The Armadillo Tales

The Saga Continues

My quest for a somewhat stress-free departure continues.    We headed for the gym this morning to meet my mama friend and her little boy.   Originally we were going to workout but my little sumo baby had and still has a slightly elevated fever.   So my mama friend and I decided to hang out at the cafe in front and bring the sumo baby with me rather than leave him at Kids World (as they now call it, rather than Club Kid).  My mama friend would leave her 21 month old boy at Kids World as well along with the armadillo.

Unfortunately I think the armadillo is getting the wiser with this drop off and leave situation at Kids World.   As this time he didn't make it easy for me to leave.   My mama friend leaves her boy in the toddler area, whereas I used to leave the armadillo in the preschool area.   Not realizing that maybe the armadillo should be in the toddler area, I decided to leave him there as well.   Well at first the armadillo was very excited.  There were new toys and new play structures, who wouldn't be excited.   But as the minutes wore on the armadillo started to get a sense of what was going on.   When my mama friend said her quick goodbyes and I was doing the same, a light bulb went off in the armadillo's head.    "Outside mama ... outside mama".   He was following me to leave and wanting to go outside.  Now I'm not sure if he meant that he wanted to go to the play area that he went to before or if he just wanted to follow me outside.   Either way I had to have the armadillo stay in that area.    When I told the armadillo that he had to stay there but that mama would be back in a little while, the tears came.   The armadillo had his arms outstretched just begging me to pick him up.   Inside I was bawling but I had to pull it together on the outside.  I knew if he just sensed a slight weakness he would take advantage of it.     I reasoned that my little boy had the instincts of a bear ... a whiff of fear from his prey (me!) and the armadillo would pounce!    I held steadfast determined not to pick him up.   I tried to coax him to the play structures and toys but he wasn't having any part of it.   My mama friend already said her goodbyes so she was watching the sumo baby for me.  Her little boy was busy playing with the toys while mine was not wanting to let go.   Granted her little boy has been going there for about 6 months so he has somewhat of an advantage.   But getting back to the armadillo, he didn't want me to go.   Then a friendly staff girl came to cajole the armadillo to a play area, away from me.   Sensing the opportunity, I said my goodbyes and quickly left the area, without looking back.

Oh how that tears me up inside.   But I knew it wasn't going to be easy.  I understood that he wasn't going to just adjust like that (snapping my fingers).    At the suggestion of my mama friend I asked the girl at the front to call that area to find out how the armadillo was doing.   This was about 5 minutes after we left.   She called and told me that he's still a bit disconcerted but that he was getting better.   With that bit of positive news we left and headed towards the cafe.   

In total we were gone for little over an hour.   In the middle of it we went to the monitor screen were we can see inside the Kids area and I saw the armadillo.   He was standing in one area appearing to watch some other kids eat.   I was told they offered him to eat his snacks that I brought but he refused.   I don't think he wanted to sit in the high chairs they had since he doesn't sit in one at home anymore. 

We arrived back to pick them up and the armadillo was so happy to see me.   He got excited and put his arms up and gave me a hug.   I asked him if he had fun and he said yes.   Not sure if actually understood but he was in good spirits.  Of course, true to armadillo's style as we were leaving he pointed to the high chairs and said "sit".   I told him that he could the next time but that we were going.  He said "ok".    The armadillo asked me for something to eat and I seriously believe that at that point he could have asked me for anything and I would have given it to him.    He doesn't hate me!  Whew!   I know it's silly but I can't help but think he would resent me for leaving him there.   It truly is amazing how much power a little 2 year old boy has over his 30-ish something mama.   

Free Crap

Yesterday we got a huge box with all sorts of free crap from Amazon Grocery.   The crap included a bag of chex mix in the turtle variety, oreo crisps, kashi cereal, yuban coffee, a mini-flashlight, progresso soup, annie's white cheddar macaroni & cheese, and so much more.   Wow, we must be special to receive that huge box or did everyone who have Amazon accounts get a box too?   

I was telling B-Dad this morning that all this was just a glorified advertising attempt from Amazon and the companies whose free products were included.   It probably cost these companies very little for this and they got maximum benefit from this shipping.   But hell I'm not complaining ... free crap is still free crap.

