Bubbles Bubbles

Chase got to pretend to be in his Bubbles Bubbles book on Monday. This feat of make believe was made possible by his friend Joshua who had found a little troll and put him under a spell. While held captive by the sorcery, the little demon was forced to continually shoot magic bubbles at the young children. The poor indentured troll could not be freed from his bewitchment until all of the children had felt true joy and thus smiled at his antics. As you can see, my little man was going to make that troll work for his freedom.




I will figure out your secret ole bubble spitter, and only then will I grant you the smile that will set you free. (insert wicked laugh here)

Why can't I take it with me?

I have decided that I want to bring the pond when we move to the new house. I don't see anything unreasonable about this request, do you?

Scissors + Drew = Trouble

Recent days have proven to be a bit trying as Chase has been a giant cranky pants with the appetite of a grown man to boot. I am not kidding when I say that he has increased his formula intake by 50% these last couple of days. If I'm just a couple of minutes late with his new feeding schedule, he starts clutching at his shirt and screaming as if the hunger is eating a hole the size of Chicago in his stomach. It has been exhausting, and at the end of the day, I hand the child off to his father and proceed to watch tv and stuff my face with chocolate until I have fallen into a sugar induced stupor.
So needless to say, I was much looking forward to having dinner with my girlfriends this week. While I was out inhaling the child free air as if I'd never had a breath before, events were unfolding at our house that would forever change the Noodle. Ok...not forever, but for a month at least. You see, since we think the crankies may be caused by incoming teeth, we've been giving Chase Tylenol to try to lessen the poor little guy's pain. Unfortunately, he does not value this act of kindness on our part and therefore often fights the eyedropper full of medicinal goodness as if it contained battery acid. Well, during one of these battles, the hair around his right ear took a hit for the team and thus became covered in cherry flavored tylenol. Thank goodness it was dye free as I feel he's a little young to begin a punk faze. Andy was supposed to wash the gunk out of his hair while I was out flitting the night away. Here is where the trouble begins...
It seems that my husband decided it would be easier to cut--yes cut--the hair rather than wash out the sticky tonic. Sure, he claims that the hair was bugging Chase because it was too long around his ears, but I maintain my assertion that the man was trying to find an easy way out. So little noodle got a hair cut from daddy while mom was across town scarfing down her strawberry shortcake.

It was already 10 by the time I returned home, so I didn't get to see the handy work firsthand, but I knew it was bad by the way Drew mumbled under his breath and averted his eyes when I asked him for details on the evening's events. The next morning when I went to extract the little gremlin from his crib, I almost turned and walked out of the room thinking I had gone into the wrong nursery. This certainly wasn't my child...my child is a baby, an infant, a lil dumpling--certainly not this grown up little boy looking at me through the bars. How can a few little snips from an untrained hand make my little babe appear so much older? It has to be an illusion brought about by the change in hair style because my baby isn't actually going to grow into a little boy. And he certainly isn't going to become a teenager, go off to college, find a girlfriend and get married in Bali by a cruise ship captain. Not going to happen...not on my watch.

Public Service Announcement #4256789

Due to the cancellation of both Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls as well as the impending slew of reruns that I will be forced to watch as all of my favorite shows go on summer hiatus, I will be in a state of mourning for the next three months. Please send flowers, jewelry or chocolate.

This message has been brought to you by the Make a Mellon Happy Foundation.

Hello Tokyo?!?

Tonight as it was nearing Noodle's bedtime, the crankies decided to come out in full force. As I was lying on the floor trying every trick imaginable to get the fuss monster back into hiding, Andy called from the Teeter to ask me the all important question of if I wanted 1 or 2 boxes of CapNCrunch. (Just 1 which was only $0.60 after coupon--no applause necessary) Well from that moment on Young Master Chase was entranced by the phone. He spent the next 20 minutes turning that phone over in his hands...front to back, front to back, front to back. He was pressing so many buttons that I am sure that he reached several of his business associates in Japan. Every once in a while, his little noodle body would shake in what I can only assume was his victory dance. Kind of like how after his daddy has negotiated a beauty of a contract, the man celebrates by moving his hands in a motion that is a cross between a Vegas Poker Dealer and Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore while the words "Wheeling and Dealing, Wheeling and Dealing" gush in a continuous cycle from his mouth. I am sure if the little rugrat could talk, he'd have been chanting his own little triumphant mantra. Like father, like son.

Old McNoodle had a farm...

We went to Great Country Farms today with David, Danielle and Nate. Chase loved seeing all of the animals even the ones that gave him really disappointed glares when we didn't offer them anything to nibble on. This wasn't really our fault though as most of the little food dispensers were empty...I was fully prepared to cough up $.25 for a mini handful of dried corn, so it certainly isn't my fault that the goat had to go without his munchies today. Some of the animals sought their revenge by trying to chew my shirt or pants, and one overly ambitious pony even tried to chew Chase's fish toy right off of his stroller.

