I'm A Mother To A 3 Year Old Now....

I am still in shock that my baby boy is 3 whole years old...perhaps one of the several reasons why I've been avoiding posting party pictures on the blog. If I can just deny it a little bit longer...ok, who am I kidding?...he's a big boy now, I'm 3 years older and I just need to get over it. This is where you start to fudge the truth a bit when people ask...how old is he? And undoubtably it is during a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store...do you dare admit your boy is 3 when he is clearly acting like a two year old? Or do you say.."oh, he "just" turned 3"..as if to explain the reason for his behavior is due to his lack of experience as a new 3 year old. Actually, I was so excited for this birthday because Dayton has been talking about it for weeks and for the first time he was showing "anticipation". As I'm typing this, he is standing beside me singing "The itsy bitsy spider" while playing his new Ukelele. Every time we would ask him what he wanted for his birthday he would say "a party hat" or "a dog" or "a cow"....so he hasn't quite figured out to ask for "toys", but that is probably a good thing...he does know that "boxes" arriving via the mailman are typically "surprises" for him, so every day leading up to his Birthday he had been asking if there is a box for him. The morning of his Birthday, he crawled into bed with us (before the sun was up of course) and when I said Happy Birthday to him, he said "no, its not my birthday yet mama." Oh...I didn't realize. Then he asked where his boxes were hiding...and if he could eat some cake. I smiled. We spent the day at the Honolulu Zoo (which is nothing to speak of compared to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans so you won't be "wowed" by my pictures) and on the way home Dayton said he was tired and wanted to nap. C'mon...nap? It's your birthday....mommy wants to eat cake and open presents. *sigh* Okay, nap first and then presents and cake. Here was our day....
We started our day with a yummy Cinnabon roll. No doubt this was Mommy's idea.

A picture of Dayton with Daddy at the zoo. The best seat in the house of course!

Mommy and Dayton at the zoo. It is fire prevention month so they were allowing kids to climb into the fire trucks and of course Dayton was not the least bit interested. He just wanted to know where the giraffeses (he is pluralizing everything these days) were.

The Rhino resting his mouth on the ground (is his horn really that heavy?). The giraffeses that Dayton kept going on about from the time we walked though the gates. Note to readers...graphic material...some giraffeses getting "frisky" in the background.

Then, on to the monkey section..who knew there were so many varieties. Is that Dayton hanging from the bar? For some reason they started screaming monkey talk when we came by...maybe they recognized the kids as some of their lost babies? We told Dayton they were singing Happy Birthday to him.

Some turtles...we did see some GIANT ones but they were all dirty and gross. Note to readers...more graphic footage..beware of turtles getting frisky in the background.

The elephants...of course they were quite stinky too, but Dayton was excited to see them. He kept saying "insert elephant sound here".

Dayton patiently waiting to open his "boxes".

Dayton guarding his boxes from Saige...who kept trying to peel wrapping paper off.

Dayton opening his new Ukelele and then tossing it aside.

Saige opened and played with the Ukelele.

A cool flashlight for Halloween night.

Some cool Halloween washcloths. Dayton demonstrating what they are used for. Tula inspecting.

Saige excited to see a book for her! She kept saying "book...book"

Dayton says "a cool tiger shirt"...and then tosses it aside...later saying that it was his favorite thing in the box. I'm still trying to figure out if it is for Dayton or Saige.

Dayton wearing his cool Tiger shirt and saying "take it off, the tag hurts".

Or is it a nightgown for Saige? She liked it too.

Nothing like a box of goodies from Ya-Ya...intentionally packed with peanuts I'm sure.

Thomas the Choo-Choo Train - repeated about 20x...he was SOOOOOO excited. The moment I was waiting for... Dayton has been requesting to go to this toy store that has a huge Thomas set up for ages, so occasionally we go and he plays for a little bit. Sometimes when I ask him what he wants to do that day, he asks to go there. So after much deliberation, we decided to get him a little set and I was so excited to see his reaction. For once we actually caught something on video.

The only Thomas picture I could get because he wouldn't stop moving around. He played with it for a LONG time. Long enough to go through one set of batteries!

Then it was cake time! Here is the cake that Dayton and I made. He mixed up food coloring with the icing and iced it himself. Then we added sparkles. He's into sparkles lately. Personally, I think he (we) did a pretty good job. Not quite what I imagined, but yummy just the same.

