Rocks in MY Dryer

It's official...Chloe IS a toddler through and through. I washed her clothes last night and heard the worst racket coming from the washer. Inside the pockets of her clothing she had stashed - a book (still a mystery as to where that was hiding & how it got in the washer), a stretchy frog she received at a birthday party, my old cell phone she carries around in a pocket (its no stranger to the washer - it died because it was accidentally washed before), and 7 rocks. I didn't get all the rocks out of the washer and only discovered the others when they were in the dryer.

So, from now on I will have to begin the pocket search through Chloe's clothes before washing.

Plumb Tired

I am worn out with our plumbing issues in our house. Back in February
we received a hefty bill to re-plumb our kitchen to prevent it from backing up. Well, while I was making dinner last night guess what our kitchen sink did again? It overflowed because it wasn't draining AGAIN!!

I immediately called our plumbers who came out early this morning. First thing they told me is that their work is covered for 30 days, since the work was completed in over 30 days ago, they would bill me again. I am usually an extremely passive person, but something inside me could not remain passive anymore. I flipped! I realize we have 80 year old pipes and you get problems more regularly. But, did I pay them a lot of money to tear out a wall and re-plumb my kitchen to avoid this very problem? After tinkering in the kitchen sink for an hour, I was told they were going to put in a call to the experts. EXPERTS--what are you? (I flipped again). After another hour, the expert showed up--Mr. Rooter. (Mr. Rooter is the expert?) I could feel a blood vessel in my head bulging and ready to snap.

Mr. Rooter, rooted around in the sink and after a few expletives told me this wasn't going to be easy. After an expletive back, "NO SH*@!", he set out to tell me that the blockage is somewhere deep in the pipe, somewhere in the basement. And, when our basement was finished, they covered the clean out drain and he has no idea where it is. Clean out drain!? I have an idea. Our plumbers (the non-experts) sheet-rocked over it when they "fixed" this problem the first time. So, out goes the wall, again. The expert keeps going up and down the basement stairs telling me "this is really a mystery! It would probably be easier if your basement weren't finished". Not the reassuring words I expect from "the expert".

If we weren't having to pay out the nose for all this work, I would just laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Well, the expert can laugh all the way to the bank as I just cut another check for an obscenely ridiculous amount. We are only missing half a wall in our basement now and it is still a mystery where our kitchen sink drains. The expert tried to reassure me with, "well, at least we know it drains to the main line. Don't worry too much, everything in your town is old. Everybody has problems like this." Somehow, that statement didn't help. I don't feel better knowing that all my neighbors have to add "plumbing" into their monthly expenses like we now do. All that statement told me is that plumbers make a killing in this area.

Chloe Potty Trains Mommy

Since this site is "All About Chloe" I must brag on our child to declare that she is out of pull-ups and into underwear! Yes, I can admit that I finally bit the bullet and admitted that it was I who was holding back my child's potty training success. Perhaps I wanted to hold on to the "infant" stage just a little longer or perhaps I am incredibly lazy and found running errands with a child in a pull-up was easier than leaving the shopping cart of groceries in the middle of the store to seek out the toilet. Perhaps it is a bit of both.

I am happy to say that I came to this realization this weekend after reading an article on potty training in "Toddler" magazine and after a conversation with Chloe that went something like this:

Chloe: "Mommy I am so proud of you!"
Me: "Why are you proud of me Chloe?"
Chloe: "Because you wear big girl panties and use the potty like Claire."

Claire is a 3-year old friend of Chloe's. Hmmm, I thought, she's ready, stop being a slack mom and put her in the underwear. So, Monday Chloe picked out a pair of panties and off we went. Only one accident while playing in the backyard. But, today was the true test. Tuesdays are busy in and out days for us. We have Mommy & Me and Pre-school.

I am slowly realizing that I can very easily become one of those helicopter mother's hovering above her child, the one's who worry about everything and fear their child cannot succeed without them butting into every aspect of their life. I know those mom's want the best for their child, and hey I want what's best for Chloe too. So, perhaps that is why I had the fear that she would have an accident in class today and be forever traumatized. I was simply neurotic in hovering above my child asking every 5 minutes, "Do you need to go potty?". Lucky for Chloe our Mommy & Me instructor had an intervention reassuring me that Chloe would be ok and to lighten up. She told me all kids have accidents, Chloe is not yet 3 and if she has an accident, oh well, she'll clean it up and we will change Chloe's pants. No big deal. And it wasn't a big deal to Chloe. I stopped bugging her and she did just fine. No accidents.

Just as we left Mommy & Me to go home and have lunch I realized that Chloe would be without me during pre-school. What would she do? Could she tell her teacher she had to go potty? Oh no! As the fear and worry began to possess me once again, I told myself to let it go and not to worry. Whatever happens would happen and it's not a big deal. So, I took Chloe to pre-school where she promptly entered and told her pal Claire that she was a big girl too. I guess her sense of being a big girl has also given her a new sense of empowerment as she also told a little boy in class that she didn't like him kissing her (I wish she would have also told him that her mom didn't like him wiping his boogers on her either). You go girl! After telling her teacher that she was in panties, I left only to return some two hours later eager to see if she was in the same pants. And you know what? She was!

