Sophia and grandpa wtching ni hao kai lan

Today was interesting. this morning the Comcast guy came...on time. It was 8:15. He was supposed to be here between 8 and 9, but when does that ever happen. This is the fastest I have ever made myself presentable. After he left, it no fewer than 6 phone calls to Comcast to fix what he screwed up. awesome. He was super nice though. Then David left to go give Daisy a bath and do some stuff at the old house. He was taking Daisy down to his mothers house. Soph and I had some leftover chicken noodles that I had made yesterday. Sophie took her nap. Then later on we made our bi weekly trek to Target. My dad called while we were in there and invited me and Soph for dinner. We had turkey, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. Dad gave sophie a sucker to try. It was pretty entertaining watching her try to figure out what it was all bout. Dad put on some Nick jr cartoonsd Soph and him watched some shows. It was pretty cute. She was all full of energy, giving out "huks" left and right. She brought her babies with her so they could eat too. Grandma Sue fed Sophies twins. We left about 7:30 or so. Sophie went right to bed when we got home. She was busy today. After she was asleep, I tried to figure out how the t.v. works now with all of it's menus and remote control buttons, it hs been awhile since we have had t.v. without rabbit ears! Then of course the Internet had to be "set up". Apparently you have to go through five hundred screens of crap before you can access anything. So frustrating. at least I can work the phone..that stays charged for 5 minutes. I think I have to replace the rechargeable batteries, because they won't hold a charge for long. Just a few more things to add to my list of ulcer causing difficulties. So not after logging on at 10:30 I can finally get on here to write this. Jeeze. I shouldn't complain though, I am delighted to be living here, it is very nice, affordable, and I get my t.v. phone and internet back! Also, I would lie to add, that I will never believe again when a company tells me how much something will be. For example, let's say ohh, you are moving, and the mover says it will be between $4-500 total, you could then assume that it would not be less than $400, and not be greater than $500. right? I took algebra. I did story problems, with less than and equal to and so on signs. So imagine our surprise when the jackass said ok, that will be $795. I about shit myself. So let's see, if we do the math here,that is almost double of the quoted price. Naturally I got right on the phone to CHRIS AT ALL MY SONS MOVING WHO I WILL NEVER EVER USE AGAIN, and asked him very politely what the hell was going on. He was not so nice any more. He was my best friend earlier, Mrs. Wiley this and that..how are things progressing, blah blah checkin in on me. One of the guys weighed maybe 100 pounds, his name was meth mouth, and it was his first day! The other guys name was future inmate of some county jail. David had to do about 70% of the work, I am not kidding. It was stupid. I was furious. Chris, gave us a discount (of not much) but I am not done with him yet. I have drafted a letter or two, and will continue to call him daily until he refunds an amount that I am satisfied with.

So, the moral of the story is, that just because a company and most of employees (that you have talked to over the phone) seem professional and knowledgeable, does not make it so with the rest of the employees and services. I will physically go to places of business next time I am about to invest in something serious.

Mybaby feeding her baby
Hello, would you like some tea Mr. Burro?

Making tea

carosel

Sophie M. Val & Sophie L. Carosel fun

This morning we met Val and little Sophie M. at the Children's Museum. We played mostly in Egypt. We had lunch together in the cafeteria there. After lunch I took Sophie up to the toddler zone area. She wanted to run around, and I thought that would be a good place. She kept wandering out of the other exhibits to the hallways. So she played in the sandbox mostly, and colored. We got home, took naps. Then we had dinner and bathtime. She wanted to stay in the bath extra long tonight. She was having a good time splashing in the tub. She also thought it was very funny to splash me.

She carried her pumpkin pail like a purse. It contains her babies bottles, her play phone and keys today

Walking her AlphaPal

This morning, we stopped by Starbucks to get ourselves some blueberry muffins for breakfast. We took some more stuff down to the condo. By we, I mean me and Sophie. She "helped" me put away stuff. I cleaned the bathrooms to my liking, and put things where they belong. Then we had lunch and messed around till open gym at Gymboree. There is nothing to do at home now, so we went today too. Sophie was sopposed to be taking a nap. See video.

