Biggs...with all he requires for personal happiness... 
Frothy cold one.Hot blonde.
Afternoon uninterrupted snooze.
Somewhere, his dad is crippled with jealousy.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Happiness in a Nutshell
Hot blonde.
Afternoon uninterrupted snooze.
Somewhere, his dad is crippled with jealousy.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Occupational Therapy Gone Wild
Someone has been using her fine motor skills for evil.
Someone's been grounded from Facebook and email privileges.
So, if you were expecting a response or status update from Pudge, it'll be awhile.
Someone's been grounded from Facebook and email privileges.
So, if you were expecting a response or status update from Pudge, it'll be awhile.
Friday, April 27, 2012
iPhone Friday: Planking
Today's iPhone photo comes from Uncle Joshua.
He hung out with the squibs one morning this week while I was at class and Justin was away on business.
I'm not sure what was happening here.
I only know that I came home to freshly baked peanut butter cookies and a little girl whose mouth was covered in grins and M&M's.
Pretty sure she's saving up for an "I Love Uncle Joshua" tattoo.
If you tasted those cookies, you'd understand her ink job would be totally justified.
Thanks for the visit, Uncle Joshua! Hope we can see you again, soon!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Potty Training Saboteur
We're continuing to work on potty training with Pudge, but we have more obstacles in our way than Pudge's power over her own bladder.
One very REAL obstacle.
One very Bigg obstacle.
When placing Biggs in the care or company of others, I will immediately inform them that Biggs is very, very strong.
Usually, they think I mean "strong for a child with Down syndrome".
I do not.
I mean "strong for a typical two-year-old human being."
Often I say, "Biggs is very, very strong" and they hear "He doesn't need help walking or need to be coddled."
What I mean for them to hear is, "Protect yourself and the items and people you love. Biggs can destroy them all in under a minute".
Case in point.
The following carnage occurred during Pudge's latest two minute trip to the restroom.
That would be the lower rack of my dishwasher you're viewing.
Yes, Biggie pulled the rack out of the dishwasher.
Yes, it was full of dishes at the time.
No, I was not personally strong enough to return the rack to the dishwasher without removing dishes first.
Impressed that the dishes were kept in their original locations?
Don't be.
Biggie had plans for one of my Corelle dinner plates.
You know...the unbreakable ones.
Corelle, meet the Biggs. That destruction didn't leave any shard wider than a #2 pencil.
And I'd love to say that, when caught in the crime, he's riddled with guilt and regret.
But apparently the "seek and destroy" part of his brain has overtaken the "experience remorse in front of your mother, even if you have to fake it because it might just save your life" part of his brain.
As I was cleaning up ceramic shrapnel, Pudge wet her underpants.
So she took them off.
And put on a dry pair of pull ups.
And went about her day.
I think she senses I may be approachable for negotiating what "potty trained" looks like in this house.
She might be on to something.
You're killin' me, Biggs. Killin' me.
One very REAL obstacle.
One very Bigg obstacle.
When placing Biggs in the care or company of others, I will immediately inform them that Biggs is very, very strong.
Usually, they think I mean "strong for a child with Down syndrome".
I do not.
I mean "strong for a typical two-year-old human being."
Often I say, "Biggs is very, very strong" and they hear "He doesn't need help walking or need to be coddled."
What I mean for them to hear is, "Protect yourself and the items and people you love. Biggs can destroy them all in under a minute".
Case in point.
The following carnage occurred during Pudge's latest two minute trip to the restroom.
Yes, Biggie pulled the rack out of the dishwasher.
Yes, it was full of dishes at the time.
No, I was not personally strong enough to return the rack to the dishwasher without removing dishes first.
Impressed that the dishes were kept in their original locations?
Don't be.
Biggie had plans for one of my Corelle dinner plates.
You know...the unbreakable ones.
Corelle, meet the Biggs. That destruction didn't leave any shard wider than a #2 pencil.
And I'd love to say that, when caught in the crime, he's riddled with guilt and regret.
But apparently the "seek and destroy" part of his brain has overtaken the "experience remorse in front of your mother, even if you have to fake it because it might just save your life" part of his brain.
