Enjoy!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Super NakedBaby AA!!!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
It's Signing Time with...
So, those of you who have been privy to the interior world of the GM and the raising of the Pizz know already how much she loves the show Signing Time. This is probably because, aside from random snippets of ESPN and a more random adoration of the original B-Movie "Clash of the Titans," the DQ only lets the Pizz watch this one show.
It used to be that we would start ST and the Pizz would watch a few minutes and then get distracted by something else. By the end of the show, it was only me and the DQ sitting around watching, dutifully learning American Sign Language for things like "more" and "milk" and "shoes." The Pizz showed not even a tiny inclination towards producing a sign of her own.
Then, just when we were about to give up, she threw us a bone. It worked! She started telling us she wanted to drink milk, or (our favorite) take a nap! Hooray!
Then we would all sit around watching it on television, the Pizz still largely distractable, but since she would routinely use the signs in the videos, it was clear that something was sinking in. Over and over again we would watch the Signing Time videos showing us kids of all ages, a cartoon frog, and one seranading adult named Rachel show us the signs for things that kids would find important: books, food, and household objects. The Pizz's particular favorite was a session where the stars of the show backpack through the forest. The DQ remarked that one day driving home from day care the Pizz was shouting something unintelligible repeatedly from the back seat, only to turn around and clearly see that she was doing the sign for "raccoon."Teachers at school told us our child was a genius, if only for the mere reason that they had no idea what she was wanting or needing as she waved her little short arms around the classroom. The teachers even borrowed some videos from us so that they could learn themselves!
Naturally, the DQ and I expanded our own ASL vocabularies with the Pizz, until it seemed like we were master ASLers. Our child was a brilliant linguist and it was all because of us. Well, with the help of Rachel, Alex, and Leah.
Right? Right.
So, the DQ comes home from a long day's work yesterday, and seems flustered. It seems that she consulted on a patient with congenital deafness, and instead of cruising through the visit, she was stumped. Beyond saying phrases like "the hippo ran up the tree" and asking "do we need to change your diaper?," she could basically say not one useful thing. No "Hi, how are you feeling today?" or "I am Doctor so-in-so." Nothing. Nada. Rien.
I mean, give her an animal emergency, and she's all ready to say: "Where is the horsey's owie??!!"
And just like that, poof! goes our ASL swagger.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
To grandmother's house we go!
We came, we saw, we conquered.... Tampa. The air travel wasn't even that bad, really. As long as I don't think about the days when I thought that air travel was a nice excuse for a long nap and free soda, I would rate this past weekend of travels as an A+. Considering we had 3 adults, 3 babies, 3 carseats (oh, and remember the one suitcase!)
We had an awesome time, too. Ita and Wowo were gracious enough to allow us to explode literally all over the building, and the primos were a big hit with the Pizz! (If you saw their playroom you would know why!)
We had an awesome time, too. Ita and Wowo were gracious enough to allow us to explode literally all over the building, and the primos were a big hit with the Pizz! (If you saw their playroom you would know why!)
Lessons learned as the mother of twins: Week 1
when your boss has the record of correctly predicting the birthday of your first child, pay attention to when he schedules the start of your maternity leave for subsequent children
always be prepared. you never know when your platelets just won’t come through for you.
never underestimate the importance of a friendly face in the operating room, even if it’s a little weird for your friend to see your innards. at least she’ll be honest and let you know how much or little subcutaneous tissue you have.
make a conscious decision to maintain good health if you have issues with spinal anesthesia.
love your husband. after all, he did this to you, but it makes it all worthwhile if it’s his face you want to see when your blood pressure is 55/36.
try not to ever be in a situation where you need high-dose magnesium, unless you like the idea of not being able to feel your face, speak, or tell time.
when someone asks you what your pain level is, always answer “one” -- it will save you the trouble of vomiting up narcotics with a fresh abdominal incision.
relish the time that your family can be together in the same room, because it royally stinks when they are separated.
