Haircut; Caramel Apples

My girls have all three been bald babies. BALD. And toddlers. Well, and preschoolers. While my children are struggling to grow enough strands to merit a barrette, other girls their age have braids swinging down their backs.

Kate and Joan were well over age 3 when they received their first haircut. Or "haircut". Because there wasn't much to cut, only a few rogue longer strands that needed to be trimmed back.

Marin has suffered from the same affliction. I swear, after these three, if I were to ever deliver a baby with a head-ful of hair, I'd INSIST that that baby couldn't be mine.

Anyway, Marin has been rocking a mullet for awhile now.

Do you see how there is no hair growing from the sides of her head yet? The hair that is there comes from the top of her head and drapes over the side.

And while I thought she looked adorable with her "business in front party in back" do, I began to realize that a haircut was in order.

So, I made her an appointment at with our local hairdresser (is that the word the kids use these days?) (and have I mentioned that the salon we go to is in an ADORABLE, IDYLLIC little cottage-type building with vines covering the sides?).

I held her, as locks of her baby-fine curls fell to the floor around us. Hair that was presumably on her head the day she was born...

But now, her hair is more even. It looks thicker and fuller. And also? Curlier.

She felt like such a big girl, and LOVES her hair.

+++++++++++

Have you all noticed that there are alot of weird, strange, and sad things going around the internets the past few days? Swistle's MIL (just plain shocking), MckMama's baby boy, Erica suffering identity theft. Just... weird stuff.

I decided the other night that what we needed was some good old fashioned, self-medicating caramel apples. The girls and I made them before dinner, but then we didn't have time to eat them that evening.

This is what I discovered when I woke from a little nap yesterday:

The sounds they ALL THREE were making while eating! It was pornographic, I assure you. Plus Joan (on left) has a suuuuuuuuuuper loose front tooth, so she had to eat hers with her side teeth, which was just perfect.

Which reminds me: do you say "car-mel" or "care-a-mel"?

Loose Ends

First of all: SQUEEEEEEE. Oh, man, I love Erin and am so stinking excited for her little girl's arrival! Also, Willa? Seriously, Willa? *swoon*

1.CSA: The season is over, but we are still enjoying onions, garlic, potatoes, squash of various persuasions, and cabbage. I've been buying lettuce in the grocery again. SIGH. (Above is the last several week of our haul.)

2. Zoloft: I started weaning off of it about 3 weeks ago. I went down to 50 mg (from 100 mg). Today I am supposed to step down to 25 mg.

I have to be honest, I've not been feeling the best. Physically, I'm soooo tired, often feel nauseated, and have intermittent body aches and chills. I don't have a fever, and these symptoms come and go enough that I know it's not the flu.

Emotionally, I've been mostly fine. I can tell I'm snappier. I'm less able to predict (or immediately control) my reactions, especially when the kids are acting up. I've over-reacted many times (yelled at them over little stuff, been unnecessarily crabby or impatient) and had to apologize. Overall, however, this part has not been as bad as I had feared.

3. Weather: For every rainy, soggy, gross day we endured in (normally pleasant) October, November is making up for. It's been sunny and warm here all month (well, so far), with mild enough days to be outside without coats! We are spending the weekend "winterizing" our yard and raking leaves . Love it.

4. The future of our schools: I am still SOOOO UPSET about our failed referendum which will result is several painful cuts for our school district. The only (somewhat) comforting aspect is that so many others are also upset, so we've been able to commiserate together.

I'm quite angry at those who voted no. I just don't understand it... I mean, even if they don't feel like supporting the schools, don't they care about their property value? Truly, a town this size that does not support the local schools will not continue to grow and thrive, and that will negatively effect everyone who lives here.

Stupid people and their selfish ways. *ROARRRRRRRRRRRR*

For the Kids

Tiny Town had a referendum vote yesterday, to implement a levy- to replace the one that expires later this year- for money for the local school district. The new levy would be at a higher rate than the one passed six years ago, but this is to be expected as the financial needs have changed in the past six years.

The levy did not pass. 1,923 yes; 2,273 no.

I'm not feeling particularly articulate on the topic, mostly because I'm just so angry that I'm not really thinking clearly.

