My savior

Tonight, had you stood outside the door to our apartment, and listened in between the hour of 7 and 8 pm, you could be forgiven for thinking that either 1) I was completely abusing my children, or 2) my children are unable to communicate except through screaming, crying and yelling at the top of their lungs.

Jellybean and Monkey yelled and cried because I wanted them to eat. Because I wanted them to keep the milk in their cups instead of on the floor. Because I insisted that hair brushes are not intended to be dipped into milk and then sucked on. Because chocolate is not a main course. Because air must be breathed. Because the light is burnt out in their overhead lamp. Because I am not dad. Because baths are required when your face is covered in dirt. Because it was night time. Because the cat wouldn't stay anywhere near them as they S>C>R>E>A>M>E>D>>>>>> at the top of their miniature lungs. (good lungs, those!)

(they were a tad bit overtired, I think)

And then, it happened. They cried and asked why  - WHY - wasn't Ollie cat staying with them.

I told them the truth. Ollie cat doesn't like it when they cry. She likes it when they are quiet. And happy.

And I swear to G*d, it took Jellybean precisely 4 seconds to simmer down and plaster a smile on her face.  When I carried Ollie into the living room it took only another 10 seconds for Monkey to stop the hiccuping and dry her tears.

Jellybean, bless her earnest little soul, turned to me and said "I can be happy now mama"...as she stroked Ollie's soft fur.

I am totally brushing Ollie an extra 10 minutes tonight. She can even have my pillow, if she wants it. She's earned it.

Sibling order: responsible already

I went to Chicago (or "Chicaco"....according to the moron Northwestern grad who approved the proof for the cups used at Soldier Field. hee!) this weekend to watch the Badgers crush Northern Illinois. It was a girl's weekend - and an awesome one at that: my stomach still hurts from laughing.

Before I left this past Friday, I dropped the girls off at their respective schools. When I dropped Monkey off and turned around one more time for a blown kiss, Monkey told me "don't worry mom, I'll tell dad that we have rules to keep safe...". It made me smile. She really took it to heart when I told her to 'take care of your little sister and your dad'!

 Now, if she'd only take it to heart when I ask her to pick up her toys....

Bus stop conversations

This morning, as I waited for the bus with Monkey and Jellybean, one of our kind neighbors walked by and paused to say hello.She leaned over and engaged Jellybean in a conversation.

Q: "Where do you go to school?"
A: "With my friends."

I thought it was a pretty good answer.