In which I sound like a hypochondriac.... but my point is, that motherhood is a full contact sport

Two weekends ago I banged my knee at the library. It is still too tender to gently draw a razor blade over it. Thank goodness it is winter (still, gah) and no one can see my hairy knee.

During the same visit to the library, Jellybean jumped up into my neck as I was bending down. It was a big enough impact that, almost involuntarily, my hands flew to my throat to make sure my windpipe wasn't bent/crushed in. (it wasn't - necks are tough!) I couldn't talk normally for a good 15 minutes.

Then last weekend, Jellybean was playing outside when she retreated behind a tree, avoiding me, and started to get red in the face. You know - the "I'm gonna poop in my undies (no diapers - we're (still) pottytraining!) so whattya gonna do about it?" look.......so, I picked her up and ran to the closest public bathroom. And I do mean run. It was a full out sprint, chanting "do not poop in your pants" the whole way.  We got there - no poop. But now my bum knee hurts. A lot.

I'm going to start lifting more weights to gear up for more outings with Jellybean - she's tough! (or, at least tough on me....)

Murphy's Law

This past Sunday, a friend of mine came over and I gave her lots of hand-me-down clothing (she's got twin 9 month old girls).

One of the items I passed on was Jellybean's snowshoes. Since it's March, they're a bit small, and Spring has SPRUNG! Right? right? right???? oh.

It's snowing.

Best diet plan, ever

One of the funniest things about having a mynah bird (I mean toddler) in the house is listening to their ever-expanding vocabulary.

Last Sunday dinner, for example, M asked Jellybean to eat or do something. Something she didn't want to do. So what did she do?

She gave him her famous frowny face, pointed a finger, and said "no daddy, UNACCEPTABLE."

Let's just say that I couldn't finish my dinner that night. I was too busy suppressing gales of laughter.

Big Sister...

Recently, we've reversed our morning commute.

Now, Monkey and I take Jellybean to her school and drop her off, then make our way back up to our neighborhood to Monkey's preK class and then I'm off to work. It saves time, and now that Monkey is truly settled into her new school, it isn't too hard on her to visit - and then immediately leave - her old school. (even if she STILL won't talk to her favorite teacher Jenna - I guess some old habits/grudges/love affairs run deep. stubborn kid!)

I love watching Jellybean after we drop her off. She runs into  her room, zooming about to check out any new books, and settles into her "morning work"so happily. She's a joyful joyful toddler - full of humor and love and hugs.

But even better? Is watching Monkey watch Jellybean.

Often, Monkey will lean on a low bookshelf, cupping her chin in her hands, smiling as she watches Jellybean. She loves her little sister as much as I do. And that is saying a lot.

Then, moving on from that peaceful respite, our commute recommences. And monkey says goodbye:

"bye Jelly jelly cocopuff!"

Yup, it's official; Monkey has started giving her little sister nicknames. I love these two.

Career gal

A recent conversation between cousin H and Jellybean:

J: Goodbye. I'm off to work. (exiting stage right with a handbag over her arm)

H: Yeah? Where's work? (bemused)

J: Not here. (like, DUH)