I needed to go to Target to buy the usual staple items that we must have. I also got Soph a little apron that they had in the Easter section along with an Easter bunny Mr. Potato Head. She loves Mr. Potato head. So now he has a friend. Tomorrow is Mops meeting and visiting Amy.

This afternoon, me and Toot ran some errands. We dropped of some books at the library. Then we went to Arby's and had some lunch. I really wanted to go to Kohl's, but on the way I just wasn't feeling it anymore. We stopped by Michael's instead. All las summer, I could not find stupid plastic pails anywhere for Soph to take to he splash parks. I checked everywhere, repeatedly. Today, I found some at Michael's, and a little plastic turtle watering can, a smaller bucket and a little scooper. They were all about a dollar! Yay! I also got Soph some washable Pip Squeeks markers and a little lap table that she can carryaround or put on the floor to color on. It has pockets on the side to put all of her supplies in. I also found a little art smock for the paints I would have gotten, but someone wanted to go home...now. So we left and I grabbed us a couple of Frosty's from Wendy's on the way home. Someone small saw these and kept saying "bite. bite?" all the way home. I know, I wanted a bite immediately too!

We ate our Frosty's, colored for a bit, then took a nap. I watched Julia & Julia again, on the couch while Tootie was napping. I got some more odds and ends packed, but I just do not have the energy to schlep them to my car and down to the new place. So I will do that tomorrow I guess.

Childrens Museum w Grandma

Grandma and Sophie in Egypt

Coloring a picture for grandma. She was saying "cheese" through her paci

Legos at Bob the Builder

Building a wall at Bob the Builder exhibit

On the carosel





This morning we met grandma at the Childrens Museum. We stopped at Bob the Builder exhibit. Soph played with Legos and built a wall. hen we went to Playscape. She spent most of her time in the sandbox. She colored a picture for grandma too. She played in the kitchen and the water part. Then we went to Egypt, which she likes to play in the market and pet the burro, They had a music show going on that she enjoyed. We had lunch there. At the gift shop, Tootie got a little baby doll and set of magic bottles. She loved her baby. The guy at the register took it out for her and she immediatly started giving her a bottle. She was hungry after all that time in the box!

When we got home, someone small was supposed to be taking her nap. I think she slept for 2 minutes.I peeked around the wall to her crib and she was sitting up, feeding her baby a bottle and babbling away. So I got her up and we went over to Home Goods. I left with a table cloth, which was not on my original list. There were so manny annoying weirdos in there, I just had to abort my mission. I ran a load down to the condo. My dad came by again to watch Tootie, while I got stuff out of the car, or rather he got most of it out. But that dosent count when it is stufed animals and an Ikea particleboard play table. But the Kitchen Aid mixer was a good one for hime to get up the stairs, that thing is heavy! i pinched my fingers about five times getting it to my car. It was getting close to dinner, so once again, Steak n Shake. Soph likes the hot dogs n cheese fries there. We came home and she went to bed at 7:30, awesome.

Today we met my mom for lunch at Max and Ermas. I hadent eaten there...well..in a long time. I had a club, Tootie had grilled cheese, fries and some of my turkey from my sammie. I had to hit the grocery before "the big storm" So I knew Toot would fall asleep on the way home, so we ran to Meijers across from her work to get some things. I found Tootie a really cute little jacket and Dr. Seuss shirt there that were super cheap. also a little pair of jeans for only $3! Meijer is an interesting store.
We went home and Soph slept for about 3 hours. She woke up in time for dinner. I made us a bounty of nuggets and tater tots. I did laundry, threw away a bunch of stuff and rounded up some odds and ends to schlep down to the condo at some point this weekend.

