I know you probably come here for adorable stories about my children. I know it's also probably a mistake to let you into my warped mind. I'm going to throw all that out the window for today's "Conversations with CNC." For the record, we apparently think we are hysterical.
This all started when CNC forwarded me an email titled "Georgia Aquarium Beliga Pregnancy Announcement".
CNC: while you get panda pregnancy updates, I get Beluga whale updates.
Me: 2 things. When I saw the title, I was like "caviar?? Why do we care about Beluga caviar?" So, if I understand this correctly, the boy Beluga did his job, got her knocked up and then got to go on a vacation where he won't have to help worth the baby????? What...the...February???"
[Editor's note for context: the male Beluga got moved to a different aquarium.]
CNC: well, they're not SEAHORSES, K. Also, I don't know what kind of participatory parenting is going on in a Beluga whale tank anyway.
Me: all's I'm sayin' is I don't know what's worse: a deadbeat whale dad or a slutty panda.
CNC: Maybe THEY should get together.
Me: no, because with a deadbeat dad and a slutty mother, the child gets abandoned and the bit becomes the responsibility of the American public to raise and support the child through welfare programs. Wait...isn't that what a zoo IS??
CNC: BRILLIANT
Warped? Not.at.all.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
KIC's first pony (show)
For some time, KIC has had the extreme privilege of dabbling in horseback riding. I say dabbling, because we have truly been all over the place. Her first real horseback ride came in the zillion degree heat on a horse affectionately named Hector Prince of Troy, courtesy of our wonderful friend Sarah. It seemed as though KIC was a natural on horseback, so we've gone here and there, to and fro in search of the pursuit of equitation. I say we, but really I mean NannyK, with me on the sidelines fretting and cheering, simultaneously. I think I'm worn out more than KIC after a lesson and I'm now starting to get an understanding of why NannyK left!
Last week, KIC was able to attend a half day horse camp. I found a great deal through our county recreation sign ups with the thought that this would be the catalyst we needed to go one way or the other - either she liked horses and wanted to continue to ride, or she liked them as the beautiful creatures that they are and didn't really need to ride them. Only one of those outcomes would have terrifying consequences and I was pretty sure we were going to be safe after horse camp.
Except...KIC loved every minute of horse camp. While it's true that she didn't always follow the pack during farm tours (horse jumps are fun for humans too, right??), apparently her equitation skills were impressive. My usually close mouthed child told me that the instructors told her that her posting (the up and down motion) during the trot was awesome and that she was a "pro". She never volunteers this information. I started to think there may be something to this horse stuff for her.
On the last day of horse camp, I posted a picture of her on Facebook. A friend of mine, having followed our journey closely, shocked me to the core when she offered to let KIC ride her solid as a rock pony in a local horse show. After a brief consultation with KIC that ended with her dancing around the house, I jumped at the chance to let her ride in a show. THIS! This would be make or break. If she couldn't keep it together during a show, then it was time to let go of the equitation thing altogether.
We showed up to work with my friend Carla at her barn with her gorgeous pony, Gunnar. According to Carla, Gunnar had a bad morning in dressage that morning, but none of that showed when he was with KIC. KIC went through the motions of grooming like a pro, all the while learning everything Carla was teaching her in advance of quiz questions from the judges.
I'm going to take a side note here to say, I am not the best sideline mom. I make vows to do better, but each time, I get frustrated with inattention on KIC's part and all my good intentions go out the window. Carla kicked my butt in the best possible way when she told me to shut up after correcting KIC on her jumper form. It has definitely helped me to see that my sideline hovering isn't always as helpful as I thought and if the experts are fine with it, then I gotta go with the flow.
After I stepped back into just MOM, I began to see some amazing things. KIC knew most of what Carla was reinforcing with regards to form. She knew "jump" position, something I had never seen before. She was beyond confident in the saddle and was listening to Carla - something she could do easily without me in her head. Her focus was phenomenal and she was in the zone. Who was this kid?
The next morning, we showed up to Carla's not really sure what to expect from the day. We loaded up into Carla's truck and headed to this totally nondescript arena. My nerves were all over the place, but I shouldn't have been concerned. Carla, with her many years of experience, had this, and more importantly, KIC did too. In a big bad way.
I registered KIC and got her rider number. 392 would be indelibly burned in my brain that day and my ears would strain to hear her number after each of the three classes she was registered in closed. In the time that it took for me to register KIC, Carla was able to complete the transformation from unsure little girl, to confident young lady.
KIC registered for three classes: 100% rider (where she would be the only one judged), 50% rider/50% horse (where she and Gunnar would be judged equally) and 100% horse (where only Gunnar would be judged). They would be walked around the ring on a lead line by Carla whose unflagging energy only added to KIC's calm and comfort. I repeat, who was this girl?
It would not be a runaway class. There was another little girl in the class with KIC. I'm sure they did well, but my eyes were only on the Black and White, 14 hand Welsh X pony and his rider. When the first class, 100% rider was complete, I was disappointed when the number 1 rider was announced - 192. Wait, 192 - Kaitlyn Shoup?? Did she just win a blue ribbon????? HOLY CRAP! Cooler heads prevailed, as well as the fear of another correction from Carla, so I didn't not do cartwheels ringside. But wait, there's more?? They ride again?? KIC would go on to take blue ribbons in the next two classes as well, giving her "Class Champion" for the day. I don't think I've ever seen her grin so wide.
Honestly, have you ever seen a kid who belonged on a horse more??? And truly, have you ever seen a more attractive horse? And his owner is no slouch either!
I think that in four years, if you were to ask KIC what one of her favorite days ever was, she will list the birth of her brother first with her first pony show being a close second. Carla has very generously offered to let KIC ride Gunnar again this show season and KIC has excitedly told anyone who will listen how much she wants to ride again, so I hope we can make it happen. But if not, the fact that a shy little girl was given such an amazing opportunity to learn and to SHINE, thanks to so many people, will ALWAYS be my favorite memory.
Last week, KIC was able to attend a half day horse camp. I found a great deal through our county recreation sign ups with the thought that this would be the catalyst we needed to go one way or the other - either she liked horses and wanted to continue to ride, or she liked them as the beautiful creatures that they are and didn't really need to ride them. Only one of those outcomes would have terrifying consequences and I was pretty sure we were going to be safe after horse camp.
Except...KIC loved every minute of horse camp. While it's true that she didn't always follow the pack during farm tours (horse jumps are fun for humans too, right??), apparently her equitation skills were impressive. My usually close mouthed child told me that the instructors told her that her posting (the up and down motion) during the trot was awesome and that she was a "pro". She never volunteers this information. I started to think there may be something to this horse stuff for her.
On the last day of horse camp, I posted a picture of her on Facebook. A friend of mine, having followed our journey closely, shocked me to the core when she offered to let KIC ride her solid as a rock pony in a local horse show. After a brief consultation with KIC that ended with her dancing around the house, I jumped at the chance to let her ride in a show. THIS! This would be make or break. If she couldn't keep it together during a show, then it was time to let go of the equitation thing altogether.
We showed up to work with my friend Carla at her barn with her gorgeous pony, Gunnar. According to Carla, Gunnar had a bad morning in dressage that morning, but none of that showed when he was with KIC. KIC went through the motions of grooming like a pro, all the while learning everything Carla was teaching her in advance of quiz questions from the judges.
I'm going to take a side note here to say, I am not the best sideline mom. I make vows to do better, but each time, I get frustrated with inattention on KIC's part and all my good intentions go out the window. Carla kicked my butt in the best possible way when she told me to shut up after correcting KIC on her jumper form. It has definitely helped me to see that my sideline hovering isn't always as helpful as I thought and if the experts are fine with it, then I gotta go with the flow.
After I stepped back into just MOM, I began to see some amazing things. KIC knew most of what Carla was reinforcing with regards to form. She knew "jump" position, something I had never seen before. She was beyond confident in the saddle and was listening to Carla - something she could do easily without me in her head. Her focus was phenomenal and she was in the zone. Who was this kid?
The next morning, we showed up to Carla's not really sure what to expect from the day. We loaded up into Carla's truck and headed to this totally nondescript arena. My nerves were all over the place, but I shouldn't have been concerned. Carla, with her many years of experience, had this, and more importantly, KIC did too. In a big bad way.
I registered KIC and got her rider number. 392 would be indelibly burned in my brain that day and my ears would strain to hear her number after each of the three classes she was registered in closed. In the time that it took for me to register KIC, Carla was able to complete the transformation from unsure little girl, to confident young lady.
KIC registered for three classes: 100% rider (where she would be the only one judged), 50% rider/50% horse (where she and Gunnar would be judged equally) and 100% horse (where only Gunnar would be judged). They would be walked around the ring on a lead line by Carla whose unflagging energy only added to KIC's calm and comfort. I repeat, who was this girl?
It would not be a runaway class. There was another little girl in the class with KIC. I'm sure they did well, but my eyes were only on the Black and White, 14 hand Welsh X pony and his rider. When the first class, 100% rider was complete, I was disappointed when the number 1 rider was announced - 192. Wait, 192 - Kaitlyn Shoup?? Did she just win a blue ribbon????? HOLY CRAP! Cooler heads prevailed, as well as the fear of another correction from Carla, so I didn't not do cartwheels ringside. But wait, there's more?? They ride again?? KIC would go on to take blue ribbons in the next two classes as well, giving her "Class Champion" for the day. I don't think I've ever seen her grin so wide.
June 22, 2014 Lead Line Class Champion
Kaitlyn Shoup riding Artwork, aka Gunnar
Owned by the incomparable Carla Rollins
Honestly, have you ever seen a kid who belonged on a horse more??? And truly, have you ever seen a more attractive horse? And his owner is no slouch either!
I think that in four years, if you were to ask KIC what one of her favorite days ever was, she will list the birth of her brother first with her first pony show being a close second. Carla has very generously offered to let KIC ride Gunnar again this show season and KIC has excitedly told anyone who will listen how much she wants to ride again, so I hope we can make it happen. But if not, the fact that a shy little girl was given such an amazing opportunity to learn and to SHINE, thanks to so many people, will ALWAYS be my favorite memory.
Monday, April 28, 2014
We're hiring!! Maybe
Almost two years ago, to the day, I turned to Brent and told him we were hiring a nanny for the summer. I was concerned about KIC's penchant for blending in with the class and not really participating and wanted her to have some one on one time. I was also very cognizant of the fact that soon, she would be starting school with days not quite so carefree and wanted to give her the summer of her young life. Bless my husband, he went with the flow. Once we talked about it, he felt the same way I did and was willing to at least entertain having a nanny, if only for the summer. We could do ANYTHING temporarily.
Enter NannyK. We were looking for a nanny around the time she was available for hire. One might call it kismet. Any time you bring someone new playing a critical role in the life of your child, there is some anxiety and tension, but I just knew we were doing the right thing for KIC and felt more comfortable about KIC's care than I had in a long time. We all entered into the arrangement with the agreement that it would be for the summer only. However, I knew pretty soon into the arrangement that she would be the best teacher for KIC in that period of her life. As KIC began to warm up to the arrangement, NannyK felt comfortable agreeing to stay on long term.
NannyK has been with us the past two years and the transformation in KIC has been a sight to behold. Where she was withdrawn and shy around new people, she can confidently interact with folks she doesn't know. The amount of things she has learned from NannyK has been awe inspiring and we have found a learning style that works really well for KIC, thanks to NannyK. KIC has someone to be silly with, to be creative with and to dance around the kitchen singing "Frozen" songs with. The bond the two of them now have is something beyond my wildest imagination and something I know KIC cherishes.
While I hoped for, and really, expected, growth in KIC due to this wonderful opportunity, I had no expectations beyond that. The past two years, NannyK has been invaluable in the lives of B and I as well. During kitten season, I know I can count on NannyK to check on the kittens - that is, when she isn't bringing me pregnant teenage moms. She has been a source of comfort during hard times, a dynamo in crunch times and just a good friend. I have, quite unexpectedly, broadened my own horizons. I say regularly that we are lucky to have NannyK and I mean it. She came into our lives when we had no idea how much we needed her and has wormed her way into our family. At this point, we couldn't get rid of her if we tried! Not that we ever want to.
NannyK has done a very unspeakable thing: she has gone and got herself the (almost) perfect job in her field of choice. Her departure is extremely bittersweet and we will all miss her terribly. I might have thrown a couple of private, okay, public too, tantrums in the days leading up to her departure.
With this news, comes some big decisions. We are currently deciding if we want to go back to the day care route or hire another nanny. I know that no matter what I choose, it will cannot possibly compare to our time with NannyK. KIC has already told me this, though not in so many words. More like eye rolls and sighs. So much for having some time until teenagehood! Pray for me!
We wish all the best for NannyK and appreciate having her in our lives the past two years. We will miss her terribly but know that she'll always have a place in our home and our hearts. Thank you, NannyK. You rock our socks!
Enter NannyK. We were looking for a nanny around the time she was available for hire. One might call it kismet. Any time you bring someone new playing a critical role in the life of your child, there is some anxiety and tension, but I just knew we were doing the right thing for KIC and felt more comfortable about KIC's care than I had in a long time. We all entered into the arrangement with the agreement that it would be for the summer only. However, I knew pretty soon into the arrangement that she would be the best teacher for KIC in that period of her life. As KIC began to warm up to the arrangement, NannyK felt comfortable agreeing to stay on long term.
NannyK has been with us the past two years and the transformation in KIC has been a sight to behold. Where she was withdrawn and shy around new people, she can confidently interact with folks she doesn't know. The amount of things she has learned from NannyK has been awe inspiring and we have found a learning style that works really well for KIC, thanks to NannyK. KIC has someone to be silly with, to be creative with and to dance around the kitchen singing "Frozen" songs with. The bond the two of them now have is something beyond my wildest imagination and something I know KIC cherishes.
While I hoped for, and really, expected, growth in KIC due to this wonderful opportunity, I had no expectations beyond that. The past two years, NannyK has been invaluable in the lives of B and I as well. During kitten season, I know I can count on NannyK to check on the kittens - that is, when she isn't bringing me pregnant teenage moms. She has been a source of comfort during hard times, a dynamo in crunch times and just a good friend. I have, quite unexpectedly, broadened my own horizons. I say regularly that we are lucky to have NannyK and I mean it. She came into our lives when we had no idea how much we needed her and has wormed her way into our family. At this point, we couldn't get rid of her if we tried! Not that we ever want to.
NannyK has done a very unspeakable thing: she has gone and got herself the (almost) perfect job in her field of choice. Her departure is extremely bittersweet and we will all miss her terribly. I might have thrown a couple of private, okay, public too, tantrums in the days leading up to her departure.
With this news, comes some big decisions. We are currently deciding if we want to go back to the day care route or hire another nanny. I know that no matter what I choose, it will cannot possibly compare to our time with NannyK. KIC has already told me this, though not in so many words. More like eye rolls and sighs. So much for having some time until teenagehood! Pray for me!
We wish all the best for NannyK and appreciate having her in our lives the past two years. We will miss her terribly but know that she'll always have a place in our home and our hearts. Thank you, NannyK. You rock our socks!
Monday, March 3, 2014
"I don't get why she's special"
In October, I talked about our struggles with Sunshine's health. Since August, Sunshine has had pneumonia every month. We can almost set our calendars to when she gets it. On top of her diabetes, arthritis and compressed disc diagnoses, she has recently been diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis. This condition makes her more prone to pneumonia, but, ironically, the treatment for it would me she would get pneumonia three times as much. Not sure how that works, but it definitely provides muscle behind the argument that not every surgery is a good surgery. Some pneumonia episodes have been more advanced than others and our vet has seen my ugly cry more times than I am comfortable with, but every single time she bounces back.
The battle with her immune system has taken a toll on her compressed discs. The movement in her back feet has degenerated to the point that she no longer fixes her positions on her own as she is unaware that there is a problem until she loses her balance. The cart we got in September has been a tremendous help for every one, obviously, most especially Sunshine. Her doggie grin as we walk around the block makes my heart smile every time!
On a recent walk, a little boy on the cranky neighbor side came up and asked if he could pet Sushine and Noelle. He said that he recognized Sunshine from when she used to go to the bus stop. He said that his dog didn't need a cart and when I told him Sunshine needed a cart because she was special, he said, in the honest way of children "I don't get why she's special." I asked him how many dogs he had seen using carts and when he replied none, I said "That's why she's special. Not many other dogs could sport a piece of equipment this impressive."
By now, I'm used to the curious looks and pitying looks. I think that people think we are prolonging her life unnecessarily. You need only to visit us to see how much life she still has in her to know that she will most assuredly let us know when she is ready. But, as always, I began to draw parallels to folks with special needs. We call them special needs to be kind, or PC, but how many people think to themselves "I don't get why they're special?" How many people are still using "retarded" to describe some friend's antics (btw, if you ARE still using "retarded" at all, Google why you shouldn't. When you use "retarded" to describe something or someone, you aren't actually insulting the person you are talking about, you're insulting a person with special needs. The more you know...)
We're all special in our own way, but those who are working so hard to overcome the physical and developmental challenges life has placed in their way are "extra special". Shouldn't we do more to celebrate them, and their victories, great and small, instead of trying to shut them out? We do so much unintentional harm to fragile psyches when we ignore folks who work so hard to walk, or to feed themselves, or to communicate with us, when a smile or a nod or a simple "hello" would cost us so little and provide so much reward. I'd rather have a little boy saying "I don't get why she's special" as it provides a gateway to education, acceptance and understanding.
Again, I hesitate to draw parallels between what we experience with our differently abled dog and differently abled humans, but by and large, the human reaction to disabilities remains the same. Hopefully, the next time that little boy sees a differently abled human, or animal, he'll "get" why they are special.
The battle with her immune system has taken a toll on her compressed discs. The movement in her back feet has degenerated to the point that she no longer fixes her positions on her own as she is unaware that there is a problem until she loses her balance. The cart we got in September has been a tremendous help for every one, obviously, most especially Sunshine. Her doggie grin as we walk around the block makes my heart smile every time!
On a recent walk, a little boy on the cranky neighbor side came up and asked if he could pet Sushine and Noelle. He said that he recognized Sunshine from when she used to go to the bus stop. He said that his dog didn't need a cart and when I told him Sunshine needed a cart because she was special, he said, in the honest way of children "I don't get why she's special." I asked him how many dogs he had seen using carts and when he replied none, I said "That's why she's special. Not many other dogs could sport a piece of equipment this impressive."
By now, I'm used to the curious looks and pitying looks. I think that people think we are prolonging her life unnecessarily. You need only to visit us to see how much life she still has in her to know that she will most assuredly let us know when she is ready. But, as always, I began to draw parallels to folks with special needs. We call them special needs to be kind, or PC, but how many people think to themselves "I don't get why they're special?" How many people are still using "retarded" to describe some friend's antics (btw, if you ARE still using "retarded" at all, Google why you shouldn't. When you use "retarded" to describe something or someone, you aren't actually insulting the person you are talking about, you're insulting a person with special needs. The more you know...)
We're all special in our own way, but those who are working so hard to overcome the physical and developmental challenges life has placed in their way are "extra special". Shouldn't we do more to celebrate them, and their victories, great and small, instead of trying to shut them out? We do so much unintentional harm to fragile psyches when we ignore folks who work so hard to walk, or to feed themselves, or to communicate with us, when a smile or a nod or a simple "hello" would cost us so little and provide so much reward. I'd rather have a little boy saying "I don't get why she's special" as it provides a gateway to education, acceptance and understanding.
Again, I hesitate to draw parallels between what we experience with our differently abled dog and differently abled humans, but by and large, the human reaction to disabilities remains the same. Hopefully, the next time that little boy sees a differently abled human, or animal, he'll "get" why they are special.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Reality Check
Kids are known for having no filter when they speak, and KIC is no exception. She frequently has those of us who know better laughing at her pointed observations. She means no harm, but girlfriend has a way of finding your Achilles' heel.
Recently, I was chatting with a friend who has not yet made it to the altar. This is a point of contention for my friend for many reasons, but as far as I know, KIC remains blissfully unaware of my friend's feelings. We were having a conversation about getting married. I had just explained to KIC that marriage isn't just between a man and a woman any more. For some reason, KIC started to talk about who she knew that was married.
KIC about the friend: "She's not even MARRIED!! Mom, you and Dad are on the married list.". (looks at friend). "YOU are not on the married list."
If you want a good laugh, sit down and have a conversation with KIC. If you want your self esteem to remain intact, run far far away.
Recently, I was chatting with a friend who has not yet made it to the altar. This is a point of contention for my friend for many reasons, but as far as I know, KIC remains blissfully unaware of my friend's feelings. We were having a conversation about getting married. I had just explained to KIC that marriage isn't just between a man and a woman any more. For some reason, KIC started to talk about who she knew that was married.
KIC about the friend: "She's not even MARRIED!! Mom, you and Dad are on the married list.". (looks at friend). "YOU are not on the married list."
If you want a good laugh, sit down and have a conversation with KIC. If you want your self esteem to remain intact, run far far away.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Love Thy Brother
People have been asking how KIC is adjusting to having a baby brother and no longer being the single focus of our lives. Truth be told, I think she is adjusting better than we are! It was definitely something we were concerned about from the very beginning and made a concerted effort to involve her in all aspects of the pregnancy.