Tiny Town is known for its excellent schools. Now the district will probably close our beloved (and highly rated) elementary school, fire 20-some teachers throughout the district, and cut all classes beyond core classes at the high school (foreign language, arts, music, post-secondary ETC).

How can anyone who voted NO feel ok about it?

I'm not just upset because my own children are directly effected- though they are. I have in the past (before we had children) and will continue in the future (when my own children are no longer effected) support the local schools.

For a town this size, good schools is a major foundations block. Good schools attract young families, who in turn buy homes, shop, and choose to run businesses to serve our community.

It reminds me of how I felt on a certain election day in 2000. Or it 2004. Yeah, like that. Only I'm taking this more personally- people in my own town, that I shop with and live near, chose not to support our schools, our kids.

And my GOD does that suck.

Halloween Photos, Natch

It's that time of year again, where people plow headfirst into Christmas Mode, while I hang back, wringing my hands and wishing these next two months would go by more slowly. Also, call me old school, but doesn't Christmas come after Thanksgiving?

I really do love the early winter months. I think the build-up to the holidays is exciting. So many family gatherings (have I mentioned I'm a people person?)! So much planning and anticipating! So many secrets and surprises lurking everywhere!

Also, I happen to like snow in November and December. Not so much that I want to roll around it in, or in anyway participate in it beyond a few snow walks (followed by hot tea). But the first several snows of the year are cozy.

(What I don't like is the months (and months and MONTHS) of winter that stare me down from beyond December. But these first couple of months, the snow is still fresh and exciting (and white, not grayish black). So I savor it, for there will be plenty of time to bitch about the cold come January.)

My kids are all "business as usual" in regards to cold weather. Here's proof that I'm raising a bunch of demented little snow lovers:

(Why they are not huddled under blankets whining about the cold is beyond me, but I can assure you that they did INDEED emerge from my body. Genetics... ppfft.)

Oh, but we can't forget to do the annual Halloween photos!

I do love Tiny Town on Halloween. It reminds me of a movie set- all the big trees and old houses, the tiny costumed children, the greetings of neighbors... (I think I've probably said all of this before...)

ANYWAY, Trick-or-treating starts at dusk in Tiny Town. This year Beautiful Neighbor hosted a potluck dinner beforehand (delicious food, omg). Here are my girls heading over to her house:

We have Kit Kittredge (an American Girl*), Dorothy, and a wee giraffe:

Kit's a reporter, doncha know?:

Dorothy and her beloved Toto:

And Marin (aka: the only one dressed warm enough):

*Does anyone know if the American Girl Store has an attached clinic where you can directly donate your organs in exchange for over-priced dolls? I'm going to need three of them for Christmas this year. ...Or do I have to go through my primary doctor? Please advise.

Baby, Babybabybaby, Baby

That's what I have on my mind today. Babies...

Oh, man, do I ever still really want to do that whole baby thing again. The wonder and magic of it ALL, even the sleepless nights and the tiny upset tummy and the Green-baby tradition of barfing up nearly as much breast milk as consumed. I think I actually miss the smell of baby spit up!

I just feel so right when there is a baby in the house, in a sling, or filling my arms. I love having those chubby thighs around, tempting me to take a tiny nibble. I miss nursing. And kissing those soft, warm, just-woke-up cheeks.

David is still holding steady with a "NO", which, yes, I admit, is a bit... problematic. But since I actually don't desire to be pregnant right now (for various health and timing reasons), I'm just convincing myself that I can convince him to change his mind.

The one drawback is that right now, I feel like I still get to look forward to being pregnant, having a birth adventure, and spending a couple more years mothering a baby. As soon as that ball starts rolling, however, it suddenly becomes not something I "get to do" but something I'm "doing for the last time- EVER" [commence tears and woe].

So, hey *clap, clap*: for those of you playing along at home, please get out your score cards and pencil. Ready?

Under the "sick children" column, you can add "two kids with strep throat". Joan, though vastly improved, casually complained of a sore throat. David took a flashlight and discovered that it was quite swollen. Before taking her to school yesterday afternoon, we decided we should get a throat culture, just in case, here in Tiny Town. It was positive!

