A Day in the Life of the Lowe Gang

No Nap Joe...

2011-03-28T21:52:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a quick post...but thought we should share this hilarious moment.

We were so excited to celebrate Grady's 2nd Birthday that we skipped naps and headed straight to the Stephen's house...the kids were going strong (Avery usually doesn't nap-more on that another time; in a nutshell...so not good) and Owen was going strong and really had a great time with all of our friends.

When we finally made it home (short stop at Home Depot of course) we quickly made dinner for fear of losing one too soon (or pre-bath). At one point Ian and I started talking about how neither of our children ever fell asleep in their food.

Please, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Well...2010 came and went...

2011-03-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a LONG time since I updated this blog, and, well, since I am laying here trying not to to have barf-o-ramma, I thought I would throw up a few pictures. BTW-day time television sucks!

Well, we have not moved, the kids are both at the same school and well, Ian and I are both at the same jobs...really, are we the most boring people you know?

Avery turned 3 in May 2010 (and is seriously almost 4). The jumpie is the best investment ever! Ian has done the math numerous times...to buy a jumpie or not to buy a jumpie, that is the question? Well, really the quesion is where to store the darn thing. As it is we are exploding out of our house.
Family pictures are a must! We got them done in June 2010...Owen was so not into it and well, Avery was into it enough for the two of them.
We love camping with our friends the Raczka's during the summer. San Elijo and South Carlsbad are the two main destinations. In 2010 we went camping for the 4th of July...doesn't Owen look like he is having a great time!?During the summer, the pre-school has all sorts of different activities. One of the days is Crazy Hair Day...Owen had more pony tails in his hair than most of the girls! This is what happened when I took them out.Owen's birthday was August and well...he has turned into such a little man. Does this remind you of anyone???

We went to visit Auntie Jen, Uncle Matt, Cousin Roman, and Cousin Sofia in Washington D.C. (Arlington, VA) October 2010. The kids were great travelers and LOVED seeing their cousins. Ian and Matt seemed to really enjoy their Bourbon tastings (or was it whiskey...don't remember, either way it was pretty much disgusting). Jen and I got some much needed girl time. Bubbie's house is great and it was so fun for all of us to hang together. The weather was cold by so welcome. It made those really warm Halloween costumes from Old Navy worth it (so cheap and easy...yes, I admit it, I took the easy route). Owen was the best dragon (flaming dragon) ever and Avery was an adorable mariposa.

We went to the pumpkin patch when we were there...holy crap, the west coast patches basically suck! There were like 5 slides, and when I say slides, I mean, like 15 foot long ones. They were super fast and the kids LOVED them!! There were chickens and roosters there too. One of them was a bit aggressive. Apparently it wanted to go on the teeter-totter. Owen wasn't done and started yelling at it. Note to self, yelling at a rooster does not necessarily make the rooster want to run away.

Here is a family picture on the old fire truck that they had at the pumpkin patch.

Owen, Avery and Cousin Sofia were all discussing why the butterfly that was up until then, sitting so peacefully on a flower, won't fly away (the butterfly's wings were totally shredded so it could NOT fly away if it wanted to), and let's face it, it wanted to. Owen kept getting super close to it and yelling, "Mari-po-saaaa". It is so cute. Obviously, Avery was getting into the nitty-gritty of the situation...Sofia was following, I think?!

Finally, we went to Ramona in the eastern (well kind of north kind of east) part of San Diego County to actually cut down a Christmas Tree this year. We met our friends, the Buscho's, and proceeded to get lost in the hundreds of trees. Can I just tell you that I was so NOT impressed by this whole experience. Note, I did not say that we would not do it again, just said I was not impressed. It took us no time to agree on a tree, however, we felt compelled to keep looking just in case. Eventually we went back to find the perfect tree and neither of us could remember where it was. We picked this other one instead. It took Ian about 2 seconds to cut the darn thing down with a hand saw...really? That was it?

Avery kept asking if a squirel was going to jump out of it. Yes folks, my kids LOVE Christmas Vacation...what can we say? I DVR-ed it for Ian and I and they ended up watching it and LOVING IT! Really though, do you blame them? Anyway, it made the holiday season fun.

Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years all had a new twist this year; the kids were totally participating and really getting into it. Avery actually got into a fight with a girl in her class about who's Hanukkah it was. We had a great time. Some friends came over and helped us eat. We decided that the sweet potato latkes were really the best!

Christmas was equally as much fun. We always host Christmas dinner. The kids got so much crap that I couldn't help but start purging...oh, do I love to get rid of stuff!!

New Years was fun, we had some good friends over and played the Wii...some dance game that made us all look like idiots. It was lots of fun. It was a great way to ring in the New Year.

Happy 2011...a little belated! :-) I will try to get a few more posts up before Avery's birthday.
By the way...something of note, Owen likes to tell you he needs a new diaper by handing you the one he was wearing. That was super cool last weekend. I was trying to get Avery some juice and Owen walked into the kitchen and handed my a poop diaper. Seriously???? That meant that he had to pull it down his legs. What does that mean boys and girls? That means that Owen had crap all down his legs. So that was a good time, Ian came walking in the front door to me yelling at Owen not to move, with the tub running and Avery trying not to spill juice all over the floor...BTW, he has no interest in potty training. WTF???

March 2010 & Today

2010-04-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

The month of March was action packed. There will actually be two more posts just for the month's events, this post will just include some general pictures.

Auntie Jen was in town from Virginia so we got to see her. We even made a trip up to the West-Coast-Cousin's house and had a slumber party. Look how cute they all are just sitting there watching, well, pretty much anything that was on.Owen and Molly are the closest in age amongst the Segal-Fallon-Diascro-Lowe cousins but it a close second between her and their Cousin Oliver. Either way, aren't they just so cute. Do we see our daddy's kids or what?Daddy picked the kids up from school one day when it was super hot out and got them ice cream. They make such a mess but aren't they so good? I think that Ian likes to get ice cream to help them eat it. On St. Patrick's Day, landed on a day when I had to go to work and Ian met us as I was running out of the house. He dressed the kids and I had to call him as I was on my way to work to remind him to put them in Green. I had totally forgot! Oops...when Ian went to drop them off they looked very blah in relation to the other kids. He called me on the way over to Target in a mad rush to get anything St. Patty's Day-ish. Here they are after school, again, with some sort of pop. Dad!We are so lucky! Ian's mom and Terry take the kids for slumber parties so that Ian and I get some down time. Especially now that I will be back to work full time, more on that later, being sure that Ian and I are actually home at the same time for more than a day at a time is going to be hit-or-miss. So getting this time together is invaluable. Here are the kids off to Far Mor and TT's house. They have their sleeping bags on their backs and practically ran out of the door!
We have great neighbors. One afternoon Ian was sitting outside and our neighbor Matt walked over and started drinking beers with him in the driveway, ok so kinda white trash but they were having fun, then I got home from getting a much needed mani/pedi and joined them. Inevitably, Avery woke up from her nap and she came out to hang, then our neighbor's wife, Amy, and daughter came over, then Owen woke up...it was a party in the driveway! They stayed for dinner and while dinner was cooking the kids played in the sandbox, and then under the sandbox. This is a picture of my daughter in a cute pink floral dress holding a slug or a worm, she was going back and forth! She loved them. She wanted to kiss them and bring them inside. I did not get a picture of it but Owen kept trying to eat them. Grosssss!Here is Avery at the dinner table wearing Matt's Raider hat. Ok, so he is not the best neighbor in the world, he is a Raider fan. This act almost put Ian into a permanent depression.