Prior to being pregnant with Bean, if you asked KIC if she wanted a sibling, she would tell you very emphatically that one child was enough for this family. For many many months, she never wavered in her stance that she was the only child we needed. When we told her, we told her on a night that we engaged in a family craft project that would yield a Barbie play house for her.
On the night we told her, she asserted that we would be having a boy (side note: she thinks that the baby magically came into my tummy the night we told her. It's not something I am going to correct any time soon!). It was too early in the pregnancy to know the gender, so we cautioned her that it might not be a boy and tried to prepare her for a little sister. KIC, in her wise beyond her years way, basically told us that she would be fine if it was a girl, but it was a boy so no further discussion was really warranted. We, as the smug, all knowing adults we are, gave her the verbal equivalent of a pat on the head and bided our time until the big reveal then looked at each other with wide eyed wonder when her prediction came true.
From the point that we told KIC about the pregnancy, it was game on for her. Strangers were treated to the information that she was having a baby and it was going to be a boy. We took her to the gender reveal ultrasound, baby registry shopping as well as various and sundry other activities to keep the momentum going. Daily questions or thoughts or statements came from her regarding babies and her baby brother in general, especially regarding his arrival. Thank goodness we had Christmas to use as a timeframe, otherwise, I think we would all have gone crazy!!
When the big day finally came, I can't honestly say it was love at first sight for KIC. She was in love with him before he was even born. But the luster hasn't faded for her. She's not annoying with her love, in his fact constantly demanding his attention. But when she feels that we are doing a poor job as parents, she's not afraid to step in with quiet censure.
Often, when I'm in the kitchen making dinner before Brent gets home, I'll look into the family room and see her absently rocking him, or giving him a pacifier if he's fussy. She makes a beeline for him when she gets home from an event where he hasn't been in attendance. When I first got home, anything I did for him, her question was "Did the doctor tell you you could feed him from a bottle??" or "Did the doctor say he could sleep in his crib??" I finally had to tell her that I actually KNEW some stuff, that the doctors don't tell you everything.
I think the sweetest exchange, so far, happened the other night. Brent and I are working hard to get Bean used to sleeping in a crib. His preferred position is our chest, and that's all well and good, but man, is it exhausting. So we have been experimenting with the whole "put him in the crib and let him self soothe". Which means nobody is getting any rest. But I digress. On the evening in question, we Bean was in his crib and we were taking the hard line in letting him soothe himself. KIC, on her way to her room, found this treatment to be unsatisfactory. She stopped in his room and made a beeline for the music box on the side of his crib. She helpfully turned it on for him. His crying stopped until he realized her goal was not to pick him up and put him out of his misery. When his crying resumed, we saw her (courtesy of the video baby monitor) helpfully offer him one of her Barbies. She whipped that Barbie into his crib so fast, Barbie's head spun. When THAT didn't help, she whipped Barbie back out, turned off the music and left the room. If he wasn't going to appreciate her efforts, she was taking her toys and going home! Brent and I left our hearts melted into a puddle on the family room floor that night.
Having a brother of my own, I'm not naive enough to think that this utopia of sibling love is destined to go on forever. There will be fits and starts and times when the are not speaking to each other. Alternately, I hope there will be times when we see them voluntarily spending time with each other, loving and appreciating each other. For now, I will cherish the insta-bond these two have and pray that it continues to grow. I can only hope their bond is as strong as the one my brother and I have.
Yeah, I'd say KIC is rocking this big sister gig. Even more, she's making us so so proud to be her parents.
Prior to being pregnant with Bean, if you asked KIC if she wanted a sibling, she would tell you very emphatically that one child was enough for this family. For many many months, she never wavered in her stance that she was the only child we needed. When we told her, we told her on a night that we engaged in a family craft project that would yield a Barbie play house for her.
KIC picked out her shirt that day, not even knowing what it said!
On the night we told her, she asserted that we would be having a boy (side note: she thinks that the baby magically came into my tummy the night we told her. It's not something I am going to correct any time soon!). It was too early in the pregnancy to know the gender, so we cautioned her that it might not be a boy and tried to prepare her for a little sister. KIC, in her wise beyond her years way, basically told us that she would be fine if it was a girl, but it was a boy so no further discussion was really warranted. We, as the smug, all knowing adults we are, gave her the verbal equivalent of a pat on the head and bided our time until the big reveal then looked at each other with wide eyed wonder when her prediction came true.
"It's a brother! I knew it!"
From the point that we told KIC about the pregnancy, it was game on for her. Strangers were treated to the information that she was having a baby and it was going to be a boy. We took her to the gender reveal ultrasound, baby registry shopping as well as various and sundry other activities to keep the momentum going. Daily questions or thoughts or statements came from her regarding babies and her baby brother in general, especially regarding his arrival. Thank goodness we had Christmas to use as a timeframe, otherwise, I think we would all have gone crazy!!
When the big day finally came, I can't honestly say it was love at first sight for KIC. She was in love with him before he was even born. But the luster hasn't faded for her. She's not annoying with her love, in his fact constantly demanding his attention. But when she feels that we are doing a poor job as parents, she's not afraid to step in with quiet censure.
Often, when I'm in the kitchen making dinner before Brent gets home, I'll look into the family room and see her absently rocking him, or giving him a pacifier if he's fussy. She makes a beeline for him when she gets home from an event where he hasn't been in attendance. When I first got home, anything I did for him, her question was "Did the doctor tell you you could feed him from a bottle??" or "Did the doctor say he could sleep in his crib??" I finally had to tell her that I actually KNEW some stuff, that the doctors don't tell you everything.
I think the sweetest exchange, so far, happened the other night. Brent and I are working hard to get Bean used to sleeping in a crib. His preferred position is our chest, and that's all well and good, but man, is it exhausting. So we have been experimenting with the whole "put him in the crib and let him self soothe". Which means nobody is getting any rest. But I digress. On the evening in question, we Bean was in his crib and we were taking the hard line in letting him soothe himself. KIC, on her way to her room, found this treatment to be unsatisfactory. She stopped in his room and made a beeline for the music box on the side of his crib. She helpfully turned it on for him. His crying stopped until he realized her goal was not to pick him up and put him out of his misery. When his crying resumed, we saw her (courtesy of the video baby monitor) helpfully offer him one of her Barbies. She whipped that Barbie into his crib so fast, Barbie's head spun. When THAT didn't help, she whipped Barbie back out, turned off the music and left the room. If he wasn't going to appreciate her efforts, she was taking her toys and going home! Brent and I left our hearts melted into a puddle on the family room floor that night.
Having a brother of my own, I'm not naive enough to think that this utopia of sibling love is destined to go on forever. There will be fits and starts and times when the are not speaking to each other. Alternately, I hope there will be times when we see them voluntarily spending time with each other, loving and appreciating each other. For now, I will cherish the insta-bond these two have and pray that it continues to grow. I can only hope their bond is as strong as the one my brother and I have.
Yeah, I'd say KIC is rocking this big sister gig. Even more, she's making us so so proud to be her parents.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Craft Night Fun??
We aren't much for structured activities in the Shoup House. This is largely due to the fact that, as a champion procrastinator, some of my best ideas come spur of the moment. And also, because at any given moment, some random activity that wasn't even on our radar suddenly HAS TO BE DONE RIGHT NOW! Family movie night on Friday nights is about as structured and planned as it gets 'round these parts.
Recently, in an effort to help KIC and NannyK with a project they would be distributing to a retirement facility, we turned a random Saturday night into family craft night. The craft was deceptively simple: cut out two shapes that resembled silver bells, tie a jingle bell onto a ribbon, knot the ribbon on the end without the jingle bell, glue and smash together.
Recently, in an effort to help KIC and NannyK with a project they would be distributing to a retirement facility, we turned a random Saturday night into family craft night. The craft was deceptively simple: cut out two shapes that resembled silver bells, tie a jingle bell onto a ribbon, knot the ribbon on the end without the jingle bell, glue and smash together.
Test sample
Initially, NannyK and KIC had to take a break from making them because they ran out of glue stick. Of the 40 bells they needed, they had been able to complete 10. 30 jingle bells left? No problem. We got this. KIC and I picked up a six pack of glue sticks (only because I'm pregnant and any other type of six pack is frowned upon, though I would soon see alcoholic enhancement should have been listed as a requirement in the instructions) and merrily went on our way. The crafting would commence that evening!!!
The evening of crafting began with KIC distributing two glue sticks to each of us. Proud parent moment is when your Kindergartener conquers division without even knowing it! DH cut the ribbon, based upon a length of ribbon NannyK used, I traced and cut out bells and KIC glued the ribbon and the bells and smashed them together. Our first snag came when I traced the bell on the white border of the scrapbook paper. When I saw what I did, and realized it was too late to salvage those bells, I was forced to admit my mistake after a most vehement "Awwww, man!" KIC, seeing my distress, immediately came over and said "Don't feel bad about yourself." Mind you, the activity had just started. With my child telling me to not feel bad about myself, when I wasn't planning on it anyway, I could tell we were in for a long evening.
When we started the craft, I envisioned this well oiled manufacturing machine, a la Henry Ford. I would be in charge of the bell cutting, DH would be in charge of the bell stringing and KIC would put it all together. On the first bell, I could see why NannyK and KIC had run out of glue - KIC was gluing the bells, and the tablecloth, like they were a cake ordered with extra frosting. Not one to mess with creativity, I let it go, taking comfort in the fact that the tablecloth was vinyl. Not even done with his first bell (remember, the process is string bell and tie at the top), DH complained that his fingers were not small enough to tie the bell at the top. It was at this point, KIC started chanting "Never give up, never give up!" and I started fantasizing about a mojito.
We soon discovered that we would be running out of ribbon and would not be able to complete the assembly of the 30 additional bells. We calculated we would be able to finish about 12. Somehow, our calculations were of extreme disappointment to KIC because it was at that point she confiscated the glue sticks from DH and I, saying "I think it was a mistake for you and Daddy to have these." She of the glue layers so thick you couldn't see the paper through the purple of the glue stick. I started fantasizing about a second mojito and saw DH smirking, waiting for me to acknowledge family craft night was a bust! NOT ON MY WATCH, BUSTER!!!
I went out and purchased some additional ribbon and DH and I finished the remaining 18 bells well after KIC had gone to bed - my ego had taken as much beating as it could withstand that night. It was a good thing too because with the snow storm, NannyK and KIC would not have had time to complete the bells. I would like to state for the record that had it not been for the glue stick pancaked on the bell cut outs, they actually would not have stuck together. Who knew??? Well, KIC did, but that's not surprising!
