Pudge and Biggs

Getting to Integral

2012-02-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

Most of you know before Pudge came along I was an elementary teacher.

There were teachers who were infinitely better than I was. For everything I did right as a teacher, I'm quite certain I did three things wrong.

But I did love teaching and I was passionate about each child entrusted to me.

The primary curriculum I instructed from determined many of my daily priorities and the content I presented to my students. But the driving motivation behind the way I managed my classrooms was my commitment to making sure every student felt they were integral to our classroom.

Integral is not included.

If you are included in my class, it means your name is on my class roster. Included means I have a hook in the closet labeled with your name. Included means every day a chair will be reserved for you to fill. Included means you eat your lunch at the time designated for our class to eat it and you sit with your classmates. Included means everyone in class knows who you are and acknowledges that you all share me as your teacher.

Integral is not included.

If you are integral to my class, it means you bring something to my class that no one else can bring. Integral means everyone in the room notices when you're gone because everyone in the room is affected when you're gone. Integral means the flow of our daily class schedule is disrupted when you are not present. Integral means that groups have to be restructured, daily events must be modified, and the classroom experience of every child is impacted if you don't show up to fill your place in our class.

Integral is not included.

As a teacher, I wasn't interested in including my students. I was interested in making each student integral to how our classroom functioned.

The only way to do that, of course, was to find a way for each child to authentically contribute from their own abilities and talents to the daily flow of our class.

It took creativity on my part at times. It took some hardcore searching to find hidden talents that could meaningfully benefit everyone in the room. More often than not, academics weren't considered in the least. I had students in charge of encouraging others. I had transition experts in charge of rearranging furniture because they were strong and fast on their feet. I had students who made sure my closet doors were always shut and a student who had a magic touch with our stubborn pencil sharpener. I had students in charge of expressing gratitude to classroom visitors and students in charge of making sure every chair was pushed in before we left the room.

Whatever your role was, it was your role because you had talents everyone in the room could benefit from. You had your role because you possessed the ability required to fulfill that role and everyone in the room counted on you to do it.

I don't want LC and Jace to be included in their classrooms when they enter school. I want them to be integral to their classrooms when they enter school. I want a meaningful, daily contribution to be expected of them.

But I can't ask that of their future educators if I don't demand it from myself.

I have computer files and folders full of paper dedicated to monitoring the progress of LC and Jace in meeting the goals I have set for them. I know the ins and outs of what "typically developing" toddlers their ages can be expected to do and I'm constantly incorporating the next hoop and hurdle into how we play and interact and learn.

But I have forgotten to stop and ask "What can you do now? How can you be a part of our daily plan with what you already know? Instead of constantly focusing on the next thing to add to your "I Can Do That" list, how can I make what you've already learned meaningful to YOU and the people around you?"

Because, as it turns out, little girls who can sort and name the household items they see on a daily basis can do many things.

Integral usually has to be facilitated. Opportunities have to be created.

Cupboards have to be reorganized in consideration of the size and stature of the contributing party.

Silverware drawers may need to be transformed from their formerly recognizable selves.

Getting to integral is rarely convenient.

Getting to integral is rarely efficient.

Getting to integral will require failures.

Getting to integral isn't always pretty.

And, to be honest, right now integral looks like a once-efficiently-organized-cupboard-full-of-my-baking-appliances that is now a couple of near-empty shelves with a ridiculous amount of unused space.

Things don't feel efficient or convenient or organized.

For some time, I'm going to feel absolutely crazy for having attempted any of this.

Crazy can lead to chaos. It can leave you with a bizarre looking storage space.

But crazy can also leave you with a toddler who knows there's a cabinet door she can open to show she belongs here.

A toddler who knows there's a drawer full of shiny examples of why we need her.

A toddler who might just expect others to expect something from her, because she daily proves she has something to give.

That seems like a lot to look for in a crazy kitchen cupboard.

We'll have to wait and see.

Insurance Deductible, Here We Come...

2012-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Our insurance deductible is above $7,000.

And, every year, we've met it before the Easter bunny's visit.

Wanna know how?

Today we went to the pediatrician.

It looks like two squibs are sitting on my chair.

But this photo actually illustrates...

Fifty-eight pounds. (Only 25 of those contributed by Lady Pudge.)

Three ear infections.

Two sinus infections.

Two infected tear ducts.

One upper GI prescription and a referral for a surgical fundoplication consult. (That'd be for the Biggs.)

We take no prisoners at that pediatrician's office, I tell ya.

I need to get the squibs satin robes with "Job Security" embroidered on the back to wear to our appointments.

Oh, well.

Misery loves company.

And February is the perfect month to spend up to our necks in love, love, love.

Have I Mentioned She's Naughty?

2012-02-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

Another Heart Day...

2012-02-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today, we kissed this teensy bluish boy good bye and sent him in to open heart surgery. He was having a variety of cardiac defects repaired, including the "most significant ventricular defect" his experienced cardiologist had ever seen.

He had known us for one month.

In so many ways he was still trying to figure out who we were and what we were about.

Rather than snuggling in and bonding with Jace at home, we were allowing his sternum to be sawed in two, his heart to be stopped and his little body to be tied to a bed for days of recovery.

We asked him to trust that this was for the best. We asked him to show his toughest stuff so we could be part of his happy ever after.

And that is just what he did.

It may have been the last time Biggie followed a direction we gave him.

We're so glad he did.

I never imagined that skinny blue bean would become the clumsy, round wrecking ball that we've fallen so madly in love with.

Happy Heart Day, Little Bigg.

Thanks for giving us the benefit of the doubt and sticking around for awhile.

I can't think of a pinker, squishier reason to celebrate.

Jekyll and Hyde

2012-02-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

While Pudge tends to be spunky and independent, she can also be surprisingly passive when it comes to playing with others.

She's very intimidated by speaking situations and avoids them whenever she can. For that reason, if someone takes a toy or something LC had been showing interest in, rather than protest or voice "mine", she'll usually just walk away and let things be.

We've been encouraging her to speak up and defend her ownership of toys or other items she has finder's rights to in the playroom at home. But, she's just NOT a possessive kid and not one to get her feathers ruffled. Even where Biggs is concerned, if a toy is nabbed she will usually just move on to something else on the shelf rather than protesting or fighting to get the toy back.

So, you can imagine my complete and utter SHOCK when I took the squibs to the park this week to play a game of kickball. Biggs is working on kicking skills in physical therapy, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for him to run behind a ball and practice his kicks. I initially kicked the ball and then encouraged both squibs to run after it to make the next kick. I thought if LC showed interest in kicking the ball, it would motivate her brother to continue the activity.

I had NO idea what demon I was about to unleash inside of Pudge.

Because...when it comes to kickball...this girl goes. for. BLOOD.

As soon as she realized she and Biggs were in a race for the ball, her face twisted up and exploded with a sound that can only be described as a ROAR. Capital letters R-O-A-R.

She continued roaring for the remainder of the game.

No WAY was Biggs TOUCHING that ball.

And, bless his faux-hawked heart, if Biggie actually DID beat her to the ball...

Pudge made sure he ate grass to pay for it.

(Not a bite. LC incorporates face pushing in her tackling technique. Judging by the number of grass stains on Biggie's clothes, I'd say it's effective.)

I finally had to call the game due to fashion conditions.

I don't know WHAT is up with the jeans I'd put Biggie in, but the darn things are penguin pants. I think the crotch of them hits him right at his knees. There was no WAY he could pick up decent speed in those pants.

And, without speed, I feared my son's health and welfare were in very real danger. Frankly, with LC's tackling style, I'm pretty sure a toddler-sized athletic cup would also be a wise investment to make before our next match.

Pudge, you're a juicy little onion...

...with so many layers of unexpected to uncover.

Play ball.

A Few Book Announcements...

2012-02-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delayed announcement! My new laptop (that I have used all of twelve times) completely crashed and it contained my book templates. It's currently under the Geek Squad's tender care, so I should have those back soon. If not, then I shall whip out some new ones. Fear not.

First and foremost THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH for visiting our sweet Violet and keeping her in your continuous prayers. SO MANY of you not only visited Violet, but did so repeatedly and shared some of the sweetest and most heartfelt words of encouragement. We're SO blessed by the love you showered over Violet and her family and we just can't adequately express our gratitude.

The personalized book goes to Elisabeth. Congratulations! I'll visit your blog to let you know and then you can email me so we can brainstorm what kind of book would be most popular at your house.

Finally, since Violet received so much blog love, we'll be celebrating by sharing the templates for our transportation and food books with anyone interested.

I WILL SEND OUT ONE MASS EMAIL ON SATURDAY MORNING. YOU HAVE UNTIL THEN TO EMAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO RECEIVE THE TEMPLATES FOR THE TWO BOOKS. Please don't let me know via comment on the blog. It's easier and more private for you if you email me. Our address is in the upper right corner of the blog.

I'll send you the books as Word files, so you'll also be able to edit them and use them as templates for any other books you'd like to try your hand at later on. How's that?

Thank you, again, for coming through for our little friend in such a big way. Amazing things have happened for her and amazing progress is still needed, so we're grateful for any future visits and prayers you're able to share.

xoxo...ch & co.

Daddy Claus

2012-02-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Like a jolly old elf, Dad returned from a business trip in the night.

He was gone again before the squibs were up, but he did leave treasures for them to find this morning.

(Apparently Daddy Claus doesn't consult a naughty/nice list. Or a "Guess What Your Son/Daughter Did TODAY" email list...)

NEW PAJAMAS!

And slippers, too!

I'm afraid the slippers quickly fell under new management, however.

(My son...in his fuzzy slippers...clutching his security blouse. I'm so proud.)

But the swipe was justifiable, really.

After all, the slippers coordinate perfectly with Liberace's bedding.

Thanks for the P.J's, Dad!

Hope you get to hug us in 'em sometime soon!!

Milking It

2012-01-31T14:34:00.000-08:00

Dad's in charge of tuck in time around here.

So when business trips come up and Dad is sleeping in another state, bedtime can turn ugly FAST.

Fear not. Pudge is milking it.

If she were REALLY hurting or heartbroken she'd look like the guy from those old "bitter beer face" commercials.

When she's truly crying her face squishes up so much it nearly turns inside out.

Nope. This is Pudge at her finest.

Working the lip and strategically placing her sorrow-filled episode in front of the freezer...where the ice cream lives.

And...rest assured...she received a scoop of rainbow sherbet.

It was the only way I could get her to move from sitting in front of the door to where the wine lives.

Hello, Monday.

2012-01-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

Those would be raisins.

Turns out child locks only work when you use them.

Adding diapers to today's shopping list. Times TWO.

Sunday Snippets on a Squib

2012-01-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

Just a few Pudge details that are noteworthy, but not long enough to fill a post on their own...

1. You will regularly find Pudge wearing her pajamas at 3 in the afternoon.

Why?

Because, apparently, Little Miss No Nap feels she cannot sleep unless she's wearing the designated attire.

Put the footies on and the girl snoozes. No footies? An hour long jumpathon. You choose.

2. She was fixated on performing somersaults for awhile. Then Biggie started attempting the somersaults. So, of course, she had to up her game.

Lately, she's been doing something very cartwheelish. And it wouldn't surprise me in the least to find her cartwheeling down the hall. She's an acrobat. No question about it. Get this girl an I <3 Gross Motor tattoo already.

3. Her latest obsession is a piece of cardboard. It has four buckles on the front I stole from some booster seats I was throwing out. You can just see the wheels turning as she flips through her mental rolodex of "Trouble I Can Make if I Can Master Unlocking Skills" as she works with her nose three centimeters from the buckles.