Finally, today, just because I don't want to forget, so I had to drop off and pick up the kids today, I had a shorter day, of which I will be making up tomorrow, urgh! I was already tired and feeling like I was coming down with something so I was a little crabby. I was trying to get the kids dressed for school and into the kitchen for breakfast. I had pinned down Avery and was almost done with her clothes. As I was sitting down to put her shoes and socks on I realized I had no clue where Owen was. Usually I close all of the doors in the hallway except for the kids room and then they can run free through the rest of the house. Well, Mr. Lowe had used the restroom last and had not re-closed the door. Avery and I finally figured out he was in the hall bathroom. So I go to open the door and low and behold, it was locked. How the hell did this kid do this??? Ian had had enough forethought to put the unlocker-thingies (no, it looks nothing like a key so don't even say that is what it is) on top of the door frame. I reach up and start sticking what looks like a metal toothpick with a loop at the end through the teeny-tiny hole on the door knob. It won't open. I am starting to panic a little because I have seen what he can do to their room and it is totally kid friendly. I call Ian for pointers and as I am telling him what is going on, "click" the door unlocks. I open the door to this lovely aroma of poo. Great, well he went to the right place. That being said, I actually got the door open and this little toe-headed boy is sitting on the floor in his red fleece footy pjs, reading a book amongst the toilet paper he decorated the entire floor with. I will give him this, he did not proceed to shove it down the toilet, so he had that working in his favor. Either way, it was so hard to be made at him because he looked up at me and said, "el-fa-lent", he was reading the "Everybody Farts [Toots] book" that totally has an elephant on it. That kid is so fricken cute! So, from that point forward, the morning went off without a hitch. I got the kids to school, even remembered to write down all of the kids names in Avery's class (birthday party this year is to include her classmates-s**t). I got to work and whatever, things as usual. But gosh darn it, how the hell did I lose the sheet of paper that I wrote all the names down on and well, my shopping list for Thursday. Crap, I emailed the school but they did not know where it was when I picked the kids up this afternoon. And I know, most of you are saying, just write it down again. Well, Ian is dropping her off and picking her up tomorrow, which means he will totally forget to get the list of names, which means I will have to wait for next week to get the names to write them on the invitations, etc...Anywho...so typical for me these days. So, I had a couple of meetings in the am and through lunch. I had an ENT appointment in the afternoon, where I spent over an hour and a half to have the doctor tell me I needed tubes again. Randi, Zach is in good company if I do say so myself. Needless to say, this will be my second round. Super so fun! I got back to work just in time to check my email, schedule a few more meetings...my life is meetings, and leave to go pick up the kids. I first go to get Owen and the teacher says to me, he did not cough at all...what?? The kid kept us up all night coughing and kicked my numerous times (I had to bring him into our bed because we did not want him to wake Avery). I digress for a moment, but why do kids migrate towards mom? Ian was in the bed and has been in the bed multiple times in the past where I bring one of the kids in for one reason or another and he will have no clue. That would be because whom ever it is has decided they need to not only sleep next to me but on my pillow and typically with a limb pressed into my middle. A couple of weeks ago Avery snuck in and I did not even notice I was so tired. I woke right up when I got smacked in the face though. That was a good time. Anyway, crap, now I totally forgot where I was going with this very long story...good day overall. Tired and time for bed. And yes, to all of you who are interested, Owen has been coughing for the last 2 hours.

February 2010

2010-04-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took a short trip to Sea World one afternoon after nap time. The kids love to just run around and when it is a little chilly and well, you are going in the out door because it is so late, there is no one there. It is just great. The two of them actually stood there and posed for this great picture with the fire hydrant in front of the beautiful flowers!

My mother and I had taken the kids to the Quail Botanical Gardens in North County a couple of months back and not only did they love it but so did we. We finally had the chance to drag Ian up there. Here is a picture of the kids posing along one of the trails. Avery has taken to smiling really hard. She gets so excited so really, we have no normal pictures of her anymore.

Daddy and the kido's walking towards the Children's Garden, so cute!

Another big milestone this month, Owen turned 1 and a half and well, that meant he was starting school. We were so good about starting him slowly and not making him go full days for a while. He was such a champ and really loves it now. The two of them are in different classes and therefore play in different yards. They will stand at the fence and play with eachother instead of the other kids. Good or bad, we don't know but pretty fricken cute just the same! Here's Owen at his first day of school!

San Diego is expensive, both the housing market and well, living, but it is worth it when we get a beach day in the middle of February!

The sandbox once again. This time, Owen decided it was necessary to dawn the helmet, just in case Avery got crazy.

Last but not least, here is Franny bringing up the rear. This is one of her favorite spots. She sits here with her head resting on the cross bars of the dining room table waiting for the kids to drop ANYTHING. Tell me that is not the cutest face ever???

December & January

2010-04-10T22:17:00.001-07:00

December was a busy month for us, as I am sure it is for most families. Our kids are lucky enough to celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. So we start off with the Christmas Tree one random Wednesday even, I believe that Avery had another case of the Barf-o-Rammas but Ian was determined. Avery made it and Ian got his tree. I really don't care to be perfectly honest. We don't have amazingly tall ceilings so really, it is all about where the hell we are going to put the damn thing. There is a reason why I was born a Jew...I hate messes and displacement. Damn Christmas, and for that matter, my husband is Clark W. Griswold Jr., I think our friend Chuck takes the cake for Sir. Anywho, got the tree and we got it up in the house. Moved everything around and Ian and my dad decided that we should get a train this year. Ian chose the Lionel Christmas Train. It blows smoke (lol-no pun intended), lights up and sings Jingle Bells. Ian loved it and honestly, so did the kids. Here is Owen being so helpful. He was playing with a singing dradle while sitting in the Christmas Tree Star box.Every year my mom comes over and we make Hanukkah dinner, including latkas and anything else we could come up with. This year my mother was bringing the brisket and Ian was trying to kill dinner...a young woman on a moped. The woman was ok and Ian's truck and our children weren't the wiser. Lots of excitement for one night though! Happy Hanukkah. After that ordeal we did not really have lots of fun pictures to capture the rather unusual evening. Although both kids loved their presents and Avery and Owen both love the princess dress up box!

Christmas was fun. We did Christmas Eve dinner at our house and the kids got so many presents. OMG-I was wondering why we would even bother giving them anything from Santa. But we did. My stomach was not feeling so great so I was unable to capture most if not all of the kids playing. Here is Owen riding his new bike in the living room; not sure which is more exciting, the bike or that it is in the house.

So after all of the festivities were over we shoved everything we could into the dishwasher and proceeded to put together a kitchen and to wrap all of the remaining presents. Oh, and put them out because of course Santa had not come yet. What a nightmare, we have a new found respect for parents at this time of year...f**king Santa, you can't call ahead and tell the kids you are dropping stuff off early on account of all the other parents you have to torment!?? Oh well, the kids had a blast and we got to go to two more houses on Christmas Day. This is our living room after Santa's visit.

January was a rather mellow month. Avery and Owen in this photo are enjoying the sand-crab their Auntie Leah got them. They really love that thing. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year...belated!

First Trip To Disneyland!

2010-04-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, this will be my last post for tonight. I was supposed to run and that did not happen nor have I eaten yet. Ian will kill me when he finds out how late I am staying up to write this "stupid blog". Screw him, he is not home...

We went to Disneyland in late November right after they put up all the Christmas decor. Can I just say that it is pretty much amazing! I am going backwards but I have to follow that statement with a picture...the "Princess Castle".The first ride we went on was a sure thing, the Merry-Go-Round...the kids loved it! Starting off to a good start.

Then we were off to Dumbo's Ride. This is very similar to Elmo's Ride at Sea World. This too we knew would go over well...

Ok, so then we, ok maybe I, thought we should try Alice In Wonderland...I believe that Ian leaned back to me and said something the effect of "What the f**k were you thinking?" So maybe Avery was freaking out and sitting with him to boot. How was I supposed to know? We limited our indoor rides.

Avery loved Autopia. She got to drive! Owen and I watched. Owen was too short to go. Poor kid.

This picture should pretty much cover how Avery felt when she saw her first princess walking down the street...

