Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me!

Annabeth is now 8 weeks old and we're not-so-slowly returning to the land of the living. It's good but shocking to my system! I kind of have to fight a natural tendency toward being a hermit anyway. In the last week we...

-Had a playdate with Michelle and her boys.
-Had a meeting in our home with some life insurance agents. They're coming back tomorrow to draw blood. And I don't get to have my tea or my breakfast. Grrrrrr.
-Got Jackson's hair cut. It was awful. He was so tacky to the stylist that I had to pluck him out of the chair, spank him in the bathroom, and bring him back. At times like that, it's a good thing he's cute.
-Hung out with Melanie and Caroline, which I plan to discuss later.
-Spent a morning with Sabrina, Steve, and Emy.
-I went to the evening church service with Mom.
-Met some friends for another playdate.
-Took a friend apartment hunting.
-Took Annabeth to the doctor for her 8 week shots.
-Worked.

We had Kristy and her family over on Saturday night. We had tried it once before but when you have 5 kids between you, it's rare that they are all well at the same time. It was a gloriously clear and cool day. Curt mowed the lawn and everything looked as good as it gets. The bounce house was set up and the soccer goal strategically placed. We had our mini-picnic table set out for the kids to eat on. Everything was ready for 4 adults, 3 big boys, one baby boy, and one baby girl. Curt grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for us and we all ate outside. When it got darker and too cold, we went inside and the boys watched 101 Dalmatians. They were so worn out that they laid on the couch upstairs and didn't make a peep. We were amazed!

At one point I looked up at my ceiling and there were NINE flies just hanging out. Gross! We didn't even think about that when we left the backdoor open all evening. Let me tell you how fun it's been trying to kill all of them for the last few days. On Sunday morning they were all buzzing around my kitchen and living room. I was disgusted and ticked, so I grabbed something to begin the fly slaughter. I prayed, Dear God, please anoint me to kill these flies. I was trying to channel King David. The last one met his maker just last night, so obviously I wasn't very Davidic. (Did that sound smart? I'm trying to be like my sister.)

Annabeth is on night four of sleeping eight straight hours. Last night was the first time the stars aligned and she didn't wake up until daylight. I myself slept from 11:30 to 7 without getting up once. Wow. That was the longest stretch of sleep I've gotten since I was first pregnant last June. Oh, Lord, please make it last!

Tonight will be Annabeth's Wednesday church debut. I'm so excited!

Here are some Jackson stories if you can take any more randomness:

Yesterday in the car Jackson tried to offer his sister a twizzler. He stuck it in her face (she was asleep) and said, "Annabeth! This!" I was cracking up. Then he told me he wanted her to play with him. So precious.

Last week I woke up to feed Annabeth and realized there was a little being sleeping between me and Curtis. Jackson had crawled into bed with us at some point in the night. I vaguely remember something happening and choosing not to wake up and see what it was. That's not something that I want to happen regularly, but it was really sweet to find our not-so-snuggly little boy snuggled up between us.

You gotta love when your kid is playing in an indoor playground and he yells down at you, "Mommy! I gotta poo poo!" But that is 100 times better than having him poop in his pants in the play structure. Oh my word, what if it escaped the confines of his jeans? *Shudder*

On that same occasion, I noticed that my child came down the slide eating a cookie - a cookie that he had found somewhere up in there. Bleh!

Yesterday Jackson found some fly carcasses on the windowsill and began smashing them with his Superman ring. He was having so much fun, meanwhile Mommy was gagging and squealing noooooooo!

Well, after all the fly talk I probably won't have to worry about having guests anytime soon.

58 comments:

Holly said...

You know, here in Colorado, we have no mosquitos or love bugs, but we do have flies. BIG.FLIES. When the weather warms up, I find myself in your predicament. I am swatting and clorox-ing all over the place.

SO HAPPY!!! for you getting more sleep. The brain cells begin to work all things together for good again.

Monica said...

Oh my...sounds like I have much to look forward to with my little guy. Girls really are so different! My daughter points to bugs, dead or alive, and requests Daddy's help. AND, she will not pick up or taste anything she isn't completely sure of. We've just conquered the potty thing, so we haven't been out much. We'll see how that goes!

By the way, my son is five months old and I just now feel like we're getting it together...and really, not so much!!! You're doing great!

HappyascanB said...

I LOVE your honesty! I've always thought so highly of your mother, and to think Beth Moore's daughter fights flies!! :) Jackson sounds like my kinda boy!! Love it!!!

Shelly said...

I don't know if I'm laughing harder at your plea for anointing over the flies, or Jackson's cookie eating episode. Oh my word!

Hoping you continue to get more rest at night!

Erin Ward said...

Jackson loves his sissy so much. How sweet.

Kellie said...

