MyBabyMackenzie

The other night after Mackenzie fell asleep, I took a few moments to look at her sweet sleeping face. I cannot believe how 'big' she has gotten. She's three. It's so hard to remember back to when she was an itty bitty baby. Seems so long ago now. I felt a little mushy, loving the little girl she is and missing the little baby she was. It goes so fast. I'm thinking it's time for a little Mackenzie update. Catch up a bit on what's she up to, what she's saying, all that good stuff.


As always, she is as hilarious as ever. Just about every time she opens her mouth it's funny, whether she wants it to be or not. She has a sarcastic side to her. She not only says sarcastic things, but uses a sarcastic voice and sarcastic facial expressions. She likes to use the word 'Sorry' when she is being sarcastic. I not going to do that Momma. Sor-ry! (with a cute lil' head tilt and all.) She tends to be very much aware of what the rules are, but breaks them anyways and, what a shock, resists any consequences. As soon as a 'consequence' is being implemented, she will state all her infractions and promise never to do them again, in a very I'm humoring you type of way. Oh, okay Mackenzie...nice try!  Or, she tries to find new creative ways to push limits. One day she didn't like something I said and she said, I going to spit at the word (insert spitting noise). See Momma, I no spit at you, I spit at the word. Again, nice try Mackenzie! Clever and full of sass that girl is and, as I have said before, way smarter than I am. Unfortunate, but true! (I'm happy to say she has finally, it seems, moved on from the spitting phase. Replaced by what, I don't know yet. But she appears to be 'over' spitting.)

Mackenzie has a thing with doors right now. We have three doors off the living room, two bedroom and one bathroom. She will close them all and wants them to stay closed. If I go in a room and don't close the door when I come back, she will stop whatever she is doing and go close it or will say: Will you please close the bathroom door for me, Momma? If I do close it, she will say, Thank you for closing it for me. Polite little thing, isn't she? Now she also wants the window blinds closed, which is a drag, since it makes the house even darker. But she seriously cannot tolerate them open right now. She is in a Scaries Stage. So, I oblige her because...

Mackenzie likes to be the boss. At all times. She has no problem letting us know when we do something wrong. Noooo, you supposed to do it like this. You supposed to say it like this. And, she has no problem telling me when I do something she doesn't like or when she is mad at me: I no like that Momma. I not love you. I not your friend. But, when she's over it, she will sweetly say, I love you again Momma. You my friend. And, she's irresistibly sweet when she does. As much as she likes to be the boss and to be in charge, she also very much likes to be my helper. She is the most adorable helper there ever was. I am sure of it. She takes her jobs very seriously and works them to completion. She's diligent. And, as much as she likes to be the boss, she still likes to be our little girl and to be snuggled and taken care of.

Her imagination continues to be phenomenal. It cracks me up how I have gotten her so many toys to stimulate her imagination, yet very often she would much rather use a box for her baby to sleep in during her imaginative play than the play crib. I guess that's why they refer to it as 'using your imagination,' right? All of her play these days involves her imagination. And very often focuses on figuring out social norms and relationships. She rehearses a lot through play. With her dolls, her little people, stuffed animals, real people. You name it. One day on the way home in the car I heard in the back having pretend conversations with her friends. Saige, that's a beautiful shirt. Do you want to go play and be my friend? Oh here comes Emerson. A whole world she had going on in her car seat. Hearing it being played out was simply magical. As you can see, she's moved into social play. Her friends change all the time. Seems that the kids at the totcollege go through phases where so and so plays with so and so and the next day it's so and so and so and so. Lately it's been Saige again.

When things don't work out as well as she - we - would like, she is able to talk about it. Today her friend Ben was over and she did something that upset him. After he left she pretended to be Ben and told me that I was his Mommy. I asked 'him' what he did today and she went on to tell me about his play date with Mackenzie and how she hurt his feelings.(She did apologize to Ben and he accepted, so it was all okay. But clearly, after he left, she still had a little more processing to do.) This showed me that not only is she aware and trying to figure things out, but that she has some empathy too. And, is capable of reflection.

She works hard on her problem solving skills and, frequently, tries very hard to 'do the right thing' instead of impulsively reacting. She will 'decide' to wait patiently for her turn or share and take turns with someone or something. One of the best things about this is that she feels a sense of accomplishment when she successfully handles a situation. Seems that Three is a lot about repetition and rehearsal. Hard work. One morning she had had a rough morning and was cranky. After she calmed down, she said to me Momma, I'm sorry. Sometimes I don't know what the problem is. I was crying, I don't know why.

She's hit a few new 'milestones.' In no particular order:

• She's very into being 'first' unless it involves something she doesn't want to do and then she wants to be second or whatever is last.
• She is also into things being 'fair,' which means swayed in her favor. She has used the phrase Mo-om. That's not fair!
• Using different forms of the word 'Bored.' One day she was doing something unsafe and I told her I didn't want her to get hurt. She asked Why and I told her then we would have to go the hospital and she replied with Oh Mo-om. The hospital is boring!
• Being focused on being a 'big kid' and all that comes with it.
• Carrying BuddyCat around, which he doesn't always like.
• Having an evolved sense of 'what usually happens.' Usually I snuggle with Buddy in the morning on the couch.
• She loves using scissors. She is sort of starting to draw people like figures. She makes an 'M' and and an 'A.' And, she recognizes a few letters. She can do some counting - meaning identify how many objects there are. I think she counts to 20 now.
• She has some sense of time. Past and future. But they are still always yesterday and tomorrow.
• Using the word 'gross' on a regular basis. And 'stinky butt.' And, unfortunately, 'stupid.'

Mackenzie is a sweet girl. I talk often about her sass and spirit, but the truth is she is as loving as they come. She wants to please. She loves having fun. She loves to laugh and make others laugh. Actually, she really loves to make others laugh. She is vibrant and full of brilliance. Although she can be shy at times, when she is comfortable, she confidently takes the lead and is a good leader. She's inquisitive and is eager to explore and learn. She loves to snuggle and give hugs. She's 100% lovable in every way.

One night we were playing in bed before sleeptime and I told her I was going to eat her for lunch the next day. She got really (pretend) serious and said, But then you won't have a child. But then you could born-ded me again and I would be your baby.

She still is my baby. Doesn't matter how old she gets, she always will be.

Have I told you lately MyBabyMackenzie how much I Love You? VeryveryVERY Much!

WackyWednesday

Another Wacky Wednesday. Cooped up all day thanks to cold, windy weather. So, time for some Mommy Musings. Our day is going something like this...