Ian, the amazing daddy that he is, waited in line with Avery to meet the princesses. It took them 1.5 hours. Of course they were half way through when Avery announced that she had to pee. They had to get out of line and go pee and then wait again. Ok, so maybe I could have gotten in line in their place but we did not really think about that till after. Owen was napping so I missed out on a lot. Ok, not really, we hardly saw Disneyland. The best part is that we all actually had a good time. On that note, we have decided that we are going to have to go back...Thurs and Friday of this week we will be at California Adventure and Disneyland. It should be even more fun. Owen will actually get to participate. We are all excited! Stay tuned for more pictures.

Ok, I am going to bed. I will attempt to pick up where I left off tonight tomorrow night. Hope this quenches your thirst for now!

The Update Continues...November

2010-04-06T21:50:00.001-07:00

Well, poor Franny, she has taken to understand that she is last in the Lowe Family pecking order. We still totally love her but well, as you can see, she gets tormented all the time! She is so good and often gets up with a "harrumph" to walk away from the tornado's of love she is so lucky enough to experience.

This picture was taken in our side yard. We have this amazing maple tree that I just LOVE! This was supposed to be our holiday card but well, I forgot to upload the pics from the camera so we got the "hole" instead. Oh well...don't mind Avery's red headband. She had to have it!

Every November is the Susan G Koman Breast Cancer 5K. We always walk with Melissa and her family in support of her mother's amazing triumph over breast cancer; Becky you rock! I look forward to it every year and well, it seems that the last couple of years the number in my party has grown. Here you are, fortunate enough to witness a potty emergency, thanks Melissa for snapping this one. We are going to use this in years to come, I can feel it! Anyway, this was towards the end of the walk and we were on the 163 North...when can you say you actually took a dump on the 163?! BTW, any parents in the potty world, this potty is amazing. It folds into itself and uses a disposable bag, like poop bags with a mini Chuck's Pad in it. It is the best thing ever!

Ian and I went to Lake Tahoe for Ronna's wedding without the kids. It was great. Devon and Dave were our traveling buddies and well...they are the best people to travel with ever! We love them a little...ok, that sounds a little scary but back off!

This is one of the trees in the parking lot of the In 'n Out on the way up the mountain. I kinda thought it was amazing!

As many of you know, I allowed Ronna and Heavy to get married on my birthday. I know, it was a difficult decision but I thought it was the right thing to do...just kidding, I was honored to share the date with such great people! What a great weekend...everyone had so much fun and Ronna and Heav had perfect weather for a perfect wedding!

My birthday breakfast with Ian, Devon and Dave...

The happy couple! Seriously, a good time was had by all, and look at them, Heavy is smiling and not even showing the finger! Congratulations guys!

Pumpkin Patch & Halloween!

2010-04-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well, of course we had lots of prep time for Halloween. Ian loves halloween and the kids do to. I am totally out numbered. Although, this year was way more fun than last! We met FarMor and TT (Ian's mom and her boyfriend) at Nates But Farm (that is what Ian calls it) to pick out some killer pumpkins and to get the whole Pumpkin Patch experience.

Family picture with the "mer-manes" scarecrows. Can I just tell you how hot it was that day! OMG was it hot!
Avery and Owen posed with this huge pumpkin.

They loved running through all of the pumpkins. These pumpkins looked a little more our speed. Some of them were huge and I just did not have the energy for that.

Avery went on the pony ride and was in hog heaven. Now, the petting zoo, another story. Avery was so freaked out by the goat that jumped on Ian trying to get the food out of his hands that he could let go of her...check her out!Of course Ian was working on Halloween, so the kids and I went to visit him before we went to Itsy's (my mom's) where we literally went about a block over the course of an hour and a half!

Even though this is late, Happy Halloween!

October 2009

2010-04-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am making a vow to catch everyone up on all things Lowe. So, because I am SO far behind, I figured I would start with the end of Sept/early October and work my way forward. The stories come and go, sorry, but really, I can't remember many.

We went camping at South Carlsbad Beach in North County San Diego the end of Sept. through the beginning of Oct. The weather was just perfect and the kids had a blast! Avery would play at the beach all day long. She loves running in and out of the water. Owen on the other hand, loves the sand, not so much the surf! Look at my little people playing together so well. Urgh, I love them!

Yes, the air was warm but the water was still cold. Avery decided to warm up on daddy. You could not have posed a more perfect picture!

We went to the first birthday party for a very good friend of ours and check out my little hula man! Now that is a costume!

I am not sure whom it was, but someone brought home a nasty cold this month! First Avery had it, then Owen had it, and of course, the rest of us got it in due time. Here is Owen sleeping with daddy.
As you are all aware, Ronna has gotten married, like almost 6 months ago. Needless to say, the shower was at our house amongst the illness. The shower was great, and I would say I can't wait for the wedding but we would know that was a lie...it is long gone!

Ok, one story, I think it was about this time...the preschool was doing "Safety Month" and Ian went in to Avery's Yellow Duck (2 year old) class to show them his gear and explain to the children not to run if they see someone who looks like Big Bird (big yellow turnouts, who else do they look like?) not to run. Anywho, not only was Avery the only one who cried when Ian turned the BA on, but she proceeded to tell her teacher during a 9-1-1 lesson, that you call "God" when you are in trouble. Ok, most of you know, we are the least religious people around, so at first I was horrified. Then we started talking about it and came to the conclusion that Avery meant that if you are in that much trouble you might as well pray cause you are screwed. Such an insightful little person. Ok maybe I am stretching a bit but still...kinda funny.

More to come...

Jingle Bells - The Full Length Feature Presentation

2009-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so there is a lot of stuff I need to add, and I will add at some point, but for now...please enjoy the collective singing and dancing styles of the Lowe kiddos!

Opps again...

2009-09-26T21:04:00.001-07:00

So much for that tweener post. I am just so, well, I don't really have an excuse, I am just lazy and don't want to sit in front of the computer when I can be in front of the TV; any better? I don't think so. Anyway, since my last post, Owen turned 1. Yep, did it again. I do love my kids, even if I am not showing it so well.

Let's see, if we were to go in chronological order, then next in the series of events would be that Avery got the stomach flu, no one else got it THANK GOD! It was awful. She said before going to be that her stomach hurt but she fell asleep so I thought that she needed to poop. She was, after all, notorious for holding it for days. Then I hear it...I hear her in there moaning (it was like 2)...yep, she had done it! She puked all over herself and her bed. Ewwww grossssss! Ian and I made a deal way back when we decided to get pregnant with Avery, I will deal with the poop...you give me ass-plosions and I will handle them (dry heaving or not) and Ian will take the puke! Ok, can I tell you he has gotten so fortunate to have been at work for almost all, I did not say all, but almost all of these lovely experiences. It gives me the willies thinking about it now! Anyway, she puked, I stripped her down and gave her a showie. She was clean and in good spirits. She then sat on my bed watching a show (yes at 2:30 in the am). I get her bed cleaned up and in she goes...then, as she is getting cozy and I was going to cover her, there she blows! Are you fricken kidding me??? Back in the showie and another sheet later, well, towel, I had just changed their sheets and there weren't any more. By this point it is just after 3 and she does not want to sleep alone. Sweet, she is going to puke in my bed. Awesome. Well, I throw down a towel under her and use one as a blanket. She pukes a couple more times, all the while refusing to puke in the "bucket" (an old zoo kiddie meal-highly recommend them for any of you out there looking to have a good time. I did try to get her to the toilet once-won't make that mistake again. It totally freaked her out). This is how our lives went for about 3 days and now we have anti-nausea meds at our finger tips. Ian has already had to help himself once.

Anyhoo, we could not really celebrate Owen's birthday with many family members-no one wanted to be around Avery-always about her isn't it! Oh well...he did not care. Look at him (the coloring is intentional, I was messing with the editing stuff...I think I will keep my day job).

Oh and man did he love cupcakes. Yes, there is chocolate frosting...I was over avoiding chocolate. It won't kill him and obviously he loved them. P.S. the kid still can't bite things very well but did not seem to have a problem shoveling this down. When he was all done, he looked like Pancho Villa...

