There’s a story in here somewhere

Over the weekend, I was looking for an electronic copy of something and came across some exercises from a creative writing class I took.

The class taught that the best stories were the ones you know…that is you are better off writing what you know and what does one know better than one's self?

The assignment was to sit down for 60 minutes and write as much about yourself as you could and then choose one or two of those things and write a story based on it….so I did

1. My middle name is Rose, after my maternal grandmother
   

   
   

2. I grew up in Orrington, Maine. I left when I was 17 to go to college and have never gone back to live. I am now 38 years old and have lived outside the state of Maine longer than I lived in the State of Maine…but I still call it home
   

   
   

3. I have an older brother and 5 younger sisters
   

   
   

4. My parents still live in Maine as do three sisters, brother is in Tulsa OK, one sister in NYC and one in Watertown, MA
   

   
   

5. My brother has 3 boys, a sister has 1 son…Lucy is, at this time, the youngest grandchild and the only girl
   

   
   

6. I'm a half breed: 50% Irish (Dad) 50% Italian (Mum)
   

   
   

7. I go to Mass every week and make no apologies for it; you can believe in what you believe in, let me believe in what I believe in…and let's not judge each other
   

   
   

8. Having said that, I'm a party line Republican….go ahead, judge away…but if you're going to call me dumb and a racist because I'm a Republican, be prepared to defend that statement because I graduated from College with honors, have a job, pay my taxes and though I may not like everybody, I'm no more racist than you are
   

   
   

9. Liberals drive me crazy…not because they are Liberal but because they think the rest of us are idiots for not being Liberal. Open my mind? How about you open your mind and realize there are other view points, other perceptions and ideas other than your own? I bet I've read more books about religion than you have. I bet I've read more liberal publications than you have…. I read them so I know why I don't like Liberal ideology…. I bet you've never read a Conservative publication. I bet I've got more friends that are different from me than you do…and I bet I'm more willing to change than you are.
   

   
   

10. Having said that, I may harbor some liberal tendencies….I use reusable shopping bags…and not just at the grocery store. I use them at Target, Macy's, Kohl's, LL Bean, Bed Bath and Beyond, wherever I may shop…..I also stopped buying bottled water and carry a reusable water bottle with me
    

    
    

11. When I was in college, I was a liberal for one semester…I read books by Abbie Hoffman, I went to rallies for…well, I don't really remember what they were for because I was most likely drunk and busy smoking clove cigarettes.
    

    
    

12. I started smoking in college but quit 6 years ago…I loved smoking…I got a job just so I could have smoke breaks…now the smell of it makes me sick but oh how I loved smoking! Especially when was on the phone or in the car…and nothing compared to the Friday nights spent at the bar smoking and drinking…….
    

    
    

13. Yep, I was also a great drinker; Captain and Coke was my drink of choice though I did go through a gin phase. Gave that up when I joined Weight Watchers and they pointed out I was not losing weight because I was not counting my beer and Captain and Cokes towards my points….as soon as I quit, I lost 10 pounds in like 3 weeks
    

    
    

14. I met Sean in 2005
    

    
    

15. We got engaged in 2006
    

    
    

16. We got married in 2007
    

    
    

17. We got him a Green Card in 2008
    

    
    

18. I had Lucy in 2009
    

    
    

19. We bought our first house in 2009
    

    
    

20. I wanted to get married in the Fall but settled for a May date so I could say I was married before I turned 35 (I turned 35 that August)
    

    
    

21. My husband is English and on our second date, I asked for proof that he was here legally. After he showed me his Visa, I let him kiss me.
    

    
    

22. Sean's folks are in Halifax, England….Sean will always point out when he tells someone where his family is from that it's the "original Halifax…..I hate to tell him but the people he points that out to probably don't even know there's a Halifax in Canada
    

    
    

23. Sean has a younger sister; she and her husband have two girls…so all together I have 4 nephews and 2 nieces
    

    
    

24. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a news anchor…but in College, I had a professor who said I was not pretty enough so I gave up that dream
    

    
    

25. Deep down, I really want to be a teacher
    

    
    

26. I love to write and fancy to think someday I'll write a novel but I am way too lazy for that….I just don't have the level of commitment one needs to nurture a plot and characters
    

    
    

27. So instead, I'm an Office Manager
    

    
    

28. I hated high school and as a result, keep in touch with absolutely no one I went to school with; as a matter of fact, I don't keep in touch with anyone I met before the age of 20
    

    
    

29. Some would say I was an overachiever in High School because I got decent grades, participated in this and that, played a couple sports (though not that well) I'm not sure when doing your best became a bad thing and made you an over achiever….if you find something you enjoy and want to excel at (which means you have to work hard) why is that a bad thing? Why is that over achieving? Isn't it just achieving? Besides, it made the 4 years go by pretty quick
    

    
    

30. Sometimes I wish I kept in touch with people from my childhood….I get nostalgic when I hear people talk about how they still see their childhood/high school friends. I have one friend who every five years takes a trip with her girlfriends from high school…makes me jealous and feels like I missed out on something…..but then I remember that I did not have that many friends growing up because I was busy over achieving
    

    
    

