"Wouldn't you love to love her?"

Thunder, the Rocket Booster Base.

I have to explain these space shuttle pictures - there is nothing Buck loves more in the world right now than the Space Shuttle. We watch launch after launch on the internet (You Tube); he asks constant space questions...mostly just "where does the space shuttle go?" and "who drives it?" and "can we take a space shuttle sometime?" We have our own budding astronaut 24/7.

So, where does one go when they want to train their child to talk nicely, go to sleep without complaining and not throw tantrums for random disappointment? Well, to the nearest hobby shop, of course.

See, Buck and RKZ get their hair cut by "Nick the Barber" (not a nickname - not kidding). This is the only person who can use clippers on Buck. Buck says that Nick has magic clippers that only tickle and don't hurt. Nick is funny. He loves Buck. Nick's shop is right next to the Hobby Shop and after his first cut, RKZ took Buck in to look around at the models. Buck immediately zeroed in on the Space Shuttle - $40.00.

For weeks (maybe a month) afterward, Buck could talk of NOTHING else than this Space Shuttle. My own personal favorite? "But I don't HAVE a Space Shuttle." We soon (well, a month later, we're slow) realized that this vehicle would be the perfect motivator for Buck. Mommy, teacher that I am, created a chart with the "rules" and a final destination of "the Space Shuttle." The rules were a list of the 3 things I wrote above. For a few weeks, this gave RKZ and I all of the power. One, "That doesn't sound like tone that will get a sticker on your space shuttle chart" and we were in. Eventually, all we had to say was, "That isn't Space Shuttle behavior" and Buck would straighten right up.

Obviously, Buck earned the Space Shuttle. It came with it's own holder (I'm sure that there is an official name for it and can't believe I don't know it) like an actual official base, 3 astronauts and an American flag (ironic, in Canada). The best part? The rocket boosters actually disconnect from the shuttle. There is nothing like watching a three year old "disconnect" the rocket boosters and fling them into "space" (or at his baby brother on accident). The above pictures are actually from Buck "sharing" his boosters with his brother - but they could have easily been after a release of the boosters.

I've already told Buck that he might not want to bring the space shuttle to California, but I'm not sure that will fly (pun intended). 5 DAYS.

"Your Mommy's alright, your daddy's alright, they just seem a little weird"

Sunday night...the blissful sounds of RKZ reading to Buck in bed and Thunder beginning the sound of crying before I have to run up and stick a pacifier in his mouth...I remember when I used to dread this day because I'd be heading back to work - now, my work follows me (but I enjoy it a lot more).

We had a great weekend. Barely remember yesterday, actually, but it seems like it was fun.
Today was the NCAA tourney and playing Rescue Heroes all afternoon (with some grocery shopping also).
I'd better run - Thunder is now really crying.
No Blog for the wicked!

"When Irish Eyes are smilin'

St. Patrick's Day 2009Buck and the CSG work on a puzzle during our March 16th celebration of the day.

A series of "brother" shots. You'll notice that Thunder is particularly enthusiastic.


A big day today as it's Thunder's birthmom's birthday, so we were waiting to see if she was coming down to spend the weekend with us. Not to be, but we did set up another date for her to visit, so that should be really fun!

Spent the night awake (both RKZ and I) and the day cleaning, which has been entirely therapeutic. We're all still in our jammies (it's 2:51 pm). I feel no shame about that. We're about to leave to pick up the sitter and I'm going to do hot yoga with a friend. My house is clean (miracle); the laundry is done (miracle #2) and I will actually excersize today. I might just sleep during the yoga as you're allowed to do this - don't put it past me ;) !

8 days to California!

"Born to be a live"

Thunder is 12 weeks old today! Come on NIGHT SLEEP (oxymoron, I know). Our good friends bought this cute T-shirt for Buck that says, "Big Brother." He wouldn't stop moving long enough for me to take a picture of it.

Thunder is amazing on the play mat (a gift from K & G). He is already grabbing the rings (got one caught on his arm) and somehow moved from one side of the mat to the other while I was making dinner. He can't roll, but he's scoochin' like a mad man. He'll be running with Buck in absolutely NO TIME (mercy).
Buck playing "Hide and seek"
Looking for the ring.


After the sickness comes the "up-all-night-because-I-just-want-to-be-held" phase of illness. RKZ was awesome and deserves a lot of credit as Thunder was up at 11, midnight, 2 am, 3:15 (again at 3:30) didn't go down until 5 am and then was up at 6:15. When I reached the hallucination stage around 3:30, RKZ took over. I was back on at 6:15. At 8, RKZ took Buck to school.