And then he got to eat cake! Look ma', no hands! (This was at his birthday party the following Sunday. And yes, we actually hosed the kid down in the middle of the grass.)

Ok, so next, is Avery's huge accomplishment of being potty trained. It took less than a week. She is a rock star! She does not want to pee pee in her chones so she was quick to adjust. Especially when I came home with "Princess Chones". Ok, really, where did this princess thing come from?? She loves "Princess Dresses" and all things princess. It is kinda cute but really?

Not sure what happened to the resolution of this photo but you get the drift! And yes, those are snow boots she is wearing on one of the hottest days of the year!

One afternoon I decided that I was going to take the kids to Fanual Park for a picnic. Avery thinks that they are great and well, it is something different. Ok, note to self, always bring a seat to strap Owen into. He won't sit still to eat. He just kept climbing on me or crawled right into another group. This is a picture of my poor mother trying to let me eat...

The kids had a great time though...

For all of you who are interested, I finally remembered to get a movie of Owen crawling like a crab that had a stroke...(sorry, I forget that I can't turn movies...just turn your head). Also, take note of what ever it is that the boys is saying as he moves right along.

Ok, so Owen seems to be the topic of this, what seems to be quarterly, update. He has started crawling/climbing up everything! Seriously, Avery was crazy but nothing like this...(and yes, to answer your question, graffiti is becoming an increasingly more acceptable form of expression-especially at our house).

He is finally starting to stand without holding on, and for good periods of time, clapping and eating things. He is a funny kid. He has also starting feeding himself. Urgh, for all of you who know how Type A I am, this kills me, especially because he can't seem to help but stick his hands in his hair when they are super sticky/dirty. BTW, yogurt makes a great natural gel!

Let's see, I think that may very well cover all the bases, oh, I did go away this past weekend for the first time without Ian or the kids. It was a batchlorette party and well, it was SUPER FUN! I loved being with all the girls and really, it felt like collage all over again-everyone's doors open girls walking in and out, borrowing clothes and just having lots of fun! Yeah, Ronna's Getting Married!

Ok, that was super long but very necessary for catching up. I will try to be better but I won't bother making any promises.

Oops, Avery turned 2!

2009-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I get mother of the year, I never posted any pictures of Avery's 2nd Birthday...yeah, it was May 15th...well, there is nothing in the rule book about trying to make it up. She had a great birthday and an amazing birthday party...I was overwhelmed, I can't imagine how she felt...anyway, that is how I am going to start off this blog, attempting to catch up a little. I will try to do one more post between now and Owen's 1st birthday to get you all caught up in our very exciting and fast passed lives!

This is a picture of Avery on the morning of her 2nd Birthday. We decorated a chair for her and she got to wear her birthday hat and open all of her birthday cards.

On Avery's 2nd Birthday, we had to say good by to her "night night". Yep, for all of you who did not or do not know what a "night night" is, it is a pacifier. She gave it up proudly...well, really she did not have a choice but took it like a champ. I think that Ian had a much harder time with it than she did. Here they are, Ian kneeling down, ready to have a serious talk about where the "night night" is going to go.

Finally, the day of Avery's 2nd Birthday Party...isn't she a fox! She loves a good tutu and well...she did not want to disappoint on her birthday of all days! Also, please note the single hump camel, it came all the way from "Egyp-a-gypt", as a gift from Grandma Itsy.

So the kids seem to be able, between swatting and stealing and whatever else they do to each other, to actually enjoy each other for like, say, 15 seconds...enough time for Owen to down a bottle. Yes boys, he is a man after his father's heart. (Check out that belly!)

Owen has really started to get into things, and when I say get into things, well, this series of photos is calm and welcome...I will narrate for you:

Hey, look, this chair looks like a fun place to hang out. Yeah, ok, maybe not...I'm outta here!
Here I go...out from under the chair.

Side bar, this is extra challenging because well, for any of you out there who have not seen Owen crawl, he looks like a crab who has had a stroke; the one legged thingy (I am trying to get it on video)! So he gets his one half over but then has to swing his other leg over at the hip...so odd.
Alright, so I am almost out...man, this is taking me forever, I think I will need a little liquid refreshment post this little adventure.

Ta-Da! I have now made it out from under the chair. Please, hold your applause!

So as to not totally ruin, and well, remove anything else I have for the "tweener" blog, I will conclude with this picture. Guess?? Yes, Avery dumped water on poor unsuspecting Owen. Once again, Owen has been had. Avery just better watch out though, he is going to out weight her in a matter of minutes!

Drum Roll Please...

2009-06-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all dads...yes, it is late, but better late than never. Shoot, I am still holding on to the Mother's Day cards I was supposed to mail this year. Oops! We went to Karl Strauss for brunch and hung out the rest of the day. So relaxing. The kids painted daddy a great poster and we hung it in the living room!

So, it is true, since my last blog Owen has transformed into a little boy. Let's see, he has actually gotten 3 teeth and I think that there are two more pushing through...way to be little dude! Also, he is all over the place. He is crawling, or crab walking, everywhere. He is standing up on everything, in fact, this is what I found the other day when I went in to check on him at nap time...not napping.

He is not just standing up on everything but he is really trying to walk. He holds your hands and walks and then lets go! He just does not care, the best is that he will actually stand there for a second and then...down he goes! He has also taken to sitting back up again after you lay him down for a nap...he feel asleep like this last week.

Ian decided that Avery was old enough and would enjoy getting a T-Ball set. He had it waiting for her when we got to the fire station for lunch. Unfortunately, Owen liked it just as much. Yeah, another fight in the making. (Check out Avery's boots!)

So I think that Franny is back to hating us for having children. Just as Avery started to leave her alone and stay off her bed, here comes Owen...
Owen has also taken to "dancing". I tried to take video but I did it with my phone and it won't upload. Either way, what he does is he gets excited when the music begins, he flaps his arms and then, while sitting on his tushie, twirls in a circle. It is so funny...he is going to ware the bottom out of his pants. It is like he is doing doughnuts or something. I am going to try to catch it on film.

I hate to admit this but on Saturday, the kids and I were driving to a friend's 2nd birthday party when, I am guessing Avery rubbed sunscreen into her eyes, she kept telling me that her eyes itched. Then, I hear it..."My eyes are itching, f**k". Yes, I laughed but no, she did not see me. We have gotten so good about our language...how the heck does she remember that???

Ok, so not too exciting but I am tired.

Teeth?

2009-06-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah, no, Owen still has no teeth. Poor kid, he has been teething, like soaking shirts teething, since something like 6 months. He will be 10 months old on Father's Day, can you believe it?? He is such a character. So quiet and mellow. So unassuming...but man can he take apart a room faster than his sister can! Here he is acting as if he has no clue what is going on...

Hi mama, oh yeah, he says "mama" and "dada", and means it. He can sign "milk"...would you have thought otherwise? Do you see a resemblance in the 'o' lips between he and his sister? Must be genitic.

Avery, Owen and I were playing the scale game. Ok, not so much a game for me, but that is not your problem. Anyway, Owen weighs 20.5 lbs. and Avery is a whopping 26 lbs. Owen looks huge! I mean HUGE! Avery looks like she just went through a growth spurt. She is so long. Ian dressed her Wednesday morning for school and well, her pants looked like they would stay dry in a tsunami. I sware that they just both changed over night. Owen is crawling and well, I put him on the floor of the kitchen this morning and when I went to pick him up, he looked like he actually ate Franny. So gross! Avery is a total parrot. She has taken to a few choice four letter words. Ian thinks it is all my fault and I have to openly object! Either way, it is not ok. This morning Avery told me that she is in love with Pete. You may recall, "For the love of Pete", so that is now why my little daughter is in love with Pete. She also frequenty uses "Oh my gosh!".