if you have to be separated, make sure to have your staff badge to take the shortcut
have tissues at the bedside, because people know that you are going through a tough time and will want to encourage you, and it’s the pep talks will cause you to spring a leak
understand that the concept of “time” when hospitalized is dependent on two things: the seemingly rapid 12 hour shift change, and the ridiculously slow passage of days, such that your time with a favorite nurse flies by quickly but the number of days of your stay feels like an eternity.
fear the hormones.
recognize that the field of pediatric nursing and lactation consultancy is comprised of some pretty amazing and genuinely compassionate people.
make sure to have an awesome cousin in town to run your household when you may have a sudden caesarian section. even better if you can arrange for that person to be such a good chef that your daycare teachers tell you they covet your kid’s lunches.
be satisfied with conservative management. maybe it will get you a little bit more sleep at night.
Monday, August 08, 2011
The Yarnoz clan hits the old Alma Mater!
This is a late entry, since we went on this trip to Durham quite a few weeks ago. This was the inaugural trip in the Santa Maria with the full clan of Yarnoz - Daddy at the helm, the DQ ahh... "giving directions"... and Merlie leading the snoozers in the way back.
It started out great -- the Pizz and the Twizz were relatively quiet on the way there, and despite the grueling heat, we managed to show Merlie the alma mater.
And then there was lunch with Jason, Darlene, and Layla at a fine Durham dining establishment, and a brief trip to visit Karen et al.
By this time, it was late afternoon, and the Pizz had surprised us by not taking a nap at all... and not melting down.
And so we loaded up the Santa Maria again, and hit the road for home, smug little parents. I distinctly remember talking smack in my head, thinking: "We are so awesome. Three kids under two and not one single meltdown!!"
Yes, well, I know what you are thinking: famous last words, or don't throw stones at glass santa marias, or something of that nature. Yes, we doomed ourselves for failure.
So, in case you were wondering exactly how long the Twizz and the Pizz can make it in the car, the answer is 2 hours and 5 minutes. In case you were wondering how long it takes to return from Durham to sleepy Wilmington, the answer is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
We have yet to quite return to sanity.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Tellin' Time!
So, I should probably explain myself. Sometimes, in the realm of the Editor, I post things that are well known to me, and forget that the BY Universe might have no idea what I'm talking about.
Probably happens more than I think (especially with the Hoff!)
Anyway, I posted a picture of the Twizzles in their crib that should be explained... So without further adieu...
We have realized that you can tell what time of evening it is by the Twizzles alignment in their crib.
Probably happens more than I think (especially with the Hoff!)
Anyway, I posted a picture of the Twizzles in their crib that should be explained... So without further adieu...
We have realized that you can tell what time of evening it is by the Twizzles alignment in their crib.
Exhibit A
(edited from the archives)
(Editor's note: Look how crazy small they were!)
Anyway, we put the Twizzles to bed around 7pm... then the fun happens. When you check on them around midnight, they pretty much are at midnight position. Then during the evening, they move. And if one starts to cry, you stumble in at some god-forsaken hour, and you can always tell what time it is, by their position.
Mila is extremely reliable. Almost like a Timex or Omega. She always gets the time right. Especially at 6am, when she's ready to get up... her head is always at the 6am position! Amazing!
The Dude... well... um... he's sort of like one of those plastic watches you can buy from a vending machine game for a buck. Gets the time right like twice a day. He's all over the place, and sometimes not even in a time that is physically possible.
Exhibit B
You can tell by the perfect female Spanish-Cajun engineering that it is 4:30 - 5 o'clock in the morning. Correct!!! However, by quirk of the male Spanish-Cajun engineering, you think you're in Greece. Alas...
We're still working out the kinks.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Kemper, is your diaper wet?
(FYI - that's the DQ doing the sign for 'wet')
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
5 o'clock!
For those of you who don't know, we have quite acrobatic twizzles. They seem to enjoy rotating counterclockwise during their slumbers from 7p to 6a... and often synchronously. Need proof?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
Friday, July 29, 2011
What do the Twizzles do all day?