31. I talk to my Mum every Monday - Friday at 5:10 as I'm driving to pick Lucy up from Day Care. Sometimes we talk about what's going on with family, sometimes we gossip, sometimes we talk about politics or what's going on in the world. Mostly, I just call to see how she and Dad are doing and to remind her that I'm here
    

    
    

32. I don't think people know me as well as they think they do….when I was younger, I was wound pretty tightly and my siblings would tell you I was bossy, controlling, had to have everything my way and always thought I was right….and I probably was…but then I grew up…..but I think they still see me as that (funny, that's how I see some if them)
    

    
    

33. I recently reconnected with someone from my youth and I know she still thinks of me that way because when I told her I was a corporate facilitator for a number of years (I learned other people's job, wrote a training manual and then taught them how to do their jobs more efficient and effectively, company words not mine) she gave me one of those Ahh, how fitting reactions….that was my last contact with her
    

    
    

34. I'm a big fan of giving people credit for changing….we all change every 5-7 years because life changes, our bodies change (my eyesight is getting progressively worse, my memory is shot and I pee a little if I laugh too hard), our physiology changes, our environment changes, our circumstances change…so it only stands to reason that people change…sometimes for the good,, sometimes for the not so good
    

    
    

35. I'm the second oldest of 7 kids, the oldest daughter…I think I was like 4 or 5 when I changed my first diaper....which is part of why I was bossy, I was always telling my youngest sisters what to do because Mum told me too….I was like the Manchurian Candidate…
    

    
    

36. Having said that, don't even think of criticizing my family because I'll kick your ass. They are my parents, my brother, my sisters….I will love, defend and protect them with every ounce of my being….and of course judge them….but they are mine and I would not trade them for the world…well, maybe just two of them…(I'm kidding! Jesus, lighten up will ya?!?!)
    

    
    

37. I'm actually scared of, not intimidated by, but genuinely scared of a couple of my sisters and try really hard not to piss them off…but somehow, always manage to do just that
    

    
    

38. And again, having said that, don't even think of criticizing them
    

    
    

39. I hate bad grammar and the way words are misused all the time…but I have terrible grammar, can't spell for shit and am forever mispronouncing words or using the wrong form of a word….but I admit to it and am not a snob about it…well, I try not to be
    

    
    

40. I love being a Mum but must admit I miss the days where we'd wake up with no plans for the day and end up in some little town three hours from home having a fantastic meal at some restaurant we stumbled upon. I miss our bike rides after work and going to the movies. I miss our road trips to the White Mountains, our late nights playing Lego Star Wars on the Wii and lounging around on a wintry Sunday without a care in the world…..but I miss Lucy terribly when I'm away from her for more than an hour.
    

    
    

41. I tried pot a couple times in college but it just did nothing for me – and I'm pretty sure I inhaled
    

    
    

42. I like the water…I'd rather swim in the ocean than a pool, a pond or a lake. I find the waves at the beach relaxing and the sand somewhat therapeutic for the soles of my feet. I love the rocks that are shaped and smoothed from rolling around the waters for who knows how many hundreds of years. I like walking up and down the beach looking for mermaid's tears (sea glass) and I like bringing home a rock or two that has caught my eye
    

    
    

43. I like the night better than the day, the moon better than the sun and the stars better than the clouds
    

    
    

44. Aunt Nell died just over a year ago and sometimes, she'll pop into my head and I start to cry for no reason. I just miss her…and I wish she could have seen Lucy turn 1…..and could have seen Lucy start walking and heard her talking…..I just miss her
    

    
    

45. I'm terribly afraid of death…I just don't understand how the world continues…or why I don't get to see how it ends…whatever it is. When I think about it, about me dying or my parents or Sean or my siblings, I get this cold feeling that rushes through my body and I feel like I'm falling…and I have to stop thinking or I get so paralyzed with fear I can't move and forget to breathe….I get a lump in my throat and tears fill my eyes…..it is the one thing that scares me more than anything else in the world – not even snakes and spiders scare me so much
    

    
    

46. Then, I wonder what it will be like in heaven. What form will I take? Will I be in my mid-30's with Lucy and Sean? Will I be the age I was when I died? Will I be a kid? Will I be with my family or Sean's? Or will the families be together? Will we have a house?
    

    
    

47. I lose things all the time. I am forever misplacing my wallet, my debit card, my cell phone and my license….so it's ironic (I think) that Sean is always asking me where the recycling calendar is or where his sunglasses are or where his Red Sox T Shirt is or where Lucy's coat is and I always know….
    

    
    

48. I have no desire to travel. That's not to say I don't enjoy it but I don't feel the pull that so many people have to travel to Europe or England or Ireland or the Mediterranean or the Far East or Australia….I think there is lots to do and see right here in the old US of A.
    