I don't know what it was about this post, but it had me rolling and laughing out loud!!!! the flies....oh my heavens!!! And the poo-poo and the cookie - only a mom with a 2 year old potty training boy who doesn't quite "get" the poo poo part of potty training can fully appreciate that!!!!

Angela said...

At least you can catch the flies with a fly swatter. We have these fruit flies (knats) every where! I can't get rid of them.
Glad you are getting more sleep. You're going to need it to keep up with Annabeth and Jackson in a few months.

lori said...

Jackson cracks me up. Such a boy thing to do using superman to smach dead flies.. yuck...

Tara G. said...

Who needs reality TV when we have this type of stuff going on right under our noses!? PRECIOUS! Samuel started to pull his pants down the other day to show the landlord his dinosaur undies...we're taking baby steps with the etiquette curriculum.

Anonymous said...

I so greatly enjoy reading your stories. :) Reminds me of life for me just 10 very short years ago. We experienced the playland cookie once too. You are grossed out and laughing at the same time. Lol Oh how I miss them being little toddlers. That is why I love reading your blog it gives me a chance to reminisce. ;)

Michelle said...

I am glad that I could help you over the hump! You are doing great Amanda!

J said...

"On that same occasion, I noticed that my child came down the slide eating a cookie - a cookie that he had found somewhere up in there. Bleh!"

HAHAHAHAHAHA i laughed out loud on that one!! ONLY b/c i have a 2 year old boy and have to keep a close eye on him for THAT reason!

Mary @ Giving Up On Perfect said...

Wow - for someone with a hermit tendency (not to mention an 8-week-old baby?!), you have been busy!!

I just recently found your blog and am enjoying it!

Brittany said...

no kids of my own, but I cut my cousin's little boy's hair. We usually just strip him down and put him in the sink and let him play in the water the whole time (I'm not a professional, so I'm sure there is an easier way!). He usually doesn't even notice we are cutting his hair. I guess you just do what you gotta do! We've already decided it's not going to be good when he is older and goes to get a hair cut and then gets naked and asks where the sink is!

I love that Jackson comes down eating the random cookie! Boys will be boys! I hope I have a 100% all boy one day! haha!

Marc and Charity said...

Yeah for all the sleep you are getting! :)

I too have to fight the urge to be a hermit at times...especially here.

Mary said...

There's something just wrong about house flies. I can see why God used them as one of the Plagues. They're just gross. To kill them, try using a Dust Buster or vacuum. It works great and nearly always sucks up a carcass or two.

Maggie said...

Cute stories! After having two girls, it will be interesting to see what our little guy does when he's bigger.

I'm a little jealous your baby is already sleeping so much. Mine is up 2-3 times a night. He'll be 2 months on Friday.

Enjoy your week!

Lindsey said...

I am laughing out loud at the cookie thing! haha!!

Patty said...

I am so happy that you are getting more sleep! That makes such a difference.
I laughed at you describing Jackson and his Superman ring squishing, smashing flies. Boys are so much fun. lol
So exicted for you that tonight Miss Annabeth makes her debut at church! :)

twinkle said...

I tried to kill a roach (HUGE!) in the ladies bathroom at work yesterday using the only thing I could find...hairspray...Aussie even!
I don't think I killed it but it is stuck to the wall and hasn't moved an inch!
Don't you just love finding a new use for a beauty product?

Maggie said...

Amanda,

I'm sorry for the "Jealous" comment about Annabeth sleeping so long at night. I'm not really that type of person; in fact, I don't know why I wrote that word. It's been on my mind the last couple hours. Anyway, sorry if this is a little weird. Feel free to leave off both my comments. I am happy your babe is sleeping so well. I'm sure my little guy will more too soon; not that I'm really that sleep deprived. I just feed him in bed and we both go back to sleep.

I really do enjoy your blog! I just realized after reading another comment that Beth Moore is your Mom. I have heard so much about her from reading Angie's blog, plus I saw Melanie had a post about her too. I feel totally dumb not knowing until today, but what a small world.

God bless!

Maggie
maggiemalson@fmtc.com

Heather said...

There can never be too many funny Jackson stories! So glad you are getting more sleep! Glory! I am VERY MUCH an introvert and I loved when you said "I have to fight all my natural tendencies to become a hermit" it made me feel so much better! I am just a homebody at heart and have to often force myself to do social things!

kittyhox said...

I have to admit it. I'm sooo jealous of your sleepy girl! Our almost five month old has not yet slept through the night. She's teensy, but still. I'm only getting up twice in 12 hours, though, which is a huge improvement.

I'm hoping he got the cookie from a generous playmate. My cousin was grocery shopping with her kids when she noticed her three year old, in the cart seat, was chewing gum. She shrieked, "Carson! Where did you get that GUM!?" His older sister casually explained, "Oh, he found it on the cart handle."

Kids. Especially boys.

