Peace Out, Colorado!!

This morning when I went to the girls' school to volunteer in preschool and second grade I never imagined that I would have to sing a punk rock version of The Wheels on the Bus to Olivia's class. Yes, it's true. Her Birthday Book was called Punk Farm on Tour. Her teacher suggested I look it over before the children sat on the reading carpet, and I had to chuckle on the inside as the realization hit that I could not get by with the typical Wheels on the Bus tune for this crazy book. The lead singer sheep in the illustrations totally rocks out on stage, and the pig has an electric guitar and what look to be groupies. One goat said to another animal, "Chill, homie." The band's mode of transporation is a rock van, and they wear their sunglasses at night. I didn't hold back as I belted out....typed as in the book, "ALL THROUGH THE TOWWNNNNN!! YE-OW!!" I then raised my voice for the next page, "Peace Out, Colorado!" I've always wanted to be a rock star. My point is that this parenting thing is unpredictable. I knew I'd get to read a story today, but I didn't know I'd need a a sense of humor and a good deal of self confidence to get through a little children's book. Olivia loved my vocals, and thankfully, I did not embarrass her. Even the boys seemed to think the story was cool, and I had their attention. What fun!

Okay, Reader, so my question is as follows: Does Henry's newfound ability to stand up while peeing outweigh his knowledge of Taylor Swift Love Story song lyrics? Hmmm??? Ev got a CD for her birthday in early April, and I think we now know all of the songs. I often hear Henry singing, "You be the prince, and I'll be the princess. It's a love story, baby just say YES!!" I've also heard something about, "I can't help it if you look like an angel. Can't help it if I want to kiss you in a rain storm." Are we ruining our son, or will he turn out romantic and have the rare ability to understand women? Time will tell. He's so cute at the potty though. He is just barely tall enough to clear the bowl while standing on the ground, and he's clearly impressed with his "pee pee hose" talent. On another boy note, my son has been enjoying his CARS PJs. However, my appreciation for two identical pairs took a southern turn once I realized that he layered two tops and two bottoms this evening after his bath. I imagined that he'd always have a clean pair of his favorite PJs, but this won't be the case if he carries out his heart's desire to wear as much Lightning McQueen as possible...all at once. Henry has also decided that his possession of a new CARS backpack means he needs to go to high school. He has asked me 143 times each day, "Can I go to high school now?" When we get into the van he'll say, "Are you taking me to high school?" "Yes, someday, Henry."

Henry and baby Vivian (who is totally walking now!) have been messing around for a long time at naptime. He climbs in and out of his crib at will, and she squeals as he entertains her and throws toys into her bed. The other day I entered the room to find the baby topless. She wore only a mini skirt over her bulky diaper. Henry claimed she took off her own shirt, but I have my doubts. His big blue eyes looked guilty.

Olivia will soon donate her hair to Locks of Love for use to make a wig for children who are bald. Robbie has a system for washing and grooming her hair, and she asked me with total sincerity, "Mommy, will whoever gets my hair use Foxy Curls so their hair will look really nice?" I looked at her innocent face and gave her the tightest squeeze she could tolerate. God bless my sweet chlid.

My baby is walking. Yesterday she'd propel herself forward, then she'd lose her balance slightly and take a couple of tiny steps backwards until her upper body and legs aligned again. She looked like she was walking on a ship on rough water. She looked so stinking cute. We are all so happy for Vivian. She's our latest walker at 15 months. Her baby boy playgroup friends who are just weeks apart from her in age are now roller blading. Seriously, though, they've been walking since winter. Her siblings lug her around, so why walk? After three nights of interrupted sleep I took her to the pediatrician to have her ears checked. I knew she had three teeth coming through her gums, but the doctor saw swelling by her molars too. She's about to cut six teeth at once. For the love of God, please pray for us. I don't want her to hurt, and I want all of us to sleep. Two nights ago she let loose so hysterically with her screaming that it brought Robbie out of bed in the middle of the night. He found me on the kitchen floor trying to wrestle ibuprofen into my furious baby's mouth. It takes a lot of racket to get Robbie up at such a terrible hour. Vivian is so into Daddy right now that as soon as he held her she immediately quit screaming. He put her back to bed. However, he didn't give her the medicine, and she woke me up again with her crying again in the night. Oh, well. Who needs sleep? Oh, right. Mothers of four young children can really use some sleep.

This evening thoughtful Evelyn asked if we could sing Happy Birthday to Olivia. Tomorrow is the true day, Robbie explained to her. She looked sad, so we modified the song to Happy Day Before Your Birthday to You!!! as we ate strawberries and angel food cake.

My new goal came from inspiration taken from Taylor Swift. She has a line in a song that says, "Capture it. Remember it." When I hear those words I am reminded to live fully. Each day is a gift. Life can change in a moment, and every evening I want to be able to say to my children and husband another line from one of her songs, "I had the best day with you today."