4. LC has a definite color of preference. RED. She constantly points to items that are red...chooses toys that are red...clothes that are red, etc. She recognizes her other colors, but only offers commentary on red. This preference may have been heavily influenced by a recent fascination with the movie Gnomeo and Juliet as well.

(Fear not. Her red artwork in the background was done using Crayola window crayons. Not that it doesn't look like a small animal met its end on our sliding door. But drawing on the window had clearance from Mom.)

5. LC's also started showing more interest in her dollhouse. She was originally playing with the paperdoll versions of herself and her classmates, but she's slowly preferring her Little People dolls. Probably because they fit on the dollhouse toilet.

She has lots of dolls and all remain nameless. Except one.

This is "LC".

I assume LC chose this doll as her namesake due to the ice cream in the doll's hand.

I have no idea what is in the other hand.

Sometimes the people at Fisher Price leave a little much to the imagination.

Adventures in Eating

2012-01-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, Biggie has eating difficulties. Significant ones.

No, he is NOT a picky eater.

Biggie is, essentially, a non-eater.

No, he will not eat 99.9% of the foods typical toddlers will eat.

Yes, he will go days without eating and allow himself extreme hunger to avoid the act of eating.

There is no tricking him into eating.

There is no starving him into eating.

He does not aspirate when he eats or drinks. He chews and swallows safely and beautifully with excellent coordination. His eating difficulties aren't related to an inability to safely get the job done.

For nearly all his life, if Biggie has been presented with ANYTHING that is not a bottle, he has an anxiety-induced meltdown. Complete and utter "I need to be taken from the room or I will hyperventilate myself into near unconsciousness" meltdown.

I exaggerate not.

This has NEVER been an issue with Pudge.

LC was tube fed for the first 8 months of her life, but she was always VERY eager and willing to try eating orally. She remained on the tube for the time it took her to learn to hydrate safely. But eating? Never, ever an issue.

(Pudge will eat anything except cheese and eggs. This is Pudge downing her favorite McDonald's order. A mushroom and swiss angus wrap (hold the swiss, extra mushrooms, please) and a large order of fries. There were NO leftovers. My girl can EAT.)

In the fall, Biggs willingly ate Chee-tos, warm yogurt and oatmeal. That's it. That's all.

Then, four months ago, he started refusing everything EXCEPT Chee-tos.

It's been our greatest trial with the Biggs, without question.

He's been in feeding therapy for MONTHS. And after hours of evaluation and practice and considering WHY he doesn't want to eat, we still have no idea. The act of eating just FREAKS. HIM. OUT.

But all of a sudden...and just lately...Biggie suddenly allowed yogurt and oatmeal back into his diet.

And...even better...he's welcomed in something completely magical.

Peanut butter.

Why is that magical?

Because that sticky goop can be mixed with oodles of other new flavors. The peanut butter flavor is still powerful enough to overshadow the "new" taste, but it's a lovely vehicle for bringing the "new" to Biggie's tastebuds.

"New" is ALWAYS immediately recognized by Biggs. You will NEVER sneak something into that mouth.

No matter how subtle the "new" taste is, he gags...and spews...and rages...and...

recovers.

Which is incredible progress for Bigg. He revolts against the new taste, but he doesn't melt down completely.

And he goes on to finish the meal.

One of the best strategies our feeding therapist has taught us is using finger swiping. At meals after he's eaten a "safe" bowl of oatmeal or yogurt, it's time for some food play at the table. The goal is for Jace to be willing to eat independently and not always have to be force-fed. We want him to bring something other than Chee-tos to his mouth. Food swiping allows us to bring flavor to Jace's mouth without putting him in an anxiety-producing "Oh, sweet Lord they're going to make me eat and I must respond with an emotional breakdown" scenario. Every time he realizes he's physically survived the act of tasting something new, we're one step closer to broadening his food choices.

Here's an example of food swiping from tonight's supper...the "new" taste is applesauce. It's stirred into the "safe" food...peanut butter.

Another significant sign of progress in the video is that Biggs is willingly holding a spoon. Usually, spoons are Biggie's #1 anxiety trigger. He'll eat off my finger...or a Chee-to...or a pretzel stick, but NEVER willingly take a new flavor from a spoon.

So, this is eating progress with the Biggs...steady and slow...but progress all the same.

Well done, Biggs. Today, applesauce. Tomorrow...the world.

A Tale of Two Grandpas

2012-01-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

Today, our Grandpa Charlie is celebrating his 80th birthday.

Many of you are already aware of how instrumental he was in filling our house with squibs.

Quite frankly, without a Grandpa Charlie there would be no Pudge. There would be no Biggs.

But for more reasons than you think.

I love my Grandpa Charlie...just a little more every time I see him, in fact.

And quite a few years ago, I visited a church I hadn't visited before.

I met this gentleman that day...

I distinctly remember thinking to myself, "This man reminds me of my Grandpa Charlie. His eyes crinkle up when he smiles. I believe I shall like him."

And I was right.

I liked him. I liked that Fred Heigele quite a bit.

I liked him SO much that I tricked his youngest son into marrying me.

This is a story of two grandpas...Grandpa Charlie drives green tractors. Grandpa Fred's tractors are red.

But they're just alike in the ways that are most important.

My squibs are especially blessed.

To be shared by two sweet grandpas...

...who have back-to-back birthdays.

Happy 80th birthday, Grandpa Charlie. We wish we were with you today to empty your kitchen cupboards 80 times in celebration of your day.

Happy less-than-80th birthday yesterday, Grandpa Fred. Eat some ice cream for the Biggs and make it a double for Pudge.

Thank you both for all the happy that is in this house...you've done so much to put it here. We couldn't love you more if we tried.

iPhone post

2012-01-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

Violet had a rough night with her breathing equipment. Extubation is scheduled for 2:00 pm (CST).

Please join us in bombarding her with prayers. So much is riding on how her tiny body responds to this next big step.

With deepest thanks for coveted prayers...ch & co.

Have You Prayed for Violet, Yet?

2012-01-26T15:54:00.000-08:00

The squibs just checked in on Violet's blog.

We think you should, too.

Because your prayers are doing amazing things.

Just like we knew they would.

You never, ever let us down and we're so blessed to have you to share with our buddy who needs you so much.

In the next few days, big things need to happen for Violet.

Incredible things.

Things we didn't dare to hope for this soon, kind of things.

And you're no less needed.

But, since you're doing so much for our sweet Violet by keeping her in your prayers and thoughts, we really feel like we ought to do something for YOU.

So...here's the deal.

1. Visit Violet's blog and encourage her mom, if you have a moment. It means so much to hear that her little bit isn't forgotten while Beth is sitting in an isolated PICU.

2. Leave ME a note in the comments of THIS POST to tell me if you 1. visit Violet's blog 2. Blog for Violet 3. Request additional prayers for Violet on Facebook.

3. For each of the three criteria, I'll enter your name in a drawing. The winner gets a personalized toddler book...topic of your choice. We can work out details via email. We'll end the contest Saturday at midnight, so just leave your comments by then.

4. BUT...just to make sure EVERYBODY feels like a winner...if FIFTY comments are left on Violet's blog post dated today (January 26) then I'll send anyone who would like it the files for our transportation and eating activity books.

Not exactly the lottery, but it's the least I can do to thank you for the very real impact you've already made on the lives of our sweet Violet and her family.

Thank you, thanks, thanks again...

Now go comment already.

Tactile Color Pages

2012-01-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

No time for conversation...the squibs and I are headed out to enjoy some sunshine.

Someone asked me to post this so they could pin it. Happy to help.
It's super simple and won't need much explanation from me.

For a recent prewriting activity, I modified some color pages with hot glue to provide further tactile information for the coloring squib about where the lines were.

Freebie sheet from the internet + hot glue. Simple.

Biggs is in the earliest stages of prewriting, so we're really just focusing on vertical and horizontal lines.

This is his page o' fun.

Markers + hot glue + plain paper. Presto.

Helpful glue guides to keep markers and crayons from going out of control.

As all things squib are wont to do.

Happy Writing!

We Need You Wednesday

2012-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

For those who are unaware, allow me to share a bit about what a parent can expect from a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The PICU is where any little one immediately goes following open heart surgery.

In the PICU, a little one has a private nurse assigned to them. The private nurse is assigned ONLY to one patient, because lots of vigilance is needed for little bodies that have found themselves in the PICU.

Usually, patients in the PICU are heavily sedated. Especially the littlest, wiggliest ones. They're sedated because their bodies need those first critical hours to function only on healing and becoming well.

Patients aren't in "rooms" in a PICU. They're in a curtained off area. They need to keep the PICU areas able to immediately expand to accommodate lots of staff in emergency situations. So there is little furniture, other than the occasional chair, for a parent to use while they sit with their child.

There are some strict PICU rules that parents have to follow.

No holding and minimal touching of the patient. Even the littlest ones. Touching = stimulation = bothering the body that needs to focus only on getting better.

No talking to the patient or using your voice at a level the patient can hear. Talking = stimulation = bothering the body that needs to focus only on getting better.

Preferably only one visitor at a time. And only parents or grandparents. Nobody else allowed.

And usually this is pretty tolerable. Because little ones generally stay in the PICU for one or two days following open heart surgery. And then they get moved to a cardiac floor and things become much more comfortable for parents and patients alike.

Unless something unexpected occurs.

And the PICU stay is extended.

From personal experience...may I say...an extended PICU is the worst kind of parental torture I can imagine.

You are in a heightened state of fear and anxiety because you're in this PICU longer than you planned.

You're in this PICU longer than you planned because things...at some point...have gone dangerously wrong.

You are stressed. You are sleep deprived. You are sitting in a silent, darkened room with a child you cannot touch and you are stripped of every resource you would normally use as a parent to comfort, console and heal the silent, tube-covered child in front of you.

I can think of fewer times in my own life when I have felt more alone than when I found myself beside a silent, bloated, dangerously ill Pudge.

And that's why we need you.

This is Biggie's twinnie.

Her name is Violet.

She's a stunner. I know.

She was born on the exact same day as the Biggs. Did that day churn out some cute, or WHAT?

Last week, Lady Vi had open heart surgery.

And she should have been home by now.

She should have been with her mom and dad and brothers getting pampered and loved and treated like the princess she is while she healed at her house right now.

But she's not.

Because sometimes the unexpected happens.

And sometimes the unexpected kicks you right in the teeth.

We're all feeling a little kicked right now.

Not defeated.

Just kicked.

And Violet's family is entering PICU week #2. With no immediate move in sight.

And that's where we need you.

Because nothing is as lonely as the PICU.

And Violet has a mom who is missing a sick little girl and two healthy little boys.

Violet has a mom who hasn't slept in days.

Violet has a mom who is feeling very alone.

Would you please visit Violet and her mom?

Would you please pray with us for Violet's lungs to jump back into action so she can collapse into her exhausted mom's lap?

Would you please visit the PICU in the only way any of us possibly can?

You can find her blog and updates here.

Thank you so much for always cheering our buddies on.

You're our most precious resource and we're reminded of it everytime we can share you with little ones who need you most.

Thank you, thank you, for keeping our Violet in your thoughts and prayers.

Some Pudge Candy...

2012-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Since she came home from school in a talkative mood...

...and also felt like singing.

Homemade Monday: Squib Proofing

2012-01-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take back my kitchen.

