My Little Llamas

We are big fans of Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama books. When Matthew was nine-months-old he screamed in delight each time I turned the pages to Llama Llama Red Pajama. We took that book with us everywhere. Then one day Grandma saw a second Llama Llama book came out and picked us up a copy. This time Llama Llama was Mad at Mama. Countless times I have quoted the books to him, “I think shopping’s boring too- but at least I’m here with you” Or, “Mama Llama’s always near, even if she’s not right here.” We now own five Llama Llama books and each one is a perfect read for one occasion or another.

Recently we’ve been curling up to read Llama Llama home with Mama, because it seems that at least one of us has had a cold these past three weeks. Some of the pages from our old favorites are torn and taped back together from when Matthew was first learning how to turn book pages. Now he gently scolds Sammy to be careful with these same books when she tries to turn the pages. I wonder if she will one day call them Yaya Yaya books like Matthew did when he was leaning to talk

Pizza Time

Matthew had a pizza making party with friends this weekend. That is one way to bust winter boredom!

Finger Painting Friday

Months ago I picked up this book at a library sale and tucked it away for the middle of winter.  Finger painting with a book feels more official somehow. 

The Whole Nine Yarns

Yesterday we spent a lot of time waiting. Waiting in the exam room for the doctor. Waiting at stop lights on the way to the doctor and then on the way to the pharmacy. Waiting for the pharmacist to fill their prescriptions. With all the waiting, and three ear infections between the two of them, I thought they deserved a toy from the dollar store by the pharmacy.

I read somewhere once that yarn makes a fun toy for babies (under close supervision). I picked out a bright blue ball of yarn for Sammy. When we got home she pulled, tasted, and rolled the ball of yarn for a long time.

Matthew unwound and cut some yarn from the ball to make police scene lines and spider webs. When it was time to clean up we kept the yarn to play with another day. Sometimes the best toys are ones that are not very expensive.      

January Mattisms

Open the gate (his hands) Pick a flower (invisible) That is how many boyfriends you have (65!)

Is Joe MontTim still on the 49ers?

Me: What is your favorite color? Matthew:  Invisible red.  

This book is for ages 50 and up (A book that advertises  50+ crafts). 

What? I can't hear you, I have an ear infection, remember? 

She is such a slime monster!(About Sam)

I am going to go change into some sport clothes. I need armor.

 Are you my wife? (To Grammy)

She likes fruits, vegetables, and, um, bacon (About Sam)

This is like Iceland! (His school parking lot)

Game Face

Bob and I have not been on a date in awhile so Grammy watched the kids while we went out to dinner and a movie on Friday night. Dinner was enjoyable, not a chocolate milk or crayon in sight, and we talked about television shows mostly having to do with SNL alumni instead of Power Rangers Samurai. Then as we were paying the bill it hit Bob. Something he ate had made him sick. He was willing to put his ashen game face on and continue with our date but instead we went to the pharmacy to get some medicine and then to home. 

“Why are you home?” Matthew demanded as soon as we came through the door. Bob dashed off to the bathroom while I faced the angry preschooler. He was furious that we interrupted his Grammy time, which in turn made me furious and I sent him to bed. Some might say I was being a cotton headed ninny muggings. 

At least Sammy was pleased to see me and once things calmed down I gave her a bath. Her happy face full of soapy bubbles and legs kicking in the water did not fail to cheer me up. Matthew, who was supposed to be sleeping, came out of his room with a picture he drew for me of us playing hockey together. I hung it on the kitchen cabinet so that it will always remind me to put on my own game face at times of feeling unappreciated. 

By the time Sunday came Bob was back to his old self and we had tickets to the AFC Championship game.  Matthew could hardly sleep the night before because he was so excited that he was getting to go to Grandma and Papa’s house. They have Legos and a pirate ship! 

After dropping off the kids we arrived to the stadium at 1:30. The game came down to the wire and the Patriots won it due to a bad kick from the other team. The fans, including us, went crazy! It was such an incredible game to have gone to. 

We wished the kids had been old enough to come with us but they seemed to have had as much fun as we did. After we picked them up and were driving away Matthew began to cry because he just had to tell Grandma one more thing.

1st Sled Ride