This is my 300th post! Pretty exciting. Except I don't have too much exciting to say for this one. Just a little update.
The big news is ... Bean Dip starts swim lessons next week. I finally finished the monster packet to register both he and Baby G at Child and Youth Services on post. Man, they want a lot of information, including a physical. So we turned in the paper work and then went straight over to the health clinic for the physical and a check up for BD. He was not happy about going (he kept saying he "hates the health clinic"), but after a Spiderman sticker he was much better. I found out he is behind on his vaccines, but I want to double check my paperwork before he gets them. His records in Italy were all screwed up. G also got weighed and she has not gained much but grew another inch in height. So ... maybe she will be the tall one in the family. And now I am looking at upgrading her car seat.
Alright the kiddos are calling.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Celebrations
We had a great birthday week/weekend. The grands arrived on Thursday afternoon, and they got the full happy dance from BD. They also came bearing piles of gifts from the family, which were opened once Win got home. Then I made the most amazing spaghetti and meatballs (from The Pioneer Woman, she is my new hero) for my dad for Father's Day. It is his favorite meal.
Friday morning we got up early and went blueberry picking in Dothan with the Meetup group. Someone had found an organic blueberry field, and oh my, they were delicious. We quickly picked 6.5 lbs., and probably ate about a pound. It was literally just a field out in the country, next to a rental house, a Port-a-Potty, and an old refrigerator dumped on the side of the road. But the guy was super nice, very talkative, and had bottled water available for everyone. It was very hot, but the blueberries made the sweat worth it.
We toured downtown Dothan afterward, visiting the art museum, eating at a new diner (yummy yummy sweet potato fries), and observing the locals. Lots of the women wear dresses, probably because they are so much cooler. And I explained to my mom what a "donk" was. If you don't know, it's an older car that is fixed up and sitting on 24s. Twenty-fours are 24-inch rims for the tires. And usually the car has a candy paint job, sometimes with a theme (like Spiderman or Shrek).
Anyway, on Saturday we took it easy. We went to Wal-Mart to get BD and G a sandbox. Then we hung out at home, watching the U.S. play in the World Cup and setting up the sandbox and BD's new Slip'n'Slide.
It was a great weekend, but we're always sad to see the grands go (they left on Sunday).
Friday morning we got up early and went blueberry picking in Dothan with the Meetup group. Someone had found an organic blueberry field, and oh my, they were delicious. We quickly picked 6.5 lbs., and probably ate about a pound. It was literally just a field out in the country, next to a rental house, a Port-a-Potty, and an old refrigerator dumped on the side of the road. But the guy was super nice, very talkative, and had bottled water available for everyone. It was very hot, but the blueberries made the sweat worth it.
We toured downtown Dothan afterward, visiting the art museum, eating at a new diner (yummy yummy sweet potato fries), and observing the locals. Lots of the women wear dresses, probably because they are so much cooler. And I explained to my mom what a "donk" was. If you don't know, it's an older car that is fixed up and sitting on 24s. Twenty-fours are 24-inch rims for the tires. And usually the car has a candy paint job, sometimes with a theme (like Spiderman or Shrek).
Anyway, on Saturday we took it easy. We went to Wal-Mart to get BD and G a sandbox. Then we hung out at home, watching the U.S. play in the World Cup and setting up the sandbox and BD's new Slip'n'Slide.
It was a great weekend, but we're always sad to see the grands go (they left on Sunday).
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
3
My little Bean Dip turned three today. I can't believe it. Three seems so old. But he still very much needs his mama, so I think I'll be alright.
We have been having more of a birthday week. Yesterday we had the meetup group over for a playdate. Bean Dip and I made cupcakes. We had seven moms and about 15 kids under age four. Can you say chaotic? They found and took out every single toy. And I never realized how many little toys we have. But I think everyone had fun, and I never thought I'd see so many little kiddos sitting around my table eating cupcakes.
We took it easy today. I made Bean Dip bacon and French toast for breakfast, then we went to the splash park. He fell asleep on the way home and took a long nap. Win came home early, and we had pizza for dinner (BD's request). Then we sang "Happy Birthday", and he blew out his candle on a one of the cupcakes. He then told us to sing it again. Then he opened his presents, played with them all evening, and is now sound asleep. He has been so cute about it. Every time someone says, "Happy Birthday," he responds, "Happy Birthday!"
We had one semi-bad moment today. I was giving G a bath and came out to see that BD had dumped all his toys out (again! He did this a few days ago). All the boxes of toys were dumped into a pile in his doorway. So, since it was the second time he's done this, I made him pick up every single toy himself. It only took about 40 minutes, and he didn't put up too much of a fight. I really hope it teaches him to not do that again.
I'm a little brain dead right now. It has been a long couple days, but lots of fun.
