37, and feeling every second of it (in a good way)

So today is my 37th birthday. Each year they seem to get a little less exciting, and I don't mean that in a cynical, "bah I'm getting old and cranky" way. I actually kind of like that most years now my birthday sneaks up on me, and then it's gone before I know it. I know some of you will say, "What? You? No WAY," but I actually used to be a pretty damn self-absorbed and moronic individual. I still am in some ways, but having kids has made me so much less concerned about anything having to do with me. I like that. It also helps that Hunter's birthday is two days before mine and I get pretty wrapped up in his day. 

Which, by the way, was great. We kept it really mellow. Just had a couple friends over and had a nice dinner and cake. I have some photos and video that I hope to post later this week. I can hardly believe he's not really a baby anymore.

Anyway, in their own unintentional ways, the boys have given me some great birthday presents:

1. Though I don't expect this to last, Hunter has slept through the last three nights, starting with the night before his big day. When Wilder turned 1, I had to convince Jerry — who by the way claims that he spent his entire childhood hungry, though knowing his Momma and her cooking the way I do, I don't believe it for a second — that Wilder would not in fact waste away in his crib at night if we did not rise to give him a bottle whenever he demanded one. It literally took a compromise wherein we agreed to ask his pediatrician and go with her advice. Thank goodness she sided with me (though I was pretty sure she would, which is why I proposed the deal). Anyway, we'd agreed to do the same with Hunter when he turned 1, and I think both of us have been dreading it, because he shows more signs of putting up a fight about it than Wilder ever did. Dare I say Hunter might have my sense of righteous indignation about getting what he wants out of this world? And getting pretty pissed about it if he doesn't. Poor thing ... another trait inherited from his mother. Anyway, long story short, he's just snoozing right through the nights now. At least, until I typed that last sentence and now he'll wake up tonight, mark my words.

2. I haven't blogged much about potty training since those last posts, and there's a reason. We hit a wall and were going nowhere. I won't go on and on about this because this is definitely one thing I don't want to jinx, but Wilder got through an entire morning today without any accidents in his pants, on the floor, etc. And he even went No. 2 for me without any fuss. HUGE. I think, for me, realizing it was a marathon — not a sprint — and realizing that M&Ms go a long way has made the difference. And probably W just being ready. 

Way to go, kids! Oh, and they danced their little tails off to loud music with me before going down for their naps. Also very nice birthday blessing. 

Gotta get to work. Love to all,

k.

My alter egos ...

Just now, while I was lying on my back on the kitchen floor letting Hunter -- who'd been quite cranky and needed a cheering-up -- have his fill of crawling on top of me, eating my face and wiping his nose on me (the fun of this was only lessened by the fact that I pulled the hell out of back muscle in the process), it occurred to me that I am much more than a stay-at-home mom. To wit, a list:

•Human Kleenex
•Chew toy
•Rope (for tug-of-war)
•A mime (apparently I'm gesturing wildly but nothing is coming out of my mouth because no one is hearing me; fortunatley, this one works more and more to my advantage, as I perfect my own mother's "stop-that-now-or-you'll-pay" look and my ability to point to make my demands known and abided by.)
•Furniture (for pulling yourself up on)
•DJ (this one's not so bad, unless I'm forced to play that Madagascar movie song 11 times in a row)
•Verifier of "cool moves"
•Chef (albeit a not very good one ... actually, I'd say I'm more a "lunch lady" -- in appearance and demeanor -- than a chef)
•Mechanic (I fix all cars, whether they're actually broken or not)
•Architect (Legos, baby ... this is a good one)
•Vigil-keeper (I keep a constant vigil over what Hunter might/could/possibly find on the floor and put in his mouth; of course, with a 3-year-old around, the possibilities are endless)

It's an ongoing list, ever evolving. I'd love to keep adding to it, but someone's using his Human Furniture to demand his Lunch Lady satisfy his cravings.

Just two pictures

Just a couple photos, the first because it makes me laugh when I see it. The second because it's Jerry and the boys on the computer, all making the same face and looking adorable. Because of the time of year, Jer doesn't get to spend too much time with the kids these days, so any moments like these are precious ones.

Watch out world!

The boy is mobile ...