Hope your fly hunting days are behind you!

Nancy Mon said...

OK, what I am going to write about a fly problem is gross. Years ago when we lived in a townhouse, the man down and across the street died suddenly. His back door was open when he died, but nobody missed him for a month. Then someone found him... The biggest flies were in our neighborhood right after that and several got in our home... you know my dilema... cause I knew why the flies were so big and fat. I didn't want to kill them in the house with a fly swatter. We finally sprayed them out of the house. I've always disliked flies, but after that, I disliked them even more.

Heather said...

I seriously can't remember if I just left a comment a few minutes ago, oh well. I am laughing so hard at Jackson finding a cookie and eating it. Hilarious! And the fly thing, when I got done reading I went my husband's office and there were 5 huge flies on the inside of his window screen, gross!! Don't you just love a cookouts with friends, the best! Yay again for your baby sleeping great!!

Little Steps Of Faith said...

Girl, you are your momma's daughter aren't you:) It almost sounded like something SHE would say, like " anointing of killing the flies" yea, I could see her saying that:)

Anyway, here in yonder FL, we get these things called Blind Mosquitos, and Love bugs...love bugs haven't graced us with their presence yet, but blind mosquitos, they don't bite, but EWWW they stick to the car and the windows...quite disgusting..so pick your battles I suppose:)

Is the grass greener over there? LOL.

Missy said...

Girl...you've been busy! Good for you for getting out and about and yeah for lots of sleep. I could use that!

Sharon said...

Amanda,

I love your stories! May our Lord continue to bless you with sweet sleep!

Much love,
Sharon, NC

Just Call Me Grammy said...

Love the whole post, but "so obviously I wasn't very Davidic. (Did that sound smart? I'm trying to be like my sister.)" seriously cracked me up!

Mary said...

Feeling for you on the eating the cookie he found...happens to me often. Well not me, my kid :)

k and c's mom said...

They keep us very humble, these children of ours!

Marla Taviano said...

Fun post. :)

p.s. I think you're smart, Davidic or no.

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

Loved the Jackson stories!

Fran said...

You can share randomness all day long. Glad y'all are good. Praying that baby stays on this beautiful sleep pattern.

Hugs,
Fran

Missy said...

The first night Shep slept through the night, I got pregnant.

I'm just sayin.

Anonymous said...

soooo glad you got some sleep. It's a real blessing isn't it.
Deirdre

barbara head said...

If I want a good belly laugh, I just come to your blog. You are such a NORMAL mother (whatever that means). One of these days you will look back and try to remember all these "precious" things that happen between you and your "kids". When you can't remember a lot (like me) then you find a fantastic young blogger and read about what you can't quite remember. Then you can live vicariously through her. You are VERY smart, Amanda. Not to take anything away from your mom or your sister, but you are on equal footing with them, my sweet sister.

kim said...

Loving all the Jackson stories! Just reading all that you've been up to got me a little tired (; I had to laugh at the cookie story though -- such a toddler thing! I could see my daughter doing the same thing. I, myself, may have lost my own cookies at the site of that, though!

Kari said...

I totally relate to the "good thing Jackson is cute" thing! When my son was 3 he asked me if he was cute. My reply: "Yes, if you weren't cute you wouldn't still be here!!"

HappyascanB said...

P.S. ~ You won an award on my blog! Check it out if you'd like!

Anonymous said...

Here's a tip...

Fill a large glass jar with tin foil and sit where you do not want flies..because they have eyes all over their heads, the light reflection gets them every time. My Grandmother does this every family reunion! Good Luck!

Kiki said...

We had a blast and would come over anytime, flies or no flies!

Jenelle said...

He ate somebody else's cookie??? Eww!! I find it amusing that I find that more icky than the flies. :) Your blog looks fun! I'll have to come by again.

Amy T said...

I totally cracked up about the cookie! Been there! My son is 10 and I STILL have to remind him that only food and drink go into his mouth! At least it was a cookie. :)

Jamie said...

Don't feel to grossed out by the cookie incident. We were at a restaurant a couple months back and noticed Payton (our 3 yr old son) playing with a straw. Didn't think too much of it, assumed it was his. About 5 minutes later, my husband and I look at each other and both realize that we had taken HIS straw away from him and threw it in the trash. I was so grossed out especially when he told me that he found it inbetween the cushions. He had it in his mouth! I was so sicked out. I had to take him to the restroom immediately to wash his hands and mouth. The problem with that is...I HATE public restrooms.

Sorry for the long comment.

Jamie

Wendi said...

I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one whose child is not perfect. Why can't they act nice? Ugh. This duty as a parent called molding kids is really hard.

Spicy Magnolia said...

So, you're telling me I have to look forward to my little Brennan finding old food and not having the sense to not eat it??? oh good golly!! :) I don't think I have the slightest clue what I'm in for with having a little boy. I mean, I know a lot of wonderful, but I'm certain a lot of ewww, too!!