• It's almost unfair to the rest of the humanity that I get to be greeted with so much cuteness first thing in the morning. Mackenzie groggily walking out and then sitting on my lap, curling her angelic self into a ball and then shortly after Zachy walking out, smiling, laughing, and wanting Up! Ah, the Love!
• Mackenzie coughed and said she feels a little sick. Does something hurt? Yes, my blister (from six weeks ago) and the thing on my bum bum.
• This reminds me of last week when she had a very little fever, which I made the mistake of letting her know. For the next thirty minutes, or so she said over and over and over in her most pathetic voice: I just a little sick Momma. (fake cough) Did you hear that?
• Zachy loves his 'Gunky' (the monkey he got at the zoo). When he sees him, he squeals, laughs and says 'Gunky!' Then gives him big hugs, sometimes falling to the ground he is so beside himself with delight.
• It's 8:22am. Already I have: Caught up some blogs I read and facebook, made breakfast for the kids, made quinoa, made my vegie/egg and  qunioa scramble, mediated up several totarguments, straightended up the playroom, put away some laundary, made salads for today and tomorrow, talked to my sister for twenty minutes, did the morning dishes, changed Mackenzie's clothes - twice, which reminds me, I think it's time to change Zachy's diaper and get him out of his pajamas- opps.
• Mackenzie bops Zachy on the head with a potato. He cries. I tell her she needs some 'calm down time.' She walks into her room and walks right back out and says in her most shallow humoring voice:  I had my calm down time. Sorry Zachy. Ten seconds later, yelling: ZACHY, YOU NOT MY FRIEND ANYMORE! How'd that calm down time work for ya Mackenzie?
• Missing: Zachy's cute blue sneakers. Oh where, oh where could they be? Gone over a week now. Not looking good.
• When did potatoes become toys?
• Where did all the potatoes go? Have I mentioned Zachy likes to throw things away? Hmmmm....bye bye blue shoes. But, I found the potatoes.
• Guess Dad's buying some new blue totboy shoes on the way home from work today.
• Somebody, ZACHY, sure learned the word 'cookie pretty fast. And, even learned how to put two words together as in 'More cookies.' Who said sugar does no good?
• Cold, windy day. How do we get the sillies out? A tot-friendly agility course through the house. Let the games begin!
• Every night Zachy and I read the book 'Yummy Yucky' before bed. Yet, trash cans, kitty liter, pouring food on his head, and dog food continue to be his favorite things. Clearly he's missing the whole point of the book.
• Made what seemed like a healthy lunch for my kids. Did Zachy eat? No. I think he live on air.
• Mackenzie likes quinoa. A lot.
• Now he's eating playdoh and fake food. I'm insulted. Surely what I made was better than that!
• Sometimes Mackenzie puts her hands on her hips when she is making a point. Looks cute when she does it. Probably not so cute when I do!
• Other times she has the cutest ever hand gestures and expressions.
• Note to self: Don't leave two toddlers, ages 1 and 3, alone with a box of tissues. The quiet is not worth the mess or the time you will spend cleaning it up, which will be longer than the quiet.
• Mackenzie has decided not to nap today. And not to have quiet time either. Instead, she exercised with me. On an exercise ball. Watching her try to balance was funny. She kept saying This one is tricky! At one point the 'instructor' asked Did you feel that? And she shouted out YES!
• Mackenzie just had an I'm too busy playing potty accident. I asked if it was all over the floor and she, very generously, said Yah, you can go and clean it! Awwww, Thanks, Mackenzie. Next time maybe just maybe you'll pay attention I when I suggest you use the potty since it's been awhile. Or, maybe not, since I clean it up!
• Zachy just started blowing kisses and waving and saying Bye. Seriously cute.
• And now he is into saying Hi. Work those social skills totboy!
• BuddyCat finally scratched Mackenzie. It was a long time coming. He's a pretty unbelievably patient cat.  Glad he didn't get an eye...YIKES!
• Mackenzie is sitting at her table eating yogurt. Zachy is walking around her table, laughing for unknown reasons.
• Poor Mackenzie is tired. No nap, bedtime awhile away.
• Time to burn off some more energy and distract...pillows all set up for running and jump in the pile of pillows party! Woot-woot!
• Zachy just poured yogurt all over himself when I wasn't looking. That'll teach me.
• Mackenzie ate a bizarre amount of yogurt today. Or maybe it's just all on Zachy's head.
• Evening ended with me getting a five minute snuggle with both my babes. Long day, perfect ending.
• Both kids fast asleep by 7:15. Mackenzie snuggled up next to BuddyCat and Zachy holding on tight to his Gunky. I am content. And in Love.

TotMusings2011

Mackenzie has been pretty funny lately. Probably on a bit of a roll because she's also been pretty full of sassy.

• We were getting ready to go somewhere and I had asked Mackenzie to keep an eye on Zach, who was on the front porch (Dad was outside too, I just wanted double coverage). She comes in, lays down on the couch and says, Okay Momma, I keeping an eye on Zachy. Problem? She couldn't see him.
• Momma, Zachy called me a gook-goo.
• One day she was playing in her room with her imaginary friends. I went to the bathroom in there and she got upset with me because apparently Jordan or someone was in there. She said: Momma, we need to have a talk about this. When you need to go potty, you need to go in the other bathroom.
• Another day when I told her I needed to potty, she told me I had to wait until Daddy got home. Problem? That was like four hours down the road. Her response? From Pinkalicious: You get what you get and don't get upset. 
• We had soybeans one afternoon and I was showing her how to get the bean pods out. Her observation? There's a baby bean inside!
• Sometimes she likes to pretend she's Zachy's Mommy. When she does, she calls me Zachy's Grandma. Being an older Mom, I don't like that so much.
• Zachy thinks he wants to be a big kid and play big kid games! She's right!
• RufusDog got in Zachy's way the other day and Zachy shouted out, Ruuuu, NOOOO.
• When we were at the zoo on the sky ride, Mackenzie wanted to try to push forward and sit on the edge of the chair. Not happening. I explained how she could get really hurt if she fell. She responded with, It's okay Momma, the people will help me.
• Another time, I think when they were climbing on the kitchen table and being wild, I again tried to discuss with her the dangers of what she/they were doing. And, she responded with, Oh Momma, the policeman will help me. Yes, that's one way of looking at it.
• Mackenzie loves the color purple. One day Zachy repeated the word Purple and she ran over to him and said, That's what your sister's favorite color is Zachy!
• They got a toy school bus one afternoon at the Dollar Store. I told her it was a toy for them to share. She resisted at first and then said, Zachy can put the guys in and I can drive! How's that for problem solving and critical thinking skills? In a Three Year old nonetheless.
• Mackenzie got the crazy band bracelets and wanted to wear them to school. I said she couldn't and she said, I wanna wear them like Jordan Milton does. So, I let her wear one and after school she said, I share my bracelet with Jordan Milton! I let her wear it!
• I the Dad. Dad's make dressers.
• In the bathroom yelling Mooo-oooom, I dropped a car. Again, louder MOOO-OOOOM, I DROPPED A CAR! Mom goes in to get the car and she says, It worked!
• The Zacher is a cutie!
• The baby cow is a cutie!
• She's an early riser. One morning I told her we couldn't get out of bed because it was still dark. She gets a big smile on her face and says, I have an idea to make it light! After more discussion about why we can't get out of bed yet, she says, After we have one, two talks, we can get up? After yet more discussion, she says, Moo-oom, my eyes are OPENING! Clearly, I have lost.
• Mackenzie: That's a great idea! Mommy: That's a terrific idea, terrific means really, really great. Mackenzie: That NOT a erific idea. That's a great idea!
• At the end of the day, I often say I'm 'too pooped to pop.' The other night she said, Momma, did I poop to pop you?

ThreeIsWeeeee

Three started out rocky. I have commented before that when I had a Parent Teacher Conference for Mackenzie at her Preschool, shortly after she turned Three, that I basically expressed that my daughter had gone mad. I was somewhat and somewhat not comforted by the teacher's response, which was that this is entirely normal. Mackenzie is full of Spunk and Sass. She's a character. Already at Three she provides me with lots of challenges, as well as humor and more love than I can wrap my brain around. 

She has a way of making me laugh. She is the only person I can think of who can make me want to scream and laugh at the same time. A few days ago, I was putting Zachy to bed. I let her stay on the couch and watch TV provided she did not interrupt. I had the bedroom door open just slightly. Next thing you know, I can see her cute little self trying to peak at me through the crack. Her cute little three-foot body sort of bent over and her head going up and down and to the side, trying to get the angle just right so she could catch my eye. I was trying not to laugh because she looked so adorable, but, at the same time, I wanted to scream as I felt my anxiety increasing because I feared the ThreeFootTallTotmonster had returned and was flirting with interrupting Zachy's naptime.

These days she holds her ground like an mule and likes to push limits and see what's going to happen. At the same time, ironically, she is more likely than before to enforce the limits herself. So, while she might make a big show of resistance to whatever it is that is 'expected' of her, she will suddenly, of her own free will, do what it is she 'needs' to do. Watching this process has helped me learn to be less over-reactive, and to allow her an opportunity to work it out. And in the process, she is able to experience a positive sense of power, feels good about herself and develops a bit more self control.

Her imagination blows my mind. She's really creative in her play and loves to play pretend. She uses a Little Tike's table upside down to play Merry Go Round and gives Zachy rides. She uses different things as baby cribs for her dolls (despite having actual play cribs, why did I waste that money?). She likes to make up stories. Often about cows of all things - middle of nowhere influence coming through. Through the day, she pretends she is different people and actually stays in character. One day she was 'Miss Ann' and I mistakenly called her 'Mackenzie.' I went to the back bathroom and quickly heard her coming after me yelling. Once she found me, she loudly said, 'I NOT Mackenzie, I Miss Ann.' To which I responded, 'Hi Miss Ann.' Then she cocked her head to the side and with a sweet smile and even sweeter voice and said, 'Hi-iii.' All the girl wanted was a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T.!

Then there's the baby game. Not my favorite. I have tried numerous things to discourage this game. It's a game where I have to treat her like a baby. There's something slightly un-enjoyable about this for me. Okay, really un-enjoyable. Truthfully, I think twins would be less work than she is when she plays baby. For Christmas she had wanted (and got) a red baby buggy for her dolls. I had tried telling her that it's a big girl toy and not for babies, so we would have to tell Santa not to bring her one. She replied with, 'I charge my cell phone and then I call him to bring me push toys.' Really? So much for reverse psychology! At one point I told her, 'Mackenzie, I am not playing the baby game anymore.' She responded with a very stern, 'I NOT Mackenzie. I NOT playing baby. I AM BABY.' So there. As usual, I stand corrected. But, I have finally, I think, managed to take some of the fun out of the game, therefore hopefully eliminating it or at least changing the rules to make it more tolerable. I refuse to let her waste any more diapers. It was getting ridiculous. Before Christmas I had too much going on and, admittedly, allowed things to happen so I could  accomplish something. And, there was a time where I did not want to make it a power struggle, so I figured indulging it would let it run it's natural course. But, the 'baby game' had an annoying life of it's own. Finally the other day I told her 'No more wasting diapers.' (She is potty trained, which made the diaper thing even more annoying.) Initially, she protested loudly for about fifteen minutes, however, now when she wants to play 'baby,' she says, 'I can pretend to be baby in my big girl clothes, right?' And the game and involvement are less intensive.  For now.

Mackenzie has started to make up words. She might say something like, 'That's beebah.' She loves that she makes up words. Gets really proud of her 'new word.' She also makes up songs. Her songs are usually to tunes she already knows. She will either make up new lyrics or just switches 'em up a little bit. Last night she was singing a song that says I love you...and she started to sing, 'I love Zachy. Oh Zachy Zachy Zachy, you my little brother. I love Zachy.' THAT was sweet. When she makes up all new lyrics, they usually relate to 'poopy' and 'stinky.'  Today she sang 'Twinkle twinkle wittle Christmas star....'  Speaking of songs, she loves to sing and dance and perform. She will get out the play mic and sing for us. She works the crowd, totally. At the end of the song, her voice will gain intensity and bravado and she will go into some sort of run. When she finishes, she does the whole, 'Thank you all for coming,!' and takes a bow.

She is figuring out how to apply more complex concepts such as time - 'tomorrow,' 'yesterday,' 'later' and such as 'too small' or 'too big.' 'Yesterday' is anything that happened in the past and 'Tomorrow' is, of course, anything that will happen in the future. She knows what 'small' and 'big' are if she sees them in a concrete way - pictures or blocks, for example. But, trying to figure out if she means her shoes are 'too small' or 'big' is another story. Actually her shoes could even fit and she just doesn't wear them, so then she plays like they are too small or big just to get out of it. She's a clever one. And a tot that cried wolf FOR SURE! She will like to throw out random times for things, such as, 'I go to bed at forty-five-six.' I love her use of the past tense: 'I sleep-ded good.' Lately, she loves to use the word 'Ever' for emphasis. 'I ever not going to do that Momma!' She randomly uses phrases or words I didn't realise she knew, 'Oh my Goodness!' came out of her mouth out of the blue last week. All things just sound cuter when a three year old says them.

I have decided that I really need to attach a sign to her when I take her in public that says, 'Beware, Sassy Tot. Talk with Caution and at Your Own Risk!' One evening I stopped by my work with her. I think the people at my work have a sense of humor. At least I hope they do. Truth is, she was pretty cute, although pretty sassy. Walking a fine line there, MissyTotgirl! What I do know is that she is figuring out social situations, as three year old kids do. Despite being sassy and spirited, she can be very shy around strangers, so, I think it makes her a little nervous when people she doesn't know start talking and paying attention to her, and she reacts. Sometimes big people expect kids to be able to handle things in grown up ways. She has her own temperament and her own personality. She's on the Slow to Warm Up side of things. She just is who she is and that's prefectly okay.

Mackenzie is a great big sister to Zachy. Well usually. Sometimes he bugs her. Sometimes intentionally, often unintentionally - but probably more and more intentionally than not. But she loves nothing more than when she is in the mood and he plays with her. They laugh together and it's delightful to watch. She definitely owns her role as Big Sister. She has become the 'Helper' and will try to comfort him when he is upset, speaks for him at times, bosses him around here and there and is, most of all, veryVeryVERY protective over him. You will be met with her totwrath if you try to touch him in public or if she perceives that you have made him cry (Only She is allowed to do that!). Today some people walked by our house and they dared to say, 'Hi.' She put her arm around him and guided him away. Protective indeed.

She is beginning to understand more about her feelings and emotions (as well as the feelings and emotions of others). And learning to Problem Solve, which I think helps her learn to regulate her emotions. The other day she identified herself as being 'angry' and was able to explain why. I was blown away. She said it appropriately and without tantrum. She can tell me when she is sad or happy. She practices her different emotions. She is learning to ask for what she needs. She has started, for example, to ask for help when her little brother frustrates her, instead of just knocking him over (although that still happens too).

I would venture to say that Mackenzie, already at Three, knows me pretty well. I really think we get one another. She likes to tell me 'It's okay Momma' usually when she knows I am getting 'Frustrated' ('Don't get frustrated, Momma. It's okay.'). She'll also provide reassurance if something 'happens.' Like maybe something falls over (amazing how many things fall over when you have kids, right?). 'It's okay, Momma. You can pick it up.' Note she doesn't say she'll pick it up (Me, Laughing). I think we have a pretty good relationship. I try very hard to listen to her, let her know she is important. Because she is. I encourage her to speak up and tell me what is going on. Sometimes it's complicated. But we work things out.

For whatever reason Three definitely started out rough. But all in all, almost five months into Three, I'd have to say I am finding to be magnificently complex and magically simple at the same time. It seems to be an age of dichotomies and contradictions. She is developing and learning new things every day. She's making connections between things. She is impulsive yet, able to think through situations more and more. She is emotionally reactive, yet able to come around by providing herself with thoughtful comfort. She's more combative than ever, but also more intentionally compliant. She wants to please. She's figuring out social relationships and how to 'Be.' She's able to reframe and reorganize things, restore balance in her universe and herself. She's a bit yin and a bit yang. One might say, ThreeIsWheeeee! And, I'm Lovin' It! I'm Lovin' Her!

RunningRamble

I have been off of work for fourteen days, not intentionally. I only work two as it is. I last worked two weeks ago today. With the holidays, I had some holiday time and then I was supposed to work last Thursday, but weather prevented that, so I have been off for fourteen days. Tomorrow I go back to work and the kids return to Totcollege. Not sure if I'm ready for real life, but we gotta do what we gotta do. Right?

Thought I'd do a rambling post today as the day goes on. Things from today as well as any things I think of that I have not documented. So, here I go...

• Zachy says 'Milk' now. And 'Yah,' when you ask him if he wants something and he does. If he doesn't, he shakes his head 'No.'
• Mackenzie is watching 'Birth Day,' a television show about birthing. I tried to change the channel and she asked if she could watch it for a little bit longer. I guess that's okay? (She did stop watching before the more graphic parts hit, in case anybody is concerned.)
• Mackenzie now likes playing 'Restaurant Leader;' Translation: Waitress. (And actually, she pronounces it 'Astronaut Leader,' but definitely means Restaurant.) She also likes to play 'Hotel.' She still plays 'Baby,' but doesn't like it as much since I refuse to let her continue to waste diapers. She also likes to play 'Puppy' and we have to drop her off at 'Doggy School.'
• My Mom said that Zachy looks like a Precious Moment's character. She's right. He is totally that S.W.E.E.T.! His big eyes along with his flirtatious smirk seem to be saying, 'Who me?'
• Mackenzie likes cold rice and cold noodles. No heating up means one less step for me. Like it.
• Zachy comes up with 'games' now that he likes to do over and over and he gets that toddler belly laugh thing going on in anticipation of the coming 'event.' Last night it was me kissing his bum bum. Cute at first, strange after awhile.
• 'We ever not going to get to it to work. Sorrry!' Mackenzie now uses the word 'ever' a lot and it's cute to hear how she uses it. Her language development is phenomenal.
• I get so amused when Zachy and Mackenzie play together, I always wonder what he thinks is going on. Something tells me it's not what she thinks is going on!
• Mackenzie now calls Zachy either 'Zacker' or 'Ding Dong.' I think she got the latter from my Mom. Nice job Grammy!
• Before leaving for California, I told Mackenzie that we were leaving after Dad took care of the cats, Buddy and Rainbow and Oliver. She asked, 'What about Missy?' referring to the Feral cat who lives outside and then found Dad to make sure he was going to take care of her too. Isn't that kind? Now, if only I could extend that to her father, her brother and me.
• 'I sure I are did.' Her response to me asking if she really got all the 'poopy out of her bum bum.'
• Mackenzie is playing 'Grocery Store' and Zachy is throwing away dog food, one piece at a time.
• 'And I already say to you that you ARE getting me Puffs.' After I told her, 'I already said you are not having Puffs.'
• Zachy playing carrying a baby in one hand a purse in the other. Meanwhile, Mackenzie plays cars.
• I think she just called me a 'Spitty-Poo.' Gotta hand it to the Girl. Creative use of insults.
• I pulled out Zachy's Little Wheelies track and said we need some cars. He bent down and picked one up and said, 'Car!' I loveLoveLOVE how much he understands and communicates.
• It seriously breaks my heart when I put Zachy down for his nap and cries. He looks so hurt. Today he only cried for two or three minutes, but, at the time, it feels like forever.
• Oh where, oh where did that green ball go? Oh where, oh where could it be?
• Zachy woke up after about 53 minutes. Had a second cry it out. Ick. Lasted longer, but I think he's back asleep. :-(
• Mackenzie won't nap. This should make for a happy girl in an hour or so. But, it means early bed. Last night she and I were actually arguing about her going to bed. She was trying to go to bed earlier than I wanted her to (because she had napped and was tired). Six forty-five, she was O.U.T.
• Mackenzie is outside in 40'something degree weather with a dress and shoes, no pants or tights. I finally got her to put a jacket on. Oh, did I mention that the ground is covered in snow?
• We were at Costco the other day and Zachy was in a stroller, trying to get out. He was yelling at folks walking by and I swear he was trying to get somebody to free him. But he wasn't fussing, which just made it funny.
• 'Come pick up your beautiful baby.' Mackenzie playing 'Baby' at 'Babycollege.'
• Have I mentioned how C.U.T.E. Zachy looks when he dances? He is a lover of music!
• Note to self: When cooking a grain or a pasta or a grain pasta you have not used in a long time, seek direction. Today's disaster involved Orzo.
• Sometimes Zachy just walks up to me, laughs and walks away. What exactly is so funny, my little sixteen month old?
• Zachy and Mackenzie playing tag. Priceless.
• Sometimes Zachy just walks up, looks at me with his big eyes, hugs my legs, and says, 'Up.' Melting just thinking about it.
• Mackenzie is just plain a cuddle bug. She snuggles like crazy. I love it. Totally.
• Gosh I'm going to miss my babies tomorrow!

