"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.


- I did not make the most bad ass Alfredo sauce from SCRATCH thursday night & it was not ahhhmazing!

-I did not walk into the tanning salon 5mins till they close to do a 12min 'bomb'- nope I was not "THAT" customer. It was my last day to tan. So what.

-I did not lie to my daughter and tell her that the drinkable yogurt was 'banana juice' so she would drink it, b/c her peds office said that the live cultures would get rid of her stomach bug, but my child despises yogurt. I then DID NOT give her M&Ms b/c she drank 1/2 it. Lying is bad.

-I did not squee loudly when we drove past target Saturday evening on our way home from the park and E screamed "I go in Target mama, Dada I go in Target!!!" M just started shaking his head. I was a proud mama That might have by far been one of my proudest moments, well besides that time she said "mama" and walked and stuff.

-I did not get my honey hooked on a few of my shows, that may or may not be on Lifetime... yes I am proud. He says he will watch them when I leave in June, I am not sure I believe him.

-I did not have the best Sunday (family day) I have had in a long time. I cry when I think abut the fact that we only have 4 left before I move. One of which M will be in Jersey for a stupid NHRA drag race (I like NHRA...clam down you haters) I just hate it when it steals my fiancee when I have limited time left with him. So 3 really.



-I did not tell my bestie that I would guest post for her on TUESDAY MAY, 18. One of the days she is vacationing. so TOMORROW you're gunna want to head over there and check it out! Its gunna be awesome.

...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"Co-Sleeping"

E & I NEVER co-slept.

I never let her sleep with me & M*, not even when she was a few days old.

I think it is horrible habit for infants & toddlers; and It is a hard one to break. I believe strongly in building their independence & self-esteem.

We slept in the same room until she was about 6 mons old but never in the same bed. She started sleeping, all night, at 3 weeks old. So I never worried about getting enough sleep, thus giving into letting her sleep with/on me, as most do. I was very blessed as I was a full-time senior in college, in my last semester.

As a new mother of course I LOVED when my newborn fell asleep on my chest like a little froggy while I rocked her, or while I watched TV but I would only let her sleep there for so long before I laid her IN HER CRIB/bassinet. I wanted her to wake up in her own space. I wanted her to be familiar with that space, starting out young.

I never had an issue with laying her in her bed and getting HW done or a shower in, b/c she was used to sleeping in there. So if I needed to do a test or was in desperate need of a shower and tummy time/ swing/ bouncy seat wasn't going to cut it the crib was always her comfort zone. I think that is partially why she is such a wonderful sleeper now. She sleeps 12-13 hrs a night and takes 2, 1.5-2hr naps A DAY! EVERY DAY. That wonderful sleeping started at 3wks old.

I think they should sleep in their own bed, for many reasons. Not only does it help build self -esteem & confidence it gives them a since of "this is mine" & comfort, as well as independence.

Don't get me wrong. I am not ice cold. We have our AM cuddles- E-V-E-R-Y single AM. I get her up change her and then we cuddle in mama & dada's bed. Sometimes w.a movie or NickJr... Sometimes with a book. Sometimes we just talk and I let her drink her milk. She is a super cuddler though, I would lay there forever if I could, but I have school and (event hough I am temp. staying with the in-laws) house work as well as lots of playing.

Co-Sleeping also takes away from intimate (not just sex) time from mommy & daddy. It also endangers the child, no matter how "withit" you are, you can accidently roll over on your child, etc.

I am against co-sleeping for many reasons.

I have raised a well adjusted, happy, healthy, INDEPENDENT 2 year old (in 4 days- ek!). I am happy with the decision I made to no co-sleep & when M & I decide to have another child I will no co-sleep with him/her either.

...

*She sleeps with M & I every now and again (she is almost 2) for a few hours if she is having a rough night or isn't feeling well- never all night. She STARTS in her own bed & ENDS in her own bed. I can count on ONE hand the # of times this has happened.

see ya tomorrow for "Convo w/a Toddler"

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

E is like a little person now. Yes I know that is what happens when they grow but she is all about using cutlery and such. She was nvr interested, I would try to get her to used a fork and spoon and she would say no and use her adorably chubby fingers. She didn't like bowls or plates, she would take her food out/off them. Then one day she asked for a fork I said okay and she used it, correctly & the same with a spoon & bowls/plates. I mean she still spills things off her spoon b/c she is a lefty and has issues and tilts the spoon a little too much right before her mouth but she is learning & I am proud. She talks so much & well, repeating EVERYTHING (good & bad) you say. Thus far in her 23mons of life this is my new favorite (minus the "episodes") stage.

During Snack time yesterday (Nemo was on, surprised?):

She ate a good (for her) lunch so I promised during snack time some chips & a juice box (not a sippie cup)- Girl loves her juice boxes.