We have been having more of a birthday week. Yesterday we had the meetup group over for a playdate. Bean Dip and I made cupcakes. We had seven moms and about 15 kids under age four. Can you say chaotic? They found and took out every single toy. And I never realized how many little toys we have. But I think everyone had fun, and I never thought I'd see so many little kiddos sitting around my table eating cupcakes.
We took it easy today. I made Bean Dip bacon and French toast for breakfast, then we went to the splash park. He fell asleep on the way home and took a long nap. Win came home early, and we had pizza for dinner (BD's request). Then we sang "Happy Birthday", and he blew out his candle on a one of the cupcakes. He then told us to sing it again. Then he opened his presents, played with them all evening, and is now sound asleep. He has been so cute about it. Every time someone says, "Happy Birthday," he responds, "Happy Birthday!"
We had one semi-bad moment today. I was giving G a bath and came out to see that BD had dumped all his toys out (again! He did this a few days ago). All the boxes of toys were dumped into a pile in his doorway. So, since it was the second time he's done this, I made him pick up every single toy himself. It only took about 40 minutes, and he didn't put up too much of a fight. I really hope it teaches him to not do that again.
I'm a little brain dead right now. It has been a long couple days, but lots of fun.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Ten
Miss Baby G turned 10 months this weekend. She got new shades for the event, since she's always trying to steal mine. Her's are super cute but a little too big. She is still a skinny mini but gaining weight. She is also finally moving around! She does the low crawl and can really move when she wants to. She can do a full push up (not a girl one), but she will not crawl yet. I am trying not to get impatient.
Dad's Day 2010
Using our new toy, a pastry cutter, to make this homemade pie crust.
Win's Father's Day dinner. It was pretty freakin' good, if I say so myself.
Our finished apple pie. I got the recipe here.
It was pretty freakin' amazing, too.
We had a quiet Father's Day. It was the first one we've gotten to celebrate together since we've had kids. Every other time we have been in different countries.
Win had to study most of the day, so BD and I entertained ourselves by making him an apple pie, his favorite. It was completely from scratch, and took most of the afternoon, especially since we had to run to the store to get more eggs. Anyway, it turned out delicious, although a little too sweet for Win's taste. If you look at the recipe, you'll see why. I skipped the chopped pecans and caramel sauce.
I am getting a little obsessed with The Pioneer Woman. Her recipes are amazing and every one I've made has turned out great. Her step-by-step photos make it so easy. Today's recipe is pineapple mango salsa, and I'm totally ready to try it out.
Well, BD is asking to make cupcakes, so I'll finish this. We are hosting the play group tomorrow, and the cupcakes are for that and his birthday. Chocolate with sprinkle frosting.
Friday, June 18, 2010
My Sous Chef
Bean Dip is becoming quite the little chef. He has started helping me with dinner in the evenings. It's much better than watching TV while I cook. What is more fun than using a knife to help Mama?
Chopping up onions and bell pepper. He has been using the toaster oven (unplugged) to "cook" in between chopping. Among the things I've "tasted": pink cake and spider soup.
The onions and peppers went in here, Chicken and Olives from the Pioneer Woman.
This is something I made, a fritatta di zucchini, courtesy of Joy of Cooking. Isn't it pretty?
And here's BD helping me make homemade tortillas, also from the Pioneer Woman. They turned out delicious, and Baby G loved them with the homemade guacamole we made as well.
Next up? I think we might try a homemade pie crust for the apple pie for Win for Father's Day.
Chopping up onions and bell pepper. He has been using the toaster oven (unplugged) to "cook" in between chopping. Among the things I've "tasted": pink cake and spider soup.
The onions and peppers went in here, Chicken and Olives from the Pioneer Woman.
This is something I made, a fritatta di zucchini, courtesy of Joy of Cooking. Isn't it pretty?
And here's BD helping me make homemade tortillas, also from the Pioneer Woman. They turned out delicious, and Baby G loved them with the homemade guacamole we made as well.
Next up? I think we might try a homemade pie crust for the apple pie for Win for Father's Day.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Happy Cows Make Happy Milk
Happy cows.
Watching the udder being filled with milk.
Chocolate milk time.
Yesterday we went with the Meetup group on a tour of a dairy farm. This farm happens to be the first organic dairy in Alabama, and they've just made the switch five weeks ago. So we got to see some very happy cows.
It was pretty interesting, since we went early enough to see the milking process. It is a fairly small operation, with the farmers focusing more on quality than volume. They've also just started bottling their own milk, and are working on getting it into stores in the area. At the end, we all got to try the milk. It tastes different than store milk, I think because it is non-homogenized (meaning the fats still separate, cream rises to the top). Bean Dip didn't care for it, but G did. BD opted for the chocolate milk, which he loved. Funnily enough, this was his first taste of chocolate milk.
