Me Too

I honestly am not sure how long this has been going on. I just noticed it a few weeks ago and have been paying special attention since. I mean, how could I have a child that won't say it!! Me, the woman who says it constantly. The woman who makes sure to say it each day to everyone I love. The words "I Love You." Hannah doesn't say it. Each time I tell her "I Love You," she says, "Me Too." (Which actually means she loves her too, but I don't think she understands that!) It is so cute and always makes people smile when they hear her say it. "Me too." Where does she come up with this stuff?

A Very Full Weekend

I was not looking forward to this weekend. Ben is out of town, and I had no plans. Those two ingredients make for a very boring and lonely weekend. So I bugged my friends Amy and Andrea until they agreed to do something with us!!! Saturday morning we headed over to Amy's and spent the day eating, shopping, and talking while the kids played. (We stopped by the black and gold store for some (apparently) much needed Saint's gear. It seems that we are not allowed to go to Amy and Alex's house on Saint's Game Days without wearing the proper attire!!) During our escapades, Amy asked if Hannah could sleep over, of course I said YES!! Hannah was very excited, especially when Amy called Andrea and asked for Aiden to come hang too. (Personally I think Amy is nuts, but you've got love her adventurous spirit!) Eli and I headed home for a nice quiet evening watching some toons. For a picture of "The Three Musketeers" in their super hero pj's click
http://crazy4castillo.blogspot.com/2009/08/saturday-with-kreemers.html

Sunday morning Eli and I woke up, got the laundry started and headed back to Amy's to pick Hannah up. Hannah was none too pleased to see me. I think she was ready to move in. I did get a kick out of watching Amy try to tame Hannah's mop top. To Amy's credit she didn't want to hurt Hannah which is darn near impossible when Hannah's hair is that nappy!

Amy is in the process of creating a Saint's Wreath so we decided to head to the French Market to try to find some small charms or other little items for said wreath. This turned out to be a real disaster with four children, but I enjoyed myself regardless. I love the French Quarter and Market. I could spend a fortune down there buying nothing!

Overall, it was a very pleasant weekend that really helped me keep my mind off Ben being gone. I seem to miss him more and more these days as do the kids. To my jet set Hubby: We love you!

The Past Week

My blogs have been few since Hannah and I started school. It's true that our adventures have decreased because of Hannah's absence, but I also wanted to add that we have been sick this week and neither I nor Eli have felt like adventuring anywhere beyond the couch.

I do want to report that Eli's vocabulary is increasing. He now says fish, here go, and now. Honestly I doubt others understand that is what he is saying, but with Hannah gone and all my attention focused on The Boy it is SO much easier to realize what he is trying to tell me. Also, his rambling in "Eli Speak" has tripled. (He even entertained Dr. Henry yesterday for at least 3 minutes, ranting and raving about Lord knows what, but Dr. Henry truly enjoyed her chastising.) I will admit that life without Hannah home is a bit on the boring side, but I really am enjoying the time with just me and Eli.

Eli's Day at the Park

This morning was my first official play date with out Hannah. I was very sad at first. Thinking that all of my adventures with her were over. BUT, I must say, I enjoyed myself thoroughly. The stress level lowered by at least 10 notches with only one child to watch over. I didn't have two children running in different directions. I felt peaceful and relaxed standing with the other Super Moms, talking, and watching Eli from a distance. Eli seemed more relaxed as well. He enjoyed going and doing whatever he liked. I miss my wild child Hannah, but am definitely happy to have the chance for some one on one time with Eli. He is such a sweet, laid back boy. After about an hour of play, he walked over to me, and made it plain and obvious that he was ready to go. Too funny!

First Official School Work

Hannah came home Monday with her first real classwork. (They did things last week but it was more getting them used to school, how to behave, learning the rules, etc.) This week they are learning the letter A and the number 1. It was very exciting. Hannah had to find something small in the house that started with A. Seriously, it was about an hour worth of, "What does chair start with? How about light switch? Couch? Fish? Baby?" She really is excited about learning. We finally settled on a small apple and an appatasaurus (or however you spell it). Both were small enough to fit in the letter bag and they both start with A!!

Bubble World

After several months of restriction I finally gave in to the pleas for more bubbles. (Hannah was restricted after she thought it would be funny to dump a half full bottle of bubble soap on her brother's head. Most people think no big deal, but it is a big deal while you are trying to wash bubble soap out of an 18 month old's hair and it gets in his eyes!!) I loaded up the bubble machine and let it fly. The kids were in heaven. The wind was blowing the bubbles all over the yard. Hannah rand around popping bubbles yelling "Welcome back bubble world!!"

So much better.....

Hannah did so much better this morning when I drop. I think the change had a lot to do with Special Agent Oso, a new show on Disney. This morning they just happened to play the episode where Oso helps a boy make a new friend on his first day of Preschool. After that, Hannah said, "I'm not scared anymore. Oso told me the steps to take to make new friends." So for all of you parents out there who are against television completely, some of it is not so bad!!!! We walked to school in the nice cool morning breeze. I stopped outside the front doors of the school, told her to have a great day, not to forget the snacks in her book bag, and that I loved her. She started walking off and was in the school before I even finished. I just smiled. This is the Hannah I know and love. Brave, fearless, take over the world Hannah. Thanks Special Agent Oso.

Celebration of a Great First Week

Saturday afternoon we headed to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate Hannah's awesome first week at school. She received all good marks (which I can say here...shocked me). We hadn't been to see the Big Mouse/Rat in awhile plus I had a bunch of coupons for free tokens, etc. Unfortunately when we arrived on Saturday there was a line waiting to go in. Yeah, we headed home. Hannah informed me that "you need to be patient and wait our turn." I informed her that our turn would be tomorrow! So Sunday morning we woke up bright and early and headed back. Good choice. There was only one other family there. I'm telling you that CEC is awesome when you have the place to yourself. You can really relax and just let the kids enjoy themselves. Hannah and Eli definitely did just that!! (I forgot the camera so you'll have to settle for the pictures we printed on a few of the rides.)

Hannah chilling with the rat/mouse.

Eli rode this ride about 15 times. Ben said, "He won't get down." I said, "and you're complaining???" At least we weren't having to chase him!!!!

These are my favorites. My baby is becoming a big girl.

Slip N Slide

Some old friends came to visit us on Saturday. We've known them for 10 years, and have a blast each and every time we see them. They are great, laid back friends and I miss them very much. Anyways.....since we have two kids and they have three kids, Ben decided it would be a great idea to buy a slip n slide for all the kids to have something to do. It was an awesome idea. The kids were so excited that they nearly didn't wait for us to get the water on the slide before they started flying down it. It was too funny to watch them collide into each other at the end. Luckily no one was hurt and all had a great time. We hope to see you again soon!

Eli showing off his method of crawling down the slip n slide.

Teya preferred to slide on her knees. (I know I'm spelling this wrong, and I'm sorry). Hannah is in the background getting ready for take off.
Hannah was the best. She loved the super girl method. She could almost slide the entire the length of the slip n slide. I was impressed with her skills.

Teya showing me her new hip hop dance. I believe there was a shimmy and a pop in there somewhere.

Colt Wayne wasn't letting his popsicle go for nothin!!!

Little Man enjoyed his popsicle as well.

Aunt TT trying to get a bite of Eli's, notice the body language on that boy..oh no, he wasn't giving up any of that sweetness!!

Eli's enjoying it to the last bite.

First Week of School

Hannah's first week of school has been excellent with one small exception, dropping her off in the morning. She is always fine during our walk to school. We chit chat about various things, but she loses it every time I try to leave her in the hallway sitting in front of her class. I truly was not expecting this AT all. Hannah is a very independent child and has never held a large attachment to me. This is the child that when going to spend the night at some one's house will not even say goodbye to me and when I go to pick her up will actually cry that she wants me to leave because she doesn't want to go home. Honestly, where is the "don't leave me" coming from??? Tuesday morning was slightly cute. She said she was upset because she was scared that "if she didn't do the right thing Mrs. Holden would be mad." She sat there next to me with real tears streaming down her cheeks and I felt so bad for her. She really wants to be good but is scared she'll make a mistake. Luckily Mrs. Holden walked by a few seconds after this declaration and after hearing Hannah's concerns she took Hannah's hand and led Hannah into the classroom. I felt better. Then Wednesday morning rolled around. Hannah really lost it. It was more than tears but nearly a full fit in the hallway. I decided to try and leave her hoping that maybe if I left the drama would cease. As I'm turning the corner out of the school I hear her yelling for me. She followed me down the hallway and one of the teachers caught her and took her back. I almost cried...seriously. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Leaving Hannah crying, asking for me. Thank goodness Hannah has a wonderful teacher who obviously knows what she is doing because she was waiting for us this morning right outside the school front doors. We walked up, she grabbed Hannah's hand, told Hannah she had been waiting just for her, looked at me said Hannah had a wonderful day yesterday, and then took Hannah into the school. It was a little hard not getting to really say goodbye but I know this is the best way. Just a simple transition with no drama. I know she'll get the hang of it after awhile, and I do know that she is enjoying school because everyday I pick her up she is singing new songs and telling me how much fun school is. We just need to get over this one hump!