As I was cleaning up ceramic shrapnel, Pudge wet her underpants.
So she took them off.
And put on a dry pair of pull ups.
And went about her day.
I think she senses I may be approachable for negotiating what "potty trained" looks like in this house.
She might be on to something.
You're killin' me, Biggs. Killin' me.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
A Pregnancy Post
I don't plan on too many uterus-focused blog posts.
But our email inbox seems to suggest that curiosity abounds regarding the upcoming addition, so we'll satiate you with a few more details.
This is the squish.
We're in the second trimester and have an October 27th due date.
That puts the "at full term" date five days after Biggie's birthday and five days before Pudge's. Nice even split, if we do say so ourselves.
How am I feeling?
Pretty darn tired. And Justin would say moody if he was out of reach of my fists. I'm also feeling carsick about 23 1/2 hours of the day, but I have a couple prescriptions helping out with that.
Gender Preferences/Hopes?
Our biggest hope is for a healthy, perfectly-put-together baby. We feel like gluttons praying for it, since we already have two that fit that description right now, but we're shooting the moon and hoping for a third. As for genitals, I haven't a preference but with the track record on Justin's side, we're banking on blue and feel pretty confident Pudge will maintain her post as resident Princess.
Weight gain?
Ummm. None of your business. Same answer for those photographs-from-the-side expecting moms take of themselves. You know who does that? People who look cute when they're pregnant. I am NOT one of those. I wasn't showing you close ups of my stomach beforehand, I am certainly not going to begin now. Just picture an unusually haggard-looking woman slowly descending into obesity who is wearing ill-fitting pants and decidedly NOT glowing. That will be accurate image enough.
Cravings?
Sleep is my #1 craving right now. I haven't actually experienced "hunger" in about 9 weeks but I am going through pears, sauerkraut, watermelon, and tangerine grapefruit juice at an alarming rate. Oh, and I will confess to eating more Whatchamacallit candy bars in the last week than I have in the last year.
Pregnancy Quirks?
My sister and I have goofy blood that doesn't carry folic acid and likes to clot way more than it should.
It means pregnancies come with supplements and anticoagulants and lots of blood monitoring. I did abdominal injections with my last pregnancy but my perinatologist okayed starting this one out with an aspirin regimen and working up to injected anticoagulants as I need to, based on blood work. It will be a trick to make it full term without complications, but I feel like we're informed on what the situation is and have lots of big-brained people advising us along the way.
Poor Pudge and Biggs.
Pudge is the most excited sibling regarding the upcoming baby. (To be honest, this is because there's been some miscommunication and she's under the impression we will be kidnapping her buddy Eli's new baby brother at some point in the future). I do hope the enthusiasm continues, since Pudge is going to feel her little buns pushed toward Big Girldom a bit faster than they otherwise may have been. The thought of three cribs and three in diapers gives our home an "overcrowded foreign orphanage" feel I'd rather not embrace, so she's got a productive summer ahead. Her communication skills are blossoming lately and she's gaining confidence in taking the initiative to communicate her needs (via signing) so I know she'll rise to the challenge.
There is, without question, a dark day looming for "baby" Biggs, but ultimately we're doing the kid a huge favor. People don't anticipate Biggie's highly dramatic, tantrum-throwing behavior thanks to Down syndrome stereotyping and his sister's perpetual sunshine. So, we're making him a middle kid in the hopes that birth order can be blamed for what has eluded explanation up until now.
Thanks so much for the many congratulations and the enthusiasm you've shown for our newest recruit. I am learning there's a natural order to things and there may be a reason a sane person doesn't experience their first pregnancy with two toddlers in the house while attending grad school, but so far we're surviving. We'll keep you posted on our progress and look forward to celebrating with you in the fall!
But our email inbox seems to suggest that curiosity abounds regarding the upcoming addition, so we'll satiate you with a few more details.
This is the squish.
That puts the "at full term" date five days after Biggie's birthday and five days before Pudge's. Nice even split, if we do say so ourselves.
How am I feeling?
