What, me worry?: The sequel

What, me worry?: The sequel
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

I'm surprised and excited to say that another one of my photos got chosen as winner for flickr's kids and babies weekly theme group. This past week's topic was "Oh baby, how you've grown!" and while I haven't been taking many pictures lately, this challenge got me moving to take some shots of the girls. I quickly snapped a few new pictures that were re-creations of some old favorites. I was thrilled when I realized that Leah happened to be wearing overalls that day, just as she was in the baby picture I had taken so many, many months ago!!!

For those of you who enjoy taking a walk down memory lane (or seeing just how much these girlies have changed and grown!) check out these shots too. I got a particular kick out of seeing Leah and Aislin at the same age. Too funny!

Peach Fuzz

Another sweet smile
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Has everyone noticed that my formerly hairy baby is now bald? Aislin was born with SOOOOOO much hair, but an intense bout of cradle cap caused all that luxurious hair to peel off with the rest of her scalp. I have to say...I kind of like her bald. It's been fun to see her sporting a variety of looks at such a young age. It's kind of like a real, live, "wooly willy!"

For anyone who is concerned, her hair is growing back at an alarming rate. It seemed like she had five o'clock shadow mere minutes after the hair fell off her head. And much to my chagrin she has retained the ever attractive dark ear hair she was born with. I hope for her sake that it sheds itself or lightens up as she gets older. Ear hair or not, I can't help but love this little girl. Sure she cried and fussed through most of my MOPS meeting today, but that's alright. When she's not crying, she looks like she does in this shot. All smiles!!!! Hope this brightens your day as much as it does mine.

Parent's Night Out goes bad...

Colic Shmolic!
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

First off...let me say thanks to all who "delurked." Somehow I thought there might be more of you out there...but lets face it, I haven't been posting the way I used to. Understandably, posting less frequently means less visitors and comments but I won't give up. These two girlies may have slowed me down but I'm not ready to throw in the towel! Besides they're getting bigger and the more I get to know them, the easier daily life gets. Well....most of the time.

This weekend we decided to indulge in a perk that comes with our YMCA membership—Parent's Night Out. For a very reasonable fee you can drop off your kids on one designated night each month and enjoy some time away from your children (ages 6wks and up). This month's date coincided with our friend Curtis' birthday which offered the unique opportunity for Pete and I to enjoy one of our favorite pre-having children activities...eating SUSHI. I had my doubts that both girls would be able to hold it together, but we decided to go for it. I was dying to get some time with Pete where we could talk about more than just the finer points of The Backyardigans. "Isn't the music catchy? Is that Alicia Keyes playing the part of the martian mom?" and "what sort of creature is Uniqua exactly?" I know you know what I mean...

Leah practically raced into the toddler childcare area without even saying goodbye to me. Pete left a nice older woman who was working in the nursery holding Aislin. We left a bottle of pumped milk. Pete went over all the tricks. Aisy was smiling. We decided to escape while things were going well.

The sushi was good and there's no one more deserving of a happy birthday than Curtis. He quickly comes to our aid when we need someone to help Pete move furniture or lift something heavy (which occurs more often than you would think). I wanted to show the guy how appreciative we are and attending his birthday dinner seemed the least we could do. But after 2 calls during dinner and the look on the nice older lady's face when we got there to pick the kids up...I'm not sure it was worth it. Apparently, Aislin cried for 2 hours straight and the employees seemed none too pleased.

Oh well...we tried. She's a baby. Even moreso...Aisy's a Momma's girl. She's colicky. Personally I think she's getting over that these days. But we'll include it since the grandmotherly childcare worker was so insistent that colic must be what it was, as none of her tried and true techniques were working. The kid has a constant diaper rash that I diligently work to heal without much success (triple paste, nystatin and other anti-fungals, bacitracin, zinc oxide creams, cornstarch, fresh upstate NY air...you name it, we've tried it). Aislin loves to get her drink on...but not when it's from a bottle (To their credit, Fran and both Grandmas have done successful bottle feedings in the past though). The girl has SERIOUS gas and tummy issues. She burps and passes gas like a trucker. Her crying jags present themselves like a giant game of chicken, where both parties doggedly try to wait each other out to see who will crack first. PS the answer to that is: It is NEVER Aislin. The kid is Tenacious with a capital T.

In short...the kid is tough to leave with anyone who does not deeply love her, does not have a lifetime's worth of baby experience, or the patience of a saint. I know I'm not alone out there. I know many of you currently have or had one (or maybe more!) who you just couldn't leave. Not because you didn't want to (Believe me it crossed my mind to say to this woman "Ummm yeah, this is why I needed 2.5 hours of a break Lady! We've got her the other 21.5 hours of the day!"), but because you had to. For your sanity.

But I kept my mouth shut because of today's picture. Aislin may be tenacious, but she's also terrific. She smiles like no other baby...not even her sister. It lights me up inside. She's demanding, but delightful. She's colicky, but cute. She's ours and we love her. She may not give me a single break during the day (it's taken me over an hour to type this with one hand while I hold her), but she sleeps through the night. For now. And isn't that what life is all about? Constant change, the never-ending to-do list, Aislin pooping through 3 outfits a day? All the chaos makes sense when she smiles.