You might be asking yourself: "I wonder what those Twizz do all day?"
Well, they read together...
Take baths together....
Drink a lot of milk....
And, in general, just sit around passing out cuteness....
Mystery solved!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sign #17 that the Pizz is a Chip Off the Ol' Editor's Block
So, there we are...
the whole Yarnoz Familia... watching Signing Time on the TV. The Pizz sort of off to one side, staring intently at the signs...
Then, during an unusually quiet moment during the show, the Pizz drops a huge, loud toot!
Pause...
**cricket, cricket**
Sort of stunned, the Pizz then looks around quizzically, as if to ask "Who did that? Where did that come from?" Then goes intently back to watching the show. Not one iota of guilt or remorse.
The DQ2.0 and I look around at each other too and laugh.
**cricket, cricket**
Nicely played, Pizz. Nicely played.
(Editor's Note: every time I try slide one by the Pizz... usually during the long car rides to daycare... she busts me, saying "Daddy pooped!"... I didn't have the heart to bust her today)
the whole Yarnoz Familia... watching Signing Time on the TV. The Pizz sort of off to one side, staring intently at the signs...
Then, during an unusually quiet moment during the show, the Pizz drops a huge, loud toot!
Pause...
**cricket, cricket**
Sort of stunned, the Pizz then looks around quizzically, as if to ask "Who did that? Where did that come from?" Then goes intently back to watching the show. Not one iota of guilt or remorse.
The DQ2.0 and I look around at each other too and laugh.
**cricket, cricket**
Nicely played, Pizz. Nicely played.
(Editor's Note: every time I try slide one by the Pizz... usually during the long car rides to daycare... she busts me, saying "Daddy pooped!"... I didn't have the heart to bust her today)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Out of the Chaos Comes An Organizer!
So, pretty much every evening in the BY Universe/Green Machine, between the hours of 5 and 8pm, the world is utter utter chaos. Just envision three creatures, all under the age of 2 and all in diapers, along with a dog with generalized anxiety disorder, who flips out at thunder, the new washing machine, and any strange sounds outside. Then envision three crazed adults (Trucknutz, I'm including you!) trying to eat, pacify, play, change, bathe and then put down. Then envision on Tue/Thurs when Trucknutz has to go to Spanish class between 6-8pm.
(Editors Note: So FYI for those who want to call the GM, please understand that the Chaos Hours require the full and utmost attention. Any calls during this time will be summarily avoided.)
Yes my friends.... pure, unadulterated, nerve rattling, binge alcohol drink-inducing, chaos.
This was the setting a yesterday evening. Trucknutz was actually off, in anticipation of another round of travel chaos!, leaving the DQ2.0 and the Editor to play a zone defense.
We actually changed it up a bit, and did a "box and 1"... the DQ was on the Twizz and I was man-to-man on the Pizz. This was failing miserably, and each Kizzle was winding up for some serious screaming!
So we abandoned dinner and went straight to the Nursery 2.0. Yup, there we were, the DQ, Editor, Pizz, Twizz and Ham all wedged in the Nursery. We started trying to bathe the Twizz, actually breaking one of the cardinal rules of defense: never leave the shooter unguarded!
But she was good, walking around, babbling, and playing with random toys. We left her alone.
Later as we were scrambling with the Twizzles, I noticed that the Pizz was fairly quiet. Hmmm. I wonder why... Then I saw it!
She had gotten into one of our many (and growing) diaper bags, and pulled out every diaper. All the G-diapers were out, including their inserts and liners. But that wasn't what was surprising. The Pizz was then taking each individual liner and laying them out in a straight line in front of her, opening them individually. Then she would lay the outer diapers in a stack to her right!
Oh my God! I thought... She is organizing!!!!!!!
I nudged the DQ, who was elbow deep in scrotum powdering. She looked up, and I pointed at the Pizz. There we watched.