Like most of the rest of our house, it's blocked off from the squibs with multiple baby gates.

And those have...for the most part...been successful in keeping them out.

But lately they've been using the gates as ladders...or playing pick up games of "Throw the ________ Over the Gate and Listen to It Hit the Kitchen Floor" and that's getting old.

My body is ALSO getting old. And despite the fact that I have had those godforsaken gates up for over a year and a half now, my legs REFUSE to learn the height of them. I step over those gates about 50 times a day and hit my shin or catch my foot on the gates about 43 of those times.

So, I wanted to take back my kitchen.

But you know my squibs.

I have MULTIPLE cupboards and drawers that I don't want to find a squib inside.

I have MULTIPLE cupboards and drawers whose contents I don't want strewn about the previously mentioned kitchen floor.

So, it was time to squib proof the area.

I scoped out a few toddler-proofing options and finally settled on this model for the following reasons...

Justin REFUSED to attempt any more installation of plastic childproofing devices. Not only have they NOT been successful in the past, but they've been hard as heck to install. The pinch kind, the push down kind, the loopity loop kind...all have failed. Our Tot Lock system is effective and actually works. I'll give it that. But it wasn't cheap and I don't think my marriage could survive the two hour installation process it involved.

So, I needed something adhesive and quick and relatively inexpensive because we have LOTS of drawers and cupboards.

Interrupting myself for those of you who are already thinking it...
Yes. LC is three and Jace is two and they should respect my directions to simply stay out of the cupboards. And that will work. When I'm there to SAY "stay out of the cupboards". But they don't tend to generalize overall rules that way. And I don't want to hourly restock my kitchen cabinets during the learning curve. So, they'll receive the discipline...and the direction...but I need something that will potentially save their lives and my back in the meantime.

Moving on...

I paid over $50 for multiple cabinet and drawer locks in the style shown above. I forgave the fact that they had to be installed OUTSIDE my cabinets and drawers. I forgave the little discs of self-adhesive that will surely remove the finish from the wood in quarter-sized patches when the locks come off.

I forgave all that because THAT is what desperate women do.

What I could NOT forgive was the fact that the blessed things didn't work.

Not for a millisecond.

I mean, they were installed and set and good to go and Biggs walked into that kitchen and opened every cabinet like I'd hung little white signs that read, "Biggie...Trash Me Next".

I wanted to weep.

But, insomnia once again proved useful.

And I came up with a method that DOES, indeed, work.

Better yet, it's cheap.

And quick.

I mean I had the kitchen squib-proofed in under 20 minutes for less than $8 kind of cheap and quick.

I don't know if it will work for everybody...but as cheap as it is, it's worth a shot.

Here's what you need:

1 package of heavy duty/industrial strength self-adhesive velcro
1 pair of scissors

QUICK DISCLAIMER: In case you didn't already NOTICE...our cabinets are in desperate need of replacing. But if you lived with my toddlers, "new woodwork" wouldn't be on your short list of major purchases to make either.

Moving on...again...

You can decide if you want one "lock" or two for your drawers. I used two on the drawers that are directly squib accessible. For the drawers they can only shimmy open on tiptoe, I thought one lock would suffice. So far, it's done nicely.

Cut two strips of fuzzy velcro. I think these were about an inch thick. Or something.

Take the paper off the back and stick them above your drawer's opening like this:

Now, get the long strip of hook-side velcro and attach it to one of the velcro strips you just stuck up there.

Decide how far you want the drawer to be able to be pulled open. The "lock" is more effective if the strip has a bit of length to it. At least 3 inches or so...

(Yes. I'm wearing a Spiderman band aid. If you aren't living with a demographic that utilizes cartoon first aid supplies, I'm not sure you're at the right blog.)

Now, make two marks on the hook side strip of velcro.

This step won't be necessary once you get going...you'll be able to eyeball things more closely, but it's a helpful step on the first few.

Cut the strip at "Line B"

The space between "Line A" and "Line B" is the amount of adhesive you should remove from the BACK of the velcro. You don't want the velcro sticking to stuff IN the drawer. You only want it to adhere TO the drawer. So you'll leave the majority of the velcro strip covered by plastic on the back.

This is what you're left with after you've cut both strips.

Now, attach the exposed sticky part of the velcro to the inside of the drawer. Leave one end attached to the fuzzy side, so you know WHERE you need the velcro to attach to the drawer.

Once you've stuck it on the drawer, it should look something like this.

When you want to "lock" the drawer, push the drawer nearly shut. Slide your finger underneath the hook side of the velcro and push it up until it meets the fuzzy side. The remaining length of velcro will fold as you push the drawer shut and the door will shut, nice and snug.

When you want the drawer to be unlocked, you'll just push down on the velcro, near the point where it's attached to the fuzzy velcro, and your drawer can be opened.

You don't see any velcro on the outside of the drawer.

When you're done with the locks, you'll pull them off and you won't remove the finish from the outside of your cabinets or drawers.

And, because the majority of your velcro is still covered in plastic, you can reuse it for other stuff.

And who doesn't love velcro?

Although I didn't show pictures, the velcro technique also works on cabinet doors. Just flip the set up on its side.

We're on Day Two of this system and it's working well. To further endorse the method, it should be said that Biggie operates developmentally at about the twelve month mark...in a 3 year old's body...with a 7 year old's strength. He's strong. Super strong. And not in a "Brag him up, isn't he wonderful" way. But in a "God sent this child to knock my house down" kind of way.

And it's worked with him.

So, if you're at the same point of desperation I was...give it a go. Let us know if it works out.

I know I'm keeping my fingers crossed this remains a winner...

Gender Confusion

2012-01-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

One of LC's rewards for potty progress was to pick out new underpants on a recent shopping trip.

She is mildly motivated by fashion and more prone to keeping her pants dry because "we don't want Minnie Mouse to get wet" than she is likely to keep them dry because "we don't want Mommy to develop a drinking problem".

Fact: If you're not a fan of Dora the Explorer or the Disney Princesses, there are NOT a lot of motivational underpants available to you.

Fact: LC is not a fan of Dora the Explorer or the Disney Princesses.

But, just when our reward shopping trip threatened to be a bust, Pudge found a set of underpants that she immediately loved.

Loved to the point that she removed them from the packaging as we shopped.

And proudly wore them over her pants for the duration of our shopping venture.

This morning, she woke up and immediately signed she needed to sit on the toilet and put on underpants.

Sigh.

She's a big fan of Buzz and Woody.

What are you gonna do? Motivation comes in many forms...

Just to make sure he didn't miss out on his contribution to our daily dose of weird, this is what I found when I entered Biggie's room this morning.

The Biggs...in his Liberace bedding (not the weird part)...with his Rapunzel doll...(not the weird part)...

wearing his blanket/security blouse (the weird part).

Seven minutes into the day and Monday's off to a roaring start...

A Few Goodies from this Week

2012-01-21T21:51:00.000-08:00

We're working on reinforcing some math concepts around here. More, less, one, some, etc.

We're also working on counting to five and recognizing groups of 1-5 objects.

Since we're collecting box tops for school anyway, I made a chart to help keep our boxtops organized and regularly provide a chance to talk about some math concepts.

Laminated chart...

Paper strip taped to the front with rolls of tape pre-applied to the five oversized boxes...

New boxtops go on the strip...filled strips go in the pocket.

Reinforces counting to five...groups of five...and easier for our teacher to total 'tops when she's counting them all up.

Yippadoo.

Next up...prewriting.

Again.

Pudge's nemesis.

But add a blacklight to the mix and she was ALL IN.

Activity Table + Clipboard + Regular Paper + Highlighters + Blacklight =

Sorry you can't really see her artwork. Rest assured it was glow-ish and wonderful. We'd used our blacklight in the past with puzzles and pegs to increase both Pudge and Biggs' visual attention to what they're working on, but it's probably been one of the most successful prewriting strategies we've used so far.

Of course, the blacklight is also handy in revealing a nasty habit that Pudge thinks she's doing in secret while papers are being changed on the clipboard...

There aren't a whole lot of perks to being a toddler with a mom in grad school.

An overwhelming supply of highlighter markers may just prove to be one of them.

Reason #94

2012-01-20T20:13:00.001-08:00

On the "Why Justin is Rarely Left Alone with the Squibs" list.

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Probably worth including on the "Why Biggie Barfs All the Time" list as well.

Potty Diaries...Year Two

2012-01-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

You'll find an update on Pudge's potty progress here.

Happy reading!

WW: Back to the Doctor We Go... *With Update

2012-01-18T06:14:00.000-08:00

Updating to let you know Biggs is quite fine and in good spirits. He truly doesn't realize he has a disgusting abomination growing on his eyeball and hasn't complained in the least.

The bubble is not an infected mass...just a blister that formed because the surgery disrupted the delicate layers of his pretty blue eyeball. It happens in fewer than 2% of strabismus corrections...which is exactly why it happened to him.

Thanks to a personal call from Biggie's ophthalmologist, Dr. Lueder, and some shared email images, we were able to have a prescription for eyedrops called in to our local pharmacy...saving us a trip to the pediatrician and even better...keeping us from having to drive five hours back to the ophthalmologist's office.

We love our entire team at St. Louis Children's Hospital and are lucky to have them watching out for our little fans of the 2% statistic.

Toddler Book Tutorial

2012-01-17T14:18:00.000-08:00

I apologize for being back on this subject so soon after promising to abandon it.

But, based on the emails we've been receiving, it seems there's some interest in knowing how to go about creating your own toddler books.

So, I'm warning you now. For those of you who came for anything directly squibbish...

abandon all hope. You won't find it in this post.

But posting a tutorial on how I make our books was easier than sending bunches of emails.

So, bear with me and check back in a bit for Pudge and Biggie's return.

Why I make lots of books:

1. It's sort of therapeutic. I can't sew or knit. I don't have the attention span required to enjoy television or movies. I can't read books anymore without immediately falling asleep. So, I make stuff for the squibs.

2. I can control the content based on what skills they're focusing on in their respective therapies. And sometimes, that's easier than finding what I need at a bookstore.

3. I can control how durable the books are. While they're definitely the least attractive books in our possession, they're also the only books I'm completely comfortable leaving with them unattended. They're pretty darn durable.

4. I can use subject matter and illustrations that are pertinent to the squibs. The less abstract thinking required to master a skill, the better. So our photograph collection comes in pretty handy.

On to the book making...
I'll show you two types of books I make when I'm doing the whole show...writing, binding, etc.

The first is a laminated book with duct tape binding. (Incredibly classy, I know.)

1. I use a word processor to write the text and determine the size of the book I want. Typically, I like our books to be about 8 in x 8 in. but we have books in all different sizes. To make things easy, I just create an 8x8 table on Microsoft Word and type my text in, leaving room for the photographs I'll use to illustrate the book.

2. Print the pages on cardstock and cut them down to size. Attach the photos to illustrate the text.

3. Laminate the pages. You can purchase your own laminator or have them laminated somewhere. I do both. If you don't have a personal laminator, don't use a copying center for laminating. Take your pages to a teacher supply store or bookstore that sells educational materials. Often they'll have a laminator that you can personally use or they'll laminate the pages for you for a minimal fee. (The local suppy store I use charges 25 cents/square yard. SUPER cheap compared to having them laminated at Kinko's, etc.)

When you laminate your pages, leave additional inches of laminate for the binding. The additional space will allow the book to lay flat once it's opened.

4. Reinforce the extra space with duct tape. You'll be punching holes in the laminate and it will probably hold up just fine. But, if this book's going to be left alone with the Biggs...reinforce it with duct tape.