-I give her few chips and her juice box-
E: NOOO mama!!
Me: Whats wrong E? You know we use inside voices.
E: bow chipies Peeese mama bow. (bow=bowl)
Me: [I had totally spaced & forgotten to grab a small kiddie bowl for her chips] You would like a bowl for your chips?
E: Peeese. yes.
Me: Okay. I can do that. I am sorry I forgot.
E: [Smiles & shakes her head]
Me: Did you drink any juice box?
E: juiceee box! Awpple! Awpple!
Me: Very good, there is an apple on your juice box. Is that good juice? [setting the bowl down]
E: E do it!!! E doooo it mama!! [She wanted to put her chips in the bowl]
Me: Okay you can do it, youre a big girl
E: yesss mama [throws her arms up to show me how big she is]
M: What do you say when someone gives you something?
E: Cank You.
-A few minutes later...
E: Mama I all wet!!!!
Me: [I look over and she had dumped half her juice box all over herself!! I laugh to myself] Oh honey! Lets go change your clothes.
E: Yah I all wet, yucky! [makes some gesture with her hands and sticks out her tongue]
Me: Its okay just a little sticky
E: Skicky Skicky!!! I help wash?
Me: yes you can help clean it up after we wash you up.

She is becoming very Independent & wanting to do EVERYTHING by herself. It is great but somethings she needs mama's help & she doesn't understand that & that is when we have what I have decided to call our "episodes"-- I like that better then tantrums.

...

Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

I better get packing... I leave for FL tomorrow! Ek.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Baby Fever"

photo courtesy of eunice915 via Flickr

As the mother of a toddler who will be 2 years old in about 3wks, I am asked by many [strangers & family alike] "Do you have the fever yet?"

The fever? What the heck are talking about? Then when I was ogling a little baby at the store and the mother looked at me and said, "My son was about the age of yours [motioning towards E] when it hit me, I got baby fever! I had to have another" "Shes two right?"

Stunned, I noded my head. the difference in a few weeks didn't matter to this stranger. I would never see her again.

"As soon as I had this one I put my son in 1/2 day preschool so this one would get me all to herself for 1/2 day, its only fair b/c my son had me all to his self."

My initial thoughts were "Why in the heck is this woman telling me all of this?" Then I remembered What it was like with a newborn. How lonely it can get. Her cart was empty, she was here just to get out of the house and she jumped at the chance to talk to the first person who 1) ogled her baby too long or 2) looked nice enough to talk to her and she supposed that was me. Passers by probably thought we were old friends catching up.

I do not by any means have baby fever. Sure [in time] I want another child. I want to be more financially stable and OUT OF SCHOOL. I want to have been married for a little while as my marriage will be different then most as I come with a wonderful addition. I want to get into a grove as a family unit before we go & start trying to expand our family.

I had a beautiful pregnancy, with a few hiccups. I was put on 'suggested' bedrest in the middle of my 2nd trimester because my daughter was no growing due to the high level of stress [GD walking out, moving home, divorce] in my life. Followed by not being allowed to drive because I was so as big around as I was tall [5'1] and my belly hit the steering wheel- so unsafe. Then in the last few weeks there was mandated bedrest because the baby girl in my belly was so tiny. I was never sick and I loved sustaining that life within me. I most defiantly want to do it again, I have found my soulmate, just not because my daughter is two.

People say baby fever strikes because when your child reaches two years old "they don't need you anymore"- That is complete bull. My little one needs mama all the time. I am enjoying this stage. The actual conversations, eating of real people food, wanting to be just like mama and most importantly sleeping all night long.

I don't miss getting up every few hours for feedings, taking a humongous diaper bag filled to the brim with the whole house with me for a quick trip to the store, not knowing what s/he needs because s/he can't tell me.

This stage is great, as my daughter needs me in a different way then she did before. She is learning how to do all the things that us adults take for granted everyday. Like go to the potty use a fork and spoon, drink from a big girl cup and not a sippie cup, and dress herself. All these things are taught things. Not things that just happen. We also work on reading and counting and our animal sounds and body parts.

Growing up I always said I wanted my children to be close (2-3 years) in age, but when your 12 years old you don't expect life's curve balls. I will ogle babies in stores. Or even better friends and family's babies. I will look back on my not so little one's first year scrap book and reminisce on those days and then I will go sleep all night.

Being a toddler is hard work, being a toddlers mommy is even harder work.

...


I hope you entered my giveaway to win funsies. Its NOW closed.

I don't think I will do anymore giveaways. I have done a few in the past and the response was much better. Did yall just not like this one? any feed back would be lovely.

I will do the drawing in a few days and announce the winner on the blog- as well as contact them individually. I hope you left an EMAIL ADDRESS like asked. You have 24hrs (if you did not leave one to get in contact with me to claim prize).

Tomorrow is Thursday... Convo w/a Toddler. I just love giving yall a peek into the special little day to day things that we do/say & the awesome connection I have w.E

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Disney has some phenomenal animated (and non) movies for children. Thats one of their trade marks along w.Mickey and its theme parks. So it was no surprise to me when little miss fell hard for "Finding Nemo" ( apparently my friend's daughter is in love w/Nemo as well , she is about 4 mons older then E).

I was going through my DVD's and found: Finding Nemo, Lilo & Stitch, Cars & a few others and decided one snowy day we would have a Disney-a-thon (I have all the classics on VHS). She when movies or TV is on in out house E won't sit on her hiney and just watch, she plays and runs around too. Well This was the order in which they were viewed: CARS, L&S and Nemo...

