Tray Chic

During our recent illnesses I brought out the tray to serve Luke meals in bed. I remember as a child myself what a big deal the meal on a tray was... I can still remember the bamboo edging along the trays and the way my mom would prop the pillows up behind me to make me comfortable. Our trays now are big and white with legs that fold down, and the novelty of eating meals on a tray has not yet worn off. I understand why Luke is so excited about the tray, but most classic is Nate's excitement over the experience... the way he creeps in on Luke's lunch, sidling along the couch until he can slip his legs under the tray too.

Five Years Old

It's hard to believe that my baby is five years old, but it's true. We celebrated with a Power Rangers birthday party in our backyard. Originally we had planned a Monsters Inc. party, but Luke changed his mind and I learned a valuable lesson about planning things too early.

The party was a great mix of our family and a very few close friends, and Uncle Johnny was nice enough to be Tornado Sensai Ranger and teach the kids some Power Ranger moves. Luke had decided on games instead of a jumper, which I thought was a great idea, and made the party more retro. We put dinosaurs inside some Easter eggs, and the boys hunted for Dino Thunder eggs. We played pass the Power Ranger (hot potato), Pin the Power on the Ranger, and a freeze dance game which utilized their new Ninja moves. What I hadn't anticipated was all the crying that would happen when kids didn't win. The birthday boy didn't cry, of course, and he seemed to really enjoy the games. Still, I felt bad? strange? worried? that I had made, or rather losing had made, so many kids cry at Luke's birthday party. Really, it was similar to a scene you might see in a movie... all fun and games, literally, until WHAMMO! The losing starts... and the bawling begins. The good news is that all the kids got back on the horse for the next game after admitting defeat... albeit to a similar reaction upon losing again.... and round she went.

Instead of a cake, we all enjoyed some sugar free Popsicles served on a Power Ranger Popsicle platter. Earlier in the week Luke and I had experimented with a rhubarb cheesecake- not a success- but the Popsicles were heavenly on this hot day! And the pinata was also full of treats, which Luke eagerly personally stuffed a few days before the party, after carefully hand selecting the goodies at CVS and the 99 Cent Store.

Luke had a great time playing with his cousins and friends, opening his gifts, playing the games, hitting the pinata, and becoming five years old. He's already starting to plan his next birthday: water bouncer, no games..hahaha.

As for me, I'm trying hard not to blink, for I fear if I do, he'll be graduating high school.

You know you have an old dog when...

You know you have an old dog when you say, "Nate, what sound does the doggy make?" and instead of barking, he smiles a giant smile and pants "hahahahaha." We love our old girl, Molly!

Wiener Snitches

Today we were driving home from Dr. Pang's office and Luke noticed the funny shape of the Wienerschnitzel building. I told him the name of the restaurant and he thought that was the funniest thing he had ever heard.

"Wiener!!!!! It's called Wiener!!!" hahahahaha

I reiterated the full name for him.

"Hey mom, I'm going to call these my snitches," hands down his pants on the you-know-whats, "Now I have Wiener Snitches!" hahahahahaha

Boys.

The Bravest Boy

Dear Luke,

It's really scary when you're sick. Yesterday, despite your fever, you were in a fine mood and acting like your normal silly self. But today your temperature was 104.3 and you could barely move. You said, "Mommy, I'm really sick" and I knew we needed to take you to emergency. You were upset today when I told you we were going, and Daddy had to force you into the car.

Turns out you have pneumonia little dude, complicated by the fact that you have also just received an asthma diagnosis. But you are the bravest boy in the whole world and I am very proud of you. Kids three times your age can't swallow pills, and you had the nurses in awe of the way you simply swallowed down the medicines. When they had to put an IV antibiotic in your arm, you didn't even flinch at the "Robot Arm"- you were actually smiling at the nice orderly, Edwin, who was keeping you company.

Already you seem one hundred percent better, and your fever is breaking. Soon your body will be strong again, just like your spirit. You were amazing today Lukie- I love you.

xo
Momma

Pit

Bumpa pointed out on our beach adventure today that he loves the way Luke says "pit".

As in, "Mom pit Cheetohs in my lunch today," or "I pit the toys away!" or "Pit the ball in the bag!"

Thanks for noticing and loving the little things Bumpa!

The Looking Glass

Feeding the fish on the deck of the The Looking Glass ....

Daddy and Nate looking through the glass at the many fish...

Luke, Natey, and Mommy in in the harbor...

