Baking Assistants

On this super warm Saturday, indoor activities were a must!  It's not forever hot like last summer, but it's been at least 108 degrees several days this week and 101 degrees today.  Beau and I hit up Hobby Lobby while Daddy and Linc went to (indoor) baseball practice.  After lunch, we decided to make cake balls!!!  Nana always makes them for birthdays, and we thought we should give it a try too.  I had two little helpers that were much more interested in eating snacks and playing with kitchen tools than actually helping me with the process.  I'm secretly thrilled that they didn't contribute any germs to the mix!!!! 

It turns out that making cake balls requires lots of patience because there's quite a bit of down time between steps.  Interestingly enough, neither Linc nor Beau possess very much patience.  After an excruciatingly long wait while the cakes baked and cooled, we were able resume activities and mix the crumbled cake the the icing.  Messy stuff, but again my helpers were happy to stand at the counter but do other things.  I guess I'm glad I was the only one covered in sticky cake!  So we're all excited that we're making cake balls . . . until Mommy ruins the fun and announces they have to firm up in the fridge for half an hour.  Nooooooo!  Another wait begins, and I am asked at least 100 times by Lincoln if the cake balls are ready yet.  When the time finally comes, we melt the bark and get to dipping.  Beau had a cup of Lucky Charms and was no way interested in what were doing, but he did insist on being near.  (I don't think he left the kitchen all day!!)  Linc was the official sprinkler, and sprinkle he did! 

 After all of that hard work, it was finally time to taste the finished product.  Success!!!!  The boys loved their strawberry cake balls with sprinkles.  Lincoln has never had strawberry cake and kept asking me why they put strawberries in there.  I don't remember why I bought that one a few weeks ago, but it was a fun surprise.  Beau didn't seem to care about the fact that it was strawberry.  He just said "cake" a few million times and chomped it up!

 Baking (waiting) is hard work, so we headed out to our favorite dinner spot to relax and enjoy a good meal.  The guys were so well behaved during dinner!  I was cleaning up our table at the end of the meal and only had to pick up one piece of food off the floor.  Our waiter even thanked me for our considerate behavior and neatness!  (He must not have been our waiter the time I gave Beau rice at that restaurant . . . it.was.a.disaster.)

My chatting with the waiter was taking too long so the guys went to play outside.  A little table drumming made everyone laugh!  I think they were all sweating after 5 minutes of activity!

After a long day of baking, playing and eating, we're all pretty happy.  There was only one brother-fight on record today, and Beau won.  Unfortunately, he bit Linc on the arm.  Linc was trying to take a toy away from Beau, and Beau wasn't having it.  Beau got a stern talking-to, and Linc got a band-aid.  I don't like biters, and Beau hasn't been one at all.  Hoping this is just a one-time thing!  We all had a happy day, lots of laughs, nice naps and yummy treats.  I think we're handling these 100+ degrees days pretty well.  But oh, how I dream of 75 degrees . . . October, please hurry!

Just Cute Stuff!

Wednesday's swimming lesson was super fun!!!!  It was Water Safety Week, and the kids really enjoyed the boating lesson!  Lincoln was thrilled to get in the boat and loved to float in his life jacket.  He told me later all about shouting for "help" and for a grown up to call "91".  (He didn't get all of 911, but he was the only one of the kids to get the concept!  I'll take that!)  We stopped for a Slurpee at 7/11 after the lesson, and Lincoln won over the store manager with all of his chatting and cuteness.  We have been promised free Slurpees on our next visit . . . Lincoln can charm anyone!

 Thursday was a Nana and Pops Day, and the boys really had a great time!  Nana is great to text me pictures of all of the fun throughout the day.  After naps, they got busy with crafts . . . Linc was painting and Beau was stamping.  I loved the artwork that they proudly showed off.  I was told that they enjoyed an indoor camp out, fun parachute games, lots of cinnamon rolls, and plenty of books and craft projects.

 After a full day inside, we needed to get out and socialize.  Our trip to Tom Tom was quite eventful!  Lincoln marched all through the store telling everyone who would listen what was on his list.  He informed a man in the freezer section that we weren't buying Popsicles today because we still had some at home, but that we would buy the shape Popsicles when we ate all of the ones in the freezer.  Thanks to that guy who politely acknowledged Linc's story!  While grabbing another (probably the millionth) gallon of milk, Beau spotted a box of Cheez-Its within grabbing distance.  He held on to the box with a death grip!!! 