So, Avery has been having a little trouble with spacial awareness these days. Not sure if she has some sort of inner ear thing going on but had two crashes in like three days. First, she was running to her room to get her "cwoks" (crocks) when she over shot the turn from the living room to the hallway and ran smack dab into the door frame to the bathroom, like it was new or something. Yes, I could not help myself, I actually started laughing out loud. She was fine. The second was when Ian, and I took the kids to the zoo one afternoon. We were all walking up one of the "trails" and we saw an exhibit with a large bird in it. We were all moving in to get a better look, it was no joke, as tall as Avery, and well, it let out some noise (not sure what it was really, almost catcall like at a seriously loud volume) when it saw the kids and scared the ba-geeze-us out of Avery. She started crying and then, yep, you guessed it, Owen started crying. She finally gets it together just in time to miss her step (she tripped up hill) and ran right into a light pole with her chin. Again, we laughed out loud. Does that make us bad parents? It was so funny. She is perfectly fine for all of you who were worried.

Avery came into the kitchen the other morning like this. Those are her pants around her ankles...NO NO NO...get your minds out of the gutter!

We painted on Sunday. We wanted to prep for Father's Day and, well, Avery was an old pro but Owen, well, take a look. We went into the jacuzzi right after; it was that or hose them off and I thought the 'cuze would be more fun and a lot warmer.

Mother's Day...

2009-05-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day for all of you celebrating. Today was a bit nuts. We all got in a little breakfast, nothing too exciting, actually Avery had two breakfasts, and then we were off. Ian was on his way to the Depot, the first of three trips today and I was home getting myself and Owen ready for a wedding that Avery was actually in. We made it and Avery looked great. There was no napping for Avery and Owen fell asleep in daddy's arms mid-ceremony. We left early, or earlier than most because Avery was melting quickly. She looked so adorable and nope, we did not have a free hand to take pictures. I hope we can get copies from the Bride!

Ian turned 30 this week and we decided to take our first trip without children since Owen was born. Let's not be hasty, we left Avery once for less than 24 hours for our anniversary in '07 and then when Owen was born. We don't do this often and we have never left Owen. I have to say that they were in good hands and we had a blast! Ohhh, do I love Vegas. We won money playing craps and blackjack and got some good alone time. I only wish we slept more. Seriously, my internal clock is so messed up. I just wanted to sleep in. The first morning we made it to 7 am and the second morning we made it to 8 am. Really? Urgh, on well...it was worth it.

Avery has taken to run by pushings of poor, unsuspecting Owen. He is usually just sitting there playing with something and squeaking and here comes Avery and just knocks him down. Typically I am alerted to what has happened by the thump of Owen's head hitting the floor. She does this at least twice a day. It is making me nuts! The best is that she loves him and wants to play with him or get his "boogies" or even bring him (more like throw at him) some toys. Deep down she loves him; right?

Everyone has remained pretty healthy. I am the only one who kept getting sick and it turns out that I had been losing an ongoing battle with a double ear infection. My ears weren't draining so I kept getting sick. Of course, why didn't I think of that. Meanwhile, I went to visit the doctor for some help (this had been going on for about 3 months) and well, not only did one of my ear drums blow, but yep, you guessed it, they both did. Amongst getting felt up by the doctor, get your minds out of the gutter, he was feeling my neck and such, he noticed my thyroid felt "strange". So I left have my weight in blood at the doctors and a script for a sonogram on my neck. Turns out I have a mild case of hypothyroidism...maybe now I will start losing weight! The best is that through all of this I could not hear anything. It was kinda nice. The kids would scream and well, I could hardly hear them. I am on the road to recovery and well, my hearing is back. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

Avery has been asking lots of questions lately about anatomy. We take showies together and Owen joined us one evening not too long ago. She was trying to figure out where his pee pee was. You could tell by the look on her face she was totally confused. Finally, I tried to explain that Avery was a girl and Owen was a boy. This has been an on going conversation and we finally decided that we would just call it like it is; she now know that girls have a "Gina" and boys have a "Kleenex", yep, like the tissue brand. I did not lead her astray, I gave her the right names and this is how they translated in a 2 year olds' mind. The best is that she went up to daddy and said, you have a Kleenex and whacked him, open handed right where it counts. I almost peed!

Owen and daddy get some quality man time when Avery is at school. They are so cute aren't they?? Check out Owen's gut! You think that kid gets enough to eat?

Avery has also recently gotten serious about fashion...yep, she dressed herself! Check out the belly button poking through. I will say that I had to add the shirt, that was missing from her original selection. The second photo is Avery holding daddy's hand as we are getting ready to go get "fozen yogert"...there is a new place that just opened by us and we love it. My daughter can't get enough of the chocolate! Owen sticks to vanilla but there is not a bite that goes past him that he does not open his mouth for.

We call Owen "roomba" for anyone who does not know what that is, it is a vacuum that cleans for you. Owen can scoot on his tummy like it is no body's business. He cleans the floors and well, seems to get around ok. You can always find him by following the stream of drool pouring out of his mouth. I think that he would have a better shot at beating off his sister if he were a bit faster. Here is a quick look at something we hope will turn into a crawl. He has been doing this plank and the rocking maneuver for a few weeks now...good luck little man, you will need it!

Please join us next week for Avery's 2nd Birthday! We are going to be making our first go at Disneyland and saying bye bye to our "night night" (that would be her pacifier to the lay person). Wish us luck and I will post pics when I remember.

Ok, so it has been a while...

2009-04-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

So it has been a while, and well, lots has happened. For starters, both kids and both adults in the Lowe house have seriously been sick since the last post. No joke! I finally asked the doctor if this was for real, and her reply was simple, "This is the worst cold and flu season I have seen, so yes it is for real". Avery has had bronchitis, ear infections, and the ever popular "Barf-o-Ramma" on top of the various strains of colds and flu's that she has brought home to share. Such a giver that child is. Owen has had RSV, an ear infection and well, some sort of bronchial irritation. Both kids sound more like seals than little monsters. I feel so bad for them. Avery has taken to coughing so hard she barfs, so that is fun. Love cleaning up her barf in the middle of the night and having to bathe her and well, having a 102 fever myself. That was a hoot. Wish you all could have been there to join in the fun. The best part of it all, is that the really nasty-yucky stuff happens when Ian is stuck at work. Urgh, karma is a, well, you know....worst of all, Franny has slowly learned that her lot in life is at the bottom...such a sad state for her. She is still such a love though!

We did seem to manage a trip to Big Bear or Big Duck-we like to mix things up a bit. Avery got to play in the snow but was not a fan of the sled. Something about it being, "Too Loud". Ok, so we figured out that that meant scary...took a while but we did eventually figure it out.
Owen started eating solids...ok, so he has gone from cereal to actual baby food in the time it has taken me to get this blog back up and going but you all understand. I have to say that that kids digs food! He is now eating 3 meals a day plus nursing-wtf? He is going to pass Avery up in the L-B department sooner than later. The best is that the doctor said that he was in the 50th percentile for everything...really? He is a beef cake! His next appointment is not until May. The kids were born such that their appointments actually coincide so they both go at the same time. Such great planning by their parents, if I do say so myself.Well, I am sure you all remember the last "Pooping in the Showie" experience. Well, I, yes, it only seems to happen to me, had another bout. Avery sat there and pooped while I was getting out of the shower. Really? She said, "Avery poopied in the showie", like how do you get mad at that? Still, I had to revert back to my trusty breast pad maneuver...

Both kids seem to really enjoy each other. The two of them will sit there and laugh at each other until the cows come home. Avery really has no clue as to how "nice" she needs to be with him. Today she ran over to him and knocked him right off his seat. Oh, yeah, he sits now. He is pretty good. I am not sure why I sound so surprised. He is a bit bottom heavy, although, I think that his head is catching up and then some. I have to admit, I asked Ian the other day if his head looked too big. Then in asking the question I looked at him and realized that that was just a dumb question.

