Melissa’s Blog

This morning was a nice mellow morning at home. Nicole walked Zoe with me this morning. Justin came in our room bright and early, woke us up but then he fell back to sleep. He heard the Wii come on when Nikki and daddy were playing and he came down. The kids played Wii for a little bit while I got ready. They were playing so nicely and having fun together it was hard for me to make them stop. We played a little bit this morning, mostly in the backyard. The kids helped me clean up the backyard and cleaned the play house (paint brush and water). They aren’t really playing with toys anymore, mostly pretending things, talking to each other, etc. We walked over to Blue Gum to meet some friends from pre school. We all had a great time. The kids played really well together and the moms got to talk a bit. I didn’t want to leave as I was sitting in the shade relaxing while the kids played. We ended up staying way longer than I thought we would, like I said they were having a great time and didn’t want to leave. We ran home and the kids ate lunch as fast as they could then we were off to My Gym. They are having camps over spring break and the kids were so excited to go. It is a drop off for 3 hours. The kids ran in and barely said goodbye to me as they were so excited to play. They told me they played hide n seek, jumped on the trampoline, watched a monkey puppet show, climbed, slid down the slides, and even asked where the ball pit was (they were washing the balls). It is a little expensive to take two kids there but so worth it every once in a while. I got a nice break too. I tried to go clothes shopping, have I mentioned I hate all my clothes. When we got home I convinced the kiddos to take a shower (faster than baths). They pretended to be dogs in the shower and wanted to shampoo their own hair, etc. They were good sports about taking a quicker than usual shower. Then dad came home. The kids played Wii for a bit while I threw some balls for Zoe. I am loving having Zoe here, I really miss having a dog. But don’t miss the guilt of leaving the dog all day. After dinner Nikki and I went over to the library for a puppet show. Justin wanted to stay home with daddy. Justin rode his bike up the path with daddy holding onto the back. Then they went to the park for a bit, seemed to have a really good time. The puppet show was awesome, Nicole loved it. At first she sat on my lap but then moved onto the floor as the show got going. I always like to see how the kids act without the other one around. Nicole wanted to check out a new DVD. So we ran over and she got a Blue’s Clues one then we came home. We didn’t get home until 8:00, so we put the kiddos to bed. And I took Zoe for a walk.

We had a busy but fun day. This morning we went to probably our last mom’s club event. It was the spring fling, totally cute and fun. We couldn’t stay very long though. The kids played a bit and did a quick Easter egg hunt. The pictures aren’t great but here are a few:

Then we headed to Zoomars to meet some friends. First we had a nice lunch. We ate right by the train tracks so that was a big hit with the kids. We had fun at Zoomars. The guinea pigs and bunnies weren’t too hungry though. The kids were so excited to feed them but the animals weren’t really interested. The goats were a little nuts so we didn’t feed them too long. The goats were just jumping on us and surrounding us scaring the kids there. So funny that we went to see the animals but the kids were more into the play structure. They had a great time. It was pretty hot so I wanted ice-cream. We walked over to Ruby’s and the kids got cones and I got a shake. It was so fun. That Ruby’s had a train going around it so the kids loved that as well. It was just a fun thing to do. We went to grandma/pa’s after. The kids were so excited to see them. They ate a lot and got to watch TV, but they were happy. We had dinner and then we headed home. I wanted to get home so the kids could see Zoe for a while before going to bed. Justin went outside with dad to see stars while Nikki and I played doll house. Bret was exhausted and ended up going to sleep early while I watched TV and relaxed a bit. Since we were gone all day I felt like I needed at home unwindy time.

I didn’t sleep that well last night and now I am so tired. I am just tired all the time! We ran an errand this morning then came home and got ready for play group. It was a small group but the kiddos had fun. The balloons were the best toy ever, so funny. The kids were not behaving that well at lunch. They kept on moving their little table back and forth. Finally everything spilled on the floor. Then they did it again with fewer things falling over. I was not happy. I don’t mind accidents but when it is intentional it makes me mad. With the second time I ended up taking away the Wii. The kids were just bothering each other for a while then started playing nicely. I finished making a certificate for a photo shoot then dog proofed the house for Zoe to come. We played in the backyard for a while. The kids played with their t-ball thing while I cleaned up the yard a bit. It has been windy so leaves everywhere. We got the mail and Nicole got a note from Katie. It was so sweet saying she hoped Nicole felt better. Zoe came over and the kids were so excited. We got out all the dog toys we had and the kids played with her in the backyard. They were really great reminding me she needed water and wanting to brush her. Since it was nice out we went out on the greenbelt. We threw some balls for Zoe. Another friend was walking a dog so we walked a little bit and the kids loved holding Zoe’s leash. They kept running to keep up with Zoe. They were laughing. Dad came home and we came in to make dinner. I love hearing the kids be so excited when dad comes home. After dinner the kids watched a Clifford show. Then we went upstairs and took it easy. The kids threw more balls for Zoe. It took us a while to get them in their jammies and teeth brushed. Then we read a ton of  books, I was ready to fall asleep.