 Cheez-Its weren't on the list, but I couldn't pry the box out of his hands.  We continued our shopping for at least five minutes while he kept the box safely in his grasp.  I'm thinking I'd rather buy a whole box of Cheez-Its for $2.00 than this box of 10 little individually packaged bags for $5.00, but he's breaking my heart with his cuteness . . . ok, I'm sold!!  

Seconds after I took this picture and texted it to Daddy, we pulled up to the yogurt section.  Beau dropped the Cheez-It box in less than a second and demanded strawberry yogurt!  Win-win for all!  We dumped the Cheez-Its and bought the yogurt that we were out of and saved $$$.  Food is serious business for Beau!  These guys never fail to entertain me!  I never know what the next day holds for us, but I'm praying for fun-fun-fun!  It's Splash Day at school, followed up by the mobile library and the ice cream truck! 

Happy!

The boys love the camera and are really into "cheesing" right now!  They are being kind to Mommy and actually looking at the camera to "cheese" out!  One new thing though . . . they are super interested in helping take the pictures.  Beau helped me take Lincoln's picture tonight, and we captured a sweet smile!

 It was Beau's turn to pose for the camera, and Lincoln was excited for his chance to help take the picture.  Beau was a little more interested in playing than "cheesing", but we got a pretty cute shot!

 There was a lot of chasing going on this evening!  Linc was on the Mickey choo-choo train, and Beau was driving the dump truck.  They took turns being the leader/chaser, and everyone had fun!  I was ready to take a great picture, then something super exciting happened on tv . . . everyone was screaming "yay" at an Olympic event!  

We are loving the Olympics and are yelling "USA" often!  The boys love the swimming, diving and gymnastics events each evening.  I'm so happy that we're in a good and healthy place right now . . . but I know that can change instantly!  There are lots of germs going around, and the intense heat doesn't help because we're all cooped up (both at home and at school)!  We're all taking our vitamins and trying to eat healthy meals and washing our hands often.  I think that's the best I can do as a Mommy, but I am ready for this wave of germs to pass.  The boys have learned a couple of new words this week that are making me laugh.  On Saturday night, Lincoln learned the words "Hakuna Matata" from our latest viewing of The Lion King.  He knows it means "no worries" and sings the song often.  When asked by Daddy this evening what no worries means, Linc answered that he didn't know but it was good!  Sunday night's family dinner of rotini with meat sauce taught Beau the word "happy"!  We all discussed that we made happy plates by eating all of our food, and Beau kept repeating "happy" over and over with sauce all over his hands and face!  I hope we can keep up the "happy"!!!!

Reunited . . . And It Feels So Good!

After 8 days of seclusion, we decided that Beau was over his rash and ready to get back into the normal routine.  The boys were sooooooo excited to play together again!!!!  They love each other so much, and I'm glad they can get back to being brothers.  I am so thankful that Beau's illness was not bad at all.  I have done so much research on Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease, and I can say that Beau has had the lightest case . . . he never ran a fever, had only minimal mouth spots and hand spots, and mostly just had a rash on his legs and feet.  Never have two little guys missed each other so much!

 Beau has been so silly lately.  He's loving sunglasses and will wear them forever.  What a cutie!!!

After being with only Mommy for 5 days, Nana and Pops took over Beau-duty on Wednesday and Thursday.  They were probably a welcome sight!  I know he had lots of fun being entertained by them!  Minnie, Bubbles and Ally came to keep the boys (apart) on Friday, and they were so excited!  Beau has been completely spoiled during this period.  He's had one or two people exclusively devoted to entertaining him for so many days, and he's totally spoiled!  He was directing Minnie all over the place for most of their stay!  We had so much fun, and everyone was happy that we could finally all play together!

 Nana and Pops came to visit after we ended quarantine, and Beau was so happy to show Pops his new block-stacking skills.  He's learned soooooo much lately.  Both boys were sad to see the Freemans go and so happy that Nana and Pops could come visit later in the evening. 

It has taken all of us to handle this latest hurdle.  Thanks to all of the grandparents and Ally for keeping our boys happy and having fun.  I was so relieved when we reunited them.  They are just happy to play together.  Beau learned a new word during dinner tonight . . . Happy!  He said it a million time, and I think that's how we all feel right now!  I still have my fingers crossed that no one else gets any type of rash, but we did an amazing job of keeping thing separate.  Here's hoping for a few more days . . .

Semi House Arrest

Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease is still bugging Beau!  I think I can report that Monday (Day 4) has brought some improvement.  He woke up with quite a few new spots on his feet, which was really disappointing for me.  I was sure that the minimal amount of new spots he got on Sunday meant that we were in for a quick bout of this illness.  The new ones today were a set back, but I still am hopeful that we've had a light case overall.  There have only been a few spots in Beau's mouth, and those and the ones on his hands are going away pretty quickly.  His feet and the back of his legs still had the most spots, but they all looked so much better (and less apparent) after his nap this afternoon.  We've had lots to do while in quarantine!  We've read at least a million books . . . I think I'm serious about that!  I know that we've read Good Night, Gorilla over 100 times.  He loves books!