This picture was a day when both were a bit under the weather, weird I know, and Avery was dragging around this stuffed bunny that was bigger than her. She and the bunny and Owie watched Dora...haa, I love that Latina. She can entertain my kid for hours. We have also branched out, FINALLY, and like Oswald and his pet Wennie; get your mind out of the gutter, it is his Dachshund.I had also started to give them both baths together, that was, before Ian destroyed the bathroom. Where we both frequently get, "What did daddy do to the bathroom?". This is said in what one may think is one word, but no, it is 6. She also likes to throw up her hands to add punctuation. Ok, just to clarify, we are mid remodel on the main bathroom. There were holes in the walls because as most of you know, we had a leak in our slab the week before Owen was born and had to get all new plumbing. Unfortunately, the 70's tile that had once hung so lovely from floor to ceiling is no longer. I can't wait to begin this evening tradition once again. Owen is outgrowing the sink and well, he crapped in it the other night and well, that is just gross, bleach or not!

Well, since it has been so long, I won't narrate a bunch of photos, I will just attach a few more. I will try to be better about "blogging" but it is hard. I never have time to sit and write...and now look, it is 9:20! Ok, speed blogging...this next photo is of Avery back in March, just hanging out. She is so cute and yes, her eyes are always that big. Her teacher actually commented on how she never blinks...

Owie is just a happy boy. He is always smiling, well, that is unless he is crying. But you get the idea. A far more easy going child than Avery, that is except is does not sleep. We were actually on our way, finally slept through the night once and then we went camping. That threw everything off, but we are trying once again, a special bedtime "dance" and maybe back to the once a night feeding and then nothing...here's to hoping!Both of the kids love books; Owen more to eat than to read, but you have to start somewhere right? Anyway, here is a picture of Ian reading "The Moose Book" (If you give a Moose a Muffin). He seems to be the only one enjoying the book. Mom is way more fun than a stupid moose anyway.Ian has wanted one of these bike trailer thingys for ever and he finally got the most amazing deal on Craigslist. He wanted to use it so badly that he actually hitched it up and road Avery down to the park while Owen and I walked. Yes, in case you did not know, we live a block away. Avery seemed fine with it one way or the other but Ian was just tickled pink!This is Owen waiting for daddy to get it together so that he could go "Pinging" with his sister.
Well, that is all for now. I have a project to finish and I must eat. Hope this finds everyone out there well.

What a day...

2008-12-12T21:26:00.001-08:00

We finally got all of the Christmas stuff out of the attic. It may take us a while to get it all up but we do have our Christmas tree up!

So last night we had a Danish Smorgasbord to have an early Christmas celebration before Ian's grandma went up north for the holiday. I put the kids in their holiday best-they were so cute! Who does not love this time of year? Ewww, Ian decided that he was going to give Avery liver pate and she ate it...after the third mouthful she decided she was not su

re if she liked it or not. It was making me sick just watching him give it to her.

Although we did not do much today, a lot happened. Let's see, little Miss Jumper was jumping on the couch when I was trying to feed Owen and guess what finally happened-yep, she slid right down the crack and on to her head. It was inevitable, she just would not listen and there you have it. It was pretty funny actually, there was no damage done and she kept saying, "boom-head".

Then let's see, I went to let Frances back in and what did I discover? Yep, she was digging! That dog then ran from me for 10 minutes while Owen slept and Avery stood at the kitchen door laughing. Avery finally, after standing there, for what was probably a century to her, figured out how to open the door and she was off! I was chasing her down trying to make sure she did not step in dog poop while all the while, trying to wrangle Frances who turned my punishing her into a game. So Avery under one arm, literally like a sack of potatoes and in the other hand, Frances' collar, twisted (she can get out of it otherwise) I was rubbing her nose in the hole she had just made worse in the middle of the grass and in all the other places I discovered. Urgh-so frustrating!!!

Yes, it only gets better, so I had to go pee, so kill me. I put Owen in his crib and turned on the butterfly mobile (yes, I could not stomach spending another $50 on a mobile when it is used for a couple of months) and went into the bathroom...Avery was running around back and forth from her room to Owen's and back. Meanwhile, Owen's mobile had stopped playing...then, I hear it start going again. At first I thought that the mobile started going again then I heard the ticking of the knob...no s**t! Avery had climbed into Owen's crib and was turning the mobile back on for him. I ran in and she was standing up turning the knob and looked at me and said, "Owen crying"...seriously??? You should have seen the look on Owen's face-I am sure you can guess, wide-eyed! I caught Avery trying to climb in again and could not help but capture it. Sorry for the angle, I can't get it to turn.

Let's see, to conclude the day, Owen is so close to turning over from his back to his front. I caught the attempt on video but it was too dark and you can't see. He is so cute!

Snip Snip...

2008-12-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, as you may have been made aware, Ian had his little "procedure" on Friday and so we had to find ways to entertain ourselves while taking it easy. Dad, although unable to really get up and move around, was a great place to park a child while I attempted to make Avery lunch for the fourth time (she is so picky and uninterested half the time it makes us crazy) or play another game of "Let's go poo poo on the potty". That is really getting old, really, s**t or get off the pot already (what perfect context)! She does get much of her quality reading in then.

Avery also found many ways of entertaining herself. Not sure why, but she loves the eye legos. She dumps them all out and then goes and hunts them down. Not sure if it is funny, or if we need to be concerned.

As I think I might have mentioned before, Owen loves the floor gym. He will hang out there and grab at the hanging birds and stare at the flashing/singing star. Hey, what ever gets him going is fine with me (at least for now). Avery has always loved that darn thing too...now she lays down next to him and hangs out too...only problem, she has absolutely no concept of where her body is in relation to Owens. He often has that ever so popular look of total shock on his face when she starts in on him.

Anyway, we were going through the cabinet and found the ever popular hill-billy teeth from last Halloween, just thought that we might do a little side by side or maybe up and down comparison...

Avery at 6 months...

Owen at 3 and a half...those jammies have been retired. The shirt was like a belly shirt.

The weekend was not a total bust, we went to the park Sunday morning for a little run around with Avery's friend "Guna" and then home again home again for "Hot Dogs" (yes we say the 'g' now) and a nap. Ian some how managed to get the Christmas lights up on the house, watch football and we even decorated the Christmas tree...the rest of the decorations need to go up and of course, don't forget the menorah.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to say that Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday; it does not get much better than friends, family, good food. It was always our family's biggest holiday. Ian worked this year and I was really nervous about making mashed potatoes for 16 (my speciality) and getting both kids dressed, myself dressed and all of us over to my moms house-but it all just worked out.

Avery also decided to demonstrate proficient she has gotten at climbing up and down off the couch. I know that she has done this before, but she actually had confidence in herself now...not good. Nothing is sacred. I had to change Owen's diaper and left Avery in the living room (as I often do) and went and changed Owen's diaper and clothes. I came back and she was on the couch-had changed the channel on the TV, was drinking water from my water bottle and looked as if she was texting-possibly somewhere in the middle east. Great!

I then decided to give Avery her new favorite breakfast, Oatmeal! She loves to eat it herself, urgh, what a sticky mess!

We did make it to my mom's house and I have to say that I was so nervous about drinks being left low and Avery running amuck and getting wasted off low-lying booze. Nope-no tanked toddler and in fact, everyone was so helpful I can't thank everyone enough. Everyone wanted to hold Owen and Avery really is so much fun (just requires a little extra watching-she can get into most anything).

The following day Ian was home and we went to the park with the kids, I was really cold! But Avery had a blast and daddy ran all over with her. It was a great weekend.

Seriously???

2008-11-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

So yesterday we had doctors appointments for both, Avery and Owen. Ian was home and I met the three of them at the doctors office (remember, I am back at work now). Can I just say, our doctor rocks! He does not get excited, listens, calls us at home, and well, basically is the smartest man alive in my book! He said that Avery is definitely verbally advanced and that the constant running is normal for her, so not to worry, she is just a "High Energy Child"-that can't be good coming from a person who deals with kids constantly! Thought I would up date everyone on their stats:

Avery-18 months

Weight: 21 pounds 11 ounces (7th percentile)

Height: 31 3/4 inches (48th percentile)

Head: 18 1/2 inches (61st percentile)

*I asked why she is not gaining much weight and he said something to the effect of, "Have you not seen her move?"...point taken.

