Happy 9th Birthday Drexel
Day 282 
February 15, 2014
Team Zybko

RE RUN POST FROM 3 YEARS AGO 

Born six years ago today, 3 weeks early at 8lbs 8oz, my little clearance Valentine sweetheart baby. One day he will figure out why huge cheesy red heart cellophane balloons are a norm at our family birthday dinners.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREXEL THOMAS

Drexel was

almost

could have been

but

not approved for

the following names

DENVER

DAWSON

DREIGHTON

DALTON

DANE

Somehow Drexel turned out to be just the right name, there is only one

Drexel Thomas Zybko

No really. I googled it. Only one, I tell you, only one.

His delivery was a scheduled C-section, put off by my very experienced, competent Ob/Gyn as long as possible. Apparently my condition was one he hadn't even seen alot. Thought I would never forget the fancy medical term, but it just doesn't seem important anymore. Something like......upside down reverse breech head too big making my uterus stretch too thin painful contractions hooked up to monitor confirming they that WERE NOT Braxton-Hicks contractions off and on for about two weeks SYNDROME.



Not being able to hold your newborn baby seems to take the wind out of a Mothers hyped up, hormonal, emotional heart, just a wee bit. My thoughts were tunnel visioned, all I wanted to do was boobie night-night my sweet new bundle of baby love. I held it together as the Dr. sat on the edge of my bed patting my still numb knee. He explained a bunch of blah blah blah I couldn't really sift through at the time. Bottom line, lungs weren't developed yet, he was to stay in the NICU until further notice. And off he went, in his fancy Italian leather loafers. Maybe to another woman's room or to grab a venti at Starbucks. Who knows. Didn't really matter to him. After the door to room #108 closed behind him, so did Baby Z's chart.



My friend Gayle, also Drexels God Mother was in the room already. A NICU nurse in another Hospital in town. She came over to offer me support and I'm sure to tell me everything was gonna be fine. Her hug felt great, everything was going to fine. Until she looked me in the face with tears rolling down her cheeks. Oh, know, she knows the real deal. She understood what the blah blah blah from the Dr. meant.



He was the biggest baby in the NICU, like he didn't belong amongst the sweet little 4 pounders. I was finally wheeled down after two LONG lonely days in room 108. The nurse untangled endless amounts of cords attached to a seemingly healthy stout newborn body.

She gave me detailed instructions about a certain beeping noise that may or may not sound, laid him on my chest and walked away. I held him so tight I expected a beeping noise, but it never came. Only tears and lots of private prayer. During those ten minutes it was just me, Drex and God. Perfection. It was a quick ten minutes with lots accomplished. No one can tell the future, including me, during that first hormonal, never gonna forget the feeling sweet bonding time. Four days in the NICU, that's it. Not a big deal compared to many, many babies and Mommas.
 To me, a life time.


Team Zybko wouldn't be complete with out him. Drexel brings a lot to the table and me. He has a unique way of testing my parental patience beyond all recognition. On the flip side constantly teaching us all how to live life. Giving 100% all the time. Running, sleeping, fighting, eating learning and even picking his nose.....he gives 100%


Drexel is our kid would eat sand at beach when he was a baby, and liked it. During his teething season I would seriously change his wet soggy bib more than his diaper. He still slobbers quite a bit while playing video games, coloring and sleeping.

Jumping into shallow water at two and a half, he broke his leg. I was super pregnant with Delilah, too fat and duck footed to catch him running full speed ahead in sand toward the water. I suppose

me yelling DREXEL at the tops of my lungs didn't register with his selective hearing.

His zest for life can sometimes be confused with trouble. He simple wants to have fun. And he is simple, playing with sticks and rock for hours at many a soccer game. We are working on his tolerance and frustration for others he simple doesn't get. Drexel is the roughest and dirtiest of all of the kids. If there is a dirt mound, he climbs it. A puddle, he jumps in it. A garbage pile, he walks through it. A huge rock, he'll turn it over find the bugs, then throw it. Possibly at someone.....just being honest here.

Don't mis-understand this realistic Momma.
He has a sweet side too. Really.
Barely awake he runs, yes runs, to find me. I am the lucky winner of a wet morning breath kiss and a football hug that nearly knocks me over. He is also an A+ snuggly bunny. Yikes, I better delete that one before he can read this blog.

He has only one BIG dimple on his right cheek.

Bummer you can't see it in this picture,
covered with tattoos and all.