Thunder's now hanging out in the swing with a pacifier (soother, paci, nuk, plug) in his mouth. But he's moving like crazy and looking around for more stimulation. Good luck finding that here with "I'm almost 40 and you're lucky I didn't lose it last night" mommy. Back to the sleep training for us tonight, I guess! It's better than what we've got now.

9 days to California (and in case you're wondering, no, I can't count).

"Scandalous"

I read this on a blog I read normally.

If you’re angry about the AIG scandal or Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, check out what’s happening to the infertile couples and surrogate mothers involved in a California womb brokerage. It’s a familiar tale of vanishing funds and defaulted obligations. But this time, the potential loss is bigger than property. It’s pregnancy.
Whose pregnancies are at stake? That’s a tricky question. Through in vitro fertilization, a fetus can have two mothers: a genetic one and a gestational one. Last week, for example, we looked at a Japanese case in which a doctor mistakenly put one woman’s embryo in another woman’s uterus. Weeks later, the second woman was told of the error and aborted the pregnancy. The first woman wasn’t told about anything for two and a half months.
That’s what can happen when you separate pregnancy into two stages. One woman can abort another’s offspring. . .

Doesn't that seem INSANE? I have a link to the report of the Japanese case - the biological parents of the baby weren't even TOLD about the mistake!! A world gone insane, I tell ya.

"it had to be you"

Today is Thunder's birth-aunt's 8th birthday (or 9th, I'll confirm later). We sent pictures to H's family with a little sign that said, "Happy Birthday!" I fell in love with his face. Thunder (after his illness) is just SO HAPPY these days. My heart is enraptured with Thunder. He is so freekin' cute. You have to love him.

"I say it's LOVE!!"

Buck likes to play "superman" on the big-boy swing at the park. We had a 60 degree day the other day (it snowed 10 inches right after) so we enjoyed the "heat."




Thunder didn't really enjoy his first walk. But i love that hat!
Buck and Thunder in our new "sit & stand" stroller. It's awesome.
Buck's at school for the morning. We had a big weekend regarding schools and we've decided to put Buck into a different pre-school next year. Turns out that I don't really care if he's in an "honor's college prep" school at 3 and 4 years old. It stresses me out. Case in point? Buck has a reading log that we have to fill out each time he "reads." Anyone who has spent 10 minutes with Buck knows that he is constantly reading (signs, fisherprice, cartoon titles, sides of buses). I am supposed to write all of this down. It helped when my mom was here because she filled in the blanks for me (she's such a good teacher). RKZ adamantly refuses to do it. He thinks it's stupid.
Well, we've already gone through 1 and 1/2 reading logs and it really doesn't mean anything. Not really. But Buck's teacher (whom I really like and respect) says that it "prepares him for how tough next year is." TOUGH? HE'S THREE! After this last parent teacher interview, we've decided to put Buck into a "play-centered" preschool. Where they sing songs and have 30 minutes of PE (gym time) every day no matter what. I would honestly keep Buck home (because I enjoy him more and more) but I need those 3 hours M, W and F so that I can take Thunder to music and Gymboree :) Nothing like overscheduling a 6 month old!

12 DAYS 'TILL CALIFORNIA!!

"You can do magic"

Letting boys have a little of their own control over a situation....

Buck's new thing is to say that he's "Magical" all of the time. He likes to think he can fly and it cracks us up pretty much everyday. He helped RKZ make banana pancakes for breakfast yesterday, so I had to include these pics.

Grandma J is fine for now. Just 91, I guess, but she's recovering nicely at home and the immediate worry is over. Thunder, of course, has the worst cold and coughed and breathed up mucus all night and this morning. [Buck: what's 'mucus'? Me: Boogers. Buck: 'cool'.]

The biggest sadness is that it snowed something like (not exaggerating) 7 INCHES last night. I should take a picture of that. We leave for California in exactly 13 days. Oh, to be able to fall asleep and wake up on April 4th. At least we have March Madness to keep us going. RKZ has a talent for finding games for he and Buck to play while he watches the games over his son's head. Priceless.

"Give a little bit - give a little bit of my love to you"

The "sleeping training" really worked well with Carter seemingly back into his old "up at 1:30 and then not again until 5." Not too much crying last night (just when I posted).

Sad day for our basketball family with Coach K1's loss to Portland State last night. We hope to see his family in California over Easter, but we're mourning the loss of his women's team today.

