Monday, October 17, 2011

Friends: Courtney Hansen


It was hard for me to find a picture with Courtney by herself, because it seems like she is always with friends in pictures. That doesn't surprise me: Courtney is such a fun, outgoing person. She's a terrific, creative hostess, but not in the way that some girls recreate a Martha Stewart photo and then sit awkwardly on the couch waiting to be praised. Courtney is truly FUN. She gets people talking--what's more, she gets them laughing. Part of the reason it is fun to be friends with Courtney is that her phenomenal intelligence lends itself to a dry, lightning-speed wit. I have often felt,
in Courtney's presence, that I can't physically laugh any harder. I thought that she had always been socially gifted, and was shocked when she told me she used to be shy. The fact that she overcame shyness makes me admire her even more.

Something I value even more about Courtney is her loyalty and dedication to her friends. I will never forget coming down from the stage of my choir concert, and seeing Courtney (and Whit & Kirst) standing there proudly. I said something like, "Oh wow, you guys didn't have to come." The look on Court's face was confusion, like, "You're my friend. Why on Earth wouldn't I be here?" That same philosophy has been prevalent throughout our friendship. Whenever something important was happening for me, Court was there, no discussion. I feel like that is a diminishing trend in friendships, which makes Courtney all the more valuable and amazing as a friend.

If you don't have a friend like Courtney, I would suggest getting one immediately. But beware, friends of her quality and loyalty are in short supply.

Hipster

Cal is excited about hanging out in Southern California with Aunt Hannah and Uncle Mark. Here's my busy little boy:

Friday, October 14, 2011

More Craziness: An Addendum


Biting through the packaging of the chocolate bars I bought to make lava cakes:

Filling up the Brita pitcher with eggs:

What can I say? He's busy! :)


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Living with a "Terrible Two-Year-Old"


Cal is really trying my patience lately. I think everyone gets so used to throwing around the words "terrible twos", that we forget how real it is! Or I guess, in my case, I forget how consistently the terrible twos manifest themselves in the minutia of my day. Everything is a battle right now. Not because Cal is a bad kid--it's just because that is what he is programmed to do right now: fight for what he wants.

Exhibit A.

Cal got ahold of a ricola throat lozenge who-knows-when, and turns out, he loves them. Every time he sees one--whether it's in my purse or on the counter--he loses interest in anything else. During the most recent episode, I gave him a firm "No," and then put the lozenges on the counter, out of his reach.

Or so I thought...



Cal: 1
Mommy: 0


Exhibit B.

Cal also loves coloring. I hide our writing
utensils as best I can, because he will color on anything--the wall, the cupboards, the fridge, throw pillows, sheets, the floor...

A few weeks ago, I was lying on the floor where Cal and I had been playing with trains, when Cal climbed on my back and started tickling me with his little finger. Except that, after a few seconds, I realized it wasn't his finger.

My back: Cal's first body art

Worse? I was his second project of the moment:


Cal: 2
Mommy: 0



Exhibit C. (*Note: this is definitely my own fault)

I had (note the past tense) two huge frames displaying photographs I took a few years ago. I had yet to hang them, and had discouraged Cal's interest in them by consistently removing him from the area where I had them resting. One day, I heard a HUGE crash, and came in to find him standing rather unapologetically next to this:

He'd just tipped them over for no reason! I naturally freaked out and snatched him up before he could cut himself. But then, to add insult to injury, as I'm sweeping up the extensive amount of glass, Cal walks into the room covered head-to-toe in his toddler toothpaste. It took me the better part of an hour to finish cleaning up both messes.

Cal: 4 (I'm giving that last one two points)
Mommy: still 0

To finish, here is a picture of Cal's naughty smile. It's the smile he does when he knows he's being naughty:

Oh Cal, what am I going to do with you? And will I survive these truly terrible twos?

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Cal and his Friends

Cal loves playing with other kids. Although I do my best to entertain him, I'm sure our apartment must get very boring for a two year old. So we both love any chance we get to go hang out with our friends.

Dancing to "Tangled" with Annie:


Climbing with Caleb, Kate and Evelyn

Double slide with Caleb:

Busy building train tracks with Connor and Nolan:

Running w/ Caleb:


Popsicles:

McDonald's Playplace:


At the park with Everett:

Oh you know, just thinking...with Bryson:
I love that Cal loves playing with other kids so much. It's wonderful to see him so excited and entertained!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

You Choose the Ending

I sit next to someone in choir who is constantly making disparaging, personal and audible remarks about the other singers. Our seats are assigned, so I can't switch.

What should I do?

A. Send her an email (seems a bit passive aggressive)
B. Respond to the next crazy comment she makes (I don't want to seem like the crazy person!)
C. Talk to the conductor about switching seats (Seems overly-dramatic)
D. Put super glue on her chair

You choose the ending!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Doing More with Cal

I had a great day with Cal today. I know that may seem like a benign comment, but it represents a huge triumph to me. Lately, I haven't been feeling like a great mom.

Doing something fun and simple together, not worrying about the mess or the time -- I've got to figure out a way to do things like this more often.










I love this little guy: