My Name Is Not Oscar

But today I was a grouch.  My bad mood started first thing this morning when Liam tried to sneak into the room while Devin was sleeping beside me.  Then, when I waved him away so that hopefully he would not wake the baby he went into the hall and started to cry.  Loudly.  Somehow Devin did not wake up, but later, when Liam needed to get dressed it was one crises after another.

The thing about getting dressed is that it used to take forever.  Then Allen had the bright idea of timing Liam while he got dressed which sped things up considerably.  But then Liam started to stress out about how long it was taking him.  Tears stressed out.  So we instituted a "pause" feature.  Which generally involves a lot of yelling back and forth between bedrooms and can still get stressful.  I gave Liam an old kitchen timer so he could time himself but it promptly got lost.  Really lost.  So we're back to Mommy or Daddy watching the clock and when Mommy does it she gets really irritated.  At one point I went into Liam's room and found him fighting off tears.  I told him that timing was supposed to be a fun way to get dressed and if it wasn't fun we didn't have to do it.  He said "We do have to do it."  Why?  "It's fun."

He did eventually manage to get into his Angry Birds Bad Piggy costume - minus the crown and nose.  Ready for the Halloween party at school which he was very excited about.  Thankfully it wasn't raining too heavily since he was wearing the construction paper part of the costume when we went out to the van.  He was able to dodge raindrops and avoid getting it damaged.

 It was still raining when school got out.  I'm still trying for that dramatic shot of him running toward me after school.  This gets the action pretty well. 

 Here he is after we got home and unpacked his loot from the party at school.  Also, I had him put his costume back on.  This is the second nose and teeth I've made because the first one was so large it seemed impractical for wearing to school.  I'm not sure how long he actually wore this one at school.

 We went out for fast food supper because we've gotten behind on the kitchen.  Afterward Liam dug into that pudding cup they sent home from school with him.  Somehow we went from discussing what else he could have after eating the cookies on top (with him upset that we said nothing else sugary) to him almost in tears because his tummy hurt from too much sugar.  Of course when I suggested we try to get a picture of his plight he couldn't help smiling.

 Devin slept pretty soundly this afternoon and is now wide awake.  Putting him in this little chair doesn't work so well right now because he leans forward right away.  I'm not sure if he's really interested in those polka dots or if he's just stuck.

But I really do think he's interested in those toys.  He can move them a little with his feet, but can't reach them with his hands. 















So now if I could just get Devin to go to sleep I could also sleep and hopefully reset this terrible mood.  Because really nothing has happened today that is that different from what happens around here most days and I'm not usually mad about everything.  Some things, but not all of it!  Could be that I haven't been getting enough sleep lately.  That might explain it.

Breakfast and Supper

Liam told me this morning that I should help him figure out what to do when he grows up because, "there aren't that many Hotwheels collectors around here."  I said, "Yeah and it's hard to make money collecting Hotwheels cars."  Then he came up with a scheme where he would work at the grocery store or the library (shelving books) and get a Hotwheels car for every hour he works.  Or better yet, request to be paid in Hotwheels sets.  He got so wrapped up in this idea that he actually ate his entire breakfast almost without noticing.  I didn't say anything about all the full mouth talking since I was also eating, trying to listen to him and generally to groggy to really care about manners.

Liam also wanted to know today if he would have a "Grammy and Grandpa" when he grows up.  By which he meant that he was wondering whether his kids would have grandparents.  When I told him that I would be the "Grammy" for his kids he launched into a description of how when his "mother" (read wife) has babies I will need to take care of the older child.  Also, if Devin's mother has babies at the same time I will need to take care of two children.  I told him that will be easier if they are both living near us which, naturally, launched a whole new line of inquiry on his part.

Now he's at the park with his dad.  He claimed this morning  that he has not had recess at school yet this week.  Yesterday he really wanted to play outside.  I managed a few minutes before taking him to school, but hadn't gotten out yet when Allen got home from the office and it was time for me to start supper.  Liam started crying broken-heartedly, convinced that he wouldn't get to play outside again until "next summer."  Allen went outside with him while I made supper.  Devin hung out in the swing - complaining but coming just short of a full out meltdown.  He spent most of supper on Allen's lap while I gulped down my food before heading off to breastfeed Devin. 

Speaking of supper, I made mashed potatoes (from scratch) and a creamy sauce with ground chicken, fresh herbs, onions and mushrooms to put on them.  If I had put the meat part on the bottom of a casserole and the potatoes and some cheese on top and put it in the oven I could have called it "shepherd's pie" but who has time for that?  I thought it looked and smelled great, but Liam was completely unimpressed.  He remembered not liking mashed potatoes the last time we had them.  And what kind of curry was that anyway?  The only redeeming feature was the peas I served on the side which he mixed in to make it more palatable.  He declared that it would have been better if I had used sweet potatoes instead of white ones.  He finished his portion, but declined to eat the leftovers for lunch today.  No problem - more for me!

I put Devin on his tummy on his play mat with his arms in front of him yesterday and he held his head right up.  Then eventually he managed to lean his head over and roll onto his back.  Still no back to tummy rolling, though, which is fine with me.  Devin is a much more relaxed kid than Liam was as a baby - in some ways.  Last night he peed in the bath water so we emptied the tub and rinsed him off with the shower attachment.  He didn't mind at all.  At a similar age Liam hated pretty much everything about baths.  But Devin is much more active and we have a lot to do before the house is safe for a mobile baby!

Pacifiers and Practice

I finally found the pacifier.  On the bed, where I had looked for it at least three times.  I had even taken the covers off and spread them back out, which is as close as I ever get to making the bed.  I'm not saying I was panicking, but I had actually started to clean.  Then I moved the covers one more time and there it was.  I think the baby, who was laying on the bed all this time sucking on his fist, was moving it just to mess with me.  (And while I was typing this post Allen found the second pacifier in the diaper bag - in a pocket I had looked in earlier.  Those things almost always come in packs of two, by the way, so that you can immediately lose one and still have the other to prove that you went to the store and gave them money in exchange for a piece of plastic that proves quantum theory is really true.)

I actually went shopping two days in a row (why didn't I get some extra pacifiers?)  Mary's wedding is next Saturday and I looked at Devin's clothes and suddenly wished for something cuter and dressier to put on him for that event.  I mean lets face it.  No one will care or remember what I looked like.  All eyes will be on the baby.  Plus, having boys is not all about sequins and tulle, but a mom is entitled to go over the top once in a while, right?  No.  Not if you have boys.  Just stick to fleece and waffle weave lady.  No cute little button-down onsies at the "everything for cheep" stores unless you like plaid of the variety designed to make Jeff Foxworthy feel right at home.  No faux business suits or even corny holiday sweaters.  Not even long sleeve white T-shirts that can sub in as outerwear.  Just nothing.  I got really frustrated.  Liam got frustrated about being dragged along (just one of the times) and kicked the drivers seat one too many times.  I got home, vented on Facebook and then decided that this outfit will work just fine.

 It may appear that the baby is indulging in an impolite hand gesture, but I can assure you this is purely a coincidence and does not reflect my feelings toward clothing manufacturers or retail outlets.  Also, he will wear socks on the actual day, but there is only so much dressing-a-baby-just-for-yucks that I am willing to do at one time.

These pictures also show that Devin can almost sit up by himself.  He's not satisfied to lean against the pillows, but uses his over-sized noggin to lean forward and then eventually topples over.  But not immediately.

You can't see the cute little train in any of the sitting up pictures, so here it is.











Meanwhile, play practices are piling up.  Sunday was a music rehearsal.  It was just an hour, so we tried having Allen stay home with Devin while I took Liam.  That worked for roughly half an hour, which if you do the math is a bad deal for Allen.  I had fun getting some pictures of Liam.  I have to remind myself these days, when I'm taking pictures of him in public that I want to get some pictures that have the faces of the people around him in them.  I can get really focused on getting pictures I can put up on the blog without worrying about violating anyone's privacy.

Some of the time he was very serious and focused. 

We've been working on these songs and he belted them out....

most of the time....

when he wasn't distracted by his zipper.  (Liam will be wearing this shirt on Saturday.  I made him take it off while he ate berries for lunch and he wanted to put it back on for play practice.)

Last night's practice involved incorporating the songs into the actual play.  Some of this was absolutely hilarious as Liam would forget to sing, see me and remember and belt out the last word in a line.  And when he really liked a song his earnest expression, bobbing knees and wide open mouth (I told him that's the best way to sing loud - let the sound out) were too cute and funny. Also, I enjoyed talking to one of the other moms - even introverts need friends!

Bits and Pieces

I don't mind admitting that I'm feeling pretty crummy.  It's been a long, busy week.  Liam has had play practice twice and yesterday was downtown Trick or Treating followed (with a brief break for supper) by play practice.  Also, Devin seems to be teething (lots of drooling, a bump on his lower gums, chewing on his hands pretty much constantly and POOR sleeping.)  Liam has had cold symptoms that sort of seem to come and go and could be bad allergies and I've had some similar symptoms.  Too top it all off I didn't realize until this morning that Liam did not have school today.  It's totally my fault.  They publicized it.  I read several times that there would be no school on Friday the 25th of October.  I just failed to realize that meant today.  It's for Parent/Teacher Conferences (not sure that really needs to be capitalized), but Liam's isn't until next month.