Our tour guide told us they are working on getting milk vending machines, where you bring your bottles and fill them with milk. So I told him about Italy's latte crudo machines. He said he didn't think that would fly in Alabama, and said that non-pasteurized milk can only be sold as "pet milk."
If you want to read more about the dairy, here is their website: www.workingcowsdairy.com. The family is Dutch.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Crash and Burn
We have a secret. We've been toilet training Bean Dip. He finally stopped fighting it and has actually been quite good. Basically I've just been putting him in underwear at home and watching him like a hawk.
So. We had a wonderful TWO WHOLE days without an accident. It was amazing, and even included two short outings. I was so excited and starting thinking, wow, maybe he's got it!
And then today, it all came to a screeching halt. We crashed and burned so spectacularly you'd have thought we were the Hindenburg. I don't know what happened, maybe I should have been more vigilant, but he was doing so well.
Anyway, I won't divulge the gruesome details, but let's just say one of the three incidents truly traumatized me. I turned my back for three minutes and chaos ensued. It ended with a double scrub down of Bean Dip, a hose down of the porch, an immediate sanitization of the bathroom, and a shower for me. And I still feel dirty.
And here's the thing, I've probably scarred the kid for life with my negative reinforcing techniques. He hates the bath he gets every time he has a major accident. I had to cut off his collection of pool bracelets. And even though EVERY book about toilet training says not to do it, I yelled.
But I do think he's getting it, and this was just a little setback. He's a smart kid, he's bound to figure it out. And I know he gets a huge kick of flinging his underpants through the air every time he's got to go.
So. We had a wonderful TWO WHOLE days without an accident. It was amazing, and even included two short outings. I was so excited and starting thinking, wow, maybe he's got it!
And then today, it all came to a screeching halt. We crashed and burned so spectacularly you'd have thought we were the Hindenburg. I don't know what happened, maybe I should have been more vigilant, but he was doing so well.
Anyway, I won't divulge the gruesome details, but let's just say one of the three incidents truly traumatized me. I turned my back for three minutes and chaos ensued. It ended with a double scrub down of Bean Dip, a hose down of the porch, an immediate sanitization of the bathroom, and a shower for me. And I still feel dirty.
And here's the thing, I've probably scarred the kid for life with my negative reinforcing techniques. He hates the bath he gets every time he has a major accident. I had to cut off his collection of pool bracelets. And even though EVERY book about toilet training says not to do it, I yelled.
But I do think he's getting it, and this was just a little setback. He's a smart kid, he's bound to figure it out. And I know he gets a huge kick of flinging his underpants through the air every time he's got to go.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Football!
Is anyone else excited for the World Cup? I know my Italy friends are. We were in Italy when they won the last cup. The sky lit up with fireworks all night and everyone partied. I was at a wedding the night Italy played the USA, and an Italian guest kept coming over to us Americans to tell us the score (we lost), despite the language barrier. And then, the night ended with fireworks, because, of course, Italia won.
We watched the heated final against France, which included the famous head butt from Zinedine Zidane (how cool is this name, by the way?) to Marco Materazzi, and ended with the penalty kickoff. An almost local, del Piero, scored the winning goal. I remember going to the commissary and seeing every single Italian cashier wearing a del Piero jersey. I bought Bean Dip one at the Grisignano fair that year, and he will wear it this year.
I just read Michelle's post today, and she reminded me of the Italian cheer, "Ole, ole, ole Italia!"
Other reasons soccer is so cool? It is the one sport I played in high school, so I understand it. Also, soccer players are hot. Have you ever seen David Beckham?
Check out this story about the head butt, I love it.
And if you don't believe me about hot soccer players, check this out.
We watched the heated final against France, which included the famous head butt from Zinedine Zidane (how cool is this name, by the way?) to Marco Materazzi, and ended with the penalty kickoff. An almost local, del Piero, scored the winning goal. I remember going to the commissary and seeing every single Italian cashier wearing a del Piero jersey. I bought Bean Dip one at the Grisignano fair that year, and he will wear it this year.
I just read Michelle's post today, and she reminded me of the Italian cheer, "Ole, ole, ole Italia!"
Other reasons soccer is so cool? It is the one sport I played in high school, so I understand it. Also, soccer players are hot. Have you ever seen David Beckham?
Check out this story about the head butt, I love it.
And if you don't believe me about hot soccer players, check this out.
Nickel Ride
Today is Win's first flight. He and his "stick buddy" (his flying partner from his class) met their IP (Instructor Pilot) yesterday. He likes both of them.
So, in true Army fashion, there is a tradition with the first flight. Weeks ago, Win handed me a nickel and told me not to lose it. It has his birth year on it, and he is supposed to give it to his IP the first time he is handed the "stick," the cyclic, or the joystick of the helicopter. The tradition goes back to after WWII, when pilots coming back from the war made extra money by giving people airplane rides, and they charged a nickel. Then, supposedly, after your flight, the IP returns your nickel, telling you it is the hardest nickel you'll ever earn.