Pretty darn tired. And Justin would say moody if he was out of reach of my fists. I'm also feeling carsick about 23 1/2 hours of the day, but I have a couple prescriptions helping out with that.
Gender Preferences/Hopes?
Our biggest hope is for a healthy, perfectly-put-together baby. We feel like gluttons praying for it, since we already have two that fit that description right now, but we're shooting the moon and hoping for a third. As for genitals, I haven't a preference but with the track record on Justin's side, we're banking on blue and feel pretty confident Pudge will maintain her post as resident Princess.
Weight gain?
Ummm. None of your business. Same answer for those photographs-from-the-side expecting moms take of themselves. You know who does that? People who look cute when they're pregnant. I am NOT one of those. I wasn't showing you close ups of my stomach beforehand, I am certainly not going to begin now. Just picture an unusually haggard-looking woman slowly descending into obesity who is wearing ill-fitting pants and decidedly NOT glowing. That will be accurate image enough.
Cravings?
Sleep is my #1 craving right now. I haven't actually experienced "hunger" in about 9 weeks but I am going through pears, sauerkraut, watermelon, and tangerine grapefruit juice at an alarming rate. Oh, and I will confess to eating more Whatchamacallit candy bars in the last week than I have in the last year.
Pregnancy Quirks?
My sister and I have goofy blood that doesn't carry folic acid and likes to clot way more than it should.
It means pregnancies come with supplements and anticoagulants and lots of blood monitoring. I did abdominal injections with my last pregnancy but my perinatologist okayed starting this one out with an aspirin regimen and working up to injected anticoagulants as I need to, based on blood work. It will be a trick to make it full term without complications, but I feel like we're informed on what the situation is and have lots of big-brained people advising us along the way.
Poor Pudge and Biggs.
Pudge is the most excited sibling regarding the upcoming baby. (To be honest, this is because there's been some miscommunication and she's under the impression we will be kidnapping her buddy Eli's new baby brother at some point in the future). I do hope the enthusiasm continues, since Pudge is going to feel her little buns pushed toward Big Girldom a bit faster than they otherwise may have been. The thought of three cribs and three in diapers gives our home an "overcrowded foreign orphanage" feel I'd rather not embrace, so she's got a productive summer ahead. Her communication skills are blossoming lately and she's gaining confidence in taking the initiative to communicate her needs (via signing) so I know she'll rise to the challenge.
There is, without question, a dark day looming for "baby" Biggs, but ultimately we're doing the kid a huge favor. People don't anticipate Biggie's highly dramatic, tantrum-throwing behavior thanks to Down syndrome stereotyping and his sister's perpetual sunshine. So, we're making him a middle kid in the hopes that birth order can be blamed for what has eluded explanation up until now.
Thanks so much for the many congratulations and the enthusiasm you've shown for our newest recruit. I am learning there's a natural order to things and there may be a reason a sane person doesn't experience their first pregnancy with two toddlers in the house while attending grad school, but so far we're surviving. We'll keep you posted on our progress and look forward to celebrating with you in the fall!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Quality Time with Daddy
Saturday morning time with Dad.
Heartwarming, isn't it?
(Editor's Note: Rest assured, no naps were interrupted in the creation of this post.)
Saturday morning squibs.
Everyone should have a set.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
For Another Squib Fix
You're welcome to click the photo below to visit another, less-often-updated blog based largely on the squibs.
It's primarily quotes and photos, but hopefully it will tide you over until I can start updating this blog as regularly as I'd like...
It's primarily quotes and photos, but hopefully it will tide you over until I can start updating this blog as regularly as I'd like...
Monday, April 16, 2012
Why God Made Towels
Because in His infinite wisdom, he completely understood...
...sometimes an inch of water on the bathroom floor is absolutely worth it.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Where's the BIGGS?
The blog's been a bit Pudge-centric lately.
The reason is easily explained, really.
When I need a picture for the blog, I tell Pudge and she gives me this.
When I need a picture for the blog, I tell Biggs and he gives me this.
And this.
So, rest assured.
He's around.
ALL around.