He gets lost in books, especially shark or other nature type topics. Still learning the reading ropes, make it a picture book, not for long though, he is an eager student.

Those precious ten minutes in the NICU seem like a million years ago. Flipped over on the calendar six times now. I am truly blessed God heard my prayers in that busy NICU unit in South Cackalacky, way back in 2005.

WE LOVE YOU D-REX
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

365 DAYS OF RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO

DAY # 10

SUNSHINE

Keeping it short and simple today. Actually it isn't even really today....... yet. At 2:20 am, technically it's today, but not in my book. That's really just a terrible hour to be awake when I would rather be asleep.....duh. After about 25 minutes of starring at the dark ceiling, I give up. Gently prying the 3 year olds foot out of my back, I hold my breath and Ninja Mom roll out onto the floor. I think to myself.

Please don't wake the beast, please don't wake the beast.

We are fixing up the kids bedroom, one at a time. So for the time being, Delilah the beast has been camping in our room. Well, really in our bed. She isn't totally sold on the cute little "doggie pad bed" idea set up on the floor, made just for her.

"But sweetheart , that's how ALL Princess' sleep when they go camping"

Don't be fooled by her blonde-ish hair. She is smarter than she looks. My tired soccer Mom tricks rarely work with this kid. I think she is on to me, I need new tricks

.

David jokes that kids have some sort of Mom heat sensor chip, somehow built into their tiny brains at birth. As crazy as it sounds, I believe he is right. LaLa's internally beeping woke her up in three minutes flat......get up, get up.... something is

AMISS AT THE CIRCLE K, Mommy has left the building.

SO, here I am, past 3 am now. Tired and trying to type. Pecking out letters very S L O W L Y with only my right index finger. All other parts of my body desperately working together as a team. Legs balancing most of her wiggly body, chest supporting her back and Mr. Left hand, with clearly the toughest job, holds up her her big slobbery Zybko head. I'm praying my hand isn't too numb at the end of the post to hit SPELL CHECK, that could be bad.

Some days, I wish I lived in a glass house, totally glass, all the way around. From roof to foundation. Glass Glass Glass. Y'know, like on those crazy impractical home design shows. Think about the light and warmth that would surround you. Beautiful sunshine, streaming in at all hours of the day. Ahhhhhh yes..... perfect.

My living room is painted a sunshiny yellow, we call it the 'yellow room' or 'sun room'. Wow, that's pretty lame. After re-reading that sentence those names seem just a little elementary. We must have 'dumbed' it down for the kids, somewhere along the way. Anyway, it's my favorite room in house, at least in the morning when the sun bursts through our Brady Bunch style windows. The shadows on the wall are fantastic. We actually should call it the SUNDAY room. Sunday is the only day of he week we aren't rushing out. We get to relax, lounge and chill. At least long enough to enjoy the 30 minutes of pure light delight. It's over way too fast for sure. With a schedule to keep, like everyone else, Mr. Sun sadly moves on.......not too far though......just to the next room.......the room we call the 'red' room.


The bad news is, my feet are now a tidy tad numb. Goodness gracious what are we feeding this child? The good news is, tomorrow, well today is Sunday. My special sunny day. In a few short hours the yellow room comes alive with the sun. I can hardly wait. Geez, I hope I don't over sleep. Yea right, the Sleeping Beauty in my lap will never let that happen.

365 DAYS OF RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #9

THE GREATEST THING ALMOST WASHED

My washer and dryer probably feel like I do some days. Going, going, going......and more going. Turning, spinning, washing and drying non-stop. If I'm home they are working at my pace, right along with me. I'm not complaining. I actually don't mind the challenge of keeping up with laundry. A serious control issue hovers and lingers over MY laundry room. I should probably make the teenagers do there own. I have heard that works well in other houses. Sounds like good advice BUT I consider that room my 'office' so please so stay out. Thanks

Funny thing is I'm not even really great at doing this chore. Stains remain in shirts forever, unlike the sweet commercials on T.V. Loads sit in the dryer so long they have no hope of loosing their wrinkles. Even after clocking in hours and hours of whites, darks, towels and stinky soccer uniform loads, I still occasionally forget to check pockets.

marbles

chap stick

rocks

pencils

sticks

coins

Polly Pockets

sticky notes

homework assignments

Sam's lists

you name it

It's all been found laying at the bottom of the dryer, under that forgotten, already wrinkled pile of clothes.