    
    

49. When I do travel, I always freak out a bit before its time to go. I worry that I am forgetting to pack something or that I'll miss my flight or that I'll leave the stove on or that security will think I'm a terrorist or some sort of threat…
    

    
    

50. But I love road trips. I like it when we hop into the car with no destination in site, a pile of magazines, the iPod and a bagful of snacks and we just drive…
    

    
    

51. Fanny packs drive me bonkers…so do socks paired with sandals….and it makes me crazy when woman (and young girls) do not dress age appropriately. A 12 year old girl should not be wearing a strapless dress that plunges in the front and ends mid thigh….neither should a 50 year old
    

    
    

52. I worry all the time that Lucy will be picked on or bullied when she starts going to school…or that she'll be a bully or the picker on-er…
    

    
    

53. When I see a little kid on the playground by him/herself, it makes me sad
    

    
    

54. I used to travel a lot for work when I was in my 20's and living in Illinois. It always used to make me sad when I would see middle aged men sitting by themselves at a restaurant or in an airport….never dawned on me that I too was alone and someone could be looking at me with pity…
    

    
    

55. I did not get my driver's license until I was 20..and did not buy a car until I was like 23..then I drove that car for 10+ years until my mechanic refused to let me spend any more money on it – I loved car….
    

    
    

56. I worry about Sean getting into a car accident on the way home or Lucy falling and getting hurt at Day Care. I worry about my brother who sells airplanes for a living getting hurt on the job. I worry about my sisters getting into an accident or falling ill with some malady….I worry about things I have no control over…..one time, I heard on the news that a man had been killed in a car accident on 114 and I was convinced it was my friend/boss because he was not at the office when I arrived, it happened on a route he could potentially take to the office, it happened around the time he drives to work and the car was the same color as his…it wasn't him but I was sick to my stomach until I tracked him down that morning….
    

    
    

57. But it's not like I just sit around and worry; these bouts of worrying hit me at totally random moments: when I'm driving home, when I'm making dinner, when I'm working, trying to falls asleep or when I'm doing laundry…and it's just this weird little panic attack that works its way into my brain and nervous system and then vanishes as quickly as it came….
    

    
    

58. I don't really collect anything….I feel like I should but I don't…though I do bring rocks home from the beach or from someplace we've been walking if I like the look of them….and sea glass, I always pick up sea glass when I see it
    

    
    

59. I have a vague interest in photography but lack an artistic eye and patience to indulge in it…
    

    
    

60. Same thing with knitting….and quilting….and crafts in general
    

    
    

61. So I think it's safe to say, I don't have a hobby….
    

    
    

62. Unless people watching counts…my favorite thing is to go to Quincy Market with a cup of coffee, a smackerel of something and to sit on a beach just watching people go by….sometimes I make up stories about them in my head. Sometimes, I eavesdrop on their conversations, sometimes, I see someone or something so bizarre or foreign to my eye that I stare….I hate it when I get caught staring
    

    
    

63. When I was in my 20's, I picked out the name for my tell all Memoir: I'm No Good at Small Talk subtitle, When I'm Sober
    

    
    

64. Baseball is my favorite sport followed closely by basketball
    

    
    

65. I don't understand football, haven't a clue and have no interest in watching it or learning about it
    

    
    

66. The 4^th of July is my favorite holiday followed by Christmas and Easter
    

    
    

67. Thanksgiving is my least favorite holiday….but I do look forward to the Macy's Day Parade and the Dog Show every year…ohh and leftover turkey sandwiches…and stuffing…..so maybe it's not my least favorite holiday…Maybe its New Years Eve…
    

    
    

68. New Years Eve is my least favorite holiday
    

    
    

69. Halloween is my favorite holiday to decorate for – more so now that we have Lucy
    

    
    

70. I love buying gifts for people….I get so excited that I can't even wait to give it to them…sometimes, I get so excited I try to convince them to let me give it to them before the actual celebration or holiday….
    

    
    

71. But I hate getting gifts – it's not that I hate the gifts I receive or am ungrateful, I just get all embarrassed and don't know what to say or how to act when I receive a gift
    

    
    

72. Sometimes, I totally lack a social filter
    

    
    

73. One time, I had an employer tell me during my yearly review that I needed to try harder to put myself on the same level as my co-workers. I looked at him and cocked my head to one side and said I don't understand what you mean he responded by telling me I needed to use smaller words with my peers so they understood what I was saying….and that my humor was a bit over their heads as it was more witty than what they could interpret….I told him we should consider a new staff…
    

    
    

74. Sometimes, I've snapped at someone or been so cross with them I feel terrible…and then I cry because I was mean to them…then I call and apologize….usually it's my parents or Sean…sometimes a sister…occasionally a co-worker and one time a stranger….
    

    
    

75. I hate parties…I'm no good at being in a situation where I don't know anyone and have to socialize…I'm actually shyer than people realize…..
    

    
    

76. I can be terribly judgmental…but I'm usually more right than wrong
    

    
    

77. I'm the jealous type….I get jealous if my parents spend more time with my sister in Watertown than with me, I get jealous when I learned I've been left out of something…it could be more hurt than jealous but I am the jealous type….
    

    
    

78. I used to bit my nails
    

    
    

79. I'm pretty "regular" and hate it when something throws my schedule off
    

    
    

80. I loved being pregnant
    

    
    

81. I love sending cards to people…for their birthday, holidays, for no reason at all…its like a little shot of sunshine in their day…one time, I spent over $100 on cards…and that was with coupons!
    