I Cut it Again ... A Little Deeper Than Last

I'm taking baby steps and as for me it's getting a little better.   I took the boys to the gym again and left them in the care of their ClubKid facility.   This time I actually worked out a little and sweated on an ellipsis machine.   I was still distracted thinking about the boys.   This time was a bit more difficult in leaving.  B-Dad met us there and walked into the ClubKid area with me.   BIG HUGE WHOPPING MISTAKE!    The armadillo, having not seen B-Dad all morning, didn't want B-Dad to leave the toddler area.   When I went yesterday I was able to say my quick parting and leave.  Today it was a tricky situation.   The armadillo would follow B-Dad out and started to get upset when B-Dad encouraged him to stay in the play area.    I told B-Dad to leave and I stayed with the armadillo a couple of minutes more.   Then I told him that mama was going to leave but that I would be back in a little while.   "No!" the armadillo protested.   Oh boy, what was I going to do?   I was already resigning myself to the fact that I was going to have to nix the workout but a friendly staff member came to my rescue.   She started talking to the armadillo and slightly distracted him.   She persuaded the armadillo to walk over to where the play trucks were and I was able to say my swift goodbyes and made my departure.   No crying, no tantrums, no clatter of little feet running behind me.   Whew!

B-0ad and I headed to the gym and at the same time I banned B-Dad from going to ClubKid with me.   We worked out, B-Dad headed back to work afterwards and I went to pick up the boys.   The sumo baby was up and playing on the floor with a staff member.  I left him sleeping in his car seat so I'm not sure how long he was sleeping for.   But he looked content and I proceeded in back to get the armadillo.   

My heart leapt when I saw him.   Even though we were separated for about 45 minutes, it was STILL 45 minutes.   I found the armadillo playing with the same plastic baby doll that I saw him with yesterday.   Except for the fact that the baby was naked.  Not sure if the armadillo did that or the baby was already exposed.   He didn't see me at first and I was able to watch him again for a minute.  The armadillo got one of the little chairs and put his baby on it.   Then he saw me and said, "Hi Mama ... Baby owie.".    He pointed at a red mark on the doll's leg and I was impressed that he noticed. 

"Armadillo are you ready to go?" ... "No" ... "It's time to go armadillo, we have to pick up your brother." ... "Kai?" ... "Yes Kai" ... "Are you ready to say bye-bye to the baby?" ... "No" ... "It's time to go armadillo" ... "Eat ..." ... "Do you want something to eat?" ... "Yes" ... "Okay let's go get Kai and then we'll get something to eat, okay?" ... "Byyyyyeeee"

It took a awhile and with the help of the armadillo we left the gym.  Thank goodness the armadillo is such a good helper and helped me carry his own bag.  Otherwise I would have to make 2 trips.   I'm just amazed at all of the crap I have to lug in with me for the boys.   I have to pack one bag for the sumo baby and one for the armadillo.    Now I'm thinking I should pack some lunch for the armadillo.   The ClubKid does have snack and meal times.   I do pack snacks for the armadillo but I should probably pack a lunch for him as well.   Since it seems I'll probably be working out during lunch time.   

My mornings are hectic ... packing food for the armadillo, packing the bottles for the sumo baby, packing diapers, packing a change of clothes, packing the ice packs in the food/juice/bottle bags, packing MY gym bag ... whew what a chore!

I Cut the Cord

Today was a big day for me.   Today was the first day I left the boys with a daycare facility.   B-Dad and I joined our local Club Sport gym this past weekend.    We were members previously but cancelled because of our lack of attendance.   Now that we have the boys, my main concern was Club Sport's ClubKid facility.   I have a mama friend who takes her son there while she works out.   She raves about the place and after seeing it this past weekend I can see why.   The ClubKid facility is a terrific large space with separated areas for children of certain ages.   

I left the sumo baby in the Baby Area.  I think it includes babies from 6 weeks of age up to when they are crawling.   The armadillo eagerly went to his toddler area, which had children up to age 5.   The sumo baby seem to adapt pretty well.   The staff member caring for the babies said that he did well while I was gone.   It seems the sumo baby got tired of the swing that I put him in when we first arrived so she was holding him.   She mentioned that he liked to be held and that she loved it when she touched his nose the sumo baby gave her a huge smile.   She gushed about how cute he is.   My inside voice uttered, "I know!".   