No others were views as we HAD TO WATCH "EMO" (nemo) again:

-As Nemo was ending...:

E: NOOO!! Emo [almost in tears] more mama more!!
Me: You would like to watch Nemo again?
E: Peeese mama
Me: [I hadn't reaize she had liked it so much, as she was playing or so I though through the whole movie] You would like to watch Nemo again?
E: [hands me the DVD remote] Emo!
Me: Would you like to watch this movie instead? [showing her Peter Pan, the last Disney DVD I had pre-baby]
E: No [shakes her head] Emo!
Me: Would you like to watch Lilo & Stitch? [She was very content during that one as we were eating breakfast during that one]
E: No titch mama... Emo! Peeeseee!!! Emmy wants Emo!!
Me: E we just watched that. I think we should watch something else.
E: Emo dada! Oh no! .:Gasps:. [she said/did this at the point in the movie when Nemo is separated from his dad by the diver & still does...]
Me: Yes Nemo lost his daddy
E: Oh no!! Emo more peese mama!
M: I will put it on till you have to take a nap, deal?
E: Deal

So all in all she won. She was STRONG in her conviction that she wanted to watch Emo again. haha. We still watch it 2 sometimes 3 times per day. oy.

She loves Lilo & Stitch (the series more then the movie) not as much, but likes it none the less, so I try to rotate them, b/c I love L&S, b/c I want to live in Hawaii one day. I love it there.


...

Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Have you entered my giveaway to win funsies HERE ? Its open for ONE week. You can get up to 4 entries... I think I am giving away adorable SPRINGY things! check it out & enter

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Toddler Thursday"

So as most [all] you know I am in grad school. Well we are in a unit on EARLY literacy, in my Early Lit. class. Coincidence? Doubtful.

Well for this particular class, I had to go observe a toddler class at a child care center, to look at all the different modes for early literacy in a toddler class room.

I was reluctant, seeing as I have my very own toddler at home. Haha. But its for a grade & it was a chance to get out of the house for a few hours.

I chose to do my toddler observation at the learning center that is affiliated with my college.

Lets just say when I got there it was NOTHING like I was expecting.

**Sidebar... the following was not included in my observation critique that I turned in for a grade... this is all blog fodder for my lovely freders!! /end sidebar**

...

I was in the T1 room, these kids were 12-23mons of age- Minus one boy. He was 15 mons and in the INFANT room?

I was perplexed. -- Why was this TODDLER still in the infant room (Infants in child care are 6wks- 11 mons)? He came to the T1 room for snack, b/c they couldn't have solids in the infant room, and b/c the infant teacher used to teach toddlers for 22yrs (shes was 6mons from retirement) and thought he needed to socialize with other kids his own age; seeing as for the time being he was the ONLY one in the infant room. The other 2 children are 10 & 11 mons & are both sick.

I took it upon myself to ask his teacher. I figured I could ask just about anything, I was here 'learning' and they knew that and would prolly ask just about anything because of that.

Me: Ms. B, is it too forward if I was too ask why Samuel is still in your room?
Ms. B: No honey, he is in my care still, b/c of his mothers request, as you can see I think it is silly-
Me: Mother's request?
Ms. B: yes, apparently when he moved up to this class from infant he got hit on day 1, so she requested to the director he move back down.

[while she is telling me this story- Sam is in the middle of beating the crap out of Olivia w.a rubber hammer (!!!)]

Me: Is that so?
Ms. B: Apparently [while rolling her eyes]
Me: Well HE is beating Olivia with a hammer right now [points to the said action]

He is being held back socially by being in the infant room. It is terribly sad.

According to the director, who I spoke with before I left, told me by law he can ONLY be in there until they get another infant, which will be in 2 weeks. They will be getting a 5 month old and at that time they will be moving him to the MT [mixed toddlers] room. That room varies in age from 16mons- 3 yrs.

...

I was excited, after I got past my hesitation, to see how other toddlers act. It was nice to know that E is not the only one who has listening "issues".

Example #1:

Ethan hit Jade-- the teacher says to Ethan "Ethan we don't hit girls, please say you're sorry" (keep in mind these children are ALL under 2 yrs old, they barely talk, and if they do, it isn't well. Which surprised me b/c E talks very well & she isn't quiet 2 yet) Ethan mumbles something I am sure is supposed to be sorry and walks away... not longer then 3 minutes later he hit Lukas! In his defense, He did not hit a GIRL this time.

Miss Lisa should have said: "Ethan we don't hit our friends (thats what they call ALL of their classmates "friends"- as to not single anyone out) it's not very nice"

I am the only adult who saw him hit Lukas, so I walked over to the boys and I had a little quiet talk with them about hitting; Before I walked away I asked them if they understood me, they both said something that resembled yes. I was pleased. So were both of their teachers. They both praised me (so did Ms. B, who was still in the room with her "infant")

...

Example #2:

Miss Lisa [ML]: Alrighty kiddys!! Lets line up by the gate (babygate) for snack!! [Not a single child moves]
Miss Lisa's Aide: [Physically putting children in line] Snack time!!

I asked ML if I could try something b/c I used to work w.toddlers in child care in 2007. She said of course.

I sang this little song about snack time. I felt 9 pairs of eyes immediately on me- good sign.

Then I asked "Who's belly's want snack?" (not every child will know what the word hungry means yet)

Everyone but Maggie raised their hands. I said "Okay lets get line so we can wash our hands... we don't want our germs to eat snack with us, do we?" They all shook their heads no.

Success~

The two teachers were in awe! They kept saying "Can we hire you, NOW?" It was a great feeling.