Oh today the kids saw a cricket near the ceiling. They were throwing balls at it to get it down.

We decided to take it easy this morning. It was rainy and gloomy out anyway. I needed to get a blood test so we went out and did that. The kids were so well behaved. The kiddos have been playing so well today-it has been so nice. I got a few things done this morning like laundry, clean up around here, etc. The kids played Leapsters, with Geotrax pretending to tractor tip (from Cars movies), and marble games etc. They also were giving animals a bath in the Easter baskets. I rewarded the kiddos with TV. Then we headed to do a few errands. The kids always complain about errands but it always ends up fun for them. Justin got a new hula hoop since his got bent. Then we went to Costco to pick up some pics for me. I love the new pics and I put them on the piano. The kids watched a little of the Alvin and Chipmunks the Squekel a bit in Costco and they ate lots of snacks. When we got home they played a bit and I debated about giving them a bath. But I decided I better give them a bath and get it out of the way. Nikki started out first in the tub and she was pretending to be Biscuit the dog. Then Justin AKA Zoe the dog got in with her. It was nice to see them in the bath together again and they had a lot of fun. Dad got a great review at work which followed with a great bonus. I was so proud of him that I booked a massage for him for tonight. When he got home I told him I had a surprise for him. I knew he would figure it out and it didn’t take long for him to figure it out. We had dinner and then the kiddos played Wii for a bit. We were blowing up balloons for the kids and not tying them. The kids were letting them go as rockets. It was so funny. They were racing whose would run out of air first. Dad and I were very dizzy from blowing up so many balloons. Upstairs we bopped balloons and the kids played with money. Dad left for his massage and the kids and I read books. It was hard to visit both kids. So I went into Justin’s room first as he goes to sleep much quicker than Nikki. I gave Nikki a flashlight and books and let her read. Then I visited Nikki. Now time for me to relax.

Happy Easter! Kids make it so exciting. We dyed eggs this morning. The kids loved it. I wrote messages on the eggs too like I love you and their names. We dyed a lot of eggs. We also gave the kiddos their chocolate bunny after we finished dying eggs. Here are some pics:

They loved eating their bunny. Obviously it was too big for them, so dad melted it down. He put nuts and raisins in chocolate. Really good but I think the kids will guard their bunny next year. We decided to head to the park, monkey bar park. Nicole did the monkey bars a few times and decided she didn’t have any energy and was cold. Dad and Justin flew the kite and Nicole and I waited in daddy car for them. It was nice and warm in the car plus she had fun pretending she was driving. It was funny she seemed under the weather again but when we got home she was her normal self again. It was nice as the rest of the day she was so happy and go lucky. The kids watched the movie Cars while I went to the grocery store. The store was packed. Justin loved the movie of course, Nikki not so much. We hid eggs while the kids were watching. Lots of eggs. It was so fun watching them.

They loved opening all their eggs and also shared them. Justin got a King (Dinoco) car that he has been wanting. It didn’t fit in the egg though. So the kids started playing cars together. The kids and I were down playing and dad was upstairs. All of a sudden dad yells earthquake. It was scary as it seemed to last for almost a minute. We all stood in the doorway. The kids didn’t seem to be bothered or scared of it.  It was so nice this afternoon the kids actually played together. They were having a great time and you can tell Nicole is much better. Dad and I put a marble thing together. After dinner we rewarded the kids for playing so well together with a few games of Mario Cart on the Wii. We went upstairs and Justin became a tickle monster. He was so giggly. Nicole and I while not getting tickled were having a tea party with her animals. I never ever let the kids touch my hair or brush it as it gets too puffy. But I let Justin brush it out tonight, he liked it but not so gentle with the knots. We read some books and off to bed the kids went.

I forgot something. Nicole mentioned that she has been to Antartica. When I told her we hadn’t she said yes we did when we went to the mountains, Big Bear. She was disappointed and asked when we would be going to Antartica to see real snow. She cracks me up.

It was musical beds or something last night. Nicole woke up a zillion times, to pee, needing water, saying she was cold, telling us we forgot to say goodnight to her, etc. Justin ended up in our bed. I went to his race car bed then Nicole woke up. I slept on her floor for a while. She doesn’t push over enough in her bed so I barely fit. Then I came back into our bed and carried Justin back to his. Nicole woke up not feeling all that terrific. Poor little thing. We just took it easy at home then she started to fall asleep on daddy. No soccer for Nikki today. Justin and I did a few errands. I needed some things to stuff in eggs for our egg hunt tomorrow. Nicole slept for a while this morning. Dad and Justin headed to soccer. I am a little sad I had to miss it. When Nicole woke up I brought her up to our bed to get more cozy. She was so unhappy so I gave her some Tylenol. She was feeling much better and I let her watch TV in my bed. I stuffed eggs at the same time. Nicole actually said she was hungry. I made her some oatmeal and let her eat in my bed. She loved eating in our bed in front of the TV. Justin had fun at soccer and made a couple goals. He did get knocked down but went right back in the game. Dad did water balloons with the kids and played outside. The kids were a bit wet so we gave them a nice warm bath. Nikki stayed in the bath for a long time but then was so cold when she got out. Dad got Justin’s street stickers up on his wall. It looks good and Justin said wow when he saw it.

