Mr Independent

Adam has started brushing his hair, and ours, which is more like banging the brush on the back of the head. He also loves to help me unload the dishwasher onto the floor where he will play with a spoon and bowl, pretending or eat (or sending me a hint). Recently I've been giving him some utensils along with meals and this is what usually happens...

Careful attention to scooping precious food.

Hmm, tastes good (my favorite black bean puree)
Ok, that worked, but let me try my hands for greater mass movement.
Oh much better.

But what if I cut out the middle man and went straight to the source?Now we're talking.

Had it right the first time.

Now I'll toss these useless utensils to the side and stick with what I know.

Victory.

Full Belly.

Now YOU get to clean me (and the floor) up. Good luck!

Happy Birthday Gigi!

Big Boys Don't Cry

Unless you mess with their snuggly bear or givem' their 1 year shots.

And this is a BIG BOY!

(mean Mommy...I attempted to take away snuggly bear to get a better shot of his copious amounts of chubb)

I hate going to the doctors office. 2 hours of attempting to keep my 28 pound (96%) 1 year old from diving head first onto the germy linoleum. Then holding down this 32 inch (96%) now toddler (who still doesn't walk...mixed blessing) while he received 4 shots into his thunder thighs.

Even though I knew I could wash it, I just couldn't bring myself to take snuggly bear along for he trip. I've mentioned her in previous posts but I don't think I adequately painted a picture for you of the intense attachment that my little man has for this thing.

Meet the thing we refer to as Snuggly Bear, which is actually Dottie the Cat, a pink stuffed cat head attached to a pink pocka dot blanket made by Gund at the turn of the century. It was originally given to Shannon, but when Adam was a baby and would only go to bed if he was holding your finger, I threw this toy in his crib one night out of desperation.

Mercifully, he went to sleep, but I thought nothing of the possibilities for the future of this toy because Shannon has only been moderately attached to various items and only for short amounts of time. Continuing on with his pattern of being the yin to Shannon's yang, Adam will pull it out of his crib (between the bars), then tote it around in his mouth. He often "kisses" it, or bites it when he's excited or feeling affection it (he does the same to me).
I've scoured the Internet looking for another Dottie, only to learn it has been discontinued and the sole human selling it wants 40$ for it. Sorry little dude, if you lose this thing, you're going to have to learn one of life's hard lessons early = supply and demand. I've attempted to slide in a very nice, gender neutral, snuggly bear from Target, but he wants nothing to do with it.

The best laid plans...

How does that saying go?


It was to be a wonderful week...Shannon was trilled to be starting school again and I had a list a mile long of things I was to get done while she was away learning and Adam was taking his morning nap. Monday morning was a reminder that all was not a yellow brick road as I scooted Shannon from getting dressed to eating, reminding her that it wasn't summer anymore and that we had to move it, or be spit spot (her words, not her actions). Managed to snap a few photos and it was off to school and Adams' 1 year check up (progress report to follow this week).Cute hair, huh? What I HAD accomplished before the comb "attacked her" and cause the previous post.Tuesday...off to school, spit spot. Just as I was baking banana bread and chatting with my sister about her crashed computer, I get a call from the preschool letting me know that Shannon has a fever and is wrapped up in a blanket in the principles office. But I was being so productive...guess I'll have to cancel grocery shopping and that trip to Hobby Lobby for fear of Shannon blowing chunks in the fabric department.

Next two days spent with this bundle of joy.Talk to the hand. Can't believe we already have a 50% absentee record. Not quite the week I had hoped for, but tomorrow is a new day and the world is my oyster. For my sanity, I've gotta get out more this week and based on my calendar, I shouldn't have any problems filling that need.

Portrait of Vanity

Yes, Shannon has shown us that too many hours in front of the mirror can be counterproductive.Earlier I had spent a fair amount of time doing her hair in this cute twist/french braid. It was now quiet time and she was suppose to be sleeping. All my efforts were for not when she came out looking like this after having done heaven knows what to her hair, which resulted in something that reminded me of a cube puzzle. After a lengthy period of time I told her she'd have to sleep on it and we'd try again later or cut it off. I let her sweat over the possibilities for a while.After a brief nap we got right back to work. A phrase my mom would say whenever she curled my hair kept replaying in my mind, "It hurts to be beautiful." I might have even said it to Shannon at some point, but I've blocked those hours from my memory.

This small crisis has a happy ending. I'd like to think it was my cunning problem solving skill that helped me to visualize a way out of this labyrinth of tangles, but really, it was luck and probably a silent prayer or two from Shannon that she would have to have her hair chopped and look like a boy.

When the livin' is easy

Although Shannon can't wait to return to school, I'd like to think she's had some fun this summer.

Eating S'mores. This summer the Hodgens' have identified 3 forms of S'mores. 1) Roasted, or the origionals as we call them. 2) Microwave, aka suburbs, and 3) S'more poptarts, aka city slickers. We have sampled all 3 and you can't beat the origional, but the others will do in a pinch.

Home improvement. Shannon's been a wonderful assistant, helping me give some old furniture a "couture" look.Swimming. Thank heavens our subdivision has a pool. Although its a mini production to get the kids there by myself, both kids now have a farmers tan as a result of their surfer bathing suits. It's so much easier than worrying about their shoulders and backs burning. Adam's arm rolls have a lovely white crease that draws attention from the ladies.I should have known that goggles would get Shannon to finally put her face in the water. She's amazed that there's a whole new world under the surface.Adam's not too impressed with the pool. Probably the frustration of , "Oh, whats that?" followed by a face plant into the water. He repeats it until he cries and we go home.Zoo. Acting like a flamingo at the zoo passes the hot summer days.Dance Class. Our talented friend, Sherilyn teaches a dance class once a week for the girls. Shannon then talks about it for the next 6 days.

I think I see a hint of potential. Or maybe I'm just a proud Mama.

She defiantly has my feet. Chillin' like a villain. Oh, the outfits that Shannon comes up with. AH! I need to beat some style into this girl. She's not lacking in the attitude division.
These sunglasses were a gift from the Jonas Brothers, whom she has no clue who they are mercifully.

Until Next Year...Au Revoir Summer.

Adam's Cake Demolition

My baby didn't disappoint!

Carefully watch the phases he goes through..

What is this?

Can I touch it?

What do I do with it?

How can I eat it in faster!
Completely worth the minute of your life.

Who needs a dog?

When you have an ADAM?

He...

Gets into your garbage
Spreading it about in a careless fashion
Eating any leftovers without any thoughts of the consequences of bacteria or mold...

Or that frosting is not compatible with the osmolarity of the eye.

Eats ice cream from your cone, even if it's bad for him
Then licks any remains from his face, or yours


Steals food from your plate with no hint of remorse.


Walks on all 4s, gives you slobbery kisses, and plays in the toilet (I haven't been able to get a pic because I can't stand the sight long enough to grab the camera)


And gives you 100% love and devotion.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY ADAM!