The highlight of Noodle's trip had to be sitting on the tractor with Daddy. He must have been playing the Old McDonald song in his head because his little body was just bopping away as he held on to the steering wheel. The world should be very afraid when it comes time for him to drive because judging by today's steering agility, I'm inclined to believe that Chase will be some what of a spastic driver. Just like mama.

Look at me up here on this big tractor. I'm not afraid of heights...yet.

Vrrooom Vrrooom...Where's a field for me to till?

No nibble for me, eh? Fine, I'll eat your little fishy here. Next time bring the good stuff or else!

Cheerios, Boosters and Ice Cream

We went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner tonight. Chase was a little man in his booster seat eating cheerios. He wasn't super interested in the bread or chicken, but he opened his mouth like a little bird for the ice cream. When he realized that he had gotten his last bite, he threw a little temper tantrum and tried to pull the plate toward him. The screams were quickly halted though when we pulled out his Bubbles Bubbles book. Thank you lord for Elmo and Sesame Street.

And the weed grows on

He won't stop growing, and it seems that everyday brings new changes and accomplishments. At 9.5 months, little noodle has the following skills to add to his resume.

1) He's figured out that pressing the yellow button on his radio makes the music play.
2) He sticks his tongue out of the side of his mouth ALL THE TIME.
3) He's climbed to the top of our stairs now--three times.
4) He's eating cheerios and macaroni & cheese.
5) He wave's bye bye and gives five.
6) He'll repeat sounds...especially blowing raspberries.
7) He can open and close the screen door on the porch.
9) He can sit in a booster chair at the restaurants...as long as someone is sitting nearby to keep an eye on him
10) He twists and turns around backwards in shopping carts.
11) He dances to music by shaking his head no and bouncing.
12) He understands the word "No", but frequently chooses to ignore it.

Quite an impressive list, don't you think?

Weak heart

It is a virtue to have empathy, to be able to feel the pain of others. But if you are like me and have a weak heart, one that bleeds tears of sorrow for others so readily, empathy can also be a force that crushes. You can get so wrapped up in the whys, the should haves, and the how comes that you forget to enjoy the fleeting moments on this earth that you have that are truly blessed. I know for sure that I made the right decision in leaving the field of veterinary medicine, because I know that the daily exposure to pain, suffering and death would have beaten me down to a point where true joy would have been an emotion rarely felt. While I never want to become so desensitized to the pain of others that I cease to feel that tug on my heart, I know that I must limit my exposure to the horrors of this world, because my heart simply can't take it. I am too weak.

So I have found ways to hide from misery--I change the channel, turn off the radio, turn the page. But this week, there was no escape. The TV played images of the VT nightmare and grief over and over and so goes my mind in an unrelenting repetition of what I imagine those students felt--how frightened they must have been. And the professors who had so much to offer the world who were sharing their knowledge with America's future...gone. In the blink of an eye. And the moms and dads miles away not knowing the fate of their children. Willing the phone to ring, but dreading it as well. How can humans endure such pain and go on? But we must, and we will. We must say our prayers, grieve for what was lost and what could have been and move on.

This week has been hammering away at the fortress that I have been trying to build to shield myself from the pain and suffering. On top of the tragedy that befell those innocent lives in Blacksburg, there was another unfathomable event eating away at my dreams. A mother on one of the scrapbook boards I read found out that her 12 year old son has terminal colon cancer. How as a mother do you deal with that...to have your pain, your fears, your anger and yet have to be so strong for the life that you brought into this world, the life that is being snuffed out long before its due? I don't know this woman beyond what she has written on the boards over the years, have never spoken to her, yet I internalize this tragedy imagining that it is not her son, but mine--playing the movie over and over in my head, until it feels almost like her pain is my own. And there is no escape--for once the thought has entered my mind, it finds ways to make itself known throughout the day. And so my heart cries out for reprieve.

And my heart's cry was heard in a small, but powerful way. Along with all of the outpouring of support for those involved in Monday's events, there is another joy to be found--a reason to be grateful for the goodness of man. This good tiding comes in the form of a benefit for this mother and her family, a benefit organized by the scrapping community that is being driven by others, who like me, have never met this woman, never spoken with her, never even seen her in person. People who feel her pain and want to help to ease it in anyway that they can. No questions asked. You can read about their effort at http://www.benefitforjen.blogspot.com/ . While the week's events have left another hole in my heart, the selfless giving of a few have gone a long way toward repairing the damage.

