Why there will be no third Crossett

You see, all things considered, Scrumpy was a very good boy. He really didn't get into too much trouble and really never had ailments.

Baby on the other hand ....... We already know about his upcoming bionic teeth.

On Christmas Eve, we went to the doctors to have a look at something that was in his eye. We kept trying to remove it. Becca even tried removing it, but to no avail. Ethan kept telling us that it was nothing, but paint.

It is the dead of December and lets be honest, we don't do home improvement so I had no idea why he thought it was paint. But lest he go blind on my watch....The pediatrician confirmed the foreign body in his eye and sent us a referral to see the pediatric ophthalmologist ASAP. ( I will not go into the story about the extra strength ointment for his eczema that once again I never experienced with Scrumpy)

Calling the ophthalmologist, all I kept hearing was "foreign body in the eye"... So here we are on Christmas Eve seeing a pediatric ophthalmologist.  He confirmed that something needed to be removed immediately.  I am sitting with Ethan on my lap, pinning down his legs and arms, while a nurse holds his head still.  After the numbing cream is applied the doctor proceeds to remove the item from his eyeball.  I am surprised you all did not hear the wailing.  BOY WAS HE PISSED.

After it was extracted, the doctor confirmed that it was a paint chip.  How did that kid know?!

But you see, this is not a story about paint chips on Christmas Eve.  This is a story about December 30.

One of the things the boys love to do is eat popcorn and watch a movie on our bed.  It allows us dinner in peace.  Over this Christmas break, it was a ritual that was repeated several times.  This time, Ethan came downstairs to let us know he had something in his nose.

Our first thought, boogers.  They have both been sporting runny noses.  Remedy, boogie wipes.  He kept sticking his finger up there saying there was more.  After several attempts at blowing his nose, I finally took a flashlight and tilted his head back.  Yes, you have probably guessed where this was going, my industrious son stuck a popcorn kernal way up his nose!

I started yelling at him" did you stick popcorn up there?!" and he started crying and saying sorry.  I am yelling at Patrick, Patrick is yelling at me... you get the picture.

Well all I can say is, thank goodness for google and ipads.  You see, not only is this not the first time its happened to a kid before but other moms out there have blogged about it.  So just in case this happens to you...

1. Pinch the other nostril.
2. Open his mouth and blow strong and hard into his mouth.

I swear that popcorn kernal came barreling out at 50 miles an hour.

 

I love my little boy, but I tell you, if he does not constantly remind me that God is saying, no more kids for you....

 

To our credit, we successfully removed all foreign bodies from this little boy so he is good to go for 2013!

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Photo with Santa

It is tradition to take a picture with Santa Thanksgiving weekend.  Usually we are much more on top of things, but Thanksgiving truly snuck up on us this year.  Christmas magic must have been working in our favor.  We went to the mall on Sunday afternoon and much to our surprise...THERE WAS NO LINE.

We quickly seized the opportunity, and took a photo.  Now, given that we didn't plan trip, I am amazed that we got such a decent shot.  Looking back at past years, we weren't so lucky.  Doesn't Scumpy look huge?!

Holiday Card

Every year, this is one of my biggest challenges, photos for the holiday card.  I didn't realize that when you pay those people in the mall so much money to take photos, its not because of the photo per se, it's becuase getting more than one child at the same time to look at the camera, let alone smile is worth its weight in gold.

As such, every year, I dragged out the "good camera", place it on paparazzi mode and start clicking away.  After about 300 shots, I am sure to piece together something that is gramma approved. 

Best practice tips:

1. Explain the night before the expectations of Mama and the photo shoot.
2. Bring M&Ms- the big bag.  Show them shamelessly prior to the shoot.
3. Bring tech support (i.e. another adult to make sure you don't lose it completely and someone has to call child protective services).

While I am not displaying my final product, I'd like to share some of the outtakes this year.  I am not sure I have any semblance of "serious" in my children.  God willing, they will stay that way as long as possible.