Taking the "Staycation" to heart, today we headed to Redondo Harbor to ride our local glass bottom boat, The Looking Glass. After a tasty lunch on the Ruby's patio, we headed to On The Rocks for a cocktail and a few minutes of live band listening. At first, Luke did not want to go in to On The Rocks, but as we were walking away, he started screaming, "We have to go in there! We have to go back! They're playing Jamie's song!" From afar he could detect Journey's "Don't Stop Believing", which he thinks Jamie is responsible for creating and recording (he also thinks that she did "Your Socks are On Fire", which is really "Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon). After some time with the band listening to "Jamie's songs", we headed to the boat for our adventure, which as you can see, was very fun. We even got to see a sea lion rookery!

The OC Fair

Today we went to opening day of the OC Fair, because Jamie's band, "That's My Bike" was playing. We met up with all our family and Luke rode his FIRST roller coaster. We had a great time watching the concert; Jamie threw out beads, and Luke was mesmerized, while Nate kept trying to get up on stage. In short, it was an awesome show, and an awesome day. Luke believes now that his aunt Jamie is a giant rockstar!

Fourth of July

Last week we celebrated the 4th with our annual block party. Highlights always include the streetside BBQ, the water jumper, and the kid's parade. Because the street is closed down, Luke got to drive his electric car all over the block, and dressed it with an American Flag just in time for the parade. Here he is with Riley, our neighbor Ron's grandson, waiting for the festivities to begin!

Baby Becca

On Tuesday in the car I noticed Luke's hands down his pants and asked Luke what he was doing.

"I'm squeezing my balls to see if any pee-pee comes out."

"Honey don't squeeze those, you need those to make a baby someday."

"I'm a boy, Mom. Girls make babies in their tummies."

"Oh, right." Now is not the time for the talk.

Then suddenly, a random segue, "I'm gonna call Jamie's baby Becca!"

Later we talked to Jamie on speaker and told her Luke thinks it will be a girl named Becca. Jamie, not loving the name, tells Luke, "Maybe someday when you have your own baby you can name it Becca."

And in his best "No Duh" voice, he says, "We're NOT HAVING anymore babies!!!!"

The Kindergarten Playdate #2

On Monday we hosted our second playdate for a few neighborhood kids who will all be starting Kindergarten at Towers this fall. It was really fun.

By four o'clock I had opened the wine with just one other mommy still hanging out, Thalia; we were chatting and enjoying some Pinot Grigio on a nice Monday afternoon. Thalia is quickly becoming one of my favorite moms. Earlier, Thalia had told me about a disturbing playdate that had ended in four boys pooping in some pull ups for fun. Her son, Jackson, had come in to see what we were talking about and Thalia mentioned it- he begged her not to talk about- and then I begged her not to give them any ideas.

TOO LATE. The seed had been planted.

Later I notice it had become eerily quiet in Luke's room. Too quiet. The quiet so quiet you can hear the mischief screaming. So, I notice the quiet and creep into the room. Distinct smell of poop lingering in the hot summer air.

"LUKE ALTENBERG! I SMELL POOP!!!!!"

"It wasn't me mommy!" And then I see it. The "GoodNights" we used in Cabo so there wouldn't be an accident in a hotel bed. A single one. On the floor. With poop in it. And then I see some poop smeared on the carpet.

Thalia quickly enters over my shoulder. The poop belonged to her dude. And I only know this because with Luke's HFI, his poop is still slightly yellow. The poop here was black. In another situation, it might be the poop I dream of belonging to my child. In this case, though, I'm glad it is not.

Thalia yanked Jackson, grabbed that poopy pull up, and took off like a bullet train.

Later, I found Luke's pull up; he had only been able to muster some pee. I called Thalia to assure he that Jackson was not alone in his efforts, and that I hoped we could get past all this crap. Grateful for the levity, the next day Thalia dropped off some rug cleaner and a beautiful bouquet.

I'm pretty sure this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

The Queens

Luke loves the band he refers to as "The Queens". A bit ironic he thinks this is the band name, I know. While in Cabo, Luke discovered that he and his Uncle Steve mutually love Queen's We Will Rock You. Steve even showed Luke the concert video on his iphone. Now, Luke sings it ALL the time:



You got blood on your face!

Good disgrace!

Kickin' your chad all over the place

Singin' We will, we will rock you! Rock you!

We will, we will rock you!



Sounds like a 2004 election recap, no?