5. Punch holes in the duct taped strip and lace the pages together using ribbon or string or floral wire or whatever you have. You can probably use those brass fasteners, too. My books are usually too thick for those. So, I use LC's extra hair ribbons.

6. I cut a thinner strip of duct tape to cover up the ribbon I used and go around the whole binding once, just to make sure everything's nice and secured.

7. And there you have it. A book that's personalized to the Biggs...reinforcing vocabulary and concepts we're working on...that he can't rip the pages out of...and lays flat when he opens it.

Duct Tape Book #2
I use a slightly different style of binding if I'm doing a book that needs a sturdier cover. Usually books that are more interactive with matching pieces and whatnot. It's also a style you can use if you don't have the extra laminating space necessary to make your book lay flat.

This style of book starts out just like the other.

Create the pages...laminate the pages...leave some extra space...etc.

The change comes with the duct tape binding.

1. Rather than sticking the duct tape entirely to plastic, you'll place the duct tape on the edge of the page and fold the duct tape back over onto itself. This creates extra page width made entirely of duct tape and it's what you'll be punching the holes into.

2. Punch holes in the duct taped edge of the page. I punch four instead of two, since the material is flimsier than the laminated cardstock you were punching through with the other style of book.

3. Another difference with this style is that I attach a cover. It can be made from ANYTHING. I like to use recycled cereal boxes or tagboard I have laying around. For this one I used some laminated file folders that I had left over from another project.

(front of the book)

(back of the book)

4. Now, you'll fold the front and back cover. Because the duct tape is a bit flimsy, I use a fold-over technique with the covers to give the book's spine a little stability. I don't think you'd have to. But it's what I do whenever I've punched the holes only through duct tape.

Fold both covers like the one above, run a strip of thin duct tape over your string, and you'll end up with a binding that looks something like this.

Like I said, I don't take the time to put covers on most of my books, but it's a handy way to add some reinforcement and especially useful if you're doing an activity book that has loose pieces and requires a pocket to keep everything together.

There you have it!

Thanks for the oodles of emails...hopefully this will be useful in creating some toddler reading material of your own!

Biggie Hosts a Playdate

2012-01-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Confession: Biggie's been attending Toddler Class once a week since August. And once a week...since August...Biggie's had a 2 1/2 hour meltdown. In Toddler Class.

Biggie hates school.

Biggie HATES school.

And it is the SAME school that LC loves.

So I never saw it coming.

But, the truth is, Biggie has a hard time adjusting to new places. And stimulating environments. And lots of people. And suggestions to participate in anything other than watching television.

So, it isn't surprising that Biggie hates school.

And, while wrestling 30+ pounds of Biggs through school on a weekly basis is hard work, you know what's even HARDER?

Convincing buddies from his toddler class that the Tasmanian Devil version of the Biggs they witness once a week is NOT the Biggs that we live with.

I would LOVE for Jace to have playdates with his school buddies.

But, seriously? He's so up to his eyeballs in tantrum mode that he wouldn't recognize these children outside of his toddler class if he happened upon one of them.

And what semi-responsible parent is going to jump at the chance to send their passive, sweet-natured, well-behaved toddler home to play with Frankie FreakOut?

I wouldn't.

Which is why we could NOT be more grateful for Pickles.

A nickname of my own assignment...of course.

Because this girl is just as sassy as she is sweet.

And it makes her the PERFECT match for our Mr. Biggs.

The first day I met Pickles in Biggie's toddler class, she flashed him a look that said "Hey, Wackadoo? Get ahold of yourself. It's playtime, for God's sake."

And I've adored her ever since.

So, you can only imagine my irrepressible excitement when we wooed her mom and dad into letting her come over after toddler class for an afternoon playdate.

Pickles did not disappoint.

From the first minutes of her visit, she had her "Weird Tolerance" meter set on "Zero".

"Pull yourself together, Wackadoo. It's LUNCH. You're never gonna get to spend time with sets of gorgeous brown eyes if you don't figure out how to fake enthusiasm for the act of chewing and swallowing."

And she's really just what Biggie needed.

He is, of course, completely smitten.

And I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be.

Although I had vastly underestimated Pudge's reaction to Pickles.

Visits from girl buddies just don't happen very often. And, clearly, we need to up their frequency.

LC couldn't BELIEVE her good luck when she discovered we had another girl in the house.

And she spent the whole visit overcome with joy at Pickles' presence.

So, please don't be a stranger, Miss P.

There are a few people in this house who are just madly in love with you.

And, I'm afraid I may be topping the list.

Saturday Night with the Biggs

2012-01-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today, Biggie raided his sister's closet. Again.

He scored a fuzzy hat and her leopard print swimsuit cover up.

He hasn't been without them since.

Sometimes weird can be exhausting.

But, While We're On the Topic...

2012-01-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I've mentioned our "activity tables" before, but since we use them with our activity books, I thought I'd bring them up.

In our prewriting area, we have 3 ring binders with huge rings and velcro on one side. These are our "activity tables".

Whenever we do puzzles, activity books, or prewriting activities, we use one of these.

(I'm clearly not sharing these because they're impressive. Only because we use them a lot.)

The activity tables keep the squibs' work tilted, so they can visually attend and more accurately see what they're working on. It improves their perspective versus what they see if the same puzzle or activity sheet is laying flat on a table.

We have old clipboards with velcro on the back that we use for drawing or coloring.

The page is clipped to the board...the board is velcro-ed to the 3 ring binder and...voila.

The page is on a nice, hard surface but still tilted so it's easy to see.

Every time we get a puzzle, a strip of velcro immediately goes across the back of it, so we can tilt the puzzles we put together.

And our activity books get the same treatment.

It lets them work on an activity book without me having to hold the book in place.

And, an additional strip along the bottom of the 3 ring binder holds the loose pieces in place while the squibs are working with their books.

(Not Pudge. A recruited squib extra. Sometimes you have to outsource for genius.)

So there you have it.

Activity tables a la squib.

Now on to more interesting topics.

I promise.

Busy Book Makers

2012-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to more inspiration from Miss Linda, we've been busy bookmakers this week.

We put our cereal boxes and duct tape to good use and created some books to help with the squibs' language skills.

First up, a personalized book for the Biggs. Lots of repetitive text and focused on articles of clothing.

Now, it's LC's turn. An interactive book to guide her into paying more attention to the text printed on the vocabulary flashcards she's already mastered. Same subject, modified to challenge her and practice her labeling skills.

LC uses velcro to place pictures on appropriate pages, based on the noun in the otherwise repetitive text.

And, a few more books for the Biggs.

These are based on the template of LC's book, but provide more visual cues to reinforce categorical vocabulary.

A book on transportation...

And another about different foods.

This book is chockful of untruths, actually.

But the book, "I eat yogurt", "I eat oatmeal", "I eat Chee-tos" was a little too short to be worth the effort.

So, we'll justify this one by saying its purpose is to serve as appetite inspiration for Biggie.

Now that we're officially out of cardstock, I think it's back to more regular blogging.

Stay tuned...

Oh, I Could Weep from the Joy of It

2012-01-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

Four months ago, Jace stopped accepting ANY food delivered via silverware. Up until four months ago, he had been willing to eat peanut butter oatmeal for every meal. But then...like a switch...he turned his eating mode setting to "off".

No oatmeal.

No yogurt.

No nothin'.

Just Chee-tos. That's it. That's all.

Every day we've continued to work...we've attended weekly feeding therapy sessions...we've changed stomach medications...we've sat through daily mealtime melt downs any time we even approached him with an eating utensil. We did everything short of throw cash at the kid to get him to accept ANY food other than Chee-tos.

And for over four months...nothin'.

Which makes tonight's supper an unspeakable wonder.

Thanks to a $50 vibrating spoon, it appears Jace's love affair with yogurt has been rekindled.

Can I get an Amen?

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Premiering in the Playroom...

2012-01-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

We started the week with a couple new goodies in the playroom.

In the ongoing collection of "1001 Ways to Use Plastic Containers" we upped the difficulty of our basement balance beam to test out Biggie's new depth perception skills.

(A small piece of shelf liner paper between the plastic containers and board will keep the board from slipping off the containers. A rolled up piece of duct tape will also work to keep things in line.)

Since he's already dressed like he belongs in the circus, we might as well give him some skills to show off under the big top.

I don't think Biggs has the physique recommended for trapeze artists, but things are coming along nicely in the tightrope walking department.

Our next activity is meant to strengthen Pudge's prewriting skills. LC is NOT a fan of writing/drawing/coloring of any kind. Apparently, a nameless squib has been utilizing art time at her Parent's Day Out program to break crayons in half and launch the waxy missiles at her toddler playmates.

So, the perpetually talented Miss Linda shared a prewriting activity that was immediately stolen by us to implement in our purposeful play routine.

Get a shallow, lidded plastic container. (We used one left over from Chinese takeout.)

Cover the bottom with a THIN layer of modeling clay. We didn't have any modeling clay on hand, so I used some of the homemade playdough we have oodles of. Clay, however, would be better, as it's stickier and provides more resistance.

Miss Linda had clever little wooden pencil-ish things to write in the clay with. I supplemented with something we have in abundance that fits tiny hands and still has a narrow tip for writing and making marks in the clay.

(Obviously my shapes. Not Pudge's. When it comes to writing, LC's usual product is three angry vertical slashes and a tossed writing utensil as she runs from the room.)

The nice thing about this activity is that it's easy to erase what's been written by patting the clay back down in place. And it's got just enough novelty involved to keep Pudge engaged for a bit while she works on her writing skills.

LC also insists on coloring with both hands at the same time. This prevents her from engaging both hands simultaneously, since the non-writing hand needs to hold the container in place.

This activity could be replicated by spreading clay on a table or plate or any surface, but using a shallow plastic container allows us to lid up the whole works and simply pull it down from the fine motor activity shelf when it's prewriting time.

(See? Count 'em. One, two, three angry slashes.

But they're the fourth set she made this morning. So those jabs of rage are what we call PROGRESS.)

We hope your week is off to a glorious start and would love to hear about anything new you've introduced into your own playrooms lately!

SuperBiggs

2012-01-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Lately, Biggie's been wearing his security blouse cape-style.

It's amazing how accessory location can immediately transform the kid from anxiety-riddled toddler to rayon-clad superhero.

One flip of the blouse and he's transformed into SuperBiggs.

SuperBiggs. You know. The superhero who wears no pants and steals beverages from defenseless girls.

His super power? He blinds his prey with his lily white thighs, rendering them completely mesmerized and defenseless.

Don't think Pudge played the victim for long, though. She got her cup back and thoroughly proved SuperBiggs' cape did not bestow the powers of invincibility to its wearer.

Even so. It can be a comfort to know you have a caped avenger around the house, should you need one.

Still My Favorite Lunchdate

2012-01-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

(FYI...It's politically correct to choose your daughter as your favorite lunchdate when approaching your son with an eating utensil sends him into a shrieking, body-contorting rage. Yes, she's my favorite dining partner. No, she doesn't exactly have competition.)

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Thanks for lunch, Pudge. You're still the only girl I'm willing to spend twenty minutes smelling bologna for.

Old Favorites *with Update

2012-01-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

The holidays brought oodles of new and brightly colored wonders to our playroom.

But one element of our basement still trumps the others every time.

Nothing is better than that swing.

They both adore it, but in very different ways.

Pudge is our acrobat.