Thanksgiving 2012

Two family events, two locations, lots of family, tons of food and this is the only picture I took.




Five things I am thankful for this holiday:

1. Not having to cook this year
2. No family drama
3. U.C. Berkeley
4. Grammys, Nanas, and Papas abound!
5. Diaper free AND accident free!

Here is to a start of an awesome 2012 holiday season!


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Speak to the camera....

Oh if only they weren't so shy.....




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It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times...

Today was one of those days in a parent's life that makes you think....really?????
It started off with my three year old going in for check up with the dentist.  They indicated that he would need over 9 filling/crowns.  Of course, my first thought was, " I totally suck as a parent.  How did I let him get that many cavities?".  (More on that later).  He would have to be sedated and they would do all 9 in the same visit.  I thought, " I wouldn't want 9 of my teeth worked on at the same time, why would I subject my three year old to it?" When they told me that my share of cost for this would be close to $1400, my next thought was "No, way does this kid have 3 grand in dental work for BABY TEETH".




As I got home, I immediately started to google and search for other pediatric dentists in the area to get that second opinion.  After finding one with great Yelp scores and board certification, I convinced them to squeeze us in for today.  I wanted to hear what someone had to say on the matter.
This place was great!  They had amazing staff who were able to capture the elusive x-rays that the previous dentist could not because he was so small.  I'm already feeling good about the place.  After consultation and review of x-rays, it was determined that he did not have 9 fillings/crowns that needed to be done.  He needed 4 BABY ROOT CANALS and 7 fillings!  You see, x-rays provided a more accurate picture of the inside of the tooth and more importantly the depth of his cavities.
Now that I am feeling like the most negligent mother ever, this dentist shared, he was just genetically given a bad set of cards.  He did not form enough enamel in utero, had his teeth really close to one another, and grazes all day.  He was the perfect storm. 
While I wanted to discuss more in detail, I had to leave the appointment early becuase it was time for Daniel's first parent teacher conference.  Given the day I was having, I expected the worst!
Thank goodness for small blessings!  Daniel is doing awesome!  He comprehends math very quickly!  He loves to read and be read to.  His writing has improved significantly.  He also plays with everyone and everyone wants to play with him.  He has no best friend, because everyone is his friend!  He is also developing a self awareness of when he needs to go to another table to work because he is getting distracted.  It was the best parent-teacher conference I could ever hope for!  All my fears dissapated and replaced with endless pride.



When I got home, Patrick shared with me their estimation of Ethan's treatment plan.  Due to the number and severity of the treatment, we were escalated to general anethesia.  He was going to be knocked out!  Oh and yes, that $1400....it was now $4400.  Yes, that is OUR share of cost.  I had no thoughts after that because I was just stunned into silence.  How wrong is it that I keep wondering, how much does he need those two front teeth anyway?
So you see, the good was sandwhiched in between some really not so good.  But through it all, my kids were troopers.  Ethan did great at both visits.  He was even complimented for his behavior, he was so compliant.  They really are great kids.  Too bad they have million dollar smiles...literally.

Strawberry Zucchini

The boys love yogurt smoothies, especially strawberry zucchini.




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Soft and supple skin

These will be art of that set you bring back for blackmail or the set they resent you for when they are older. But he just looks so darn cute! And his skin is fresh and youthful...soft as a three year old...wait a minute.....

Photo Booth Express

Apparently the new thing at weddings is to have a photo booth.  This September, we attended a wedding in Chicago that had one of these entertainment features.  Being the oh so shy kids that they are, my kids tracked down ANYONE who would take a photo with them.  Of course, being parents of the year, we did not notice their lobbying for the positions.  We were only made aware when the evidence was released.  Here is a small sample:

 

 

 

Congratulations Uncle Arlen and Auntie Yaya on such a beautiful event!  Sorry your scrapbook is full of our kids.

Picture day

I don't know what happened from home to school. He looks all good at home. This is the photo taken right before leaving for school.





This is what happened when the professional cameras started snapping.