Swimming lessons today and then I have to drop off all of the shoes I've collected to send to an orphanage in Zimbabwe (looks fake - but not - they're taking over my car like some fetishized homeless shoe person). So excited for the weekend. Thunder is smiling right now. I'm going to go enjoy it.

"We run all night"

Trying a "graduated extinction" method to get Thunder to sleep on his own. It's "check and console" where we go in to his room at specific time intervals while he cries. He just finished interval 8 (34 minutes) and I think he's down. Can't believe Buck and RKZ can sleep through it (but I'm glad).

Grandma J had a stroke yesterday (she's been having a number of small strokes lately). Spent the day in the hospital with mom and various family members. We are all praying and it seemed a bit serious this time.

Happy BIRTHDAY to Uncle D! We love you and hope to see you soon.

I'm off to get some rest.

"Now I'm a believer!"

THE BROHAMS.
The cutest pic of Thunder so far. He is very smiley now (when he's not sick)
Buck looking at the camera.
the boys checking each other out. brohams.
What?! No post on St. Patrick's day? Was it because we were livin it up so much that we couldn't take the time? Hell YEAH! (If you count school, the mall and Thunder coming down with a fever as living it up) Also, Daddy had a business meeting with the least Irish people on the planet last night. It was a good meeting, I guess.

We celebrated with a corned beef and cabbage/potato meal with Canadian Safari Guide (CSG) on Monday night (the 16th) - we wore green yesterday and basically hung out as usual. The fever means that Thunder has not slept more than 3 hours at a stretch for 3 nights now. I am totally exhausted and RKZ (who takes the early morning shift) is also VERY tired.

I find when I'm really tired, I can't think and I get very "second-guessy" about everything I say and do. It's been a bit of a stressful day as the exhaustion gets to me. We had a play date this afternoon and Buck's toe was smashed in a door (it pulled back his entire big toe nail and resulted in screaming fits - can't say I blame him). Not much play after that. Still, it was nice to see my friends and have lunch made by someone else :)

Best news of the week? We've rented a place in Sunset Beach for Spring break. 18 days to lose a little weight (and hopefully get a little sleep). Also, Thunder is 13 pounds now!! He's turning into a giant! Yeah!!

"Hopelessly devoted to you"

Daddy carrying Thunder around in his "euro dad" get up.
Buck is fascinated with Thunder's play mat (THANK YOU, KATHY AND GARY!) Thunder had his first big day on it as he laid and reached for things for 20 minutes today!


Big news over the weekend that my youngest brother, Coach K2, has gotten engaged to his girlfriend! I don't have a nickname for her yet (as we haven't met her), but I'm thinking of "tiny Dancer." He asked her to marry him in typical Kelly style - in front of the grotto at University of Portland - complete with sister-in-law, Hoonka, hiding in the bushes in order to take pictures. You'll see them when I get them!!

We had a lovely family weekend. Sunday (yesterday) was really great as we actually went to the mall as a family after Mass! Buck seems to love the Mall now since he can look through the upper level railing and say, "we're so high." Also, there's a merry go round in our nearest mall (a big hit). Still, Buck will only ride on the "wagon" seats of a merry go round. No crazy horses for him!

Thunder slept - most of the day - hence the reason I'm blogging at 3am on a Monday morning. I'm sure it will be a joy tomorrow with both of us being up most of the night. At least I can answer some email while he hangs out in the swing.

"I got chills - they're multiplyin' "

Double shots of mommy and the boys.
Buck and Clemmie in the pouch of a statue Kangaroo at the zoo.
Ma Joad, Buck and Thunder in happier times :)

Yesterday was Gm J's 91st birthday! I can't believe it! We've had a lot of friends lose parents lately, and I feel really blessed to still have my GRANDMA with us. We are trying like heck to go and see her soon, so that she can meet our little Thunder. HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA! We love and miss you!!!

Yesterday, after school, Buck and I were watching TV (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) and he looked over at me and said, "Mom, I don't feel well." A polite little guy. I took his temp - 100F. This high temp in itself wouldn't have me say he's sick. Our house is hot because it's so cold outside (and for Thunder) and Buck is fairly active and can run his temp up quickly. But, he suddenly didn't want to eat and then he fell asleep on our lazyboy chair (which he never does).

Suddenly, our house was plunged into "sick mode." I made Buck drink some juice (which he didn't want) and pulled out Grandma Duchesses soft green blanket from Christmas along with a pillow. Buck started his (now marathon) Television watching. Even Buck got bored.