Super busy day

Val & Sophie M. at Holliday Park nature center

Obese squirrels

umm, I'm just gonna take my paper over here, AWAY from this snake

Run for your life! That snake is alive!

See, you have to STOMP, like this!

Sophie M & Sophie L. with their insects

Me n Soph

This morning we met Val and her little Sophie M. at Holiday Park. We went to the nature center there. It was pretty cute. There were turtles, a little cave to go through and a bird/squirrel viewing area. There were allot of fat little fuzzy squirrels gorging on bird seed. There were a whole bunch of squirrels in this one tree. It looked like a flock of birds. There was also a big black snake there that we thought was not real. But it started slithering down its tree limb. It was just hanging out there coiled up in a giant mass with its mouth open. creepy. We had some lunch at McAllisters and caught up. We had a really good time!

Ater nap time, we ran yet another load down to the condo. My dad came over to hang out with Soph while I got things unpacked from this trip. They had an excellent time. I convinced him to go to Gymboree with us at the Greenwood location to see if it was ok. We stopped first at Chic Filet to get some dinner. This Gymboree was much smaller than the one in Carmel. But the set up was exactly the same, but without all of the teachers Sophie likes. I am sure she didn't notice, but I did. Every one was super nice there and the class was small, which was good. hmmm, what to do.

Today was pretty laid back. We had a morning filled with watching out PBS cartoons. Lunch of fish sticks, mac and cheese and smiley fries. We went to Some Guys pizza to have dinner, then over to Gymboree open gym.

Sophie likes trying on my "At"

Sigh. After several doses of Aleve, 1.5 baths, 5 mini powdered donettes, several phone a friends this day is finally over. Jeeze. I will not elaborate on the nasty parts, lest they remain forever documented on my site.

Later this same day. Soph and I brought another load to the condo. We stopped at Arby's first because I missed lunch, and Sophie requires fries from each of my drive thru stops no matter is she just ate or not. Once we arrived, my dad was there to supervise Tootie while I unloaded.

I was organizing her closet, and her and grandpa played in her room. She ws messing with her piggy bank and having a great time. She kept saying hug, and ran back and forth between me and him at full speed to give hugs...alot. She was having a good time. Tootie loves her some grandpa!

I got alot done despite my injuries. I cleaned my kitchen thoroughly, Swiffered. hung up all of Soph's clothes I brought, detailed the stove and every square foot of floor. I am pleased with my progress. It is amazing what the human body is capable of when running on no sleep, sugar and adrenaline only. I am quite sure that I have taken off a few years of my life at least in the past few months due to stress.

Sophie also wanted to go to Target on the way home. She needed snacks. I needed real food.

Sophie enjoys being out in the public, holding court. She waves Hi and bye and says it to every person that will look her way. They all think her laughter and attentions are just for them. She does get them in every aisle though.

I talked to Jonah on the phone for a minute to see how his day was. He said "Tootie!??" several times, long pauses, Tootie?. Goodbye. Humm.

Tomorrow will be better. Thanks to Mom and Pap, I now have AAA. Dad helps me with Tootie also and doing complicated (to me) household things such as measurements, painting etc. Friends to lend an ear and be a sounding board for me. There is more, but enough for tonight. Busy day, just ranting!

Here are more pictures from the Valentine's party at Gymboree. My camera ran out of life just at the good part, so Aiden's mommy, Kelly posted these on her blog, which I promptly just cut and pasted (I am pretty sure she won't mind). Sophie gave a select few of her friends Valentines. Melanie, and Aiden and Miss Melissa and Miss Eileen her teachers. Apparently Mr. Aiden Bao was delighted with his. He wouldn't let go! I know, they are awesome cards. They have little seeds to plant. So the love will last year round! Sophie is considerate like that!

Aiden delighting over his special Valentine!

The little couple playing....

...and sharing a Valentine party punch...

...Wait! ok, yes it IS from her!

And sharing the magic of bubble time.