Then, the Pizz proceeded to take each liner and fold them back up and place them back into a stack, inside the bag. The stack was immaculate, with each fold/crease on the same side, and almost-perfectly straight! She did this dutifully until all the liners were back into the bag, and the continued with the outers. Amazing!
I whispered to the DQ: "It's Genetic!!!! She's your daughter!!!!!"
DQ just smiled. Proud mama!
She continued this until her job was done, and then looked up at both of us, smiled, and said "diaper bag clean".
There didn't seem to be any chaos at that instant. WOW!
(What am I going to do with a house full of organizers?!?!?!? Oh, and don't get me started on the Pizz' love affair with Dyson!!!))
(Editors Note: So FYI for those who want to call the GM, please understand that the Chaos Hours require the full and utmost attention. Any calls during this time will be summarily avoided.)
Yes my friends.... pure, unadulterated, nerve rattling, binge alcohol drink-inducing, chaos.
This was the setting a yesterday evening. Trucknutz was actually off, in anticipation of another round of travel chaos!, leaving the DQ2.0 and the Editor to play a zone defense.
We actually changed it up a bit, and did a "box and 1"... the DQ was on the Twizz and I was man-to-man on the Pizz. This was failing miserably, and each Kizzle was winding up for some serious screaming!
So we abandoned dinner and went straight to the Nursery 2.0. Yup, there we were, the DQ, Editor, Pizz, Twizz and Ham all wedged in the Nursery. We started trying to bathe the Twizz, actually breaking one of the cardinal rules of defense: never leave the shooter unguarded!
But she was good, walking around, babbling, and playing with random toys. We left her alone.
Later as we were scrambling with the Twizzles, I noticed that the Pizz was fairly quiet. Hmmm. I wonder why... Then I saw it!
She had gotten into one of our many (and growing) diaper bags, and pulled out every diaper. All the G-diapers were out, including their inserts and liners. But that wasn't what was surprising. The Pizz was then taking each individual liner and laying them out in a straight line in front of her, opening them individually. Then she would lay the outer diapers in a stack to her right!
Oh my God! I thought... She is organizing!!!!!!!
I nudged the DQ, who was elbow deep in scrotum powdering. She looked up, and I pointed at the Pizz. There we watched.
Then, the Pizz proceeded to take each liner and fold them back up and place them back into a stack, inside the bag. The stack was immaculate, with each fold/crease on the same side, and almost-perfectly straight! She did this dutifully until all the liners were back into the bag, and the continued with the outers. Amazing!
I whispered to the DQ: "It's Genetic!!!! She's your daughter!!!!!"
DQ just smiled. Proud mama!
She continued this until her job was done, and then looked up at both of us, smiled, and said "diaper bag clean".
There didn't seem to be any chaos at that instant. WOW!
(What am I going to do with a house full of organizers?!?!?!? Oh, and don't get me started on the Pizz' love affair with Dyson!!!))
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
Beach Date!!!
So today was our little Beach Date!
I had it all planned out. I scheduled myself to have a day off a long time ago. The plan was to take the Pizz to daycare as usual and Merle would watch the Twizzles. We would strut over to the beach in the morning to have a relaxing day in the sun. (Or as the GC2.0 put it: "To go to the beach without fear of someone drowning!")
So it was all set.
This am came... we got up... er, I was already up feeding the Dude... or as he is now known worldwide, Coco! The Pizz gets up and the GC2.0 gets her ready. Then they're off to school.
I look at the clock... 8am... tick tick tick... Man, we gots to go!
The GC2.0 comes back... and then she wants to make scones!!! "er... Maine... um... er.... what about the beach!?!?!?" "oh, we'll make it... plus I'm hungry...!" (Editor's Note: never argue with a hungry lactating woman....)
Tick tick tick.... So I start loading the car up... Towels, blankets, mats, chairs, umbrella, cooler (stocked with 1 beer for me!)... Tick tick tick
9am... Scones still a cookin! ***rumble rumble rumble***
"What's that?!?!?" "uh oh, sounded like thunder..." So true!