Mr. Social

Today, we went to Allie's first birthday party. Chase was a social butterfly crawling all around the room and chatting up strangers. I was really surprised by how independent he was--he couldn't have cared less where mom and dad were. Well, that is until he got tired and let loose his patented squeal of death. Now that is a way to shut down a party really quickly. So, we left after only 2 hours of playing fun. I didn't even get any birthday cake, but considering I have to walk across a stage in front of 50,000 people in a week and a half, that's probably a good thing.

I don't care if it is your birthday, give me my toy back!

Hi, my name is Chase. Who are you?

Easter 07 in photos

Another Easter has come and gone and was as always filled with much gorging on chocolate, ham, eggs and sweet rolls. Chase delighted in all of the attention from his G Ma and G Pa, and now he believes that he needs to be held and entertained 22 of the 24 hours in a day.

Being entertained while the family colors eggs

Bathtime!

The loot

Long live the Easter Bunny!

Mommy's Little Helper Available Upon Request

Chase is now available for part time employment as a mommy's helper. Or, more precisely, he is offering the service of throwing all of your freshly folded laundry out of the basket and onto the floor. He's quite the little helper and is very happy in his task as you can see from the photos. References available upon request. Not available in all areas. Certain restrictions apply.

Little Stinker

You can't see it in the photo, but Chase's hat says "Little Stinker" and that's just what he is alright. He's zooming all over the place now, and soon he will be cruising as his new favorite pastime is using the ottoman to pull himself up to a standing position. He has also started to get really excited when it's time to eat. The mere sight of his bottle causes him to kick his feet and let loose a high pitched squeal of glee.

Chase's friend Allie has the chicken pox. We were a bit worried that Chase would start resembling the elephant from Rudolph, but so far I see not a single dot on him. That's right, it looks like we will be pock free in month number three. Of course, we could be very sore in the month of four...

Why 8 month old boys should not go dress shopping

Yesterday, I decided that we'd been locked up in this house too long, so off we went to the Dulles mall. Now this was probably not the most brilliant idea that I have ever had considering that Chase is still a well-oiled snot factory with his latest product of snot bubbles currently in mass production. But then again, you really shouldn't be surprised by my choices, no one ever said that I was the brightest bulb in the box.

We get to the mall where I begin to check things off of my "must do" list.

1. Spend Gymboree bucks. Check
2. Buy extra long tanks from Old Navy before the only color choices left are lime
and fuchsia. Check
3. Purchase pajamas for Chase in bigger size. Ignore warning label about needing snug fit or baby goes up in flames. Check

I was feeling pretty good about having accomplished these three goals with only minor fussing and the sacrifice of just 2 paper towels to phlegm clean up. So, I thought to myself, "Self, you need to find a formal dress to wear to Vegas for your Arbonne Awards celebration. Remember, you are going to be walking across stage in front of thousands of adoring fans, so you must look presentable. Now would be the perfect time to try to find said dress."

So naively, I head to Macy's thinking that not only would I find a magnificent frock, but the process would go smoothly. Ha, Ha, double Ha. First, I must find the formal dress section of the store which of course is in the opposite direction of the way that I set out. Then I have to navigate Chase's stroller around the racks of clothes that are too close to one another while looking at one hideous garment after another. Formal does not mean that you need your entire top half covered in sequins and sparkles people. Also, 60 year old women who go on cruises is not your only market for a formal dress...wait it just occurs to me that it is prom season. I should have hit the juniors section...oh wait, I wouldn't fit in any of those dresses. Aack!

Finally, at the very end of the formal area, I spy a simple, red, halter dress that would be perfect--if it fits. So, I gamely head into the dressing area where--surprise, surprise--every dressing room is piled high with unwanted clothes because nearly everyone is too lazy to put her cast offs on the rack RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR. After plowing a path, I attempt to push the stroller into the dressing room, and by room, I mean teeny, tiny closet. The stroller barely squeezes through the door, and once inside it takes up 92% of the floor space--and it's my little stroller! Imagine if I had the humungo Graeco with me?? Am I the only mother who needs to try on clothes with a little one in tow? I think not--listen up Mr. Macy--build bigger dressing rooms.

Picture this: I'm trying to wiggle out of my clothes and into a gown in exactly 10 square inches of space and young Master Chase is getting cranky.

Me: There, there Mommy just needs to pull her shoes off. Ouch. Shoe hits mom in head I need to try on this pretty dress to see if I can wear it to Vegas. Pants land on Chase's feet.
Chase: Waaaahh Gaa DaDa (translation: get me out of here crazy lady)

Me: Ummpfh Just let me....get....dress...on...where's the dang neck of this stupid dress? What am I supposed to do with this sash? Why are the straps so loose?? Looks a little big doesn't it? Guess it's not going to work for Mommy is it?

Chase: Waahhh Waaahhh Wahh DaDaDaDa (translation: you look ridiculous, where is my dad?)

Me: Ok, just let mommy get dressed again. Where is my other shoe?? Begins frantically throwing unwanted clothes around looking for shoe. Finds it behind stroller. Really Chase, is this outburst necessary? Mommy is trying to hurry. We'll be going in a minute, you know--sixty seconds? Count to sixty with Mommy, Chase. 1, 2, 3........

Lady in next Dressing room: Snickers a little too loudly for my liking

Chase: Waahhhh, Waaahhhh, Wahhhhhh (translation: I plan on howling for the next 2 hours straight as punishment for your bringing me here)

So we left. And, yes, I hung the red halter mess on the rack outside the door.

Drive by posting

Just a few pictures today...no sizzling commentary I am afraid to say. Maybe next time.

Looky what I can do now!

I haven't been feeling well, can you see the snot crusties under my nose?

Mother Nature is such a tease

So...the last three days have been lovely. Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, and birds are chirping. Time to break out the sun dresses and capris right?? Wrong. The universe has decided that after three straight days of >60 degree weather, we shall now have a sudden drop in temperature and a winter storm warning. Fan-freakin-tastic.
In other news...this has been a very busy week for Mr. Chase. He's gotten his second tooth, has progressed to being a master crawler, he can raise himself up to a kneeling position which he finds handy for digging through his toy basket, and he took five steps today with mommy holding his hands. Everyday is a new adventure with this one. In honor of the speed of change, I present to you a baker's dozen list of things that I enjoy about Chase.

1. The way he laughs uncontrollably at his father's antics
2. The faces he makes when he takes a bite of something he doesn't like
3. How he buries his face in my shoulder when he's shy around strangers
4. How cute he looks from behind in his overalls
5. Babbling duels
6. His helping mommy read the stories by turning the pages
7. The fascination he has for water bottles
8. The evil little smile he gets when he's caught playing with the TV receiver
9. How he talks incessantly and tries to grab the phone when I am talking on it
10. The way he lounges in the stroller with his feet up on bar like he's mister coolness
11. His smile when I give him his blankie for naptime (even though it's often followed by screams)
12. The way he flails his arms all around when he's excited
13. When he grabs my face and gives me kisses

See, told you he looked cute in his overalls.

Random Bear Photos

Here are a couple pictures of Chase playing with the bear that MomMom and PopPop sent him for Valentine's day. When you squeeze him, his cheeks light up and he talks to you. Chase enjoys chewing on his feet and attempting to smother him.

Pop Quiz

Today's tummy ache was caused by:

a: an unpleasant case of rotovirus
b: an ulcer
c: ingestion of an obscene amount of cocoa pebbles
d: an alien baby growing in my tummy
e. all of the above

Quick--what's your answer?? Don't choke now!


ETA: No mom, I'm not preggo. The correct answer is C.

Giving the masses their bargain fix

For all of you out there who have been dying for another dose of MellonBargains, I give to you the following:


8 boxes cereal (Multi Grain Cheerios and Smart Start Cinnamon and Raisin)
2 bags Success Brown Rice (Yum-o!)
2 containers cat food (for the momma--I don't have cats)
1 egg coloring kit (for the noodle...ok for me)

Original price: $44.62
Mellon paid: $13.40

That should hold you over for a couple weeks, don't you think??

Firsts

This weekend has seen a few firsts for the little munchkin. The first momentous occasion of the weekend was that Chase had to have his poop-filled diaper changed in a restaurant bathroom. Yep, stinky la pew boy let one loose in Texas Roadhouse. Lucky for me, Auntie Nicole was there and willing to help Mommy change the little stink bomb. Good thing too, since he ruined his pants, was twisting like a flag in the wind, and was sharing his trademarked scream of death with the entire restaurant. Oh yea and did I mention that I got a little poop smear on the sleeve of my shirt?? Good times, good times.

On to our next noteworthy happening. Saturday, the family took a walk to the park by the community pool. Once we were there, we plopped Noodle into the baby swing for his very first big boy swing experience. I was more excited about it than he was. He just slouched down in the seat and looked at us as if to say, "Now what?". 5 minutes later, we headed home--but not before I went down the slide for old times sake. I am such a child.

The walk in the stroller was more enthralling for him than the swing. He had belt buckles to play with and elementary aged kids to make faces at. One of those lovely tots tried to pretend that Iverson bit him by yelling "Ouch" when he reached down to pet him. Bratty boy. Obviously this was way more exciting than a little ride in a swing.

The last major event of the weekend was Chase's first bath in the big tub without using the baby tub. This trial went way better than the swing. While he was a bit nervous at first as demonstrated by his peeing all over mommy while waiting for the tub to fill, it wasn't long before he reached his happy place. Chase loved playing with his toys in the big boy bath, and according to Andy, he completely cracked himself up splashing around. This is a major relief as recent bath times have been nothing but giant scream fests.

So that's our weekend in a nutshell: poop, parks and pee.