    
    

82. I have a wicked sweet tooth
    

    
    

83. I love, LOVE pizza
    

    
    

84. I don't like maple syrup..or popovers…or orange juice…unless I'm sick, then I'll drink orange juice
    

    
    

85. When I was pregnant, I ate fish sticks….you know like the ones you used to get with your hot lunch at school..the ones covered in breading…. A week after I had Lucy, I tried to eat a fish stick and gagged
    

    
    

86. If I could choose any way to spend a Sunday afternoon, it would be sitting in the Public Garden with a stack of magazines, a picnic basket of cheese, bread, strawberries and apples and a pillow for when I have my nap….and course Lucy and Sean….which means we'd also have to have bubbles…and a ball…and ice cream….
    

    
    

87. Elephants are one of my favorite animals…and hippos…and giraffes….and sea turtles, I love sea turtles
    

    
    

88. I like the circus and clowns do not freak me out at all
    

    
    

89. I don't have a favorite color but yellow makes me smile
    

    
    

90. When I look at houses, I always look at the ones with a wraparound porch and imagine myself sitting on it in a rocking chair wearing a straw hat with all kinds of kids running around me and playing….
    

    
    

91. I have terrible taste in music…I'm a Conservative Catholic who favors folk music…
    

    
    

92. I have no taste in clothes
    

    
    

93. I'm passive aggressive
    

    
    

94. I hate shoe shopping – I own two pairs of comfort clogs (black and brown) and two pairs of sandals for the summer (black and brown), two pairs of sneakers (Nike for walking, Chucks for hanging out) two pair of cowboy boots (black and brown) that I don't even really wear any more but can't get rid of because I love them so much
    

    
    

95. I have never worn or owned a pair of heels…no, not even for my Wedding
    

    
    

96. I didn't even wear a Wedding Gown, or a veil….I wore a bridesmaid dress and a headband…I totally rocked that head band
    

    
    

97. At our Wedding, the photographer forgot to take a family group photo…..so did we. When I realized this, the day after our Wedding, I cried for like an hour. Then I was over it – my family was there, who needs pictures (though sometimes it does still bother me)
    

    
    

98. Our Wedding song was I Wanna Grow Old with You from the Wedding Singer
    

    
    

99. I ate two hot dogs at our Wedding…how many brides will admit to that?!?
    

    
    

100. Our first real date was watching "Lost" together and a couple of beers
     

     
     

101. I think diplomatic immunity and Astroturf are bullshit
     

     
     

102. I think air conditioning contributed to the downfall of society and communities in this country
     

     
     

103. I think if people remembered their manners, the world would be a better place
     

     
     

104. I totally get that this country was founded on the premises of immigrants seeking a better life but at some point, enough is enough
     

     and lest we forget, when in Rome, do as the Romans do…
     

     
     

105. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone (not only a quote from one of my favorite movies but something I do truly belive)
     

     
     

106. I think Pete Rose should in the Hall of Fame – and that the punishment did not fit the crime…
     

     
     

107. I can't believe that people my age do not know who Mary Jo Kopechne is…I know it was before our time but it was not that long before our time
     

     
     

108. I don't think of the Kennedy's as American Royalty….as a matter of fact, I don't think we have anyone or any family that comes close to being royalty
     

     
     

109. I think Hemingway, Dickens and Steinbeck are slightly overrated
     

     
     

110. The Godfather III wasn't that bad…
     

     
     

111. I can watch anyone of the following movies a hundred times…and if I'm flipping through the channels and one is on, I'll stop regardless of what point it is at: The Patriot, Con Air, The Rock, Gone in 60 Seconds, Die Hard (really any one of them), The Last Holiday, RoboCop, Steele Magnolias, Ocean's Eleven (or 12 or 13), Thomas Crown Affair, Breakfast Club, Mermaids, To Kill a Mockingbird, In the Heat of the Night, Elf, Legally Blonde, Liar Liar…yeah, I'll stop now
     

     
     

112. I love movies but I don't really like going to the movies (but don't tell Sean, it would ruin our date night we have planned for Saturday) I'd rather stay at home and watch the movie
     

     
     

113. I've never read Moby Dick and have no interest in reading it….but I can, like everyone else, quote the first line
     

     
     

114. When I was in the third grade, I wanted to be a nun and John Travolta's girlfriend
     

     
     

115. I also wanted to be Nancy Drew….and Harriet the Spy….
     

     
     

116. I have no artistic ability whatsoever…as a matter of fact, I really have no talent….depressing….
     

     
     

117. I read three books at the same time and sometimes, I read the last chapter first…
     

     
     

118. I have a hard time sitting still…I feel like I always have to be doing something…I can't even just sit and watch TV without doing something else at the same time like folding laundry or flipping through a magazine
     

     
     

119. I like my eyes…and my hands
     

     
     

120. I relish celebrity gossip and reality shows
     

     
     

121. I don't think I'm very good in a crises situation…I don't freak out but I second guess my decisions and allow myself to be swayed by other
     

     
     

122. James Lipton intrigues and annoys me at the same time
     

     
     

123. I don't have a hero but I have many I admire
     

     
     

124. When I lived in Illinois, I once spent two hours hiding in the bathroom from a tornado because the sirens went off…turns out they test the sirens the third Thursday of every month and it was Thursday…..
     

