Zombies and Venoms and Fish, Oh My!

This was not my halloween with the boys. They went to their father's and had Trick-or Treating with Monica and Jones, as John was away. We did talk when they got home, and Monica sent me these wonderful pictures.

everyone's looking forward

the kick-ass Spidey pose

There are a few more, but these are my favorites. They are going to stay with their dad an extra week as he will be away for a while after that. Then, I will get them for 2 weeks...whooo hooo!

He's a Senior Now

My baby is turning 4 tomorrow. MY BABY IS TURNING 4 TOMORROW! How did the time go so very quickly? It seems to me that since having children, the months--even years seem to just fly.

Sidney has been elevated to the "senior room" in daycare. There, he will learn many skills that will aid him a year from now when he starts school. They have a great program called "School Readiness". Having had Seth in the same daycare, I am aware of how much work these ladies put into the program to prepare our children. Sidney is feeling so proud and so big just now. He is in a booster seat instead of his old car seat, he is making some new friends in the class. I remind him, though, that his "junior" friends will move up before long--so don't forget about them.

We are having a kiddie pool/slip 'n slide party in the backyard tomorrow. Sidney put in a special request that I invite Daddy, Monica and Jo-Jo (baby Jones) to the party. Consequently, I have been just a little on edge this week--as Big Brother 8 contestant Joe would say..."AWKWARD!!!". I realize it's a bit silly, but I have never actually had them in my home before. It's all good because it's my turf and it makes it infinitely easier when I have my own support system. No longer me and them, but us and them...more balance, see?

I am so excited for the children to arrive. I am picking up Midge and her daughter when I go to get the cake in the morning so she can help me decorate and stuff. I will post some pictures on Sunday.

The Brothers Proud

Here they are in all their big brother glory!

The Stroller

So, anyone that has been through a marriage/relationship break-up has an understanding of how petty things can get sometimes. When Sidney was born, my parents bought me a new stroller for him. I had said no when they first asked if I wanted one, since I already had the first one they gave when Seth was a baby, but then I saw one that I really loved and they bought it. It has 3 huge wheels, allowing for large strides and brisk pace. When I moved all of my things I just couldn't fit everything in right away, so I left some things (including the stroller) with John temporarily. Anyhow, I asked to have the stroller back on several occasions and he would say, "oh yeah, I forgot" or whatever. He had no intentions of giving it back. I don't say this to be mean, it's just what happened at the time. We fought back and forth, and I finally got it back about 1 year later.

I got my "tubes tied" when I had Sidney, so I am not having more babies myself. It is with mixed feelings--some frustration as well as some happiness--that I am giving the stroller back to John to use for Jones. I could sell it to someone else out of spite, but that is not who I am. After the baby was born I said to Blake that I was giving the stroller back, and he said "so he gets it in the end anyhow!" to which I replied with a nasty grumble that I will not repeat as it included bad language. I can't say there isn't a little bitter part of me that just doesn't want to give it up, but as usual, my kind thoughts override and I will give it to them. I can also say in truth that I can do it with a happy heart. Babies are expensive!

She's Having a Baby

Anyone remember the movie "She's Having a Baby"? It starred Kevin Bacon-- when he was quite young actually. Anyhow, during the scene where the wife is in labour, it featured a beautiful song by Kate Bush that is just so poignant to me that I wanted to share it with you. It also reminds me greatly of miss sweet/salty Kate's birthing experience...

This Woman's Work

I just received a call from John. Monica gave birth to a baby boy named Jones (pronounced like Jonas) at 4:25pm today. He was 8lbs 12.2 oz.-- Almost the exact weight as Seth (8lbs 12.5oz) at birth! After 24 hours of labour, the baby was taken by c-section. Mother and child are doing well. The boys got showered and dressed with lightening speed while waiting for their dad to arrive! They are off to meet their brand new brother. Incidentally, I saw pictures and he looks exactly like Sidney did at birth...hmmm ...John's genes came right out there!

Welcome to the world little Jones!

Kidney Stones

I am feeling a lot of sympathy for Monica right now. The poor woman is due to have a baby at the end of May and she had a kidney stone attack yesterday! She called to let me know she was hospitalized because she was going to take the boys for the weekend. I am going to take the boys to see her tonight. They will like that. Their father is away until the middle of May, so they like to make sure she is ok while he is away.

A Brother From Another Mother

So, if you read this and you don't know this already, my ex-husband and his girlfriend are having a baby this May. The boys are very excited! Honestly, I am getting a little excited as well. It is different for me because of our custody arrangement. This child will be a huge part of my boys' lives and I will come to know him/her through them.

I stopped by the Boys and Girls Club (where Seth goes before and after school) and the ladies where telling me a very funny story...

The kids at the club will often refer to one another as their "brother from another mother", and Seth was standing...thinking as he does...and says to the leaders..."Hey! I can say that for real because I am having another brother...but not from my mother!" He is so serious, thoughtful and intelligent. He also has a very good sense of humor.