I am happy to report that 37 out of the 38 residents at the retirement community were thrilled to receive bells. One lady wasn't that into it, but we'll work on her. Valentine's day will knock her socks off! Bonus was KIC got to work on her interactions with stranger skills, something that has been steadily improving much to everyone's delight.
As for me, the moral of the story goes like this: Parents don't know anything about gluing stuff, if you mess up, don't feel bad about yourself, and if you want to retain some semblance of self-respect, don't craft with a 5 year old.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Watch out for that bus!!
There are two new fascinations for KIC that, I believe, will set her up for a career in politics. The first is her fascination with the "law". To be clear, the "law" to KIC is police officers. Any time we see someone pulled over for an infraction, she says "oooo, the law got mad at somebody and pulled them over to get a ticket. Now they have to go to court and go to jail." No amoun of "not always" could convince her this is not the case. In any case, a strong alliance with the "law" would most certainly help the career of any aspiring politician.
The second fascination is her abject refusal to accept responsibility for ANYTHING. NannyK and I watched her jump off the top step, land on the sidewalk, hit the slippery leaves and fall down. Whereas her immediate reaction used to be "I'M OKAY!", now it's "I DIDN'T DO IT!!!" The day she manages to convince any one who sees her direct actions that she did not, in fact, "do it", is the day I throw in the towel. Seriously, anyone with that much charm has no need for further parental guidance.
Recently, after a shower, I discovered my hair brush had gone missing. My hair brush tends to be interchangeable as my hair brush and KIC's hair brush, often without my knowledge (I know, I know, I'm going to be in a world of hurt when the lice epidemic hits). This is the conversation that ensued.
Me: Who took my hair brush???
KIC: Not me!!!
(Brent was not around to defend himself)
Me: Well, somebody took it because it is not on my sink.
KIC: Well, it was not me.
Me: Fine, I'm going to call the law.
KIC: No you're not!!
Me (pretend calling the law): Hello, sheriff's department? I would like to file a complaint. Somebody stole my hair brush. Uh huh, uh huh, I see. Okay, we'll see you soon
KIC: You did NOT just call the law!
Me: I did too. They are going to come over to talk to us because I STILL don't have my hairbrush.
KIC: It's by my sink. But I didn't do it!!! Daddy did!
It's at this point Brent returns from his walk with Sunshine.
KIC: Daddy, mommy called the law about her stolt hair brush and I told her you took it! You're going to have to talk to the law because I didn't do it!
Brent admitted to taking the hair brush and not putting it back, but at the end of the day, I was STILL the one who had to retrieve it!!! I'm going to have to speak to the law about that. In the meantime, Brent is still tending to his wounds from being thrown under the bus. He better get used to it. We still have 13 more years to go!
The second fascination is her abject refusal to accept responsibility for ANYTHING. NannyK and I watched her jump off the top step, land on the sidewalk, hit the slippery leaves and fall down. Whereas her immediate reaction used to be "I'M OKAY!", now it's "I DIDN'T DO IT!!!" The day she manages to convince any one who sees her direct actions that she did not, in fact, "do it", is the day I throw in the towel. Seriously, anyone with that much charm has no need for further parental guidance.
Recently, after a shower, I discovered my hair brush had gone missing. My hair brush tends to be interchangeable as my hair brush and KIC's hair brush, often without my knowledge (I know, I know, I'm going to be in a world of hurt when the lice epidemic hits). This is the conversation that ensued.
Me: Who took my hair brush???
KIC: Not me!!!
(Brent was not around to defend himself)
Me: Well, somebody took it because it is not on my sink.
KIC: Well, it was not me.
Me: Fine, I'm going to call the law.
KIC: No you're not!!
Me (pretend calling the law): Hello, sheriff's department? I would like to file a complaint. Somebody stole my hair brush. Uh huh, uh huh, I see. Okay, we'll see you soon
KIC: You did NOT just call the law!
Me: I did too. They are going to come over to talk to us because I STILL don't have my hairbrush.
KIC: It's by my sink. But I didn't do it!!! Daddy did!
It's at this point Brent returns from his walk with Sunshine.
KIC: Daddy, mommy called the law about her stolt hair brush and I told her you took it! You're going to have to talk to the law because I didn't do it!
Brent admitted to taking the hair brush and not putting it back, but at the end of the day, I was STILL the one who had to retrieve it!!! I'm going to have to speak to the law about that. In the meantime, Brent is still tending to his wounds from being thrown under the bus. He better get used to it. We still have 13 more years to go!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Avon Walk 2013 Redux
So this year, as many of you know, I participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Charlotte, NC. I signed up for the walk, at a discount, last year when participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Chicago. It is my goal to experience the Avon Walk in each of the host cities. I could use the excuse that it gives me a chance to view the local sights, but the reality is, you follow a path and if your path takes you past pretty stuff, then you're good. Otherwise, as was the case with this walk, you're checking out the pretty Craftsman homes! In truth, I am really just running away from the hills of the DC Walk. What, you didn't think DC had hills? Just try walking in and out, up and down the streets of Georgetown and Silver Spring!
This year, there were many factors against participating. Fundraising was harder, training was nonexistent and oh, yeah, that whole seven months pregnant thing. The more you tell me I can't or shouldn't do something, the more I want to do it. Just ask my mom - I'm contrary like that. To say that being pregnant (and busy) impacted my training would be an understatement, but I was confident I could do the 13 miles. I knew there would be blood, sweat and possibly tears, but I had this.
Two weeks before the walk, some health issues, and doubts, started to appear. For the first time ever, I doubted that I could finish something I started. Fortunately, the healthy issues (braxton hicks and high blood pressure) were not significant enough for me not to participate, but admonishments were given to take it slow and do no more than I could.
I won't bore you with all the details, but I will say that I finished. I thwarted the hills of Charlotte (who KNEW???), the steps they threw in just for fun on day 2 and the voice in my head that kept telling me to quit. I gained inspiration in some of the strangest ways ever: a pug in a dog cart with issues exactly like Sunshine's (!) who appeared when I was ready to quit, a woman who had a miserable time trying to raise funds and awareness, but who walked anyway and the girl from Florida who was woefully unprepared for the 40 degree weather but camped anyway! And, oh yeah, the telltale hairless heads of women who had just finished chemo and brought with them not on the the strength to fight, but to walk as well.
Many of you have said that I was awesome for doing the walk and remarked that you were unsure how I was able to do it as pregnant as I was. I had a choice, for sure, to postpone to another year. But I couldn't help but keep positioned in the forefront of my mind that my 26 mile walk was nothing compared to the battle many brave women and men, and their friends and loved ones, face daily. This walk wasn't about me, it wasn't about me proving the naysayers wrong - it was about those who fought this disease with everything they have, win or lose and are mad as hell they had to do it in the first place. It's about making sure that girls in KIC's generation have better weapons to fight with, or, hopefully, not ever having to fight at all. And it's about ensuring that even if you don't know someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer, you cannot let blinders keep you from understanding the impact that this horrible disease has on the lives of those who have known someone impacted by breast cancer.
Second to childbirth, this is one of the most grueling experiences I have ever had in my life. If it wasn't for the support of donations, my cowalker Sarah, and my wonderful friend Terri who was willing to hurry up and wait to schlep our tired bodies home, I could not and would not have done this. I am grateful to everyone for their support and honored to be walking for such a worthy cause. But, I hope you will remember, the true heroes, the humans who are really awesome, are the ones who go into battle everyday. Send them your accolades and support. Lord knows, they can use all the support they can get.
This year, there were many factors against participating. Fundraising was harder, training was nonexistent and oh, yeah, that whole seven months pregnant thing. The more you tell me I can't or shouldn't do something, the more I want to do it. Just ask my mom - I'm contrary like that. To say that being pregnant (and busy) impacted my training would be an understatement, but I was confident I could do the 13 miles. I knew there would be blood, sweat and possibly tears, but I had this.
Two weeks before the walk, some health issues, and doubts, started to appear. For the first time ever, I doubted that I could finish something I started. Fortunately, the healthy issues (braxton hicks and high blood pressure) were not significant enough for me not to participate, but admonishments were given to take it slow and do no more than I could.
I won't bore you with all the details, but I will say that I finished. I thwarted the hills of Charlotte (who KNEW???), the steps they threw in just for fun on day 2 and the voice in my head that kept telling me to quit. I gained inspiration in some of the strangest ways ever: a pug in a dog cart with issues exactly like Sunshine's (!) who appeared when I was ready to quit, a woman who had a miserable time trying to raise funds and awareness, but who walked anyway and the girl from Florida who was woefully unprepared for the 40 degree weather but camped anyway! And, oh yeah, the telltale hairless heads of women who had just finished chemo and brought with them not on the the strength to fight, but to walk as well.
Many of you have said that I was awesome for doing the walk and remarked that you were unsure how I was able to do it as pregnant as I was. I had a choice, for sure, to postpone to another year. But I couldn't help but keep positioned in the forefront of my mind that my 26 mile walk was nothing compared to the battle many brave women and men, and their friends and loved ones, face daily. This walk wasn't about me, it wasn't about me proving the naysayers wrong - it was about those who fought this disease with everything they have, win or lose and are mad as hell they had to do it in the first place. It's about making sure that girls in KIC's generation have better weapons to fight with, or, hopefully, not ever having to fight at all. And it's about ensuring that even if you don't know someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer, you cannot let blinders keep you from understanding the impact that this horrible disease has on the lives of those who have known someone impacted by breast cancer.
Second to childbirth, this is one of the most grueling experiences I have ever had in my life. If it wasn't for the support of donations, my cowalker Sarah, and my wonderful friend Terri who was willing to hurry up and wait to schlep our tired bodies home, I could not and would not have done this. I am grateful to everyone for their support and honored to be walking for such a worthy cause. But, I hope you will remember, the true heroes, the humans who are really awesome, are the ones who go into battle everyday. Send them your accolades and support. Lord knows, they can use all the support they can get.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
2 Legit 2 Quit
This pregnancy has been much different than when I was pregnant with KIC, on many levels. One bit, in particular, that has been "fun", is the constant Braxton Hicks. For those unfamiliar, Braxton Hicks is a nice way of saying "you're having contractions but it's not doing anything other than causing you pain." Apparently, epidurals for Braxton Hicks has not been explored yet. Someone needs to get on that! But I digress.
Bean is a very active baby. More so than KIC EVER was. It would seem that with his activity level brings Braxton Hicks. This has been going on since about week 17, in varying degrees of intensity. I've learned, for the most part, to shrug them off and press on. Recently, though, my contractions were timeable. Every five minutes, I was experiencing the joy of a contraction. The more I moved, the faster, and harder, they came.
