Blizzard boredom

Well, this weekend brought 48 hours of uninterrupted family togetherness, thanks to the "blizzard" as they are calling it in these parts! As the hours stretched on, it became increasingly challenging to keep ourselves occupied. It seemed obvious was that what we all needed was cookies -- as everyone knows, excessive cookie consumption is an age-old remedy for boredom. I scavenged through the fridge, only to find that the eggs were expired and we had no chocolate chips. We did, however, have a can of pumpkin, some raisins and walnuts. Beggars can't be choosers, as the old saying goes. A quick google later, and we were hard at work making no-egg pumpkin cookies. They were delicious, although more muffinesque than your average cookie.

When, finally, the roads were reopened late Saturday afternoon, we bundled up the kids and headed out for pizza. When we first arrived at the pizzeria, it was almost empty. But as we ate the place quickly filled up, almost exclusively with giddy looking parents and their small children. Every grown up seemed beside themselve with glee to be out of the house.

Sunday was hectic, as we attempted to catch up on all the things we were supposed to get done of Friday and Saturday -- hair cuts, oil changes, grocery shopping. While I unpacked groceries, I was amused to see David multitasking by giving Cameron a piggyback ride and simultaneously entertaining Matthew.

Seems that the hours spent housebound gave him an opportunity to flex his "daddy of two" muscles! As for his short sleeve shirt paired with a winter hat, I have no explanation. Although it may lend some insight into Cameron's infamous fashion picks!

The price of knowledge

Ever on a quest to develop Cameron's interest in science, I chose a book of experiments for him during my latest trip to the library. This afternoon was the perfect opportunity to crack it open. For our first grand scientific undertaking, we explored the density of liquids by layering corn syrup, colored water and vegetable oil in a glass. Then, we dropped objects into the glass to see how far they descended. We began with the book-suggested paper clip, but quickly moved on to more pressing questions. For instance, which is denser, a ball of play dough or a marshmallow? In his enthusiasm, Cameron grabbed a penny and dime from his piggy bank and dropped them in. He watched in fascination as they sunk to the bottom, then turned to me and solemnly intoned, "This experiment has been very expensive for me."

Snow day means snow play!

This morning it began snowing heavily right around the time that the working world makes its morning commute. This is nothing unusual these days -- it seems to constantly be snowing at rush hour this winter. Fortunately, David didn't have to brave the roads as he had the day off. Unfortunately, our many plans for his day off (oil changes, quotes for a new furnace, you know, fun stuff!) were canceled due to the inclement weather. We made ourselves a big pot of oatmeal, played some board games and took the opportunity to enjoy some rare family time. Around 11am, we received a recorded phone call from Cameron's school alerting us that afternoon preschool was canceled. The call gave me a good laugh as the principal's recorded voice stated, "At this time, the bus riders are expected to leave the school at 2pm. If conditions continue to worsen, this time may change. If you are a parent of a bus rider, please be aware that we will board your child on the bus regardless of what time the buses arrive. Hopefully, you will be home when they get there." Is it just me or does it seem a bit inadequate to "hope" that someone will be home when a 5-year-old gets off the bus in a snow storm?

In the afternoon, Cameron and David braved the cold to build a snow fort. Since I am no fool, I stayed in the warm house. Cameron and David appeared to be having a grand time, filling their containers with snow and depositing the packed snow in neat rows.

Having been warned by me several times not to pick up snow and eat it, Cameron cleverly found a way to get his fill of the cold stuff without breaking any rules. Yep, here he is, licking the snow. Technically, he is not picking up any snow!The boys came in frozen and noisily demanding hot cocoa with marshmallows. Ahhh, the small pleasures of winter! I've had enough with winter pleasures, though -- bring on the spring!