This morning I did remember the check pocket step. I managed to save a sharpie, a mechanical pencil and a $5 tube of lip balm. I know, It's not as big as saving the Whales or the Rain Forests. Better than any of those animals or trees, I also saved a bent up index card. Written as a reminder, to keep on persons, all through the school day. Only a hands distance away. Like God's cliff notes of life.

So glad this little bit of scribbled love didn't end up as lint.
These moments make my longs hours at office well worth the pay.

365 DAYS OF RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #9

COFFEE LOVE

"He knows me better than I know myself"

Thinking it to be just a figure of speech, I thought it was impossible. How on earth can some one else know more about you, then your own stinkin' self? Really? No way! Well I'm here to say WAY.....it can happen. I won't bore you with lovey dovey details or share too many personal details to embarrass my husband. He has already voiced his concern. Sometime around day 4 he asked about the 'blogging' thing.

"I'm just wondering honey, why don't you just write a journal or something?"

Silly rabbit! Who can keep up with a journal? Big David rarely thinks of himself. Conversation are rarely about him. Most of his thoughts and actions involve taking care of someone else. PERIOD. He most definitely isn't a 'told you so kinda guy' I know why he asks about the airing of dirty laundry. I'm more private than you may think, especially with my emotions. My heart is not usually open to the public. That it why he asks, to protect me. (and maybe anyone else who I write about)

So, I will fast forward to reason #242. There are million ways my hubby shows me he loves ME. Wow, how did it become all about ME again? I don't know. Didn't think I was self centered. Well, I will worry about that later. I suppose that's a different post, for another day, a far away day. For sure.

I like it strong, bold, black and hot. My coffee in the morning that is. Anyone who has to live or be around me knows that. I have been drinking coffee that way since I was 18 or so. I used to mess with cream and sugar. Forget it. I found out quickly, it weakens the taste and is way to much trouble, ya know, requiring a spoon and all.

A few months ago I began getting a head start on some overdue resolutions. Waking up extra early has become a norm. I'm not exactly 'grumpy' before my coffee BUT let's just keep the small talk to a minimum, shall we. I am an habitual 'snooze alarmer'. Knowing this, Baby Daddy began making my coffee for me, the night before. To wake up, stumble to the kitchen and only have to push a button. Whew! Some days I think I'm still dreaming. He doesn't even drink coffee, never has. It was years before he even fessed up and told me he hates the smell of fresh ground coffee. What a small gesture that feels super BIG in husband/wife love language. Once my eyes open enough I spot a small piece of paper. Often times lying next to my cheap Mr. Coffee is a chicken scratched love note. Yep, I really do live with my Prince.

I recently sniffed out this special drawer on David's side of the bedroom. Shoved between his clean socks and under-roos was a variety of 1 pound bags of Starbucks LOVE. When asked about he said,

" Well honey, you weren't supposed to find that stash. (that stash? Are there other stashes?)? I pick up different types and flavors when I'm out to figure out your favorite. I didn't tell you cause these are 'back-ups'. No one can afford for you to run out."

I instantly picture a spreed sheet tucked away somewhere too but I don't want to blow it with an insensitive Engi-nerd joke. My mind thinks back to the last statement.

No one can afford for you to run out.

Should I be upset about that? How awful can I be without my morning cup of yummy caffeine goodness? To be truthful, pretty bad. I do know that much about myself.

Thank you honey babes for #242 off the list of LOVE gestures.

My favorite flavor so far is Colombian Bold. Only cause the description on the package says

BALANCED AND NUTTY

The Title of my Fairy Tale.

365 DAYS OF RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #8

LOVE HAS COME

CHRISTMAS TWENTY TEN

In this day and age of Face Book, E-Cards and tweet-ing I really treasure snail mail. It's such a rare treat. What a warm and fuzzy feeling when you open up the mailbox to an unexpected hand written note, somehow happy to see you, almost smiling at you. Old school thank you notes and party invitations.....YES...... or how about this......a friendly note......to show you, at the other end of the stamp.......are worth the time. As good as icing on a cake. Christmas Card time is like winning the Postal lottery.
Be looking for mine about mid-March. Still haven't gotten a good picture of the entire crew. C'mon kids, look happy, quit fighting and NO nose picking this year. Yikes, maybe I will just wait til next year.