     
     

125. I did, while living in Illinois, see two tornadoes touch down….oddly terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time…
     

     
     

126. I worry every day if I am a good mother and wife
     

     
     

127. I hate, HATE making the bed…Sean makes our bed every day, and Lucy's
     

     
     

128. I'm a slob – Sean's side of the room is usually pretty neat…my side of the room has dirty clothes on the floors, my PJs from last night, a stack of books eschew, at least two water glasses on the night table and the top of my bureau is just a big clutter of a mess
     

     
     

129. Sean does the vacuuming…I hate vacuuming
     

     
     

130. I like doing the dishes though…and I actually don't mind cleaning the bathroom or washing the floors
     

     
     

131. I'm not a very good cook but I make really good cookies
     

     
     

132. When we were in England, I tried rabbit and LOVED IT! Every now and then, I get a craving for Rabbit Pie
     

     
     

133. I love where I am in my life right now…..sure, I wish we had a bit more money in the bank, that I were thinner, in better shape and maybe a house that was a tiny bit bigger with a nicer yard but I'm pretty happy….isn't that what it's about?
     

Girlfriend, Where o where has my little dog gone

Daddy knows best
As told to me by Sean:

I was dropping Lucy off at Day Care yesterday morning and while walking to the door, I spotted Jake and his Dad getting out of their car.
(Jake is a little boy in Lucy's class...for a spell, she did not really like him as he slammed a chair down on her leg but they seem to have made up....as witnessed by the following exchange)

Is that Jake? I asked her
Mmmmhmm, that Jakie!

I opened the door to herd her in but she yelled No Daddy! We have to wait for Jakie!

So we stood at the door and Jake and his Dad walked towards us as Lucy hollered out in greeting Jaaaakkie!!

When and his Dad reached us, Jake squared off in front of me, looked me square in the eye and proclaimed

Lucy's my girlfriend!
Lucy's your girlfriend? I asked
Yeah Jake confirmed

Well, I replied, I'm always the last to know........

Where you at?
In the car, on the way to the doctor, Lucy pipes up and says in a slightly falsetto voice with great inflection:
Hey Girlfriend! Where we going?

Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Our neighbor Pat is on vacation and by that I mean for the first time since we've lived here, she has actually gone away and is not around. This has totally disrupted Lucy's little life as almost every night upon our arrival home, we stop in to see Pat and the puppies.

On the way home, Lucy lets out a big sigh and announces

Mama, I miss Pat........

A bit later, still in the car, Lucy lets out another big sigh....

Mama, I miss Kristen (our other neighbor we adore)
*sigh*
Mama, I miss Roger (Kristen's boyfriend)
An even bigger ***SIGH**
Mama....said in a voice so lamenting and sad I responded
What's the matter baby?
I miss all the puppies so much....... (referring to Pat's two dogs Ebie and Ollie and Kristen's dog Jet)
I know honey, we'll see them soon
Ok Mama (sniffle, sigh, sniffle) Ok, I can wait.........

Signs, Limits, Love

* Started this one the other day and forgot to finish and post it....

Signs Signs
Outside our grocery store, in the middle of one of the cross walks, is a big old orange cone with a big old sign attached to it cautioning cars to yield and watch out for pedestrians.

Sunday afternoon as Sean, Lucy and I were walking into Market Basket, a woman in an SUV the size of Texas was pulled up in front of the entrance letting someone out. When her passenger was out of the car, the woman pulled away and ran over said orange cone cautioning cars to watch out for pedestrians

We watched it happen, along with another customer and his child. The three adults, (Sean, myself and said stranger) politely ducked our heads and stifled our laughter.

Lucy, however, pointed at the woman, started laughing hysterically (and loudly) and yelling Oh no! Look out! Uh Oh!!!!

A girl's gotta have limits
We've been told that at the age of 2, children start to become possessive and understand the concept and meaning of Mine. Lucy is no exception. She has a clear and concise mind when it comes to knowing what is hers, what is Daddy's and what is Mummy's...right down to who sits in what chair at the dinner table and in the car.
Though she is getting better about sharing things (toys, stickers, crayons, books) sharing her animals can be a bit much for her.

Sean's oldest and dearest friend Gareth is coming to visit us in May. I was telling Lucy this the other day....the conversation went something like this...


Me: Uncle Gareth is going to be here soon for his visit Lucy.
She thinks about it for a second and says

Lucy: Mama, he no sleep in Lucy's big girl bed!!
Me: No silly, he'll sleep in the big bed in the other room
Lucy: No Mama, that's Lucy's other bed!
(The second bedroom is where one of us would end up sleeping with Lucy while she was sick and for a spell, she called it her big bed; apparently she still thinks of it as hers!)
Me: Now Lucy - you need to share. Besides, you have two beds already; your little girl bed and your big girl bed.
Lucy: Oh.....OK Mama.......but he not playing with Lucy's toys!
Me: Lucy Ellen! We need to share with our friends, remember? Just like you share toys at school with Jack Jack, Ry-Guy, Naa-naa and Caiti....
She tilts her head and in her little sweetest voice says
OK Mama, I share....but he's NOT playing with my animals!!!