So, I am making a vow to stop hovering and go with the flow (figuratively and perhaps literally).

Spring Has Sprung!!

Finally! I thought our winter coats would never be put away. Spring decided to make a glorious appearance this weekend and has decided to stay around. The sun is bright, the birds are chirping and the sounds of children playing in the yard can be heard all over.

Chloe is one of those kids out in the yard. The lid has come off the sand box and she is running throughout the backyard with Lizzie the dog. We took full advantage of the beautiful weather to clean up the yard on Saturday and then to enjoy Matt's Porsche autocross on Sunday. Chloe and I brought a picnic to the event and sat in the back of the SUV watching the cars. I got a little sun too!

Today promises to reach the high 80s so Chloe and I have been in the back yard once again. She has spent most of the morning chasing bugs. I have added a video of her, I thought it was cute even though she is getting a little grouchy because her nap time was approaching.

Sand Box

Sand Box, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

It's so beautiful out today and Chloe loves to play in her sand box.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

We All Scream for Ice Cream, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

This photo was taken Sunday after we returned from getting ice cream. Looks like Chloe enjoyed her chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.

HAZMAT suit needed

In the pre-Chloe days I was employed as a middle school history teacher. People would always bestow blessings on me when they learned my occupation and tell me what a "tough age" I taught. Well, I am here to say that I will gladly take a room of 30 8th graders over a room of 6 pre-schoolers any day!

Today was my day to be the co-oping mom at pre-school. This wasn't my first day in the classroom, it was just my first day as the co-oping parent during allergy season. I spent the majority of my time wiping runny noses or wiping the streaky snot off a three-year olds face or repeatedly saying, "don't pick your nose". And, I had boogers wiped on me 3 different times by the same child. I won't sit by him again during circle time and will carry a nose suction next time. I feel as though I am covered in mucus and serving as a petri dish for every known germ.

I co-op again in two weeks and am possibly considering a HAZMAT suit for the assignment. I say bless you to all the pre-school teachers out there, what a tough age!

One Year in the Garden State

Today marks one year that we have officially resided in the Garden State (our brief stay in the Jersey City Marriott certainly DOESN'T count).

Below are some highlights and accomplishments as residents of Jersey:

• Matt is well-versed in communting by bus, train or car in NYC.
• Chloe started pre-school and we participate in a weekly Mommy & Me class.
• Shannon joined our local Newcomer's group and will serve on the Board for the next year.
• Shannon transferred her membership to the local Junior League and will begin active status in the fall.
• Matt got a new hobby car, his 1987 Porsche.
• Matt's company continues to grow and build clients in NYC.
• We only have to drive a short distance to find ourselves in Boston, Philadelphia, the shore, and NYC. (If you drive a long distance in Texas, you still find yourself in Texas.)
• Have the heat on for 7 months out of the year instead of air conditioning (like Texas).

Of course, a lot more has happened since moving to Jersey, those are things just off the top of my head. I think our 1st year is well-documented on this blog.

Here's to the 2nd year in Jersey!

A Birthday Wish

Why can't a child have a live monkey for her birthday? Here's a conversation Chloe and I had today.

Chloe: "When's my birthday?"
Me: "In June. It's April now. You have to get through the rest of this month and then May before it is June."
Chloe: "My birthday is June. I get to blow out candles and get presents."
Me: "Indeed. What present do you want for your birthday?"
Chloe: "A monkey."
Me: "A stuffed animal monkey? You have two already."
Chloe: "NO! A monkey that will give me licks for kisses."
Me: "A real monkey?"
Chloe: "Yes, silly."
Me: "I don't think Mommy & Daddy are allowed to give you a real monkey."
Chloe: "Why not a real monkey?"
Me: "Because."
Chloe: "Oh."

Two Fish...Three Fish

Blame me. I take full responsibility. I assumed I had the knowledge to keep my child’s Betta fish alive and healthy. I don’t, but I am learning. You see I kept a 30 gallon tank with the SAME fish for 6 years, in fact one still resides in that tank at my parents, going on year 7. But, that doesn’t mean I know Bettas.

After returning from Texas, I checked in on Bingo II and Bob II (ok, it’s time I admit that Bob I, given to us by our neighbor who no longer wanted to care for him, passed on a month ago. Chloe was so attached to him at that point that I replaced him with a look-alike, Bob II). They appeared to be doing well. I changed their water and fed them. All was right in Bingo II and Bob II land – so I thought. Yesterday morning, Bingo II did not tap on his tank to greet me when I got Chloe out of bed as is customary. Instead, he just slowly swam in one spot, lethargic. Oh, no. I added a drop of Betta medicine to his bowl hoping it would pick him up.