I enjoy ALL cards sent
silly cards
expensive cards
glittery cards
picture cards
Scripture cards
homemade cards

They all get an inch or two of scotch tape and put on the WALL.
I always manage to have a favorite, every year one and only one jumps out at me. I guess depending on what season my heart is in.
my Mom sent 'The One' this year.
Three simple words on the front:

LOVE
HAS
COME

Wow, how simple is that? 3 words, that's it. It's February 10th. That special card and only that one, has escaped attic imprisonment. The other cards, now shoved haphazardly in a red and green box, labeled 'X-Mas Stuff.'
I plan to frame it. I like chewing on those words and looking at the picture. It gives me a warm feeling from head to toe.

LOVE
HAS
COME

GOD IS LOVE



The Bible has 505 verses with the word LOVE in it.
Here is a gem I found last night.

1 John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

GOD is LOVE.

Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him.

Read it
write it somewhere
re-read it
memorize
and chew on it

Better yet, I have an idea. Write it on an index card, scrap paper or tissue.
Put a Valentine heart stamp on it and send it across town, down the street or to another country. It will cost you 44 cents but the warm and fuzzy LOVE feeling on the other end will be, you guessed it....... priceless.

365 DAYS OF RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #7

PULLING THE MOM CARD POST

365 straight blogging days? Really? Not sure what I was thinking. A personal goal or challenge scribbled on the back of a Sam's receipt is one thing. I should have just taped it to the inside of one of my kitchen cabinets with ALL the rest of my resolutions. Somewhere between the one that says.

Victoria, you do not need another Pop Tart

and

Don't forget to get up 15 minutes earlier to stretch.

Yea, If I wrote it small enough I could have made room. No one would have known when around day...hhhhmmm 12 I gave up, to much trouble, nothing funny or meaningful left to write about. BUT nnnnnoooooooooooo not me, I had to put it out there. On Face Book never the less.

It's gone viral

There is no turning back

So I had an idea. I figured if I post one day for each kid.....well, you do the math.....that's almost a weeks worth of blogging....oh yeah baby. I will start with Diane just as soon as I run and get me a Pop Tart, hope there is a double fudge chocolate one left.

Just to clarify, and to make me feel better. For the record, during this post I will be pulling the really super PROUD card. NOT to be confused with the

really annoying can't hear one more thing about this Lady's kid BRAGGING card.

There is a difference...uh huh, there is. Is too.

Diane

Little Diane

Die

Di-Di

Diannnie Banannie

We love you and miss you!

Sending Diane off to school was tough. Sending her back after her first visit home seemed even tougher. New York is a long way away ya know.

If you haven't reached this season with your kids yet, don't worry too much. There is really nothing you can do to prepare for it. It hits you like a ton of bricks or a blow to the gut. It does get easier and when the date arrives you will be able to handle it. Although I do recommend bringing tissues and lots of them.

As parents we are supposed to give our children two things.

Roots and Wings.

I like that image and thought. I read it on something once. Now that I think about it might be taped to a cabinet somewhere too. I'm somehow envisioning a wrinkled up little square piece of foil. Oh yea, it was on a wrapper of a Dove dark chocolate bite. (Well, then I take that back. I definitely read it more than once. Who can have only one of those?)

The roots part of that statement doesn't seem so hard. The wings? And letting them go part? So much harder for most of us. Wishing and keeping your kids wings "clipped" doesn't help anything. I know this. I live this. I have on occasion, been known to be a tidy tad, maybe a slight bit over the top somewhat of a

MICRO MANAGING MOM

Ouch, that hurt!

Makes you feel useful and needed BUT it always, 100% of the time comes back to bite you in your Dove Chocolate BUTT.

The thing is, It's simple. Diane is fun to have around. It wasn't hard while searching for HAPPY pictures of her to upload. The hard part was picking some of my favorites.


(Cheer leader jump gone bad)

True story, I only found one of her NOT smiling. Seems she is always showing off the 5 or so years of Florence Orthodontist Magic. Another name around here for 5 thousand buck a roos.




Diane came home from West Point in September, somewhat fresh out of Boot Camp. She couldn't stop laughing at the fact she could OUT push-up and sit-up all three of her brothers.
I know Drex, at five years old you were a close second.

Diane makes it a priority to spend time with her siblings and anything family related.

Love that she thinks being organized and working hard is "fun"

Being in control of the family camera gives me authority. The authority to hit DELETE whenever I want. Any picture I feel I....... hhhhmmmm.....how can I not sound shallow here? Wow, guess I can't. Any picture I think I don't look good.......goes bye bye....yep

so long sucker.