Oh yeah, and to answer Lemondrop's question (see the comments on last week's post): Yes, I'm going to change the blog name. I won't change the URL since it seems like a hassle, but once I print out all the pages up until Aislin's birth (I'm keeping them in a binder for the girls) I'll change the name on the page. Aislin is pretty hiccupy too so I think it will be "Sugar Hiccups: Life with Leah and Aislin." By the way thanks for introducing yourself Lemondrop! Keep delurking people and I promise to post again just as soon as the little ladies let me.

Gangsta' Leah says: Reveal Yourself!

thuglife
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

I'm a little late, but there is no time like the present to celebrate National Delurking Week. All over the web bloggers are asking their readers to make themselves known. That little stats button at the bottom of the page tells me there are lots of Sugar Hiccup readers out there, but I know you are more than just numbers! Sometimes "optonline.net, 11:57:58 am, 1, 0:00" just isn't enough info to keep me going. It's time to throw your favorite blog authors a bone guys! Don't just be a lurker...leave a comment!

I myself am a terrible lurkaholic, so I'm also making an effort to pop-by the many blogs I read and give a shout out. I know that bloggers out there really do value the people that take the time to read their posts. For the people that comment regularly, THANK YOU! It keeps me motivated to continue blogging. For those that post anonymously, I promise...Leah and Aisy don't bite! Leave your name, tell us where you're from and why you like our blog. LeLe may look like a tough, pink thug in this shot, but the hat actally says "HARVARD" on the side and that fleece is from Vancouver (not a hot bed for toddler street toughs last time I checked). I guess that doesn't make her a thug huh? Just an academically ambitious baby who can't wait to snowboard her way into a cafe for some deliciously warm coffee. For those that know Leah personally, you've seen her already budding interest in coffee!

If you've never posted a comment before...now's the time! Ask a question or tell us something you'd like to see us cover on these cyber pages. Please...share some of your own parenting stories and childhood experiences. Or if you feel a little shy...just leave a hello. Me and the girls love knowing who our readers are! Happy Delurking Week and to all of you readers....many thanks.

No we're never gonna survive unless we are a little crazy...

No! Mines!
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

I never thought I'd be quoting Seal, but the lyrics from this song are what popped into my head today as I drove home from the Mommy & Me type class that Leah and I are taking at the Y. Before I go into further explanation, can I just say how crazy it is indeed that this song has been around almost 16 years? Wow...talk about feeling old. I remember it being blasted from the speakers of Alfred's field before every women's soccer game. I could hear it from my dorm room or apartment. But enough abouy my carefree college days...

As I pondered the insanity of trying to get to this class on time while facing many a silly obstacle (like needing a membership card complete with picture ID for 12 week old) I realized I must have seemed like a crazy woman. I won't bore you with the details...let's just say it was challenging to get Aislin all set with her new membership and checked into the nursery while wrangling the very active and social Leah. I think she might have been just as happy staying with her sister in childcare. Maybe I need to start working out by myself instead of taking classes with the girlies!?

For a minute I felt bad as I struggled to go through the rigamarole while trying to contain a toddler who was freaking out and a crying newborn. For those of you who have heard Aislin really cry you will not deny me when I say it's harrowing. I love to see the reaction it gets from perfect strangers. It's actually sort of funny. I wasn't sure if I should feel better or worse when I heard a bystander say "I remember those days." But after some thought and recalling the wisdom of Seal, I decided to feel better. And not because of what any bystander thinks, but because I want to LIVE HAPPY. Sort of like how Lance Armstrong "lives strong." I chuckled to myself as we drove home (Aislin screaming the entire way), knowing I looked like an absolute crazy person trying to get done what I needed to do at the Y. But I don't care!!! I think I am finally one step closer to checking off my 43Things goal to "stop caring what other people think." Like Seal says, I think feeling (or being) crazy sometimes is essential to our survival especially in today's world. I'm a crazy lady with two extra-crazy (and very lovable) children and I'm proud of it.

A new day...

Matching Jammies
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

I didn't post yesterday becuase it was a rough one. Leah and I seemed to be butting heads on EVERYTHING. From diaper changes and getting dressed, to what to eat for breakfast and her undying need to play with bath crayons...almost every moment was a battle royale.

I feel I am a good Mom. I try hard to learn from every experience. I read on the topic and ask seasoned Moms questions whenever I can. One thing I have learned is that all of the research and preparation, all the helpful advice and tips and tricks...vanish in the middle of Leah's 4th or 5th tantrum of the day. All my grand disciplinary plans just seem to crumble. And while I don't give in to her ridiculous desires and ploys and I've gotten pretty darn good at ignoring the kid when she throws a major fit, I still find myself confused at the end of the day. "What went wrong?" I ask myself.

