Best. Breakfast. Ever.

Calvin made me breakfast the other morning. My favorite: a homemade semi-frozen whole-wheat pancake with still frozen blueberries. He is well aware that anything longer than 4 seconds in the microwave is waaaayyyyy too long. Calvin always remembers that I like my pancake cut into bite-size pieces with approximately 1/4 cup of maple syrup per bite. He also knows that I prefer all breakfast to be served on my favorite Spiderman plate. BUT the apex of the meal was that I really only got 2 bites because Calvin and Wyatt helped me clean my plate. I'm a dainty eater.

Might I Suggest Some New T.V. Watching Posture?

One Good Thing

Okay, I won't just tell you one good thing. I'll tell you a couple of good things about today:

1. We went to the turtle statue near the beach and the boys climbed and climbed while I was able to read more of my book.
2. Both boys admitted to liking both carrots and peas.
3. I got Elizabeth Pack to like me. Though only 9 months old, she's a hard sell.
4. I had the following conversation with Wyatt about 15 times (no joke):

Wyatt: It's good to see you today.
Me: It's good to see you, too, Wyatt.
Wyatt: Thanks, Mom.
Me: You're welcome, Wyatt.
(Repeat the entire thing. Now start from the top and repeat. Keep going until he gives up and decides to play with toys.)

5. I got a package in the mail from my Mom. Thanks for the bread mix. You da best!
6. I found a tension curtain rod hidden in storage. Really, truly, that was exciting for me. What do you expect, I'm a housewife????
7. I cheated the gas light in the van. You know what I'm talking about.

To Help You Plan Your Day

If the weather in your area is still yucky, as is ours, here are some suggestions to help you and your children not go crazy. This is what we have been doing:

1. Making cardboard houses.

2. Eating lunch in our cardboard houses.

3.Painting pictures.

4. Printing pictures of the Hulk, Spiderman, Yoshi, and Mario from the internet and taping them to the wall.

5. Fighting over toys.

6. Watching cartoons.

7. Organizing the toy box.

8. Making cookies.

9. Jumping on the bed.

10. Fighting over toys.

11. Building towers out of cans of vegetables and knocking them over.

12. Pretending that we are Lightening McQueen, TowMater, and Sally.

13. Waiting for Dad to come home.

14. Going to the library.

15. Reading our library books.

16. Fighting over toys.

17. Watching YouTube videos starring Yoshi.

18. Picking out a toy at The Dollar Tree.

19. Pretending that we are at the pool by wearing our swim trunks all day.

20. Building tents with the couch cushions.

21. Starting the habit of getting up waaaaayyyyy too early at 6:30 a.m.

What do you do when it is rainy???

He Is Supposed To Be Nacho Libre

But with blue flubber on his face instead of green. And a spandex mask instead of flubber.

From The Archives

Enjoy a smattering of pics we found on our old drive.

Noah holding a new (and happy) Wyatt.Mom carrying her young on her back, papoose-style. I'm pretty sure that Native Americans also carried their young this way so that they too could maximize phone time.

Adorable Calvin. Look at those chocolate eyes and tell you me you aren't in love. I dare you.

For Your F.Y.I.

Here's a Little update on my identity:
After requesting my free copy of my credit report (of which you are entitled to have one from each of the credit bureaus each year), I found that I had some discrepancies. There were cards open under my name that I did not have, unidentified addresses, and strange social security numbers.

So, I called the card companies and the credit bureau. I waited on hold for my entire Mommy free time (a.k.a. Wyatt napping/Calvin alone time), and found out that my identity was not stolen, but was merged with another person's credit report, thus causing my report to have incorrect info on it. Though not as bad as getting my identity stolen, if I had not caught it, it could have negatively affected my credit. Long story short: no harm done (luckily), cleared up easily (thankfully), and phew!

But I have to say: YOU should get a copy of your credit report, see here. And if you have garbage on there that doesn't belong to you, go here. THEN, you should call this number (1-888-567-8688), and have your name taken off of the junk mail/telemarketing list (you know, just for good measure unless you are into that sort of thing). PLUS, buy a paper shredder and shred all of that stuff that has anything to do with you on it before you recycle it. AND FINALLY, you should probably go make a sandwich, or bowl of ice cream, or whatever it is that tickles your fancy because you deserve it for taking care of your financial security.

Now, you can relax. I know that you have had your browser poised on The Shafer Family Blog, refreshing the page every 10 seconds just to know if I would ever get my identity back again. I have. I'm still . . . . Yo' Mama.

For Anyone Who Is Nosey

Dear Diary,
Whew! What a day! The boys got up at their appointed time this morning: 6:45. The tacked up beach towels hanging over the windows couldn't even trick them into sleeping late. Day three of healthy breakfast went over well enough, if you consider Calvin's claim that I "make yucky pancakes," a compliment. Which I do.
I wish that it wouldn't have rained today. This lousy summer so far has me totally bummed. I had envisioned me and the little ones sitting by the edge of the pool already. Instead we made our father's day homemade gifts, which included: 2 original painting, and a custom-made hat (with pictures of Mario, Wario, DK, and Yoshi taped to it, AND some fake hair hanging out of the back). Then I tortured the boys by making them clean out from under their beds. I threatened to throw away toys. Then I threw away some toys. Then they cried. Then we all felt better after lunch.
Naptime/Mommy time was wonderful. I spent every moment paying bills and filing papers. My favorite!!! It was all butterflies and rainbows until I found out that someone had stolen my identity. And let's be honest, why wouldn't you want to steal my identity???? I'm awesome! I just wish that they had done a thorough job and stolen and paid all of my bills, made dinner, and finished the laundry.
I saw Aubri's new baby today. He is beautiful, and it made me excited to hold my new baby that is coming soon. I want to name him Lucas Cruze Shafer. Noah is not sold on that name, but I bet we will agree on something.
Much Love Until Next Time,
Katie

Pregnancy Stats

(Excuse the picture, please. My personal photographer messed up my clean room and then made me pose for a blurry picture. Good help is hard to find.)Weeks: 23

Weight Gain to Date: I'll never tell you.