But, as we were putting him to bed last night, Buck puked all over his bed. It's official - he's got the flu probably. We're lying around today to see how this affects the rest of the week. He's become a little dictator-tot on his throne of a couch (I am the officially lady-in-tv-waiting). And Thunder is crying in his swing.

Better go!

"My Life - would suck - without you"

The title really is a new Kelly Clarkson song. It's so fitting, since Mom (Grandma Joad) went home today. We were all a bunch of psychos (Buck, Ma Joad and I) crying at the customs gate (the farthest we could go). Buck kept saying, "Let's go on the airplane too!" He was so mad we weren't going.

Also, RKZ doesn't fly in until 9 pm tonight, so I just had the glorious experience of putting both boys down at the same time (their schedules, not mine exactly). Good thing: it's 7 pm. Bad thing? Thunder basically had to cry himself to sleep as I was reading with Buck and there was nothing else to do. I felt awfully, although he probably cried for about 10 minutes tops. He's 10 weeks, so it's close to when we could actually let him cry it out without guilt, but it's still tough on a mom.

So, to sum up: my life would suck without my mom, my amazing husband and my two boys (not necessarily in that order - it changes day to day). Good times, this mom thing.

Off to make popcorn and pray that Thunder sleeps until 9 pm!!!

"It happens"

It's 2:00 am and Thunder is in the middle of a "crying/awake" spell, so I'm blogging. The sleep was going pretty well for awhile, but if Thunder sleeps in the afternoon, he's as bad as buck with staying awake all night. Last night, Thunder was up from 1 - about 3:30. I have him in the swing and he's protest crying for sure.

I'm not sure if I posted the smiling pictures. Thunder has started smiling and recongnizes us a bit more. He was looking around for me during Buck's swimming lesson today. It's exciting to have Thunder know us.

Ma Joad is going home on Tuesday - it's 3 nights and it will be tough to have her go, but I know that Gma J and Pa Joad will be happy to have her back. I'm sure she'll enjoy getting her life back also. She's been spending 3 weeks playing "rescue Ranger" and "zoo and circus." Not totally normal activities for a woman in her ... um , late 40's :)

"Some Kind of Wonderful"

Ma Joad looking good - some kind of wonderful help, that's for sure.
Some of you don't know that in Canada they celebrate "Pancake Day" on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (Shrove Tuesday). Here, Buck's teacher presides over the Pre-K 3 Shrove Tuesday pancake snack. Ma Joad was in the classroom helping to cook the pancakes (she was a pro). The other mom who signed up to help was so happy mom was there (because that mom had NO IDEA how to make pancakes). It's a very funny story to hear mom tell it!
Buck celebrating our gift from the Roys, the family we miss more than any other. See how much he likes even just the box?
It's a great day here - I'm finally a bit over my flu - I guess it lasts around 10 days, but if I don't pay attention to it, I feel less sick :) RKZ says I should just "push on through" and it does make it so much easier with Grandma Joad here to help with one boy or the other.

We're definitely starting to get into the swing of 2 boys. It's A LOT of work, but I can't complain seeing how I begged for this for so long. RKZ is positively the best with helping and being a good dad. It makes it much easier to have a wonderful husband, that's for sure. How do single moms do it? You are my heroes and enough good can't be said about you.

It was a school day today, so Mom and I headed to daily Mass where a few friends who haven't seen me in a while made a big fuss over "not knowing I was pregnant." That seriously makes me laugh - could they have missed an entire pregnancy? One friend is just back from poland, so I guess she has an excuse; but the other friends saw me less than a month ago! I wanted to just say, "yes, I carry babies so well" but I decided to tell the truth :) It's still such a fun shocking story how Thunder came to us.

It's rainy and snowy here today. I can literally FEEL the vitamin D seeping out of my skin. We are in serious workings to get Thunder a passport in order to get to warmer climate -- ASAP!!

"For the least of my people..."

Daddy living out LOUD.
Rocket Man
Thunder 1
Thunder 2 (so close, you could kiss him)

I've had the flu (like, "dead-in-bed-with-the") for the past 3 days and poor RKZ and Grandma Joad have been holding down the fort. It's given me no time to reflect on Lent (not that I feel like that is the only thing I should have been doing) but I read an interesting thing today and it made me sigh a bit:

The priest said, "Do you know Jesus is speaking to you? Every day your parents feed the hungry, diaper the naked, stay up with the sick, visit little ones imprisoned in their cribs or adolescents imprisoned in the confines of their hormones. Others here feed and dress and nurse and visit elder loved ones with broken hips or broken minds. What you do is HOLY. Whatever you do for them, you do for the One who lives in them."

This makes me happy today.