So, for all I know, Win is flying right now, in one of those bright orange and white helicopters we see sometimes. Those are the learning helicopters. I can't wait to hear about it.
So, in true Army fashion, there is a tradition with the first flight. Weeks ago, Win handed me a nickel and told me not to lose it. It has his birth year on it, and he is supposed to give it to his IP the first time he is handed the "stick," the cyclic, or the joystick of the helicopter. The tradition goes back to after WWII, when pilots coming back from the war made extra money by giving people airplane rides, and they charged a nickel. Then, supposedly, after your flight, the IP returns your nickel, telling you it is the hardest nickel you'll ever earn.
So, for all I know, Win is flying right now, in one of those bright orange and white helicopters we see sometimes. Those are the learning helicopters. I can't wait to hear about it.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
An Anniversary
So one year ago today, I climbed onto a plane with an almost-two-year-old, a very large belly, two cumbersome carseats, a stroller, several suitcases, and an awesome sister-in-law. We left Italy, leaving Win behind, to embark on our next adventure. We spent the summer living with my parents and waiting for Win to join us, and then Baby G. Then we spent the fall saying goodbye to Win again, waiting to move, and then moving to Alabama. By now, I think it's almost safe to say we are settled.
So what is in store for this summer? Lots of time at the pool, lots of helicopter flying (for Win), a few visitors a trip to the beach, and a Mamas/kids only trip to the mountains. Also, two birthdays and another anniversary!
So what is in store for this summer? Lots of time at the pool, lots of helicopter flying (for Win), a few visitors a trip to the beach, and a Mamas/kids only trip to the mountains. Also, two birthdays and another anniversary!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
How Does My Garden Grow
I finally got around to starting my garden. Since our dirt is mostly sand and full of tree roots, I am sticking with pots. I just got a few things to start with.
I started a little herb garden, with the must-haves of basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. I use those almost daily. Then I found lavender, which I love, and a citronella plant, to keep the mosquitoes away.
I need Win's help planting this tomato plant. The Easter Bunny brought me the planter.
And Bean Dip got a new watering can.
I started a little herb garden, with the must-haves of basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. I use those almost daily. Then I found lavender, which I love, and a citronella plant, to keep the mosquitoes away.
I need Win's help planting this tomato plant. The Easter Bunny brought me the planter.
And Bean Dip got a new watering can.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Quiet Summer Kick-off
Well, we had a quiet Memorial Day weekend. Quiet because Win had to study, and because the weather was so unpredictable. We had on and off thunderstorms all weekend, and it made it impossible to plan anything.
Saturday, G and I bought some living room furniture. Now we will have some place to sit besides patio chairs. Our one love seat is in our dining room, where we have the TV. (The idea behind that is 1. the living room has no good place for a TV, and 2. this way the TV wouldn't be the focal point of the main room.) The new couch should be here in about two weeks.
We wanted to go swimming on Sunday, but with the weather we didn't even attempt it. So frustrating because in between storms it was perfect swimming weather. Instead, we went to the Aviation Museum to see the helicopters, then stopped by McDonald's for ice cream. (Win would rather go to MickyD's than go inside the PX for Baskin-Robbins!) It wasn't quite a Palladian villa and gelato, but helicopters are always cool.
Monday, we finally went swimming. It took all day and two trips to the pool, but we finally got to swim for about 30 minutes before it started storming again. BD used his kickboard and practiced kicking with Win, and G and I floated around. She absolutely loved it. She kicked and splashed and put her face in the water. She was laughing and yelling and sticking her tongue out.
The weather is still the same today so BD and I are watching Up while G naps. I love all the classical music in it.
Saturday, G and I bought some living room furniture. Now we will have some place to sit besides patio chairs. Our one love seat is in our dining room, where we have the TV. (The idea behind that is 1. the living room has no good place for a TV, and 2. this way the TV wouldn't be the focal point of the main room.) The new couch should be here in about two weeks.
We wanted to go swimming on Sunday, but with the weather we didn't even attempt it. So frustrating because in between storms it was perfect swimming weather. Instead, we went to the Aviation Museum to see the helicopters, then stopped by McDonald's for ice cream. (Win would rather go to MickyD's than go inside the PX for Baskin-Robbins!) It wasn't quite a Palladian villa and gelato, but helicopters are always cool.
Monday, we finally went swimming. It took all day and two trips to the pool, but we finally got to swim for about 30 minutes before it started storming again. BD used his kickboard and practiced kicking with Win, and G and I floated around. She absolutely loved it. She kicked and splashed and put her face in the water. She was laughing and yelling and sticking her tongue out.
The weather is still the same today so BD and I are watching Up while G naps. I love all the classical music in it.
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