAN I HAVE WINE FOR DINNER!!"

At that moment, my husband walked into the house and saved me. Then we finished up our night all gathered in the living room watching Jeopardy.

And THAT sums up our very romantic first date anniversary evening.

P.S. Do verbal lap dance vouchers ever expire?

Point No Point

I love lazy Sunday mornings. They usually start at approximately 6:30am with a baby talking in my ear and little legs kicking me in the side. Aside from the 15 pounds of cuteness laying next to me, the first thing I notice is the chilly air of a new day blowing into our bedroom window. It creeps into the room and, with the light touch of a daddy long legs spider, lands gently on exposed skin. Sunlight spills from the sliver of window peeking out from underneath the curtain, and slowly floods the room.

There's so much promise in those first few scenes of a new day. So much possibility.

Then your baby poops himself. Warm, green liquid puddles onto your bed. And your shirt. Good morning to you too.

After a lazy morning of lounging in our PJs, we decided to make the most of the day by taking a family trip to a nearby lighthouse.

"Jacob, are you ready to go?"
"Yeah!"
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
"No mommy. I packed my Spiderman backpack"

"What about pants?

"Oh yeah!"

The lighthouse, Point No Point, turned out to be as impressive as its name suggested. There wasn't even a tall stairtower to climb!

So we went hiking instead.

And played on the beach.

Then, since today is Jacob's actual birthday, we had celebratory popsicles from the gift shop. Ryan is particularly fond of creamsicles.

We finished our day with a trip to the mall where I got my eyebrows threaded and convinced my husband to do the same! As I sat in the threading chair, two ladies came up and watched. I heard one say to the other, "See, I want to do that to you. I learned how to thread eyebrows while I was in prison." At least the inmates in our county are learning skills?

We came home and ate a dinner of leftover birthday burgers. Jacob had his first rootbeer float. And the kids had a bath.

Now, I'm holding a sleeping baby and watching the big boys play with Legos. (Thanks Uncle Dain & Aunt Jessica!) I love when our whole family is gathered together in one room. All too soon these boys will be out and about with friends. They won't want to be with their mommy all day. I gotta soak up these moments while I can.

4 Years Old: A Spiderman Birthday

My baby is 4!! Tomorrow is the officialy day, but we celebrated today. Today was so wonderful. After 4 years of putting on birthday parties, we finally got a system down. The planning and preparation were nearly seemless. Especially compared to the last 3 years where everything just seemed hectic and very last minute.

The key, it turns out, is to buy party supplies (except food) and plan out all the games the week before the party. Then you have a full week in case you forget something or need a little extra time. Except for spending the last three nights in a row making my own paper mache pinata, everything was pretty stress free! It also helps when you decide not to cook and just buy everything from the store.

This was the first year Jacob was really old enough to enjoy party games. So I went a little crazy. But it was a good crazy.

First we silly-stringed bad guys.

Then we had a spiderweb obstacle course-complete with a finish line ribbon.

I wasn't sure how this one would turn out but it was a HUGE hit! The kids loved climbing through the "webs" (white yarn).

Then a spider bean bag toss.

After cake, we had a surprise guest! This was the highlight of the party. The other day I asked Jacob if we should invite Spiderman to his party. He told me, in a disappointed voice, that Spiderman was not real. Well...the LOOK on his face when he opened the door! He was ecstatic! A big shout out to my little brother who made a GREAT Spiderman! I was so worried Jacob would recognize him, but it went so perfectly!

 

Then we did the pinata. It was a little sad to see three hard days full of work unravel in two short minutes. Next year I may need to add a couple more layers of newspaper....

The party started at 11:30am, which was perfect because when guests left around 2, we still had the afternoon to hang out and relax.

Today was so wonderful! We have been blessed with such great friends and family. On a typical day, it's easy for me to look around our house and count all the things we don't have.  But, standing in the middle of the large group that had gathered in our tiny (950 square foot) house, all I could think about was all the things we do have. And those are the things that matter.

It's so touching to see your "village" come together and celebrate the life of your child.

Cut, Cookies, Cape

Oh man, I think there are some interesting things happening! I wish I could share them now but it's not quite the right time. Expect something mid-next week. :)

In the meantime...

I got a haircut!

I was inspired to cut my hair shorter and add side bangs. My inspiration was Mackenzie Mchale from the Newsroom. I like the show a lot despite it's heavy liberal slant- don't even get me started on their pronouncements that the Tea Party is the Taliban, hates poor people, and is anti-women.

But Makenzie! I love her. I love her style. I love her cute-but-not-glamorous-nerdy-girl hair. Out of all the women heroines on TV today, I can relate to Makenzie the most. Intelligent but quirky and sometimes verbally inept. Oh, and her wardrobe is flawless. Pencil skirts and tucked-in flowy blouses. Love!

I made a baywindow seat.

Like how my son arranged his cars?

I bought some 3inch foam and some fabric and created this without a pattern or plan. I just made it up as I went. I even added a velcro closure so that it's removable. It was SO much work and maybe not even worth the 5 hours I spent. But I couldn't find a pre-made cushion with the right shape or dimensions. It turned out ok despite my amateur skills. It does the job. I'm happy.

Ryan ate a baby cookie.

Get in my mouth!

 This isn't working!

 

Oh, that's better!

He's a pro at sitting now! I can't believe just two weeks ago he wasn't sitting at all. It's like he's been doing it all his life :) He never really got into the whole rolling over thing but he's definitely ahead of the curve when it comes to sitting!

My kids were cute.

And I saw a man wearing a cape.

 

The End.

P.S. Yes, I AM aware of the suckiness of my camera phone.