When I called to let our doctor in Bigger Town know, she asked how Marin was. Fine! I said brightly. At that moment I noticed what a puddle-on-the-floor Marin had, quite suddenly, become. (It was hard to ignore with all the noise coming from her scream-hole). Any fever? our doctor asked. Nope, not since Monday... well wait, she does feel a little warm.

While on the phone, I asked Marin if I could see her throat. Sure enough, swollen and spotted. I don't think we even need to culture her. I'll just send in a prescription. This is why I've dubbed her Dr. Awesome.

Oh, but hey, 2 hours before Marin presented with strep, I spent the morning at Target with her. (I swear, I kissed her 83 times while there and she never felt AT ALL warm). And looky, looky what I found!:

That's right. I was at one of the smallest Targets in the country (in nearby Middle Town) and these were sitting there- all innocently blinking at me- on an endcap.

They only had Iowa Pine scent, and not my beloved Lavender, but I bought them up anyway.

Now when I think of "Iowa" I do not, in any way, think of "pine". And when I smell "pine", I don't think "Hey, everyone, does this remind you of Iowa, or WHAT?"

Additionally, I really HATE the fake-pine smell.

I have faith in Our Lady Mrs. Meyers, however. And guess what? I LOVE the scent! Love, love, love! It's pine-y, YES, but deliciously so. Like I have a real Christmas tree in our house, only better. Also, strangely, it doesn't exactly remind me of Christmas.

(I recently made a special trip to a Suburb Town Super Target, where I've always purchased Mrs. Meyers before... and they no longer carried it! I even asked two different employees (without either of them hearing), just to be sure. And now, a mere 2 weeks later, a non-Super-and-in-fact-a-very-very-small-Target has it? Oh, gods of Big Red... how elusive you are!)

Hey, still have those score cards handy? Under the "weather" column, you can chalk another one up for "cold, gloomy, dark, rainy October day". I will say one thing: all this doom and gloom and gross/cold/wet is making me long for snow.

Clean, white, non-drenching. SNOW!

Well played October. Well played.

Finally I leave you with this:

Why yes, that is my single remaining healthy child neatly sandwiched between the two sickies. And quite likely sharing that bag of popcorn with Marin.

Germ control: FAIL.

Walking on Sunshine

Our doctor yesterday confirmed that yes, Marin and Joan *do* indeed have h1n1. Their cases are mild, and they did not have any secondary infections (strep, pneumonia etc) so we were sent on our way. Wearing face masks, natch.

Speaking of, I'm thinking of procuring a few of those masks for when I need to get through crowds of people (think: grocery store during the "after-church" rush) quickly. Tie a couple of masks on the kids, and I'm sure would be like the Parting of the Seas.

I'm just full of great ideas and handy tips!

Can you tell I'm a bit giddy and stir crazy?

True story: the other day, David came home for lunch, and I flew out of here right quick. I went to the thrift store, where I bought nothing, but that feeling? It was like I popped a couple of fucking quaaludes or something. I'm free, I'm freeeeeeeeeee!

So today, when the "sick children" (meaning they have fevers every 20 hours or so, or approximately 20 seconds after I start thinking hmmm, they are much better finally) were also feeling restless, I did what any good mother would do. I sent them outside to play.

If you all can excuse some [more] weather talk from this here Minnesotan, I have to tell you about our October. It snowed here for the first time on October 10th (October FUCKING TENTH. Jesus.) and has been cold, sleet-y, raining, and dark on all other days this month except for about 2.

So while yes, it is a chilly day today, it is also a sunny day. And I have had basically zero time to walk around the neighborhood admiring the trees and smelling the wood-burning fireplace smell.

(Hey townies: vote yes on the referendum, will ya? Our beloved elementary school will probably have to close if it doesn't pass.)

Where was I? Oh, yes. Fall. After I kicked the kids outside, I realized that _I_ really needed to get out too. This shitty weather has been cramping my fall-loving style. True that! So we headed out for a short walk around the neighborhood.

As if this child needed to do anything else to make my heart pitter-patter even more. But then she whips out her Hello! Kitty camera to photograph the pwetty weaves, Mommy and oh, oh, oh. Be still, my heart!

And not to be all Pollyanna on your asses, but these kinds of days make my eyes prick up a bit. The crisp air, the bright colors, the blue skies, the crunch of leaves.