Three candles, one wish.

Now for the best part...EATING it. Of course wearing his "party hat" and using his "CARS" utensils and plates. Now why is it that he won't use utensils for any other meal, but for his cake and ice cream he did? Anyone have any theories?

That night before bed he said, "my had the best party mama." I smiled.

The next morning, he crawled into bed with me and like every grown up 3 year old, said, "thank you for coming to my party mama."

I laughed. I wouldn't have missed it for the world my baby (yes, you will always be my baby).

Some Funny Stories...

The past couple of days I've been meaning to write down some of the silly things the kids are doing and saying...before I forget...more so to have for them to read when they are older. I thought I would share them though because some of them are just too funny...well, funny to me at least.

Story 1:
Saige has been obsessed with baby wipes lately - she pulls them out constantly and walks around with them, wiping at her mouth, wiping furniture, wiping toys and even wiping her bottom (with clothes on of course). Her newest wiping craze is to walk around and look for dead bugs and pick them up in the wipe to bring to me...like a dog bringing its master some type of "prize". She's so proud of herself.

Story 2:
From the age of 7 months or so Saige has been getting into the pantry and pulling out snacks, jars, cans and anything else she can reach. As she has gotten older she has developed the skill of discrimination...so she knows to only get out those things that she would like to actually eat. Well, this morning I was getting Dayton's breakfast and she went into the pantry and got out pop tarts (which she has never even sampled I might add) and then she went into the kids "dish" drawer and got herself a plate. She carried both over to the kitchen table and put them up and then proceeded to climb onto the chair (she's never done that) and sat there saying "poptart". I was cracking up...her chin reaches the table, she's never even eaten a bite of a poptart and here she was preparing her own breakfast!

Story 3:
This morning Dayton opened the pantry and said he wanted "yucky charms" for breakfast. "My pour it myself" he said. I let him...the bag was almost empty and I'm pretty sure they were stale too. He didn't care. I got him out a "baby" bowl because it made more sense given the small amount of cereal...he says "no that's for babies", "my want big boy bowl." I told him to go get in his chair, started pouring his juice and was making my way over to the table when he said, "push the hurry up button on the remote." I knew exactly what he said because it was pretty clear, but I made him repeat himself because I was stunned! He's apparently been watching too much "Upside Down Show". Noggin parents will understand this story better than others. I'm still laughing about it! Maybe I need to start using that tactic to get him to listen.

Story 4:
So I bought Dayton some big boy undies with Halloween bats on them...I thought they were cute and I'm trying to get him excited about Halloween..rather than have him scared. Scott of course was like "what does he need Halloween underwear for?" Um, honey, have you checked out all of your holiday themed boxers lately? It's just something we women do...holiday themed undies, holiday themed shirts, dresses, clippies and PJ's. Anyhow, I was folding laundry after dinner and showed them to him and he was SO excited about them he wanted to take off his current pair and put the news ones on. I explained that it was almost time for bath/bed and that he could wear them the following day. He carried them around for the next 15 minutes and yelled at his sister every time she tried to take them..."no Daige, MY Hawwoween undies!" This morning the first thing he asked about was his halloween undies and then said "thank you mom".

Seems like I had a few more to share but that is all I can remember right now.

Oh the things little kids say and do....

What Happened To My Baby Girl?

Maybe since Dayton's 3rd Birthday is this coming Saturday...or maybe because Saige is now 15 months old...I'm kind of feeling a little bit like I woke up and my baby girl disappeared. It's like she grew up overnight. Her hair is getting longer, she's talking more, she's getting taller and starting to attempt her own "stunts" (like jumping off the bottom step and crashing every single time), she's developing a sassy little attitude and she is starting to resemble something that may be a foreshadow of a two year old! A possible early blossom? Hmmm.... Regardless, her sweet nature and almost always smiling face is truly a treasure in our lives. Dare I say I miss the nights where I held her quietly in the rocking chair listening to the little kitty cat noises she used to make?

An Evening Walk

Since it has been so hot lately, we decided to take an evening walk on the beach just before dinner last weekend. Sometimes I forget how nice it is to live so close to the beach...even a short walk down there refreshes your mind & spirit. The kids of course love it any time of day and these days it is nearly impossible to keep them out of the water.

Sometimes You Just Don't Learn From Your Mistakes

I'd rather spray you mom than water the plants like I'm supposed to.
How about I try spraying myself?
That was kind of cool, let me try again.
Ah..right up my nose..
And in my eyes...
And then I shake like the dog to get the water off my face...