Once that swing is in motion, she's walking from one end of it to the other, flopping down onto her belly and popping back up onto her feet again, all while the swing twirls madly around the basement.

You can't push it hard enough or high enough to please Pudge.

For Biggs, the experience is usually more spiritual.

Spiritual in that he holds on with white knuckles and...regardless of how mildly the swing may be swaying...spends his ride praying that Jesus and winged angels will deliver him from that thing and allow his socked feet to touch solid carpet again.

But which squib is always first in line to board the dangling death trap?

Yup. Biggie. Every time.

I doubt I'll ever figure out what goes on in that chunkity brain of his.

So, in the meantime, we'll just keep swinging.

*Less than an hour after publishing this post, we had our first casualty in the playroom via the swing.

One broken nose.

The irony? The nose is mine.

Pudge decided to try a "pull the swing back to the bed and get on the swing propelling it forward at high speed" maneuver without my knowledge.

I caught that swing right between the eyes.

Lesson learned.

Never turn your back on a swinging Pudge.

Keeping Our Resolution

2012-01-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

This year the only conscious resolution I made was to spend more time outdoors with the squibs.

Today, we snuggled into new sweaters from Kellymom and braved the chilly weather to spend some time running our crazies out in the sunshine.

The squibs are all in favor of keeping this resolution. They'd live outside if I let them.

(Don't you love how it looks like his little ears are glowing?)

Fear not. While Biggs looks like a pusher proud enough to pop, LC had actually tripped on her own.

Had he been responsible, this picture would have been followed by a series of photos of Pudge rubbing Biggie's face in the dirt. She keeps that boy in line.

Ruddy cheeks and leaky noses notwithstanding, these squibs were nearly impossible to drag back into the house. And, for the first time ever, I realized I no longer have the upper body strength required to simultaneously carry them for a distance over 100 yards.

Ouch.

Cheers to resolutions and double-seated jogging strollers.

See you tomorrow, sunshine!

Pudge, the Environmentalist

2012-01-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

LC disappeared this morning after her shower.

I found her in the playroom.

She was implementing a new strategy to cut down on the number of towels I wash on a daily business.

She's so thoughtful that way.

Mother's Intuition

2011-12-31T18:28:00.000-08:00

Nobody's come right out and said anything...

but I'm pretty sure the squibs love their new ball pit.

Thank you, Grandma Val! They're little pigs in plastic mud.

Happy New Year, everyone!

We hope 2012 finds you just as tickled

with the good things around you!

Our 2nd Sixth Anniversary

2011-12-31T12:45:00.000-08:00

Six years ago, Justin and I planned to be married on New Year's Eve.

Around November, I started getting cold feet. Not about marrying Justin...just about doing it in front of a crowded room of people with everyone staring at us and listening to our every word and watching to see what our every facial expression would be. (I sweat even typing about it.)

So I forced him to elope. On December 10th.

We went ahead and re-enacted the wedding and had a party on New Year's Eve.

So our mothers wouldn't kill us.

We rented an old movie theatre and had a lovely time.

It was the perfect way to ring in the new year.

And his are still the lips I look for when the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve.

Happy Sixth Anniversary of our Second Wedding, Justin.

We should go out again sometime.

Houston?

2011-12-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

I think...

we have...

an eye infection.

Along with one of the worst cases of chapped lips I've seen in awhile.

You're killin' me, Biggs.

Killin' me.

Wanna Join This Family?

2011-12-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

At Christmas, we were able to spend some time with Justin's grandma, Dolores.

We had all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren pose around her for a group shot.

Count the girls in that group.

Yup.

Grandma Dolores + 1.

Pudge.

Little girls are a bit of a novelty at Heigele gatherings. When she was born it took some time to train her nephews in the use of the pronouns "she" and "her". They usually just defaulted to "it".

But it does make the whole future adoption discussions much easier to maneuver.

We'll just say she wore a long white dress and went to a judge who gave her a piece of paper that said she was a Heigele.

Just like all the other girls in this family.

Stay Tuned...

2011-12-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

We've returned from our annual stint as Christmas nomads and will be up to our necks in the unpacking process for a few days, I'm sure.

We were able to spend our holidays in the places and with some of the people we adore most (minus an important few) and they couldn't have been jollier.

Hope your holidays were equally delightful! We'll be back to posting again, soon!

F.Y.Eye

2011-12-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Biggie had eye surgery yesterday to correct his strabismus.

I don't think it was anything he'd mentioned on his Christmas wishlist. But it was at the top of mine. We were supposed to have surgery in January, but a cancellation allowed us to get the procedure done before our insurance deductible starts over next month. One of the best Christmas gifts EVER.

I'm afraid Biggie didn't get much out of the deal since he's left with an uncomfortable eye and still has to wear the darn patch for hours everyday. (The patch isn't intended to correct his strabismus. It's to correct his amblyopia.)

Dad actually took Biggs to St. Louis for his surgery because I'd already committed to help out at our church's Christmas Eve services.

Biggs forgave me for not going along.

But, just in case, this morning I told Biggie that I'd explicitly directed his dad to take him to the zoo and to buy Christmas presents and see Santa Claus in St. Louis. The whole eye surgery thing was Dad's idea and not at all the day I'd intended for Biggie to have. I told him I was shocked by his father's disobedience.

I think he bought it.

And the mountains of french fries I've been allowing him since ensure that I'll be in his good graces for a few days, at least.

Fingers crossed the surgery will prove successful and won't require a repeat in 2012.

We'll be celebrating Christmas with a brave, bloodshot Biggety and couldn't be prouder of what a tough guy he's proving to be.

In Case You're Unsure...

2011-12-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

...of what to wear when addressing a cardiac emergency suffered by an animated mouse at a formal event in the middle of a snowstorm.

Fashion Advisor Pudge has you covered.

Thanks for intervening on behalf of the fashionably aimless, Pudge.

No complementary ensemble to be modeled by the Biggs, I'm afraid. When the dress-up box comes out, that boy has sense enough to make himself scarce.

In Lieu of Decorations...

2011-12-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

We didn't decorate the house for Christmas this year.

In past years we've done themed decorations and made ornaments and hung stockings and the whole shabang.

But erecting a 6 foot tree covered in breakable ornaments and electrical wiring just seemed like the equivalent of writing "nervous breakdown for Mom" on my Christmas list, so we skipped it.

Thanks to the squibs' allegiance to daily mischief-making we have already ensured Santa won't be considering a stop at our house until well into their teen years. So we're fostering a belief in grandmas this Christmas and you don't need decorations for that.

To compensate for Christmas guilt, I purchased Pudge and Biggs ridiculous dancing stuffed toys that blare Christmas carols and delight the squibs' little brains out.

And this morning, after running some early errands, I surprised the eating squib with donuts.

Because nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a donut you have to lift with two hands.

There will be time for tinsel and garland and delicate nativity sets in our future.

For now, though, cheeks decorated in red and green sprinkles are good enough for me.

Guess Which Parent...

2011-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

...was in charge of pajama duty last night.

I would say that facial expression is the perfect accessory to complete your ensemble, Biggs.

I am surrounded by blonde, blue-eyed lunatics.

Virtual Treat Tray

2011-12-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again...the kitchen is buried under a quarter inch of powdered sugar and flour and the sink is overflowing with dishes, but the holiday baking is done.

Since we're not able to treat all of our blog buddies to plates of goodies, we'll share some virtual goodies with you! Just click the recipe card and it should open in a new window to give you a larger, printable copy of some of the recipes we made this year.

Season's Snacking from the Squibs!

When Squibs Attack

2011-12-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

Biggie's patch-wearing protocol is this: The patch goes on his eye and socks go on his hands. Then, he gets to watch a brain-numbing episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. By the time the show is over, Jace has forgotten about the patch, the socks are removed and we go on with our lives.

And this usually works great.

Unless...

It looks like a typical start, but any trained Pudge warden knows that LC's attention to her brother's TV coma state doesn't bode well for the Biggs.

She's a stealthy one...

...and she's determined to begin this Monday with a hearty wrestling match.

Luckily, Biggs has about ten pounds on Pudge and is as strong as a one-eyed ox.

So a toss of one of his mittened arms usually diverts the distraction.

But she has been known to play dirty and take advantage of his blind side...

Since both are usually giggling throughout the attacks, I rarely step in.

I figure it gets some of LC's ornery out.

And it may be the only physically exerting activity Biggs pursues on days when therapy isn't on the schedule.

Plus, to be honest, Pudge's wrestling moods hold some definite benefits for mom as well...

My finest hour as a parent of toddlers? Absolutely not.

But you'd be surprised by what I let fly on a Monday...

Bedtime Buddies

2011-12-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

Bedtime stories a la Pudge.

Clearly not the story choice Biggs would have made.

Even so,

He could work on his polite listening skills.

On to bed climbing...

With a little assistance on the dismount.

Even little brothers can occasionally serve a meaningful purpose.

Biggie's Christmas Crafts

2011-12-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

Since we'd made goodies for LC's preschool friends, we couldn't leave Biggie's toddler class buddies out.

I'm afraid his gifts are less personalized. Since I'm usually wrestling Bigg through fits of school-induced rage for the greater part of our time in toddler class, there are few opportunities to take photos of our bewildered and semi-frightened toddler onlookers.

So, we made them some color match games based on similar activities I'd seen on Pinterest.

Just clothespins and cardstock. But colorful and cute, all the same.

Merry Christmas, Toddler Buddies!

WW: Hi, Pudge.

2011-12-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Craft

2011-12-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

Every year for Christmas, one of our traditions is to make presents for LC's school buddies.

The last few years we've done jingle bell maracas, but we wanted to try something new this year.

A few weeks ago, LC's teacher who visits us from the school district brought some paper dolls she'd made for LC using photographs of LC's friends at the Parent's Day Out program she attends once a week.

LC loved them so much, that we thought we'd turn them into a gift for our preschool buddies.

So, this year, we made our friends personal activity folders.

The folders are laminated, so they can be written on with a dry erase marker.

We made them with three panels by overlapping two file folders.

We needed a 3 paneled folder because we wanted the folder to also be able to stand up and be used with our paper dolls.

The inside of the folder is lined with self-adhesive pieces of felt and a detachable envelope that holds the paper dolls of our class.

I made the dolls by taking photographs of our friends and cropping them to fill up as much of a 4x6 photo as possible. Then, I cut around them and glued them onto cardstock. I cut around the cardstock and laminated the dolls. Presto. Paper dolls.

I put a piece of hook-side velcro on the back of each doll so they would be able to stick to the felt. I made the dolls reinforced with cardstock so they could also stand on their own.

The dolls' stands are standard issue binder clips with one of the metal clips removed.

LC's never shown much interest in her Little People dollhouse or farm, but she loves to play with them using her school buddy dolls. I also love to watch her interact with the dolls, since it gives me a peek into her preferences regarding her playmates and how she feels about them. It's always quite a show.

Hopefully, LC's friends will enjoy their dolls as much as she has and the activity folders will make their holiday travels a little more merry!

Pudge's New 'Do

2011-12-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

Pudge has been long overdue for some cosmetic attention.

Her hair is out of control.

It's long and wispy and constantly tangled with snot or food and she HATES to have it brushed. She hates even more to wear accessories in her hair, which means its difficult to tie up and out of the way of aforementioned goo.

So it was time for a cut.

And I had every intention of having it professionally done. But when I considered the environment the cut would likely occur in...and LC's staunch refusal to comply with most simple directions...and the fact that I'd be juggling tantrum-throwing Biggs while Pudge fought the stylist for the scissors...I figured I'd rather give her a wackadoo haircut without paying someone $40 to do it for me.