Doesn't seem like Diane takes a "delete" type of picture....ever.

Even while being hassled by a crazy brother.

aaaaawwwwww

She has been known to get all 'dolled' up too!

Always in the mood to goof around with Daddy.

All that push up arm strength is required to toss up a 'juicy' little sister.

Over and over again.

The other morning I squeezed in a 'forced' run. While the house was asleep, I grabbed my favorite t-shirt from my dark closet.

The one with our name on

The one that shows all the sweat

The one that is perfectly worn in
The one that gets me through the miles

The one I am most proud of

BECAUSE

it was given to me by

The one and only Diane.

365 DAYS OF RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #7

LET US PRAY

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered died and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy Catholic and apostolic Church . We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the word to come.

Amen

365 DAYS OF RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #6

ITEMS THAT WILL SAVE THE DAY

Have you ever heard this question followed by your own audible groan?

MOM, MY PROJECT IS DUE TOMORROW. YOU GOT MORE CONSTRUCTION PAPER AT SUPER WALMART RIGHT?

Oh that super sized store that seems to suck years off my life, no matter what time of the day I go? Not blaming the employees, layout or anybody other than me. Not a good place for a rushed person with ADD and few children underfoot. I did manage to find the vinegar for another project, a cute new hat for class with matching tube socks....sweet! Oh, I can't forget the super cheap clearance frame that wasn't on THE LIST either. For a picture that may or may not ever be printed out in this lifetime. As far as construction paper? Nope. Didn't even see that aisle. Well, I take that back. At one moment during the two hour trip I thought I saw office supplies out of the corner of my eye. Kinda a blur though, at that point my teeth were working hard on opening a bribe of gummies. I mean a package of gummies for the "sleepy" not "whinny" three year old. What? Of course I paid for the empty box. I have lowered my standards.......not that low.

I now keep a STASH of construction paper under my bed, along with all the other nonsense that makes it's way there. Every other week when I move the bed to vacuum (that is for peeps that have never been to my house, all you other people know it's only when we MOVE....shhhhh) I have to "LOL" at the lost and found treasure chest of goodies. So here is my point, some days staying ahead of the game seems close to impossible. Keep these items on hand, on person, on deck....whatever you wanna call it. In a secret hidden place, not for public use and I promise it will save you money and little bit of your sanity.....whats left of course.

*A BOX OR TWO OF PASTA

*FROZEN CHICKEN BREASTS

*ANY FROZEN VEGETABLE

FAST AND QUICK EASY DINNER

*CAKE MIX AND FROSTING TO "MATCH"

(both vanilla a chocolate is recommened)

FOR THE PARTY TREAT AT SCHOOL YOU SIGNED UP FOR 3 WEEKS AGO BUT FORGOT TO PUT ON MASTER CALENDAR

*Bottled Waters

RUNNING LATE TO SPORTS PRACTICE, CAN'T FIND THE RIGHT LID TO ANY BOTTLE
*Capri suns, granola bars and/or crackers

FOR THE AFTER GAME SNACK THAT STARTS IN 14 AND 1/2 MINUTES

Small cans of easy ravioli type meals

FOR QUICKY LUNCH BOX ADD INS

365 Days of Random TEAM ZYBKO

Day #5

Breakfast For The Week Made Easy

(Uncle Andy and Aunt Andrea this post is just for you two)

We are a buffet style kinda family at mealtime, super easy that way for us. Grab a plate and shuffle through the line. As I type this I'm thinking fun, colorful, cafeteria trays would be super cool to have. Well I do often times feel like a cafeteria lady, minus the hairnet of course. Not making fun of cafeteria peeps by any means. Oh, that reminds me, I need to call for a lip waxing appointment and have a mole checked out. Anyway....... cooking for a large crew is what I do. Unfortunately, Big David can't fit in my hat like that cute little French mouse Ratatouille. Daddy-Oh is definitely the natural cook of the house, hands down. The dinner menu rotates around a hand full of shoe-in meals that please the entire family. Hot breakfasts around here are a norm for two reasons.