When one is pregnant, you are constantly admonished to call your doctor in the event anything out of the ordinary is going on. I called, told them about my contractions and was summarily sent to the hossabuilding, as KIC calls it. Since I was so far from my due date, regular contractions like that were definitely cause for concern, though I suspected it was still Braxton Hicks. I got hooked up to all kinds of fun monitors and gave the usual personal information. After what seemed like forever, I was seen by a doctor from my practice that I had not yet met. This is what went down:
Dr: So why are you in here?
Me: I had been having contractions every five minutes so they asked me to come in. They have (of course) slowed down since I got here.
Dr looking at the monitor and not seeing any contractions: Well, it could be one of two things. One, you're having pre term contractions or two, you're having pre term labor. The only way to determine which one it is is to do a cervical exam. If it's pre term contractions, you'll be able to go home for dinner tonight. If it's pre term labor, then we're looking at putting you on magnesium sulfate and starting steroid shots.
Side note: Magnesium sulfate was the thing I was most concerned about. That stuff has TERRIBLE side effects on the mother, though it does really good things for premature babies. Anything else, I could have handled.
Me: Okay, sounds good.
Dr: Okay, I'm going to do the exam now.
Me (experiencing one of the most painful contractions of the evening): Ooo, that kind of hurts.
Dr: Yep, you're legit. That's a pretty significant contraction.
Ummmmmmm, what?? Did you think I came here so I could get a good night's rest??? Good golly!
The exam found that I was having pre term contractions and not pre term labor. It seems that my uterus continues to be locked up tighter than Ft. Knox for now. I was sent home that evening and treated myself to a milkshake on the way home. My only care instructions are to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Because pregnant women don't spend enough time in the bathroom!!!
For now, I am happy that Bean gets to cook for awhile longer. In the meantime, if you see me walking down the hallway singing a certain MC Hammer song, well, you'll know why.
You're singing it now, aren't you?
Bean is a very active baby. More so than KIC EVER was. It would seem that with his activity level brings Braxton Hicks. This has been going on since about week 17, in varying degrees of intensity. I've learned, for the most part, to shrug them off and press on. Recently, though, my contractions were timeable. Every five minutes, I was experiencing the joy of a contraction. The more I moved, the faster, and harder, they came.
When one is pregnant, you are constantly admonished to call your doctor in the event anything out of the ordinary is going on. I called, told them about my contractions and was summarily sent to the hossabuilding, as KIC calls it. Since I was so far from my due date, regular contractions like that were definitely cause for concern, though I suspected it was still Braxton Hicks. I got hooked up to all kinds of fun monitors and gave the usual personal information. After what seemed like forever, I was seen by a doctor from my practice that I had not yet met. This is what went down:
Dr: So why are you in here?
Me: I had been having contractions every five minutes so they asked me to come in. They have (of course) slowed down since I got here.
Dr looking at the monitor and not seeing any contractions: Well, it could be one of two things. One, you're having pre term contractions or two, you're having pre term labor. The only way to determine which one it is is to do a cervical exam. If it's pre term contractions, you'll be able to go home for dinner tonight. If it's pre term labor, then we're looking at putting you on magnesium sulfate and starting steroid shots.
Side note: Magnesium sulfate was the thing I was most concerned about. That stuff has TERRIBLE side effects on the mother, though it does really good things for premature babies. Anything else, I could have handled.
Me: Okay, sounds good.
Dr: Okay, I'm going to do the exam now.
Me (experiencing one of the most painful contractions of the evening): Ooo, that kind of hurts.
Dr: Yep, you're legit. That's a pretty significant contraction.
Ummmmmmm, what?? Did you think I came here so I could get a good night's rest??? Good golly!
The exam found that I was having pre term contractions and not pre term labor. It seems that my uterus continues to be locked up tighter than Ft. Knox for now. I was sent home that evening and treated myself to a milkshake on the way home. My only care instructions are to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Because pregnant women don't spend enough time in the bathroom!!!
For now, I am happy that Bean gets to cook for awhile longer. In the meantime, if you see me walking down the hallway singing a certain MC Hammer song, well, you'll know why.
You're singing it now, aren't you?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
It is never okay to point and laugh
I apologize in advance as this post may be all over the place. Things for the Shoups have been pretty emotional (and expensive) lately. It doesn't help that with Bean in the oven (one of many nicknames for the baby still cooking in mah belly), my hormone levels are higher than normal. Just ask Brent. ;-)
Our dog Sunshine, whom we dearly love, adore and cherish, is like a little old lady for many reasons. As she ages (she turns 13 in January), so, sadly, does her body. We have been managing diabetes for her for over five years now. It coincided nicely with the birth of KIC. "Hey, Shoups, I know that having a kid is an expensive endeavor, but let's throw in a ton of required veterinary care over the next five years to add to the fun!" We have seen more specialists for our dog than most people see in in a lifetime. We are dedicated to responsible pet ownership and would do it no matter what. It's part of the package for us and always has been. Is it an obligation? Absolutely. But is it done with love and respect? 100%.
The next morning was one of the scariest moments of my life. I brought Sunshine downstairs, as we always do, since her neuropathy made stair navigation extremely scary for her. When I put her down, she could no longer support her weight. When I went to pick her up, I discovered she had defecated on herself. Overnight, she lost almost all muscle control and seemingly, her bowel control. I rushed her to the vet and carried her in myself, with KIC trailing behind. The news from the vet was not good and she braced us to expect the worst. Brent and I spent much of the day in tears thinking we would soon be saying goodbye to our girl.
Inexplicably, Sunshine, as she is wont to do, defied the odds. Her appetite started to increase, though her mobility was clearly lost. We were sling walking her so she could relieve herself, prompting one very nice gentleman to stop and tell Brent that he had much respect for what Brent was doing and hoped that if his dogs got to the state Sunshine was in, he would do the same thing. When B came home and shared, we both broke down and cried. It was an extremely emotional time.
We started to see that the sling could only be a temporary solution. At five months pregnant, I couldn't physically support her during her sling walking. We bought a cart, the cheapest on the market, because we weren't sure if she would accept walking in a cart. Our reasoning was that if Sunshine didn't take to it, we could always donate it to a dog rescue that could use it.
In the meantime, we continue embrace each day with Sunshine, now with joy instead of grim determination. Havoc has taken it upon himself to be her boon companion, her instigator and her general pain in the rear. We see her happy grin more and more, and each walk seem to be a point of pride for her. Instead of thinking we have weeks, we now hope we get another couple of years. No matter the outcome, she'll always be our Sunshine.
Our dog Sunshine, whom we dearly love, adore and cherish, is like a little old lady for many reasons. As she ages (she turns 13 in January), so, sadly, does her body. We have been managing diabetes for her for over five years now. It coincided nicely with the birth of KIC. "Hey, Shoups, I know that having a kid is an expensive endeavor, but let's throw in a ton of required veterinary care over the next five years to add to the fun!" We have seen more specialists for our dog than most people see in in a lifetime. We are dedicated to responsible pet ownership and would do it no matter what. It's part of the package for us and always has been. Is it an obligation? Absolutely. But is it done with love and respect? 100%.
Sunshine's mobility had been failing for about 8 months or so. We noticed weakness in her hind legs and sought both traditional medication as well as homeopathic remedies. She was diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy. The vet could bend her rear paw completely underneath Sunshine's foot with no recognition or correction on Sunshine's part at all. With the medications, we were able to buy a ton of time always knowing that the progress we gained was fragile. In August, we had a huge scare. And by scare, our worlds were rocked. Sunshine's energy level had gradually been going down, but one night, it was clear through her coughing that Sunshine couldn't get enough oxygen. At 1 am, B rushed her to the emergency vet. We spent the next 14 hours wondering how long our girl would be with us. The cost of a used beater car later, Sunshine was diagnosed with pneumonia and sent home with meds. The oxygen and fluids had done wonders for her system, we knew what we were up against and we added another tool to our arsenal against her aging body. We had a follow up with our regular vet the next morning, which gave us all peace of mind. When Sunshine came home from the emergency vet, she was tired from not sleeping or eating much, but her mobility was much the same as it was before. The next morning was one of the scariest moments of my life. I brought Sunshine downstairs, as we always do, since her neuropathy made stair navigation extremely scary for her. When I put her down, she could no longer support her weight. When I went to pick her up, I discovered she had defecated on herself. Overnight, she lost almost all muscle control and seemingly, her bowel control. I rushed her to the vet and carried her in myself, with KIC trailing behind. The news from the vet was not good and she braced us to expect the worst. Brent and I spent much of the day in tears thinking we would soon be saying goodbye to our girl.
Inexplicably, Sunshine, as she is wont to do, defied the odds. Her appetite started to increase, though her mobility was clearly lost. We were sling walking her so she could relieve herself, prompting one very nice gentleman to stop and tell Brent that he had much respect for what Brent was doing and hoped that if his dogs got to the state Sunshine was in, he would do the same thing. When B came home and shared, we both broke down and cried. It was an extremely emotional time.
We started to see that the sling could only be a temporary solution. At five months pregnant, I couldn't physically support her during her sling walking. We bought a cart, the cheapest on the market, because we weren't sure if she would accept walking in a cart. Our reasoning was that if Sunshine didn't take to it, we could always donate it to a dog rescue that could use it.
It took awhile, but as you can see, she eventually accepted it. It didn't hurt that to goad her into walking in it, I would take another dog with us to provide competition. ;-) Nope, not a one of us Shoups is competitive. The booties on her feet are from when she was at her weakest and dragging her feet as she walked. If you look closely at the farthest paw, you can see how the weakness would allow her toes to bend under her foot.
To reach this milestone with Sunshine was huge! HUGE! We were all extremely proud of her and her accomplishment. I was excited to be able to walk with Sunshine again, without having to worry about her falling and taking me with her. We walked around in a bubble of pride, praising Sunshine with each accomplishment. If rewarding her with an M&M every time she peed or pooped was appropriate for a dog, a diabetic dog at that, I would have done it! Go Sunshine! Even KIC would walk behind Sunshine chanting "Go Sunshine, Go Sunshine!" It was a family effort.
And then, I started noticing the stares. And the children outright pointing and laughing. Some people even looked at us in disbelief and disgust. I think the perception is that we were prolonging Sunshine's life for our own perverse satisfaction. I actually began to welcome the folks who asked why she was in the cart. Nobody knew what we went through to get to that point, nor was I going to give them the full run down, but the number of people who had their own perceived notions about our intentions or how "funny looking that dog is" was incredible. Sunshine didn't and doesn't care so long as she gets to check her "pee mail" and do her thing, but I could see KIC start to take it in, especially when it was a peer who was doing the pointing and laughing. It bothered me, more than I can say, and made me so sad. The bubble of pride had shrunk and had become a bubble of protection.