Owen-3 months

Weight: 13 pounds 12 ounces (29th percentile) *Which seems huge compared to Avery

Height: 24 1/2 inches (52nd percentile)

Head: 16 1/2 inches (54th percentile)

So kids go back and forth on so many things...one thing that she would not wear to save her life when she was younger were hats. Now, she seems to wear them even when she does not need to. Thanks Uncle Ronna for the beanie-it seems to be part of the required wardrobe for putting Elmo night night (he is under the blanket).

For all those parents out there who don't have one of the floor gyms, you are missing out on at least 30 minutes of straight down time. You can eat a quick meal while watching a 30 minute DVR-ed show and still have time to go to the bathroom all by yourself!

What you can't see here is that his legs are kicking and he is talking to the star that is apparently telling him the most amazing story ever-perhaps of a land where milk flows like water?

Tonight I got home from work just in time for Ian to leave. He took 12 hours of vacation to watch the kids so that I could go to work. Sometimes child care is a real challenge but anyway, while we were eating, Avery decided to entertain herself...she is just so cute!

Just in case you could not get the full effect of her "costume"...

Ok, so daddy is off to work and Avery is off to bed, it is time for the Littlest Lowe to get a bath a topper and to get off to bed. I leave him in the swing (another item any parent must own) and get everything ready...bath time here we come. So about halfway through our bath, everyone is happy and we are enjoying ourselves, LL decides he is too comfortable and poops everywhere...this is the first time he has made such a performance! Ironically, Avery only did it when Ian was gone also. It presents quite a challenge; ok, have to get the kid clean while avoiding the crap in the sling-thingy in the tub. Everything got wet but the poop remained in the tub-the sling acted much like a siv and filtered it nicely. I am not sure if we would actually call this a successful bath or not, but I got a clean kid out of it so, why not?

Happy Thanksgiving...I know we have a lot to be thankful for.

Back to the Grind...

2008-11-19T22:11:00.000-08:00

So Avery was sick all last week so no school for her but that is ok, we found stuff to entertain ourselves with...

Grandma Itsy gave Avery a picnic table and we put it in the kitchen for her to color and eat and play at. She loves it, although we don't, she keeps getting up when she is eating. I think that I will stick to strapping her down for a while.

This weekend was my mom's birthday and we went to Julian to "hike" but we got there and it was 65 degrees...we left a record breaking Santa Ana day by the beach so we were all wearing shorts and tank-tops. We got there and it was so cold that Avery was wearing my mom's extra shirt, I was wearing my brother's sweatshirt and Owen was wearing his "in case of an accident" pants. It turned into an eat, swing and get the heck out of there trip. I think that we may have actually spent just as much time driving as we did there. Here is a picture of Owen after he got a freshie...he is just so happy.

When we got home everyone got showers and got ready for bed. Seriously, if that kid is not smiling he looks shocked. Not sure if he is just that amazed at the wonderful family he has or scared for his life because of his spastic sister...either way, it is pretty funny.

I started back to work this week, what a disaster. I just could really do without the whole working thing. Oh well, money does not grow on trees so until it does, "Hi Ho Hi Ho It's Off To Work I Go..."

Lots to do so little time...2

2008-11-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, this would be the second installment of the two part saga of the last couple of weeks...post our return from NY, Avery got pretty sick so no school, which is a real bummer for me mostly. We all survived but not without getting whatever Avery had. We hung out and it even rained on the road to recovery so it felt like we were not missing out on much being stuck at home.

For whatever reason, my son always looks a bit shocked. I guess I can't blame him considering his company.

I also turned 30 this last week and we decided to have a party to commemorate the occasion. A lot of planning was done by myself and good ol' Ronna, or Monna if you are Avery. One of the nights she was over my mom also came over to help chase after the kids and hang out...

Avery's favorite song these days is a modified version of "If You Are Happy And You Know It", I thought that you all should be rewarded for reading this fine work of literature with a little "Happy" (don't mind my lovely voice) from one of those "planning" evenings.

Finally, I will conclude our blog for the last couple of weeks with a story from our evening "showie". Avery and I took a shower to, well, get us both clean. It is actually really fun, she loves the water and her "friends" in the shower and I can kill two birds with one stone. Anyway, so there I am shampooing my hair when I look down to see Avery squatting, which is not out of the ordinary, however...something was not quite right...crap, no really, crap! Avery was taking a poo in the showie! I was yelling for Ian to get a little help because I had shampoo dripping down my face. He never came-he could not hear me-whatever! Anyway, I turned off the water, grabbed "Ora" (the Dora potty seat) and threw her on there. I then took the two breast pads that I had taken off prior to jumping in the shower and used them to pick up the log on my shower floor. We have Bleach Wipes in every bathroom, and I used them to clean the poo-spots and then turned the shower back on to rinse all of the nasty away. All the while, no more poop from Avery, we got back in the shower and proceeded to complete the task at hand. No photos of this event for obvious reasons.

Anyway, I hope you all feel as if you have participated in the last couple weeks of craziness. I go back to work in a week, not sure how I feel about that but I will do what has to be done.

Lots to do so little time...1

2008-11-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, so a lot has happened over the last couple of weeks. I will continue the adventures in a two part series to be sure to capture all of the fun, and well, not so fun details.

We went back east to New York to visit my dad and his wife and family at the end of October and through the beginning of November. We made it, let's put it that way. The flight out was actually not bad at all and the "Family Line" to go through security was a blessing. We did not feel rushed-this line was made for us! Avery played with all her new toys and read her new books within the first 15 minutes, so you may be asking yourself, what did you do the rest of the way...that is a very good question, the same things over and over again but it worked! We arrived safely at JFK to a rainy cold snap that we were not prepared for. We had to go get more pjs from Cost Co (all of which we had at home). Avery had so much fun with her PopUp, Abuela and cousins. But I think that she had the most fun with Martha and Sophie, their dogs. Sophie got up and ran the minute she heard the tip toes of Avery come running her general direction, but Martha, good old Martha, she would just lie there and let Avery have her way with her. What a wonderful dog!

Ok, so I figured out why Martha was so sweet and gentle with Avery...

We spent Owen's first Halloween here with everyone and well, the picture says it all...we started out strong and melted down! I think my face sums it all up!

We also got lucky and were able to go to Cousin Ryan's 2nd Birthday Party...Avery loves PopUp, wanna know why??? He gives her what ever she wants, including Diet Coke! And yes, there is a balloon tied to her shirt...

Owen got passed around to everyone at the party, it was great for mommy and daddy! What a cute little man!

I will conclude this episode of the two part series with the flight home and thank you's. We arrived at JFK with just enough time to make it through the slower than slow line at the American Airlines desk where we checked two VERY heavy bags and two carseats. Why two you may be asking yourself...well, Owen did not have one at the other end and we thought it would be best for Avery to have hers on the plane so that she would feel comfortable...yeah, for any of you who have the Britax Marathon-a carseat we really LOVE, do NOT bring it on the plane, I repeat, do not bring it on the plane! The seat was so bloody big that once we got it buckled in Avery would be kicking the back of the seat in front of us. Just great! Ok, so I interjected a bit of additional information into my already long story! Anyway, we made it and then eventually made it through security. This time the "Family Line" just meant anyone who snuck under the velvet rope. We got on the plane and got situated when Avery decided she did not want to drink anything so we had to do something to get her to move her jaw...we had Annie's Organic Fruit Gummies...perfect, or so we thought. Avery choked on one, which is not shocking on its own, but the fact that she decided to go in after it was not so good. She puked everywhere! Ian Hulk Hogan-ed her shirt off and we proceeded to change her clothes and calm her down. Eventually she did not smell anymore and she actually did great for the rest of the flight.

Thank you PopUp and Abuela for having us, or better yet, tolerating us. That place looked like a tornado had gone through by the time we left! We are glad we went but are even more glad we are home.