TuesdayCuteness

Usually I work on Tuesday, but I'm home with the kids today. Did I mention that, starting today, I only work one day out of the next fourteen? I think I can handle that. Anyhoo, my goal today is to keep a list of their cuteness. Oh, and to take great care of them, of course. So, here I go....starting now!

• Groggy Mackenzie telling Zachy, I still waking up. I no want you to touch my face.
• Zachy 'running' up to me and laughing. I see he has a chapstick in his hand, which he knows he is not supposed to have. Once he knows he's busted, he turns and 'runs' away laughing so I'll chase him. Goofball BabyTotBoy!
• Zachy pouring 95% of the milk out of his sippy cup 'cause he still treats it like a science experiment eight months and counting later. Then he takes the last sip as if he's been drinking it all along (despite all the white liquid evidence on his tray). After taking that 'last sip,' he signs More, not  because he wants more to drink, of course, but to pour all over his tray. Clever little sixteen month old I have. And wasteful.
• Mackenzie getting mad at Rufusdog for 'knocking' her off her chair. And laying there moaning until I came to check out the scene of the accident (Worry not, no tots were harmed in the process, no matter what she wants us to think!).
• Mackenzie playing 'baby.' Oh wait, that's not cute. That's totally annoying. Keeping it real.
• Zachy bringing me his shoes and saying, Out.
• After getting his shoes on and realising that did not get him outside, he brings me his jacket. It worked. How could I resist that much cuteness?
• Mackenzie sounds so sweet when she is playing Totcollege. I hope she really talks to her teachers that nicely! I am thinking she does. Hmmmm. I wonder if she plays Momma's daughter Mackenzie at school and talks to them there like she talks to me here. 'Tude and all.  Hmmm. That would be interesting. Might get her expelled.
• Zachy doing the Downward Dog.
• Mackenzie asking me to close the gate to the playroom aka her house. Her imagination is adorable and pure genius. And her quietly playing alone, not too bad too! I like.
• Zachy laughing with glee as I get his science experiment ready, aka milk in a sippy cup, at lunch. One  would think the saying Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results applies here eight months and counting later. But seriously, eventually he has to learn to drink liquid out of it, right?
• Zachy trying to feed Mackenzie and Mackenzie saying, I NO want you to feed me Zachy!
• The two of them building a tower of blocks...together.
• Mackenzie actually being able to build the tower while I changed Zachy's diaper and then saying, Do-da-da-doooo! I the Big Kid! Right.As.Zachy.Knocked.It.Down. Ahhhhhh!!!!!
• Zachy and Mackenzie dancing to Lauri Berkman. Smiling just thining of it.
• Mackenzie coming in the kitchen and saying, Mom, Olivia is not over, in effort to avoid laying down for a rest. (She got to watch Olivia before nap and was to tell me when it was done.)
• After telling Mackenzie she needs to go to her room for rest time (translation Momma needs quiet time), she walks toward the playroom and says, This my room! Nice try, Mackenzie, Nice try!
• Just when I think I cannot take another disastrous naptime, they both fall asleep perfectly. Cute, maybe not. Awesome, totally. Although if I picture their sweet sleeping faces, that is insanely cute.
• Zachy giving himself kisses in the mirror.
• Playing Princess Zachy and Queen Mackenzie. Yep, Zachy put on a little Princess skirt, by 'choice.'
• Zachy 'helping' me carry the laundry basket to the bedroom. Oh, he was so happy with himself. Mackenzie then joined in and he loved that too.
• Zachy doing his 'new' thing at bedtime and getting out of bed, walking to the door, walking to see Mackenzie and then running away laughing 'cause he's busted. (This is the second time I have mentioned Zachy getting busted. Mischevious little guy, isn't he?)
• Mackenzie saying, Thank you for a good day too. I love you too, Momma, before bed.

Yep, it was a CuteCuteCute Day! Lovin' My Babies!

SpiritOfGiving

Today I was talking to Mackenzie about what she wants to get Daddy for Christmas. She looks at me with great concern and some confusion, like I have lost my mind, and asks: 'What's Daddy going to get me?'

Elf&MissPritchet

Sometimes it's a matter of whatever works, right? At least that's what I'm telling myself.

Spirited as she is, Mackenzie is a pretty good egg. She's three, so she has her moments, but she tries. Definitely tries. Sometimes she tries to follow rules and other times she tries not to. The latter seems to come a bit more naturally. Just kidding. Maybe not kidding. But really, this is what three is all about. Testing limits. Learning limits. Testing them a bit more.

Discipline has never been easy with her. Maybe because she's my first and maybe because she is so spirited. And, pretty bright. Seems she is often a move or two in front of me. Lately, I have tried two external compliance motivators. I warn you, they involve deception.

Let's start with the Elf. In my last entry, I mentioned that I got the Elf on the Shelf. He's the guy who hangs around and reports back to Santa, helps Santa keep track of his Naughty and Nice List. There are tons of Elf's in houses everywhere. Our Elf is named Fisbee. They all fly back to the North Pole when the kids are sleeping and give Santa the latest 411 on their assigned kiddos. Mackenzie's response after when we went through the whole deal? 'I don't like that guy.' Of course she doesn't. This morning we went searching for him and found him by the TV. She was excited to find him, but then started calling him 'Stinky Elf.' Maybe she's over the commercialism of Christmas at three and really doesn't want presents from Santa? But then she tells him she's sorry. Hopefully he has a sense of humor.

I like the Elf on the Shelf. Sure it involves using Santa Claus to your parental advantage, but don't most Santa-believing parents use him on some level? And it's a cute story actually. Not vicious and threatening like the parents I witnessed at the mall play area reprimanded their child by angrily taking her to face off with Santa after she didn't listen. Yikes! I'd fear Santa's wrath if I were that poor little girl. Come on people!

The next external compliance motivator is probably pretty awful. Back in September we were at a birthday party. Mackenzie and one of her BFF's went running and were neither were listening to us Mom's telling them to come back. I don't remember what exactly BFF's mom said, but she yelled out something like, 'Miss Smith's Orphanage.' BFF stopped in her tracks and came back immediately. BFF's Mom told me how when she was growing up in New York there was an orphanage that her mom used to threaten to send her to if she was bad. So, she has carried on this tradition with her kids and said that she doesn't use it often, but when she does, it works. Her oldest has figured out it's a ruse (he's in Kindergarten), but the three year old continues to respond fantastically.

Yesterday Mackenzie and I got to talking about Miss Pritchet's house, a place where parents send their kids who won't listen. I was telling her how sad all the kids there are because they miss their Mommy's and Daddy's and brothers and don't have any toys to play and don't get to watch tv. She was intrigued by Miss Pritchet's. She asked if I ever went there and I said I did. My Mommy sent me there and I was so sad. We talked about if she wanted go there and of course she does not.