 Beau has discovered that shutting himself in the closet, only to open the doors to shout "Peekaboo" is the most fun game ever.  We did this for at least an hour today.  He was so proud of himself every time, and I would hear him giggling in there just waiting to open the door to surprise me.  I'm so thankful he's been in great spirits throughout this ordeal.

 Again with the books.  We have read most of the books in his age range, and he's just about mastered every one of them.  He can recognize every picture and even say most of the words.  At least these past few days haven't gone without learning. 

 This morning was a little cool (well for Texas in July, that means not 100 degrees yet), so we went for a walk.  He was thrilled to be outside!  We blew bubbles for a while then checked out all of the neighborhood activity.  A few dogs, a jogger, a real estate showing, several airplanes to check out, and a fire truck blaring nearby . . . a real highlight for this little sickling!  It even cooled down again after dinner so we headed out again to get some more fresh air.  So thankful for that!

 I feel so bad for these brothers who love each other so much . . . they are in complete isolation from each other.  Beau and I have the front room and his bedroom to play in, and Lincoln and Daddy have the playroom and Daddy's office to play in.  We are only together for meals when Beau is safely strapped in his seat and can't touch (contaminate) anything.  They are soooooo missing each other!  Every time the door opens, Beau gets so excited and yells for Linc.  Daddy and Linc have done lots of fun things over the weekend, like baseball, brunch, a trip to the mall, a visit at the post office, a lunch date and a trip to the Nature and Science Museum.  I love that they are realy bonding, but I hate missing out on the fun stuff!  Lincoln has been very understanding that he can't be with Mommy or Beau right now because Beau is sick.  I'm missing him like crazy, but I don't want him to suffer from Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease.  One day soon I will be able to give Linc a million hugs . . . hurry!  I lifted the curtain to the playroom tonight, and both boys were thrilled to get to interact through the glass.  They were squealing like crazy!  Day 8 can't come fast enough for all of us!!! 

Beau has really been so great through all of this.  He's been super playful and so silly and really not "sick".  I know he could have had a severe case of this virus, and I'm so thankful that he hasn't and that no one else has gotten it.  I'm Cloroxing doors, walls, drawer handles, phones, and anything else I can think of.  Surely I can reunite our family soon.  We decided to keep Beau in pants for the duration, due to the amount of sores on his legs and ankles.  He doesn't see them and then feel the need to touch them, and they don't rub on my arms when I carry him around when he has pants on.  I love all of my Beau snuggles and spending so much quality time with him, but I'm ready for "real life" to resume.  

The Land of Germs

The weekend got off to a dramatic start . . . and not in a good way!  I noticed a little rash on Beau's ankle shortly after the kids got home from school on Friday afternoon.  Off to the after hours pediatric clinic we went to learn that it was probably not Impetigo (a kid in Beau's class reportedly had that on Wednesday) but maybe Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease!  The Dr couldn't be sure because he had no fever and no other real rash spots, but then a few spots came up on his palms while we were talking.  NO WAY!!!!  I've been dreading this virus since Lincoln started in daycare.  It seems like it appears a few times a year, and I just hold my breath that they don't get it.  I know it can be really severe and result in dehydration and hospital visits . . . so scared for them!  By the time Beau and I get home, he's got a couple of blisters on the bottom of his feet.  Ten minutes later I see a few more blisters on his hands.  Nooooooo!  The real kicker was the two sores that popped up on his tongue within 15 minutes.  This is real, and I am not happy!  Amazingly, he slept peacefully for almost 11 hours.  I was so nervous that I would find a feverish, polka-dotted, blistered up kiddo when I went into his room, but he was happy to get up and have a little breakfast of cereal, milk and a pancake.  Yay, I think.  I went ahead and made an appointment to see our regular pediatrician during their short Saturday office hours, and they confirmed the diagnosis.  YUCK!  The Dr seemed to think that Beau was presenting a very mild case of Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease, as he still had no fever, very few in-the-mouth sores, and a hearty appetite for food and beverages.  The Dr also commented on how fun and silly Beau was being during the visit.  True - he was at his best!  We were in the Noah's Ark themed room, and Beau was making all kinds of animal sounds, talking up a storm, and chowing down on Ritz crackers the whole time.  He's such a silly (and makes his Mommy crazy) boy!