Well, after pre-school I went to put Chloe down for her nap and low and behold, Bob II was deceased. What! He appeared totally normal that morning. It was Bingo II that had concerned me. Poor Bob II had suffered from a quick onset of fin rot, which Bingo II also had. Since, Bingo II acted lethargic in the a.m., he got the medicine and was still alive, barely.

Not thinking I could pass Bob II as “asleep” for too much longer, after Chloe’s nap we went to Petco and picked up two new Bettas, one red (the new Bingo III) and one blue (he new Bob III). I was pre-emptive in purchasing Bingo III believing Bingo II was not long for this world.

So, we now have 3 Bettas. Two Bingos and one Bob. How is Bingo II? After another dose of Betta meds he appears to be making a recovery though he is now playing the role of Spike, Bingo's cousin, who is visiting (as he still may make an exit).

Gone To Texas...

I was so looking forward to the warm weather of Texas for our Easter Break. Of course, it seems the cold winds of the NE followed us south. Chloe and I experienced one day of warm weather before it turned chilly.

We had a great time though it seemed a little rushed and we weren’t able to fit in all the stops we wanted on this trip. Chloe was able to spend some quality playtime with her cousins Bryn & Gemma on Friday and Saturday. Chloe and I were also able to visit PaPaw’s farm and Chloe was able to see some chickens, guinea fowl & ride on the tractor. We also managed to find the perfect spot for the obligatory Texas springtime photo in the bluebonnets.

Easter day was a bit chilly and we didn’t even dress Chloe in her Easter outfit. We visited our friends Bryan & Sue and had a late afternoon Easter meal & egg hunt with Shannon’s parents.

We returned home Monday to the chilly spring weather and still dreaming of warmth.

I May Not Have Been Born in Texas, but I Got Here as Soon as I Could...

IMG_1498, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

Every spring parents pull to the side of the road to take photos of their little ones in a field of bluebonnets. I am so happy that Chloe got her photo taken in the state flower. It is a right of passage for a Texan.

Springtime in Texas

IMG_1502, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

Chloe doing her goofy smile in the Bluebonnets and Indian Paints.

Down on the farm

IMG_1480, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

Chloe riding the tractor with Papaw through the mud. This was big thrill for her and she keeps talking about the muddy mud on "her" farm.

Cousins

IMG_1510, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

We went to the Dallas World Aquarium on Friday with Ashley, Bryn & Gemma. Chloe was so excited to see her cousins that she broke out into a giant hive all over her body!

Easter Egg Hunt

IMG_1519, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

Chloe and Matt hunting Easter eggs. Matt is wearing his brother's sweater because we expected it to be a little warmer than it was and we came a little unprepared for the 50 degree temperature.

I Wanna be a Cowgirl

IMG_1521, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

We found Chloe's pink cowgirl hat amongst the piles of other stuff left behind at my parent's house from our move. Chloe wouldn't wear this hat when we first bought it nearly a year ago. Now, she loves it. You can also see the spontaneous rash that Chloe broke out with off and on during our trip on her face.

At the Car Wash

IMG_1462, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

Chloe assisted Matt in washing his car on Sunday. She used a paper towel to wash and was completely soaked from playing in the water.

Take Care of It Now...

IMG_1464, originally uploaded by pookie2shoes.

it's going to be yours someday!

100 Favorite Books Meme

This meme has been floating around blogs for weeks now. Apparently this is a list of 100 favorite books as voted by the general public (in order). I, obviously, was not one of those who voted. I definitely need to pay closer attention to the NY Times bestseller list.

To play along, you take the list below, paste it into your own blog, put READ next to those you’ve read, WANT TO next to those you are interested in, AGAIN & AGAIN next to those you’ve read and can’t stop, and leave blank those you don’t care to read. Of course, I added some of my own commentary and I bolded my favorites.

For someone who once aspired to write a great novel, I am not well-read (well, that is if you consider reading this entire list as well-read). My list is pretty pathetic.

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) By the time I caught on to this one, everyone else had already read it and spoiled it for me
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) Again & Again
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) Again & Again
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien) I just can’t get “into” this genre
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling) WANT TO (with Chloe someday)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling) WANT TO
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) WANT TO
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling) WANT TO
17. Fall on Your Knees(Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling) WANT TO
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte) READ
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) READ
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) READ
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel) WANT TO but it may go the way of Da Vinci Code as everyone keeps talking about it
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte) READ
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck) READ
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom) READ
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell) READ
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel) I think I may have started this one as I know my Dad read it and had it in our home library
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella) READ
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. The Bible READ
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt) READ
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) READ
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) READ
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens) READ
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald) READ
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling) WANT TO
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveler’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) WANT TO
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) WANT TO
63. War and Peace (Tolsoy) WANT TO
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) READ
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding) AGAIN & AGAIN
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. Tigana (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) READ
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck) READ
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier) AGAIN & AGAIN (I read this in high school and hated it and then I picked it up years later and loved it!)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen) READ
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) READ
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding) READ
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck) READ
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd) WANT TO (started but not finished)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton) READ
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce) READ