Today she was being very silly at naptime, which is cute at first but then equals no nap equals tired fussy evening equals frustrated Momma equals no good for anyone. So, I asked her if she wanted to go to Miss Pritchet's and she looked at me with big eyes and said 'No.' Then she went right down for her nap.

Horrible I know, but she's asleep and I'm enjoying the peace and quiet.

SimplyMagnificent

We made it through our respective days on Tuesday; Me at Work and the Kids at Totcollege. I got out in time to pick them up, which I always get excited about since I don't get to go there much. Dad and I spied on Mackenzie for awhile playing outside. She ran across the playground a couple of times and then got a bike to ride around. Fun to watch her in her totcollegeworld. Then she saw us and came running over. Almost right past me. What am I? Chopped liver? But then she remembered her Momma's fragile ego and ran right back to me for a big hug. Wait, it gets better! Much better. We all then moseyed on over to the Toddler A room to pick up Zachy. And there he was, Momma's Little Boy. Busily yelling at a chair he was trying to crawl under. Then he saw me and started crawling over looking so happy....crawled right on over, right past me, right to his favorite teacher. That's right! Guess he's adjusted to his Toddler A Peeps. A little too much! Just kidding. He did eventually actually make his way over to Us, his Second-Fiddle-Family. I found the whole incident to be rather  funny. A bit shocking. But funny. I THINK I read stuff in books or on blogs or something about that kind of thing happening to 'other' Moms back when Mackenzie was his age and I used to try to read about her 'developmental stage' each week. But, with her, stuff like just didn't happen, so I couldn't relate. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. I have no insecurity surrounding his attachment to me. It is clear. He's attached. And I know they get confused because they are in their 'other' environment and learning to attach to their 'other' caregivers. Moreover, I rarely pick him up and never drop him off, so my face in that environment is really baffling to him! Bottom line, I am delighted that he is attaching and so comfortable. A true indication of a securely attached tot, all around. Gotta Love That!

Zachy drove home with Dad and Mackenzie with Me. She and I had a lovely chat during our long drive home. She talked to me about she planned to take off her 'work shoes and pants' when she got home. She talked about naptime and where everyone sleeps. Sounds like they have to move them around at times when they get two together who try to stir things up, little tot rascals. Sounds like they move a lot of kids away from My Little Darling Tot Rascal Instigator. Not surprising to me, since I deal with her naptime behavior, five days weekly. Have I mentioned it is likely pretty close to time to just let go of that? Her napping. I think I did. I'm seriously considering it. But then she is going to have to accept quiet rest time, away from me.

The night of course went fast. It always does on worknights. When Zachy got home he saw BuddyCat and immediately started chasing him. I gotta hand it to that cat, he's got some patience. RufusDog was very excited to see Zachy and knocked him down. Zachy got his feelings a little hurt. But they made up. Zachy fought bedtime, of course. He just wants to play. Play. PLAY!

Mackenzie fought it as well. She ended up out at the table with Me eating a bedtime snack while Dad worked on getting Zachy to sleep. Zachy and I have not quite weaned but are both close to ready so having a really hard time figuring out sleeptime together. It's a little hard for Me to let it go. Him too I think.

Oh, so Tuesday night Mackenzie and I had a nighttime snack together and then went to bed together. She was in a silly mood and started to call me Poo-Poo. So, I called her Pee-Pee (I know...don't encourage the Beast!). That went back and forth and then I mixed up and called her Tooty-Pooty. We both started to crack up. Rolling around cracking up. Right about then Dad got out from getting Zachy to sleep and we got in a bit of 'trouble.' It was funny. Then we started to call each other different silly combinations of things. I would call her 'Brocili' and she would call me 'Carrot;' I would call her 'Chair' and she would call me 'Table.' I would call her 'Yellow' and she would call me 'Purple.' We thought we were hilarious. At least we thought so.

The best thing from Tuesday...When we went to pick up Zachy in the Toddler A room, after he graced his family with his presence (just kidding Zach), he stood next to Mackenzie and she started to gently pat his back. That girl of mine is sweet. Deep down sweet. Miss Sara had said when we picked Mackenzie up that earlier in the day she had said she missed her brother. Awwww....

Wednesday was a Nutso Day. Zachy was crabby. Although generally I would not describe him as a crabby-tot, he's sort of been crabby a lot these days. A Real Lot. He's stuck in that 'Push-Pull I want to be separate and independent, no I don't phase.' For Mackenzie that ended pretty much as soon as she walked (although she tends to be the more temperamental of the two). But, for Zachy, this phase seems to be going on and on and on. And On. Relentlessly. Painfully. Sorry Zachy, but it poops me out! The thing is, nothing pleases him. He wants me to hold him and then he fights to get put down; I put him down and tugs at me and cries until I pick him up; He wants everything and nothing. But, that said, when he's doing his thing, he's insanely cute, funny and enjoyable. Last night we played a bit of chase. He just loves that. And then sometimes he walks around and laughs, for no apparent reason. Because he can. Because he's One and he walks now. Then he went outside and played. There is a spot in our backyard slopes very slightly. A lot of work getting up and down with balance for our new walker. But he kept going up and down. Practicing. He has Patience at times. Patience and Determination. Love that about him.

Mackenzie woke up happy yesterday. She's a spitfire that Girl. She is working hard right now on asking for help when Zachy is pestering her, which he does frequently throughout the day. She will ask me to 'Save'  her or her toys from him. I have suggested she ask me to 'Help' instead of her pushing or hitting him, but 'Save' will work. She did not take a nap yesterday and managed herself well. I'm not totally sold on her not needing naps, but am going to take it day by day. I feel bad right now because with as clingy and crabby as Zachy is, I worry that she takes the brunt of the stress that creates generally speaking with him being all consuming and then with me being more irritable because he's crabby. I try to give her a bit of special time here and there. And really work on remembering to Praise her for all the good things she does do. It's tough being Three and a Big Sister.

Yesterday wiped me out for sure. But both went to bed at night fairly easily and I got to watch a little TV, which I rarely do.

Today was the second half of  'our' work week. Mackenzie had a good morning. After I got Zach ready, she looked at him and so lovingly said, 'He looks so cute. He's a-handsome! And now I going to get dressed and I going to be a-dorable.!' Have I already mentioned how sweet she can be?  The beauty of kids is, the young ones at least (maybe the older ones too, but mine are not old yet), is that no matter how crazy they drive you, they do something SimplyMagnificent or hysterical or heart tugging just in time. Just in time to give you a much needed break from the insanity. Yesterday Zachy said 'Jack-et.'  He hadn't said it before. It sounded adorable. He'd been driving me absolutely crazy, but that made me smile. SimplyMaginficent. Mackenzie waking up in the morning, groggy with her tousled hair, SimplyMagnificent. Zachy patting Mackenzie's back as she pretends to be baby and hides in the tunnel. SimplyMagnificent. The two of them laughing together engaged in some random game they have figured out together. SimplyMagnificent. Thank Goodness for SimplyMagnificent!

TotRules&CrabbyZachy

Mackenzie has become a selective listener. Not really a recent 'become.' She probably 'became' one longer ago than I realize. Difference is, she acknowledges when she is and is not listening. Like if I repeat myself, just in case she didn't hear me the first time, she'll say to me, 'Momma, I not listening to you.' Thanks for clarifying run-your-own-program-totgirl. Or, she might let me know when she is listening, expecting excessive praise I'm sure, which she gets of course. Today she let me know she was not listening to me today, but assured me that she would be sure to listen in Preschool tomorrow.

She's very much into rules when she wants to be. She likes to be big sisterly to Zachy and tries hard to explain things to his uncooperative, impulsive fifteen month old self. It's rather amusing, especially since, as is obvious from the previous paragraph, her own desire to follow rules is rather tenuous at best. She tries though. Yes the girl does, in her own little ways. It's all about pushing limits at this age. Push.Push.Push. That's life with a three year old, I suppose.

Zachy was really crabby today. Nothing was right in his world. Me thinks it's teething. He seems to struggle more with teething than she did. Definitely rough on him. He's having a difficult time at bedtime as well. I think maybe he's in a new phase and we need to adjust his nighttime routine some. Maybe try to the whole cry it out thing. Yah, like that'll happen. Right now he goes down easier for Dad than he does Me. I start the process, but usually, unless he's really pooped, Dad finishes. My guess is he's ready to start the weaning thing, but he and I have not figured out how to make that Okay. It'll come.

Tomorrow I work and they are off to the Totcollege.  They've been off for six days due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Zachy had really started to complete his adjustment in the Toddler A room, so hopefully this extended break of sorts won't set him back any.

Let's do a couple TotMusings from today, shall we?

