Hula Boy and I were giggling while we were talking in his bed last night. He all of a sudden became very serious and said, “Mommy, I’m afraid of bats.” Um…ok…that came out of left field. We were just a moment ago giggling about underwear. I explained that bats mostly lived in caves and that they would not bother him seeing as we do not have caves around. He then wanted to know what they ate. I don’t do well with mommy on the spot questions like that. I told him that I would look it up when I got up this morning but not to worry….I thought they only liked things that were dead. (ok so I was wrong but I will fix this damage later) He then perked up and practically yelled, “Then I’ll feed them FRIED CHICKEN! Hear that bats, I’ll feed you fried chicken” OK where did that come from?! I think we giggled for 10 minutes about that. So you had to be there I guess.

Children are like puppies…when left to their own devises (especially in a nap) they tear the place UP. Enough said.

What is it like to have a moment of peace and privacy? I think I forgot.
The first time I remember not having privacy or peace was when I was pregnant with HG and she would kick at the most inopportune moments. I would have to make a running start for the bathroom and pray that no one was occupying it. When thinking back I also recall HG going through the stage of not wanting to be put down and trying to have a moment of concentration in the bathroom. Finally I relented, picked her up and started all over. It was at that moment I decided that there were some moments when she would have to yell. She would have to have me out of her sight for a few minutes. Or was it the moment I brought the bouncy seat into the bathroom so I could watch her while I was taking a shower? I think this was her first exposure to peek a boo!
So I was in the bathtub this morning and in walks Hula Boy. No care or regard for my na*ed body in the tub. He was singling a little tune about Robin laying an egg and giggling to himself. He walked in….used the bathroom and as he walked out he stated…”Oh hi mommy. Can I get in the tub with you? Can I play with my cars in the tub while you are in it? Can I splash my fingers in here (while you are trying to read) Can I? Huh?” How many ways can you tell a four year old…”NO! I’m needing a Calgon moment.” or “Did you not see the door was shut? It was shut for a reason!”
Last year when Karen was visiting he decided to gallivant right in on her and talk for a few moments. SHEESH. Poor Karen was undressed and in the shower. After redoing our bathroom a month ago (and yes Karen the divine throne is still very much in tact right by the vent) we contemplated putting locks on the door. Then we remembered our fiasco in Estonia where Hula Boy got himself locked in the bathroom, could not get out and we almost missed the last boat to Helsinki. It ended up that a poor maintenance man had to take the door off. We reversed our decision.
So now I live day to day with the wonder of who is going to walk in and sit down to talk. I swear it is like the great meeting hall. The bathroom is much like the kitchen in our house. I guess the kids know where they can have my complete attention. (Negative or positive attention makes no difference).

I had an interesting question in my in box this morning. Someone asked why I wanted to become a doula. What was it that drove me to think that it was what I wanted to do. Quite frankly the answer is simple. I enjoyed the moment of birth. I lived to see the second the baby was placed safe and sound in their mother’s arms. Also, my labors were so different and difficult that I know I could have used a doula for encouragement.
When I was pregnant with HG I had never felt so alive. At that point in time I had already witnessed 20 some odd births. The pregnancy was a breeze until the last month. I wish I could have been like some that labor started and boom less than 24 hours a baby was born. I was not destined to have those kind of labors. The last month of my pregnancy, I went to the hospital several times not knowing if the pains I was feeling was in fact labor. They were labor pains but my body and HG were not willing to cooperate.
In July they induced me after being in labor for 36 hours already I was worn out. I did not know what else to do. The next day early in the morning after 12 hours without an epidural they decided that I needed a c section.
With HB they decided to do a c section because I had some issues with keeping him inside as well. My children were always anxious to get here but not on the day that they were told they were to come. Stubborn. I think they got that from their father!
I think I would have benefited from a doula because I think I would have made different choices. Not really understanding my situation and my options I think I would have recognized earlier that HG was not going to come by regular means. She was indeed stuck. I did not have anyone really telling me what I needed to hear instead of what I wanted to hear. I think with support I could have endured the labor pains a little easier instead of swearing at my prudish mother. For those reasons as well I think that helping women and supporting them is now my passion.
With the labors I have witnessed I have enjoyed keeping everyone calm. I don’t know, may be it is the commanding way I tell them that they will in fact not die but soon be rewarded with a new little life. I have enjoyed watching the miracle of two people that come together to make one little person. There is nothing like that feeling. I would not trade it for the world.