Next thing we know, its a deluge. I'm glad I packed the 4Runner... it'll now be an ark!
10am... Still raining... Humpf! "well, maybe it'll clear up by the time we get out there!" Gee... right!
So we go...
(at least I've got some yummy scones to munch on!!!)
I had it all planned out. I scheduled myself to have a day off a long time ago. The plan was to take the Pizz to daycare as usual and Merle would watch the Twizzles. We would strut over to the beach in the morning to have a relaxing day in the sun. (Or as the GC2.0 put it: "To go to the beach without fear of someone drowning!")
So it was all set.
This am came... we got up... er, I was already up feeding the Dude... or as he is now known worldwide, Coco! The Pizz gets up and the GC2.0 gets her ready. Then they're off to school.
I look at the clock... 8am... tick tick tick... Man, we gots to go!
The GC2.0 comes back... and then she wants to make scones!!! "er... Maine... um... er.... what about the beach!?!?!?" "oh, we'll make it... plus I'm hungry...!" (Editor's Note: never argue with a hungry lactating woman....)
Tick tick tick.... So I start loading the car up... Towels, blankets, mats, chairs, umbrella, cooler (stocked with 1 beer for me!)... Tick tick tick
9am... Scones still a cookin! ***rumble rumble rumble***
"What's that?!?!?" "uh oh, sounded like thunder..." So true!
Next thing we know, its a deluge. I'm glad I packed the 4Runner... it'll now be an ark!
10am... Still raining... Humpf! "well, maybe it'll clear up by the time we get out there!" Gee... right!
Please view Exhibit A from the passenger seat of the car.... "Yup, this is going to clear!"
But we dredge onward! As we reach Wrightsville (in like 10minutes!), the GC2.0 realizes the folly of our decision. "Well maybe we should do something indoors..."
Next thing I know, we are turning into a shopping center, of all things.... And then going into a housing store. So there we are, on our "beach date" trumping through a housing store, browsing couches and tapestries! Great!
We actually bought a painting!
Next, on date tour... another shopping center! This time we go in to a fancy kids store and look around. Here we actually buy more stuff! Some gifts for the Pizz 2YO date, and something for the Twizz. Sheesh!
Then we walk around outside more, and wind up in a ladies shop! "I think I've died and gone to hell!" "Oh, stop you silly goose!" "I'm going to sit outside!"
So there I was, on our "Beach Date", free from work duties... sitting outside, on a rocking chair, watching the rain, while my life-partner shops... (Editors Note: I say life-partner because mommyhood 2.0 has had some unusual effects on the Maine.... for instance, she shops now, and buys lots of stuff... Almost everyday I come home and there is some delivery from the internet!... I'm waiting for more calendars... I think Ham-i-ton needs one... I would try to take away her credit card, but she has her AmEx number memorized! How freaky is that?!?!?!)
Finally, we're done shopping... whew! But the morning is almost done. We finally make it to the beach to eat lunch at this taco joint I've been dying to go to for years...
And then we have to go back home ... and be parents again!
Yeah!
(at least I've got some yummy scones to munch on!!!)
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Monday, July 04, 2011
Sunday, July 03, 2011
A Defining Moment in a Young Father's Life!
So, I've been toying with a blog entry for a while now, about my parenting skillz... or lack thereof... and certain old, campy movies about Greek gods...
But that is not this post....
This is a far more different post... One that I should put in the annals, lest I forget... But I won't forget, for a long long time.
....
It all starts this lovely morning (which seems like such a long long time ago). I am trying to let the Pizzle sleep in, for fear of the terror that the shooter brings! But then, from my bathroom, I hear ... "Mommy, Daddy!" "Mommy, Daddy!" ... "Mommy, Daddy!" I realize that the shooter is now up!
Alas... there goes the neighborhood!
So I go in there, and she is smiling at me. "Daddy! Daddy!" Just warms the inner cackles of the heart... (Hey, I would know where these inner cackles are, I'm a cardiologist!)