Since school has started, Brent has started taking Sunshine to the bus stop in the mornings. In a rare move of efficiency for him (cuz he's a boy), he walks KIC to the bus and then walks Sunshine afterwards. Remember me saying we bought the cheapest cart we could find? Well, it has come back to bite us in the butt. The cart bit the dust for good and we are waiting for her custom cart (which was actually not that much more expensive) to come in for her. In the meantime, the time she had in the cart gave the swelling around her disc compression enough rest that she can walk a block under her own power - albeit like a drunken sailor. Those kids who were pointing and laughing have been able to see up close and personal the phenom that is Sunshine and KIC is proud to have Sunshine at the bus stop with her.
I know that our society generally looks away from people with disabilities. The fact that pointing and laughing is acceptable for an animal with a disability is interesting. If we didn't frown on such behavior when a human being is involved, would we see a lot more laughing and pointing at humans? Perhaps I am oversimplifying, but a smile always goes a lot further than ridicule. Maybe people don't want the explanation and maybe I don't want to give it, but before they pass judgement, they should consider that they don't know all the facts and sometimes they really aren't all that important anyway. Kindness is what counts.
The face of misery? Not a chance.
Monday, September 30, 2013
RIP Princess Gypsy 2.0
This is a tribute to one of the neatest creatures we have ever had the pleasure of knowing in the Shoup House. Princess Gypsy 2.0.
Our first Princess Gypsy, met an untimely demise, so we did what any parents would do. We eased the sting by getting another Princess Gypsy! While the original PG taught us what NOT to do and what to look for, she wasn't the nicest critter. I don't think she had a great start and was saddled with newbie little critter parents in her golden years. The newer addition was the size of a rat, minus the tail, and so super cute and sweet! And very tolerant of a little girl continuing to poke her face into PG's cage.
We learned a lot with PG 2.0, especially the need that hamsters have to climb. We learned that PG 2.0 was bored in her tank as she didn't have many climbing opportunities. My favorite story with PG 2.0 happens to deal with our habitat transition.
Once I figured out PG was bored, we went to several stores trying to find a habitat suitable for a Siberian hamster. SHOCKINGLY, there is no hamster specialty store and the workers in various big box pet super stores were less than knowledgeable. I found this crazy pod looking thing that promised to provide her with tons of climbing opportunities (it did not) and would be spacious enough for our precious PG 2.0(it was not). We got it in the mail and NannyK and KIC set about putting it together. None of use had this sense of security about it as the whole construction part was extremely nebulous. It just didn't seem all that secure and we dumb humans couldn't seem to get it right. We had moved PG downstairs as she was keeping KIC up at night, but I felt something would go amiss in this new pod. I moved her into the dining room figuring, if anything went wrong, she wouldn't have to deal with the dogs. We had to leave for about an hour that evening so it wasn't like constant monitoring was an option. We loaded the pod with treats to entice her to explore. Was it my imagination or was she uneasy about her new place too? Rest assured, there was no dilly dallying that night.
You can imagine my grim satisfaction when we came home and notice the clever PG 2.0 had managed to open her pod and escape. I think they should advertise this habitat as an escape pod. We immediately started scouring the dining room for PG 2.0 with KIC's hysterics increasing in volume as each minute passed. Incredibly, during a panicked call to NannyK about the lost hamster, she was located within 5 minutes of our search. The wily hamster had managed to jump about 3 feet down from the dining room table and evade not one, but two, curious felines. They have since been relieved of their rodent catching duties.
To my relief, PG 2.0 seemed none worse for the wear. Except...oh crap!!! She had blood streaming from her mouth! Frantically, I'm going through my veterinary rolodex wondering which was the closest to treat an injured hamster and omigod, could they save her?!?!?!?!?! Wait a minute. PG is looking at me bright and alert like "what in the world are you raising a fuss about?!?" But ... there's blood... Suddenly, sanity set in. The enticement to explore her habitat? They were strawberry yogurt bites. Knowing she was going on the lam, she must have stuffed her cheeks with the yogurt bites and while on the run they melted. Further inspection showed melted strawberry yogurt bites EVERYWHERE! Belly, paws, face, with PG 2.0 none worse for the wear. A presentment of the hamster ball and PG was scooped up and put in the old habitat. We were back to square one, but the excitement of the escape was enough to last PG for a while until we could find a new habitat. One that did not act as an escape pod!
In the end, PG 2.0, in her golden months, got a rather sizeable tumor that prevented her from doing much other than sleeping. We fed her sugar water, which she loved, while we figured out what was wrong with her. When the official diagnosis came back from the vet, we knew it was time to let her go. This is definitely not a new topic for KIC, but we were all pretty devastated.
We have since welcomed Hercules into our crazy Shoup zoo. True to Shoup humanity form, KIC picked a very sweet, very nice little guy who is losing his fur like crazy due to some mite infestation. He's a happy little guy, though not our first choice. Our first choice, much like Princess Gypsy in size and color, was adopted before we could get to the shelter. Fostering is not all roses for any of the Shoups, and sometimes giving up one of our fosters is gut wrenching. But, I was grateful that when I told KIC that someone else had adopted Susie, it meant she could rejoice and not be sad. Whether the hamster is a necessity or not, they continue to teach us more than we could have expected. And for that, we will continue to be happy to give them a crazy, loving home, melted yogurt bites and all.
RIP PG 2.0. Thank you for the happiness you gave us all.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=3911642745484&set=a.1064226681862.10525.1111836727&type=3&theater
Our first Princess Gypsy, met an untimely demise, so we did what any parents would do. We eased the sting by getting another Princess Gypsy! While the original PG taught us what NOT to do and what to look for, she wasn't the nicest critter. I don't think she had a great start and was saddled with newbie little critter parents in her golden years. The newer addition was the size of a rat, minus the tail, and so super cute and sweet! And very tolerant of a little girl continuing to poke her face into PG's cage.
We learned a lot with PG 2.0, especially the need that hamsters have to climb. We learned that PG 2.0 was bored in her tank as she didn't have many climbing opportunities. My favorite story with PG 2.0 happens to deal with our habitat transition.
Once I figured out PG was bored, we went to several stores trying to find a habitat suitable for a Siberian hamster. SHOCKINGLY, there is no hamster specialty store and the workers in various big box pet super stores were less than knowledgeable. I found this crazy pod looking thing that promised to provide her with tons of climbing opportunities (it did not) and would be spacious enough for our precious PG 2.0(it was not). We got it in the mail and NannyK and KIC set about putting it together. None of use had this sense of security about it as the whole construction part was extremely nebulous. It just didn't seem all that secure and we dumb humans couldn't seem to get it right. We had moved PG downstairs as she was keeping KIC up at night, but I felt something would go amiss in this new pod. I moved her into the dining room figuring, if anything went wrong, she wouldn't have to deal with the dogs. We had to leave for about an hour that evening so it wasn't like constant monitoring was an option. We loaded the pod with treats to entice her to explore. Was it my imagination or was she uneasy about her new place too? Rest assured, there was no dilly dallying that night.
You can imagine my grim satisfaction when we came home and notice the clever PG 2.0 had managed to open her pod and escape. I think they should advertise this habitat as an escape pod. We immediately started scouring the dining room for PG 2.0 with KIC's hysterics increasing in volume as each minute passed. Incredibly, during a panicked call to NannyK about the lost hamster, she was located within 5 minutes of our search. The wily hamster had managed to jump about 3 feet down from the dining room table and evade not one, but two, curious felines. They have since been relieved of their rodent catching duties.
To my relief, PG 2.0 seemed none worse for the wear. Except...oh crap!!! She had blood streaming from her mouth! Frantically, I'm going through my veterinary rolodex wondering which was the closest to treat an injured hamster and omigod, could they save her?!?!?!?!?! Wait a minute. PG is looking at me bright and alert like "what in the world are you raising a fuss about?!?" But ... there's blood... Suddenly, sanity set in. The enticement to explore her habitat? They were strawberry yogurt bites. Knowing she was going on the lam, she must have stuffed her cheeks with the yogurt bites and while on the run they melted. Further inspection showed melted strawberry yogurt bites EVERYWHERE! Belly, paws, face, with PG 2.0 none worse for the wear. A presentment of the hamster ball and PG was scooped up and put in the old habitat. We were back to square one, but the excitement of the escape was enough to last PG for a while until we could find a new habitat. One that did not act as an escape pod!
In the end, PG 2.0, in her golden months, got a rather sizeable tumor that prevented her from doing much other than sleeping. We fed her sugar water, which she loved, while we figured out what was wrong with her. When the official diagnosis came back from the vet, we knew it was time to let her go. This is definitely not a new topic for KIC, but we were all pretty devastated.
We have since welcomed Hercules into our crazy Shoup zoo. True to Shoup humanity form, KIC picked a very sweet, very nice little guy who is losing his fur like crazy due to some mite infestation. He's a happy little guy, though not our first choice. Our first choice, much like Princess Gypsy in size and color, was adopted before we could get to the shelter. Fostering is not all roses for any of the Shoups, and sometimes giving up one of our fosters is gut wrenching. But, I was grateful that when I told KIC that someone else had adopted Susie, it meant she could rejoice and not be sad. Whether the hamster is a necessity or not, they continue to teach us more than we could have expected. And for that, we will continue to be happy to give them a crazy, loving home, melted yogurt bites and all.
RIP PG 2.0. Thank you for the happiness you gave us all.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=3911642745484&set=a.1064226681862.10525.1111836727&type=3&theater
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Semi-wordless Wednesday
Baby Boy Shoup (not yet named) due end of December 2013. He's already measuring and weighing ahead of his gestational age, so we'll see when he REALLY arrives (big sister was two weeks early).
Big sister, KIC, is thrilled!
Friday, July 26, 2013
My Weird Friends: Post #35 (or something)
My crazy Liberace loving friend and I share some irreverent emails on occasion. Okay, really, most of our conversations, no matter the medium, take a turn for the weird. I think in some ways, we set out with grim determination to see who has the most abstract content.
My friend, whose sanity I seriously question, has her daughter at home with her for the next month while waiting to start a new school. This while juggling the demands of an infant and trying to work 40 hours a week from home. Bet you are starting to question her sanity as well. This has been her first full week and if everyone in the household survives the next month, then it will be due to being on the receiving end of man many many miracles. So, if within the next month, you ask for a miracle and do not receive it, you too can blame my friend Liberace.
To lighten the mood, I forwarded an email I received about artificial insemination of pandas. The email was titled innocently enough "Giant Panda Update: Cub Watch Begins!" I am not sure why I continue to receive emails very technical in nature about giant panda insemination, but I am always happy to share them. In this email, they mentioned that since Mei Xiang and Tian Tian failed to mate naturally, Mei Xiang had been inseminated twice with the sperm of Tian Tian and another male, Gao Gao. The following chain ensued:
Me: No matter how fun Mommy Day camp is NOT, at least you are not getting updates regarding the artificial insemination of pandas.