Ok. Nuff of that mushy stuff.

Today I eventually ventured out to take another load to the condo. I finally see progress! My mom came by to watch Sophie there so I could run up and down to my car to get boxes. She also helped organize my kitchen, put in drawer liners, help me decide where to put stuff, hung my new Shabby Chic shower curtain. Critiqued my paint choices and entertained little Tout! Speaking of - Sophie was being a little pill today. She wanted mommy and wanted her now! She cried and walked around and cried, my mom picked her up, still crying. I had to carry her around while putting stuff away. Someone sure is mommies girl! After awhile my mom turned on the radio. Soph was a little better then., She had her snack and juice and things were lookin up. I think she thought I was going to leave her or something. She hasn't had alot of time away from me. I am hoping that she will have more interaction with family and my friends now that we are closer to everyone (and they can't escape).

We decided to let the traffic calm down a little, because it was nasty out. So we stopped at the Steak n Shake and had some dinner. It was actually tasty. The servers were all nice. So that was cool. We headed home so I could catch House M.d. but, it was a re-run. Which is ok, because I get to catch up on my Blog, and relax with my book (A lion among men), and have a tasty bath! Also, Sophie went to sleep at 7:30! We did have a busy day. But when we came home, she was like a robot, went to her room, coat still on, laid down to get her diaper changed and p.j's on and grabbed her little blankie and baby doll. I was just like...well..ok then! Goodnight! She waves now when I say good night, sweet dreams, see you in the morning. wave.

Addiction

Steak n Shake goodness

This week and last

Soph and Max..hugging again

Soph and Aiden at Valentine's party

This is the first thing she goes for (Valentines party)

Soph's Thursday class

Sophie and Melanie going for a ride (Wed Open gym)

Toot and Aiden on the Teeter for Two

Sophie chillin' on Melanies recliner drinking her sippy cup too

Playdate at Melanies house

Well, I have done alot this week and last. I am not sure of the exact order of things as I have also been sick and have done stuff during brief periods of wellness.

Went to Gymboree a bunch. Visited with little Melanie and her mom Angie, My dad came up and helped me take some stuff down to the condo, we visited my friend Amy twice. She gave me a bunch of food she had left from her Superbowl party, which was awesome. And today we went to the Carmel library and to Soph's Valentine's Day party at Gymboree. It was cute, she was wound up,more than usual. She is really starting to recogize her friends and their moms and not just walking around passivly playing. She says their names in her own way. She says Hiyeeee and Byeeee. And no no no Mae (mae tries to get he food) She says hug (huk) and runs to give hugs.

Tonight we went over to little Mellanie and her mom Angies house. They are one of our friends from Gymboree. We had good time. Angie had put out some snacks of grapes and veggie straws. They colored, danced around to the kids tunes that were on the t.v. , played kitchen and little people. It was a nice visit. We ran to Target after that. During the day we didn't really do anything exciting. I havnt been sleeping well,and I was in pain most of theday. So I took it easy on the couch while Soph played in the living room and watched her cartoons.

We had an ok day considering my busted head and 2 hours of sleep. We went to see Val and little Sophie at around 10 then had lunch there We had some delightful pizza. We watched some Mickey Mouse, Backyardigans. The girls had a good time playing with all her toys. They gave each other a hug, and it was reported to me, that when I was in the bathroom they high fived each other! It was pretty cute to see them running around. While they were playing me and Val shot the breeze. It was a nice visit. After dinner we went over to open gym. Jonah was there with little Maren. My sister and her hubby and his mom and dad were there. Little Aiden was there, and a bunch others I forget their names! Sophie had a great time as usual running around there! Today was Andy's birthday. I gave him a man plant. I am sure he appreciated it. But I needed something nice to go with the card! It would have been better if accompanied with something more manly, but this is the gift that keeps giving, year after year. Plus it will benfit the environment, so there. I want a plant.

(I have more pictures to post, but they are still uploading, check back)