This kids double cowlick is out of control!!!

It's crazy and cute, but do I want to take advantage of today's technology and re-take? My luck, the re-take will have his eyes closed.

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Next Chapter- Welcome to Kindergarten!

So I needed to hurry up and post regarding graduation because I wanted to get ready for kindergarten!  I cannot believe my baby has entered the academic arena.  I do know for sure, that this transition has been much more difficult for me than it has been for him.  Between school supplies, uniforms, paperwork, meetings, it has truly felt like a part time job!  In addition, we are introducing ourselves into a whole new community. 

Of course, my boy took it with stride.  I did not have a crying mess, clinging to my skirts.  Instead, I have a little one is who more than ready to jump out of the car seat into this new frontier, with playground, classmates and the like.  No tears here, just frazzled mommy nerves. 

Parents of the Year

After graduation, we went to lunch al fresco. I believe Scrumpy got bored and since the day was warm, asked if he could play by the fountain. To our defense, he has gone to the fountain many times before and lightly got his feet wet. Little did we know he meant to totally drench himself!








We tried to cart our sloppy mess back to the car and in the chaos that ensued, get him in his car seat as comfortably as possible.
The next day we were struggling to find his shoes. We didn't know if they were accidentally placed in the trunk of another car or stuffed in a bag somewhere. Frantically ripping the house apart and calling all graduation attendees, we were still at a loss.
In a last ditch effort, I asks Patrick to drive by where we parked "just in case". You can see where this is going right? Yup, sitting on the curb, sitting overnight were his shoes, Iron Man glow shoes, practically brand new!



Patrick said we were lucky no five year old came by and wanted them. I told him we were lucky no mom or auntie or a five year old walked by and saw them! Crisis averted!
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Graduation

I realize that it is almost time for school to start, but I have been so busy that marking time has been challenging!

But this summer has not been without special moments, including Scrumpy's graduation from pre-school. The first of many graduations I hope to attend.



Performing for the crowd




Waiting for his diploma or in his case scrapbook of acheivements.




We have to get better about family shots

Ice cream

Possum never sits still. He walks when he talks on the phone. He walks when he eats. I think there is too much energy in that little package.

Of course, there are exceptions, namely ice cream cones. The promise of ice cream cones make all of drinner disappear. Ice cream cones make bath time ammenable. And ice cream comes ensure 20 minutes where he is sitting still at the table.

Of course the same cannot be said for Scrumpy as he devoured his in about two minutes. Clearly, savoring is not his strong suit.

Reading too many National Geographics

I hope he doesn't grow up to do this for real.




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Indoor stepping stones

AKA every pillow in the house




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Teaching the Important Stuff

Auntie Mitch carries around Go Fish cards. I think it's just a ploy to start teaching the boys how to work a real playing deck.




It's just hard code genetics working its way through. Between the Tiojanco genes and Patrick's affinity for card playing, I suspect we will have two Super Card sharks in no time. The public has been warned. Crossett boys will take your money and run!





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Easter 2012

Much to Patrick's chagrin, I decided to dress the boys up for Easter.  In actuality, it was really because we had bought suits for my cousin's wedding in September and thought this was a good way to get more use out of them before they outgrow them.  Patrick thought the boys would be uncomfortable, but they proved to him that you can very easily do an egg hunt, play bocce ball and what not "suited up".

   Okay, maybe they didn't really like the suits 

           

Or rather they don't like taking pictures....

With their parents

Egg hunting requires complete focus

Learning Bocce

Having a heart to heart

Mischief

My kids always look like they are up to something.




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Thoughts on the iPad

It's not a computer Mama. It's a big giant phone.



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Cross your fingers

That the end of diapers is near.



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Building forts and tunnels are big time activities in the Crossett household. Usually they are done by the boys but for more complicated designs Daddy has to be consulted. Thank goodness there are endless supplies of blankets to help erect the walls.

Of course, all the animals get special access into the fort. No grown up allowed.

Location:Fort Montclair