Daddy's Gone Bald

Well, not really...he just got a really short haircut. No, not for locks of love or anything like that...but for some challenge/bet at work. The sacrifices one makes for work! When I heard the news I thought he would come home looking like Dr. Evil...not that it matters to me (hair grow back) but I was worried about how the kids would react. You just never know sometimes. Dayton just refused to touch it, saying it was "too pokey" and Saige enjoys rubbing it. So for now we are saving money since he uses less shampoo and won't need a haircut anytime soon...too bad though cause I was kind of getting used to the lightening bolts his stylist was shaving in his sideburns and I sure am going to miss that rat tail he has been growing.

Is It October Already?

The search for Halloween costumes is on...why oh why can't I find something that is appropriate to wear in the hot weather...it seems everything is geared towards cold climates. I suppose I shouldn't complain since I remember growing up we had to wear coats (and sometimes hats and mitts too) on top of our costumes to stay warm and nobody saw your costume anyhow. Dayton of course want's to dress up like Dora - umm that ain't gonna happen son. Sorry. I tried to convince him that a Diego costume would be cool and he kept telling me "no thanks." We also have the big number 3 this month...*sigh*..the years are slipping by so quickly. I guess I should start my hunt for the perfect "party hat" since that is all he keeps asking for. I hope he isn't disappointed by a party hat from the dollar store. Actually, the other night he said he wanted a "cow". I can't decide what we should do for his birthday. Scott is out of town the whole week prior and doesn't get home until the night before his birthday so I guess whatever I plan, will be a surprise for daddy too. I have a couple of ideas. Well here are a couple of pictures of the kids taken recently...Dayton has a renewed interest in his "not so manly" blue rubber boots (yes the ones daddy bought) and they don't even fit his feet anymore, but he has been insisting on wearing them lately...so as usual, I pick and choose my battles...and blue rubber boots isn't one of them. As you can see, Saige is into climbing on tables these days...she particularly likes glass ones. Dayton yelled "oh no Daige...no cwimbing...mom Daige is cwimbing on daybull." He's such a tattle tale! Personally, I like how she is pointing at the table and saying "down".

What Goes Around Comes Around...

Right? Isn't that what "they" say? Well is it at all possible that what goes around keeps on going around? It seems our dogs are perpetually mad at us...acting out in obvious anger. Alright Shey...so you were the first born and you were so spoiled you had your own Christmas stocking and then Tula came along and chewed up all your toys; only to regurgitate them later. Then we moved a couple times. Then Dayton came along and daily walks were from days gone past. Who was this disruptive boy that stole the show? Then, along came Saige....and outdoor playtime became limited. Indoor playtime became forbidden. Playtime? What playtime? Then we moved you to this forsaken island - a life without squirrels, rabbits and neighborhood cats to chase. And no air conditioning....how dare we make you suffer with those fur coats? Oh, and then came the ban from upstairs because of the carpet. The sacred white carpet! Followed by a ban from the sacred white sofa. Replaced by a 30$ dog bed from Costco - are you kidding me? And most recently a ban from the King size bed? Its no wonder the past month has been marked by "accidents" on the floor and random pukes from consumed children's toys. A puke spot with a wheel and windshield off a matchbox car...or colorful bits of plastic that look suspiciously like parts of missing toys. So in my guilt ridden, pet owner's heart I thought I would shout out loud to the world that we still love you. Tula - sorry we forgot your 4th birthday on September 24th!
Upon first glance this seems like a cute photo until you realize that Shey is drinking out of the hose and Tula is drinking out of Shey's mouth.
Shey smiling pretty for the camera. Gosh, you look so slim at this camera angle!
I'm so sorry I keep mentioning going for a walk and getting a treat...I just wanted to get a cute picture of you! Forgive me and please don't puke tonight!

A Whole Lot Of Monkey Business

I only asked for cups so that Dayton could start to use those more than sippy's (and I don't quite trust him with glass yet) and somehow he ended up with his own WHOLE set of dishes! Ya-Ya's I suppose are pre-wired to spoil. Since his new dishes he always asks to use Ya-Ya's plates and cups...Saige only cares about taking them all out of the cabinets and standing on them or carrying them to various spots throughout the house and dropping them. Nothing broken yet! Here's a picture of the kids opening their box of new dishes...Dayton kept saying "cool".