 Our plan to keep Lincoln as far away from Beau's germs was to keep him out of the house as much as possible, and for Beau and I to be quarantined to two rooms.  We had a lot of success with those two things today, but I'm never sure if that's enough.  Linc and Daddy had a few errands to run last night and this morning, and they went to baseball practice then grabbed lunch.  Beau was still not feeling the effects of his virus, as promised by the book and Dr.  I made him organic cheese raviolis with marinara, and he gobbled them up like crazy.  He finished that off with carrots and cookies and a huge cup of milk . . . um, is he really sick??? 

We settled in for naps pretty quietly at first, but Lincoln isn't really into naps these days.  He was reading books in his bed for about an hour then called for a rescue.  Nana and Pops were waiting to whisk him off to Non-Germ-Land, where he undoubtedly had the run of the house.  Beau and I did some playing, read lots of books, went through soooo many pictures of our family, and did a crazy amount of snacking.  Seriously, I am amazed at how much he ate!  Apparently, Linc was so worn out by his morning errands, baseball practice, no nap and playing at Nana and Pops house . . . he fell asleep in the car on the way home!  (This hasn't happened in at least a year!)  New Saturday schedule?????

One of Lincoln and Daddy's errands was to pick up a birthday cake for someone special - Mommy!  I will never forget this 33rd birthday for a million reasons!   Of course they went to Steins and the cake did not disappoint.  I thought of it often as Beau and I were in seclusion.  A birthday party (of some sort) was awaiting me!

 Sure enough, my little guys were in the mood to party!  Beau ate his cake with gusto!  He didn't stop shoveling it into his mouth until I took the plate away!  He even said a word resembling birthday while eating.  Thanks buddy!  I know we've bonded a lot over this recent illness, and I appreciate you being kind!

 Lincoln has been in major birthday celebration mode for a week!  He loves all things birthdays, whether it's for him or not.  I was so sad to cancel our Mi Cocina birthday party last night, and I'm glad we got to have a little party tonight.  He and Daddy sang Happy Birthday to Mommy, gave me fun cards and presents, delivered a few more gifts and he finally got to eat the cake! 

I received so many wonderful cards, gifts, and well wishes for my 33rd birthday, and I am so thankful for a loving network of family and friends.  But mostly what I wish for my 33rd birthday is the existence of Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease to end FOREVER!!!!  It might be a miracle if Lincoln doesn't get it, even though we're keeping them as far apart as possible.  It will be an amazing act of God if I don't get it . . . I know it's just a childhood disease, but he completely covers me in germs every second.  For every Happy Birthday I get, I'd like to request a prayer directed my way of Have Mercy! 

Game Night

It's hard to play a board game with Lincoln and Beau - well, mostly with Beau.  He's definitely not understanding the "taking turns" concept!  He climbs all over the game board,

 steals the spinning wheel,

 and even moves all of our pieces!!

Once Beau gets interested in something else, Linc and I can quickly get back to the game.  We just have to know that our game can be disrupted at any moment!

One day I'll be happily playing Chutes and Ladders with two grown little boys who politely take turns and never squabble over the pieces . . . well, a Mom can always dream!!

Return to Normal

After so much excitement with our weekend visitors, we needed this Sunday afternoon to get calmed down a little.  Wait . . . nothing is EVER calm around here.  It was crazy playing as usual.  Linc did take a break to listen to a few audio children's books on my Nook.  He thinks it's a real treat!  I got a Nook gift card as an early birthday present from Sarah, and I'm sure I could buy him a new Charlie Brown book to enjoy. 

 I did some cleaning this afternoon, and the boys did great at staying out of the way and entertaining themselves.  (Note-we had to part with our housekeeper of 7 years last month, and the new one I hired doesn't start for another week.  I have NOT enjoyed taking on the cleaning load.  That is definitely money well spent to me!!!)  I was so proud of Lincoln and Beau for playing together for so long without many squabbles.  Kevin would sneak in to check on them occasionally, and he reported that they were hiding from the Woodsman at one point.  I guess the Woodsman wasn't going to check for feet under the easel!  (I think Lincoln's thinking of the Woodsman coming to save Little Red Riding Hood in my 1981 book version of the story as told by Sesame Street's Grover.  That imagination is wild!!)  I don't know why Beau goes along with these schemes, but he loves it!!

 The boys were still interested in being together just before bed and wanted to pile up in the chair.  Beau was practicing his buzzing sound (as in bee's buzzing), and Lincoln was practicing his counting with Mickey flash cards.  They are both in a phase that they never want to look at the camera.  Saying "cheese" isn't a problem, but they just don't want to look up!  