I didn't realize how much I missed working [in childcare till I was in that setting]. I know that I could never work doing anything else unless it was with children. I am so lucky I found my calling. I just want to speed this process up!!

They are short a few teachers, I would gladly work there, but there are two factors... 1) They wouldn't pay me enough to put E there (or anywhere else) full time 2) Or enough to make it worth my while. All my pay would go to pay for E's childcare. I would get a discount for being a student at the affiliated college -or- being an employee, not both.

...

Example #3:

During Snack time Judas was sitting next to Olivia. They were having apple slices & milk. Yum. Well apparently Jude eats extremely fast, like nascar fast. Well even if the children finish they are still expected to sit at the table with the rest of their friends. I guess Jude was still hungry b/c he took it upon himself to help himself to Olivia's apple's, but he hadn't touched his milk!!

ML was engaged with Maggie who was not interested in eating but very thirsty. I nudged ML as to not draw too much attention to the situation at hand. ML sent her aide to deal with Jude, this seems to be an everyday occurrence (!!!).

Aide: Jude please don't take Olivia's snack
Jude: Mine
Olivia is drinking her milk, doesn't seem to care
Aide: I think that we might need to talk to mommy about this if it continues. Please don't take Olivia's snack, anymore
Jude: Mine

As I am watching this situation unfold, I say to ML, "Maybe he is just very hungry. There are extra apples. What is the centers policy on more snack?' "There is no policy, its by class" -Very enlightening...

ML walks over to jude

ML: Jude would you like some more apples of your own?
Jude: tes
ML: Okay [gives him 3 more]

Problem solved.

...

Finally-

since the playground is snow covered... screw you snow! & it was raining... Outside play was not permitted... ya think? They have this area called the "Village". This place blew my mind! It was incredible. It is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a miniature village and everything is labeled in big bold lettering.

There is: a beauty parlor, a home environment, a bookkeeping & law office, Doctor’s Office, A mechanic’s garage and a police and fire station. Numerous ride-in cars and a road to ride them on, a telephone booth, building blocks and risers to sit on that surround a tumbling area.

It was really a great place for the children to run and get their energy out, esp after snack time.

But... theres ALWAYS a but... it was chaos, pure chaos! The MT room and the T1 room where in there and right before I left the T2 room arrived! 20 TOODLERS ages 12-36mons & only 5 teachers (not including myself) in ONE area!!!

I could not believe my eyes. As the MT teacher who is a 21y/o undergrad said "Talk about BIRTH CONTROL". I chuckled and told her I have one at home, she looked at me wide-eyed and said "You must be joking" I just looked at her. She said that I was brave and walked to brake up a mini-wrestling match. Srsly!

I can't even begin to tell you ALL of the things I saw for the 30 mins I stayed in the Village- I wish I had a video camera- it would've gotten a bazillion hits on youtube.

But I can say this... I was glad to come home to MY TODDLER.

When I walked in the door she ran up to me and said "you home mama" and huged my legs. I melted in to a pool of love right there.

I LOVE children. I am glad I found my calling & I do miss childcare.

I am going to TEACH and MOLD young minds, but I am going to teach and mold America's 5 or 6 year olds! K or 1st grade for me!

...

Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Come on back then to see what I have planned... Its full of FUN & WIN

Next week we will be back to our normal "Convo w.a Toddler"

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"The What-Ifs Wednesday"

The 'what-ifs' in life can cause someone to go crazy!

Always wondering.

"What-If...

-I wouldn't have gotten pregnant by HIM...
-I wouldn't have chosen this career path...
-I would have said yes to that offer for GNO & not stayed in...
-I went to a different college...
-I never married Him/Her...
-I never said that...
-I never walked in on them...
-I never OVERheard that conversation...
-I was a smaller/larger size...
-S/he said no...
-WHAT IF LIFE WAS DIFFERENT


After something in your life happens [good or] bad, sometimes, I am sure you have found yourself wondering... "What-If".

I have also found myself just thinking about random things thinking... "what-if", but I try not to think about the "what-if's" and just do what I feel is right for me, but its hard not to wonder, its human nature. I also try to make the decision that won't leave me wondering "what-if"...

I want to hear from yall... if you're in a reader you will need to click here to go to blogger to participate.

Okay!

Glad to see you over here... No head on down to mcklinky and leave your most recent -or- your most nagging "what-if" moment.

I want to hear them!! I love hearing what yall have to say!!!

As I get more of ahang of mcklinky I will use it more often!! I love interacting w.my lovely readers!

...

I just love sounds, b/c I am a huge dork, so this week all my blog titles are all alliterations!!

Tomorrow I am going to veer off from "Convo w.a Toddler" a little bit, so make sure you check back in too see how its been altered!

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Sharing is a habit I want to instill in not just E but in all my [future] children, its a good habit & teaches good life skills. Normally she is pretty good at it, but she is still learning, being that is isn't quite 2 yet (yes that is my excuse for EVERYTHING, when she is doing something less then stellar). Anyhow These next 3 "convos" all 'highlight' the little issue we've been having with sharing lately.