All you need is love
Sean and I are truing really hard to do the date night thing. It was a resolution I made to have one date night a month. Ideally, we'd like to go out for said date night but would Sean would settle for us watching a movie in which I actually sit next to him on the couch and not fold laundry, do work or surf the gossip sites on the Internet.

January and February, we actually made it out of the house. March and April were sort of a bust though I do believe we were able to catch a movie or two with minimal interruption.
We have a date night planned for this weekend and have lined up Roaslie from Day Care to watch after Lucy.

Rosalie, Rosie as Lucy so fondly calls her, may be one of the sweetest girls I have ever met and has more love in her little being for Lucy than anyone outside Sean and I.
She sees Lucy and her face lights up as Lucy yells My Rosie! and reaches for her.
When I pick Lucy up at night from Day Care, she must always, ALWAYS, hug and kiss Rosie before leaving....and Rosie kindly obliges.
Even on her grumpiest days, Rosie can make her smile and Rosie is the only one who can do her hair.

I told Lucy that Rosie is coming to play with her this weekend....

Me: Lucy, Rosie is going to come play with you this weekend, would you like that?
Lucy: Mama! Rosie is coming to Lucy's house?!
Me: Yes Lucy, Rosie is coming to Lucy's house! What do you think of that?
Lucy: (giggling) Rosie gonna play with Lucy?
Me: Yep, Rosie will play with you and read to you and maybe you can do stickers and draw like you did last time Rosie was here....remember?
Lucy: Rosie comin' Rosie comin'!!!
Me: She is Lucy! Rosie is coming to Lucy's house!
Lucy: Hot Diggity Dog!!!!

You are only as old as.....

You give me fever
Awhile back, somebody mentioned his daughter had Bieber Fever
That’s awful, I say, is she on antibiotics?
He looked at me sort of funny and said what do you mean?
Well how are the Doctors treating it? I’m not even sure what it is….is she bedridden? Is it like malaria or Dengue Fever?
No, he said, trying not to laugh, Bieber Fever, as in Justin Bieber….
Oh, so is that like a kissing disease from her boyfriend? Wait, is she old enough to have a boyfie…why are you laughing at me….?

What's in a name
I drive by this road every day on my way home from work. For the longest time, I thought it would be fun to live on that street so I could tell people I live on Old Man Street.
So one day, I decided to take Old Man Street to see where it led …turns out, it’s called Old MAIN Street.

I haven't know you long but
When I first met the parents of one of Lucy’s little friends, they were both getting ready to turn 30; I was getting ready to turn 38.
Not knowing how old I was, the Mum point blank asked me.
Almost 38 I replied.
Her eyes opened wide, her jaw dropped and she says Oh my God! I had no idea you were THAT old! You’re like my oldest friend……


Babysitting Blues
On the rare occasion that Sean and I are able to get out and have a date night, we usually have a friend watch Lucy. But at some point, we knew we'd have to let someone other than a friend watch her - so we asked a couple of teachers at Lucy's Day Care if they'd be interested and what they charged.
I almost fell over when I learned they make between $10-$15 an hour. I just made that much at my first job out of colleges and I had to pay taxes. I made that comment one day to someone and he looked at me and said well that was the '80's........I graduated from college in '94.....

Late Bloomer
I started late…I got married late, had a child late….not that it really upsets or bothers me but it was made painfully real when I realized that my friend Melissa, who has a 16 year old daughter, could be a grandmother before Lucy even gets to High School…that I’ll probably have to get a sitter to go to her daughter’s wedding….that my daughter could babysit Melissa's grandchildren……


Married?!? Yeah, Married
I remember getting up to watch Princess Di and Prince Charles get married. I was 8, almost 9 and remember it like it was yesterday.
In the days before Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Wedding, I was talking to some of my neighbors about it while our kids were playing. Someone asked me if I would get up to watch it because my husband is British.
I said No, I’d get up to watch it regardless just as I got up to watch the Prince’s Mother get married. I love Royal Weddings….
One of the Mum’s looked at me with shock and amazement; You remember that Wedding?
God yes, I say..... And I remember when Luke and Laura got married (on General Hospital) a few months later.....don't you?
Uh No, she says, I was like 3….and who are Luke and Laura?

I'm leaving, BFF, A miracle

Like a good neighbor
Pat is our next door neighbor; she lives with her two dogs Ollie and Ebony...Lucy loves the puppies as much as she loves Pat.

One day a couple weeks ago, we had just come home from Day Care. Lucy was having a bit of a strop because I told her no she could not do something. She asked one more time and one more time I said no.

Mama, she yelled, I'm going to live with Pat! and she marched to the front door

BFF
On the way home from Day Care today, Lucy was in the back seat having her on the way home snack. Out of the blue she says

Mama, I like Caiti's Daddy
Oh good Lucy, I'm glad
Mama, I like Caiti's Mummy
Me too Lucy, I like them too
Mama?
Yes Lucy?
I love Caiti

It's a miracle
There's a couple that lives across the circle from us, their daughter is 6 months younger than Lucy. Last summer, Lucy was running all over the place while Calin was still trying to figure out how to crawl.

This evening, Lucy was sitting at the table eating dinner when she spotted Calin and her Mum outside. Calin's Mum was pushing her along in one of those Little Tikes Cars.