#1 not all the kids like cold cereal

#2 during the week breakfast is eaten in the van on the way to school

With tons of practice behind me, I can whip up a Shoney's style breakfast bar in hurry. Faster than you can say "I'm pretty sure even vegetarians like the smell of bacon". I'm just saying, 15 minutes tops and the kids start coming out of the woodwork. Looking for the origin of that intoxicating smell..... and possibly a handout. Although, a while back I did start switching to turkey bacon and sausage. Just don't tell the little ones, they can't tell the difference yet. Tripling what I make on Sunday morning ensures plenty of leftovers. Pop it in the microwave, it's easy as 1,2,3 ok , really 55 seconds. There you go, Meals on Wheels for every busy school day without the messy pans.

365 Days of Random TEAM ZYBKO

Day #4

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Laughs

I didn't realize riding a mechanical bull was on my Bucket List..... until I saw it. How fun! I can totally do that. 8 seconds? Is that it? Paaaaalease! I hand the 'interesting' carney guy my tickets, I smile to myself. Oh yea buddy-roe. Raised in the burbs, this soccer Mom is about to REPRESENT

It's on like Donkey Kong........Still feeling confident!

Half a second into the 'ride'
I'm totally panicked.

Are you serious?

Could I really be this bad?

It was all happening so fast.

My mind spinning with a million thoughts.

How could I gracefully fall with out hurting myself?

Maybe I shouldn't have handed over my camera.

Why is the ticket guy laughing so hard?

Didn't last long.

In was over in 5 frames of the camera.

5 very laughable pictures.
Pulling my skirt down from around my sweaty head I look for my knockoff rainbows.

"Ma'am are you all right?"

Now desperately craving an overpriced $5 snow cone, I answer "yes" with a dry mouth.

"Well I ain't never seen nobody fall of that dang quick."

Oh, ok......thanks again. C'mon kids,we gotta go.

365 Days of RANDOM TEAM ZYBKO
DAY #3

So it ain't "Rocket Surgery"

We eat a good amount of eggs around these parts

*hard boiled

*scrambled

*sunny side up

*for egg salad

*for pancakes
*salad toppings

*for brownies

and

*raw egg smoothies
(YO ADRIAN!)

For you healthier readers, humor yourself and pretend we only eat the whites

The raging pack rat in me loves egg containers

I mean, who wouldn't?

They are

stack able

some what durable

cute separated compartments

and

the lid is attached

GENIUS

I have a hard time throwing these bad boys out.

Try using them for painting projects

PERFECT

After painting, close the lid and store in a cool, dark place.

(or really,where ever the heck want)

The paint will stay dry for about a week.

Letting Drexel control the pouring + me not really monitoring the process=

him discovering on his own what colors make pink and orange and unfortunately a lot of

DO DO BROWN.

It was well worth the $7 in paint.

365 Days of Random Team Zybko

Day#2

Tricks of The Trade

"MOM, can we go buy new bath toys?"

The voice is clear, shouted over running tub water from a few rooms away. In the middle of my 'cooking dinner' rush, Delilah decides she really needs to be clean....right away. Buy new bathtoys? Is she crazy? No way Jose! Especially since she, the baby is over three. We are moving forward people, whether I like it or not. Past sippy cups, booster seats and plastic plugs in the outlets......into a new season I tell you.....slow but steady....the countdown to the last, very full, smelly pull-up I ever throw away again is ON! tic tic tic

I use my very best

FUN yet NO ROOM FOR COMPROMISE MOM VOICE

"We don't need any new toys honey, I have a cool idea! Just go pick something from the recycling bin. Plastic would be best, I'm sure"

Before I have a chance to warn her about slippery wet floors she flies past me naked in the kitchen. Her little booty cheeks just a fleshy colored blur whizzing past my old tired knees. She can't get to the garage fast enough. Oh my stars she fell for the GO GREEN spiel. Cool, now back to browning the taco meat and sneaking my hidden tortilla chips.

(Delilah encouraged me to include her cool little fairy Barbie Doll in the picture)

This plastic container stayed in the tub for over a week before I discovered its GREATNESS, yes......greatness.

It has a terrific spout, making it super accurate. It' insanely sturdy. Fill it up only once, pour over the wiggly slimy fussy toddler head and....viola. Five seconds...... full to empty. The wide top even doubles as a barbie boat. I know I don't get out much but this is BIG stuff. I have spent years trying to work with crying kids AND the wrong kind of shampoo rinsing cups. Boy will I sleep good tonight. Well then again, maybe not. It seems as if I have found this useful piece of trash a little late. I wonder how much longer the baby will need my help?

(This is what I look like dancing in Zumba)


(and my tortilla chip double chin for sure)