Nikki started to feel yucky again so we cuddled her in her bed then brought her downstairs. Dad and Justin played Wii a bit then we let the munch kins watch TV. Dad ran to the grocery store. I need to make it to Whole Foods very soon. Right before dinner our neighbors, Andree & Howie with Zoe delivered all of us Easter baskets. It was so sweet and put a smile on Nikki’s face. The kids loved their baskets. It was so generous and thoughtful of our neighbors. I read lots and lots of books tonight. We read downstairs, we read in Nikki’s bed…..We gave Nikki some Tylenol and she got a little hyper but I think it is quiet now so hopefully she is asleep.

Nikki was still under the weather a little bit, poor little girl. She was kind of sleepy this morning. She didn’t want to come with Justin and I to the Easter thing. I was so sad as she always wants to go everywhere with me. I did think about it a little more and realized I will have her here the entire week so I will get lots of Nicole time. Justin and I had a great time. He wanted to take daddy car and was so happy when I said yes. We went to Laguna  Hills for an Easter event. It is sponsored by a church which isn’t that appealing but it is a pretty incredible event. We met some friends there too, so strange for me with one kid. It was really special to be with Justin alone but I can’t imagine ever having one kid now that I have always had two. Justin went into a few bounce houses, we had a snack, he got a dog painted on his face, got a sword made out of a balloon and he even asked for one for Nicole. The lady made Nicole a flower. We did the Easter egg hunt too and crafts. There was so much going on and we got whatever we could for Nicole. It was so nice to see her smile when Justin gave her all the stuff. We had lunch then Nicole was feeling a bit better. Her and I made some cupcakes, one of her favorite things to do with me. Dad was outside with Justin working on the balancing on a two wheeler. Justin will get it soon. Since Nicole was doing well we decided to go to Castle Park. We hadn’t been to that park in so long. The kids were happy to be there but were really into swinging. Justin rode his bike there with us holding on for him. Every once in a while we could just lightly hold the bar and he did pretty good. When we got home from the park, Nikki and I frosted and decorated cupcakes. Dad and Justin played Wii. Nicole was so happy to surprise dad and Justin with the cupcakes. Someday she will read this and know they smelled the cupcakes and guessed what the surprise was. I ate too many cupcakes. Nicole started not feeling that great again so we read lots of books and let her watch some TV while we ate dinner. Justin liked the TV on at dinner time. He was a hungry little piggy tonight. We had lasagna and I can’t believe how much he ate. After TV we went upstairs. Nicole was feeling yucky so I just read her books in her bed. Justin joined us while dad put up Nikki’s canopy. I just need to get some fabric or something next. Nikki was ready to go to sleep pretty fast. Dad read to Justin in bed with a flashlight then it was my turn. He is so loving-I hope he is always like this. I love his hugs!

Here are some pics from our day:

The kids played Wii a little bit with dad before going to work. We got ready for a play group here this morning. We invited our pre school friends over. We cleaned up a bit and put together tracks, the shake n go cars, and a track on the train table. The kids helped too. The kids had a lot of fun with their friends here. Justin lucked out there were all boys who came. Justin loved sharing and racing cars with his friends. Nicole was fine with just boys and played well. She loved showing everyone her room. It was a small group and nice. After everyone left Nicole was kind of acting tired. We read library books then Nicole was sleepy. She looked at books for a while on the couch and ended up falling asleep. Aunt Roberta dropped off T. T is in her terrible 2’s. It was pretty funny-she was into everything and loves to throw. It wasn’t the same with Nikki feeling a little under the weather. She seemed better after nap but still a little sluggy. We just played at home all afternoon and did a lot of reading. When dad came home I escaped to Kohls and got gas. The kids watched a little TV before dinner. I changed my status on facebook to single for an April fool’s joke. One of Bret’s friends wrote it and I thought it was pretty funny. Nicole didn’t really want to eat dinner. After dinner her and I went upstairs to play doll house. I wanted to make her happy. We had fun playing dollhouse then had a big tea party. Justin and dad did all kinds of things as well. They did Geotrax, raced, bowled, played Memory, etc. Nikki and I read a lot of books and snuggled in her bed. She went to bed pretty easily. Justin on the other hand was the silliest guy tonight. We read books in his bed with the flashlight. He was so talky while I was reading then he grabbed his big dog Pumpkin. He held him up and said brocoli and started cracking up. Bret and I were laughing too. And this went on for a little while. The dad put Mr. Lizard in the bed, more laughter. Love seeing him so happy.