Hannah needed a bigger book bag. Of course it's pink with flowers. See that smile!!!

And new Velcro shoes. I've always purchased tie shoes because I feel how will she learn to tie her shoes if I buy Velcro. But, could you imagine being in a class with 20 4 year olds that need their shoes tied!!!

Hannah's Clean Room

Hannah spent Saturday night with Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Rick, so first thing Sunday morning I decided to take the opportunity presented and tackle organizing Hannah's room. Her room always seems so cluttered that I felt I needed to go through everything and get rid of a few things. I went through every drawer, toy box, nook and cranny in the room. I threw out broken items, and some things that, well, just needed to be thrown out. I even sorted out a few babyish toys that will go to our friend Delaney. Once I was deep into it (you know that point where there is much more mess than when you started) I realized that the majority of our problem is the stuffed animals. I started throwing all the stuffed animals into the hallway. After all were out I had about three trash bags full of stuffed animals!! (Note to all reading this: NO more stuffed animal gifts!!!) Once they were out of the room there was MUCH more space and things went more smoothly. I decided to hold off going through the stuffed animals, because honestly Hannah does play with quite a few of them and I didn't want to throw out anything that she really wanted to keep. I prepared myself for battle deciding that she and I would sit in the hallway and sort them out together. I thought for sure there would be war over getting rid of even one of them, but, to my great pleasure Hannah agreed that she had too many and selected an entire trash bag full that I am allowed to get rid of. I am very proud of her. Maybe my OCD and fear of clutter is rubbing off on her!?!

The hallway full of stuffed animals.

more stuffed animals I was able to get one bag of trash.

After cleaning

more nice and neat

even the book shelf is tidy!

Frog Jumping

This weekend the kids and I are stranded in the house because I let my brakes get so bad that Jeff at Goodyear said I REALLY shouldn't drive it until he can get the brakes replaced. So my In-Laws were kind enough to come over Saturday night with Chinese food and Happy Meals. The kids were very excited to see everyone and chaos soon commenced. Eli especially was very excited. He loves all the attention he gets from Sara, his older cousin. They both ran around the house as if they were chasing some rabbit or something. Eventually, I'm still not sure why, but everyone started hopping around like frogs. Eli found this hilarious and was trying his best to do it too. It was the cutest thing EVER!!! And once the other kids realized what the adults were laughing about, of course they had to get in on the action. It was very funny to watch all 5 kids jumping around like frogs. Hard to take pictures of, but fun to watch!!! After everyone was tuckered out Hannah went and spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa. Hopefully they'll return her sometime today since I can't go get her!!! (I do miss her when she is gone...the house is too quiet!)

Grandpa Rick showing Eli what to do to get some real air time on that frog jump.

Word Quota

Today was exhausting. I am beginning to believe that there is a word quota Hannah must hit daily, and, it seems, that since she was in school yesterday and could not reach that word quota she decided to make up for lost time today. She talked non stop about anything. And I do mean anything!!! We went to Goodyear to get my brakes looked at. She talked the entire hour we were there. To everyone present. Even to no one if no one else would listen. She interrupted constantly (saying excuse me each time, but still!!!). She ran around the house all day chattering away. I am truly convinced now that this is why Eli doesn't talk. He, like me, appreciates quiet!!!! It is now 10 minutes to bed time and I can not wait just to have some peace and quiet. I may not even watch television tonight just to keep the serenity around me. Oh please hurry Monday.

Corner Blankey

Hannah is very attached to her blanket. She calls her "Corner Blankey." She sleeps with her every night and sometimes plays with her depending on if a roof or something else is needed in whatever fantasy she is creating that day. Well, as mentioned in my earlier entry, Corner Blankey is not allowed at school. It is a state regulation that blankets are forbidden. How do you explain to a four year old that some bureaucrat snobs don't think she should have her blanket during quiet time?? I hope like this......I explained that the people in charge of the school did want anything bad to happen to her blanket, and they felt she would be safer left at home with me. We discussed this around 4pm right after I read the note in her folder from the teacher. The point of all this babbling is that when I put Hannah in bed tonight, I reminded her that corner blankey could not go to school. Her response, "That's right, because the boss says so." I love the way her mind muddles things over and then creates her own version of what we discuss. Such a creative little thing!!