As most all of you know I am an only child by birth. I have 2 step-sisters & 1 1/2 sister (for more info on the ppl that play a role in my life go here ). Well Jessica doesn't children she just got into OSUCOD & Des is too young @ 10 y/o!! So the only other child E has had to "compete" w.for attention from grandparents is MG, Alicia's 4 y/o daughter. My dad & Jane have custody of her, so MG see's them 24/7, so when E would come over she would 'stand-down' so there really wasn't a competition for attention. Well... this past weekend I went w.M's family (His mom/dad/sis/BIL& their 2 kids) to their beach house in DE to check it for damage from the two snow storms that had just passed (none- Thank goodness!). Needless to say competition/jealousy (even though E sees them 24/7 she doesn't understand to 'stand-down') was at an all time high between E & Jori.

-While bop was holding Jori-
E: NOOO!! My bop! [pulling on his legs, almost crying]
Me: [shocked by her jealousy] E you need to share Bop...
Bop: I have room for both of you girls... come here
E: Bop walk... walk bop!! pay meme pay
Jori: Lets play with our baby dolls
Me: Thats a good Idea honey. E go get your baby dolls
E: [grabs the 2 babies that we brought down with us] My 2 babies (2 is her favorite #)
Me: Would you like to share a baby with your cousin?
Jori: Its okay I have a baby, see
E: TWOOOO babies!!! Baba? (baba= pacifier)
Me: Your baba is in your purse over by boobo over by the fire place.
E: My car!
She forgot about her 'baba' when she saw booboo playing with the tractor
Me: E you can play with the backhoe, okay?
E: K mama pouting. Me want up. [starts to grunt- boo got picked up by grammy]
Me: Your a big girl you don't need to be held
E: Bop... up

She knows where/ who to go to, to get her way. She always had to be in the center of the action. Here's a shot of Bop & all 3 grandkids:



...

Sunday M purposed. I accepted w.out a second thought, but being a single mom I did tell him that he needed to ask E if it was okay, if he married me. The only problem? She was at a hockey game with M's parents. So when she got home I took E from Grammy & said E dada has to ask you something:

M: Can I marry mama?
E: No! My mama!!! [hugs me tight]
Me: Oh honey I'll still be your mama
E: Oh
Me:Yah, I will ALWAYS be you mama. NOTHING will ever change that sweet girl.

a little later after her bath

M & Me: Would you like a new last name? [M will adopt her after we're married]
E: YESSSSS mamadadamama!!!!!
Me: Well then you have to let me marry dada
E: Ok
M: So I can marry your mama?
E: Yes dada

I am glad we have her blessing! What a silly girl. - We only had 478 days to convince her-

& Lastly:

Yesterday afternoon she was having her snack, goldfish. She LOVE LOVE LOVES goldfish. This kid could prolly live on them. I was putting the dishes away and the box was sitting on the counter and I grabbed a few (like 3) and kept on with the dishes. Then decided "man I want some of these" After I was done with the dishes I got some goldfish:

E: NOOOO mine uhhhuhh!!! [if outsiders heard this they prolly thought I was killing her]
Me: You have some & so does mama. It's okay to share your crackers E. There are plenty
E: No mama... Memmy's!!!
Me: E you know how to share. When you're done with those [pointed to her tray] you may have some more
E: Yes mama [shoved all of them in her mouth] More peeese
Me: I think you are done. You need to just drink your juice and get down and play
E: Meme's Cup

The same thing happened after dinner when M had some [regular] crackers & PB. We had a serious talk, It seems to be better today. I can only hope. This is not a phase I am enjoying.

...

Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Come on back then to see what I have planned...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"We All Can't Be Rock Stars"

I am annoyed. There I said it.

Lately I have been coming across blog[gers] who have been talking/blogging about how they dont like hate reading about emo or downer blogs.

Well guess what?! E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E has bad day(s). It's inevitable. I'm not saying you have to write about it, but I am saying that not everyone is a frigging rockstar 24/7.

This isn't the fist time this has bothered me; Remember a few weeks ago how I mentioned here , about internet identities.

I personally don't care either way, If you're a rockstar good for you- I'm not.

I prefer to read blogs that are real. I know people have good days and bad. So when I read an "emo/ downer" post I can relate, b/c I too have days like that.

I have stopping subscribing to a few bloggers b/c I just couldn't take their constant complaining & whining. I have a toddler for that.

I love my current blog roll. Everyone of them has posted and emo post (myself included) and It didn't even phase me. I wouldn't have noticed till I started reading the bloggers I mentioned in the beg.

...

Tomorrow's Thursday... Which means "Convo w.a Toddler"

Check back to see what my toddler & I have been talking about...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

E is coming up on 24mons [2yrs] eek! She likes to imitate E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G she see us [mainly me] do. Whether it be unload the dishwasher, switch the clothes from one machine to the other. Vacuum, etc. You get it. I am mainly speaking of "homely" duties. She doesn't just imitate those, she dances when I dance, Laugh when I do etc...

But what I find the cutest is when she is little Susie home-maker. Monday AM when I was folding her laundry on the floor of the family room, I picked up half of her clothes to take them to her room- when I returned clothes were slung all about the fam. room:

Me: Little miss!!!
E: I do it mama. [Sitting in the middle of the mess of clothes]
Me: You made this mess? After mama folded ALL your clothes all pretty?
E: I pretty, mama. Socks! Socks! [Holding up socks]
Me: Would you like to help mama re-fold your clothes hon?
E: yes mama. I help do it. Peeeese.
Me: Here big girl but these shirts on top of that one there [showing here where to 'stack' the shirts]
E: Meme big gorl! Meme! [stands up and spins in a circle]
Me: E is a big girl. Smooch?
E: [bends down for a kiss]
Me: Want to carry these to your room w/mama?
E: Yes mama. [hands her a pair of jeans and socks]
Me: Thank you doodlee

...

