A Great Idea

A conversation from the drive to school today:
Brenna: Austin, I'm going to send you to Canada to live with another family.
Mommy: That's not very nice. We would miss Austin.
Brenna: I'm just kidding. I'm going to go to Canada to live with another family.
Mommy: That's not a good idea. We would miss you too.
Brenna: I have a great idea! Let's send the doggies to Canada to live with another family.
Mommy: Now THAT is a great idea!

No offense Jennie and Chelsea, but sometimes 2 kids and 2 dogs are just too much.

A Cup of His Own

Being the 2nd child in the family can be tough. You get all the hand-me-downs...toys...bibs...crib...burp cloths, but this sippy cup is all "Austin".



















He's doing pretty good with it too. We just have to remind him to tip it up every so often. Sounds a lot like what we said to Brenna at this age.



















Brenna is proud of all of Austin's accomplishments. I'm just waiting for her to ask me, "How come I don't have a cup with MY name on it? That's not FAIR!"

(The bib reads: My Dad is cooler than your dad.)

A Right of Passage

At some point in every baby's life, the are awarded a cabinet in Mommy's kitchen. Austin wasn't awarded this one per se. It was more of a commandeering type situation.

















Who me? Yes, you, baby fish lips.

















If I grin at you like this, can I have all the cabinets in the kitchen?

Um, no, but you do have my never ending love and devotion.

Baby King Kong

I told you it was only a matter of time, and Austin isn't one to disappoint his Mommy.
The weather vane on the farm wasn't the only casualty. Baby King Kong used all of his leg strength, and the farm took a tumble off the table. Fortunately FEMA rode into town and the barn was restored to its former glory.

Of course, the local safety officer was on hand to make sure no one of a human variety got injured.

She's a Rock Star!

Brenna likes to rock it out with the microphone she got for Christmas.

She really hitting her stride here. The leg kick gives it away.

We're going to need a good PR person to explain this one!

She lays in wait

I've always known that Border Collies are smart, tenacious, strong willed, and affectionate. Jennie has added "patient" to that list since Austin joined our family.

I know they are going to feed him again soon. I want to be first in line.

And, yes, I'm willing to wait as long as it takes.
He hasn't disappointed her yet.

A little perspective goes a long, long way!

Here's a snippet of an IM chat I had with my good friend, Meredith, today. I'm so glad to have a friend that puts things into the proper perspective!

Polly: We spent roughly $11,000 for daycare in 2009. Gulp.
Meredith: $X,XXX here and this is part time. Ugh.
Polly: Ugh is right.
Meredith: However, let's compare...daycare costs or stay at home mommy?
Polly: Sanity vs insanity? You really can't put a price tag on sanity now can you?
Meredith: 'Nuff said.
Polly: K. Lump of disgust in my throat has been cleared. Moving on!
Meredith: Glad I could help.
Polly: Don't know what I'd do without you.
Meredith: Die a long and slow death.
Polly: prolly