Cravings: Cheese and Crackers, and Fruit (especially watermelon); No dirt, rocks, or concrete this time around.

Gender: Boy! Again! I knew it as soon as I saw the ultrasound tech do a sweep over the nether regions.

Mood: Swingy, recently cried when I thought of ElastaGirl (from the movie The Incredibles) saving her kids from a sure death.

Energy: Lots. Nesting Has Begun.

Internal Temperature: Blazing.

How Long It Takes to Get Out of Breath: 12 stairs.

Serious Signage

Does anyone know how to go just 4 1/2 miles? Well, if you are planning on driving near the ferry, you had better figure it out. I got a ticket going 9 mph. Twice the speed limit is considered reckless endangerment, you know. Kidding, I didn't get a ticket. I'm too sensible for that, after all, I DO drive a minivan.I think that this guy in my neighborhood is serious about not letting your dog poop in his lawn.

You Should Have Come To The City With Us

We were living it up as park hoppers.

My children where introduced to the joy of the playground - - - the merry-go-round. What once used to thrill me now just makes me nervous. Nervous about potential barfing and little bodies being flung off of it. Don't say it. Don't you even. I know, I know. If I were so nervous why did I let them do it? Because, honestly, it doesn't get much more fun.

We decided to lie down on the merry-go-round, after all, clinging to a pole while spinning around crazy-fast IS exhausting. Just ask Wyatt.

Calvin decided that fast spinning was No Big Whoop. Can't you tell by the casual leaning on the rail, nonchalant glancing, and confident arm folding?

We spent a little bit of time digging around in the ginormous sand pit. And no, my kids didn't seem to mind the weird-old-man-stone-carving-with-the-saggy-chest-that-looked-like-he-was -sitting-in-a-hot-tub-that-is-really-a-sandbox.
We climbed a small rock mountain.
We almost got eaten by a hippo.
But managed to tame it long enough for a photo op.

Happy Summer!! We're so glad you're finally here!

Misc. Photos from April & Some Mush

Isn't this chubby little Wyatt thumb just about the cutest thing you've ever seen. Noah and I bust a gut every time he gives us a thumbs up.

Noah has a habit of taking pics of interesting people around NYC. He found this gem at Target. What do you think, a wig? bad haircut? bad cross dresser?
Plus, I don't think Wyatt likes that we turned his Thomas ball (which had a hole anyway) into a skull cap. Some people are so particular.

Ahhhhhh.....the beautiful Verrazanno Bridge, which connects Staten Island to Brooklyn. AND, it's a bargain at only $10 to cross. Even if it is a little pricey, it is mine and Noah's favorite bridge in NYC. Noah snapped this pic the other night. Gorgeous.

This painting. Oh man was this beauty put in my pediatrician's office just for me. I laugh every time I see it. Listen, before you judge me, I have to confess that I wouldn't be able to paint anything that would resemble Winnie the Pooh and his crew, but doesn't that Eyeore just look so tortured??? I know he's sad, but he's nothing short of miserable at Dr. Blank's.

Also, me turning 30 and blowing out my forest fire of candles. Good friends, good food, good times. It made the transition to old lady a lot easier.

Some Mush

Calvin has recently been having bouts of "restless leg syndrome" at night. A few nights ago he was awake and having a very difficult time. I gave him a warm bath, read him the depressing, yet compelling "Desser ,the Best Cat Ever" (see previous post), and rubbed his legs and feet until he felt better. Well past midnight, he was laying beside in my bed trying to fall asleep again, and then he asked me if he could live with me forever.

Then his eyes filled with the biggest tears, and they overflowed and rolled down his cheeks. He told me that he never wanted to live anywhere, but with me. It made my heart ache. Partly because he was so sad, and partly because I know when he is older, he will feel (and should feel)differently. I hope that he will. I hope that he won't want to live with Noah and I when he is an adult. I hope that he will have his own family to continue in happiness with.

That's the way it should be, right???

You are raising your kids so that become independent, right? So, why is it easy to secretly wish that they stay 4 and 2?

I wish that their thumbs stayed tiny and chubby, and that I will always be the one to bring them comfort when they are scared or sad.

Then, I imagine Wyatt as a grown man with tiny, child fat thumbs. And Calvin as an adult who is sitting beside me on my bed and having me rub his legs and feet. And I laugh (first) because that would be hysterical. And then I just start to savor the moments that I have NOW. I fill up the treasure chest, my heart, the camera, the blog, and my journal, and I hope that it is enough to help me remember how I felt in each of these tender moments.

I am glad to be a Mom. I am glad to be a Wife. I treasure my family.