There's the baby Mama she informed me in a matter of fact voice pointing out the window
Oh yeah, I see them Lucy

Lucy continued eating and I started washing the dishes

All of a sudden, she let out a shriek, Mama!
What Lucy? What's wrong?

Lucy was pointing out the window again and struggling to get out of her booster seat

She started to yell and wave wildly at at the window
The baby is walking! The baby is walking!!!

Maria, the Mum

Mama is, Squirrels, Driving Lucy, Lucypalooza, Pretty Princess

Revelation
From the backseat, on the way home from Day Care in between fruit snacks:

Mama!
Yes Lucy?
Daddy is a boy, Lucy is a girl and Mama is a mummy!!!
Thanks for clarifying Lucy….
You’re welcome Mama

NIMBY
We have a big old oak tree in our back yard which results in acorns which results in squirrels which results in Lucy standing at the back door yelling

Go away cheeky squirrels! Go away!

Driving Miss Daisy
Lucy is a back seat driver.

When approaching a line of traffic, she will often yell out Whoa Daddy! Whoa!

If she looks around and sees a lot of cars or a large truck she will proclaim Wow! Watch out!

And if you sit a little too long at a stop sign or a traffic light, she will yell Go Mama go!

When we make the last left hand turn onto Webster Street before turning right into Northwoods Circle, Lucy starts announcing Lucy’s home! Lucy’s here!

And when we pull up to the house, she yells Stop Mama!

Test Drive
Lucy received a scooter from Noni and Papa for her birthday. Though we have not gotten it outside yet, it has had many test drives through the kitchen and living room.

Lucy hops on it, stands up ever so straight with her feet in the first position, grasps the handle bars with both hands and demands Push me Daddy, push me! Lucy go for a ride now!

Sweet Dreams
We bought Lucy a toddler bed over the weekend. It’s not that she’s been climbing out of her crib (though she has hurled herself out of it once or twice) but we just felt like it was time to get her out of the crib – I suppose its more because I hate the crib and we found a really cute bed with a nu-now and a puppy on it….so really, it’s about me.

Sean put the bed together while Lucy was napping. He moved her room around to accommodate both the crib and the bed and then he made the bed so when Lucy awoke from her nap, it was there for her to see.

When she walked into her room, she pointed to the bed straight away and said That Lucy’s bed…..notice it was a statement not a question.

We agreed, Yep that’s Lucy’s bed.

She then told us she wanted to sleep in her bed – Sean and I looked at each other and I’m pretty sure he gave me a silent high five with his eyes for I was already feeling pretty triumphant…maybe this would be easier than I thought….maybe I would have one of those kids that does not need all kinds of transition time, you know, the ones that can adapt to any situation………..

After her bath that night, PJs on, hair dried, nails cut, we set about our normal routine (Daddy reads her a couple books, tucks her in, turns out the light and Mummy reads Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, with a flashlight)

When it was time to tuck her in, she jumped up, headed to her new bed and climbed in with a push from Daddy. She snuggled under the blanket, I read ½ a page and she hopped up and declared No Mama, that bed! pointing at her crib…..

So I hoisted her over the rails into her crib and read Chapter 7 In Which Tigger is Unbounced

Lucypalooza
Lucy turned 2 April 16th; the celebrating started April 9th and continued through till April 30th.

After some stop and go and indecisiveness, Lucy had some friends over on April 9th to celebrate her birthday (side note: Cousin De also got married this day to our new Cousin Brad…Mazel Tov!)

Auntie Mike came over and helped me with the decorations….It looked like an Enchantment Under the Sea Prom…..But the kids had a blast, the parents enjoyed themselves and there was cake and ice cream so who cares if I went over the top…besides, isn’t that what we do for our kids?

On April 14th, Lucy had a party at Day Care. I made Nemo themed cupcakes and sent some little favors into school for her and her class. Rosie made her a crown (which she wore in the car for the drive up to Maine…and if you say birthday, she has to go get her crown on before you continue the birthday discussion or celebration) and the kids all sang to her and she got to blow out a candle (she was super excited about that)

April 16th, we were in Maine with Noni and Papa…and we had another party with the Aunts and Uncles which meant more cake and ice cream….and more singing to Lucy and another candle to blow out

On the 23rd, we had some friends over for dinner….who showed up with cake, ice cream and gifts for Lucy! So Lucy’s birthday continued! By now, if you mention the word cake, balloons or birthday, Lucy pipes up and says Lucy’s Birthday?! She asks for her crown and then starts singing Happy Birthday to herself.

On the 24th, Easter, we went to cousins Patsy and Nick’s for dinner….and they had a cake for Lucy! More singing, more candles to blow out and more declarations of Lucy’s Birthday?!?! Where my crown?

Lucypalooza came to an end this past weekend as we attended not one but two birthday parties. When we told Lucy we were going to a Birthday Party, she asked

Lucy’s Birthday?

No, Caiti’s birthday

No Mama, Lucy’s birthday!

No Lucy, now its Caiti’s turn to have a birthday….

Oh, Caiti have a birthday?

Yes, it's Caiti's birthday....

Oh…and she with a big smile on her face she declares, with her arms outstretched, Happy Birthday Caiti…Just like Happy Birthday Lucy!