Hannah's First Day of Preschool

Today was my little Girl's first day of preschool. She was so excited last night that she couldn't get to sleep! She has been looking forward to going to school for so long. I am so very proud of how she handled everything. She is such a big girl.
We started her morning at 7am, bright and early. I allowed her to eat her cereal in front of the television for about 20 minutes to give her some time to herself. (Poor thing isn't a morning person...not sure where she could have gotten that from!!) After that we got her dressed, teeth brushed, and hair put up in record time. She wanted her hair long so I just pulled her bangs out of her face. Hopefully she'll let me pull back from now on...it's a little warm for long hair! After getting Eli up and dressed we started our walk to the school. (The school is in our neighborhood. It might be two or three blocks away.) We were so lucky that Ben was able to be home for this first huge milestone in Hannah's life. He was very proud of his little girl.

On the way to school we were reminding Hannah to make sure she minds her manners. Her reply was, "I know. I will only use nice words like pretty, nice, love, and thanks. Those are nice words. And I will raise my hand and wait for the teacher to call on me." The entire walk to school she was very excited. Even after getting to the school and finding her room she was just fine. But once she realized that she had to sit along the wall outside the classroom door, she wasn't too thrilled anymore. I had told her that we would go in and find her desk, I didn't realize that we would not be allowed in the classroom. So I had to assure her that they would go in when the bell rang. She was still a little upset when we left, but I think she understood.

First time in her uniform!

Showing off the book bag.
Daddy and Hannah walking to school. Isn't she cute!

Eli and I walked to the school to pick Hannah up. She came running at me crying. I mean actual tears running down her cheeks. I was so worried she had hated school, but it turns out she was upset because she was the last walking student to be picked up. (I couldn't believe that. I mean, they said to pick her up at 3:20 and I left my house by 3:10!!!!) She also did not like walking home, so I promised her Monday I would drive to pick her up. So much for that extra exercise. It was so cute during the walk home because she was continue to cry a bit while telling me she had a great day and that school is fun. I think she was just exhausted from a very long day. She did say that she did not receive a gold star because she kept getting up during quiet time....she missed her blanket. I think she'll get over that after a few days. Let's hope!!

The after school pic!!! All smiles after a drink of water and a cookie!
The proud Mom and the Wonderful Big Girl (along with Eli's behind in the background)!!!

Water Park

So Wednesday morning my friends Amy and Andrea decided they were headed to the Water Park in Gulfport, and asked if we wanted to go. My responsible personality was screaming at me that I needed to stay home, wait for the call from the school concerning Hannah's pre-school, find more uniforms, and get everything ready in case her first day was Thursday......but....my wildly spontaneous side (which has been raring its ugly head more and more often since I started hanging out with Amy and Andrea) said forget all that, Let's go!!! So, away we went. One last Hoorah before Hannah officially started school. And I must say, it was a BLAST!

Andrea taking Eli down the slide.

Hannah after riding the slide.
Eli hanging out at the bottom of the slide...that is where he spent most of the afternoon.

Hannah inside the mushroom waterfall.

"Oh my goodness!"

Andrea sliding with Roman and Eli.

Eli sliding.

Um, yeah, I told Amy it was ok for her to go...I didn't realize how fast she could slide! This picture is priceless!!!!

Hannah won't let go of poor Cullen's leg.

Delaney getting in on the water action.

The day was a lot of fun. Eli loved the wave pool. He climbed into an inter tube with handles and hung on for dear life while giggling the entire time. My heart was pounding terribly, but he had fun. Hannah also enjoyed the wave pool. Kicking herself to the 4 foot depth and then letting the waves push her back to the shallow part. She was allowed to ride on a couple of big slides. She really enjoyed that. I think the only difficult part of the day was Hannah's constant disappearing act. Not sure what that was all about, but I almost lost my voice from yelling at her so much. It was a great day, and a definite great end to the summer. Thanks to Amy and Andrea for the superb idea!

Mandeville Trailhead Fountains and Kidconnection Park

This morning we got up bright and early and headed over to the Mandeville Trailhead fountains. The kids had a great time playing in the water, and after about an hour of water play, we headed over to the Kidconnection playground for more fun!! Eli's nap is going into its third hour which is always evidence of a great day!

Hannah collecting water in her cup.

Hannah and Xander enjoying the spouts. Eli stealing fruit from Delaney..hard to believe there is only an eight month difference between their ages considering the size difference!

"Look at my long hair, Mommy!"

Amy and Delaney swinging in the breeze.

Eli really enjoyed the swings.
Xander and Hannah pretending to be Super Heroes.

And another video of "Eli Speak"