I then went to go pick up the armadillo and noticed him before he saw me.   He was carrying around a plastic baby doll.    The armadillo went over to one of the little chairs and sat down with the baby.   He just looked so friggin' adorable!    I watched him for about a minute and I felt a little twinge of sadness, just a little.   After seeing him play with the doll I wondered why he wasn't playing with any of the other kids there.  But then I looked around and saw that most of the children his age were playing on their own as well.   I guess it's normal at that age, but I couldn't help but wonder.   My armadillo is just so utterly delightful why wouldn't anyone want to play with him?!    I can't describe to you how blissful I felt when I saw him.   He saw me and with a smile said, "Hi Mama".   I gave him a kiss and a massive hug right there!   I know that I probably stood out when I did that.   "First timer ... I bet she's never left her kid before ... You know after awhile she'll forget about the kiss and hug .." ... are just a few comments I imagined the other staff members and parents may have said.   But I didn't care.    They're my babies and always will be my babies.

All in all both my boys came out of the experience with no harm done.   That means we'll be back and that also means mama can get her flabby carcass in shape.

I Want My Boys to Dress Like Tommy Lee

The local mall here sucks the big weiner.   I am a mama to 2 lovely little boys and I am limited to 4 at best, stores to shop for them.   There is Gymboree, Children's Place, the Gap, and sometimes Macy's.   But their selection is definitely not the greatest at times. Now I'm not a clothes snob or anything like that, but I don't really count Sears and JCPenny.   I like to buy hip and edgy clothing for my boys.   Therefore I'm starting to shy away from the Carters-esque designs which those stores heavily stock.   

I don't know why these big children's clothing/accessories retailers are unable to stock edgy clothing styles for boys.   I am so tired of the baseball, truck, dog, and dinosaur designs.   Why can't they offer clothing with skulls or Motley Crue prints?    Or some witty saying such as "Word to Big Bird".    I did manage to find some modish boys clothing from Old Navy.   Yes Old Navy.    They had fabulous onesies with sayings such as "Mommy is a Rock Star" and "Rock and Crawl".    Finally something with a bit of rebellion.   

Here's another one of those "If I had a million dollars to spend ..." scenarios.   I would open a trendy children's clothing and accessories store.    There would be equal clothing for boys and girls.  Well, maybe more boys than girls.  I'd also stock some fab stuff for mamas and mamas-to-be.   Speaking of, where are the diaper bags?   There are NO places in the mall to get some cool diaper bags.   Again, no offense to those of you that have those type of bags, but I'm just not into the "Pooh-ish" bags.   Sorry.   I just KNOW that there are mommies out there who think the way I do.   

If you are out there, let me know.   I think we should pool our disposable income together and open THE hip and stylish place for chic mamas to shop for their fashionable kids.    Ya with me?!

I Hate Wallpaper Paste

We started a few weeks ago feeding solids to the sumo baby and let me tell you ... he's not buying it.    The sumo baby fights tooth and nail not to let a single grain of this mushy cardboard crap in his mouth.    He hates rice cereal and he despises oatmeal.  Now we are on barley and it's getting a little better.   B-Dad feeds while I act as the distraction.    I would try to get him to smile and B-Dad would put the spoon in.   After a few minutes he clamped his lips shut.    It was as if the sumo baby was saying, "I'm not stupid ... I wasn't born yesterday."     I think his big brother was giving him pointers on how to avoid getting that yucky mush in his mouth.   Though the armadillo does get a kick out of watching his brother get fed.   He tries to help us by telling the sumo baby to open his mouth and go "Aaaaaaaahhhhh".    Needless to say the sumo baby doesn't fall for it.   

If I'm Tired, I'll Sleep

Why is it that when a baby is tired, instead of sleeping, he fusses and cries?   Then he fusses and cries.   Then he FUSSES and CRIES.    That is one of the many "Baby WTH?" adages that I'll never understand.   It is now 3:12pm PST and the armadillo has been sleeping for almost an hour.  I put him down for his afternoon nap around 2:00pm and I believe he fell asleep about 15 minutes later.    Luckily there was no ruckus and the armadillo fell asleep ... um gotta go ... the sumo baby is fussing very loudly ...

I'm back.    Want to know what happened?   Well it's 4:04pm ... the sumo baby is STILL up.  He will not fall asleep.    I tried swaying, rocking, even a bit of feeding but nada, nothing.   The sumo baby is dead set against sleeping.   Oh and in between then and now, he spit up twice.  The first was managable and the second was not.  I now have to wash our quilt due to the spit up that was seen from across the room.   Nice.   