• Very dramatically, 'Momma, Will you save me so Zachy doesn't get my toys?' I have to hand it to her. Despite how dramatically she said it, she was trying to ask for help instead of taking matters into her hands...aka hitting, pushing, grabbing and yelling.
• Her response to me saying I needed to eat? (Laughing), 'Mommy's don't eat.' My inability to lose weight would suggest otherwise, but it was funny nonetheless. A reminder that in the totworld, we exist soley to meet their needs and any needs we have are but a minor inconvience.
• While hanging out with me in the bathroom (remember, once you become a Mother, potty time is no longer private), she reprimands me for taking too much toilet paper and 'Wasting' and then throws it in the garbage and tears off the correct amount for me. Love the disconnect!

ZachyMusing...

• Mackenzie had her cars lined up on the climber and he started to take them. She screamed of course. When he tried again, I sternly said his name. He turned and looked at me with the most devilish look. The boy knows what he's doing! Poor totgirl doesn't stand a chance!
• Mackenzie yelled No at him and he started yelling it right back at her, over and over and over again, laughing all along. Not sure he really even knows what it means. But he sure loves to taunt her!

TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie and I had a rockin' dance party. Good for our souls! Zachy mostly watched, and clearly cannot wait to be able to jump and shake!
2. Zachy chasing BuddyCat. All over. The thing about BuddyCat is he could run, but he just keeps walking just slightly faster than his stalker. Even when his stalker is a pretty slow wobbly-walker. So, it keeps the game going longer than he probably wants, but Zachy loves it and it keeps him entertained, so I love it too.

ZZReturns!

Today Mackenzie decided we could call her ZZ. ZZ used to be her nickname, until she turned three at which time she decided we could no longer call her ZZ. But today ZZ became another character she plays in her imaginary world. She alternates persona's throughout the day. At times she is Baby Lucy. Baby Lucy is Teddy's little sister. Teddy is in her class at school. Teddy and Lucy's Mom happens to be the Preschool Room teacher. So, this week she plays as if she is part of their family. The other day I needed her to get dressed and she said that Teddy said she had to wear such and such. Her imaginary world usually trumps reality, in her mind that is. When she is Baby Lucy, she has to wear her baby outfit, which consists of a pull-up diaper and a pajama top. At times she is Mackenzie, in which case she wears a dress. When dressed as Mackenzie, she can also be Mommy to baby Bucee or a daycare teacher in any number of rooms. And now, today as ZZ, she decided she has an old shirt she must wear that was a ZZ shirt. And ZZ has certain things she does. ZZ has definite boundaries now. And we can only call her ZZ when she is in her ZZ shirt and doing ZZ things. So there!

It was cute. She has resisted any use of her nickname for several months now. I think she sort of liked being called ZZ again. Yet in some way it threatens her Independence and Control since she was the one who decided that nobody could call her ZZ anymore (even though she was the one who came up with the nickname in the first place!). At one point she said we could call her 'Mackenzie-ZZ.'

So, we shall see tomorrow who she is and what we can call her. My guess is, she'll be a variety of people.

Mackenzie-ZZ is pretty much an all waking hours comedy routine these days. A lot of it doesn't translate well into writing. However, she has had a couple of recent good one liners...so how 'bout a little TotMusings, courtesy of the one and only Mackenzie-ZZ!

• After dumping her markers and crayons all over, she says, 'Momma, look I cleaning this mess up for you!' Could she BE any sweeter?!?
• 'Mommy, Zachy was waiting his turn when I was coming out of your tummy.' I guess she can be pretty sweet after all!

MorningTotBanter&EIEIO

Mackenzie woke up this morning crying, which is unusual for her. She used to wake up crying all the time, it was her 'thing,' but not so much anymore. Even when I'm not in the room with her. In fact, the other day she came out and found me and very cute-groggily said, 'Momma, I look for you all over the bed. You weren't there.'

This morning, her first comment was, 'Momma what happened to me and Zachy's airplanes? They flew away. Can we go find them?' I'm thinking just maybe she was dreaming.

After Zachy woke up, she very matter-of-totfactly stated, 'I not going to knock him down today. I just going to give him kisses for waking up!' It was sweet while it lasted...

In other news...

Zachy loves music. He likes the song 'Old MacDonald' and has his own very cute way of 'singing' E-I-E-I-O. It goes something like, 'EYIII-EYIII.' Always right on cue.

I admire his persistence. Sometimes he almost crawls because it is faster for him still, but then it's like his mind says, 'NO!' and he gets up and walks, his wobbly walk. Proudly. Just like a Rockstar.

TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie and I jointly deciding that when we get mad we need to take deep breaths. We practiced together and tonight, instead of melting down at bedtime, we did our 'Just breathe' together. It worked!
2. Zachy happy-yells all the time when he is walking. It's like he's saying, 'Here I come!!!!!!'

Bubbles&Kitties

We were outside today and  I was pushing Mackenzie on the swing (who was decked out in her summer dress in 55 or so degree weather). I hear Zachy very clearly saying, 'Bubble, bubble.' I look over and sure enough, he has bubbles in his hand that he had gotten out of a bucket on the porch. One of his Tot A Report Cards stated that he enjoyed watching the bubbles. Apparently they were right. So much so that he learned that word the first time he heard it. He now also says 'Whoooaaa'  a lot. That one I am pretty sure he got from me. The other thing he is doing that is reallyexceptionallycute is clapping for himself when he walks. So he takes a few steps and then claps. Funny little guy! I do like his age a lot. Such personality. (smiling)

This morning Mackenzie put her arms around Zachy and said, 'I love Zachy. I worried about him because he is crying.' I think she was serious. I say 'I think' only because she can be a bit of an actress at times. As I have mentioned she often spends her days in character. Oh, and speaking of being in character, today she informed me that I was 'Grammy.' That's right. She decided I was her Grandma. And, her 'Mom' was named Stacy (which is the name of one of her friend's Moms). Whatever Totgirl! (smiling, sort of)

Both are in bed and the house is quiet. I hope they sleep well. There was a bit of the tired crankies going around today. But, all in all we did okay. And, we had some fun. And, I got to snuggle with Zachy before putting his sweet sleeping face in the crib and then got to snuggle with Mackenzie on the couch for a bit. She is an excellent cuddler. She curls up on you just like a kitty cat! (smiling, for sure)

CatchUp

Before I move forward...here's Tuesday's TwoGoodThings...

1. In the morning, totgirl said she didn't want to go to school for the day. Her plans? To stay home alone, walk to Walmart barefoot, and invite all the Walmart friends over for steak. She also wanted to invite neighbor Rich over. (Big problem, though. Walmart is an hour's drive, not sure how long it'll take to walk, but best of luck to ya!)
2. They said Zachy had a Good Day in Toddler A at Totbabycollege! Yay! Is he finally adjusting to being with The Todds? I sure hope so!

I think this last week has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. We have had some really good days, some in-between days and one really bad day.

I worked Monday and Tuesday, so I was really looking forward to Wednesday. Unfortunately, Wednesday ended up being our really bad day.  I don't know why, it just was. We started out by painting, which was a lot of fun. It was Zachy's first painting and he loved it; Mackenzie always enjoys showing off her artistic side.

Then Zachy started to have his diarrhea, which he has been having on and off it seems for awhile. I decided, rather than assume it is teething (which I have been doing), to take him to the doctor. I have been concerned that maybe he has had an ear infection, since evolution has a sense of humor and has made the two look identical (teething and ear infections). I'd been putting it off because: 1. I did not really think he had an ear infection (and he did not); and 2. The drive. I try not to subject the kids to the drive unless I have to or unless it's for fun. However, I figured it was time to make sure.

Doctor went fine, but then we went to Walmart on the way home. That ended up setting the chaotic tone, which then dominated the remainder of the day. The first half of the 'trip' was fine, but the by the back end, they were both tired (and probably hungry too) and screaming. Fun. Despite the hour long drive home, neither got in much of a nap, so the day went from bad to worse. Three people melting down by bedtime. I have to say, it's really hard on me when we have really yucky days. And, I'm sorry kids. I really am. More than either of you will ever know.

Despite the really yuck day we had, there were a FewGoodThings...

1. Painting, both of them enjoying it.
2. Mackenzie was really good at the Doctor's office, very sweet and engaging.
3. Zachy completely charmed the folks in Walmart early in the trip, very adorable.

Thursday was a definite improvement. Ironically, I was supposed to have a Momma day, since it was a holiday and the daycare center was open, but because of Zachy's diarrhea, he stayed home. Mackenzie wanted to stay too, so I let her. We had a nice day. Naptime was a bit rough, but both finally fell asleep and got a decent rest.