Presenting a look we're dubbing "Crooked Bob a la Mom"...

I wasn't sure what her reaction would be...and things weren't off to a promising start...

(Note: She has not recently rolled in a mud pit. Peanut butter M&M's and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse were the only way this thing was happenin'.)

But once she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and noticed how swingy her new hairdo was...

...she fell in love with herself all over again.

So Much for THAT Wishlist...

2011-12-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

Yeah.

Pretty sure we saw that one comin'.

As for Pudge?

She's still pondering wishlist possibilities.

But I hope "fingernails" make it on there somewhere.

Patch Update

2011-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Although I'm nearly certain to jinx our progress by reporting on it, Jace has surprised us all by meeting his daily patch-wearing time allotment for the past 3 days.

It's still not warmly received...

...and every wearing session begins with some trademark Biggie drama...

But a pair of socks, a cup of soy milk and an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and he pretty much forgets about it and moves on with his life.

So things are looking up.

On a side note, I have no idea why Grandma Clampett is glaring at the camera over Biggie's shoulder in the above photo. This expression has been showing up more often lately...

I believe she's biting her lips.

Probably because her fingernails have been munched down to nubbins.

If you're in the market for weird, we have it in abundance.

WW: Crackin' Herself Up.

2011-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Arrrgh.

2011-12-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Biggie has strabismus. His left eye likes to wander toward his nose. It isn't constant...it comes and goes. But lately it's been coming more than going.

The wander is causing his brain to ignore what his left eye is telling it. Probably because his brain gets tired of hearing status updates on what the left side of Biggie's nose looks like.

So, it's time for some intervention.

The strabismus will have to be fixed via surgery in the next month or so.

But we have to woo his brain back into a relationship with his left eye.

The suggested treatment is patching Biggie's 'good eye' for a period of time everyday.

If we can't find a way to keep that patch on for three hours a day, his opthalmologist said he'd prescribe drops that would blur the vision in Biggie's right eye for a few hours a day.

Today, we're attempting the patch for the first time.

Biggs is NOT a fan of his new accessory.

But it is prompting him to do some amazing work on his fine motor skills.

Television serves as a distraction for a bit...as long as it's accompanied by a frosty beverage.

But once that cup is emptied...

And his new favorite soy milk chaser?

You guessed it.

Eye-blurring drops are looking better all the time.

P.S. If you have successfuly patched a manic toddler with superhuman strength and potential rage disorder, please let me know which product you used in order to do it. Please note, I do not have access to sedatives or animal tranquilizers, so those suggestions will be difficult to implement. I am hoping the people who manufacture duct tape have a line of optical products of which I am unaware.

2011 Holiday Program

2011-12-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

Last night, the squibs attended the event that annually marks the beginning of our holiday season.

We scrubbed behind their ears and prettied 'em up and off we went to our school Christmas program.

Both Biggie and Pudge had been practicing assigned holiday songs for the program and were looking forward to performing with their classes.

First up...the Biggs.

Sorry the picture's out of focus, but he was a man on the move. His moment had arrived to shine and he wasn't about to miss it. So, this is Biggie storming the stage...

His beloved physical therapist, Ms. Deb, was waiting to assist him in his holiday performance.

He played the xylophone (after repeated attempts at licking/eating it) to accompany the singing of "We Are Santa's Elves".

And boy, did this elf let 'er rip. By the end of the tune, I think he'd played every xylophone within a five foot radius.

Then it was Pudge's turn to perform.

She sang "Jingle Bells" with four of her preschool classmates.

Rock on, Pudge. Rock on, Eli.

All in all, we rated the squibs' performance a seasonal success.

Bring on the holidays!

Boy Wonder

2011-12-02T19:45:00.001-08:00

Cutest, most musical toddler ALIVE I tell ya.

Curtie Jo-Jo. I should spread you on a cracker and eat. you. UP.

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Fair Warning...

2011-12-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

When making out with Heigele boys...

...brace yourself...

...because the tongue IS coming.

I'm surrounded by handsome blonde rascals.

Luckiest girl I know.

Purposeful Play with Pudge

2011-12-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

It's a rare event, indeed, when I have two squibs napping at the same time.

And, while I relish the infrequent occurrence of two snoozers, I also appreciate the time I'm otherwise guaranteed each day to spend with Pudge and Biggs on their own.

Today, Pudge and I spent some time playing at the window...her new favorite playroom spot.

We grabbed the paintbrushes, a plastic container with a smidge of water in the bottom, and got to work.

Pudge loves to paint the sliding door with water, so the first ten minutes or so, that's all we do. Slather water all over the door.

We have a collection of brushes in all shapes and sizes and she likes to experiment with all of them until she chooses a favorite.

After we've thoroughly wetted the window, it's time for some craft foam.

Foam sticks to damp windows, so it's like playing with window clings but easier for little hands.

Pudge makes sure each piece is individually painted before sticking it up for display.

Today we used some craft foam frames we'd cut and combined them with suction balls from the party store for a color matching activity.

Next, we played with some window clings. A sheet of window clings was $1 at the Dollar Tree, so I got two of a few designs to use in the bathtub and when we're playing matching games.

Today, we only used one sheet and practiced some animal recognition and following simple directions. Since the paintbrush was involved, LC was much happier to "paint the cow" or "paint the animal that says oink" than she would have been willing to point to pictures in a book.

When we were done with window play we moved on to the ugliest feature in our playroom.

We're forever making toys out of recycled trash. I make sure it's going to be a popular activity before I put any effort into prettying it up.

Case in point...

Two old boxes tacked to the wall...coupled with leftover lids from Biggie's bottles of Ensure...

...makes for one of our favorite play stations lately.

As usual, the ladder is the magnet to draw Princess Gross Motor into playing, but once she's climbed to the top, she busily drops the lids into the slots and likes the problem-solving challenge of twisting and turning them to make them fit. I usually like to work closer to her and guide her into crossing midline as much as possible when she's dropping the lids in, but lately she's been doing some nice crossing over on her own.

So, that's what's been popular in our playroom with Pudge lately.

We'd love to hear about anything that's newly popular in your own!

Pudge's Favorite Way...

2011-11-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

...to munch lunch.

A few weeks ago I sent LC to school with a Lunchables lunch pack.

Ever since, she's been NUTS for them and I have to strategically distract her in the lunchmeat aisle or we don't make it out of there without one.

It didn't dawn on me until I watched her place new food into her old Lunchable container that it wasn't the cheese and crackers she liked.

Little Miss Place-for-Everything-Everything-In-Its-Place just liked the compartmentalized serving vessel.

So, when she saw the new Pudge Buffet Trays I bought her (3 plastic ice cube trays for 99 cents) her lunching dreams came true.

You're a nut, Pudge.

But such an easy-to-please one.

Bon appetit.

It's Pathetic, Really

2011-11-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Ever since Wednesday's explosion, we've been scrambling to keep up with Biggie's digestive system.

Oddly enough, he's been in pretty good spirits...certainly happier than I've been with the situation.

He's been eager to take his bottles and he's staying nicely hydrated. He's just also guaranteed to erupt like a gooey geyser at least three times a day. And you do not know mess until bowels have exploded inside a compression garment.

This morning, the game changed. Because, at this morning's 4:00 a.m. bowel eruption, a wicked diaper rash entered the scenario. And the screaming that ensued was memorable. Until it was out-performed at 6:00 a.m. and again at 9:00...and again at 10:00...

A trip to our beloved pediatrician ended in a diagnosis we've had before. Namely, the little goat has probably eaten something that can't pass through his system.

So, we're treating diarrhea with a two day round of big-gun laxatives to see if we can clear the pipes. And, if not, we're heading back to have X-rays taken to see what the culprit is. I expect his little intestines will look remarkably like the contents of a kitchen junk drawer...time will tell.

In the meantime, Biggs is pooped. Literally and figuratively. We have a long few days ahead of us.

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Purposeful Play: Squib Pong

2011-11-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

Pudge has a nasty headcold. Both squibs needed a bath. So, in the spirit of addressing those needs and getting in a little fine motor fun, this evening we played a nice long game of Squib Pong.

Materials needed:

ping pong balls or similar small and floaty toys (Our pong balls were $1.00 in the sporting goods section at Wal-Mart)
slotted spoons or small strainers
a plastic bowl
a few drops of eucalyptus oil (optional but great for making vapors that get little noses running)
squibs

Shut the bathroom door. Mix all ingredients in a tub with warm water. Serves 2.

The object of Squib Pong is to catch the balls and drop them into the plastic bowl before Mom throws the balls back into the tub.

It's a pretty handy game, really, since it cuts down on time devoted exclusively to squib splashing. Also, Pudge's preoccupation with the pong balls is a good way of protecting Biggie's.

LC loves catching the balls with her strainer and dropping them into the bowl. She attempted the slotted spoon, but the longer handle made it trickier to maneuver.

For Biggs, the game was hard enough without a tool involved. Just getting those fingers of his to nab a ball before it floated away kept him as challenged as his sister.

Which is another reason this game is a keeper. Anything that allows both to participate at their own skill level is popular around here.

And, of course, it's easy to incorporate other skills into the play scheme.

I can ask them to retrieve balls of a specific color.
I can introduce other bowls and have the squibs drop balls into bowls designated by color.
I can get different shaped bowls and ask the balls to be dropped in the square bowl or the circle bowl. We can set number goals (LC, get 3 balls. Put 3 balls in.) and reinforce counting.
We can practice recognizing the difference between "all" and "none" and the difference between "a few" and "many".

Cold and flu season has us spending quite a bit of our time in vaporized baths. We'd love to hear suggestions for any bath play that's popular at your house!

Change of Plans...

2011-11-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving holiday was off to such a promising start.

We planned to spend a few days with Justin's family on the farm.

My husband is the youngest of three brothers. His brothers collectively have five children...all boys.

It appears girls can only make it into Justin's family via marriage or adoption. And that works just fine for Pudge and me, since it means we spend at least a few days of each major holiday surrounded by some of the sweetest men on the face of the earth.

Add in the lovely company of my sister-in-law and the fact that my mother-in-law is a culinary wizard, and it's hard to believe a holiday celebration could be anything other than spectacular.

Until you consider who WE bring to the party...

We started the holiday with sunny weather and five of the six cousins that my squibs adore.

We were up to our necks in delicious goodies and some of our favorite people.

And a few minutes after THESE pictures were taken, we were up to our necks in something else.

This is the last time ANY nose was willing to come within 100 yards of Biggie's pants.

Biggie spent the rest of the day and following morning continuing the diarrhea saga he'd begun at our house the day before.

And, as eager and willing as my nephews are to spend time with my monstrous children, they proved that Justin's response to a dirty diaper clearly has a genetic base.

So, while Jace and I hung out in the bathroom, showering Sir Poops-A-Lot down from his latest explosion, my nephew Hayden stepped in to rescue Pudge and himself from the stench.

And you can imagine how delighted I was to discover that he'd taken my camera along with him on their adventure.

I'm pretty lucky to be the mom of Pudge and Biggie. No question.

But, I'm equally blessed to have some of the best nephews in the business.

Of all the Thanksgiving blessings I was reminded of over the past few days, the top of my list reads:
Zane
Hayden
Holden
Logan
Harrison and
Curtie Jo-Jo.

Love, love you fellas. Thanks for making this aunt gig such an easy one.

Being the Biggs...

2011-11-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

is exhausting work.