Thankfully Devin slept for one four hour stretch last night and then a couple of two hour stretches afterward.  This teething has confounded the whole adding-dairy-back issue and I was beginning to wonder if he would get back to having somewhat better nights.  I don't know if it's the teething or what, but he seems to be super hungry lately and I feel like I barely have enough milk.  I think I'll have a bowl of oatmeal tomorrow.  That seems to help.

Play practice has gone well. Liam now has a line.  Yesterday's practice had a few crazy moments - part of the script.  I thought it might be too stressful for Liam, but he was fine.  We finished reading the book the play is based on today.  It made me cry.

I keep looking at the calendar for the next month or so and seeing that it is already filling up.  I hope Allen and I can find the energy to make it through!

Liam is reading more and more all the time.  He spent some time today reading the labels on the candy he got yesterday.  He also ready the book "Peanut" which is a book that's designed to help kids learn how to read.  After reading it himself he wanted me to read it to him - fast.  I guess he misses the flow when he has to work so hard to read the words.

My Birthday

My main birthday gift is that Allen is fixing supper all week!  So wonderful.  I did get a few other presents.  We had greens and sausage and oven fries for supper. 

This picture has not much to do with birthday really.  I just like it.  Devin is really a much more smiley child than most of the pictures we get of him suggest.  He seems to feel that when we are taking pictures we are not really interacting with him, so he shuts off the charm.

As usual Liam was very interested in the present opening.  If we let him he would open all the presents for us.

I'm happier about this than the picture suggests.

Allen and Liam checking out the game they got me.  A "Killer Bunnies" expansion pack.  Liam wanted to play it right away, but that didn't work out.  It's a game that works best with a large group of people.  Hopefully we will get to play it this summer at Rob's house.

I have started eating dairy again but am trying to add it back in gradually.  We have gotten some green poop, and some fussing.  But on the other hand, I'm pretty sure Devin is actively teething.  Unless we get some dramatic sign I'm going to assume the problems are not from dairy.

Liam has had his first play practice.  It was a little confusing for him since it was a rehearsal of a rehearsal.  We checked the book the play is based on out of the library today so we can read it and hopefully clear things up.

Birthday Visit

Again there's a good chance I won't get to much beyond uploading the pictures.  Mom and Dad came today and helped us celebrate Allen's and my birthdays. 

Bath Time

Although I have much more I'd like to say on the subject of Devin and his activities lately he seems, at the moment, prepared to fall asleep.  Since I am still at the desperate for sleep stage I'm just going to post a few bath time pictures and call it good.

Time with a Friend

Liam got the part in the play!  We have an organizational meeting on Sunday when I'm guessing they'll tell us which practices the "baby angels" need to go to.

Devin got his next round of vaccines on Wednesday.  He was really miserable by evening and we gave him some Tylenol which settled him down pretty dramatically.  I was trying to hold out because I'd read that fever reducers could interfere with the efficacy of vaccines - although his pediatrician wasn't concerned about that.  But he would fall into a troubled sleep and then cry loudly when he needed to shift position and I couldn't imagine how miserable the night was going to be.  As it was he slept four hours in a row and then had several two hour intervals after that which is better than many nights. 

Yesterday and today Liam's friend came over in the morning.  His mom has helped me so much since Devin's birth that I was happy to be able to do her a favor.  The two boys played really well together too and in a way it made things easier to have something for Liam to do.  Today when I was having trouble getting Devin  to sleep I suggested we go outside and he took a stroller nap while the boys played.  I joined them for some Frisbee tossing and they even found a preying mantis.

By yesterday (Thursday) Devin seemed to have mostly recovered from the vaccine effects.  Liam got down on his level for a little brotherly conversation.  Liam informs us that he can understand baby language now.

Three Months and Story Time

Devin's three months old today.  He's getting so big.  Liam still wants to snuggle with him, but Devin's head hurts Liam's shoulder.

He toughed it out though.

Then I tried to get a shot of both boys looking at me and smiling, but Devin just wasn't into it.  Liam thought it was hilarious, as you can see.

Later in the day I left the two boys on the bed bed while I went to... who knows.  Try to get something important done.  When I came back I found this scene.  Liam is reading to Devin from A to Z with Sandra Boynton.  I just can't tell you how sweet this was.