So I reach down, and say "Goodmorning Pizz!" I scoop her up... "Goodmorning Daddy!"
So cute...
As I carry her over to the changing table, to see what surprises she has in store for me, she leans in and puts her head on my shoulder....
awww....
Then she puts her arms around me... or, at least, tries to... this just means that her hands barely make it to my huge shoulders...
awwwwwww....
Then she starts patting my shoulders as if she is trying to hug me... she mumbles something...
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..... wait!!! what?!?!?
She says it again... "I love you Daddy!"
I stopped.... frozen ... in the middle of her room... she just stayed there, hugging me....
"I love you Daddy!"
I teared up. I looked around to see if this wasn't a plant or a setup.... Nope just the Pizzle and I! No cameras... no GC2.0... no Ham-i-ton...
We ran out, and found the GC2.0, and I recanted the tale! She smiled. The Pizz smiled!
Then she said "Potty!" and all was right in the world!
***
I still cannot truly find the right words to express that moment. Now I have to go to bed, so I can wake up to that again!!!
But that is not this post....
This is a far more different post... One that I should put in the annals, lest I forget... But I won't forget, for a long long time.
....
It all starts this lovely morning (which seems like such a long long time ago). I am trying to let the Pizzle sleep in, for fear of the terror that the shooter brings! But then, from my bathroom, I hear ... "Mommy, Daddy!" "Mommy, Daddy!" ... "Mommy, Daddy!" I realize that the shooter is now up!
Alas... there goes the neighborhood!
So I go in there, and she is smiling at me. "Daddy! Daddy!" Just warms the inner cackles of the heart... (Hey, I would know where these inner cackles are, I'm a cardiologist!)
So I reach down, and say "Goodmorning Pizz!" I scoop her up... "Goodmorning Daddy!"
So cute...
As I carry her over to the changing table, to see what surprises she has in store for me, she leans in and puts her head on my shoulder....
awww....
Then she puts her arms around me... or, at least, tries to... this just means that her hands barely make it to my huge shoulders...
awwwwwww....
Then she starts patting my shoulders as if she is trying to hug me... she mumbles something...
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..... wait!!! what?!?!?
She says it again... "I love you Daddy!"
I stopped.... frozen ... in the middle of her room... she just stayed there, hugging me....
"I love you Daddy!"
I teared up. I looked around to see if this wasn't a plant or a setup.... Nope just the Pizzle and I! No cameras... no GC2.0... no Ham-i-ton...
We ran out, and found the GC2.0, and I recanted the tale! She smiled. The Pizz smiled!
Then she said "Potty!" and all was right in the world!
***
I still cannot truly find the right words to express that moment. Now I have to go to bed, so I can wake up to that again!!!
Website Update
We've done some maintenance here at BY Universe....
Got rid of the Youtube tile bar, basically because I couldn't figure out how it works. Now there is a link to the BY Youtube channel, with all the videos!
There are even some new ones to look at!
Got rid of the Pic O the Week as well, since... well... I wasn't updating it.... Maybe I'll bring it back later....
Enjoy!
Got rid of the Youtube tile bar, basically because I couldn't figure out how it works. Now there is a link to the BY Youtube channel, with all the videos!
There are even some new ones to look at!
Got rid of the Pic O the Week as well, since... well... I wasn't updating it.... Maybe I'll bring it back later....
Enjoy!
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Photo update
Well, we've been busy... I know, I'm starting to sound like a broken record. But really. And so, at popular demand, I present a photo update:
Well, we've been busy... I know, I'm starting to sound like a broken record. But really. And so, at popular demand, I present a photo update:
 |
| Mila - taking a break from fussing - 4.5 months |
 |
| Court - a happy baby - 4.5 months |
 |
| Big sister with big green eyes - The Pizz at 22 months |
And more from the annals of AA:
 |
| Mila Mila the Double Deala |
 |
| Coco Loco |
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