And if the blog included a "squib sounds" audio feature, rest assured the crashing, falling, breaking, shattering and thumping that is the constant soundtrack in this house would be 98% Biggs-produced.
The reason is easily explained, really.
When I need a picture for the blog, I tell Pudge and she gives me this.
When I need a picture for the blog, I tell Biggs and he gives me this.
And this.
And this.
So, rest assured.
He's around.
ALL around.
And if the blog included a "squib sounds" audio feature, rest assured the crashing, falling, breaking, shattering and thumping that is the constant soundtrack in this house would be 98% Biggs-produced.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Big Girl Quilt
In our family, whenever it's time for a grandsquib to transition into a big bed, Grandma Janet marks the occasion with a handmade quilt.
Over the weekend, Pudge received the quilt Grandma Janet designed and created just for her.
(Luckily for Pudge, Grandma Janet requires no proof that the transition to big girldom has successfully occurred...only that the furniture be purchased...)
The quilt in the picture is NOT Pudge's actual quilt.
This is what spoiled looks like folks.
This quilt is the identical, smaller quilt Grandma Janet created for LC's babies.
Pudge's quilt is full sized and fabulous and I refuse to allow her to touch it.
Yet.
But she's quite aware of how special her new blanket is and it's been a source of great preoccupation today.
Pudge loves to study them.
Yes sirree.
Big girldom certainly has its perks.
Thank you, thank you, Grandma Janet.
What a lucky squib LC is to fall asleep wrapped up in such love and talent.
Over the weekend, Pudge received the quilt Grandma Janet designed and created just for her.
(Luckily for Pudge, Grandma Janet requires no proof that the transition to big girldom has successfully occurred...only that the furniture be purchased...)
This is what spoiled looks like folks.
This quilt is the identical, smaller quilt Grandma Janet created for LC's babies.
Pudge's quilt is full sized and fabulous and I refuse to allow her to touch it.
Yet.
But she's quite aware of how special her new blanket is and it's been a source of great preoccupation today.
Rightfully so.
It's made from oodles of delicious 1930's inspired prints.
And the back is covered in lovely ladies and one of LC's middle names.
Pudge loves to study them.
Yes sirree.
Big girldom certainly has its perks.
Thank you, thank you, Grandma Janet.
What a lucky squib LC is to fall asleep wrapped up in such love and talent.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
iPhone Friday: We Love Nana
This week I've been working in a local special education classroom for one of my grad courses.
Nana traded a Spring Break from teaching first graders to a Spring Break of wrangling squibs.
They were both devastated to learn Nana's stay was a temporary one.
Come again soon, Nana. We miss you already.
Nana traded a Spring Break from teaching first graders to a Spring Break of wrangling squibs.
They were both devastated to learn Nana's stay was a temporary one.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Something Only a Mother Could Love
Jace willingly eating?
Now that's something.
Jace putting the food into his OWN mouth?
That kind of crazy is usually reserved only for Chee-tos and toilet paper.
Jace using a UTENSIL to put FOOD into his OWN mouth?
Shut. Up.
Biggie, you are BIG TIME.
So proud of you and the munchin' you do.
Now that's something.
Jace putting the food into his OWN mouth?
That kind of crazy is usually reserved only for Chee-tos and toilet paper.
Jace using a UTENSIL to put FOOD into his OWN mouth?
Shut. Up.
Biggie, you are BIG TIME.
So proud of you and the munchin' you do.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Stupid Swimsuit Season
I was overly optimistic in my purchase of this season's bikini for Pudge.
These buns have been around for 42 months, but they've yet to fill out a size 24 month suit.
Sorry, Pudge.
I know a good bikini is supposed to employ a little cleavage, but I'm afraid your's is misplaced.
Back to the drawing board...
These buns have been around for 42 months, but they've yet to fill out a size 24 month suit.
Sorry, Pudge.
I know a good bikini is supposed to employ a little cleavage, but I'm afraid your's is misplaced.
Back to the drawing board...
Seven Years Ago Today
I said the best "yes" I've uttered, to date.
Happy day to my favorite April Fool.
xoxoxo...ch
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