Liberace: I'm pretty sure Tian Tian wouldn't appreciate the Smithsonian advertising his deficiencies.
Me: And if it turns out to be Gao Gao's baby, is Tian Tian going to be expected to raise it? How come Gao Gao gets off scott free?
Liberace: Right?! Is there a mediation lawyer for panda custody cases?
Me: That could be our million dollar money maker - Panda Custody lawyers! How's your mandarin?
And that, friends, is how you get sucked into a panda custody wormhole.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Why KIC can never go back to summer camp
My current employer offers a great summer camp deal to all employees. I signed KIC up for camp thinking it would be a sort of "kindegarten lite." She would ride the school bus, have to get up early and be in a modified classroom setting for a couple of weeks. Today was KIC's first day at summer camp. Between NannyK and I, we have spent hours and hours, weeks upon weeks talking up summer camp and how fun it is going to be. KIC was super pumped to go to summer camp and woke up with a cheery attitude at o'dark thirty when I indicated it was time to get up. Breakfast to go, sunscreen, fully stocked backpack (one change of clothes, three pairs of underwear, towel, sunscreen, bug spray hair brush, second pair of shoes, kitchen sink, etc) and we were off!
I took a different way to work today, taking advantage of the fact that I had two people in the car and we would be able to use the high occupancy vehicle lane. As I travelled down this road, I was reminded, yet again, why I pay $8 a day for the convenience of the toll road. We BARELY squeaked by to get to the bus that was going to take KIC to camp. All was well and with a "Bye, Mom!" she was off for her very first big girl camp. No NannyK, no mommy, no daddy, just KIC alone in the big world.
All day long, I was antsy with anticipation. I couldn't wait for 4:00 so I could pick up KIC at the bus stop and hear all about her day! A friend, recognizing my antsy-ness, offered to come with me to the camp mid-day to check everything out. I politely declined stating I wanted to hear how KIC's first day at camp went before I started doing the random check ins.
Finally, 4:00 came (okay, 3:50) and I walked sedately (raced) to the bus stop, gathering other parents along the way. I waited impatiently for her to get off the second bus, but when she did, she looked happy and said she had a good time. "Mommy, I was with the graders today!" "There were graders there??" (wondering if there were some safety violations I should be concerned with) "Yes, first graders, second graders, I was with them!" Cute. Off we went in the truck, heading for home. Since there is no nap at camp and KIC is accustomed to a two hour nap every day, she promptly fell asleep effectively eliminating any camp talk on the way home.
We reached home and the following conversation happened:
KIC: "Mommy, on the bus today, a boy said a bad word."
Me (knowing this summer camp deal was too good to be true): "What did he say, KIC?"
KIC: "I don't want to tell you because you'll get mad at me."
Me: "I promise I won't. What word did he say?"
KIC: "Underwear. But he said he was sorry and that he would tell his mommy what he said and would never say it again."
Me: "KIC, that is not a bad word."
KIC: "Oh. Well, then that's okay."
End of conversation. (those of you who have seen my status on FB can guess where this is going) We eat dinner, chill out for awhile and then it's time for bath. KIC takes off her cute little sundress and it is revealed that she is not wearing any underwear.
Me: KIC, where is your underwear?
KIC: I didn't put any on after swim.
Me (voice rising): Why not???
KIC: I DON'T KNOW!
Me: Okay, fine, just make sure you put some on after swim tomorrow.
KIC: Okay, mommy.
We do the shower thing and she's getting dressed and something dawns on me: the underwear conversation.
Me (near hysteria): KIC, did the boy on the bus ask you were your underwear was??????
KIC: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Me (not reassured): What did he say to you??
KIC: To weaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr soooooooooooooommmmmmmmmme.
So there you have it. KIC can never go back to camp and I now have to find another job. If you need me, I'll be in the corner in the fetal position playing "Crying Game" over and over.
I took a different way to work today, taking advantage of the fact that I had two people in the car and we would be able to use the high occupancy vehicle lane. As I travelled down this road, I was reminded, yet again, why I pay $8 a day for the convenience of the toll road. We BARELY squeaked by to get to the bus that was going to take KIC to camp. All was well and with a "Bye, Mom!" she was off for her very first big girl camp. No NannyK, no mommy, no daddy, just KIC alone in the big world.
All day long, I was antsy with anticipation. I couldn't wait for 4:00 so I could pick up KIC at the bus stop and hear all about her day! A friend, recognizing my antsy-ness, offered to come with me to the camp mid-day to check everything out. I politely declined stating I wanted to hear how KIC's first day at camp went before I started doing the random check ins.
Finally, 4:00 came (okay, 3:50) and I walked sedately (raced) to the bus stop, gathering other parents along the way. I waited impatiently for her to get off the second bus, but when she did, she looked happy and said she had a good time. "Mommy, I was with the graders today!" "There were graders there??" (wondering if there were some safety violations I should be concerned with) "Yes, first graders, second graders, I was with them!" Cute. Off we went in the truck, heading for home. Since there is no nap at camp and KIC is accustomed to a two hour nap every day, she promptly fell asleep effectively eliminating any camp talk on the way home.
We reached home and the following conversation happened:
KIC: "Mommy, on the bus today, a boy said a bad word."
Me (knowing this summer camp deal was too good to be true): "What did he say, KIC?"
KIC: "I don't want to tell you because you'll get mad at me."
Me: "I promise I won't. What word did he say?"
KIC: "Underwear. But he said he was sorry and that he would tell his mommy what he said and would never say it again."
Me: "KIC, that is not a bad word."
KIC: "Oh. Well, then that's okay."
End of conversation. (those of you who have seen my status on FB can guess where this is going) We eat dinner, chill out for awhile and then it's time for bath. KIC takes off her cute little sundress and it is revealed that she is not wearing any underwear.
Me: KIC, where is your underwear?
KIC: I didn't put any on after swim.
Me (voice rising): Why not???
KIC: I DON'T KNOW!
Me: Okay, fine, just make sure you put some on after swim tomorrow.
KIC: Okay, mommy.
We do the shower thing and she's getting dressed and something dawns on me: the underwear conversation.
Me (near hysteria): KIC, did the boy on the bus ask you were your underwear was??????
KIC: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Me (not reassured): What did he say to you??
KIC: To weaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr soooooooooooooommmmmmmmmme.
So there you have it. KIC can never go back to camp and I now have to find another job. If you need me, I'll be in the corner in the fetal position playing "Crying Game" over and over.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
How many times have I beat you??
It's no secret amongst my family and friends that I am pretty strict with KIC. We have fun, silly moments, but when I feel like she's done something not safe or is getting out of control, I do not hesitate to address the behaviors on the spot. Some may not agree with my parenting style, but I learned very early on, ironically as a pet owner, that if you do not set expectations and reinforce those expectations, things can get out of control very quickly. Consistency is my mantra.
Recently, KIC has been working on her drama skills. If she knows she has done something unsafe or recognizes she has gotten out of control in some way, she'll recoil and back away from you like you're going to beat her. Where I am strict, NannyK is permissive and KIC recoils from NannyK as well, for no good reason.
We were at a grocery store, late one night, when KIC nearly flipped a small shopping cart over on herself. I cut her some slack given the events of the night (out late, sitting patiently through an appointment for mommy, etc), but as soon as the shopping cart slammed to the ground, she started fake shaking and backing away. After this conversation, I'm surprised CPS wasn't called.
KIC, backing up, fake shaking: I'm sorry, Mommy!!!!!!
Me: KIC, how many times have I beat you?
KIC thinking while the cashier and other shoppers look on in horror and Uncle Chris looks away in embarrassment.
Me: NONE! So stop acting like I'm going to beat you. You weren't being safe, you almost got hurt, next time don't do that.
KIC nods hesitantly.
Me: Uncle Chris, we are going to wait for you outside.
Uncle Chris nods in acceptance.
KIC, as we are walking away from the checkout aisle: Awwwwwwwkwaaaarrrrrrrrrrd!
Please, friends, when I come visit, have the decency to have an alcoholic beverage poured in advance. I'm going to need it over the next 15 years.
Recently, KIC has been working on her drama skills. If she knows she has done something unsafe or recognizes she has gotten out of control in some way, she'll recoil and back away from you like you're going to beat her. Where I am strict, NannyK is permissive and KIC recoils from NannyK as well, for no good reason.
We were at a grocery store, late one night, when KIC nearly flipped a small shopping cart over on herself. I cut her some slack given the events of the night (out late, sitting patiently through an appointment for mommy, etc), but as soon as the shopping cart slammed to the ground, she started fake shaking and backing away. After this conversation, I'm surprised CPS wasn't called.
KIC, backing up, fake shaking: I'm sorry, Mommy!!!!!!
Me: KIC, how many times have I beat you?
KIC thinking while the cashier and other shoppers look on in horror and Uncle Chris looks away in embarrassment.
Me: NONE! So stop acting like I'm going to beat you. You weren't being safe, you almost got hurt, next time don't do that.
KIC nods hesitantly.
Me: Uncle Chris, we are going to wait for you outside.
Uncle Chris nods in acceptance.
KIC, as we are walking away from the checkout aisle: Awwwwwwwkwaaaarrrrrrrrrrd!
Please, friends, when I come visit, have the decency to have an alcoholic beverage poured in advance. I'm going to need it over the next 15 years.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Little things
I haven't updated the blog in awhile. It's not because KIC hasn't done or said anything funny. It's not because now my funniest material is on Facebook. It's little things that add up so that sitting down to write a blog post is the furthest thing from my mind. It's the running to and fro from this thing to that. It's addressing the needs of the house and those within the house. It's ensuring that the emotional needs of all creatures within the Shoup house, great and small, are met.
There are some overwhelming things going on right now that we Shoups, and our Shoup affiliates, are currently consumed with overcoming. Once we come out on the other side, I promise, we'll get back to our regularly scheduled programming. With all the material KIC provides, how could we not? :-)
There are some overwhelming things going on right now that we Shoups, and our Shoup affiliates, are currently consumed with overcoming. Once we come out on the other side, I promise, we'll get back to our regularly scheduled programming. With all the material KIC provides, how could we not? :-)
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Easter Egg Roll 2013 Redux
I had the privilege of working the 2013 White House Easter Egg roll for the second year in a row. In the morning, I had the distinction and honor of escorting the White House Easter bunnies to their various media appearances. And I do mean various. From Al Roker to all the local channels, everyone wants face time with the bunnies. And why not?? They are downright adorable!
This year started out on a foggy/chilly note.
Austin Mahone with the Bunny
Man, they let anybody into the White House!
This year started out on a foggy/chilly note.