It's Been a While

2008-10-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

For all of you devout followers, sorry I let you down. I have been a bit busy lately. Ian has been working like crazy and well, I have not really had much to write about. There was a lull in the typical Lowe excitement. Now, I am not saying that Avery has not been her typical self-not listening and screaming...just nothing note worthy.

A couple of nights ago, while Ian made Avery's dinner (so sad, I can't even remember what it was, it is not even like there are a lot of choices these days), Avery and I decorated the pumpkin she picked out from the Pumpkin Patch. She did a really good job. She would get a few pieces in and then would rearrange them according to what she deemed accurate. Take a look at the final product..."The Punt-tin". Here she is, posing with her pumpkin and her "Hot Dod"!

Today I put Avery in her Halloween Costume. She loves it and well, why deprive a child of such simple pleasures. It was pretty warm out but oh well...what a cute monkey and such a simple costume. It will keep her warm and is easy to put on and take off. Shoot, she can wear her jammies underneath.

I also got out of the house all alone! It was the second time I have gotten away from the little buggers since Owen was born. The first time was nothing glamorous, I went to Rite Aid to get a prescription filled. This time Ian's mom and boyfriend came down to help out and play with Avery. She loves them so much and wow, could I use the break. I got out and ran a few errands for about an hour and a half. I did not know what to do with myself. Walking into a store with just a purse is a bit foreign. I kept trying to figure out what I was missing. Needless to say, I had to hit the grocery store for a few essential items-namely bananas, and saw this mini cake. I had to get it for Avery. And she LOVED it!

What a day!

2008-10-18T22:29:00.001-07:00

Today was interesting. Avery was a mess, I think that she actually whined all day! Ian was at work and I was on the verge...I maintained but wow, what a day. I am going to guess that Avery's teeth hurt...her incisors are coming in on the bottom-all the better to bite you with my dear (ok, so she does not bite yet but we are just waiting).

Avery had a bath this evening and I decided to change her on the ABC Floor Mat in her room. I dried her off and let her run around a bit...ok, so next time she says "Dipee Dipee" I will listen. She totally peed on the floor. Let's hope she does not make this a habit.

Owen finally got some long awaited tummy time. He actually does not mind it at all. The day before yesterday he actually fell asleep...is he a cute kid or what? He has the wide-eyed look just like his sister. He is also sleeping pretty well for 8 weeks. He goes down between 7:30 and 8:30 pm and wakes up at like 3:30 am and then eats for a bit and then goes back down until like 6 am. I know I should not complain but Avery was sleeping through the night at about 9 and a half weeks...not sure if we are totally on track for that but heres to hoping!

I am tired!

2008-10-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

So I have decided that there is a point in parenting, perhaps about 2 months in, when you realize you are tired. It hit me a couple of days ago and I just want to take a nap! I love my kids but man, I would do anything for a little 2-3 hour nap! Better yet, a full, 10 hours of night time sleep...maybe one day! Oh well...all in all, today was a good day though.

This morning started off with a bang, or should I say plop...Avery got up in quite a good mood and drank her milk, after which she said she had to go poo poo. Anyone who has spoken to us recently knows that Avery is sporadically potty training. I think that she really does not like having a dirty diaper but does not want to spend the time on the pot-can't really blame her. However, the whole thing is making us a bit nuts, it is time to s**t or get off the pot! An A.M. B.M. was had by my little one (old pic same concept).

Since we were having such a good morning, Avery and I left Owen and Daddy to sleep and set off into the kitchen to make breakfast...the first try was ableskeever which was a total bust...we opted for chocolate chip pancakes instead.

We also made it our mission to hit the "local" (not really-more like 30 minute drive) pumpkin patch. The irony of this is that I am allergic to hay and decided that would be the determining factor in the length of our stay. When I start breaking out in hives we would leave...we managed a hay ride (yep-pretty dumb but anything for my kids) and the petting zoo and one quick ride on the swing and down a slide. A good day was had by all! Oh, and check out the kids...they were holding hands. How cute is that?? And we were going to move Owen's seat so Avery could not kick him and throw things at him.

And because I know enquiring minds want to know, no, Avery did not have a hot dog today. She asked for one this morning but we never caved and she is on her way to a dog-free existence once again...

Still Going...

2008-10-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I missed a day, sorry! Yesterday was a bit crazy! Avery, when asked what she wanted for breakfast, did ask for a hot dog but I put the kibosh on that. However, she did get one when she got home from school but only after doing the hot dog dance for daddy. We then rushed to The Rancho Bernardo Winery for our annual family pictures with our wedding photographer, Brant and yeah, we were a half hour late...wanna make something of it? Got some cute ones though...

Today was nuts...Avery was just not having it. What you may ask is it? Yeah, good question, we could not figure it out either. She was just a mess one minute and then happy the next. She even had daddy swaddling her monkey (get your minds out of the gutter!).

Owen and I went back out to the mall to return some stuff, because, anyone who knows me knows that if I have something that needs to be returned it must be returned immediately or it will haunt me until I get it out of my car. While we were gone Ian and Avery went on a bike ride at the bay...she had to wear her helmet, guess how much she liked it???

Again, poor Owen gets pushed to the side because he is just a good kid, ok, so maybe he is constantly eating and sucking-literally-the life out of me but still, he should get some face time too...rock on little man (daddy dressed him today-so cute)

Day Two and Going Strong!

2008-10-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, perhaps this is a good thing after all. I have actually been taking photos of my kids. Anyone who knows me knows I am terrible at remembering to use the camera, that goes for Ian too. Not a good combo; one of us should be snap happy.

Today I dropped off and picked up from school. And let me tell you, the kid I dropped off looked nothing like the kid I picked up...Avery was so crusty it was not even funny; between the faded whiskers that had been painted on her face sometime mid morning-if I had to take a guess (that would not rub off even with the wash cloth in the bath), the amazing amount of fine sand that she must have rolled around in and the snot that had crusted on her face, she was still so excited to see me, it did not even matter. Oh yeah, don't forget the water spout hair-do that her teacher insists on putting her hair in. That is perhaps one of the best parts of being a parent; pick up from school!

The minute we walked in the door Avery was doing the "Hot Dog Dance". This child is addicted to hot dogs! I finally went to Whole Foods and bought her the nitrate free ones but still, how many hot dogs should one child really consume in a week? Avery has also taken to yoga...Downward Dog is a popular one (the other day her hands slipped and down she went, right on her head-I may be a bad parent for this, but I could not stop laughing). Perhaps in a last ditch effort to burn off the millions of calories she is consuming in hot dogs (in our defence, it is the only meat she will eat).

On a lighter note, yes, I do have a son, he just does not get as much air time because, well, nothing personal Owen, but he really does not do much. He has really gotten the hang of smiling though...

Am I really doing this???

2008-10-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it took a wedding, a dog, and two pregnancy's with subsequent children to actually start one of these. I am not sure if I am embarrassed or excited, either way, here goes nothing...for all of you who don't know, Avery has started school and I have to admit that although I feel guilty about my joy and relief of her absence on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (at least until I go back to work), I also feel so sad that she is gone. This morning was the first time I dropped her off by myself with Owen in tow. Whom ever said that adding a second child is like adding three more was SO right. I was lucky I remembered her bedding (we have to take it home every week), her "blankie", her milk and water sippy cups, and lunch...but wait, it is Monday, pizza, thank God. Whom ever came up with that plan was brilliant. Poor Owen's head bobbed back and forth in his infant seat while I herded Avery into her classroom, signed her in and said good bye. But wait, there was something I wanted to tell her teacher, now what was it??? Oh, "Avery has a ..." and before I could even finish my sentence, realized, she was not the only one, it was like a snotty nose convention, every child in the play yard (all of four others) had a nice greenish river of snot flowing out of their respective nostrils! Great, the first "pre-school cold'...I am sure there will be more to come. Well, off to bed before feeding time again...let's see if I can keep this up!