Thurdays's TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie and Zachy crawling and 'jumping' on the bed together. Cracking each other up. I love when they play together and enjoy one another, but I swear it always seems to involve some element of danger.
2. Holding a sleeping Zachy before I put him in the crib. I might have already referenced this at some point, but it's one of those things I have to cherish, because it won't be possible much longer. Gosh, his face looks so sweet it hurts, in a good way. I'm gonna miss snuggling him to sleep.
3. Mackenzie talking about whether she'll take just a taste, a half or a whole serving at mealtime. Love the totbabycollege influence. Really, it helps open her up to trying things. Before she would say something was 'Yucky' or 'Poopy' before even tasting it, but now she does pretty good...most of the time! Yesterday I had asked her if something was 'Delicious,' and she said, 'No, IT GOOD!'

Today was our best day of the week. We were all in sync and the vibe was mellow but fun. We played outside this morning, Mackenzie threw leaves, Zachy stood at the fence and looked at EmmyDog from next door and crawled around the yard. We took a walk down the street. Mackenzie rode her trike-ish thing and Zachy pushed his walker. I think they both enjoyed being outside. Cool fall day, no wind. Just perfect.

Mackenzie is into playing house now. It's adorable. She pretends the playroom is her house. And, if I do so say so myself, it is pretty well set up for that. She kept inviting me over. Once when I 'got there' she was folding up blankets. A lot of them. Very well I must say. Her baby was sleeping in the 'baby room.' She had 'her room' blocked off with pretend walls. Her imagination rocks! I love seeing it evolve and lately it seems to grow daily.

Today Mackenzie also drew her first person. It had a head with a smile and two eyes along with a body of sorts with some stick arms and legs! Woo-hoo. That's HUGE! It seems to have happened overnight. I think just a few days ago I tried with her. Then today she just did it herself. All by herself!

Zachy continues to develop his jokester persona. He is too funny. I have already mentioned how he loves to pester his sister, but really in a good natured way, although she definitely does not think so. But he comes up with all sorts of games. He loves when he captures your attention and will do what he needs to do to keep it. He has a flare for the using the element of surprise. Today I was feeding him yogurt (I don't normally feed him, but he has medication mixed in, so I want to make sure he gets it) and he got that mischievous look in his eyes and then held onto the spoon in his mouth and just started shaking his head back and forth and laughing. Now he loves that game and does it every chance he gets.

Zachy's STILL not walking! So mobile though. I'm not sure he sees any advantage to walking, so just is not in a hurry. He does great when he practices either with the walker or by holding hands. I guess he's not quite ready to take those first steps on his own. In time. In Zachy time! Tonight I had gone to the back room to get more diapers and he came and found me. I gave him two diapers to hold and held his other hand and we walked to his room to put them away. He had an excited smile on his face. I think he knew he was being my 'helper.' It was really cool.

I feel like I missed things that I wanted to talk about. I have to get better about writing things down. My brain definitely forgets!

Although this was not our best week overall, I think it ended on a High Note. We're family. And, we are going to have our bad days too. Just have to move on and forward and learn from them and try to do things different next time! No matter what, I love my kids and I will wake up each day and try to do my best.

Lastly, here's today's TwoGoodThings...

1. Waking up snuggled between Mackenzie and two cats. She is so lovable in the morning. It's a great way to start the day.
2. Zachy said, Bye Bye! He is really starting to pick up language. Fun to watch!

FotoFriday11.12.10

This week was strange. I should have some great fotos. We had a playdate last Friday and went to a birthday party on Saturday. But, no pictures from either event. Mostly due to dear Mackenzie's (not too good) mood. I worked Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday was not our best day at all, and Thursday was a catch up day. So, a slow week in fotos! But here are a 'few.'

The birthday party was football themed. Zachy wore a Longhorns jersey.

(Mackenzie had a CUTE cheerleading outfit and refused, thus...no pic!)

Could he be any cuter?

Painting...

Zachy's first painting!

Playing together...well, sort of.

Mackenzie playing cars and Zachy playing Princess castle.

GenderAppropriateOrder has been restored...

Zachy playing cars...

...and Mackenzie playing Princess castle.

(Expression would pretty much sum up the mood of the week, unfortunately.)

Awww....

HamItUpZachy&TotMusings

Better day today. We went to Ben's birthday party. It was football themed and Zachy wore a Texas Longhorns jersey from his cousins in Texas. He looked Cute! Mackenzie had an adorable cheerleading outfit and adamantly refused to have anything to do with it. Of course she did. I had made a big deal out of it, therefore, she wouldn't wear it. Lesson learned. Next time I'll pretend I could care less!

Zachy is in a cute phase. He loves to get attention and continues to come up with funny things to do to make sure he gets it. At the party he kept putting his hands out to Jeff and I to hold him. So, if Jeff was holding him, he would put his hands out for me to hold him and then right away he put his hands out to Jeff and so on and so on. Julie and Tess were cracking up. He was hamming it up. He is a funny little guy, for sure. He loves to do silly things in the bath. One thing he loves to do is get on his hands and knees and try to put his face in the water. Call me paranoid, but I'm not nuts about that one. Not a bit. But he thinks it's an absolute riot. That, in itself, is funny. He says 'Nana' now for Banana. He pretty consistently touches his head when you ask where his head is. And sort of his tummy too. Love watching him pat his tummy. Oh and he has developed a temper too. Yikes. He lets you KNOW when he isn't happy about something. And there's plenty of somethings these days! He continues to be clever and perceptive. The other day he was putting puzzle pieces through slots on the inside climber and then he got on the platform and sent them down the slide. He has also been playing with himself in the mirror. It is way to cute to even describe. He and his mirror image play peekaboo, they laugh together. They crawl away and then turn around to see if they're still there. He has a whole routine he does. He's developing so fast these days. Learning new things all the time. Impossible to keep up with it all.

How 'bout some totmusings...

• During the YoGabbaGabba dance segment she said, 'I gonna get up and shake my bum bum!' 
• More GabbaGabba...after getting dressed for school she said, 'I think I not going to show my friends my new GabbaGabba undies. Well, maybe just a little.' Alrighty then.
• 'Mommy, my tummy wants the food!' This reminds me of something she said/did quite awhile ago. I asked her if she had eaten Zachy's cereal and she said, 'No Momma, it got lost in my tummy.'
• One day she was playing 'Preschool' (as usual) and said, 'Excuse me Miss Kindergarten Teacher, I no want to be friends with Lexie Brown.' A few minutes later she said she had changed her mind and wanted to be friends. I then told her that Lexie Brown didn't want to be her friend. Threw my little totgirl for a loop, yes it did.
• After (me) getting Zachy dressed for school one day, she lovingly says,  'Oh, he's ADORABLE in that!'
• (She) Trying to get his shoes on one morning, calls out to me and says, 'Momma, will you come help me, Zachy not listening!' Now if that's not the Pot calling the Kettle Black.
• I had gotten her a new shirt and dressed her in it one morning and she decided to call it 'Poo Poo.' A few minutes later, she came up to me, and very contritely said, 'Momma, I be nice to my new shirt now. I no more call it Poo Poo.' Only my daughter could get into an argument with a shirt!

Finally...TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie playing and having fun at the party. I saw the Mackenzie I know, love AND like A LOT! She's a blast when she's happy and in the groove.
2. Zachy crawling around the party in his football jersey with a green bead necklace on.

SiblingMischief

Today was all round a pretty good day. I got to get a half hour on the treadmill off the bat (Dad went to work just a little late). I think that might have set off some sort of manic episode, because I did not stop moving the rest of the day. I think, for all of us, I need to figure out how, on my three home 'workdays,' to exercise in the morning before the day starts. It makes for a better beginning for me, which means better for all.

Mackenzie and Zachy were great. They played terrifically, much of the day together. They laughed and got into mischief with one another.

Some of the favorite things they did today...

• They took turns going up and down the climber inside. What made this so cute, is that they were laughing together and turned it into some kind of game. Then they started to crawl under it, back and forth, following one another and just laughing.
• Mackenzie helping Zachy ride the trike. This was HUGE because she did not really want to share it, but then she decided to be a 'Helping Big Sister.' I LOVE how she is working through some of these difficult interpersonal issues!
• Them crawling around with markers in their mouths. Choking hazard I know. But it was pretty funny because they knew (Zachy included) that I didn't want them to do it and so they 'crawlran' away from me, fast as they could. Total SiblingMischief.
• Swinging; This involved me pushing them, but they LOVED passing one another as their swings swang!
• Zachy putting stickers (yes, more choking hazards) in his mouth. He KNOWS what he is NOT supposed to do, so he does it and again, he 'runcrawls' away. Mackenzie, not to be left out of the fun, got into the action as co-conspirator.
• Ah, and them playing drums in the kitchen with the pans. Loud, slightly annoying...but cute regardless! And, I had picked up Zachy for some reason and Mackenzie demanded I put him down again. She even counted to two...'Put him down Momma. One....two...' I have NO idea where she got that! I don't do it and it doesn't seem like a thing they would do at the Center. One of the other kids perhaps?
• Them playing outside together and alone. Very nicely. Very contently. Exploring. Getting dirty. Happy.
• And, them eating dog food and gagging together. I would bring them in the house and she would open the door so they could go out for more. And they thought they were being just fabulous and clever as can be.