Happy Birthday Gramby

I know you'll probably be back home by the time I get this posted, but someday soon you'll have internet again! Sorry if you don't like the pictures - I didn't have too many to choose from...a sure sign that it's time for you to make another visit! We miss you and love you and just wanted to send you some special birthday wishes.

Dayton's Magic Shirt

This is Dayton proudly wearing his "magic" shirt and demonstrating its super powers. When you go out into the sun the picture turns from black/white to color. For some strange reason it only works when he holds his arms in the air...

A Year Ago Today...

We arrived in Honolulu...a tired two year old, a newborn, two stinky dogs, 8 suitcases of luggage, one stroller, two car seats, one mother-in-law, and no belongings. But hey, who cares, we just moved to Hawaii. I would have pinched myself but my hands were too busy. Due to our extensive amount of luggage, we were fortunate enough to catch a limo straight out of the 70's! Velvet interior, plastic crystal champagne glasses, a non-english speaking driver with no teeth...but I'm getting a little off topic here. We survived many weeks with no toys, no furniture except some horribly distasteful rented stuff (2 beds, 4 chairs, a table and a TV) and living out of suitcases...oh, and adjusting to life without A/C I might add. I hear some snickers in my audience...what?..no sympathy for us? Anyhow, since I'm so reminiscent, I thought I would share some house pictures...somehow those have not made their way into blogging life.
Our House from the backyard.
Our recently renovated lower back lanai (patio for those who don't know the term lanai)
Our open concept dining/living area.
Alternate view of dining area.
Lower lanai looking out of breakfast room.
Breakfast room with view of Koko Crater.
Alternate view of breakfast area.
View from Dayton's Room.
View from dining room.
Our nightly view from almost any room in the house.
View of house from Makapu'u lighthouse trail. If you click the picture to enlarge it, our house is the one on the ridge farthest to the left with the reddish roof.

My Little Fish

We've been doing swim lessons with both Dayton and Saige for 10 weeks and they both graduated last month! We had a 1 month break and we just started back this past weekend. This time we decided that instead of going every Sunday with both of them we would alternate kids/parents each Sunday. So, this past Sunday was my turn to take Dayton. He had a horrible morning right from the time he stepped out of bed. Fussing about this and that, being mean to his sister, not listening (yes YaYa, your precious angel was being BAD)...so I really wasn't looking forward to it. Well, he was fabulous. For the first time he wore the swim belt (it helps kids learn to swim) and he stuck his face in the water more than he normally would AND used his legs and arms most of the time! He really did great - I was so proud of him. After, we went to the mall to hang out at the toy store for a bit and shared a Jamba Juice together. It was nice to have some mommy son time. Of course, once we got home he turned into a little monster again. This picture was taken on our last day from the previous swim semester.

A Problem With Pillows

Scott would say that I have an obsession with pillows and tell you that I buy 25 pillows over the course of a year. I think he exaggerates. I do buy pillows quite frequently, but that is because they never last. I need to find something that lasts. Something that doesn't lose its shape. Something that you don't have to flip over during the night because it becomes uncomfortable. Something that doesn't cause my ear to cramp up. And something that Scott isn't allergic to. He swears he is allergic to down...and I love down pillows. That synthetic down stuff just doesn't cut it. Well, recently I purchased one of those Tempurpedic memory foam pillows and I love it...it really is comfortable, but I find it a little small. It is smaller than your standard sized pillow and I like King sized ones. I'm also a side sleeper and find that it doesn't accommodate my jaw (of course, that could be related to my recent surgery). So we went back to the store so I could look at the side sleeper Tempurpedic pillows. First off, it is gross to "try out" pillows - no explanation needed. They were comfy, but too small. The lady suggested I try a Latex pillow. They came in King Size...I was so excited. There are only two types too, that made "trying" a little easier. Soft and Firm. I liked both but felt a little bit like my head was on a rubber ball with the firm one. I opted for Soft. It was 100$....Scott rolled his eyes and told the lady I've got a pillow problem. I've slept on it two nights now...both nights I've still had jaw pain. I'm hoping once my mouth heals up I will fall in love with my pillow. Until then, I'm sleeping on my back with my Tempurpedic pillow. The jury is still out on Latex. Hugs and kisses to my husband who has been and remains supportive during my search for the perfect pillow.