Sometimes and always

For reasons unbeknownst to me, Cameron was in a foul mood yesterday. He is usually a very agreeable kid but when he's not, well, look out! "Get me juice, Mommy," he commanded in a petulant tone as I changed Matthew's diaper. "Juice, juice, I want juice, Mommy!" he huffed. Reminders about patience, "please" and "thank you" were met with an icy stare. By dinner time, I had had about enough of his behavior. He whined and wheedled throughout dinner and told David and I to "stop talking because you're confusing my brain." Shortly after dinner, I put Matthew to bed but just a few minutes later Cameron began to scream, enraged over . . . well, we had no idea what! If there is one thing that will push my buttons, it is waking up Matthew. Cameron had picked the wrong battle. I carried him, kicking and screaming, to the dreaded Supernanny-inspired time-out chair where for four minutes he sobbed, spit (yes, spit) and gagged while I determinedly ignored him. (This, I will have you know, takes an extreme about of willpower!)

When the four minutes were up, I sat down to have a chat with him. Sensing that a new tactic was needed here, I began, "Wow! You must be feeling really angry about something! I know it doesn't feel good to be so angry. I wish I could help you feel better, but I don't know what is making you so angry!" Then, in a flash of inspiration, I engaged David in a little drama in which I tried to tell him what was making me angry. First, I "used my words." Second, I acted like a woman possessed, shrieking and stomping.

Giggling through his tears, Cameron said, "Well, I'm not angry, Mommy. I'm frustrated. And my brain is so mixed up!" Discussion of consequences, apologies and a few hugs later, he went to bed calmly.

When Cameron woke up this morning, the first thing he said was, "I still don't get to watch TV today, right?" He had lost his TV privileges thanks to the spitting incident.

"Nope, no TV," I replied. "Do you remember why?"

Glumly, he recited, "No TV because of my behavior last night. Wow, I had really bad behavior didn't I? Do you love me even when I have bad behavior?"

"Yes, I always love you," I said. "No matter how bad your behavior is, I still love you."

"Well," he replied, "I love you, too, Mommy. Sometimes. Sometimes and always."

And, as illogical as it sounds, I think that that is exactly right!

Women -- We're SO complex!

Before Matthew joined our family, Cameron desperately wished for a baby. He talked about babies all the time, but rarely expressed a preference for a brother versus a sister. Which was great, since we didn't know which he would end up having! Now that Matthew is here, Cameron is an adoring big brother. It melts my heart to see him hug Matthew, comfort him or tell him that he loves him. He recently said to me, "Remember how I wanted a baby? Wasn't that a great idea?' as if he had thought of the whole thing himself. Today I asked him if he is glad he has a brother instead of a sister. "Yes," he responded. "Sisters are way more complicated."

Spring is in the air

Well, spring is in the air for a day or two -- then it's right back to winter. So we are taking advantage of the weather while we can. This morning we played in the yard while Matthew looked around in dazed confusion. This is probably the first time in his memory that he has been outside! Well, aside from rushing to and from the car while bundled in his car seat. I'd imagine that when that is your life experience, a day like today is even more beautiful! In any case, he has been in a good mood all day. And as if the chance to be outside wasn't enough to make a mama happy, when Matthew went down for his nap Cameron asked if we could cuddle on the couch and take a nap. Are you kidding me? I would love nothing more! Sunshine and snuggles . . . what a day!

Sweet baby babble

Matthew loves to "talk" these days, his favorite word being "dada." Now, the kid is 6 months old, so this is clearly said without any attached meaning. I mean, OBVIOUSLY, if he understood meaning he'd be saying "mama," right? Cameron never ceases to be amused by Matthew's babbling, though. "Dadadadada!" screeches Matthew. Cameron laughes, "Maaatthew! Daddy's at work right now!" But Matthew persists. "DADA dadada DA!" And Cameron comforts him, "Don't worry, Matthew. Daddy will be home soon."

Earlier this week, I was driving home with Matthew after dropping Cameron off at school. I thought Matthew had fallen asleep, and I turned on the radio. Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" was playing so, naturally, I turned up the volume and began to sing along.

Once I ran to you (I ran)

Now I'll run from you

This tainted love you've given

I give you all a boy could give you

Take my tears and that's not nearly ALL

Oh...tainted love

And from the back seat, in perfect rhythm with the song, Matthew crooned "Ya ya ya." Tainted love. "Ya ya ya ya." Unfortunately, I think he's a one-hit wonder.