But, I assure you...

...being the Biggs' mom isn't exactly a cakewalk.

And...while I was cleaning up my Poopy Picasso...

(That would be a Sharpie permanent marker she's hiding behind her back.)

Don't tell me my children don't have mastery of basic math skills.

They know two is more than one and exactly how many seconds they need to make chaos happen.

This is why I'm the family member who contributes wine and napkins to our annual family Thanksgiving feast.

Something tells me I need to increase quantities for both from last year.

When You Run Out of Fingers...

2011-11-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

Seriously??

You're killin' me, Pudge.

Killin' me.

Best Etsy Purchase EVER.

2011-11-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

I'm an Etsy fan and shop there whenever I can. I love to share about shops that I'm especially excited about, but I can honestly say...today's arrival marks my BEST. ETSY. PURCHASE. EVER.

Introducing....Biggie's new weighted lap pad.

The wildly talented Anja created this mini-blanket especially with Biggie in mind. She was an absolute DELIGHT to work with...she was in constant contact with me discussing which fabrics would best suit his needs and came up with the cutest therapy tool I've ever seen.

She chose a minky/satin combo that immediately sent the boy into snort heaven, and she even matched it expertly to his eyes...

The size is perfect for traveling and taking along to school and situations where he'll need to sit and focus on therapy tasks.

It's machine-washable, less therapeutic-looking than a weighted vest, and something that I wouldn't NOT have in my classroom if I was back in the business of primary education.

Did I mention it was super affordable and arrived at our house in virtually NO TIME at all?

And, while Biggie made fast friends with his new buddy, I hadn't anticipated someone else's enthusiasm for it...

Yup.

Looks like we'll be putting an order in for lap pad #2.

And, honestly, I could NOT be happier about giving Anja repeat business.

I hope you'll visit her shop and consider treating any littles you love to one of her sweet creations. There are no perks for us if you visit or make a purchase...we just know you'll love anything you buy there and wanted to share Anja's talent with you.

Happy shopping!!!

She Truly is Tidy

2011-11-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

Pudge is my quicker picker-upper. I don't know where she gets it. Most CERTAINLY not from me.

She loves to pick up the toys that her brother throws about.

She puts her shoes on their shelf before she leaves her room each morning...no small task with over 20 pairs...

She's even a neat eater at mealtimes.

Unless chocolate is on the menu.

And then...all bets are OFF.

Mmmmm....an appetizing chocolate-frosting-up-the-nose-shot.

(Don't LOOK at this girl's fingernails. We're obviously still working on breaking the nail-biting habit. And those ring fingernails are particularly tempting to Pudge. OUCH.)

I would say chocolate is LC's greatest weakness, but...trust me.

It only makes her stronger.

Itty Bitty Bed Jumper

2011-11-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

When you weigh 24 pounds, you take your life in your own hands every time you climb onto a teeter totter opposite another 3-year-old.

But, on the plus side, every house you visit has at least a few indoor trampolines.

Public Service Announcement

2011-11-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Dear General Public,

As I believe I have mentioned in the past, Biggie prefers the comfort of women's undergarments over a more traditional flannel security blanket or teddy bear.

He has two particular blouses of mine that he has claimed as his own, along with a satin slip, a nightgown and one beige bra.

When he's alone with his lingerie, he twists it tightly around his pointer finger, rubs it and snorts like a pig.

We're thinking this is a behavior based on his love of the garments' satiny fabrics rather than a personal lifestyle choice he's communicating...but time will tell.

The purpose of this announcement is to warn the general public that Biggs has realized the dual purpose of the lovies he adores.

And, ladies...he knows right where to find them.

So, to the nursery care attendant, Ms. Summer, whom I found cradling a sleeping Biggs on Sunday morning...I apologize that you had to sit for forty-five minutes with my son up to his armpit in your cleavage. I'm so sorry this warning came too late for your benefit.

For all the others who may come into contact with my son and be delighted by the way he happily scrambles into your lap...be warned. You have about seven seconds to preserve your dignity before he has a handful of what he initially came for.

I'm sorry. We're working on it.

Three cheers for turtleneck season.

Squib Gallery Submission

2011-11-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

LC's first wall art.

We call this piece "Wait Until Your Father Gets Home".

I'm afraid the artwork has been done on a supporting wall and is, therefore, not for sale.

The toddler, however, is something that may be up for negotiation.

Our Latest Hang Out...

2011-11-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

Since we've officially conquered Pudge's toilet-phobia, we're spending quite a bit of time in the bathroom together.

Here's a little taste of our daily hostage situations...

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Biggie Slides

2011-11-11T18:10:00.001-08:00

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A Golden Opportunity

2011-11-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have a heart for domestic adoption for some pretty obvious reasons.

I don't advocate AGAINST international adoption, mind you. I'm a huge fan of that, too.

But I have personally and profoundly seen the devastation that our current foster care system can cause in the lives of children with Down syndrome.

I have seen children reduced to near animalistic behavior after years of neglect in a system that has singularly robbed children of amazing potential.

I can't bear to see that happen here.

This is Dwayne.

He is six.

Already six.

And ONLY six. And in need of something as amazing and simple as a bedroom and familiar, safe faces walking into it every morning.

If you aren't sold yet, then please consider this:

As a ward of the state, he is already "in the system". His medical bills are funded by government agencies and would continue to be, based on his established disability status. Additionally, his age and disability status may qualify him to receive state and/or federal subsidies and qualified assistive care.

THERE ARE NO FEES TO ADOPT THIS CHILD.

This child can be adopted by single or two-parent families, based on qualifying criteria.

I'm not asking you to donate money toward his cause. It isn't required.

I'm asking you to step forward.

This child doesn't need money.

This child needs a yes.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in persuing the adoption of Dwayne, please contact the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network by emailing stephanie at ndsan.org

No Need to Inform Her.

2011-11-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

She knows exactly how cute she is.

And I am thankful every day for every teacher and therapist she has that refuses to accept the cute card as currency.

Now if only I could say the same for her dad...

Wordless Wednesday: Big Love

2011-11-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

Caught in the Act...Again.

2011-11-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

My latest investigations of prolonged squib silence revealed...

With the proper fine motor skills, the plastic ball container can quickly turn into a cozy ball pit for two.

Look at the way Bigness is squishing the balls into flat pancakes.

You gettin' this Santa? Have you seen children more in need of a ball pit than these two?

Poor deprived little souls.

But THIS act of naughty takes the cake for the week.

Looks typical enough, really. No surprise.

Pudge...halfway to noodie town.

But don't miss the next step. It's the most important.

After the diaper is off?

The pants. come. back. ON.

And the diaper is quietly delivered to a squib-reachable containment vessel.

All unbeknownst to Mom.

So, when I notice LC saturated in her own urine and remove her pants to find NO diaper, I naturally think I've forgotten to put one on her. And I'm especially horrified to find that I have "forgotten" her diaper three times in one week.

I begin doing internet searches on early-onset dementia.

And, just hours shy of me self-diagnosing Alzheimer's and getting my affairs in order, I catch the culprit in the act...and then find her stash of diapers behind her bed.

Nice. All in a day's work.

Pudge's 1st Corndog

2011-11-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's a magical thing...watching a girl fall in love.

School Pictures 2011

2011-11-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today I received the copies of this year's school pictures for LC and Jace.

I love the school we go to and the amazing photographs they take of the squibs each year.

I love seeing how much the past twelve months have changed them.

Clearly, not all changes have been for the better.

*In his defense, the incredible photographer that works with the squibs each year was patiently waiting for Biggie to wrap up his screaming squall before taking his picture. But ten minutes into it, I looked at the poor man and said, "For God's sake, take a picture of THAT." And so that is Biggie's one photograph. And, quite possibly, the most accurate I've seen in capturing the essence of Biggie as a two-year-old.

WW: Lots of Leaves

2011-11-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

Halloween Highlights

2011-11-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

This year was our first Halloween with two walkers, so we decided to venture out a bit and hoof it through a new neighborhood.

Naturally, we decided to visit our buddy Eli.

Our decision to visit Eli was a clearly calculated one, based on the following
1. We love him to squishy bits.
2. He can say "trick or treat" and we needed a verbal recruit.
3. His adorableness was certain to positively impact our candy loot.

And, lucky for us, we were able to coax him into coming along on our Halloween adventure.

The three buddies proved to be an effective trio. The dinosaur handled all candy negotiations. Woodstock distracted candy-givers by threatening to dive off their porches while Snoopy stormed the candy bowl and made out like a pudgy bandit.

Eli also proved an excellent choice as he came equipped with a mode of transportation. Biggs preferred to walk the route, however...

...a decision he later came to regret.

Trick-or-treating lost its luster for Pudge once she realized she'd be encountering houses with dogs inside. Ironically, Snoopy isn't a huge fan of other barkers. Sadly, our own pets have given LC a false sense of what to expect from real dogs. Ours are pretty much four-legged throw pillows.

So, after about three houses, Pudge abandoned Eli to do all the calorie-gathering while she waited at a safe distance...preferably the street.

All in all, it was a perfect evening and we'll be wading through chocolate for weeks.

Happy Halloween!

Note to Self...

2011-10-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Take feel-good-family-holiday picture BEFORE trick or treating exhaustion and sugar crash hits next year.

I married a brave, brave man.

This is Why...

2011-10-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

...prolonged squib silences are always investigated with camera in hand.

Hadn't seen Pudge in awhile...heard a whimpering coming from the dining room.

And an unsettling silence after Pudge and Biggs went into Pudge's room to play revealed...

I'm pretty sure climbing into the dolls' bed was Pudge's idea, since she's certainly not the one playing the role of chunky contortionist.

If Biggs had a dollar for every time in his childhood this girl is going to get him into trouble, he could pay his own way through college.

Step Up for Down Syndrome 2011

2011-10-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have such amazing adults and children in our lives. For those who were there...and those who were loving us from afar...thank you so very much. You mean the world to us.

Sweetest thanks to all our supporters, near and far!

See you next year!

More Good News, Bad News

2011-10-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

The good news?

Thanks to Aunt Ranelle and Uncle Gale, LC looked particularly fabulous for school today.

Complete with fancy panties.

Fancy always puts Pudge into a jumpity disposition.

The bad news...

I forgot it was "Wear Your Costume to School" day.

So, Pudge's costume was "neglected toddler" during this morning's Halloween parade, rather than the cartoon dog we'd intended her to be.

Luckily, her sweet teachers showered her in sugary loot all the same.

Sorry, Pudge. We'll get 'em next time. And meanwhile, we have oodles of Kit Kats to help ease our sorrows.

Purposeful Play in Plastic

2011-10-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've recently become addicted to transparent plastic containers. Love 'em.

Love. Them.

And, for 99 cents for a bin with a lid, what's not to love?

But, in order to justify to my husband the quantities in which I've been purchasing them, I thought I'd better demonstrate a few of their delicious uses in our house.

The first...and most obvious...is toy organization. Something I've mentioned before.

Their transparency makes them great to use without a label, since the squibs can see what's inside. But, since we're also working on upping the squibs' language skills, it's also super simple to label them with corresponding picture cards Pudge and Biggs can use for requesting.

For quite a while now, I've had over-sized building blocks on the squibs' wish list. I think they're dynamite to have for stacking, building, proprioceptive input and pretend play. The problem? We have a minimal amount of space to store forty of these goodies.

But, have no fear!

Platic containers are roughly the same size as these building blocks. And, if I remove their lids to store them, they fit inside one another and take up next to no room.