 Awwww . . . Beau needed to dive in for a brother hug!  It didn't last long, trust me.  I snapped this picture and called for Kevin to come witness the cuteness, but it was over before he could get to the living room.  At least I have documentation of this sweet hug!

I should mention that we treated ourselves to lunch at The Mecca today, and I'm still reeling over that cinnamon roll.  It certainly wasn't my first and definitely won't be my last, but I'm feeling super guilty.  Lincoln was almost in tears at the table as we insisted that he take a bite, but he surprised himself by loving it!!  Mommy and Daddy knew he would!  The Food Network doesn't just name any old cinnamon roll the best one ever!  We really had a great weekend and are ready for the Firetruck Party at school on Monday. 

Beau is 16 Months Old

Beau had a super fun 16 month birthday today . . . actually I think he's had a pretty great first 16 months total!  We marveled at his sweet personality and super learning skills all day!  Here's what's going on with Beau right now.

He's such a great little eater, unless he doesn't feel so great.  He mostly gobbles up whatever I give him.  Of course I only give him the best stuff . . . rotini with meat sauce (number 1 favorite!!), fruit salad, chicken taquitos, and on and on.  If he hears the pantry door open or hears anyone say the word snack, he runs to the pantry yelling for go-gos (goldfish crackers).  Seriously, get out of the way!! 

 Beau is learning new words and tricks with lightning speed.  He has so many new words, and I'm trying to keep a list as I hear them.  Beaw - bear, poon - spoon, tash - trash, fowew - flower, boke - broke, fwag - flag, emeee - empty (as in snack cup!), cheese, chip, oh no, and all done.  I ask him what does B-E-A-U spell and he points to himself and says, "Booooo".  So cute!

Beau is still pretty snuggly with his Mommy, and I love that!  (Unless I have something I really need two hands for like chopping up food while cooking.  That makes things a little difficult.)  He also lights up when Dada walks in and gives him a big yell.  Of course he's obsessed with everything his bubba (his word, not mine) does.  Lincoln usually enjoys that, but they can get a little too close sometimes!  

I loved watching Beau learn so much this month, and I know that is just going to continue.  He wants to repeat everything and know what everything is.  I love his excitement for learning, playing, singing, and having fun.  We're ready for an awesome Month 17!!

Visit from the "Great!" Aunts

Lucky boys, Lincoln and Beau had another set of fun visitors to come play this weekend!  My Aunts from Arkansas drove in on Thursday to spend the weekend with us.  My Aunt Sarah (who just came two weeks ago), my Aunt Barbara and my Great Aunt Patsy were ready to love on the boys!  We've had lots of fun and been busy with lots of playing.  Beau stayed close to Mommy at first but gave the ladies lots of shy then silly smiles before he finally warmed up to everyone.  They learned the danger of saying the word "snack" in earshot of Beau  . . . you get pushed out of his way as he runs to the pantry demanding a cracker!  They now understand why we spell words out now!  Patsy and Linc read lots of books and went to the "pretend" movies.  Both boys have really been happy to entertain all the visiting ladies.

 Lincoln managed to sweet-talk them into a trip to Target this afternoon.  He told me on the way that he was being good so he was going to get a big present, and Beau could get a little present because he's still little.  Somehow they settled on a Cars puzzle, Elmo book and Mickey Mouse movie for Linc, and a school bus for Beau with Elmo, Count, Abby and Rosita for Beau.  Linc told them on the way to the car that he "got everything I could ever want . . . a puzzle, book and movie!"  They eagerly opened their gifts then immediately decided to play with each other's gifts instead of their own.  Beau took over the drums on Lincoln's singing Elmo book!

 Lincoln didn't even notice because he had commandeered Beau's Sesame Street school bus!  I think I'm supposed to be thankful that they enjoy the same things, but actually I know that they just fight over each other's stuff!!!  At least they were both happy!

 We took them along on our normal Friday night Mi Cocina, and everyone had a yummy dinner.  Beau was just looking too cute with his big blue eyes and chubby cheeks.  He worked several puzzles and read several books while we ate.

Lincoln enjoyed a new book that Nana brought and was so proud to show it off!  I hear that after we left to get home and get the boys to bed, my Aunts stayed for another hour for what I'm sure was a meeting of the Lincoln and Beau Fan Club! 

These ladies have been loving on me for my whole life, and I love watching them interact with my boys.  I wonder if they draw any comparisons . . . I'm thinking they associate Linc's picky eating and Beau's flair for dramatics with me as a child.   We have another full day on Saturday to play, and I'm sure there is lots of fun in store.