Today I have some perspective on it all. Leah is a 24 month old (as opposed to a 35 month old) 2 year old. She has a new sibling and it's finally hitting her that Aislin is here to stay. Her brain is on overload with all the new language she's aquiring and yet she still can't communicate her needs accurately to me or Pete. There's a lot of frustration. LeLe was also deeply saddened to see our Christmas tree at the side of the road. The kid has been seriously ill with a pretty bad cold and to top it all off she's had a week's worth of presents and a month's worth of cookies and sweets thrown at her. After my amazing friend Jen brings Leah her special birthday cupcake this Sunday, I think Leah is going to get on the moderation wagon for a spell. Seriously...Leah loves herself some b'day cake!

My strategy today was similar to that of the moderation wagon idea. I decided I would pick my battles. You want to play with the ear thermometer? Fine. Hey...she wasn't breaking it. She dropped it after five minutes and I figured maybe she was even getting more comfortable with the appliance for future temperature takings.

You don't want your diaper changed or to get dressed? Sorry Charlie. Those are non-negotiables. I tried the "I'll leave the stinky diaper on then!" tactic yesterday after one diaper changing fiasco. The result? Tears and a rash. I tried the "OK don't wear anything then!" during another. The result: She peed in the hallway. Not a big deal...but it still didn't solve the diaper changing problem.

Leah requests: "I go potty!!!!" but then refuses to sit down when we go in the bathroom. I even give her a choice...Upstairs or downstairs bathroom. I let her pick our potty reading material. I give her stickers when she actually goes. I'm not into pressure. If she's not ready to be toilet trained that's cool. I've got a full plate of my own these days and I don't mind changing diapers. I want her to be comfotable with the bathroom and all that goes along with it. But in her constant state of flux, Leah doesn't want to wear diapers or go on the potty consistently. It's the way it is with most things these days...she doesn't know what she wants. Maybe this is the insanity that occurs before teh child finally decides to get on board with the whole potty idea, but one thing I have noticed is that "I go potty!!!" is Leah's way of saying let's go play in that room where I take a bath.

Today has been better, by loosening the reigns and going with the flow there has been less tantruming, fighting, kicking and screaming. It's not gone by any means and I now see that being a mom is a job that requires more creativity and skillfulness than any other I have ever had. I have to think on my feet and be VERY flexible. Who knew that I'd learn some of life's greatest lessons from a two year old? OK...the grandmothers out there did. But I appreciate the fact that they let me learn on my own. Besides I wouldn't have believed them anyway.

Until the two little girls pictured above came into my life I could never have dreamed that being a wife and a mom would challenge me the way it has. And aren't those two the cutest little challeges you've ever seen? Tomorrow is another day. Thankfully it's a Saturday and I get to handle the challenges with my partner in crime. Tag Pete!!! You're IT!

Happy Birthday?

Christmas Angel
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

I can't believe Sweet Leah is 2 years old today! Don't let this picture from Christmas Eve fool you though. She's NO Angel. The terrible twos are in full swing. If the tantrums keep up like this I may not be writing a blog next year. Or if I am writing, it will be from a mental institution. I'd like to think I'm joking when I say that and add a little smiley face at the end of that sentence. But let's face it, I'm only half joking. Two year olds are TOUGH!

I took LeLe for a special Mom-Daughter birthday trip to Build-A-Bear and to ride the antique carousel at the mall today. The kid's birthday is so close to Christmas...I wanted her to feel extra special. I know Leah also feels a little displaced with the new baby around. I figured a little one-on-one time with Mommy might help with that. It all makes sense right? Well...not if you're 2! Apparently, Build-A-Bear and the Merry-Go-Round are a kin to Chinese Water Torture or having your knee caps ripped off by angry mobsters. Actually...I bet Leah could take on a few mobsters these days and come out smelling like roses. Even the most heartless Mobster is no match for an angry two year old in need of cake.

She wasn't tired. She wasn't hungry. All Leah wanted to do was get on that carousel. She whined and cried until it was our turn but after the first spin she had her eyes covered and wanted off the horse. I almost fell over from dizziness as I walked her to one of the sleighs. Then when it stopped she screamed for another turn. I had to carry her off screaming. Forget trying to get her back in the stroller...there we're several elderly women looking at me very sympathetically as I did my best to stuff my kicking and screaming child into her carriage. I would have let her walk but after two rides up and down the escalotor (she kept bolting towards it) I had had enough. I've got a few pictures from our special morning but I'll share those tomorrow when I detail the Build-A-Bear portion of our trip. They won't really reflect the true spirit of our trip: a mother's deep love and desire to make her daughter happy. Nor will it capture the reality of the experience: A red faced Leah screaming "happy birthday!!!!" at the top of her lungs through a river of tears and snot. But hey...I've got memories of this meaningful occassion gosh darn it! Who knows, maybe by tomorrow I'll have gained a little more perspective on the whole thing.

I told Pete I now understand why second children don't get half the perks, toys, and over-the-top attention, first children get. Their parents have learned it just doesn't matter. Leah would have been happier to stay home watching Wonder Pets and eating the cupcake Fran brought her. I'm smart enough not to take this personally, but these episodes are a little demoralizing. At least I'm learning and whether she acts like it or not, I know Leah feels loved unconditionally by me and Pete. She's just a normal 2 year old! Happy Birthday Leah. I LOVE YOU! Here's hoping Mommy makes it through this year...