The trees that appear to be on fire. All perfect.

Kate is still not showing any signs of sickness. David and I are still healthy too, which is miraculous since Marin's favorite method of answering to that tickle in her throat is to "turn head, aim directly at Mama's face, and cough mightily".

These two caught some box elder bugs while outside, so that will provide them with hours of box elder bug harassing. I'm at the point where I would probably let them do projects that included mixing bleach with lye, if it kept them busy. I'm just hoping these little guys don't die off before their fascination wears off.

Later I have big plans of walking to the library for a fresh supply of books and movies. So far today, Joan has not had a fever, but I've been down THIS road before, and I refuse to be fooled again. I know it's a little like Ernie on Sesame Street, waiting for that other shoe to drop, but I am not going to say, or even THINK, that she's better. Oh, ho, ho, Fever. I'm on to YOU.

Middle of the Road

For a long, long time our family has found itself with one foot planted firmly on each side of the fence of many issues.

Vaccines? One foot is "yes, please, as many as age appropriate" and one foot is "why do we give our kids so many vaccines, all at once? Isn't that harmful to their tiny, underdeveloped immune systems and brains?"

Attachment parenting? One foot is "we sleep with our babies and breastfeed into the second year" and one foot is "I LIKE my space when sleeping, you bed hog. Off to your own crib you go!"

Birth? One foot is "Thank GOD for modern medicine and those two Csections- we have three healthy- and ALIVE- children because of it!" and the other foot is "Skeptical of modern medical interventions during labor and birth and wondering if those surgeries were actually necessary."

Discipline? One foot is "You will do as I say, when I say, do I make myself clear?" and the other foot is "If we meet their needs, the needs will go away. Come here and snuggle with mommy and tell me how you feel when you are being such a douche."

Eating? One foot is "We have our own bottom line to consider, and also? Processed foods are easier sometimes. Our kids are made up of 90% fish crackers" and the other foot is "We buy local and/or organic as much as possible and make many, many things from scratch with whole ingredients."

On being green: One foot is all "ZOMG I love Clorox wipes!" and the other "we use reusable shopping bags, earth friendly cleaning products, etc and recycle like we're going for a prize".

One foot, planted in each camp. Straddling the fence. Taking a little from each side and customizing it to meet our family's specific needs.

Usually this feels right and healthy. Like we do not swing to one extreme or another. Like there is a balance, and that we've found a good mix for our family.

Other times, it feel like we don't belong in either camp. It feels a little lonely. Or like we can't make up our minds.

Which is where I am with the h1n1 stuff right now. I'm quite casual about it, not really worried, feeling confident that we're all going to be fine. As of right now, we are not planning on vaccinating (mostly because our kids likely already HAVE it).

However, I do still feel uneasy about it all sometimes. The "what if's" come sneaking in, and I too want to camp outside the clinic with a deadly weapon and demand protection for my family.

Also, I hope I have not come off smug about our experience with h1n1. So far, the kids are fine. Kate is still healthy, and the other two are doing that maddening thing where they are fine and fever free for 15 or more hours, only to dissolve into buckets of weeping woe. Which only means one thing: fever's back.

I do realize though that our family is not out of the woods. That it has yet to be determined whether or not we will all escape with only being mildly sick. I am well aware that one of us could still need a hospital stay... or worse. I'm just choosing not to dwell on that and to NOT get caught up in the hysteria.

(I see the media coverage as less "public service information" and more as "a way to get great ratings". And I think it is their fault that none of us has the ability to gauge the actual seriousness of the situation. We are shown case after sad case of deaths and then told "not to panic" and that "most cases are mild".... wait... what? Are we ALL GOING TO DIE or not?)

Oh, and remember the mixed-up doctor's appointments? Well, the REAL appointments are today and I've talked to the nurse there TWICE about whether I should bring in my sick kids; once this morning when they appeared to be on the mend, and again at noon when they both presented with fevers. She assured me both times that I should keep the appointments because (1) our doctor is hard to get in to and we've had these appointments since August and (2) because then she can check out the kids and make sure that they do not have anything else.

So! Off to Bigger Town we go! Wheeeee! Two Sickies and me!!!!!!!