Thus now the sumo baby and I are sitting on the bed.   I'm trying to tend to my relaxing activity of internet surfing and watching my TIVO recordings of Good Times.   To add to my not-so-very-relaxing afternoon, the armadillo has woken up, possibly due to the sumo baby's wailing.   I'm trusting that he'll fall back to catching some zzzz's.    It would be just my luck that the sumo baby will FINALLY start snoozing, just in time for me to get the armadillo from his afternoon nap.   

What happened today that I got this bad karma?  Did I step on an ant or something?

Weapons of Clothing Destruction

If I was given the choice would I want sumo baby's poopy diapers once a day or once every three days?   I would definitely choose the every day diaper.   The reason being is that I do not want to be around when the sumo baby's unloads his poopy bombes.   Oh are they destructive and I was fortunate enough to get two of them today.   

The sumo baby has not gone poopy for a few days now and just this morning I was wondering when he would unload.   Sigh, well he did it this morning.   He was kind enough to unleash his weapons when we were at the armadillo's Little Gym class, rather than at home.  Lucky me.    After I cleaned up the sumo baby, changed his clothes and diaper, the poor armadillo missed half of his class.   It's a good thing that I carry an extra change of clothes and that I had a blanket.  His WCD's landed on his shirt and spread onto the car seat pad as well.   

A couple hours later I hear him grunting and turning red in the stroller.   I'm thinking, "You can't be going again?!".   Sure enough, I reach to take him out of the car seat at home, and BAM!   WCD's hit again.    His victims were his second change of clothing and the blanket I put behind him in the car seat.   Fortunately we were at home so it was way easier to change him.    I am so thankful that we have our own washer and dryer.   I threw all of his WCD victims and other dirty clothes for a heavy wash.   I may have to run another cycle just to be sure.

At the armadillo's Little Gym class I saw my mommy friend and her new baby.    She just had her second boy a couple of weeks ago.   She looked fabulous as well as her little one.  Oh how I missed those days ... when the sumo baby was that small and slept and slept and slept.  How time flies. 

You could definitely tell that the armadillo missed seeing his best friend, who is the big brother of the little one.    The armadillo and his BFF were running around screaming when they saw each other in class.    It's funny to see how they remember each other and missed their playtime together.    I know the boys can't wait for all of us to get back in the groove again.   I feel the same way.

The Ruins Review

I finished this book last week and needless to say I was a bit disappointed.   After seeing the glowing review from author Stephen King I was very excited to get started reading the book.   If you are not familiar with this book here's a brief snopysis from Amazon.com:

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. At long last, Smith follows up his bestselling first novel, A Simple Plan (1993), the film of which received an Oscar nomination for best screenplay, with a stunning horror thriller. Four American friends on vacation in Cancún, Mexico—Jeff, Amy, Eric and Stacy—meet a German tourist, Mathias, who persuades them to join his hunt for his younger brother, Henrich, last seen headed off with a new girlfriend toward some ruins. The four soon regret their impulsive decision after they find themselves lost in the jungle and freaked out by signs that they're headed for danger. Smith builds suspense through the slow accretion of telling details, until a deadly menace starts taking its toll, leaving the survivors increasingly at each other's throats. While admirers of such classic genre writers as John Wyndham or Algernon Blackwood may find the horror less suggestive than they might wish, the eerie atmosphere and compelling plot should appeal to fans of ABC's hit TV series Lost, who will help propel this page-turner up bestseller lists. Ben Stiller's production company has bought film rights. 100,000 first printing. (July)

Even with the mention of one of my favorite shows, Lost, I thought for sure this book would be great.   Ah but it was not.   The concept was good but it was too drawn out for me.  I thought this book could have been written in 100 pages, not the 336 pages the story is laid out on.     I also found some of the characters were irritating and there were some holes in the story that I was waiting for it to eventually be filled.  Even though I was a bit disillusioned by this book I'm still curious to read Scott Smith's first book, A Simple Plan.   That book also received glowing reviews from author Stephen King.   Normally a writer's first book is the best.   But getting back to The Ruins, I sure hope the movie is better than the book.

Clay Baby "I'm Right Here Waiting" For Your Next CD

I'm not ashamed in saying so, I am a huge Clay Aiken fan and baby, he's coming back!   Set to be released on September 19th, Clay will be releasing his third album, titled A Thousand Different Ways.    This album features 10 cover songs and 4 new songs.    I'm not sure about his new look but it doesn't affect whether or not I'll buy his CD.   I love his voice and miss hearing him sing.   Maybe he'll swing by the Bay Area on an upcoming tour and we'll get to see him perform live.   That would be fabulous!