Tuesday afternoon E's godfather Andy came over for & babysat for 2 hrs so I could run out and get a few things done. Knowing the impending Blizzard was on it way and things would be shutdown for days, I needed to get a few things. It was easier & quicker to do it sans toddler. I love how much E loves Andy "Chip". I told her while we were doing our Valentines day crafts [round 2] Uncle Chip was coming to play:

Me: Guess who is coming to play today?
E: CHIP! CHIP! CHIP!!!
Me: Yep thats right. It's bc you've been such a good girl & b/c uncle Chip misses you!!
E: Chip Play Me!!! Yayyyy!!!! [claping her hands bouncing in her booster seat- no longer crafting- haha]

**KnockKnock**

E: CHHHHHHIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPP!!!! HERE!!!!! Mama!!!!!
Me: Use your inside voice, please
E: Peeese down
Me: Go get him baby girl
E: kank you mama?
Chip: Hey ladies
E: Chip walk
[once playing in E's room- I walked in there to give E kisses & say bye]
Me: I'm heading out, smooches?
E: K bye mama [barley looking up from playing I get a half smooch]
Chip: See ya soon
Me: Bye bye
E: go bye bye mama [waving behind her head]

Im glad she doesnt cry when I leave, but a little something would be nice, geez!

& Lastly:

Wednesday night, as I have mentioned before, I let E be independent, it's part of growing up. With her being soooo picky with her eating/food choices, I have been doing whatever I can to get her to EAT. So when she asked begged me to used a fork at dinner, when up to this point she has refused to use one, I was iffy.

E: mine uhhhuhh [holds up her fork]
Me: You want to use this tonight?
E: Yes mam. Peeese?
Me: Are you going to actually eat or are you going to just play?
E: Yes mama
Me: Yes you will eat? or Yes you will play?
E: Yes mama yummyy!!! Milk?
Me: Okay, fine you can use your fork for your chicken
E: yay!! [claps hands]
Me: Go ahead & ask dada to get you in your chair.

She ate ALL of her dinner & them some...WITH THE FORK... Correctly! Yay for Big Girls!!
...

Tomorrow's Friday- Yay!!

You know you want to check back in b.c ... I am going to tell you all why I love Valentines Day!!

Valentines Day Countdown: [3days]


Check back tomorrow... It won't be TOO mushy... Scouts honor... :)

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"House Arrest"

Two year olds have a ton of energy. I am not quite sure where it all comes from really.

Being from FL originally, after lunch I would open the back door and say "go play". Thats all it took eyes wide with excitement, E would wear herself out. A little climbing on the swing set, maybe a little swinging, definitely some sliding. It was a combination of the heat, humidity and activity that purely wore her out.

Then it was inside for some coloring in her highchair or playing with her ponies while watching a video then NAP-TIME. Nothing is better then the all glorious nap-time. We had it all down to a science, really.

That was until, we moved. We moved to the arctic, better known as PA, a few days after Christmas. We moved because I was starting graduate school in January, as you all know. We wanted to get settled in, get back into our routine, you know how it goes.

Well I forgot about snow that comes up to their waist, blizzards or just plain ole dreadfully COLD weather. E can't go out and play in that! Yes you can get out the snowsuit or layer the kids up but after ten minutes they are miserably cold and are ready to come in. So it's not even worth the hassle.

My child is wired, I see it in her eyes, cabin fever, and I feel as if I am on house arrest. The freezing temperatures and layers of snow are my ankle bracelet trapping me.

We play soccer inside but the fear of something breaking cuts the game short. E is small so she can run, but running indoors is so different from running outside, the fresh air seems to just pull all that excess energy out of children. It stays bottled up inside of them no matter how much they [children] play indoors.

Spring I call to you like a long lost pair of skinny jeans. The sooner you come and bring warmth, melt all this wretched snow the sooner I regain my sanity and the sooner my toddler regains her calm afternoons of coloring and tiredly asks for an early bedtime.

Oh how I feel I have served my sentence, I am ready to be released from house arrest!

...

I just love HOLIDAYS... no matter how BIG or little. I want E to love them too.

SOOO: Valentines Day Countdown: [4days]

Its not just about couples. Its about Love in general. I love my family & friends & I want my daughter to feel that kind of love... ALWAYS!!

Check back tomorrow... You don't want to miss Thursday's "Convo w/a Toddler" -- It seems to have "taken off" & a few ppl are doing it on their blogs & I love it [LINK BACK TO ME] . I am working on a "button" for "CWT" hopefully I will have it ready by tomorrow for yall to use on your blogs when you do your own "CWT"...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Toddlers are like sponges. They just soak up everything they see and hear.



Tuesday night M was putting E's little bookcase, for her DVD's & books together. It is very small, we are staying with M's parents for the time being, we've started looking for a place since M's new job rocks our world! I digress... her bookcase is small since E's room is what used to be her aunt Michelle's/the guest room. So In her room is a full sized bed and a dresser, all E's toys, all the toys that were already here for her cousins, Jori & Will- That includes the FULL kitchen set. Not to mention E's crib.