Here are the three month beauty shots I managed to get of Devin.  I never seem to get the really great smiles when I have the camera.  Seems like he knows that part of my attention is on the camera and he's just not interested.

I had Liam take a shot of Devin and I together.  It took some doing to convince him that this was a good picture to take.  He felt that we have lots of pictures of me and not many of Devin.  He cooperated though when I pointed out that we don't have many pictures of me with Devin since I'm usually the one taking the pictures.

Trying Out

I have a pretty bad headache.  It's what tends to happen when Devin sleeps poorly and I'm up six or seven times during the night nursing him.  I'm not sure if it's because my blood sugar gets too low or because of the tension of hoping that this next time will lead to some restful sleep, but not really believing it will.

I'm not too surprised that Devin didn't sleep well last night.  He and I were gone from the house most of the day yesterday.  We went to church, Mary's bridal shower, and took Liam to audition for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."  Devin was very calm and cooperative with all this activity, but he doesn't really relax and nurse well in the midst of action.  I figured he would actually be hungry during the night.  And of course when the baby nurses he very shortly needs to poop.

The audition went well.  It turns out that one of the people directing it is a lady who's day job is working in the children's section of the library.  That helped put Liam at ease from the beginning.  Then he and I went up and explored the stage a little while others had a chance to look over the script.  He was trying out for a "baby angel" part.  I'm pretty sure it has no lines, but they asked the kids trying out for it to say a nursery rhyme.  I guess to get an idea of how they do on stage.  There were six of them, but only two boys. 

After the first little girl finished her song - complete with motions - everyone clapped.  So of course they clapped for every child after that.  When it was Liam's turn he was asked if he had a nursery rhyme to share.  He said "No, but I have something else."  He sang the "R-E-D Red, I Can Spell Red" song from kindergarten.  Not super loud but he was very composed and of course super cute.  He still doesn't really understand the audition process.  Afterward he said, "So they let me be in the play."  By which I think he meant that they let him audition.  I explained that they still haven't decided who will be in the actual play.

I hope that I'm not just setting him up for disappointment.  We've talked about the idea that he might not get into the play and we might just go and watch it instead.  So far he seems to be OK with this.  I'm feeling pretty keyed up today while waiting to find out, but I haven't mentioned it to Liam.  They have another round of auditions today with possible call-backs tomorrow.  I'm not sure what to expect.  On one hand, who could resist Liam?  On the other hand, it might make sense to use kids who have older siblings who are also going to be in the play - to make logistics easier.  But they might want more boys to balance things out.  But there might be more boys who audition tonight.  I could drive myself crazy like this. 

I like to think that I'm not just having him do this because I love plays and always wished I could have done more drama growing up.  When I saw that they were doing this particular play, though I was very excited because I knew it had lots of parts for kids.  I asked Liam if he knew what a play is and he explained that it's when you tell a story by acting it out - something like that.  I asked him if he would want to be in a play - with an audience with lots of people he didn't know in it.  He said yes, as long as there were some people in the audience who he did know.  After we talked for a while about the audition process he said, "I'm going to dream about this play."  So I think maybe he really does want to do it.  Anyways, whenever they acted out a story in preschool he was always in the thick of the action and he's always Mr. Melodrama around here.  And in case you're wondering why overtired me is even considering adding another activity to the schedule it's because of the conversation Liam and I have every day when I pick him up from kindergarten:

Liam:  Where are we going now?
Me:  Home.
Liam:  Home!?! Nooooo!  Why are we going home?
Me:  Because that's where we live.
Liam:  I don't want to go home.  I want to go to someone's house!

I do not feel capable of providing this child with the level of companionship he craves.  So maybe this will be a chance to make a few new friends.  We'll see.

Directed and Produced By...

Here's a video, with commentary, that Liam made this morning of Devin playing on his play mat.  Just in case you wondered if I was making up some of the stuff Liam says.

Sorry, it doesn't work.  Maybe I'll get it edited to make it shorter and that will help.  Until then, if you're on Facebook I posted the video there.

How to Pose

When he is posing with an object Liam has a set group of faces he likes to make.  This was very obvious to me when I downloaded the most recent group of pictures.  Here is a series that was taken of a map he drew in children's church:

Here's a series we took at home when he wanted to commemorate a particularly artistic tomato soup stained napkin.  I think the pattern is pretty clear.  Although the order is apparently not fixed.

Devin was also at church Sunday.  I think that every church should have recliners at the back.  You can also see the cute outfit Aunt Shelley gave him.