May 22, 2011 - Tales From the Potty

"Mommy, potty."  We make a mad dash to the bathroom and I scramble to put the Toy Story doughnut on the toilet. Daniel Robert begins to pull down theSuperman underwear, and I help him onto the toilet.  He proudly pees and says, "Mamma, pee pee!"  An eruption of high 5's and words of praise fill the bathroom.  Anthony, not wanting to miss out on the action, had run in and sat on the Elmo potty (aka "the little potty") He couldn't pee and began to self-talk.  "Pee pee come out!"  I held in my laughter, but his brother couldn't and started laughing while perched up on his "throne."  Anthony soon after peed and again the high 5's and praise followed.  Now that the potty training seems to be in full swing, we've started a potty chart.  Everytime they go in the potty, they place a sticker on their chart.  Hopefully between the praise and stickers this adventure will be a smooth one. 

May 21, 2011 - Three Times a Charm!

Today's swim lesson was a far cry from the last two. There were no more screams for help or pleas to be taken out. Sandy and another gal was there to make sure their swim experience was a great one! Today they used the kick board, attempted to float, and jumped into the water. I am so glad I didn't let their first class bias me into believe they weren't ready. Summer sign ups begin on Monday :)

May 16, 2011 - Me Running?

With state testing officially over, an immense pressure seems to have lifted from my shoulders!  I miraculously left from work on time and went home to pick up the guys, change into comfy clothes, and hit the track.  The plan was a leisurely walk but at some point I was overcome with the motivation to run a lap.  In general, unless the room is on fire or I am being chased, running is not something I do.  Maybe it was seeing the ladies' track team warming up.  Maybe it was the recent weight loss.  Whatever it was, it has me thinking.  Maybe walk a lap, run a lap, walk a lap, run a lap and this gal will have 1 mile under her belt.  Little Daniel did some running but didn't seem to enjoy it as much as Anthony. Twin B instantly took to the track.  That kid has some endurance!  Every time he saw someone run past him, he'd take off and try to keep up.  He made many people laugh and got an invitation from the track chicks to run with them :)

May 7, 2011 - Learning to Swim

Mima and Grandpa Gilster sent the boys money for their  birthday.  We decided to spend it on Cars swimwear and swimming lessons at Splash.  Considering the boys "swim" in the tub, I thought they'd love the lessons.  Boy Oh Boy was Mamacita wrong!  The class consisted of only 4 kids. They reluctantly got in the water and within seconds were screaming at the top of their lungs, "Help!,"  "Save me!,"  "Mama out!"  Help was sent to the instructor.  Each took one of the boys and tried their very best to get them to kick and blow bubbles.  I'm sure Stacy and Sandy later had marks on their neck because the boys held on so tight.  My heart broke and tears welled up in my eyes, but I had to keep reminding myself that  knowing how to swim is good for them.  The instructor told me that next week would be better...and it was!  On the way to Splash for session two, they kept saying, "No pool, beach!"  We got there and the tears started flowing.  The manager, Paul, arranged for the boys to each have an instructor.  Again, the screams of last week rang in the ears of all who had the ability to hear.  A ray of hope magically appeared when one of the gals put a car in the water :)  They played with it and in their distraction forgot their fear.  The "carrot" was dangled, and it got them kicking and blowing bubbles!!!!  There is hope.

May 1, 2011 - Looks and Smells Like Summer!

Funny how you have one thing planned and another actually happens! My intention for Sunday was to take the boys to the Festival of Books being held this year on the USC campus. I drove right by the exit and gave in to the bewitching Santa Monica signs. We walked the Promenade, went to the pier, ate some ice cream, rode the ferris wheel, played on the beach, and soaked in the Iraq/Afghanistan tribute.

After eating, bathing, and snuggling into  jammies, the news showed that Osama Bin Laden was no  more.  Can't say I'll shed a tear. Interesting that this happened on the day we visited this tribute.