Yeah! I mean SUPER yeah for a good sleeping girl!

I can totally relate to the tendency to be a hermit. And we got life insurance this week, too...my blood was drawn on Tuesday...plus a weigh in, a height measurement and a urine sample. oh wait, tmi! it was nice that at least they came to the house instead of us going out. I said I had hermit tendencies, right?

hope you all have a good night!

Moose Mama said...

All I have to say is...snow and freezing weather can be a blessing. Not one fly in this house!

Melana in Wyoming (where 18 inches of snow on Monday is still lingering)

Anonymous said...

Your son sounds like a cutie and your fly story cracked me up. I like the whole thought of channeling David. lol.

-FringeGirl

Rachel said...

Oh my word! Thank you, for sharing the realness of your life with us!

Flies totally disgust me I have to admit.

Woohoo for sleep! Keep it up baby girl!

And, fyi- for what it's worth, I think you're just as cool as your sister! :)

katiegfromtennessee said...

Little Momma, I am laughing out loud! Your mommy stories are cracking me up! Life must be mighty interesting for you:) That is hilarious:)...I wanted to tell you, I found out when my in vitro will be. It will be sometime btwn May 9-16th. Lord help me!!! I need all the prayer I can get! I also have some verses that the Lord has given me this morning to focus on: John 14:26-27; 15:5; 16:27,33; 17:15-17 and Phil. 4:13. I pray this for all of us, really. I'm praying for your momma this weekend too in New Orleans:):) Praying for you too:):)

Love in HIM, Blessings, ((HUGS)),

katiegfromtennessee

Clay said...

Could you please come and help me get Clay to be completely potty-trained?!?! Ummmm just joking, but seriously, could you? No seriously, I'm kidding. It is really irritating b/c I know he is smart enough and has the ability...it's just a disobedient mind game now...but, I'm to the point of laying hands and praying over him at night!
Glad you are doing well with two kids! They are super cute and I'm also glad to hear other parents stories of tacky behavior and public bathroom spankings...makes me feel normal! Take care and thanks for making me laugh when I read your words!-Kat

Amber said...

Amanda,I'm a blog stalker, but I left you an award at my blog if you'd like to claim it :) I love your blog. It is so refreshing.

trinna said...

I just found your blog from Big Mama and I just wanted to say....I too hate baby bangs! I am dealing with this unfortunate side effect of motherhood right now. I recently had real bangs cut (for the first time since I swore them gone forever in college) just to cover them up. What sacrifices we moms make! :-)

Yay for Annabeth sleeping!

Anonymous said...

When my son was almost 2 1/2 we were at an aquarium on Mother's Day. It was PACKED!! He ended up getting diarrhea and screaming at the top of his lungs, "POOPY HURT MOMMY!!! POOOOOOOOOOOPY HUUUUUUUUUUUUURT!" It was funny, embarrassing, sad and cute all at the same time.

Unknown said...

When my babies were babies... My eldest, Justin, was just a hair away from turning two and my Brittany a few months old...

Our kitchen was around the corner from the living room and I had gotten Justin's snack and sat him on a quilt in the living room floor to watch cartoons while he ate it. I laid baby sister on the floor on a separate quilt near him and returned to the kitchen to get my own snack.

When I returned Justin had "shared" his animal crackers with his baby sister. Brittany had a mouth full of gooey beige animals and was gagging. I threw my animal crackers up in the air and rushed to turn her over and clear her mouth of the "treat."

I asked Justin, "What were you doing honey?"

"I thought she said she wanted some." He replied.

OH MAN. I said, "Justin, Brittany does not have teeth yet, so she can't have cookies - but it was very sweet of you to share..."

On another occasion he was so excited to have his baby sister home he was swinging his empty sippy cup up and down over his head. He accidently let it loose and it flew across the room hitting her smack on the top of the head. We rushed her to the ER to make sure there was no brain damage. Thankfully there was not even a bruise... Just a sweet little girl as fine as she could be.

Those two were hideous to get into mischief together - HE was always in the lead. HA! But, she treasures those memories now... And don't even talk about messing with those two girls of mine. Their big B would have stomped behind to protect them. Now he watches over them from his cat-bird seat in heaven. Thanks for sharing and sparking some sweet memories for me. I feel like the Brave Little Tailor when it comes to fly killing. I always get my fly! My flyswatter operates in STEALTH MODE... :o)

Blessings.

Unknown said...

PS Try this for flies... Fill Ziploc freezer bags with water and leave them lying around the patio and kitchen area of your home... For some reason this makes them go away... My mom does it at our family reunions and it works like a charm.

Blessings.

The Davidson Den said...

Don't you just LOVE boys?! :)
Lori