I don't have the words to express how it feels to watch them interact. It is amazing. Simply Amazing.

Today was full of GoodThings, so I'd have to say we have adequately covered our TwoGoodThings in the process! Can you see me smiling?

TotZachyLove2

Zachy has this little sense of humor going that makes me smile. He finds things funny and tries to be part of. Last week we were at the school playground playing monster. He caught on and started to put his hands up and say, 'Arrrr.' He gets it. Last night Mackenzie screamed at him for disrupting her play and he screamed back, with a smirk on his face. He thinks it's funny!

He likes to torment his sister at times. I am sure of it. Everything she has, anything she is doing, he wants a piece of. The other day she was practicing her writing, a new favorite activity of her's, and he pulls himself up to the table, grabs a marker and takes off as quick as he can crawling. Yep, he knows. Tonight we were at Red Robin, he was sitting in a high chair at the end of the table, equal distance from Mackenzie and me, and who's food does he keep trying? Who's utensils? Mackenzie's of course. Now, she was quite sweet tonight because she kept offering to share food with him. Good thing, since she really doesn't eat it, except the french fries of course. But, as much as she loves fries, she even gave him some of those.

Watching their sibling relationship evolve really is something else.

Mackenzie comes up with names for him now. Her latest is Zachascooter; where she came up with that, I have NO idea. Lately it seems that many of them involve use of the word Poo Poo. He 'hit' her yesterday and she said, 'Poo boy, I don't like that.' Or the other day she wanted candy and said, 'I have a candy when you put Poo Poo to bed.' So, so sweet. And, she does not get candy just because he goes to bed. She comes up with some interesting propositions though.

As much as he bugs her at times, she is very protective over him. Last week at the zoo when she was in the jumper and he was looking in, another little girl went to touch his hand through the mesh and Mackenzie practically pushed her down. She DOES NOT like anybody messing with her brother. She will get mad. Today at the mall they were in the play area and once it started to get crowded, she seemed to feel that she needed to watch over him. He was fine and just involved in whatever he was doing. At times I think he is her safety net.

TotZachyLove. It will be interesting to watch over the years; See what roles they take on with one another. Already, it changes from minute to minute. It changes from, 'Zachy, You bugging me!,' to 'Zacher, I the Big Sister to the Zacher!.'

TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie got to dress up in her Princess Dress for Halloween and for the first time 'Trick or Treat.' We went into town, to the mall, where they had Malloween. Perfect! She looked precious in her little dress, with sparkly tennis shoes...a Funky Princess! When we go home, she dumped out her bag of candy and just had fun organizing it. She ate her first lollipop...at three! Not surprisingly, she LIKED it! My heart melts when she has fun; really has fun.
2. Zachy in the bath today. Seems I do not get very much time where I get to just focus on just him. Every time I do, I am amazed at how he shines, his eyes, his smile and his face. He loves to splash and to be squirted with the bath toys. His giggle. Heaven!

PoorTotgirl

Last night, Mackenzie hits Zachy on his back, runs (evidence that she knows she is in the wrong), falls, and 'hurts' her finger. After she finishes her 'calm down time,' I point out to her that she hurt him and show her that Zachy's back is red. She, very pathetically, says, 'My finger is red too,' as if SHE'S the victim! Yep, that's our poor little totgirl!

Then this morning Zachy cries out and Dad says, 'Mackenzie what did you do?' I tell him we can't assume she did something every time and he says, 'Well he cries out and she runs off.' Yep, he's right, that pretty much indicates GuiltyTot. But totgirl had a response, yes she did...'I no run off,' she says, 'I DRIVE off on my car!' Oh, that makes it okay...Never a dull moment.

ZZTotgirl

Who is ZZTotgirl?

Mackenzie Nicole...born on the Sixteenth of August, Two Thousand and Seven. Our first child. When Mackenzie was born, I saw my heart. For the first time, I felt a different kind of love, so powerful and intense that I knew that, if something were to happen to her, it would destroy me. I no longer mattered for me, but for her. Every day felt like Christmas. I could not WAIT to see her face in the morning, hold her and snuggle her and play with her and be her Mommy.

So, that's the simple answer...but myMackenzie...not that simple, not at all!

Mackenzie's Totgirl persona evolved as part of Facebook. Around the time I joined, she started to become something other than a baby and not quite a person, per se; In fact. she was somewhat alien at the time...so I referred to her as 'The Tot' or 'Totgirl.' I shared stories of the Totgirl's antics. She never failed to provide me with with ample material...still does! Still makes me laugh every day...well, almost...

Totgirl can be incredibly sweet and lovable....

(And is known for her hats)

Has her own sense of style...

(She has this hat in green too and a favorite memory is watching her in her carseat bopping her head with the green hat on to Pink's song, 'So What,' which she called the 'Na, Na" song)

Likes to be silly....

Has been described by many who know her as veryveryvery 'busy'....

She beats to her own drum for sure...see naked tot, loaded with purses....

( I was convinced at one point she had bag lady aspirations or was going to be a nudist pack rat - actually, that one is still a possibility)

Definitely a bit mischievous....

(armed and dangerous...still a favorite Totgirl activity)

And, well...totgirl isn't afraid to let you know if she doesn't like something....

(Yep, everyone might say she looks like her dad, but she definitely has my 'tude...attitude that is!)

Mackenzie's second year would be 'The Year of ZZ.' While I consider the ZZ to be part of the Totgirl persona, ZZ proper evolved somewhere during the latter part of 20some months of age. Out of the blue one day, while on the changing table, Mackenzie referred to herself as 'ZZ.' From there, she became ZZ. Sometimes we would just call her Z or Zeez. But it was on that day that ZZ  was born.

During her reign, ZZ turned (terribly) two...

And, just four days later, became a big sister...



ZZ loved to play babies...

(Before Zachy was born she used to put her babies in her play kitchen oven and head down in the sink...I figured we were in for some trouble once the baby came!)

She loved to play with her Little People, who we called 'The Girls' and would get them all together for a party...

(Her collection and parties grew considerably over the year...)

She could be slow to warm up and cautious, but was bizarrely fearless with animals...

(still is...)

She loved hats and at around two suddenly started to use a pacifier as a prop, which she called an 'a-fier'...

(One day while watching Barney, she HAD TO HAVE a party hat...this was the best I could do on such short notice!)

Have I mentioned she is a bit of a rebel...or, as I like to say...she is spirited....

(One of my FAVORITE pictures of ZZtotgirl....I think it captures her essence just perfectly)

She became quite the daredevil...

She developed her own sense of style. Her winter outfits went something like this, down to the (too small) black paten leather shoes...

Some two year olds have a comfort item, a lovey...ZZtheDivaTotgirl had an entourage...that grew....and grew....and grew....

And who could forget the hats! As her Tot B peeps would say, 'Don't mess with the hat!'

Hats...yep, even when she napped...and she would change from her black paten leather shoes to her slippers...

Definitely loves to be a naked (this is where country living DOES came in handy)...and loves running....

(Okay, is that a cute bum bum or WHAT?!?!)

ZZ spent her summer in dresses...

She's got her own PunkyBrewster kind of style going on...

ZZtotgirl always wants to go 'HIGHER! HIGHER!'...

 ZZtot potty trained during her second year...

 (She liked to park cars while she did the 'number two' thing...)

Truthfully, try as I may, it is sososo hard to truly do justice to my ZZtot....

SHE'S A NUT!



SHE'S GOT SASSY DOWN!

SHE LOVES TO LAUGH!

 SHE IS LOVABLE AND SWEET AND KIND AND CARING....

SHE'S ADVENTUROUS....

SHE'S A BIG SISTER...AS SUCH, I GET TO KNOW HER AND LOVE HER IN A WHOLE OTHER WAY...

 SHE'S SPIRITED AND LOVES TO BE A 'CRAZY GIRL'...

 SHE MELTS ME HEART...

Right before she turned three, she decided she was no longer to be called ZZ, she was to be called Mackenzie...but to me, she'll always be my little ZZtotgirl...

Momma loves you...Miss Mackenzie Nicole...Totgirl...ZZ...ZZtotgirl...LOVES YOU LIKE CRAZY!