And now for my next trick….
Lately, when Lucy accomplishes something, like say climbing up into her booster seat at the kitchen table (did I mention we have a pub table) or finishes something, like say her dinner, her new favorite thing is to throw her arms out, tilt her head to one side, opens her eyes wide, turns on her million dollar smile, give jazz hands and declares at the top of her lungs

TAAAA-DAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
(Jazz hands continue until applause is over)

I’m not wearing that!
Lucy is not a girly girl. She does not like bows in her hair, tutus or dresses.

She hates dresses so much that she won’t even put on a night gown.

Easter Sunday, it took two parents and a 45 minute wrestling match to get a little dress on her (and it’s not even like it was some big fruffy dress with tulle, it was a little purple cotton sheath dress…there wasn’t even a bow on it!)

After jamming her into the dress, the deal was she got to choose her socks and shoes…..so she picked her bright red Elmo socks and her pink Chucks

Fairy Tales can come true
Friday morning, I like so many, arose to watch The Royal Wedding. At one point, as I was watching the “Pre-Game Show,” I wished that Lucy were old enough to understand, appreciate and watch The Wedding with me as I watched The Wedding with my mother in 1981.

At five minutes of 6, I could no longer contain myself. I ran upstairs and in a loud whisper informed Sean that Kate was almost to the Church, could he get up and please bring Lucy with him. Sean staggered down over the stairs by himself just as she was arriving at the Church.

Within five minutes, Lucy let out a wail and Sean went up to get her.

He brought her downstairs to the family room and she snuggled on the couch with me still a bit sleepy but staring at the TV nonetheless. I whispered to her that she was watching the Prince marry his Princess and wasn’t it beautiful?

All of a sudden, she sits up, points at Catherine (as now they were wed) and declares

Pretty Girl!

From that moment on, if the camera panned away from Catherine, Lucy would yell out, Where’s the pretty girl!!?! I want the pretty girl!

She hopped off the couch, stood in front of the TV and yelled....

Hi Yo Pretty Princess!!!

When the Ceremony ended, Lucy remained standing in front of the TV murmuring about the pretty princess…and when the Prince and Princess climbed into the carriage, Lucy’s head almost exploded when she saw them being pulled away by horses!

Mummy! Mama! Horsies! NEIGH NEIGH!!! Pretty Princess ride the neighs!!!!!

As William and Catherine’s procession headed towards the Palace, Lucy waved back as they waved to her. At one point, Catherine was waving and Lucy declared,

Mama! Pretty Princess is waving at me!
Buh Bye Pretty Princess!!!!!!

She may not understand or even remember what she saw, but I did and I will and one day, many years from now, she will at least appreciate it as much as I did at that moment…….

Maria, the Mum

Confidence, Progress, Go Away, Fin, Noggin, Duuuddde

Self Confident
While on the changing table being dressed, she looks at me and says Mama, I'm beautiful

While on the changing table getting a clean diaper she informs Sean, Daddy, I'm cute

While sitting at the table eating lunch and entertaining us (she had us laughing pretty hard) she says, in between giggles, I'm funny

While driving home from school the other day, I asked Lucy a question about what she did at school...She said we counted Mama and I'm smart

Progress Report
A couple weeks ago, we received an evaluation from day care on Lucy

....Lucy sings and dances with great enthusiasm

....Lucy is very good at brushing her teeth and will offer assistance to other students who are struggling or not sure how to do it

......Lucy, at times, can get a bit over stimulated but is easily calmed down with a story

......Lucy is very good at expressing her feelings and emotions and lets us know just what she is thinking

......Lucy knows what she likes and does not like and is able to communicate that to us

Go Away Mama!
Lucy is on a Daddy kick right now (but no, they've never bonded). Usually I give her her bath, dress her for bed, give her her medicines and then leave them to read a story. But lately, she does not want me for anything except to dress her...and that's only so Daddy can read her a book while she's being tended to by her Lady-in-Waiting.

Last night, I was in the bathroom attempting to get her into the tub when she yelled
No no Mama! Go away! I want Daddy!

So Daddy took over and I'm guessing he gave her a talking to because when her bath was over, she yelled for me to come get her out of the tub. I walk into the bathroom and Sean says Lucy, what do you have to say to Mama?
Lucy, still sitting in the tub and looking like a little drowned mouse sticks out her bottom lip, drops her chin to her chest and looks up at me from under her eyelids (you know what I'm talking about, that puppy dog face), clasps her hands together and say in the sweetest little voice Sorry Mama...I love you
It's okay Lucy
And with a giggle she says OK Mama! hops up and waits for me to hoist her out of the tub.

As I carried her into her room, she wrapped her little arm around my neck and said Mama dress me?
Yes baby, Mummy will dress you
OK, then go away and Daddy and I read?

Fin, Noggin, Dude
Ever seen Finding Nemo? You know the part where Squirt (the little turtle) and his Dad Crush do Fin (they bump fins), Noggin (they bump heads) and then step back, look at each other and say Duuuddeee....?

Lucy does that with us...
Fin (we bump elbows)
Noggin (we bump heads)
DUUUDDDEEE (we lean in with our head tilted like we're going to touch heads but don't)

Maria, the Mum