And while M was putting it together E wanted to help, naturally. So M told E to go get her Handy Manny tools, & with a quickness she did. She helped her daddy. Now all at once... AWWW.





Well this Morning I was drinking my coffee catching up on Y!News. Laughing @ some of the wacky headlines , when out of no where E said:

E: I fix it mama!! [grabs her toolbox & takes off for her room]
Me: [Calling from the family room to her room] You fix what hon?
E: My tools. I fix.
Me: [hearing banging & pounding- I get off my lazy butt & I peak in her room, she was fixing to bookcase like the night before with M] Oh you fix your bookcase?
E: yes mama. I fix it. [pointing to it] My dada. My dada.
Me: Yes you put that together with your dada, last night.
E: Meme big!
Me: E is a big girl.
E: [held her arms up like a big girl]
Me: I love you.
E: Yes mama. hug. hug.

...

Wednesday AM is when my WeightWatchers [WW] meeting is. I am not sure why I choose that day, but Wednesday was chosen back almost 2yrs ago when I decided I NEEDED to loose 65lbs. Going to WW is nothing out of the ordinary for E, as she has been going with me since she was 2wks old. It had snowed over night so when I woke up Wed. there was snow on the ground (about 1.5in) but I was in a hurry so I didnt mention it to E like I normally do. I just got her up & dressed so we [I] wouldn't be late. Once in the car on our way to the center:

E: Mama lookkkkk KNOW! KNOW! KNOWWWWWW! [how she says snow]
Me: Yep thats snow, Jack Frost decided to come for a visit last night.
E: Play know!! Play know... Me play! Uhhh uhhh!!!
Me: Use your big girl words, please.
E: Peeese play know.
Me: Thank you. Maybe after we get back home.
E: Ome now mama?
Me: We're going to Weight Watchers for mama then we will be going home, is that okay?
E: [I hear a HUGE sigh] Okay mama [in a very pouty voice]
Me: [pulling into a 15min parking spot] We won't be here very long. I promise. Ready to get out?
E: I walk? I walk?
Me: If you hold mama's hand.
E: No.
Me: If you don't hold my hand, you don't walk & you won't play in the snow when we get home.
E: hold mama!! I Hold. [makes kissy face.]

She wins, again.

This kid KNOWS how to A) WIN B) melt my heart... Her hugs & smooches get me EVERYTIME!

-She wins.

& Lastly:

I let E be independent. So when she runs off to another room in the house, I don't follow her. No need. The house is "E proofed"- Or so I thought. Out of no where E stood up and ran off. No big deal.

E: Bye mama
Me: Bye E

I hear her playing in her room, loudly. Then silence. I give it a minute or two before I go in there. When I go in she is "reading".
Me: You like that book?
E: Yah mam
Me: You want mama to read it to you?
E: No mama [gets up and runs away]

An hour later:
Me: Nappy time honey. Who do you want to sleep with you?
E: My car.
Me: Okay lets get one of your cars & try to go potty.
E: No potty, I peepee [points @ her diaper]
Me: Its okay , lets change your diaper and lay down.
I go to grab her wipies but they are empty. WTH? I had just filled it up. So I look and look and look and then BAMMM!!! There they are in the top of her Diaper Champ.

Me: Oh boy look at all those wipies!!
E: ::giggles::
Me: How did those get in here? [as I am salvaging what I can of said wipies]
E: [still giggling]
Me: Did you [poking in belly] put those in there?
E: yea [giggle]
Me: Wipies are not toys. Please don't do that again.
E: Ok mama. [very whiny]
Me: Def nap time
Since it happened more then an hr back I wasn't going to make a fuss or punish her. Children have short memory spans.

Shes a sneaky one!! That's what she must've been doing when she got all quiet; Used the book to trick me.

E- 2 Mama- 0

...

Tomorrow's Friday!!

Can't wait to see you back here tomorrow @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , do you?

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Like EVERY parent under the sun I think MINE is gifted in EVERY way possible. She got a 5-in-1 musical set (drums, tambourine, recorder, maracas, etc...) from my dad & step mom Jane for Christmas & since she loves to play with it & is isn't bad either so I don't mind it; Like originally thought when the gift was opened. So yesterday, while she was supposed to be NAPPING this occured:


Photo courtesy of google

[through the monitor I hear a slight flute sound but give it a minute before I go in to find out whats up)
Me: [I open the door & She quickly lays down and hides her recorder] Whatcha doing sweetpea?
E: Hi mama [waves & smiles]
Me: Where did you get this? [I hold up her recorder]
E: Mine. [Tries to grab it from me]
Me: Lets use our manners. We don't grab things, we ask nicely.
E: Peeese mama.
Me: No hon, its sleepy time. How did you get this?
[She pointed to her baby's playpin- it's right next to her crib, if she stretches far enough she can reach it, I guess she stashed it in there]
E: My babys
Me: Okay well mama wants to play with it now, so can you take a nappy and then when you get up you can have it?
E: K mama.
Me: Yes mam?
E: Yea mam

...


Photo courtesy of piratefan308 via Flickr.

E & I love to color together. Its something we usually do after her second nap of the day before dinner. It keeps her occupied for a long time too. (Another reason I like for her to color) The other day NOTHING was making her happy, she was just all around grouchy:

E: Mama lookkkkk!!! [holds up her coloring book]
Me: Thats your Handy Manny coloring book. How did you get the craft drawer open?
E: Meme!! [points to the book] Meme!! uhuh!! Sit. [goes to her booter seat]
Me: Would you like to color?
E: Peeese.
Me: Okay. Lets put your book up there. Go ahead & climb up there while I get your crayons.
E: Ok mama.
-I hear her struggling but she successfully is in her seat-
Me: Here ya go [I pour out her crayons in front of her & she picks her picture to color, I walked away to do laundry]

-The next thing I know/hear is little footsteps running towards the laundry room. I immediately think to myself "did i strap her into her booster seat?" apparently not:

E: MAMA Lookkkkk peeeeettttyyyy... [she holds up her picture and a black INK PEN!!!]
Me: [thinking SHIT... where did she get a PEN] that is beautiful honey. Can I have your pen?
E: No mine. Peeeetttyyyyy!!!!!! [pulls up her shirt & points to her tummy- she had colored her tummy with the pen]
Me: Aw E honey, We don't color ourselves. We only color on our paper.
E: Mama. [a very confused look on her face, grabs my hand- where I have some stuff scribbled]


photo courtesy google

-She wins.


...

DON'T FORGET the BLOG got a FACELIFT && a NEW NAME Monday and If youre reading this in reader or the likes make sure you check out the new look & tell me what you think... Here.


...

Thanks for stopping by Kandid Kelli, There's NEVER a dull moment!

See ya tomorrow!

Never miss a beat, check out my latest Tweets!!

"Decorations"

The normal time frame for Christmas decorations is THE DAY/WEEK AFTER THANKSGIVING - NEW YEARS DAY. There is NO compromise on this. NO sooner NO longer. At least that is how I see it.

Thats how most ppl in FL saw it too. As you all know, I moved to PA right after Christmas. So when I saw Christmas decor. everywhere I was not surprised in the least.

But as the days & weeks, yes WEEKS started to pass I just figured the decorations would start to come down. Its not usually something you see happen; They are up one day and gone the next. But the thing is... they didn't come down.

Its one thing to leave the lights on your house b.c its SNOWING, Sleeting & the like. It is dangerous to be up on a ladder/roof removing lights in "winter weather". At least remove your lawn ornaments, lights in the windows (inside their homes) & blow up characters, its not hard to walk out into your front yard and take those to the garage or shed. And DON'T turn your lights on EVERY NIGHT the minute it starts to get dark. Its the middle of January people, theres no need for that & really do you want to pay the extra $$ in electric for your CHRISTMAS lights in the middle of Jan? Lets play it smart. I already know you're paying extra to heat your home... its COLD.

I understand, the holidays are fun! You might just be trying to hold on to some of that fun-ness. "They" stated to push Christmas on us E-A-R-L-Y this year but that doesn't mean to prolong it. It was already long enough, I started to see decor. around Halloween. That was plenty long enough for me.

I was talking to M about this, I asked him one night when we were running to the grocery store if it's normal for people in PA/ up north or if its just this town to leave their lights/decorations up for soooo long?

Me: Babe, I've noticed that people still have their lights up all over town. Is that normal?
Him: Hmm I guess I don't really pay it that much attention. Maybe they are still in the Christmas spirit?
Me: Christmas spirit? that was WEEEEEKKKKSSS ago!
Him: Hon IDK why do you care? They will come down, eventually- I mean when you came in August to visit no one had lights up, did they?
Me: No but when I came up in Oct. for my interview- they DID...
Him: Thats b/c people up here like to decorate for the holidays & you were here near Halloween. Baby, I don't know why you are so concerned by this.
Me: ...

I noticed late last week/ early this week that the Christmas lights had come down... FINALLY.

B-U-T

<span style="font-weight:bold;">They had been replaced by ALL red & pink ones! YES. Thats correct! People around here decorate ALL out for Valentines day! Its like Christmas decorations but for Valentines day. Cupids, hearts & such (like they did when I was up in Oct they had like Orange & Black lights on thier homes etc...).

This is so odd. I have never experienced anything like this. Decorating, all out, for EVERY holiday. I've seen ppl who put up house flags or something small on their mailbox or a little something similar. I mean we always changed our house flag for the season/holiday but apparently the people in this town are all about who can out decorate who. Its like I want to out do the Jones'. Good Lord.

To top it all off when I was at lunch with my friend Andy & I was telling him about how weird I find the decorating, he laughed then told me about this one family down the street from him who has a goose in their front yard and they switch its outfit for every holiday BIG or little. (ie: Vday, St. Pattys Day, Easter, etc...) He said the decor. on ppls home is normal (for hm anyways; b/c he's used to it) but the Goose is the most ridiculous thing he has ever seen.

Here are a few pics (sry for the shoddy quality I was driving when they were taken): One os of a house that went ALL out the other is just one w.a few flags:



**What do you think about over decoration in my new town? weird? Is your town like this?**

...

DON'T FORGET the BLOG got a FACELIFT && a NEW NAME Monday and If youre reading this in reader or the likes make sure you check out the new look & tell me what you think... Here.



...

Happy Hump Day- I hope to see you all back here tomorrow for "Convo w/a Toddler" @ Kandid Kelli

Tweet-tweet