I swear I put the psycho in psychedelic today. I drank a Bucky Stars (ie. Starb*ck*) double shot espresso with cream light (of course) and I can not seem to quit running around like a crazy woman because my energy level is through the ROOF. Have I told you before that I do not generally drink caffeine.
My mind can not concentrate and I am super sensitive to noise. I swear Hula Boy is talking at a decibel that normally is OK but today…not so good. Got to run and do something other than laundry.

Have you ever got out of bed, took a shower, got dressed, did your hair, then your sister called and asked if she could come over, she came over, you went out to get you both lunch, you look down and realize that you put back on your PJ bottoms and you are in fact in public in your pajama pants???!!! (how’s that for a run on?)
NO? Well…me neither. (cough cough)

When it was summer and HG was a small baby, we started a goodnight routine that ended with us sitting on our swing in the back yard. Every night we would sing and I made up another word to our “Goodnight Wishes” song. I didn’t want to lose it so instead I thought I would share it.

Come,sit by me on the swing and wave goodnight to the moon
Let’s cuddle and sing, take flight on our wings
while I whisper, “I love you.”
Come take your hand and grab a star
and wish a dream come true
With a lot of kisses and hugs and wishes
I’ll say goodnight to you.

The ramblings of a mom that was trying to be johnny on the spot. Yet she still remembers it and I treasure it.

I have been searching for a static cling decal for my sister in law’s van. DO YOU KNOW HOW IMPOSSIBLE IT IS TO FIND???!!! I need one, not 100. First problem. The second problem is that I need it to say something specific. Third problem is that in order to have just one made I have to go to the United Kingdom!!! How crazy is that? Then I end up paying 40.00 in shipping for a 2.00 item. How tough can it be?
I need the window cling to say…”WHEELCHAIR RAMP…PLEASE LEAVE ROOM” or something like that. What I wish it could say is “DON’T PARK NEXT TO THIS DOOR OR I’LL JAM THE HECK OUT OF YOUR CAR WITH MY RAMP…GOT IT???!!!!”
Today and tomorrow I will be searching and searching. I hope I find something quick.

Dear Mother Nature,
I know that you have been having a great time snowing us in and making sure that all of us Colorado families stay in close harmony. Not that I do not appreciate your efforts where that is concerned, but we are plenty close and quite frankly getting cabin fever.
So could you consider in the near future letting us have a break in the weather? We still have roughly two feet still left (after in up wards of 6 foot drifts) and it was making it was best attempts to melt. Already today you have seen fit to bless us with another foot.
Generally Denver has not had much snow. Granted the mountains are a different story. After talking with HH’s sister in Finland where you have chosen to keep them snow free mind you she is indeed jealous of our weather.
Thank you for the opportunity to keep us close and snowed in. The walls are closing in and the children have played in the snow as much as they care to.
Thank you for your consideration.
Buried in, snowed in, school closed and going wonky,
Hula Doula

As I was sitting here today I realized that yes the toys from Christmas have all been put away. Hula Girl’s room has been buffed and her new toys placed in their correct places. She also got her new bed. (minus the freaking rails) Now the assembly required fun comes into play. Hula Boy’s closet is TRASHED with his toys which makes his little self tremble in aggrivation. Technically the toys are put away…just not in order.
Today was spent sorting, sifting, tossing and placing our little kingdom back in order. WHEW! Now we can be done with the Christmas mayhem and replace it with the New Year’s peace.