Washington Monument in the Mist
The bunnies' first appeareance was with Al Roker at 6 am. I guess Al does weather with the Weather Channel too, before the Today show.
It's Al Roker, I promise!
While I definitely appreciate Al Roker and his dedication to giving us entertainment with our weather, I was beyond excited about my first celebrity sighting of the morning.
Assemble the minions!!!!! Note the super cute and super not weather appropriate outfit!
I was in charge of escorting the bunny known as Junior Bunny in the morning. This guy was FULL of shenanigans. And possibly encouraged by his handler. A little. I can neither confirm nor deny.
Bad bunny!!!!
Austin Mahone with the Bunny
The bunny tried to fight Slapshot!!!
We found out later, we had the wrong bunny head with the costume. I think he looks fetching with Mama Bunny's head and Junior Bunny's body. Looks like my hopes for a career as a costume character stylist at Disney are shot.
Once the morning round of media appearances were complete, the bunnies were off for meet and greets with their adoring public. On more than one occasion, they were photobombed by Nickelodeon characters, but the bunnies and handlers dealt with it gracefully. Nobody is claiming credit for tripping Bugs Bunny, but mess with the best, fall with the rest. I'm just sayin'!
During the second shift, some really cool people came to visit!!
"Some day soon, I'll be President Kaitlyn!"
Like Mother, like daughter!
Love Jordin's face in this picture!
That was the highlight of my day. This was the highlight of their day.
President Obama reading "Chicka Boom Boom"
First Lady Obama reading "Cloudy with a Side of Meatballs" and Malia and Sasha reading "Brown Bear". Bo's in there too. In this picture, the First Lady is telling Bo to stay off her white pants with his muddy paws. #dogownerproblems
You would think that KIC, who LOVES President Barack Obama and still tells people that I used to live in the White House (it only felt like that) would have been thrilled to have him reading her a favorite book. I was sitting in the back with Jordin and was not able to see what KIC was doing. Thank goodness for the interwebs.
She's not even paying attention!!!!
Clearly, she would rather have been doing this:
We also managed to see Gordon, Elmo, Abby and Rosita from Sesame Street as well as some high flying tumblers from Chicago. I saw them later and told them how awesome they were. Incredible and KIC was riveted the whole time! Each child attendant receives a wooden Easter egg when they leave and KIC and Jordin were lucky enough to get the coveted Bo egg! This egg is only available if you buy the Easter Egg set, so we were thrilled with this. Plus, KIC loves dogs (though she didn't want to pet Bo at all) so this egg was super appropriate.
After they left, I wrangled bunnies until the sun was almost setting into the sky. It was such a magical day and so great to spend it with so many of my friends. It was super neat to see the look of wonder on people's faces as they wandered on the lawn of the WHITE.HOUSE.ZOMG! As long as the day is, I can't wait to do it again next year! Suck it, sequestration!
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Day I Got Marital Advice from My 5 Year Old
For anyone who has been in a relationship, sometimes you feel like you are the only one who can do things. My mom has a theory that men intentionally do things wrong so women step in and say "Oh, I'll just do it" with a scowl. This wages an internal war between pride that we are the ONLY ones who ensure the world doesn't crumble around our ears and frustration that we can't even delegate simple tasks.
Today, for various reasons, DH took over regularly scheduled Sunday activities. This entails taking KIC to swim, Wegman's apres swim for brunch followed by grocery shopping. There were two things on the grocery "list." A cinnamon roll for me (I'm an addict, so sue me) and bananas. It wasn't until later in the day that I realized that the bananas did not get purchased. With some other sort of perfect storm factors thrown in, I did not handle the omission well and was quite vocal about it. For the record, it's less about the bananas than about the overwhelming feeling of responsibility associated with all aspects of the Shoup House. And that's as psychoanalytic as I am going to get.
During baby bath night, I was recounting the day to Terri and admitting that the grumpiness about the banana was a little bit overstated. KIC joined in and shocked us all.
KIC: Mommy, Daddy didn't get the bananas because he forgot where they were.
Me: No, Daddy didn't get the bananas because he forgot to get them. He knows where they are.
KIC: Daddy forgot the bananas because he didn't have a list.
Me: That's right, he didn't have a list because he didn't make a list.
KIC: Well, when Daddy doesn't make the list, then you can also make a list.
Terri: She knows more about marriage than I do and she's only 5!!
This is where Terri and I burst into hysterical laughter. She had me dead to rights and there was nothing I could say. Nothing.
KIC: And when you don't have a list, then that's when you get into trouble.
Me: Nobody is in trouble.
Terri: No, I think we're all in trouble.
As the conversation went on, and KIC was waxing poetic about the importance of lists, Terri desperately tried to steer the conversation away from the controversy.
Terri: Okay, I'm going to change the topic. KIC, how was swimming today?
KIC (who obviously heard, "you had swimming today"): That's very true, Aunt Terri, but right now we are talking about the importance of lists.
It was shortly after this point that I declared baby bath night over and it was time to wash up. I didn't need to hear any further why Daddy and I BOTH were in the wrong. So much for female solidarity in the Shoup House. Thank goodness for Christmas moonshine. Keep it coming, Terri. I think I'm going to need a 13 year (at least) supply. Heaven help us all.
Today, for various reasons, DH took over regularly scheduled Sunday activities. This entails taking KIC to swim, Wegman's apres swim for brunch followed by grocery shopping. There were two things on the grocery "list." A cinnamon roll for me (I'm an addict, so sue me) and bananas. It wasn't until later in the day that I realized that the bananas did not get purchased. With some other sort of perfect storm factors thrown in, I did not handle the omission well and was quite vocal about it. For the record, it's less about the bananas than about the overwhelming feeling of responsibility associated with all aspects of the Shoup House. And that's as psychoanalytic as I am going to get.
During baby bath night, I was recounting the day to Terri and admitting that the grumpiness about the banana was a little bit overstated. KIC joined in and shocked us all.
KIC: Mommy, Daddy didn't get the bananas because he forgot where they were.
Me: No, Daddy didn't get the bananas because he forgot to get them. He knows where they are.
KIC: Daddy forgot the bananas because he didn't have a list.
Me: That's right, he didn't have a list because he didn't make a list.
KIC: Well, when Daddy doesn't make the list, then you can also make a list.
Terri: She knows more about marriage than I do and she's only 5!!
This is where Terri and I burst into hysterical laughter. She had me dead to rights and there was nothing I could say. Nothing.
KIC: And when you don't have a list, then that's when you get into trouble.
Me: Nobody is in trouble.
Terri: No, I think we're all in trouble.
As the conversation went on, and KIC was waxing poetic about the importance of lists, Terri desperately tried to steer the conversation away from the controversy.
Terri: Okay, I'm going to change the topic. KIC, how was swimming today?
KIC (who obviously heard, "you had swimming today"): That's very true, Aunt Terri, but right now we are talking about the importance of lists.
It was shortly after this point that I declared baby bath night over and it was time to wash up. I didn't need to hear any further why Daddy and I BOTH were in the wrong. So much for female solidarity in the Shoup House. Thank goodness for Christmas moonshine. Keep it coming, Terri. I think I'm going to need a 13 year (at least) supply. Heaven help us all.
Friday, March 1, 2013
We done lost our minds!!
I have a confession to make. Sometimes, not only am I ornery, but I contradict myself. Shocking, I know!!! I hate scary movies. Hate them. I couldn't even stay for "The Others" even though it was free. I got mad at my friend Terri when we went to see "The X-Files" because she promised me that there would be no scary scenes. In the broad light of day, I would run from the room whenever the guy ripped the other guy's heart out on Indiana Jones. No haunted houses, ever, for this girl. EVER. E.V.E.R. I prefer to avoid scary movies and scary scenes altogether.
Here's where I get weird (shush, peanut gallery): I LOVE to do scary makeup. I'm not creative like those guys that do the monsters and stuff for movies, but I can do a good gory biker run over by a car straight outta the movies. Frankenstein, with bolts and all - no sweat. Conversely, princess makeup scares me. Even KIC, with her heavy hand when applying makeup, scares me less than it would if I did it myself.
Here's where I get weird (shush, peanut gallery): I LOVE to do scary makeup. I'm not creative like those guys that do the monsters and stuff for movies, but I can do a good gory biker run over by a car straight outta the movies. Frankenstein, with bolts and all - no sweat. Conversely, princess makeup scares me. Even KIC, with her heavy hand when applying makeup, scares me less than it would if I did it myself.
Okay, bad example. The hair is scarier than the makeup.
Given my penchant for scary show/movie avoidance, it should be no surprise that I am not currently watching, nor have I ever watched "The Walking Dead." For those not in the know, "The Walking Dead" is a tv show on AMC about zombies...or something. I contemplated watching it, briefly, before Terri politely advised against it for the scary factor. That right thurrr is a good friend. I must have scarred her for life after "The X-files".
Enter NannyK who apparently likes to scare the living daylights out of herself (just a guess). The show introduced an app that allowed viewers to take the picture of their choice and "zombiefy" themselves. Yesterday, NannyK showed me a picture of herself as a zombie. With morbid fascination, I urged her to "zombiefy" KIC.
"Please, sir, may I have more braaaaaaaaaaains???"
I loved it! LIKE LOVED IT! NannyK was INSISTENT that we not show KIC her picture as a "slombie" (as KIC calls it). Incidentally, it was NannyK waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back when that sparked a brief fascination in zombies for KIC. (She used to walk around the house with her shirt over her head saying "I'm a sloooooooooombie.") I did not know it was NannyK's influence that caused this fascination until AFTER I hired NannyK. Just sayin'.
When KIC woke up from her nap, I did inDEED take the opportunity to show her the picture her loving nanny made of her as a "slombie." She looked at it confused, not recalling when it was she had put on zombie makeup. Her main concern was that none of the makeup get on her American Girl doll, McKenna. It took awhile for NannyK and I to explain that it was merely a filter causing her to look like a "slombie". I then suggested (because not only am I morbidly fascinated in zombies, but I'm apparently an instigator too!) that we do a "slombie" picture of McKenna too. NannyK and I were told, in no uncertain terms, that we were NOT to make McKenna into a "slombie." In KIC's words, "If Santa (who gave KIC McKenna in the first place) comes back next year and he sees McKenna all messed up from being a "slombie", you are going to be naughty!!)" I, of course, mouthed to NannyK "take the picture at nap tomorrow!"
In a conversation later with NannyK, she mentioned that the pic of KIC as a zombie kind of freaked her out. I asked if it was because she was afraid KIC would wake up crying out "Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaains!!! I need braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaains!!". She said "If McKenna gets ahold of her, maybeeeeee" and then she sent me this gem:
So wrong, it's right!
Hope Santa doesn't put NannyK and I on the naughty list!!!! That NannyK - she is the gift that keeps on giving!
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