Even better?

Thanks to their versatility, we can make an ever-changing collection of sensory blocks.

These are just a few of our umpteen blocks, but you get the idea.

You can stuff 'em full of anything.

We have seasonal boxes, which are GREAT because...besides being visually unique...their contents of colored leaves, mini pumpkins and hedge apples also give them different weights.

Heavier boxes mean heavier work and more proprioceptive input...no need to tell which blocks are most popular in our toy room.

One (obvious) word of caution...these blocks aren't super tricky to open. Which is fine for us, since I choose their fillings based on their tactile sensory values anyway. But I DO have plans to fill a few with colored rice and small objects that will be sealed shut with hot glue. Because...for 99 cents...I'm happy to permanently seal a few.

Every week, Pudge's early childhood specialist and speech therapist from our local school district visit the house to work with LC. I adore their visits, since they're terribly clever and I always learn something new. The next two uses for my precious plastic are activities that Miss Linda and Miss Lori introduced to LC. I just modified them a bit to justify my container collection.

We use plastic containers for working on Pudge's matching skills.

I put strips of velcro on the bottom of a plastic box.

(I especially love that the box is still fully functional for storage, so I can actually store matching items and cards in the box we use for this.)

Then, I use the velcro to display a laminated picture of the item that I want LC to match and give her various options to choose from.

(Okay, who's goin' in the box? Any volunteers?)

I especially like that I can make this activity as challenging or simple as necessary. She can choose from two or ten items. She can put the item in the box or match the card to an item I've placed in the box.

I'm a big fan of endless possibilities.

The final plastic container idea is especially genius if you want to do something similar to a picture exchange system but DON'T want to make a gazillion picture exchange cards. This activity has been huge for us in allowing LC to participate in self-directed activities but still reinforces her attention-to-task skills and following simple one and two step directions.

The set-up is as follows:

Three containers...three colored labels...

three activities that are chosen by ME to work on three specific skill sets.

(Here, we're working on stacking and pulling apart, color sorting and animal matching.)

Next, we lay out a visual plan, using the colors from the bins and a final, highly-desired activity card. A card representing "free play" can also be used as card #4.

LC takes the first colored card from the line and matches it to the corresponding color box.

Then, she carries THAT activity box over to where we're working

The activities in the box aren't self-directed. They're meant to be done with interaction from me to strengthen skills where she needs them. Because they're beneficial for her, she can continue the activity as long as she's interested, but when she becomes dis-interested, she has to quit on MY terms. (Usually by me saying, "Let's do two more and then we'll clean it up.")

Right now her time with activities lasts anywhere from two to five minutes. Not stellar, but it's great to have consistent, multiple opportunities to positively reinforce her when she sees a task through to completion.

When a woman comes home with thirty plastic shoeboxes, she needs all the explanatory reasons available to her, so I'd love to hear yours!

How are your own plastic containers (or other cheapity items) working for you in your play time at home?

Multi-Tasking

2011-10-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

When nap time threatens to cut into the time allotted to fill his daily Chee-tos quota, there's no need to worry.

Biggie's quite an accomplished multi-tasker.

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A Saturday Blog Hop...

2011-10-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

We're participating in hopes that we'll stumble upon some new blogging buddies.

Click the link below and find out how you can join us!

21 Levels of Weird

2011-10-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Biggie doesn't eat. We ~~scream through~~ attend weekly feeding therapy but the only food Biggs is currently willing to eat without a tantrum is Chee-tos. And that. is. it.

Sharing that information does imply that Jace isn't willing to eat anything.

And that's simply not the case.

Biggie eats a wide variety of things. With emphasis on things.

And I don't mean he puts them in his mouth.

I mean he puts them in his mouth...
and bites pieces off...
and chews...
and swallows...
and goes back for more until the thing is gone.

So, while Biggie's goat-like eating habits are NOT a characteristic of his extra chromosome, I thought I'd share a list of 21 snacks Biggs willingly and eagerly consumes...

1. crayons
2. ziploc bags
3. magic erasers
4. toilet paper
5. paper towels
6. tissue wrapping paper
7. kleenex (paper is clearly his favorite food group)
8. rocks/gravel
9. velcro
10. aluminum foil
11. grass
12. dirt
13. sand (he's no longer allowed to spend prolonged periods in the sandbox)
14. construction paper
15. candy wrappers
16. human hair (this ended up in a trip to the pediatrician when he had too much hair in his system to digest. barf.)
17. tape
18. sponges
19. paper money
20. magazine pages
21. plastic shopping bags

He's a weird one. 100%

And it certainly explains why any requests for Chee-tos made by this kid are happily met.

Halloween Drama

2011-10-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Last year, there was a grand debate between Justin and myself over suitable Halloween attire for the children. I had a brilliant costume combo selected which was vetoed weeks before the holiday even hit. While they did go on to look acceptably cute, I was worried that we'd have another great debate again this year over the squibs' Halloween garb.

Until we took our first costume test run.

Sorry, Justin. No WAY are you talking me out of these.

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WW: Pudge in Pudding

2011-10-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Squib Management Tools

2011-10-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before that mass-produced baby books are pretty useless around here, since they really don't reflect my children's accomplishments or the rate at which they achieve them.

The same can be said for dayplanners. I've tried a variety of calendars, dayplanners, and mom-specific organizers, but none were set up to provide me with a system that organized the information I was using on a daily basis.

So, rather than invest in yet another planner, I invested in this:

It's a 7 hole puncher from Franklin Covey. This little guy lets me make my own planner pages and organize them inside a standard 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" planner.

Some of the pages are dedicated solely to myself: grad courses, online billing records, grocery shopping, menu planning, etc.

But many of the pages are dedicated to the squibs. I thought I'd give you a peek into those pages of my planner, in case any of you were in the same organizational pickle I was.

I have a monthly view calendar printed on cardstock and color-coded to organize each family members' commitments.

I have a weekly calendar (that I use less than the monthly). It's also color-coded and allows for more in-depth notes about my own plans for each day.

My favorite sections are those that are most unique to our family and what I am most interested in keeping records about.

We have a section dedicated to information about Pudge and Biggie's classmates...

...and contact information for each of our therapists and teachers.

Behind each monthly calendar is a section for that month's therapy notes for each squib. They're divided into weekly appointments and each therapy has an area for notes and observations from that week's therapy or school session.

One of the most helpful elements to the planner are the sections related to medical information organization.

There is a section for medical contacts that keeps our specialists' contact information handy and also records the dates that the squibs have been seen.

There's also a section for each squib devoted to pediatrician visits. Since we generally make at least 15 each year, it helps keep one appointment from blending into the next.

Each squib's section starts with a growth chart that lets me immediately see how they're doing compared to our previous visits...

Then, there are pages to prompt me into asking stuff I always forget to ask and writing down the stuff I always forget to remember as soon as I've left the darn doctor's office.

Finally, at the front of the planner, I keep detailed medical records for each squib that are signed by their pediatrician. (If you don't have something similar and want it, just ask your pediatrician to print out whatever medical records are provided by the office for children in child care facilities or day care.) It's handy to have in an emergency and easy to leave with a babysitter or friend if the squibs are spending a few hours under someone else's supervision.

Hope you enjoyed your planner peek. I'd love to hear if you have sections in your own planners/organizers that you find especially useful!

For Your Holiday Viewing Pleasure...

2011-10-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

5 Little Pumpkins.

(LC never does the actions for the line about the witches. She refuses to acknowledge the presence of spookity witches in an otherwise happy song about obese, party-loving gourds.)

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Good News, Bad News

2011-10-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Good News: We finally found underpants that will stay up at LC's waist and fit her nice and snug.

The Bad News: They Came from Build-A-Bear.

Getting Ourselves Together

2011-10-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Since we have back to back birthdays, following October 10th, it's usually time for a play room overhaul.

This year's reorganization is especially called for, since LC's graduating out of early intervention services and receiving home services three times/week provided by our school district. This means that we'll be introducing a few new faces to our weekly routine and we need to make sure the tools they'll be using are as organized and easy to find as possible.

Our organization plan is also designed to require LC to utilize her speech and communication skills as much as possible. So far, it looks like this:

Typically, I wouldn't advise anyone to put such tall shelves in a toddler's play room. But, in order for LC to practice her communication-initiation, placing toys out of her reach is a natural way to prompt her into getting help to reach what she wants to play with.

Each unreachable item has a picture exchange card that IS within LC's reach. If LC wants to play with a toy on a higher shelf, she can cash in a card for the toy.

The shelves are sorted by the skills each toy most directly corresponds to. Since we have PT, OT, Speech AND early childhood specialists at the house, this will hopefully help them locate the most helpful tools to use while they're here.

Please note...while I think a language rich environment is great, those labels aren't there to benefit my children in finding what they want. The clear containers are a visual assist for my children. The worded labels are a visual assist for my HUSBAND.

Not ALL of LC and Jace's toys are out of reach. Some need to be where they can get to them, obviously. Not only so they can choose their own activities, but also so they can practice returning toys to the spots where they belong.

Most of the toys on these shelves are close-ended. They have one function and purpose and one way to be played with.

Since the soft bins aren't transparent, they have labels showing what each bin contains.

Likewise, the cubbies are labeled to help toys find their way back to where they belong.

Hopefully, this will be a system that helps facilitate Pudge's transition into receiving services via our school district.

What play/activity organization plans are working for you?

We Love Wendy

2011-10-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

You might remember our last photo shoot with our dear friend Wendy a few years ago.

We finally wrangled her into taking shots of our family of four.

Here are a few pictures from our session, for your viewing pleasure...

Wanna see more?

Find Wendy on Facebook and like her photography studio, simplymoore. We'd love to send her some likes from Pudge and Biggie's fan club. Also, liking will let you peek in at a few more of our family pictures!

Thanks for sharing your patience and talent with us, Wendy! We couldn't love you more!

Back by Popular Demand

2011-10-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

More vintage Pudge in Halloween Poultry related torture.

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Pudge's Party

2011-10-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Once again...another Pudgie year was thoroughly celebrated.

She was bombarded by goodies...

(Justin and I had both taken Excedrin by 8:00 this evening, thanks to the lack of parental judgment in purchasing THESE little torture instruments.)

As usual, the way to LC's birthday heart was through her stomach.

We're not cake with candles kinda celebrators.

If you had my squibs, you probably wouldn't incorporate sticks of fire into your birthday festivities, either.

Hot fudge sundaes with whipped cream and sprinkles are how we say "Happy Birthday" around here.

And a Happy Birthday was had by all. I have the sticky floor to prove it.

Happy Birthday, Pudge!!

2011-10-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Biggie's 2nd birthday was 100% celebration.

LC turning three has me feeling a little sentimental.

So, I pulled out an old song.

It's LC's "first lullaby". A song from an album that played constantly in our house as we were discovering who this little bit was and what she was all about.

A song that played her to sleep during hospital stays after surgeries.

A song that instantly takes me back to snuggling a toobied sack of sand with a little brown sprout of hair tickling my nose.

A song about a daddy whose daughter arrives in autumn and completely robs him of his heart.

Pretty Pudge-appropriate.

Happy Birthday, Pudgerella.

Thanks for three years spent up to our eyeballs in squishy delicious.

We couldn't love you more.

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Beyond Compare

2011-10-09T17:12:00.001-07:00

It's Pudge Time!

2011-10-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

LC's turning THREE this week, so we'll be dedicating a few posts to Super Pudge.

First off...the number one most popular Pudgie video, taken a few Octobers ago...

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